Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:            1 Peter 5:8  

FREEDOM’S STRUGGLE

For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. 1 Corinthians 9:19"Independence Day," or "July Fourth," is a beloved holiday in America that commemorates the Declaration of Independence, first proudly recognized on July 4, 1776. It is commonly associated with fireworks displays, and people gathering at patriotic events to celebrate the history, and traditions of our country, as well as what Americans are most proud of, our FREEDOM.

People throughout the world have long admired America for our freedoms, and we have welcomed many diverse people as they have sought to become part of what many believe is the greatest country in the world. Unfortunately, the culture in society right now has almost completely moved away from traditional American values and beliefs which, whether you agree or not, include GOD! Sadly, folks just do not realize that the need in their lives is Jesus, and he alone can help them. Especially since the enemy behind most problems we have today among our people, and around the whole world starts with Satan.

The battle with Satan, and between good and evil is a life-long struggle for most of us and has been since the beginning of time. It is no different now. Satan’s primary goal is to stir up chaos, hate and discord among people, and plant seeds of doubt and confusion about Christianity that lead people to unbelief. This results in what we see in society today.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places].  Ephesians 6:12

And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.  Job 1:7

As Satan increases his attack against the human population, we will see more and more of a decline in the basic humanity and decency of people. This is not only seen here in America but around the world.

Although we find ourselves in this disruptive culture today, we are still truly blessed to live in a free country. We were founded on Judeo Christian beliefs, and as believers we strive for a society that will not hinder or stop us from living as such. It is true that some Christians have wondered away from the core of our belief system, but we know the only ONE who can ever give us true freedom is the Lord Jesus Christ!

Everyone should be thankful that in America we have the right, and the freedom to worship the God of our choice and attend the church of our choice. But too many do not attend church or even read the Bible. How can this be when 80% of Americans say they are Christians? We need to return to the word of God & do it now!

Most of us who know and believe in an almighty, sovereign God know that many things we see today, particularly in our country started years ago when we began to remove God from society. As each year has come and gone, little by little God has been removed from everything until at this time we cannot find HIM anywhere!

The Lord Jesus Christ is the answer, has always been the answer, and will always be the ONLY answer to whatever we face in our lives.

SATAN’S TOOLS

Not only in America but throughout the world there are many people who are spiritually bound, and do not even realize the source of their enslavement. The source is SATAN. This manifests in society as we see it right now. People who do not know about God or Satan, could never begin to imagine they are Satan’s tools, but they are! People right this minute are in the streets all over America demanding their rights, their freedom, their “what I want you better give me” demands. Many people among the protesters just want to be part of a movement, & do not even know why they are protesting. Protests will not achieve the results they are clamoring for as they seek to harm things, and people that have NOTHING to do with them.

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:11              

In earlier societies we see people who appeared to be content with the circumstances in their lives, even in very harsh conditions. Since man multiplied upon the earth, we see how some people have developed one culture greater than another. When God scattered the people at the tower of Babel every group of people had the same opportunity to develop their talents and skills. Even today, there are people living in the jungles that refuse to be part of what we call a civilized society.  Yet, these people feel they are free to live their lives as they please and have been satisfied for centuries like this. They live content within their environment.     

These early people were looking and searching for freedom in their own way. Truth be told they did not want to change the way things were with them. The problem that all people face today as it has been since the beginning of time is SIN. People are happy in their sin & any desire to change or seek what is of any real meaning in this world is not made. People want to be free without the truth and this is not going to happen. The search for truth begins with peace. The peace that only the Son of God can give.

Jesus said in John 14:27;

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

My friend, few people are willing to, and certainly do not want to face their sin. We want to dismiss it, believing we are too good to be a sinner. But those who deal with their sin problem discover a new freedom they have never experienced. A freedom well known to those who have come to the knowledge of God’s love & saving grace for mankind. 

The Apostle Paul noted in Romans 6:22;  But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

Freedom from sin’s condemnation shows us how to be servants of God, made holy and given eternal life.  What a transition from being a condemned sinner on the road to everlasting destruction to now going to live in an eternal paradise. The problem with so many today is that they want the here and now, and never think about eternity. They have no idea of how foolish their thinking and reasoning is. They are as a blind man, and they do not even know it.  What a change could happen in their life if they would only hear the truth of Jesus!

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.  Hebrews 11:6

The offer to be free has been extended, but too many simply do not want the kind of freedom found only through salvation.

Long ago King Solomon searched in every way possible to find what he wanted in life, but he found nothing satisfied him. Solomon finally realized what he was missing in life was a relationship with God.  His heart was empty, and all was vanity, until at last he turned to the Lord.  The wise man ended his search with these words…

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is

the whole duty of man.  For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing whether it be good, or whether it be evil.  Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

Heavenly Father lead us to thyself where we will find peace and freedom from sin’s condemnation forever. In Jesus’ holy precious name, I pray. Amen   Preacher