LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL: FREE TO OBEY

Our sermon series “Liberty and Justice for All” continues to build upon the simple fact that we cannot have a genuine freedom without virtue (truth, goodness, love, and loyalty).  If this is true, then we have to recognize that freedom grows through the right kind of obedience.  Jesus, in John 8:31-42, talks about God’s desire to set us free.  One of the best-known verses is “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32 NIV) It seems that every day in this pandemic we are searching for the truth, because we know it has the power to set us free.  Sometimes, it seems that all of human history is defined by our search for the truth.  Jesus helps us to find the truth that truly frees us.  In the sermon, “Free to Obey,” we discover there is great power in our choices.  Our choices determine if we have genuine freedom or if we are actually enslaved to our selfish human nature.  As you read John 8:31-42, we pray that you will sense the chains of despair and darkness that are being broken through the good news of God’s truth!  John 8:31-42 Even as he spoke, many believed in him. 31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 33 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?” 34 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. 37 I know that you are Abraham’s descendants. Yet you are looking for a way to kill me, because you have no room for my word. 38 I am telling you what I have seen in the Father’s presence, and you are doing what you have heard from your father. ” 39 “Abraham is our father,” they answered. “If you were Abraham’s children,” said Jesus, “then you would do what Abraham did. 40 As it is, you are looking for a way to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things. 41 You are doing the works of your own father.” “We are not illegitimate children,” they protested. “The only Father we have is God himself.” 42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on my own; God sent me.” (NIV)