“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 NIV)
Greetings and wonderful blessings to the Household of Faith! The Lord has been so good to each of us and has showered us with His mercy! If it had not been for God’s mercy, where would we be? We need the Lord’s mercies daily and I can declare like the Psalmist, “O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good for his mercy endureth forever.” (Psalm 96:1)
Yesterday, on July 4th, we celebrated Independence Day to commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. After voting for independence on July 2nd, 1776, Congress turned its attention to The Declaration of Independence, a statement explaining this decision. Congress debated and revised the Declaration, finally approving it on July 4th. Now we can thank God we live in America. Even with its flaws, it is the best country on earth and we celebrate that freedom to worship God in our churches as we so desire.

For us in the church though, our Independence Day was when we answered the call of God for salvation and believed Him! Up to that point, we were slaves to sin and a worldly kingdom. The word indicates, “…you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.” (Ephesians 2:2 NIV) You have no control. You are a victim of sin, even when you don’t want to. But when you hear the voice of the Lord and accept Him, you will become free from the control of a sinful life. Jesus declared, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” (St. John 8:36) Your entire life will change as you declare your independence from sin. Satan will no longer have control over you. You’ve been bought with a price… the life that Jesus sacrificed on your behalf on Calvary’s cross! You’re Free Indeed!
But even with your liberty in Christ, you cannot allow that to enable you to live a life less than is required by scripture. The Apostle Paul addressed it, “You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.” (Galatians 5:13 NIV) Remember God wants to use you and you’ve been set free to fulfill your call! Know that “You’re Free Indeed!” My prayers are with you. Remember, this is “The Year of Happy!”
Pastor A. Glenn Brady
.