Westside Church of Christ

We are a nation in conflict. Arguments break out about everything from presidential campaigns to a convenient parking place. “One nation under God” is still on our money but not in our hearts, and that is the problem. It has been the same ever since the Garden of Eden, and nothing has changed.

We will celebrate our independence this week; flags will fly, grills will sizzle, and fireworks will explode. It is the right time to get back to our roots. Freedom supposedly rings across our nation. Theoretically, it does. Spiritually is another question. Sin masquerades as liberty from out-of-date rules, and enslaves participants. Promises and realities are worlds apart as everyone fights for their piece of the pie. It is the civilization of the first-person singular. “I” reign and chaos results.

There is no freedom without Jesus. There might be the illusion, but it isn’t real. The actual culprit is Satan and He is the master of deception. The Lord came to set us free from the captivating and destructive deceit that he dishes out in virtually irresistible forms. Our flesh is a powerful force, and he exploits our weakness to resist. We become prisoners in this spiritual warfare and don’t realize that we are being manipulated like a puppet.

“If you continue in My word…(John 8:31-32).” We cannot concoct a getaway. There will be no POW prison break. He has given us the guidelines for escaping the grasp of this potent slave master, and there is no other way. “Then you are truly disciples of Mine…” It isn’t enough to know the words or memorize scripture. Freedom comes from following Jesus and imitating His ways. “And you shall know the truth and the truth will make you free.” Jesus is the truth (John 14:6), and it is He who sets us free (John 8:36). Humans are dependent on Him to bust those bonds.

That doesn’t sit well with some people, especially those of the pull-yourself-up-by-your- bootstraps mentality. Acknowledging our own weakness is uncomfortable. We need the Lord to do what we cannot. He knows better and has greater power. All of that demands a humble approach to God and His word. Some, probably a majority, will refuse to surrender to the king’s authority and the grip of sin grows stronger. Our culture becomes a little darker.

Christians have been set free from the dictatorship of sin, but the urges don’t simply disappear. It is far too easy to give in to them when our emotions surge and our temperature rises. Resistance isn’t easy, and the evil one lurks nearby with his chains. That’s the time to close any distance between us and the Lord. We could ask Peter about that (Luke 22:54-62).

We celebrate Independence Day this week, and let’s be sure we remember our spiritual liberty as well. Jesus sets us free indeed. Praise the Lord.

Call to Praise: Acts 9:1-9

His word on it: Acts 13:2

Sermon: “The Chosen”