The Cost of Freedom

By: Erlinda Mejia Olson

Penned: Saturday, July 1st, 2017

Time: 10:16AM CST

2 Chronicles 7:14 ~ “if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

Psalm 33:12 ~ “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,”

John 15:13 ~ “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”

Romans 8:2 “The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death”

Isaiah 44:22 ~ “I have blotted out, like a thick cloud, your transgressions, And like a cloud, your sins. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you.”

Galatians 5:1 ~ “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”

2 Corinthians 5:17 ~ “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

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A tribute to God who liberated us from the law of sin and death through His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, and who liberated America from the bondage of slavery on July 4, 1776, and to all men and women who serve this country in the military to fight for the freedom we all so enjoy today! Independence from the enemies, dependence to God. To God be all the glory in Jesus Christ!

 ... “Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace—but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!” (by Patrick Henry, "Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Death! - March 23, 1775) - read the whole speech ...

What’s in freedom that man’s pursuit to obtain it is seemingly unending?  Be in spiritual or physical—the cost of freedom is to give one’s life for the sake of another. Without freedom nothing can become what it should be and all pursuits for any advancement is deemed futile.

The voices of those who cried out and fought for freedom before us—still echoes to every wall of a human heart. Their fight for freedom became our freedom today.

In the history of mankind—there is nothing for which nations have made great sacrifices except for the sacrifice of freedom. Slavery is the lowest state into which any man can fall—for in it man can no longer live out self-determination.

I have seen people come to America from all over the world in search of freedom.  Patrick Henry and alike had fought for freedom. The Pilgrims came to America for religious freedom. With a heart that is always broken before the LORD, I considered myself a pilgrim—as a pilgrim of my LORD and Savior Jesus Christ because of what He has done, and not what I have done—I can testify to that freedom. Each person or nation shares her own history of freedom and liberation against tyranny and bondage, although revolts and chaos may have abound, and hearts and minds may have been clouded and fenced with fears and doubts of whether or not to behold the beauty of a new day—and yet the quest for freedom and peace is deeply carved in the heart of those who have truly desired to be free. It is costly! Freedom is bought with a price. For physical freedom, it costs the lives of those who have gone before you and me. While it costs the only begotten Son of God to free us, for once and for all, from the bondage of sin that grips so tightly in the very core of a man's heart.  While we are enjoying the byproduct of that precious jewel—that each and everyone of us have unceasingly been pursuing and fighting, it is undeniable that this freedom—we all so enjoy at this present time is endangered.  Nevertheless, I found true freedom when I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ in 1998 and made Him as my Lord and Personal Savior—I received Jesus Christ Himself and not religion.  I have been set free for once and for all.  I am no longer bound by the law of sin and death—no more rituals, no more creeds, no more lengthy memorized repetitive prayers. No more man made religion. There is nothing more I need to do—because Christ paid it ALL at the Cross on Calvary.  It's done!  No matter what will happen in the future, I know that I belong to Christ eternally. I am homebound to Heaven.

"knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot." (1 Peter 1:18-19)

While freedom is the most profound need of this life. But there is a Freedom that surpasses all freedom known to mankind.  God in His Word, considered “freedom” as the greatest gift any child of God can obtain through the redemptive grace of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.  The Redeemer of mankind has nailed all the sins of the world through His death on the Cross almost 2,000 years ago—freedom from the law of sin and death.

Any person who has a Personal Relationship with Jesus Christ is deemed absolutely free!

“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36)

... America, Bless God

It is He that hath made us

And not we ourselves

Every blessing that we own

Is a mercy from His throne

America, Bless God ...

💓💓💓

Heavenly Father, through Your precious Son, our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ, THANK YOU for the FREEDOM You have blessed us, though this freedom that we all so enjoy at this present time may not be forever, but I know that You are eternal, Your Holy presence will never cease, for You dwell in Heaven and Your kingdom rules over all. You are forever. No one can prevail against You. I praise You and bless Your Holy Name! Thank You for the death on the Cross of the LORD Jesus Christ, who gave the ultimate and absolute freedom for salvation to anyone who believes in His Name! America bless GOD! In Jesus Name, I honor and pray to Thee. Amen.