True Freedom

          From the Revolutionary War all the way through the wars in Iraq and
     Afghanistan, Americans owe a huge debt to those who have given their lives
     fighting for the United States, so that today we might have freedom.

          Of course, we should always be thankful for everyone who serves or has
     served in the military.

          We have so many freedoms that people elsewhere in the world do not
     have - freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, free-
     dom to assemble, and the right to bear arms, among them.

          Americans owe so much to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for
     their country.

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          We are truly blessed. 

          Christians are the most blessed people in the world.  We have a Savior
     who redeems us, forgives, reconciles us, justifies us, sanctifies us, and
     ultimately saves us.

          He has freed us from our prison of sin and death.

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

          (Paul is referring to slavery to the law.  We can never be good enough
     to gain favor with God).

          "You (believers) have been set free from sin and have become slaves
     to righteousness."   Romans 6:18 

         
          "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ
     Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of Life set me free
     from the law of sin and death."  Romans 8:1-2


          Jesus sets us (His people) free!

          "To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, 'If you hold to my
     teaching, you are really my disciples.  Then you will know the truth, and
     the truth will set you free."   John 8:31-32

          "(Jesus said), 'So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.'"
     John 8:36


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          However, all of our freedoms from God would have been impossible
     for us to obtain if Jesus had not died for us.  He loved us so much that He
     was willing to give His life as a substitutionary sacrifice for us.

          "He himself bore our (His people) sins in His body on the tree, so that
     we (His people) might die to sins and live for righteousness."  1 Peter 2:24

          "For Christ died for sins once for all (time), the righteous for the un-
     righteous, to bring you (His people) to God."  1 Peter 3:18a

          "But God demonstrates His own love for us (His people) in this:
     While we (His people) were still sinners, Christ died for us (His people)."
     Romans 5:8

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          Since He died for us, Jesus intercedes for us today, in the presence of
     God the Father in heaven.

          "...For He bore the sins of many, and made intercession for the trans-
     gressors."  Isaiah 53:12

          
          Jesus saves completely those for whom He intercedes.

          "But because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood. 
     Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through
     Him, because He always lives to intercede for them."  Hebrews 7:24-25

          Only one sacrifice was needed.

          "He sacrificed for their sins for all (time), when He offered Himself."
     Hebrews 7:27b


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          Jesus has freed us so we can live with Him for eternity.

          "For God did not appoint us (His people) to suffer wrath, but to re-
     ceive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.  He died for us (His people)
     so that, whether we (His people) are awake or asleep, we (His people) may
     live together with Him."  1 Thessalonians 5:9-10

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          Thank you Jesus, for humbling yourself and making yourself nothing,
     and being obedient to God the Father and giving yourself as a sacrifice for
     our sins, so that we can be free and worship you forever.   Amen