Today is July 4th, a day that we celebrate here in the United States as the day we won our independence from England. As I read earlier on Facebook, it is our “Brexit” that took place 240 years ago! It is a day filled with family, food, fireworks, and fun. It is a day that we as Americans love not just because we have the day off from work, but because we have enjoyed our freedom for many, many years.
But this freedom that we have enjoyed is being eroded on a daily basis by those who have been elected to serve “We the people” in Washington, D.C. The laws that are being passed from what I believe is now a one-party system (both Democrats and Republicans seem to be on the exact same page for the most part) is taking freedom after freedom away. And our society, as difficult as it may be, seems to be falling in line with what the corrupt politicians are doing. Christians are waking up–or so it seems–but I think that it is too late. We as Christians are losing our freedoms at a high rate of speed.
So what can we do about all of this? How can we truly have our independence and freedoms once again? The answer lies in only One: Jesus Christ. Even though the governing authorities over us, which have been established by God Himself (Romans 13), even though we may lose our tax-exempt status as churches, and even though we may not be able to say “no” to selling cakes or doing business with others with whom we disagree, and even though it seems that Islam is on the rise here in America and around the world, the truth is that we have independence from all of the world. We may face trials, tribulations, and persecution, but it is a fulfillment of what Jesus Christ said that we would face because of His name (Matthew 5:11; John 15:21). There is freedom in seeing His Word fulfilled in our lives, no matter what the circumstances might be.
Read what else Peter the apostle writes:
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. Make sure that none of your suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. (1 Peter 4:12-16)
Did you see it? If we suffer because of Jesus’ name, then we bring glory to God. Beloved, there is freedom in serving the God of our salvation no matter what might come our way. Yes, the world will hate us because we are no longer of the world although we are in the world. We belong to Jesus Christ if we know Him as our Lord and Savior. We His children and He sees and knows what we are going through or what we will go through because of this world. But He is still in control of all things as the Sovereign King of kings and Lord of lords.
There is freedom in the Son. Let’s today celebrate not only the freedoms we currently enjoy in our Country, but let’s enjoy the freedom we have in Jesus Christ. Let’s express this freedom to those around us knowing that those who are of the world are held in bondage to sin and need the freedom that only comes by, in, and through Jesus Christ!
Jesus said, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” … “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. The slave does not remain int he house forever; the son does remain forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:31-32; 34-36)
D.J. Gorena 
