As I write this, our nation is approaching another birthday. On July 4, 1776, our nation declared independence from the oppression of British rule. On our calendars, July 4th is designated as Independence Day. People from other nations look to America with envy, desiring the very freedom that Americans take for granted.
There is a real spiritual battle going on in our land today. The forces of evil are working to destroy the concept and reality of truth in our society. The very freedom our nation was founded upon is based upon truth. Now the concept of truth is being eradicated from our country. The very truth that liberates souls is hated and despised by those who need freedom the most.
I live in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia. It is a beautiful state. Yet many residents here live in bondage to drugs. Substance abuse is a major issue that is destroying lives here. The answer for the opioid crisis here in our area is found in Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Truth brings freedom. For those who are enslaved to sin, substances and shame, the freedom they desperately need is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Avoiding the truth is a common, but harmful reaction. Others hate the truth and violently seek to destroy it. The truth may hurt, but the pain it may bring is the first step in the healing process.
When you have a health problem, you go to the doctor to find out what is wrong and hopefully receive medication to resolve the problem. The doctor's diagnosis is key to recovery. A wrong diagnosis may make your condition worse. When we have a health scare, we want good news from the doctor when he reveals his diagnosis. However, good news is not really good news if his diagnosis is wrong. You see, if you are given the truth by the doctor, even bad news may work for your benefit, if it leads to proper treatment.
The reason mankind struggles so much is that we reject God's diagnosis of our problem. His diagnosis is very clear: we have a terminal disease called sin. Rather than receiving this diagnosis, we reject it outright. Instead, we seek an easier and friendlier diagnosis. In doing so, we reject the truth and accept a lie.
Here's the problem, God's diagnosis is true. Furthermore, his diagnosis leads to good news that will bring positive change for our eternal good. Rejecting the truth is harmful to your soul because when you reject the diagnosis, you are also rejecting the cure. Believing and receiving the truth leads to freedom and joy.
Jesus said, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Notice that He didn't say, “... ye shall know about the truth...” Instead, in a very personal way, “... ye shall know the truth.” In John 14:6, Jesus said, “I am … the truth...” True freedom comes in knowing Jesus personally, loving Him supremely and trusting Him explicitly.
Furthermore, we are called live and walk in the light. As followers of Jesus, we are expected to know the truth and live by it. We need to repent of all forms of deceit, lies and sin. We should not resist the truth or run from it. Rather, we believe that the facts are our friends. We believe in a factual God. We believe in a real Jesus who came to give us genuine life. We rely on the trustworthy promises of God's Word and live thereby.
When we know the truth personally and intimately, we experience freedom. We celebrate liberty daily, not just on July 4th. We were once in sin's bondage, but now we have been set free by the power of God.
For those held captive by drugs, alcohol, illegal activities, and immoral living, the message of the cross is the solution that bring ultimate, eternal results. Through genuine repentance and personal faith in the crucified and risen Redeemer, freedom is a genuine reality. Jesus Christ sets captives free.
Know the truth today. Meet Jesus Christ and experience liberty & abundant life through Him!
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