LIBERTY FOR WHOM and FREEDOM FROM WHAT

From My Perspective - - -

Today marks the 236^th anniversary of the nation’s Independence and the embrace of freedom, liberty and justice for all. What’s your sense of how the Declaration of Independence is working for you today? Do you believe that it is considered to be relevant and functional within the diversified population that comprises our country today? Or, do you believe that the very principles upon which this nation asserted and declared itself are being eroded, redefined and reinterpreted? In today’s One News Now a “…legal expert warns that Americans' first freedom is under attack like we have never seen." This thought is expressed by Kelly Shackelford of Liberty Institute who says the Founding Fathers listed religious freedom first in the Constitution because without it, all the other freedoms would fall away.

He amplifies this thought by stating: "The fact that our religious freedoms are under attack like we have never seen in this country is really a wake-up call as we enter Fourth of July for Americans who really want to focus on the future of this country in making sure that this country remains free…” He asserts that “…some attacks currently afoot were most likely unforeseen by the founders. We're living in a time right now where the federal government, through the Department of Health and Human Services mandates…is literally ordering hundreds and thousands of religious institutions across the country to violate their faith…" He notes: "We've never had the federal government order religious institutions to violate their religious consciences and their faith. And that's just one of many examples -- whether it's the VA [Veterans Affairs) banning the mention of God at the military funerals; whether it's valedictorians being threatened with jail if they mention God, or churches forced to go to court to expand their sanctuaries or set up a church at a new location.” Infringement upon Freedom and Liberty is ongoing. The fact that it is more gradual than not should be a caution or red light that gives warning to the discerning in terms of the direction things are heading. The defenders of the gradualism will apply their labels – such as, “right wing conspiracy theorists.” Should this occur, one must remain undaunted and fully vigilant in terms of the cherished liberty and freedom that has been preserved purchased at such great cost through the blood and treasure of our brave forebears.

The other part of our focus should be on the purpose and mission of Jesus Christ. The prophecy in Isaiah 61:1-3 emphasizes His purpose and mission: “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion-- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor…” How do we know this is a prophecy about Jesus Christ and His purpose and mission? In Luke 4:17-21, Jesus claims this prophecy for Himself: “The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor. Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, and he began by saying to them, Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." 

A Declaration and Cautionary word is given to us in Galatians 5:1, “ It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” We are to represent Him and the freedom that can only be known by a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. There are no shortcuts – He is the only Way. Consider these things with me!