Freedom in Christ
“Because
through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law
of sin and death.”1
This
weekend, across America, we remember and celebrate Independence Day and all the
freedoms we enjoy thanks to the great sacrifice of those who fought for them.
Among the
many freedoms we enjoy in our country, the freedom to worship is one that we
believers hold dear. The right to worship God openly and the free access to God’s
Word, the Bible. In many countries around the world, this freedom still does
not exist. Here at ACTS International, we are so thankful for the opportunity
we have to share the Word of God with friends around the world through the
internet. It is something we do not take for granted and we are filled with gratitude
to God for this.
Just as
the freedoms in our country were given to us through great sacrifice, so, too,
our freedom in Christ required great sacrifice. Jesus gave his life willingly
for us to have life, forgiveness, and hope. His sacrifice saved us from the
wages of sin which was death.
Many
times it is easy to get busy and forget about the sacrifices made, but I
encourage you to take a moment daily to thank God for His sacrifice for our
salvation and for allowing us the privilege of living in a free country. In
gratitude, let us not take for granted the freedoms we have, but use every opportunity
to live our faith out loud and share the Gospel of Jesus with others, not only
through words, but through our actions. May we always stand up for what is right
in God’s eyes and make his Word a priority in our lives.
While we
look with gratitude to the past on this 4th of July, may we also
look to the future with great faith, and commit our lives to God and His will. The
words of the Psalmist are still true today: “Blessed is the nation whose God is
the Lord.”2
Suggested
prayer: “Dear God, thank you for the privilege of living in a country where we
can enjoy the many freedoms we have, specifically the right we have to worship
you. Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for us to have
life. I pray that you would never allow me to take this great sacrifice for
granted, but that you would daily give me opportunities to be a testimony for
you. May I always live in gratitude for the freedom I have in you and share
your message of hope and love with others openly. Thank you for hearing and
answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
1. Romans 8:2 (NIV).
2. Psalm 33:12.
All articles on this website are written by
Richard (Dick) Innes unless otherwise stated.