There is one thing wrong with the word “FREEDOM”. It contains the word “free”, and therefore, many think it doesn’t cost anything. However, freedom cost everything. Liberty or freedom never comes without someone paying a big price and usually that price is a life. Our freedom in America has always come at the price of lives. Many men, women and children have lost their lives for the cost of freedom.
As I have traveled the nations and learned the history of the people of those countries the stories vary, but the theme is always the same, freedom isn't free. When men and women are not free from the life and lust of sin, they treat other human beings in unspeakable ways. It is not just national freedom but spiritual freedom that cost lives. Slavery cost lives. Prejudice cost lives. Selfishness cost lives.
Jesus tells us to take up our cross daily. God desires living sacrifices. We die daily to what we want--so that others can get what they need. Soldiers die to protect the country for whom they fight. Jesus died to free you and I from the sin that so easily enslaves us. God sent His son to die, so that we could be free. Freedom is never free, it always cost and usually that cost is a life.
As I have traveled the nations and learned the history of the people of those countries the stories vary, but the theme is always the same, freedom isn't free. When men and women are not free from the life and lust of sin, they treat other human beings in unspeakable ways. It is not just national freedom but spiritual freedom that cost lives. Slavery cost lives. Prejudice cost lives. Selfishness cost lives.
Jesus tells us to take up our cross daily. God desires living sacrifices. We die daily to what we want--so that others can get what they need. Soldiers die to protect the country for whom they fight. Jesus died to free you and I from the sin that so easily enslaves us. God sent His son to die, so that we could be free. Freedom is never free, it always cost and usually that cost is a life.
In 1215, King John of England was forced to give up some of his powers, and concede liberties to the people through the Magna Charta. The British Bill Of Rights of 1689 provided for civil rights for the people and political supremacy to Parliament.
Our nation’s liberty was proclaimed…in the Declaration Of Independence of July 4, 1776. President Lincoln freed the slaves…with the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863. The people of Iraq have been set free from the oppressive regime of Saddam Hussein. None of these victories for freedom came without a high price. Freedom is no cheap thing. In all the wars for freedom in history people have paid the ultimate price. And those who loved them paid the price in grief and loss.
Our nation’s liberty was proclaimed…in the Declaration Of Independence of July 4, 1776. President Lincoln freed the slaves…with the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863. The people of Iraq have been set free from the oppressive regime of Saddam Hussein. None of these victories for freedom came without a high price. Freedom is no cheap thing. In all the wars for freedom in history people have paid the ultimate price. And those who loved them paid the price in grief and loss.
All this week we will be looking at the cost of freedom. What price are you willing to pay? Here are the 3 points we will be looking at. It is from the sermon that I shared with out local church yesterday. It was missions Sunday so I was not able to share all the information, and so many ask that I share it in this Blog. I hope you come along and share the journey with me, as I write on the subject of "Freedom isn't free."
IS PERSONAL SACRIFICE
IS PERPETUAL VIGILANCE:
IS PERSONAL RESTRAINT:
- POINT #1
IS PERSONAL SACRIFICE
- POINT #2
IS PERPETUAL VIGILANCE:
- POINT #3
IS PERSONAL RESTRAINT:
ACTION STEP: What personal sacrifices are you making or have you made for your spiritual freedom? For your national freedom? Leave a comment in the Reply and I will try to post or address, in the rest of this weeks Blog. This week--let freedom ring--by paying the ultimate price of laying down your life, or at least being willing to do what Jesus asks of us, and what our country asks of us.
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