When Islamist gunmen killed a 10-year-old Egyptian schoolboy’s father, he witnessed his dad standing firm in his Christian faith and refusing to recite the Muslim profession of faith. The price for his convictions cost his life. A boy, his brother and mother now live without their father. They are one of many Coptic Christians persecuted for their faith. We need to pray for them to be given spiritual freedom.

Spiritual Freedom is holding those beliefs that exist in the heart, mind and soul of each person who believes in God. Such beliefs cannot be controlled, given, or taken away from anyone regardless of the kind of government or leadership a person lives under.

At the University of Texas in Austin, carved in stone on one of the original main buildings are the words, “You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” That verse goes on to say, “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.”

In other words, the truth that brings freedom is not some educational construct or ideal, but spiritual truth. That truth is carved on many of our academic institutions and ignored, even attacked. Romans 6:20-23 tells us that sin enslaves people for spiritual death and eternity apart from God. Knowing Christ provides freedom from the control of sin and eternal life with Him.The freedom we have in Christ is in in direct contrast to the bondage of sin. This is the importance of spiritual freedom. It sets you free from the bondage of sin.

“For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Freedom in Chris cannot be taken away and provides lasting freedom beyond this life.  John 8:36 notes, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” We now know the truth that sets us free as believers” (John 8:32).

Bottom line. The best freedom is that which comes from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We experience true freedom in Christ by knowing Him, walking in His ways, and engaging with the changes He makes in and through our lives as we focus on service to Him and to others. This freedom transcends the human freedoms desired in this world, providing peace with Christ forevermore.

So this 4^th of July, enjoy the freedoms we have in America, especially the freedom to openly express your Christianity. While that freedom has been under attack, we still have more freedom that other places in the world.

Happy fourth of July.