Two hundred thirty-one years have passed since that historical day of July 4, 1776, and though many things have changed, one thing remains the same...people everywhere are still searching for “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” We are a nation that is known around the world for “letting freedom ring.” However, all around us are people that are not free. What does it mean to be “free”? Webster defines “free” as being “independent; not subject to some particular authority; unconstrained or uncontrolled action.” When looking at this definition, some would get the idea that “freedom” means “I can do anything, anytime, anywhere, anyway because I’m free.” We all know this is a great misconception!
You see, even freedom has certain boundaries. Everyone and everything is subject to authority. No one is free to be “unconstrained or uncontrolled.” For example, a fish is free , but his freedom is limited to the boundaries of water. Even God has set certain boundaries for Himself. For instance, God is God, and can do whatever He wants to do, but He has limited Himself to only those things that pertain to righteousness. Likewise, mankind, in his search for freedom, must understand that true personal freedom is found only through the boundaries of Jesus Christ. Jesus said in John 8:32, “And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” And then, in verse 36, “If the Son (Jesus) therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”
Why then, in the greatest nation on earth, does the reality of life, liberty, and happiness seem to many like a myth? The answer is clear: freedom only rings when…
#1 - Jesus Christ Is Our Source Of Life: I John 5:11-12, “And this is the record, that God has given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son hath not life.” (Read also John 8:12.)
#2 - Jesus Christ Is Our Source Of Liberty: II Corinthians 3:17, “Now the Lord is that spirit; and where the spirit of the Lord is , there is liberty.” Galatians 2:4 says that we have “liberty in Christ Jesus.” (Read also Luke 4:18.)
#3 - Jesus Christ Is Our Source Of Happiness: Psalm 144:15, “… Happy is that people, whose God is the Lord.” Psalm 146:5, “Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God.” Proverbs 16:20, “...Whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he.”
Jesus said that freedom comes from knowing the truth, and the truth is… allow Jesus to become your source for life, liberty and happiness, and freedom will ring in you today!
See Ya Sunday
Pastor Johnny H. Moore
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