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True Freedom

True Freedom: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Holiness 

Pastor Phil Derstine 7-6-25

A Deeper Freedom offered by Christ

  • John 8:32 "You shall know the Truth, and the Truth shall make you free. (36) So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."
  • Our Mission: Share the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ - sins forgiven, empowered for freedom.
  • July 4th Praise in the Park - Sharing the Presence of God and true message of Freedom!
  • II Corinthians 3:17 "Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."

 

Our Declaration of Independence – What does this mean as citizens of God’s Kingdom?

  • July 4, 1776 “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.”

 

  1. Life – Our New Life in Christ
    • We are given eternal life through Jesus Christ!
  • John 10:10 “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”
  • John 6:63 (MSG) “The Spirit can make life. Sheer muscle and willpower don’t make anything happen.  Every word I’ve spoken to you is a Spirit-word, and so it is life-making.”  

                                   

  1. Liberty – Freedom from Sin and Bondage
  • Luke 4:18 (ISV) “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to tell the good news to the poor.  He has sent me to announce release to the prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, to set oppressed people free, (19) and to announce the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Jesus reading from Isaiah 61:1-2a)
  • Galatians 5:1 , , , “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” 
  • James 4:7 “Submit yourselves therefore to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
  • Freedom Tower – Built in response to Sept. 11, 2001 as a symbol of America’s resolve against terrorism.
  • Pray for our One Nation Under God – take authority over powers and principalities in the heavenlies. 
  • II Chronicles 7:14 “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked way, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

 

  1. Pursuit of Happiness – Opportunity for Improvement through Holiness 
    • The Pursuit of Holiness
  • Matthew 6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
  • The Happiness Trap – Correcting the Source of your Happiness
  • Money can buy... 
  • A nice bed - but not a good night’s sleep.
  • A large house - but not make it a home.
  • The best education - but can't make you wise.
  • The best doctors - but not good health.
  • Big parties - but not good friends.
  • Extravagant vacations - but not peace in your heart.
  • Psalm 144:15 “Happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.”
  • Proverbs 16:20 “Whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.”
  • Psalm 16:11“In your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
  • Matthew 5:6 “Blessed (happy) are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”
  • Galatians 5:13 “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free.  But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”