FREEDOM
1. There is a spiritual WAR being waged for the soul of the US
a.1963, Madalyn Murray O’Hair won a lawsuit against the Baltimore School System, which voted in her favor 8-1 to ban school prayer and label it “unconstitutional”
b. In 1973 Roe VS Wade the supreme court decided that restricting abortion is unconstitutional
c. June 26, 2015 the supreme court attempted to redefine marriage as it legalized same-sex marriages
d. Political Correctness has invaded our culture in the US. Now we are supposed to observe gender correctness as there is supposedly more than 50 gender identities
e. The worldly philosophy behind political correctness is ACCEPTANCE and TOLERANCE
f. Even though the enemy is selling Tolerance and Acceptance Americans are more divided than ever. Divided along party lines, along lines of race, along gender lines
g. As Christ followers, we are viewed as narrow-minded and intolerant Christianity is inclusive John 3:16
h. The true intent behind political correctness and tolerance is an attempt at RATIONALIZING SIN
i. RATIONALIZING SIN hardens the heart moving the individual deeper in sin
j. We may try to rationalize our sin however what is right and what is wrong is not something we can change
k. Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places
2. Sometimes you have to win the battle within before you can win the war.
a. WW1 100,000 American servicemen paid the ultimate price, WW2 400,000 Americans paid the ultimate price, Vietnam 58,000 paid the ultimate price
b. The greatest loss of life occurred because of the war against OURSELVES. In the civil war, 620,000 Americans lost their lives
c. Romans 7:14-15 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do
d. Romans 7:14-15 is Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus
3. There is a WAR being waged for the Church of The Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
a. Jesus did not come preaching politics or tolerance He preached the Kingdom of God and repentance
b. As you listen to preachers realize it’s not so much about what you hear, it’s about what you don’t hear
c. Churches no longer talk about sin, are afraid to talk about hell. Don’t encourage people to bring their bibles to church, many do not have altar calls Many do not talk about THE BLOOD SACRIFICE OF JESUS CHRIST
d. Ephesians 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood. Hebrews 13:12 And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through His own blood
e. SIN is a terrible reality that calls for a terrible cure
f. The BLOOD SACRIFICE of Jesus Christ is a truth that is foundational to our faith
4. The Old Covenant Worshipper
a. Leviticus 17:11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul
b. Blood was reserved for a holy purpose
c. The animal’s blood being sprinkled on the altar symbolized the animal’s life is given to God instead of the sinner’s life to appease the wrath of God
d. The Israelites were commanded to paint the blood of the Passover lamb on their doorposts and the death angel would pass over their households
e. The burning of the animal’s flesh on the altar completed the sacrifice, as a result, the worshipper was symbolically covered/atoned for from the wrath of God
f. Hebrews 10:1 for the law having a SHADOW of the good things to come and NOT the very image of the things can never with these same sacrifices which they offer continually year by year make those who approach perfect
g. The purpose of the law
The law is a revelation of God’s righteous character
The law exposes sin
The law cannot save anyone
5. The New Covenant Worshipper
a. Matthew 26:28 For this is My blood of the NEW TESTAMENT covenant which is shed for many for the remission of sins
What can wash away my sin nothing but the blood of Jesus What can make me whole again nothing but the blood of
b. Jesus Oh precious is the flow that makes me white as snow no other fount I know nothing but the blood of Jesus
One who writes a will or a testament is referred to as a testator
c. A will does not go into effect until the death of the testator
d. Through His death, we enter into a covenant relationship with God The Father
Covenant Relationship: The Lord takes 100% of the responsibility in His covenant relationship with you. It is an unbreakable bond. You can be secure in your relationship with the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
e. Old Covenant ATONEMENT = the worshipper was covered over
f. New Covenant JUSTIFIED = like we have never sinned declared innocent
g. The New Covenant is better than the old
h. Since the Price has been paid we have freedom from sin in Jesus