Freedom Requires Faith

6.29.25

Last week - do we remember our Freedom

This week - do we recognize our Freedom

You cannot appreciate what you do not value

You cannot value something that you do not recognize

June 19, 1865 Galveston, many did not recognize Freedom

A

They did not understand freedom

Some wondered aimlessly

Some were troubled and worried about their new condition, WHY?

They KNEW slavery - did not RECOGNIZE Freedom

Cannot happen to us?

Exodus 1:8-14

Israel - God's people - KNEW slavery

KNEW slavery and WANTED Freedom

Exodus 4:29-31

But, What would freedom look like? How do I recognize it?

Recognize its elements - what is required

Freedom required Faith, Effort and Patience.

Freedom was in God's hands.

I. Freedom requires FAITH

Exodus 6:1-8 Israel, HE will Free You

Did they recognize God's power - Exodus 6:9

Did Moses recognize God's power - Exodus 6:12

Freedom will require FAITH

Jesus gives us freedom that will require FAITH

John 14:1-7

Jesus told them to Believe - to have FAITH

Friendship - have FAITH

Friendship - Freedom requires FAITH

II. Freedom will require EFFORT

Lean into that Faith

Act on Faith - take the first step

Peter stepped out of the boat

Andrew, James and John left their nets

Matthew left his tax booth

A woman poured the bottle of perfume

Joseph of Arimathea asked for the body

Mary and Martha went to the tomb

All made efforts - what of me?

Matthew 25:34-40 DO somthing

James 2:14-19 FAITH with DEEDS

Freedom requires FAITH and Freedom requires EFFORT

III. Freedom requires patience

Patience with God -

Genesis 6 Noah labored years

Abraham wandered for years

Joseph was a slave for years

Israel was not free in Egypt for 400 years

Did they pray for Freedom - sure

Did God promise them Freedom - yes

Did God tell them when? - no

Freedom requires patience.

Did the prophets say Jesus would come - yes

Did he preach the Good News like prophesied - yes

Did he die as prophesied - yes

Died for MY sins - as prophesied - yes

Can I KNOW that he is coming back - yes

Can I know WHEN? - no

Matthew 24:4-14, 42 - end

June 29, 2025

Between Juneteenth - Freedom Day and July 4, Freedom day for USA

Jesus offers us Freedom - Will You Recognize it?

Look for its characteristics

Freedom requires FAITH, EFFORT and PATIECE

In sin you are a slave

Do you recognize your slavery

Jesus died to make you free - to give you FREEDOM

Do you recognize your freedom

Freedom requires FAITH, EFFORT, PATIECE

Have Faith in Jesus

Make the effort to confess, repent and be baptized

Have patience with yourself, your brothers and Jesus to return

Come to Freedom as we sing