REGAINING YOUR FREEDOM
Galatians 5:1 Freedom is what we have - Christ has set us free! Stand, then, as free people, and do not allow yourselves to become slaves again.
Freedom. It is so very important. Throughout human history, people and tribes and nations fought for freedom. Countless numbers of people died protecting and defending it. Deep in the human psyche, there is this sense that we were made by God to be free. God endowed each and every human with an inalienable right to live with dignity and liberty.
But because of pride and sin, some angels and humans try to dominate people. History is filled with stories of dictators, ruthless monarchs, and evil people who conquered lands and subjugated their inhabitants. Countless folks were forced into slavery. Comparatively very few lived out the full number of years of life that God wanted them to enjoy. Most lived in sub-human conditions. They were treated like animals (sometimes worse than animals). Many of us are familiar through the movies of how some were forced to perform in gladiatorial fights which were mostly butchering shows. Heartless people watched slaves defend themselves in lopsided battles, leading to their brutal deaths before cheering crowds.
But not everyone accepted slavery as their “fate”. Some people, tribes, or nations fought and gained their freedom. They decided that the status quo of domination by evil conquerors was not acceptable. They took up their weapons, stood for their God-given dignity and liberty, fought courageously, and won. They were courageous men and women who believed that there was a better way to live the rest of their lives, and did something to regain their freedom.
In equally, if not more, real ways, you and I are also under threat of slavery. This danger is from our spiritual enemies. The devil and the spirits loyal to him. They are trying to dominate our lives and families. Sadly, they have gained some victory in the lives of a large percentage of people, including churchgoers. Even for people who consider themselves truly born again according to the teachings of the Scriptures, slavery to sin, pain, depression, and similar things is very real. Some are imprisoned by hatred, sexual sin, sickness, inability to succeed, etc.
Today, we will take back our freedom! We will fight our evil conquerors and eject them from our lives and families. The Lord Jesus died and rose from the grave so that we can live out the great design of God for our lives- to live freely and lovingly toward God and people. During the teaching, listen carefully to the ways the enemy of our souls are trying to enslave us. Be open to some new ideas. Feel free to consult the Bible for confirmation that what is being taught is in fact true according to the Scriptures. There will be a short time of prayer at the end of the worship celebration. That would be the time you enforce Christ’s victory (which is your victory if you are one with Christ through faith) over your spiritual oppressors. Thank your, Lord, in advance for the gift of freedom restored!
Lathur Badoy