Pastor's Ponderings, July 3, 2017

Freedom From Tyranny

In Congress, July 4, 1776, fifty-six men signed the unanimous Declaration of the thirteen United States of America declaring freedom from the tyrannical rule of the King of Great Britain.  They stated the facts necessary to dissolve their political links to him.  Although they declared their freedom, Great Britain did not give up for five long years and only surrendered in 1781.  Today, we can declare our freedom from an evil tyrant, Satan, whom has done grievous things to people.

Thank God Jesus has made us free from the evil rule of the devil and declares that we are free indeed (John 8:36). Ricky Dillard wrote the lyrics to, “Why Should I Be Bound?”  He wrote, “Why should I be troubled? Tell me, why I should be bound when the Word of God tells me that He'll never let me down? Why, why should I be bound for whom the Son has set free is free, indeed?”  The god of this world system binds us with drug addictions, food addictions, promiscuity, cigarettes, pornography, alcohol, fear, anxiety, worry, and guilt.  The evil one is bent on our destruction when he takes us captive whenever he wants to (2 Timothy 2:26).  But Jesus stated His mission on earth was to free those whom Satan had captured (Luke 4:18).

This is the great news that freedom has come to your house.  Today, you may be bound with habits that you cannot break.  It may not be the more public addictions, but you may have hidden addictions to various fears, mental blocks, or worry over things that are not likely to occur.  You may be afraid that you will never overcome your personal private prison.  Today, your prison cell is open and God declares you are free. You are free to be blessed, free to have the abundant life, free from bondage and free to serve God. 

Thank God that we fought successfully for our freedom from Great Britain in 1776, but Jesus won the battle for our souls. He went to the cross, died, and rose again with all power in His hands (Matthew 28:18). God has already defeated the evil one making an open show of Him (Colossians 2:14-15).  Happy Independence Day, you are free from tyranny!

John 8:36
New International Version (NIV)

36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

2 Timothy 2:26
New International Version (NIV)

26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

Luke 4:18
New International Version (NIV)

18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free,

Matthew 28:18
New International Version (NIV)

18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Colossians 2:14-15
New International Version (NIV)
14 having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.
15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.