By: Min. Angela Lee Price
On this July 4th holiday, we celebrate the birth of our nation, freedom and independence. Let us also celebrate the Believer's freedom in, with, and for Christ. Freedom in Christ describes the spiritual liberty we have as followers of Jesus Christ through his death, burial, and resurrection. Through our confession of faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior, we have been set free from the power and the penalty of sin. The Bible states, "So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death"(Romans 8:1-2).
Our freedom in Christ allows us, by the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome temptation and those sins that once so easily beset us. This freedom does not give us the right to do whatever we want, disregarding the plain truth of the Bible, but gives us power to keep God's commandments. Romans 6:1-2 states, "Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it?"
Brothers and sisters, not only do we celebrate freedom in Christ, we celebrate freedom with Christ. We live with Christ right now through the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:10-11 states, "And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you." And when we get to heaven, Jesus has prepared an eternal home for us free from the very presence of sin in our lives (John 3:16).
God has given us freedom to live not only in Christ and with Christ, but for Christ. Here in the USA, we enjoy tremendous religious freedom. Please don't take it for granted. As the birds sing, and the "Son" shines, take advantage of the freedom you have to live for Jesus Christ by letting your light shine, by sharing that powerful testimony God has given you, that Scripture He has placed on your heart, that sermon excerpt that in faith will become a rhema word for a weary soul, that upcoming revival, conference or ministry event, that prayer request or praise report, or note of encouragement for someone who may be hospitalized or grieving. Use your freedom to become an instrument of God's drawing and saving power in someone's life. Has Jesus broken every chain that had you bound in sin and shame? Has Jesus set you free? We would love to hear what great and marvelous things God is doing in your life today.
Celebrate your freedom in, with, and for Jesus Christ, "For you have been called to freedom brethren, only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh but through love, serve one another" Galatians 5:13
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