Freedom in Christ

Freedom is important for many people as it was for two United States Presidents whose birthdays take place in the month of February – George Washington (February 22) and Abraham Lincoln (February 12).  As you know, Washington was the first president of the United States (1789-1797), but he was also an important military and political leader in America.  He is known as the one who gained independence for the American colonies and later unified them under the new U.S. federal government.  Lincoln was a lawyer and became the sixteenth president of the U.S. (1861-1865).  He led the nation through the Civil War and was successful in preserving the Union, abolishing slavery, strengthening the federal government, and updating the U.S. economy.  He was also a dynamic spokesman for antislavery, eventually issuing the Proclamation of Emancipation which was later accepted in the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution.  It is interesting that the Bible speaks about freedom.  However, the freedom which the scripture points to is a different kind of freedom – spiritual freedom.  Notice these truths about spiritual freedom identified in the Bible.

1)      Christ gives us spiritual freedom. “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). If there ever was a guarantee, this is it.  There is no question that God wants us to enjoy spiritual freedom and we can be confident that freedom is ours through God’s Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.  This verse notes that the spiritual freedom we obtain through Christ is a freedom that is assured.

2)      Spiritual freedom separates us from sin and death. “Because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:2). We have been freed from sin.  That means that we do not have to sin because Jesus provides strength for us to live godly lives.  We also have been freed from spiritual death.  We can conquer death because God gives us eternal life through His son.  “Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life” (I John 5:12)

The Bible reminds us that “The wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23a).  This death is spiritual separation from God.  Spiritual freedom is a gift that is ours when we receive the Lord Jesus Christ “The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23b). Spiritual freedom is fantastic!  It is sad that many people do not enjoy this kind of freedom.  What about you?  Do you enjoy the spiritual freedom about which the Bible speaks?  According to the Bible you can enjoy that freedom today.  John 1:12 says, “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”  We become a part of God’s family (becoming children of God) when we believe in him and personally receive Him into our lives as Savior and Lord.

Being Connected

On a spring vacation I wanted to connect to the internet but discovered that I was out of Wi-Fi range and did not have a proper password for a local hotspot.  This quickly made me aware of the importance of being connected.  Not having the connection when I desired it, or thought I needed it, was frustrating.  Without a source of power my effectiveness was hindered.

In technology, as in other sectors of life, it is important to be connected.  I suggest that it also important to be connected spiritually.  The Bible reminds us that it is essential for us to tap into God’s divine power.  If we neglect doing so, we will be hindered in our spiritual development and become ineffective.  Many people think they can get along without God.  However, when God is left out of our lives our strength is diminished, we deceive ourselves, and we lose the effectiveness that we would otherwise have.  The Bible says, “His [God’s] divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness” (II Peter 1:3). Think about these four aspects of this verse:

1)      Originating Source.  The supply of spiritual energy is God himself.  The text calls this “His [God’s]” power.

2)      Specified Energy.  The energy is far more than human power, it is godly vitality because it is called “divine power”.

3)      Exhaustive Supply.  The resource God provides is comprehensive because it includes “everything we need” – that is, everything that is essential for our connection to God.

4)      Personal Connection.  Our link with God is intimate because He has “called us”.  God personally desires that we live a godly life as we grow spiritually and learn more about Him.

Being connected to God means that we have godly strength.  With this personal connection to God, we receive His divine power which is necessary to live a fruitful life that pleases Him.  Are you connected to God’s spiritual energy source?

What is Your Focus?

This is a good question to ask during these days of Covid-19. Many individuals are focused on doing what they need to do to keep themselves and their family members safe such as washing hands, personal distancing, and staying at home. Some companies are focusing on the medical needs of those who have the virus. Others are focused on finding a vaccine for the virus. Still other companies are focusing on providing masks, shields, gowns, ventilators, and other personal protective equipment. All these physical things are important. But if we continue to focus on the troubles of life, that only diverts our attention away from God.

Yes, we need to think about and work on these physical things during the Covid-19 crisis; however, people seem to dismiss, forget, or are clueless concerning focusing on the spiritual dimension of life. The Bible reminds us that there are earthly things and “things above” (heavenly things). It says, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2). Are earthly things important? Yes, they are. However, we should not focus on earthly things and neglect heavenly things. If we focus on “earthly things” exclusively, we will become miserable and unsatisfied. The words “set your minds” means to concentrate by using your thoughts. It means to think about, place your attention on, and to ponder the things that are heavenly. Other portions of Scripture tell us to “fix our eyes on Jesus” (Hebrews 12:2) and “fix your thoughts on Jesus” (Hebrews 3:1).

With our minds and thoughts focused on spiritual things we will have God’s strength as we turn to physical things. God says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10). A good question for all of us to consider is, “Do I keep a heavenly perspective when it comes to my focus?

Impossible ... Or?

The Bible tells us that when the Israelites left Egypt and were about to cross over the Jordan River to enter the land that God had promised them, they feared many things.  The nations in the land were bigger and stronger than they were.  There were huge cities which were fortified with huge walls.  The inhabitants were so tall they were considered giants.  To the Israelites these things would be impossible were it not for one thing – God would go ahead of them.  With God’s strength, power, wisdom, and His promises He would be with them.  They were still fearful, but God gave them this reminder: “Today know this: GOD, your God, is crossing the river ahead of you” (Deuteronomy 9:3).

The Covid-19 pandemic, unemployment, loss of income, isolation from family members, inability to gather in large groups, and many other things are of great concern to us, or at times cause us to fear.  It seems that some of these things are impossible for us to get through.  What a great comfort and assurance it would be to remember that God goes before us, like He did the Israelites, into this “impossible situation.”  The verse tells us (1) The God of all strength goes with you – “God is”; (2) God is a personal God – “Your God”; and (3) God gets involved when we step out in faith.  “Is crossing … ahead of you.”

Don’t let impossibilities get you down.  Turn to God today and let Him help you as you face those impossible things that confront you today.