“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.  Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1)

On July 4th, 1776 12 colonies formally adopted the Declaration of Independence declaring freedom from Great Britain and what was felt as its taxation tyrannies and abuses.  Then following years of struggle and battles they secured their freedom and independence.

As we celebrate our freedom and independence tomorrow, there’s an infinitely greater freedom we have.  Most of us have enjoyed living in America and enjoyed living in freedom.  Most of us probably don’t know what it would be like to have someone else control our lives, to not be able to go where we want to go or do what we want to do.

But really, each of us was born into the worst kind of slavery: slavery to sin.  And sin is a terrible slave-master.  Sin enslaves us in anger, bitterness, envy, jealousy, greed, selfishness, fear, lust, immorality, etc.  And ultimately sin shackles us to death and damnation.

But then Christ came.  He went to war for you.  He battled sin, death, and hell on the cross.  He defeated them and on Easter Sunday the victory bells rang out.  Christ won!  You’re free!  He freed you from sin’s slavery, freed you from sin’s power, freed you for an eternity of freedom!

This Independence Day celebrate your real freedom- the freedom Jesus won for you!

Rejoicing that Christ has set us free, just like you,

pastor