Freedom!

Written by cycleguy on June 29th, 2017

One of the best scenes of Braveheart is when Mel Gibson’s character, William Wallace, is having the life ooze out of him and just before he dies he yells, “Freedom!”

Freedom is something we all want. Next week we will be celebrating our country’s Independence Day. Many in the throes of prison or an addiction will cry out for freedom. But what about those chained to a system or a mindset who will cry out for freedom? Will they find it?

I read this recently:

“Other than the name of Jesus, it may be the most important word in all the Bible: GRACE. Grace in the person and work-the life, death and resurrection-of Jesus is what made the difference. If you’re God’s child, stop hiding behind your tree of shame.”  (Tripp-New Morning Mercies-June 29).

This Sunday I’m preaching on Freedom!  I’ll be using John 8 (the woman caught in adultery) and I Cor. 7: 21-13. My focus? Grace frees; the law enslaves. Living in grace is radically exciting; living in law is morbidly exhausting. The follower of Christ can live in freedom-freedom from law, from rules, regulations, and other life-killing bacteria. The purpose of grace is to give freedom.

I’d appreciate your prayers. Meanwhile, have a Happy 4th!!

 

13 Comments so far ↓

  1. Betty Draper says:

    Can’t think of two more needed words in our world today…freedom and grace

  2. Kari Scare says:

    A friend of mine tells his testimony like this: “I wasn’t saved, and I was on the phone with a friend who was in prison who was saved. He told me about Jesus, and I realized he was behind bars but free, and I was not in jail but not free. He was freer in jail than I was in the world.” His testimony always comes to mind when I think of what true freedom is.

  3. God’s grace IS freedom! Happy 4th, Bill, and I’ll be sure to keep you in prayer.
    Blessings!

  4. Lisa notes says:

    Grace and freedom are two WONDERFUL truths that I want to continue to lean into. I’m sure your sermon will be great, Bill. Love the quote too. Going to share this with my sister: “If you’re God’s child, stop hiding behind your tree of shame.”

    • cycleguy says:

      That quote stuck to me as well Lisa. Someone has emailed me and said, Forget the tree. Try a mountain.” In either case, grace broke through.

  5. floyd says:

    Perfect timing. Praying for you and yours, Bill. It is all about “unmerited favor”.

  6. Jeff says:

    Freedom from Law? I assume you mean religious laws. I am very free from those. No need for Grace.

  7. Jeff says:

    We are all individuals. Not sure what the ism is about. And some of us do not need grace from an invisible dictator in the sky. Life is just fine without that concept.