Freedom, Independence Day, and GOD

Freedom, Independence Day, and GOD
(7/4/2016)

Freedom: first synonym is liberty

Liberty: first synonym is freedom

From the second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Matthew 16: 26 (NIV)

“What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?”

Mark 8: 36-37 (NIV)

“What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?”

“Hope for Life: A Herald of Truth Ministry

July 1, 2016

What are you willing to do for your freedom?

As we celebrate our nation’s 240 years of freedom this month, may we remember that this celebration is about more than hot dogs, parades, baseball and apple pie. You know that what we honor is much more important. We long for freedom. And, we enjoy our freedom because countless men and women made difficult, sacrificial choices that keep this dream alive today.

One of my favorite stories illustrate the power of such choices.

Washoe is one of the most famous chimpanzees in modern times. Born 1965 in West Africa, she was captured by members of the United States Air Force to be used in space program research. In 1967, two researchers founded a project to teach Washoe American Sign Language (ASL) and raised her like one of their own children.

When the project was successfully completed, the Air Force moved Washoe to another project at the University of Oklahoma in 1970. During her time there, she learned over 350 words of sign language.

After several years, Washoe and her mates learned to combine hundreds of signs into novel combinations (that they were never taught, but rather created themselves) with different meanings. For instance, on her own initiative, the first three words of her own initiative were, ‘LET ME OUT!!’ A combination she repeated several times.

Even in animals, there is a desire for freedom. Given the chance most animals would leave safety for the chance to be free.

Humans long for freedom as well. We yearn to enjoy life, free from guilt and despair. We want to live significant lives. Moreover, God has created us for freedom—it is our intended destiny to be free in God.

As Americans, we value our freedom. The underlying principle that serves as the bedrock of this nation is ‘liberty and justice for all.’ Our First Amendment guarantees us the freedoms of religion, speech, the press, the rights to assemble and to petition the government for redress.

Political freedom is a cherished privilege still worth having today … but, spiritual freedom is even better. Spiritual freedom is true freedom because it is a gift enjoyed regardless of the form of government you live under. Unlike political freedom, spiritual freedom is eternal.

John Piper once defined true freedom, ‘You are fully free when you have the desire, the ability and the opportunity to do what will leave you with no regrets forever.’

He explains that if you don’t have the desire to do a thing, you are not fully free to do it. And, if you have the desire to do something, but no ability to do it, you are not free to do it. And if you have the desire and the ability to do something, but no opportunity to do it, you are not free to do it. And if you have the desire to do something, and the ability to do it, and the opportunity to do it, but it destroys you in the end, you are not fully free—not free indeed.

Since our beginning in 1952, we are still motivated by the desire to help all men be spiritually free from sin. So many godly men like John Allen Chalk, Glenn Owen, Clois Fowler, Batsell Barrett Baxter, Harold Hazelip, Joe Barnett and countless others use their abilities to proclaim the gospel over many formats and media so that thousands could know how to be free.

Thanks to an immeasurable number of men and women, like you, who God used, and still uses, to produce opportunities to teach, lead, serve, pray, go, send and inspire others to grab the freedom found in Scriptures.

So, what is our responsibility as Christians to share this freedom with others enslaved in sin?

In John 8, Jesus is teaching the Jews who believed in Him. He told them that, if they held to His teachings, they are really His disciples and, then, they will know the truth and the truth will set you free (8: 32). They thought, because they were descendants of Abraham they were spiritually free, ‘We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves to anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?’ (8: 33)

Jesus reminds them that we are slaves to sin when we sin. Slaves do not have a permanent place in the family, buts sons remain forever (8: 34, 35). True freedom comes from knowing Christ through genuine faith; accepting His teaching; responding in faith by surrender, repentance, baptism and abiding in His word.

He offers them an invitation that is still valid today, ‘So if the Son sets you free, you will be free forever’ (8: 36). Our responsibility is to help others know they can be free from sin. To help them understand this freedom is forever!”

“It’s so easy to believe evangelism is the telling of God’s story for the forgiveness of sins. When it’s really a message of freedom! Freedom from sin. Freedom from addiction. Freedom from hopelessness. Freedom from isolation and loneliness. Freedom from despair.”

“It’s important at times like this to remember Paul’s words to Timothy, ‘Because of this, I’m reminding you to revive God’s gift that is in you through the laying on of my hands. God didn’t give us a spirit that is timid but one that is powerful, loving and self-controlled.’ (II Timothy 1: 6-7).

Since our beginning 64 years ago, Hope for Life, a Herald of Truth ministry, has a single focus: sharing Jesus and the freedom He offers in a world enslaved in sin.

We accomplish this two ways: help you revive God’s powerful, loving and self-controlled spirit in you so that, together, we help others hear, believe and respond to God’s freedom through Christ here and around the globe.

We tend to make our faith journey harder than it needs to be. Or, we get side-tracked. Somehow, in the process we forget the value of our freedom.

So, we exist to equip you. To encourage you. To exhort you.”

“Let freedom ring

After a recent sermon, a lady walked up to me and asked, ‘How did you know I was in the audience today?’ ‘I didn’t’ was my reply. ‘Why?’ I asked.

‘Today was the first day I have been in a church building for worship in seven years. Your words helped me believe God loves me and I can come back. Thank you!’ she explained. ‘I want to accept God’s offer of redemption and freedom.’

‘That’s wonderful!’ I exclaimed. ‘How can I help you after today?’

“Will you please share my story so others like me will know they can come back?” she asked. ‘Yes. Yes, I will!’ I answered.

It’s not simply strangers or people living in a far country who are enslaved to sin.

Look around you. So many living among us, neighbors and shopping pals and hunting buddies and classmates and friends and relatives, want to become truly free. They’re tired of the games. The hopelessness.

They are hoping someone will step up to help them. That someone will invite them to attend church. Or, maybe pray with them.

So, who do you know who needs to hear the freedom bells ring of God’s gospel? Who do you know who yearns for the spiritual freedom found in Christ?

It’s not complicated … this sharing the gospel stuff.”

“Do you want to help others enjoy the freedom found through Christ? Paul reminds the Roman Christians ‘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). It’s possible.”

“Freedom from Or Freedom to?

God gives us freedom from sin as well as freedom to do for others and to be His representative in sharing a message of freedom, or reconciliation (II Corinthians 5: 11-21).

Freedom never allows us to sit idly by and do nothing!”

“His Word for His World,

Tom Hagan, LCCA
Director of Development

P. S. Remember, when visiting in Abilene, Texas, Tim Archer preaches regularly for the bilingual service at the University Church of Christ while Steve Ridgell and Bill Brant teach adult classes at the Southern Hills Church of Christ.

P. S. S. May this prayer by Peter Marshall, former Chaplain to the United States Senate, encourage you, ‘Lord Jesus, thou who art the way, the truth, and the life; hear us as we pray for the truth that shall make all free. Teach us that liberty is not only to be loved but also to be lived. Liberty is too precious a thing to be buried in books. It costs too much to be hoarded. Help us see that our liberty is not the right to do as we please, but the opportunity to please to do what is right.’”

Proverbs 14: 34 (NIV)

“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.”

For Life, for liberty

Don L. Vance

“With a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”