It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.

In America, when we think about July, we think about the 4th of July - a holiday that celebrates our freedom. We talk about how thankful we are to live in a country where we are free. But do we really know what it means to be free? The Bible has a lot to say about freedom. First, it is very clear that true freedom doesn’t come from the country you live in but from God.

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17

But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. Romans 6:22

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36

Sounds great, doesn’t it? But is that all there is to freedom? Is it really that simple? Or is there more to it? Just before that last verse, John records Jesus’ words, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32 This is not something new. In the Old Testament, David wrote, “I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.” Psalms 119:45 God said, through the prophet Hosea, “My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.” Hosea 4:6a It seems we have some responsibility in our freedom - we need to seek and know the truth of God’s Word in order to live in true freedom.

Another name for the July 4th holiday is Independence Day. Americans are very proud of their independence. They pride themselves on not being dependent on anyone. The Bible gives slightly different advice. It tells us that we need to be totally dependent on God and not on ourselves. The Amplified Bible puts it this way, “Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart And do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way]. Proverbs 3:5-6 In the book of John, Jesus, Himself, tells us, “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:4-5 That is the kind of knowledge that sets us free.

Americans use the word freedom to claim the right to do all kinds of things - both good and bad. They think that freedom means they can do whatever they want - whatever is best for “ME” - regardless of how it affects the people around them.

That attitude isn’t unique to America or the 21st century. When Peter wrote to the Church in Asia, he told them, “Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone…” 1 Peter 2:16-17a When Paul wrote to the Galatians, he addressed the same issue. He said, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery…You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:1,13-14

Last Sunday, we started a new verse-a-day on the website titled “Love Your Neighbor” and that’s exactly what it’s all about. You can read/learn a new verse each day that will help you know how to love your neighbor on a daily basis.

Whenever we hear about our freedom and independence this month, let’s be reminded of our need to depend on God and to know Him in order to be truly free, and let’s remember to serve each other in love.

Kirby is going to be very busy in July as he travels to Pleasant Valley Bible Camp and Camp Barakel. Then closer to home at Grandville Bible Church’s Vacation Bible School. Finally, he’ll finish off July and begin August at Camp Ao-Wa-Kiya.

Please remember to keep Kirby and the rest of the team in your prayers throughout the summer. You can find our specific requests here.

With all the fun and excitement of summer, don’t forget to keep up on your Mail Club studies. If you haven’t joined the mail club, use this link to join today.

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