Far Greater Freedom      
 

   Let the parades begin. Strike up the bands. Enjoy the fireworks. Yet, in spite of our grand ideals and our achievements, we are still a people not as united as we wish to be. 

   And why is that? Because we're all born with a nature that is subject to desires, attitudes, temptations...and who knows the extent of underworld influence? We may be politically free, thank God, but not all of us are free as God defines freedom.

   Are we good people? None of us is righteous. We all fall short. Romans chapter 3.

   Then came Jesus: 

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

   He offers the power of his life, by the Spirit, freedom from the desires of our nature. With belief and faith, 

You have been set free from sin. Romans 6:18

   We continue to fight - spiritual warfare, pressures of the world, and our stubborn nature. 

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Galatians 5:1  

   Full freedom comes after we depart this world. 

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit ... is there is freedom. 

2 Corinthians 3:17

   To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 

and has made us ... to serve his God and Father - to him 

be glory and power for ever and ever! 

Revelation 1:5

Far greater freedom. Not even to be compared.