June Newsletter- Having Freedom, but Not Knowing We are Free

Galatians 5:1 NKJV

1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.

After four years of the bloodiest war in US history, the Civil War came to a close. One of the outcomes of the Civil War was the Emancipation Proclamation. President Abraham Lincoln announced that all persons in the United States were free, thereby abolishing the woes of slavery. While many rejoiced at the freedom of all people, world traveled slow in those days. President Lincoln freed all slaves as of January 1, 1863. However, the Civil War dragged on for another two years, ending on May 9, 1865. Upon peace treaty, the United States was to become a nation where all people could enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. However, it was not until June 19, 1865 that the last group of enslaved people in Texas learned of their freedom. For a short time, there were free people who still acted and believed they were slaves.

Over 2,000 years ago, there was another emancipation, another moment where freedom became a reality. Jesus shed His blood, the most precious blood in all of history. His purpose was to win the war the enemy waged. Now, because of Jesus’ sacrifice, anyone can experience freedom over sin. However, the enemy would like to keep people ignorant to the life-saving and liberating power of God. Therefore, there are many who have freedom, but do not know they are free. The reason for the cross and the blood was so that God’s people could experience genuine freedom over the enemy’s tactics and attacks. As followers of Christ, we must always remember that Jesus set us free. Not partially, but completely and wonderfully free. Therefore, when the enemy creeps in unaware to remind us of our past sins and mistakes, we have hope. We have freedom.

As followers of Christ, we must remember when the enemy wages war against our soul, we do not have to submit to his tactics. We have freedom, and we should remind ourselves often, God has set me free, and I will live and walk in the freedom of Christ.