Free in Christ Jesus
(July 5, 2009)

“Give me liberty or give me death,” Patrick Henry boldly concludes his famous speech of March 23, 1775.  He spoke with determination in recognition to the fact that different men often see the same subject in different lights and without any disrespect he wanted to voice his opinion.  He states, “It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country.  Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.”

As the celebration of our independence is here, I am reminded that we live in a country that proclaims liberty or freedom.  Even our money says “Liberty” and “In God we trust.” But the truth of it is that there is no true freedom outside Christ Jesus.  

Are we putting our trust in God or are we trying to manage within our own abilities?  Are we afraid to speak out for Christ and trust in His teachings?  Jesus says, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.  Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

If you have accepted Jesus as your Savior then Jesus has set you free...you are free indeed.  Do not allow the thief to come and steal, kill, and destroy what the Lord has given to you.  The Lord has come that you may have life, and have it to the full.

God did not give us a spirit of fear; but a spirit of power, of love and of a sound mind.  I encourage you today to boldly share the love of Jesus with others.  As Patrick Henry stated, “Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.”  The time is drawing near when the Lord will return and separate the goats from the sheep.  Do you know the good Shepherd?  Have you been willing to work the harvest fields for the Lord?  Perhaps the time is right to step out rebuking fear in the name of Jesus and believe in the power of the name of Jesus which He has entrusted to us.

Perhaps it is true in your life that you recently lost your job or your income has changed greatly.  Give praise to the Lord for providing all that you need.  Praise the Lord and BELIEVE He will do as He has promised, “I will never leave you or forsake you.”

Perhaps this is the first time you have had time on your hand.  Maybe now is the time for you seek the Lord and study His Word and pray as He taught by pulling away in the quiet and truly get to know the Lord God, then follow the way of the Lord.  “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.”

May you be blessed as you live in the fullness of this freedom that Christ gave to you when He shed His blood on Calvary’s cross that you and all may be redeemed.

For the one who has not accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior..."God so loved the world that He sent His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him." (John 316-17)

Jesus came to seek and save the lost. If you do not know Jesus, yet, rest assured He knows you and He has His eye on you.  Isn't it time that you seek help from One that will never let you down?  God sent His only Son, Jesus, who bore the price for our sins...now that is LOVE!

Believe today that Jesus, truly is the Son of the Living God and He died for you.

Pray this simple prayer...

Heavenly Father, I thank you that my sins have been forgiven.  I thank you for Your Son Lord Jesus who washed away my sins.  I thank You that as I have believed I have been saved.  I thank You that I am a child of Yours. I thank You for the fact I am going to spend eternity with You, because You and You alone have forgiven me of my sins.  Praise Your Holy Name.  In Jesus Name, I pray. Amen.

May you receive this day the blessings the Lord has for you.
Pastor Sue Bryan