Summer Vibes OnlySample

FREEDOM COMES AT A PRICE

Every year, around the Fourth of July, you’ll see and hear the phrase, “Freedom isn’t free.” It’s true, many men and women put their lives on the line to protect the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. 

But there’s greater freedom we enjoy as believers and it, too, came at a price. Jesus bought our freedom from sin with His life. 

God loved you so much He sent His Son, Jesus, to pay the sin debt we could never pay and to show us how to live a life that honors God. Jesus took all of our sin, shame, and brokenness, so we don’t have to live in bondage to them ever again. 

If you want that kind of freedom, it’s easy. Romans 10:9 says, “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (NLT).

That’s it. Say it and believe it. 

You don’t have to worry about having all the answers or getting everything right. Instead, wake up every day and tell yourself, “I’m free.” Free to talk to God. Free to be different. Free to love others. Free to take risks, knowing there’s nothing you face that Jesus hasn’t already overcome. 

Following Jesus is a lifelong journey. The same way that it takes time for someone who lived in a dictatorship to get used to the freedom of a democracy, it takes time to understand and embrace all of the freedom you have in Christ. 

Just remember, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. So if you’re feeling shame, it’s not from God. And if what you’re feeling isn’t from God, you are free to tell it to go to hell. Because sin and shame have no hold on you anymore. 

Respond 

• Without salvation, there is no freedom. Have you asked Jesus into your life or declared Him Lord?


• Yes? That’s awesome! Take some time to thank Jesus for saving you. Ask the Holy Spirit to remind you where you were when Jesus rescued you so you can celebrate all that He’s done in you and through you. 


• If you want to make Jesus your Lord right now, use this prayer as a guide: 

"Jesus, I admit that I’ve fallen short. I’ve sinned and need your forgiveness. I believe that You lived, died and rose again so that I could be connected to God. I confess you as my Lord and commit my life to You. I give you my past, present and future. Take my life and use it. I give it to You. Amen."

If you prayed that prayer, tell your small group leader or someone you know who loves Jesus, so they can help you and celebrate with you.