“Standfast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”  (Galatians 5)

 

Today is the fourth of July. This day is special because this day, in seventeen-seventy-six (1776), America declared it’s independence from Britain. America could claim independence because a war, a very bloody war was well fought and well won by those we call, “Patriots.” We also call some of them, “Founding Fathers.”  These men, aided by God, founded these United States. Men and women have continued, through the ages, to answer the call of America, when war was necessary.  War, no doubt is a horrible, well…War is a horrible institution.

The statistics tell us that out of all religions or faiths, that are represented, in the military, eighty percent (80%) were Baptist. That’s a huge percentage. While I do not call myself by any denominational name or label, I would identify with Baptists more than other faiths. Having said that, I understand the Baptist way of thinking. That way of thinking is all about trusting in God to preserve them and protect them. That is a good way of thinking, thinks me.

Our Country has a good record (if you are sane, you will think the same.) when it come to war.  Of course there are mistakes made, that is the nature of war. Overall, America has stood for freedom and liberty. If you doubt that, please tell me why there are persons and peoples doing everything they can, legal and illegal, to get into this great Country. Why are these people, these peoples, and these persons running to America? They come here because of the greatness of this Country. They come because of the liberty and the relative peace that is America.

America has freedom and liberty because of it’s strength (from God).

Having said all of that, let us call your attention to our titles and the quoted verse above. Real and true liberty…personal and total freedom comes from Christ and Christ Alone.  There are many persons in this free Country, that are in bondage to sin and sins.  One can be imprisoned and in chains, while living in a free country.

One can be chained by addiction. One can be chained by one’s pride? One can be chained to one’s career or job.  One can be chained to reputation. One can be chained to lust. One can be chained to an unforgiving spirit.  One can be chained to bitterness and hatred. One can be chained to fear. One can be chained to subjectivity and feelings.  However!!! there is a way of escape. There is a Way. There is The Way. That Way is the Lordship and Salvation of Christ, Who has come to save that which was lost.

True liberty and freedom is through the Lord Jesus and no other.  Other religions have works and ways to be saved. Some religions do not even offer salvation from sin. I mentioned Baptists above. There is a strain of Baptists that are extrememly legalistic. They are all about don’t’s and judgment. There is no liberty in that strain. There is only law. Scripture says, “Where there is liberty, there is the Spirit.”  If you are in a legalistic religion, the Spirit is not Present.  What a day to break free from all the man made standards that are unBiblical. Women in skirts or dresses, women must have long hair, boys must have short hair. No dancing, no music but the “right kind” of Christ-ian music, etc. etc. etc….

Reader, if you are one that is caught up in legalism, Hear the Words of Christ, “Loose him, and let him go. Thow off your grave clothes and live in Liberty and Freedom, where the Spirit of God is. Understand, I am not calling you out to commit sin, God forbid!!!  A thousand (1000) times God forbid!!!  We are not calling you out to commit sin.  We ARE calling you out To LOVE GOD AND DO AS YOU PLEASE, within the bounds of that love.

Reader, If you are not yet saved, you are bound by sin and to sin, you are bound to self, you are bound to (s)atan, and you are bound for Hell!!! Today, while it is today, Call upon the Lord Jesus and ask Him to receive you into His love and salvation. Let this day be the day of your Spiritual Independence, your True Independence….Independence from sin, sins, self, and (s)atan.

Godspeed.