On the Cross, Jesus stretched out His arms between heaven and hell and said, “This is how much I love you,” and died for the sins of the world. God gives man the freedom to choose heaven or hell, life or death. There is coming a day when God will consummate His longsuffering and patience with demonic hatred and human corruption. When Christ returns, He will put an end to evildoers. He will bring judgment and justice. Man will turn swords into plowshares.

Until that time of peace God has ordained human government as “His ministers” for executing His wrath and judgment upon evil. (See Romans 1-4) We are to pray for governments and those charged with preserving and protecting our freedom and justice that a “quiet and peaceable life” might be gained in our society. (1 Timothy 2:1-3) The church must fight a spiritual battle through intercessory prayer and uphold those who serve our country in the many capacities of selflessness and bravery.

This Veterans Day, November 11th, let’s honor those veterans of war who fought and are now fighting to preserve our freedom. Let’s pray for God’s protection and wisdom and strength for those who are now on active duty.

For more than 200 years, Americans have wrestled with what role the government has in the light of our strong beliefs in freedom. Last century’s Cold War was mostly about the balance between individual freedom and government authority. Communists argued that a central command structure was more reasonable and that everyone could benefit if a select group had all the power.

Most Western nations took the opposite view. We said if people were allowed to be free, with as little central control as possible, they would improve themselves. We believe that when individuals are given freedom to improve their own lives, then the entire group is improved.

It became obvious that the centrally controlled system stifled innovation and productivity, resulting in poverty and social ills. Those who promoted personal freedom saw the human spirit become creative, innovative and productive. The standard of living for all their citizens increased. Other nations still see our country as a land of opportunity.

God created man to be free and gave him a free will. Man chose to sin and sin leads to bondage and death. Jesus Christ came to set us free from the “law of sin and death.” “…For if through the offense of one (Adam), many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift of grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded to many.” (Romans 5:15; 6:6-11,23) True lasting freedom is found in Christ Jesus. “If the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36)

Have you been set free? You can be. You can have a personal relationship with God through His only begotten Son.

A - Admit you have sinned. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

B - Believe in Jesus. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

C - Confess and leave your sin. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)