June 12 we celebrate our country’s Independence Day. We don’t want to take for granted those who shed sweat, blood and tears to gain our freedom. And we thank them for that. But are we really free? Sad to say the freedom is only skin-deep, so to speak. People are still bound to a greater enemy within – sin. The issue is not the color of the skin but the sin within. And it’s because of that, the Bible tells us that man is an enemy of God, separated from His life and lost. And the enemy of our soul, the Devil, has him in his grasp!

…He gave His Son Jesus Christ to die in our place on the cross of Calvary to reconcile us back to Him…

This is why in a free nation evil still continues to wreak havoc in the lives of men and women. That’s why in spite of man’s effort to improve himself and his surroundings – with the latest technology, man-made programs or what have you, it remains the same. Society’s ills are traced back to the heart of man. The heart of the matter is the matter of the heart. Wherever you go, whatever time period you live in, styles may change, fads come and go – the heart remains the same. It still is deceitful above all things. Who can cure it (Jer.17:9)? Unless the heart is truly freed from the power and influence of sin, there could be no real independence of the soul.

Now, one may say, “Me, a prisoner? I’m free to do what I want!” But Jesus put it this way, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin” (John 8:34John 8:34
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.  

WP-Bible plugin). If you have chosen to live your life disobeying God’s commands, you’re a slave. The good news is God has not totally left man alone. He Himself provided a way for him to be truly free. It cost Him greatly. He gave His Son Jesus Christ to die in our place on the cross of Calvary to reconcile us back to Him. Through Christ’s death and resurrection He purchased freedom for us.

How is this possible? When we put our faith in Jesus Christ He gives us new heart and changes us from within. He gives us new desires, new way of thinking, and a new way of living. And being so affects and influences the environment we are in. Oh what an impact we can make when we live up to our calling – pointing people to the One who can truly set people free. For whom the Son has set free – is free indeed. Let us call out men and women to this freedom we know. Let’s bring them to the feet of our Savior the bondage-breaker!

True freedom—spiritual freedom—is found only in knowing Jesus Christ. This freedom can never be taken away; this freedom is not limited by race, nationality, or social status; this freedom is available to all who choose to follow Christ. Are you among those who are “free indeed”? If not, I encourage you to ask Jesus to break the chains that bind you. If you already have found freedom in Christ, take a moment this morning to thank Him for liberating you from the bondage of sin and your past!

In one sense this was the “cry” or the motto of the recent celebration of People Power 1 Revolution anniversary last Thursday. Never again that dictatorship would rule the country. Never again that the nation will suffer in the hands of a dictator. Never again that democracy will be silenced and never again that tyranny would open its iron hands and spreads its claws. What it’s saying is simply: “Be vigilant, protect our freedom for blood had been shed to gain what we have today!”

I remember Paul the apostle’s battle cry - but it was a different battle: - “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery (Gal.5:1).” Paul wrote this to the Galatians to defend the truth of the Gospel. Some false teachers had invaded the churches of Galatia — churches Paul had founded — - and were teaching a different message from that which Paul had taught. They were spreading a “false gospel” which is a mixture of Law and Grace. They say that for a gentile (or non-Jew) to be found righteous and acceptable before God, they are to add to their faith in Christ the rituals and practices of Judaism. They add “something” to the finished work of Christ. Paul fought against this and maintained that man is not justified by observing the Law, but by faith in Jesus Christ…because by observing the law (trying to earn your way to heaven by your own efforts or trying to establish your own righteousness by following the 10 commandments,etc..) no one will be justified (Gal.2:16).”

…Never again for Jesus, our “freedom fighter” has set you free. And if the Son has set you free, you are free indeed (John 8:36John 8:36
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.  

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In fact, Paul added, “You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace (Gal.5:4).” Now, as this was a great concern to Paul, it is still to us today. For many will tell you that trusting in Jesus Christ alone for your salvation is not enough; you are to “do” something also by performing good deeds. Good deeds are good if it’s the fruit of our faith in Christ, but if we present this “good deeds” to God as a basis for righteousness (or having a right standing before God), it’s like filthy rags to Him (Isa.64:6).”

You don’t have to make yourself nice, nor lovable for God to save you, for while you are yet a sinner He died for you (Rom.5:8)! You don’t have to do something to make God accept you - You are already accepted in Christ when you believe. And because of what Jesus has done for us - setting us free from the penalty and the power of sin, don’t let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey it’s evil desires (read Rom.6:11-14).

Never again go back to “religion of works” that makes you a slave to sin. Never again that sin becomes your master which leads to death. Never again go back to the old fleshly ways which you are now ashamed of. Never again turn back to that path filled with emptiness, despair and hopelessness. Never again for Jesus, our “freedom fighter” has set you free. And if the Son has set you free, you are free indeed (John 8:36John 8:36
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.  

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Already some parts of the country are affected by the El Nino phenomenon. The dry spell has reduced water supplies and caused sporadic electricity blackouts in some parts of Luzon. Newspaper reports said many farmers have been forced to stop planting because of a lack of water. Indeed lack of water causes things to dry and die. But there’s another kind of dry spell that all people experience – even Christians – the dryness of the soul!

David, experiencing the same wrote, “ As the deer pants for streams of water, my soul thirst for You, oh God (Psa.42:1).” I read something about some characteristics of a deer particularly when he is thirsty. When a deer is thirsty, he will run full speed until he finds some water. When he finally finds it, he will stick his face into the cool stream, forgetting everything else around him. This is unusual for deer because they are normally very alert and cautious. But, when they’re panting, they’ll do almost anything to quench their thirst.

During drought conditions deer will alter their daily routine to make sure they can find water. Whenever a deer senses danger, it will run to a stream. Most hunters think the deer is trying to avoid leaving a scent. The deer, however, seeks water for a different reason. When a deer is retreating from an enemy, it develops a tremendous thirst. Fear and the physical strain of running create a strong desire for water. The Psalmist is picturing himself like a deer that is on the run in desperate search of refreshment.

…Everyone who drinks of this water shall thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life (Jn.4:13-14)…..

Beloved, when we are down and despairing of hope, needing of refreshment, the only place to go to is God. As thirst draws a deer to streams, so thirst in our hearts is designed to draw us to God. When all else fail, God satisfies. Our longing for God cannot be satisfied by anything else.

What about money? Christina Onassis, the daughter of wealthy Aristotle Onassis said, “Happiness is not based on money, and the greatest proof of that is my family.” What about success? Pop-star Madonna, when asked the question, “are you a happy person?” Replied, “I’m a tormented person. I have a lot of demons I’m wrestling with. But I want to be happy.” Comedian Eddie Murphy said, “I feel something’s missing… No matter how much money you make, or how many cars or houses you have, or how many people you make happy, life isn’t perfect for anybody.”

Jesus said, “Everyone who drinks of this water shall thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life (Jn.4:13-14).” Jesus is saying to many people today, “Your thirst has been misplaced, the answer to your soul’s thirst is Me. One drink and you’ll never thirst again.” His water is the water of eternal life. You may be here this morning and you’ve drunk from many wells (religion, career, relationships, things) and remained thirsty. Take your thirst to Jesus today and ask for His living water! It is free, it is refreshing, it’s rejuvenating, it is yours! Simply ask Him and He will fill you!

It’s the Day of Love they say. Sad that many people mistake love with lust. And if love is discussed with God in the equation, still, the definition is inaccurate. We have a picture of love — and of God’s love in particular — that is shallow and sloppy. We assume that God is nothing but love, and we assume that love is nothing but niceness. We’d like to think God won’t condemn anything that makes us happy, and we’d also like to think God would never deliberately send any problems and pains into our lives that would make us unhappy. But according to the Bible, God does condemn many things that we might enjoy, and God does allow sorrow and suffering. So either God is not very loving, or else His love isn’t the way we often picture it.

…God’s love is unconditional in the sense that it’s not based on what we do to earn it….

Sometimes God’s love is said to be unconditional. In one sense that’s true, but it can also be misunderstood. God’s love is unconditional in the sense that it’s not based on what we do to earn it. When we come to Jesus for salvation, the Lord will forgive any sin, even the worst, and receive us as we are, for the sake of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. But sometimes we talk about “unconditional love” not as a love which can forgive our evil, but a love which doesn’t care about our evil, not as a love that receives us as we are but a love that leaves us as we are.

That’s not how God’s love works. God’s love has a goal. God may love you in spite of your evil, but He will not approve of your evil or allow it to go unchallenged or unchanged. When God gets hold of you, He changes you. The Lord receives you as you are, but He loves you so much that He will not leave you as you are! If Jesus loved you enough to die for you, then He loves you enough to work on you and move you toward His goal for you. The Bible says, “Our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ … gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good” (Titus 2:14Titus 2:14
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.  

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Love’s goal is that we be pure and eager to do good. And love will do whatever it takes to achieve that goal. Jesus left the perfect happiness of heaven and endured the most horrible suffering to bring us back to Him. So don’t be shocked if the Lord allows you to be unhappy at times, if He command some things you don’t enjoy or puts you through experiences that hurt. The love of Jesus is not a sloppy sentiment that says, “I just want for you whatever makes you happy, sweetie pie.” No. Jesus’ love is gentle yet strong.

In the long run, God does intend to make His people happy — but He intends to make us happy in being holy. So until we are as pure as God wants us to be, until we delight in the things that delight God, God doesn’t necessarily want us to be happy. Holiness comes before happiness on God’s agenda for you and me. This is the holy love of God for His chosen ones. A love springing from the depths of eternity, a love displayed in the death of Jesus Christ, a love which has paid the ultimate price to have us. A love which will do whatever it takes, to transform and purify us so that we are, in the words of Paul in Ephesians 5:27Ephesians 5:27
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.  

WP-Bible plugin, “radiant… without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.”

A week ago my Computer desktop broke. It’s an unpleasant reminder that things do break. No matter how you take good care of it…eventually it will break. Everything is broken. Broken bottles, broken switches, broken gates, broken parts. Streets are filled with broken hearts. Broken words, never meant to be spoken. Broken bodies, broken bones, broken voices on broken phones. Everything is broken. Broken treaties, broken vows, broken hands on broken plows. Broken pipes, broken tools, people bending broken rules. Everything is broken.

Broken is not a pleasant word for us, because the images are repulsive and makes us feel uncomfortable. Because it is no good, it is damaged, it is worthless. You don’t value broken toys or cars. You want something that works. There are many causes for brokenness like failing health, forced change, broken relationships, job loss, death of a loved one, unforgiveness, war, divorce, fears, addictions, bankruptcy, suffering, clinical depression, violence and loss of self-esteem. We indeed live in a broken world – broken, due to man’s breaking of his relationship to God. It’s called sin! The Bible says sin separates us from God; sin breaks man’s relationship with God. And so everything becomes broken.

What’s the solution? His Son Jesus had to be broken…to make us whole again! There at the cross, held by nails, a crown of thorns on His head, and blood oozing from His beaten down body, the Son of God broken for us. By His brokenness we have been made complete! Complete in Him (Col.2:10). What does that mean?

It means that He is Sufficient for our Salvation and for life. He is the only one who could supply the perfect life that was needed. He is the only one who could supply the perfect righteousness (or right living) that would be applied to our account. Jesus is the only one who’s life and position is valuable enough to secure the salvation of anyone who would believe in Him. Jesus took our place. He took the penalty that we deserved. Many of you may be here today because you are trying to live a better life. You are hoping that by doing some good things you might be able to squeeze into Heaven by the skin of your teeth. You see involvement in the church or going to church as the key to eternity.
No. We need nothing more than Christ! The work is accomplished. He did what we could not. He did not do the job part way. His sacrifice is sufficient for your salvation! Yes, no matter what you have done in the past, no matter what your feelings tell you, no matter what your family and friends say, what Jesus did for you is enough. It is sufficient for you to be saved, and for you to know His fullness in your life. He offers you eternal life. What you must do is trust Him. It’s more than reciting the truth or saying a prayer. It’s more than having an experience. It is a matter of placing all your confidence for eternity on what Christ has done for you. It’s saying, “Lord, I cannot be good enough. I know that on my own I can never be “saved”. Today I believe, cling to, and rely on your promise that if I would believe, I would be saved.” The key question is this: Do you believe the promise? He has done enough. His sacrifice is sufficient. Will you trust Him?

You can’t help but feel angry, troubled, upset, and sad about the tragic massacre in Maguindanao. The brutal murder of 57 people has plunged our country into a state of sadness and utter disbelief: How could someone do such a thing? Is there anything that could have been done to prevent it? What is happening to our society? Why is there so much evil in this world? The inability of some to reconcile the existence of a loving God with that of an evil and depraved world is one of the primary reasons why many reject the message of the Bible. However while this tragedy will prompt some to question the existence of God, in truth, it is only by turning to God that any real answers can be found.

…When we trust God and choose to follow Him, our suffering is not in vain…

The Bible teaches that God created the whole universe. He created our world and everything in it, but the world He created was very different from the world we live in today. Genesis 1:31Genesis 1:31
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. And the evening…: Heb. And the evening was, and the morning was etc.  

WP-Bible plugin says that “God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good.” However when Adam and Eve disobeyed God everything changed, sin and death entered into the world – and into the heart of man. God created man with a free will - the ability to make choices. He could have made us like robots, pre-programmed to love and obey Him. Instead He gave us a choice, because He wanted us to come to Him willingly. Mankind suffers because of its sin, and it is because of our sin that we are separated from God, who is perfect and holy. However there is hope.

The Bible says that everyone has sinned, that the punishment for sin is death (both physical and spiritual), and that our sin separates us from God. Furthermore, there is nothing we can do to obtain the holiness (or perfection) necessary to enter into God’s presence. Left to ourselves, without God’s intervention, we are hopeless. However because God loves us, He has graciously given us a way out of our predicament. He provided us with a substitute, Jesus Christ, who was perfect and blameless, to take our place and bear the punishment for our sins. Because He died for us, we can be forgiven.

When we trust God and choose to follow Him, our suffering is not in vain. The Bible says that God uses trials and obstacles to teach us and draw us closer to Him. Yes, closer and closer…until we finally see Him face to face and leave this world of sin. But in the meantime we’re here to represent the Lord – to love and to care, and to preach the gospel in an uncompromising boldness. When I see tragedy like this, more and more I’m reminded that man’s heart is indeed evil and the only solution isn’t a social program, isn’t a political reform, not even a higher education – but Jesus Christ. When the love of Jesus invades and permeates any one’s heart, that life will never be the same again! I know…for He did it to me!

Let the love of God in Christ fill your whole being today. Let Him touch you again…so that you can be His hand to touch others throughout this week until He returns!

Not as a façade, not a pretension, nor a “Sunday smile” mask I wear, it’s real. Let me tell you why. As I hear people begin their countdown to Christmas, and indeed it is near, I wonder if it still matter to many – if it still brings joy. Would carolers sing “Joy to the world” with real joy flooding their hearts? Is joy supposed to be once a year experience? With all the different things going on in the world today (mostly bad news), can people experience true joy? And the answer is Yes!

…Our joy increases in direct proportion to our intimacy with Christ…

Joy—it makes people wonder at your secret. Yet joy is no secret to the trusting Christian. When we choose to grow closer to God, resting in His character and provision, joy spills over into our lives so that others can’t help but notice. Do you want to be a person of joy? Silly question, isn’t it? We would love to live above our circumstances. Or have a great attitude. Or laugh a lot. But joy goes beyond all these things. Let’s learn from God’s Word the lovely facets of joy:

1. Joy is the fruit of God’s Spirit. More than a great attitude or an unconquerable spirit, joy comes from God (Galatians 5:22Galatians 5:22
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  

WP-Bible plugin). Our joy increases in direct proportion to our intimacy with Christ. And when sin keeps us from that relationship, it also robs us of our joy (Psalm 51:8, 12Psalm 51:8, 12
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8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. ¹² Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.  

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2. Joy doesn’t depend on circumstances. Paul wrote Philippians—often called “the book of joy”—from a jail cell. He was criticized, tired, and misunderstood. But instead of allowing his horrible circumstances to choke out God’s Word and God’s Spirit (as Mark 4:19Mark 4:19
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. lusts: or, inordinate desires  

WP-Bible plugin describes they often can), Paul chose to concentrate on the joy of knowing Christ (Philippians 2:17Philippians 2:17
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. offered: Gr. poured forth  

WP-Bible plugin). Next time you read Philippians, picture Paul’s jail cell … and his face.

3. Joy is a choice. “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials” (James 1:2James 1:2
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; temptation: or, trials  

WP-Bible plugin). Here’s the reality—read it carefully. Life’s painful trials are not joyous in themselves, but when we walk through them, we should be filled with joy. Why? Because of the good God is developing in us and in the situation. We can know real joy while in the scariest storm when we fill our minds and hearts with truth about God.

Joy becomes a transaction between you and God that others can’t help but notice. It’s God’s life spilling over the brim of your life and into others’ lives. When you trust Christ with the details of your life, you experience His life in wonderful excess, and it can’t help but give you reason to smile.