God's Son Has Made us Free

We as a nation cherish our freedom. The Israelites likewise were tremendously proud that they were Abraham’s children. However, Jesus wants us all to know that we have a freedom more basic than this. In this week’s sermon we ask, when are we really free?

Scripture: John 8:31-36
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?”
Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if a Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon “You Will Be Free“ delivered on Christian Crusaders October 31, 1999.

Jesus is not looking for short term followers. Note Jesus' word, abiding. This means we faithfully read and obey the Bible for it is our authority in matters of faith and life. These quiet moments with God’s Word are our daily visits with God through which He speaks to us. He will not only teach us the truth but will also empower us to live according to the truth, which in turn will make us free. In Christ we become new people, and a part of that newness is freedom.

Sharing the Good News
If you know anyone who might benefit from the Gospel-based messages available on Christian Crusaders, let them know about the ministry. Anyone in the country can listen anytime on ChristianCrusaders.org. Members of a church small group, a relative in a nursing home, a neighbor going through a difficult time . . . inviting any of them to listen might be a real blessing in their lives.

On the Light Side
Few people outside the military know what a Navy Quartermaster does (several duties include the watch-to-watch navigation and the maintenance of nautical charts and navigational instruments as well as duties that used to be part of the Signalman rating: visual communications).

So during my aircraft carrier’s Family Day, I demonstrated a procedure called semaphore. I grabbed my flags and signaled an imaginary boat. When finished, I pointed to a little girl in front and asked, “Now do you know what I do?”

“Yes,” she answered. “You’re a cheerleader.”

The program "God's Son Has Made us Free" will air Sunday, October 25, 2009. Visit http://www.christiancrusaders.org/ for radio stations and times, or to listen online.