WORD OF THE WEEK - FREEDOM- 7/28/24

Definition:  the state of being free or at liberty rather than in confinement or under physical restraint; exemption from external control, interference, regulation, etc: the power to exercise choice and make decisions without constraint from within or without.
Scriptures:John 8:31-32 “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free”.
Galatians 5:13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love
Romans 8:20-21   For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.

Website:  www.wow-newton.com

Website: www.wow-newton.com
Email:  osnewton@wow-newton.com

Transcript

Definition:  the state of being free or at liberty rather than in confinement or under physical restraint; exemption from external control, interference, regulation, etc: the power to exercise choice and make decisions without constraint from within or without.
Scriptures:John 8:31-32 “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free”.
Galatians 5:13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love
Romans 8:20-21   For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.

THOUGHT
In the Old Testament, when God designated those called the “Chosen People,” God equipped them with laws that instructed humanity to honor their creator and to love one another.  They were to exemplify God’s promise of a life of freedom. In the spirit of freedom, God allowed humanity to freely choose whether to honor God and serve one another or to honor himself, resulting in a life of bondage and death. Time after time, humanity has endured the consequences of choosing to do things contrary to the commandments of God.  Even the chosen people of God has endured the  enslavement, of body, mind and spirit because of their rebellion and disobedience.  Yet, God loves his creation.  As proof, God sent Jesus to be the perfect sacrifice to liberate humanity from suffering the bondage of sin and death.
While striving to attain freedom, humanity continues to declare their autonomy from the living God. While constitutional law may reflect the love of God, the implementation of the laws often result in honoring the freedom of people and institutions that are powerful, wealthy, or influential.
In this God-separated society, everyone who does not fit into one of those three categories only exist to honor, follow and serve those who do.   The name of God is invoked to convince those who believe in God that they have been given divine authority to rule and enslave them.
In a society that forsakes God-given individual freedom:• It becomes unnecessary to listen, adhere to or tolerate people whose opinions, ideas, customs and traditions are not the same or similar to theirs.  • The rights of the disabled, impoverished, women, people of color, or those considered deviates or immigrants who seek to govern their own lives and strive for freedom are deemed unworthy, unimportant, irrelevant or non-existent.• The failure to have individual freedom is considered the fault of the enslaved.  They did not earn the privilege of freedom because they did not work hard enough or were too scrupulous and pious, or just did not understand the rules of the “game” well enough.• Those who do not cater to, serve or worship those who have earned the right to be free may be deemed unworthy to be a part of the society.
When humanity is controlled by sin, people begin to  worship the gods of  greed, vanity, pride, addiction, and all manner of evil. The society lacks the love of God. Individual freedom is no longer a God-given right; instead, it become a privilege to be earned. 
A God-separated society cannot genuinely pursue individual freedom, which requires embracing acceptance, mercy, tolerance, fairness, justice, grace, and love—values inconsequential in a sin-controlled world.  Humanity continues to ignore the righteousness required by God's Word and insists on creating its own truth, acting as if it is God.
To perpetuate humanity’s continued existence requires that it nourish the social, physical, emotional and spiritual requirements of the human body.  If we genuinely want to enjoy the benefits of freedom, humanity must operate according to what God demands.  We must learn to do things God’s way.
To America:If we genuinely want freedom for all people…Honor God.Love and serve one another.