Freedom

Tomorrow we celebrate the independence of our nation. Tomorrow we celebrate freedom. Within the borders of our country we certainly have our struggles and our needs, yet we are still one of the richest countries in the world. Thanks to our discerning founders we have certain inalienable rights that are affordable to us no matter our social standing. Most of us already know that this freedom came at a great cost. Yet, we have paid that cost and we have paid it all for this idea: freedom.
But what is freedom really? Is it the ability to do whatever you want? Or how about just the ability to believe whatever you want? According to the Bible, freedom isn't either of these. Instead, freedom is simply becoming Christ-like without any hindrances (Gal. 5:1, Heb. 12:1-2, Rom 8:1, Roman 6:15-16). As pastor Anthony showed us in Romans 3 this past week, we are all hindered by our own vices; by sin.  We have been locked in a prison by that sin and no matter how hard we struggle, we cannot free ourselves. That is, unless someone takes our place. 2 Cor. Says, "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." Jesus took on the penalty of sin for us, and in doing so, he set us free. As we continue through this study, I challenge you to open your bibles and ask, "why?"

freedom is simply becoming Christ-like without any hindrances