Freedom that Truly Liberates

The 4th of July has always been a special day for me since I became a naturalized US citizen 20 years ago as a freshman in college. My family and I fled the ravages of the Vietnam War 33 years ago. Having to flee the onslaught of communism, I have a tremendous appreciation for the freedom and liberty of my adopted country.

I am a living testimony to the greatness of our God and the blessings He bestowed upon our land. With vast opportunities to succeed through hard work, dedication, and God's abounding grace, I have been wonderfully blessed. Growing up without an earthly father, facing financial as well as language and culture barriers, by God's grace I am enjoying the fruits of freedom, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Above all, I have the only freedom that really matters - being set free from the bondage of sin through Jesus Christ.

Even though we were few in numbers tonight in our Wednesday evening Bible study and prayer time, we had a blessed time in God's Word. Matthew 18:20 reminds us of Jesus' words, "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." Truly, Christ was in our midst tonight. I appreciate the folks who made an effort to gather in God's house when there were other Independence Day festivities to enjoy.

We were challenged to define and apply the principle of true freedom. True freedom is the acceptance of God's sovereignty in our lives to produce spiritual fruits. When we totally surrender to God Almighty, we are free from uncertainties, fears, and doubts. God is in control and we simply need to trust Him and be faithful in all things. We can dare to dream and accomplish great things for the glory of God. He can then use us in marvelous ways to impact our world.

To be free from the bondage of sin, live victoriously, and bear spiritual fruits, we must first and foremost accept Christ as Lord and Savior, know God through His Word, die daily to sin, submit continuously to His will, vigilantly maintain a pure heart, and determine to serve the Lord all our days.

True freedom is found only in submitting to Christ. Political, economic, or religious freedom is temporal; however, spiritual freedom is eternal and is not contingent on our circumstances - only on the condition of our heart.