The year is half over, and soon we will be celebrating Independence Day. So, it’s a good time to write about freedom because it’s deeply embedded in our country’s founding principles.
When we think of our freedom as citizens, there is no better place to look than the Bill of Rights, where we find the freedom of speech and the right to express our opinions without fear of punishment. And freedom of religion that grants us the ability to practice our faith without government prohibition. There is also freedom of assembly, press, and protection from tyranny.
Our forefathers fought with courage and conviction for the freedoms we have, which gives us the desire to celebrate and remember once a year.
As essential as these freedoms are, there is a type of freedom that is deeper, costlier, and more impactful on our lives, and that is freedom in Christ.
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” ~Galatians 5:1~
This freedom in Christ frees us from sin and guilt, and ultimately, it frees us from the fear of condemnation. It gives us the freedom to walk in a newness of life.
Even when the world seems chaotic or the details of our lives seem difficult, the freedom that Christ brings remains untouched by external circumstances.
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” ~John 16:33~
Here at the Mission, the men and women in our program discover what it means to live with this freedom.
It takes letting go of the old narratives that guided their lives. They may have said, “I’m hopeless,” “I’m lost without a purpose,” or “I’m unforgivable and will never be accepted.” These narratives tend to hold people back, enslave them in lies, and keep them in bondage to old ways of thinking.
But freedom in Christ brings a new narrative, a narrative that is more focused on God rather than self. When people embrace God’s story, they embrace what God says about Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Re-creation, which provides purpose, forgiveness, and hope. This freedom enables them to turn from things that they may have relied on in the past and to pursue a new way of life, a way of life that brings flourishing.
This transformation is not just theory—it’s happening here and now. One of our participants shared this testimony:
“The Medford Gospel Mission has been instrumental in nurturing my faith in Christ, offering a supportive environment where I can truly thrive spiritually. I’ve deepened my understanding of scripture and developed a closer relationship with God. The unwavering support from both fellow participants and dedicated staff has created a sense of community that feels like family. I discovered my home church, further solidifying my connection to a faith community. With guidance on how to be a disciple of Jesus, I am empowered to live out my faith actively and meaningfully.”
Stories like this remind us that the freedom Christ offers is real, personal, and powerful. And the local church is central to this process. Because the local church is God’s instrument for nurturing whole, holy, flourishing people both individually and collectively, it’s where the freedom Christ brings is lived out in community, shaping lives that bear witness to the kingdom of God.
This Independence Day, we can enjoy our freedoms even in the midst of chaos, remembering that there is a greater freedom, freedom that is only found in Christ. Thank you for all you do to help us bring this freedom to men and women in poverty right here in our community as we strive to reach the lost and gather the reached.
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