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On July 4, 1776 the Thirteen Colonies of America declared its independence. Every July 4th since then we have celebrated the personal, economic, political, and religious freedom that has grown out of that Declaration of Independence.

But are you really free? Sure, you have the freedom to work at the job you choose and to enjoy your favorite hobby. You may enjoy the freedom to operate a business or run for public office. You have the freedom to marry, raise a family, and buy a home. You also have the freedom to worship or not to worship as you choose. Yet even with all this freedom of self-expression, you may not be truly free. How can this be? You can be without the inner joy of heart that makes freedom of expression so wonderful. You see, Jesus said, “Everyone who commits [practices] sin is the slave of sin” (John 8:34). No slave is truly free.

However, Jesus Christ came into the world to break the reigning power of sin over human lives. When Jesus Christ breaks the ruling power of sin, you actually are free to express all that is good and healthy and joyous. You are free to follow God. This is why the Bible says, “It was for freedom that Christ set us free” (Galatians 5:1). Learn about Christ and really celebrate freedom.