“Let Freedom Reign”               

 Romans 6:6-7

Our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin

might lose its power in our lives.  We are no longer slaves to sin. 

For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin.  (NLT)

     The word “old” that the apostle Paul is alluding to does not mean something that is old in years, but rather something which is worn out, useless, and in need of being replaced.  And since we are united with Christ by faith, His death and resurrection become ours as well.  Our old ways of thinking and living die on the Cross when we accept Jesus as our Savior, and we are born again into a life that is new and washed clean of sin.  We receive a new and better Way of living that was once hidden from our understanding and with our new understanding comes godly living with eternal value.  But along with this new life we must stay connected to God and aware of your sinful nature, for although your old self has died and the power of sin has been broken, our nature to sin remains until that glorious day when we are fully sanctified in Christ Jesus.  But we can remain confident that our record is clean and we have the resurrection power of God to keep us clean and forgiven. 

     This incredible gift of regeneration surpasses any gift this world has to offer, for when we die with Christ, He raises us above the shame and guilt and fear that once held us captive and addicted to sin.    Jesus' death and resurrection removes these burdens that weight us down so we can focus on what is good and honorable and pleasing to God so we can enjoy life, rather than living in defeat and shame.  Our God is a saving God.  He is the Savior who purchased your Way back into God's Holy Presence. Christ is your only Hope, for without the Savior this world would remain in the dark and so would you.  You have been offered the Light, my friend, accept it, relish it, and rejoice in it.  Never be ashamed of it and share it with those who are still desperately searching for hope and finding none.

                          A Whisper of Hope

Rise up, dear one...Don’t allow this fallen world keep you down.  Become a servant of righteousness, not of sin.  For I will give you eternal purpose and free you from the power of sin and the fear of death.  Although the journey up is much more difficult than the journey down, the up journey leads to eternal life and joy.  The down journey ends in eternal darkness and pain.

Ezekiel 36:26-27

And I will give you a new heart with new and right desires, and I will put a

new spirit in you.  I will take out your stony heart of sin and give you a new, 

obedient heart.  And I will put My Spirit in you so you will obey my laws and 

do whatever I command.  (NLT)

                                             

                    You are my refuge and my shield; 

                Your Word is my only source of hope.

                                  (Psalm 119:114)