Pastor s column: Freedom is not free
By LYNDON DECKER
Pastor of First Southern Baptist Church
We have just passed the holiday that celebrates our country's freedom. We have enjoyed the activities, the fireworks, picnics, and all that goes with it. I trust that with all the activities we did not forget why we have this celebration and what it took for us to enjoy these freedoms.
On the wall of my office at home, I have a picture of a soldier. This soldier was my uncle I never knew who gave his life for freedom in World War II. The only remembrance I have of him is the graveside service at his burial. I have a great respect and appreciation for him because he gave all he had for the cause of freedom.
Since 9-11 and the tragedy in London this week, I have gotten a greater appreciation for the freedom and liberty which I enjoy in America. Each Sunday I am reminded of this because I can worship with freedom; many in the world have no concept of what this liberty is like. Our freedom is very fragile, and we need to do our best to preserve it.
In another room in our home hangs a picture of an open tomb. This represents that someone has risen from the dead. The Son of God left the glories of heaven to come to this sinful world to die the most cruel death that I might be free. Jesus said in John 8:35 that if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.
Jesus made this statement when he was speaking to the religious leaders of the day. They claimed to be free and not enslaved, but Jesus knew what was in the heart and knew that they were spiritually bound. It is great to have political freedom, but it is not nearly as great as having the spiritual freedom that Christ offers to whoever will believe. This freedom did not cost us but cost Christ everything.
If you are still enslaved today, Christ is more than ready to give you freedom that cannot be taken away.
