Yesterday Americans celebrated Memorial Day, remembering those who died for the cause of freedom. In every war people fought to keep us free:

·         From oppression
·         From domination
·         From slavery
·         From communism, fascism, socialism, terrorism
·         From dictatorship and tyranny.
Yet the war continues without and within our own borders today.
Many suffered death or grievous loss for the cause of a peace that can be only temporary.
For that, we are grateful and honor their sacrifice and bravery on Memorial Day.

Christ died ONCE to give lasting freedom

·         From the tyranny of sin and death
·         From judgement and eternal destruction
·         From bondage and slavery to sin.
He suffered unjust agony, humiliation, the weight of the sin of the whole world, rejection of the Father, the penalty we all deserve.
And for that, we love and worship Him.

His is a lasting eternal peace:

·         The peace of God
·         Peace with God
·         And peace with one another.

We must never forget the sacrifice of those who fought for the freedoms we enjoy in America today. We must not dishonor them by trampling on those freedoms or by giving them away.

 

We must not forget that we are “One Nation under God” and that it is because of Him that we can have true freedom. We must not disparage the One who died to bring eternal peace to our souls, and hearts, and minds – the One who died once, declaring “It is finished” –the One who reconciled fallen humanity to our holy, righteous God. Let’s not dishonor Him by forgetting His sacrifice every day.

“It was for freedom that Christ set us free.” Galatians 5:1

“You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32
“I AM the way, the truth and the life.” John 14:6
“You were called to freedom.” Galatians 5:13
“…Free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:2

Thank you, God, for the freedoms we enjoy in our country. Thank you for those who sacrificed to keep us free. Thank you most of all for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross to atone for our sins and to reconcile us to God. Thank you that He rose again to guarantee our eternal life. Help us to walk in freedom today and always.  Amen.