There is a freedom found in the word of God that very few of us fully realize in our lives. Most of us, quite honestly, have a "Sunday Only" relationship with the Bible. We only open it when it's necessary or take it seriously in times of tragedy. But to those of us who, as Jesus said above, "continue" in his word, they will be his disciples. To "continue" means to live in and abide in without interruption. If we will desire his word like a fine meal for our bodies, if we will read, study and apply it like an important guide for our lives, then we will truly understand freedom in a whole new light. Freedom from fear, worry, envy, pride and never feeling good enough. Now, that's real freedom!
Another aspect of freedom mentioned in the scriptures above is: "the truth shall MAKE you free." This verse is often misquoted as "SET" you free. But that's not what it says. To be set free is to be suddenly released. To be made free involves growth, understanding, and overcoming. As followers of Christ, we are to grow in him, becoming more like him. It is a process rather than an event. John 1:12 tells us that those who receive Christ are given power to BECOME the sons on God.
Freedom has never been easily attained. We don't pick it up at the store on the way home. It usually requires blood, sweat and tears of those willing to pay the price. And quite often, those who sacrifice for it never taste of it themselves. Our great American freedoms today are the result of brave men and women who stood in the face of tyranny, choosing to put their lives on the line for their liberty. They would rather die for their freedoms than to spend another day enslaved to another's dictates.
One day many years ago, the Great God of Glory set aside his majesty and chose to save his people from the tyranny of sin. He took upon himself the form of a servant and paid for our freedom with his own life. He died so we could live - free. And today, he offers an abundant life now and eternal life to come to those who will receive him, obey him, and follow him along that narrow way that leads to life.
Freedom that goes right to the very core of who we are is found in the scriptures. The apostles preached the Gospel of Salvation this way:
Acts 2:38
"Then Peter said unto them, repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
Repentance is confessing and forsaking our sins. It's much more than a mere apology; it's a change of mind and heart that is shown in our actions. Instead of walking our own way, we walk his way. Instead of doing things that please us, we do the things that please the Lord.
Baptism is for the remission, or washing away, of our sins by the blood of Jesus Christ. Only in Jesus is there forgiveness of sins, which is why baptism in the name of Jesus Christ is so important.
The Gift of the Holy Ghost is receiving the Spirit of God into our lives! The Holy Ghost is spiritual power that renews us, revives us, and causes us to walk in newness of life with a joy that can't be found anywhere else. Some of evidence of having the Holy Ghost is love, joy, and peace. Have you received the Holy Ghost like people did in the Bible? You can know for sure! See for yourself how God has poured out his Spirit on others:
Acts 1:4-5
Acts 2:1-47
Acts 4:31
Acts 8:5-8; 14-17
Acts 10:1-48
Acts 19:1-7
Nothing can compare to the peace, joy and freedom that comes from living a life unto the Lord! His peace comes without hangovers; His joy without regret or interest payments; and His freedom lasts beyond this life! |
