As we approach July 4th and Independence Day folks will, rightly so, be gathering and celebrating.      As Americans we are incredibly blessed to experience the freedom we enjoy!   May we give thanks for this privilege and never take it for granted.   And, as we celebrate political freedom, may we as Christians, take this opportunity to cue us to think about, and give thanks for, an even greater freedom.    It is a freedom that is not limited to any one land.   It is a liberty that is not confined to any one people.   It is the abundant and eternal freedom given through the grace of God by those who will receive.  This gift of freedom in Jesus Christ is free but it is not cheap.    It is offered without price, yet it cost Christ his very blood.    This gift of Christ is given to us without cost, yet, in return, if we truly accept and receive this gift, we will respond by giving all of our life.

Political and national freedom is a treasure not to be taken lightly.    Having the freedoms of worship and assembly and even expressing our opinions in a blog, etc. are all precious privileges.     Yet, as good and precious as these political freedoms are, there is nothing that compares with the spiritual freedom and liberty in and through Jesus Christ.    Herein, we have our sins forgiven, our guilt removed, our life infused with purpose, the gift of the Holy Spirit to strengthen, comfort and guide us, abundant life here and now, and eternal life forever and ever!

In the Book of Galatians, sometimes referred to as the "letter of liberty", Paul writes:  "So Christ has really set us free.  Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law."    Galatians is our charter of Christian freedom.    We are not bound oppressively under the burden of law keeping.    Instead, faith in Christ brings true freedom from sin and from the futile attempt to somehow be right with God by keeping rules and laws.  We are free in Christ!    Yet, as with any freedom, with it comes responsibility.   Jesus sets us free to serve.  He sets us free to follow his way of authentic love and true joy.  May we not go back into slavery and oppression, but rather, follow the liberating way of God's love and grace, expressed and exemplified most completely in His Son, the Christ.

May we on this Independence Day, in the midst of giving thanks for our political freedom, be reminded of an even greater and eternal spiritual freedom that is free to us and to every man, woman, boy and girl on the face of this earth who will believe and receive.    Happy Independence Day!