True Freedom: Independence in Christ
As fireworks light up the skies and flags wave proudly across our nation, Americans everywhere pause on the 4th of July to celebrate liberty, freedom bought with the blood of patriots and secured through countless battles. We remember the courage of those who risked everything to break free from tyranny and establish a new nation founded on the promise of freedom.
But as Christians, there’s another kind of freedom we celebrate, one far greater, more lasting, and more personal. It’s not found in a constitution, won by a war, or secured by a government. It’s found in the cross of Jesus Christ.
"So if the Son sets you free, you really will be free." – John 8:36, LSB
The independence we celebrate on the 4th of July is national; it’s about a country being set free. But the independence we have in Christ is spiritual; it’s about a soul being set free. America gained liberty from the rule of a king. In Christ, we gain liberty from the rule of sin, death, and condemnation.
Before Christ, we were enslaved—not to a foreign power, but to our own flesh. We were in bondage to the very things that destroyed us: pride, lust, fear, greed, bitterness. And no amount of effort, willpower, or good behavior could break the chains. But Jesus did what no army or leader ever could: He broke the power of sin once and for all.
"Therefore there is now no condemnation at all for those who are in Christ Jesus." – Romans 8:1, LSB
This is the truest freedom the world has ever known, not political liberty, but spiritual victory. Freedom from shame. Freedom from guilt. Freedom from the weight of trying to earn God’s approval. Freedom from trying to prove your worth. In Christ, you are forgiven. You are secure. You are free.
On the cross, Jesus declared independence for every sinner who would trust in Him, not from a government, but from hell itself.
But don’t mistake Christian freedom for lawlessness. Freedom in Christ isn’t permission to do whatever you want. It’s power to do what is right. Freedom to walk in righteousness. Freedom to say “no” to sin and “yes” to the Spirit. True freedom isn’t the absence of authority—it’s the presence of the right authority.
"But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you have your benefit, leading to sanctification, and the end, eternal life." – Romans 6:22, LSB
As we celebrate the birth of our nation this weekend, take time to thank God for the freedoms we enjoy in this country—but don’t stop there. Reflect on the far greater freedom Jesus purchased for you. His blood didn't just buy your pardon—it broke your chains.
You may live in the land of the free, but if you are in Christ, you live in the grip of grace. You’ve been rescued from the kingdom of darkness and transferred into the kingdom of the beloved Son (Colossians 1:13). That’s a declaration of independence that echoes into eternity.
So let freedom ring, not just from the rooftops of America, but from the redeemed hearts of God’s people.
Happy Independence Day, and praise God for our ultimate freedom in Jesus Christ.
In Love,
Pastor Jody
But as Christians, there’s another kind of freedom we celebrate, one far greater, more lasting, and more personal. It’s not found in a constitution, won by a war, or secured by a government. It’s found in the cross of Jesus Christ.
"So if the Son sets you free, you really will be free." – John 8:36, LSB
The independence we celebrate on the 4th of July is national; it’s about a country being set free. But the independence we have in Christ is spiritual; it’s about a soul being set free. America gained liberty from the rule of a king. In Christ, we gain liberty from the rule of sin, death, and condemnation.
Before Christ, we were enslaved—not to a foreign power, but to our own flesh. We were in bondage to the very things that destroyed us: pride, lust, fear, greed, bitterness. And no amount of effort, willpower, or good behavior could break the chains. But Jesus did what no army or leader ever could: He broke the power of sin once and for all.
"Therefore there is now no condemnation at all for those who are in Christ Jesus." – Romans 8:1, LSB
This is the truest freedom the world has ever known, not political liberty, but spiritual victory. Freedom from shame. Freedom from guilt. Freedom from the weight of trying to earn God’s approval. Freedom from trying to prove your worth. In Christ, you are forgiven. You are secure. You are free.
On the cross, Jesus declared independence for every sinner who would trust in Him, not from a government, but from hell itself.
But don’t mistake Christian freedom for lawlessness. Freedom in Christ isn’t permission to do whatever you want. It’s power to do what is right. Freedom to walk in righteousness. Freedom to say “no” to sin and “yes” to the Spirit. True freedom isn’t the absence of authority—it’s the presence of the right authority.
"But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you have your benefit, leading to sanctification, and the end, eternal life." – Romans 6:22, LSB
As we celebrate the birth of our nation this weekend, take time to thank God for the freedoms we enjoy in this country—but don’t stop there. Reflect on the far greater freedom Jesus purchased for you. His blood didn't just buy your pardon—it broke your chains.
You may live in the land of the free, but if you are in Christ, you live in the grip of grace. You’ve been rescued from the kingdom of darkness and transferred into the kingdom of the beloved Son (Colossians 1:13). That’s a declaration of independence that echoes into eternity.
So let freedom ring, not just from the rooftops of America, but from the redeemed hearts of God’s people.
Happy Independence Day, and praise God for our ultimate freedom in Jesus Christ.
In Love,
Pastor Jody
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Archive
2025
March
Back to the BasicsThe Danger of Walking Away from the CrossWhen the Lukewarm Get UncomfortableThe Top 10 Reasons a Church DiesA Call To Be Set ApartPursuing Holiness – Part 2: What It Looks Like in Our Lives and the ChurchBack to the Basics: The Role of Discipleship for the Mature BelieverBack to the Basics: Worship Is a Lifestyle, Not a Sunday Morning ThingBack to the Basics: Returning to a Life That Reflects ChristThe Worst Thing That Ever Happened Was the Best Thing That Ever HappenedBack to the Basics: Giving Is a Lifestyle, Not Just a DonationThe Process of Church Discipline A Pastor’s Heart on Tithing: Let’s Return to Faithful Giving
April
Back to the Basics: Evangelism Isn’t OptionalFrom Head to Heart: Reading Scripture for Transformation, Not Just InformationMan Up and Lead – God's Design for the HomeHead in the Sand: The Danger of Ignoring HolinessGossip: A Spiritual Battle We Must FightLaziness and Complacency in a Christian’s Life: A Wake-Up Call for the Family, the Church, and the KingdomWe’re Here for You—In the Valleys and on the Mountaintops
May
Would You Come to Church With Me?” – The Simple Words That Could Change a LifeGrace: The Power to Do What He’s Called You to DoOur Love for Jesus Should Look Like Hate to OthersWhy Is It Only Offensive When You Talk About Jesus?The Dangers of Deconstructing Christianity as a Christ FollowerPerfected in Christ — Not Perfect YetBattling Depression with Scripture and Prayer: A Pastor’s Heartfelt EncouragementAltar or Stage? The Difference That Changes EverythingThis Hit Me Today: Don’t Just Listen—Live ItWe Live By DyingThe Altar: A Sacred Space for Encounter and Surrender
June
Pride: The Root of All SinThe Difference Between Continual Sin and Oops SinGod Doesn’t Care About Your Happiness—He Cares About Your ObedienceBack to the Basics: 4 Non-Negotiables in the Kingdom of GodConfronted by the Living WordQuitting Has Become the American Way — But Fruit Comes Through Faithful EnduranceTwo Seas, Two Lives: What the Dead Sea and Sea of Galilee Teach Us About DiscipleshipTrue Repentance: More Than Just Saying “Sorry”Why Do I Keep Running from God When I Know I Should Run Toward Him?If There Is Dust on Your Bible, There Is Dust on Your HeartWar or Murder? A Biblical Response to the Iran Conflict—and Why We Stand with IsraelChristianity Is Like a Rock TumblerThe Doctrine of Perfection: A Dangerous HeresyChristianity: Inclusive to All, Exclusive to Follow
July
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2024
February
April
May
A Critical Examination of Michael Todd's TeachingsRevisiting Leadership and Accountability: A Critical Look at Mark Driscoll’s CharacterExamining The Teachings of Bill Johnson- Bethel ChurchA Critical Review of Andy Stanley’s Teachings: Lukewarm Understanding of ScriptureRecognizing False Teachers: A Guide for Church MembersGood Shepherds Understanding Bible Translations: Which Ones Should We Trust?Confronting Bad Theology in the Church5 Ways Christians Can Build Their Faith
July
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