📖 Sermon Text: Leviticus 25:10, John 8:32-36, Galatians 5:1-13
What is the true foundation of freedom? In this powerful message, we explore the intersection of American history and Biblical truth, uncovering how our national liberty was explicitly built upon the bedrock of Christian precepts.
From the profound declarations of Founding Fathers like John Quincy Adams, Patrick Henry, and John Jay, to the ultimate sacrifice of the soldiers who protect our flag, we remind ourselves that freedom is never free—it is always bought with blood.
But national freedom is only the beginning. True, lasting liberty is found in Jesus Christ. Join us as we look at:
The Birth of National Freedom: The providential roots of America and the sacrifices made to secure our unalienable rights.
The Battle for Spiritual Freedom: Moving from legalism and self-effort into the life-transforming power of Christ in us.
The Boundary of Personal Freedom: Why true liberty is not an excuse to please the flesh, but a call to govern ourselves and serve one another in love.
As George Washington once wrote in his diary, our ultimate assurance rests on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ offered on the cross. “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17)
Sermon Audio
Sermon Video
Leviticus 25:10 “… proclaim liberty throughout all the land to all its inhabitants.
Psalm 118:5 ESV Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me
and set me free.
John 8:32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
John 8:36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.
Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free …
Psalm 119:45 (VOICE) And I will live a life of freedom because I pursue Your precepts
Charles Carroll was the last signer to die in 1832 at the age of 95.
He wrote out his declaration of faith at the age of eighty-nine.
“On the mercy of my Redeemer I rely for my salvation, and on His merits;
not on the works I have done in obedience to His precepts.”
John Quincy Adams, sixth President of the United States:
“The Declaration of Independence laid the cornerstone of human government
upon the first precepts of Christianity.”
Patrick Henry, responsible for the Bill of Rights, ratifier of the U.S. constitution
“It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was
founded not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the gospel
of Jesus Christ.”
John Jay was a Christian and America’s first Supreme Court Justice of the U.S.
who said in a letter in 1816 quote:
“Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty, as
well as the privilege and interest, of our Christian nation to select and prefer
Christians for their rulers.”
Jefferson’s original passage on slavery (quote)
“He [King George] has waged cruel war against human nature itself, violating its
most sacred rights of life and liberty in the persons of a distant people who never
offended him, captivating & carrying them into slavery in another hemisphere or
to incur miserable death in their transportation thither.”
1) THE BIRTH OF NATIONAL FREEDOM.
Leviticus 25:10 “… proclaim liberty throughout all the land to all its inhabitants.
Psalm 118:5 ESV Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me
and set me free.
The Declaration of Independence said
“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.”
The final sentence of the Declaration of Independence is a promise that the signers
were willing to sacrifice everything for their cause:
“And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of
Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes,
and our sacred Honor.”
On July 4, 1776, the day the Declaration of Independence was signed, John Adams
said in an address to before the Continental Congress:
“Live or die; sink or swim; survive or perish; I am committed to this Declaration
of Independence. I am committed, and if God wills it, I am ready to die that this
nation may be free.”
Patrick Henry a 39 year old Christian famously proclaimed:
“Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and
slavery? Forbid it Almighty God – I know not what course others may take; but
as for me – give me liberty or give me death!”
A Marine Sergeant wrote, “It is the soldier not the reporter who has given us freedom
of the press. It is the soldier not the poet gave us the freedom of speech.
It is the soldier not the politician who has given us the freedom to vote, to assemble
and even to demonstrate.
It is the soldier, who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose
coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag.”
If you burn our flag wrap yourself in it first.
The Lord’s Supper is a memorial that reminds us of the cost “by which Christ has
made us free.”
John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his
friends.
Freedom has always been bought with blood.
II. THE BATTLE FOR SPIRITUAL FREEDOM.
John 8:32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
John 8:36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.
Ian Thomas said this about living the Christian life
“You can’t. God never said you could. He can. He always said He would. So let Him.”
Galatians 2:20 The life that I now live (present tense) I live by the faith of the Son of
God (not my faith, but His faith) who loved me and gave Himself for me (past,present
and future tense)
III. THE BOUNDARY OF PERSONAL FREEDOM
Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free …
Galatians 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty
for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
Galatians 5:13 (MSG) It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life.
Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you
want to do and destroy your freedom.
James Madison founding father Constitution writer and 4th President said:
“We have staked the whole future of American civilization, not upon the power of
government, far from it. We have staked the future of all of our political institutions
upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves … ”
Adrian Rogers quote:
“You cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthy out of
freedom; and, you cannot multiply wealth by dividing it. And the government
cannot give to the people anything except that which at first takes from the people.”
I have never heard of veteran who fought for communism or socialism
Israel is the only nation in the world that has the promise of endurance because
Israel was a nation created by God
From George Washington’s diary:
“Let my heart, gracious God, be so affected with Your glory and majesty that I may
discharge those weighty duties which Thou requirest of me. Again I have called
on Thee for pardon and forgiveness of sins. For the sacrifice of Jesus Christ
offered on the cross for me. Thou gavest Thy Son to die for me and has given me
assurance of salvation.”
2 Corinthians 3:17 (NLT) For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the
Lord is, there is freedom.
1 Thessalonians 5:19 Do not quench the Spirit.
Who is worthy to open the scroll of history and eternity? In this message, we dive into Revelation 5 to witness the “Special Search” for the one worthy to loose the seven seals. While John wept when no one was found in heaven or earth, his tears were turned to joy at the revelation of the Lion of the tribe of Judah—the Root of David who has prevailed.
Audio
Video
Notes
Revelation 5:1 And I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll
written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals.
Revelation 5:2 Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy
to open the scroll and to loose its seals?”
Revelation 5:3 And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able
to open the scroll, or to look at it.
Revelation 5:4 So I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open and
read the scroll, or to look at it.
Revelation 5:5 But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion
of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to
loose its seven seals.”
Revelation 5:6 And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the
four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though
it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits
of God sent out into all the earth.
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
So worship in eternity in heaven is the same yesterday, today and forever.”
Revelation 5:1 And I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll
written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals.
Those great theologians the Eagles in their song “The Last Resort” sang:
And you can see them there on Sunday morning
Stand up and sing about what it’s like up there
They call it paradise, I don’t know why
You call someplace paradise, kiss it goodbye
1. THE SPECIAL SEARCH FOR THE WORTHY ONE.
Revelation 5:2 Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy
to open the scroll and to loose its seals?”
Revelation 5:3 And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able
to open the scroll, or to look at it.
The person doing the saving can’t have the same problem as the one who needs
to be saved.
Revelation 5:4 So I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open and
read the scroll, or to look at it.
W. A. Criswell once wrote: “These tears of John represent the tears of all God’s
people through all the centuries.”
2. THE SPECIFIC SELECTION OF THE WORTHY ONE.
Revelation 5:5 But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion
of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to
loose its seven seals.”
Matthew 1:1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David,…
Jesus not only comes from David, but David comes from Him.
Matthew 22:45 If David then calls Him ‘Lord,’ how is He his Son?
Revelation 22:16 “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the
churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.”
Revelation 5:5 “… the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to
open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.”
Revelation 5:5 (NLT) “… Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the heir to David’s throne,
has won the victory. He is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals.
3. THE SLAIN SACRIFICE KNOWN AS THE WORTHY ONE
Revelation 5:6 And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the
four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though
it had been slain, ,,,
Exodus 12:3 (EASY) Tell all the Israelite people to do this on the tenth day of this
month: Each man must choose a lamb to kill as a sacrifice for his family.
That will be one lamb for each home.
1 Corinthians 5:7 “… For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.
The bridge of the song “Here I Am to Worship,” written by Tim Hughes
“I’ll never know how much it cost to see my sin upon that cross”
Revelation 5:6 And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the
four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though
it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven
Spirits of God sent out into all the earth.
Revelation 5:12 …”Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches
and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!”
Next to John 3:16, Revelation 3:20 is perhaps the most famous evangelistic passage in the New Testament. It has been described as the simplest explanation of the plan of salvation in the Word of God. In this sermon, we explore the profound invitation of Jesus Christ to every individual.
Revelation 1:4 John, to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace to you and peace
from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who
are before His throne,
Revelation 1:5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead
and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from
our sins in His own blood,
Revelation 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day …
Revelation 1:18 I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore.
Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.
Revelation 2:8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write, ‘These things says
the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life:
Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice
and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
Revelation 3:21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne,
as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
Revelation 3:22 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Next to John 3:16, — Revelation 3:20 is perhaps the most famous evangelistic
passage of Scripture in the New Testament
This verse of Scripture has been described as “the simplest explanation of the plan
of salvation contained within the Word of God.”
1. WHOSE STANDING AT THE DOOR?
Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door …
Revelation 3:21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne,
as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
2. WHAT DOES THE DOOR REPRESENT?
Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock ….
Proverbs 4:23 Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.
Proverbs 4:23 (CJB) Above everything else, guard your heart; for it is the source of
life’s consequences.
Proverbs 4:23 (GNT) Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.
There is an old hymn that includes these lines:
Somebody’s knocking at your door
Sounds like Jesus
Oh sinner why don’t you answer
Somebody’s knocking at your door.”
John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become
children of God, to those who believe in His name:
3. WHO CAN LET HIM COME IN?
Revelation 3:20 “… If anyone … ”
Unbelief is never neutral
Matthew 12:30 “He who is not with Me is against Me …”
Matthew 13:58 Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.
Mark 6:5 Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a
few sick people and healed them.
Mark 6:6 And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages
in a circuit, teaching.
Mark 8:18 Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do
you not remember?
Someone said, “We repeated the words without thinking about what they meant.”
4. HOW DOES HE SEEK ENTRANCE INTO OUR DOOR?
Revelation 2:20 “… If anyone hears My voice and opens the door…”
Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Rita Coolidge said, “Too often the opportunity knocks, but by the time you disengage
the chain, push back the bolt, unhooked the two locks and shut off the burglar
alarms, it is too late.”
5. WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF I OPEN THE DOOR?
Revelation 3:20 “… I will come in to him,…”
The Christian life is defined as, “I in Christ and Christ in me.”
Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ
but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live
by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Revelation 2:20 “… I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”
With the Lord’s supper we dine with Him in remembrance of His sacrifice for us.
6. WILL WE HAVE TO OVERCOME OPPOSITION?
Revelation 3:21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne,
as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
7. WHY DON’T YOU LET HIM COME IN?
Revelation 3:22 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the
churches.'”
The “Hymn” “The Savior is Waiting” includes these lines:
The Savior is waiting to enter your heart
Why don’t you let Him come in
There’s nothing in this world to keep you apart
What is your answer to Him
Time after time He has waited before
And now He is waiting again
To see if you’re willing to open the door
Oh how He wants to come in
John 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, …
This passage from Galatians 1:1-5 highlights Paul’s apostleship, his message of grace, and the mission of Christ to redeem sinners. It emphasizes the sufficiency of Christ’s finished work on the cross, rejecting any addition of human effort to salvation. The text outlines the themes of ministry, message, mission, and motive, pointing to God’s glory and the transformative power of the gospel. Supporting Scriptures from Corinthians, Psalms, Matthew, John, and Titus further reinforce the doctrines of grace, redemption, and God’s sovereignty.
Sermon Audio
Sermon Video
Sermon Notes
Galatians 1:1 Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus
Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead),
Galatians 1:2 and all the brethren who are with me, To the churches of Galatia:
Galatians 1:3 Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ,
Galatians 1:4 who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present
evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,
Galatians 1:5 to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Don’t add anything to the finished work of the Cross of Christ
It’s not Christ plus…
Christ plus my performance…
Christ plus my good works…
Christ plus the meetings…
Christ plus holy communion,
Christ plus keeping away from bad things…
Christ plus doing good things…
Christ plus baptism, christening …
Christ plus baptism of the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues …
Christ plus church membership, church confirmations …
Christ plus denominations …
Christ plus the sacraments …
1) ONE MAN’S MINISTRY: GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES.
Galatians 1:1 Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus
Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead),
1 Corinthians 15:9 For I am the least of all the apostles. In fact, I’m not even worthy
to be called an apostle after the way I persecuted God’s church.
1 Corinthians 15:10 But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his
special favor on me—and not without results. For I have worked harder than
any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me
by his grace.
Galatians 1:2 and all the brethren who are with me, To the churches of Galatia:
2) ONE MAN’S MESSAGE: GRACE OF GOD.
Galatians 1:3 Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ,
3) ONE MAN’S MISSION: GOSPEL OF CHRIST.
Galatians 1:4 who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present
evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,
Matthew 12:29 Or how can one enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods,
unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house.
John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill destroy; I have come that they
might have life, and have it to the full.”
1) It meant a transfer from darkness to light.
2) It meant a transfer from slavery to freedom.
3) It meant a transfer from condemnation to forgiveness.
4) It meant a transfer from the power of Satan to the power of God.
Psalm 22:4 Our fathers trusted in You; They trusted, and You delivered them.
Psalm 22:5 They cried to You, and were delivered; They trusted in You, and were
not ashamed.
4) ONE MAN’S MOTIVE: GLORY OF GOD.
Galatians 1:5 to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the
glory of God.
Hymn “To God Be The Glory”
To God be the glory great things He has done
So loved He the world that He gave us His son
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin
And opened the life gate that all may go in
Max Lucado (quote)
“You may be decent. You may pay taxes and kiss your kids and sleep with a clean
conscience. But apart from Christ you aren’t holy. So how can you go to heaven?
Only believe. Accept the work already done, the work of Jesus on the cross.
Only believe . . . It’s that simple? It’s that simple. It’s that easy?
There was nothing easy at all about it. The cross was heavy, the blood was real,
and the price was extravagant. It would have bankrupted you or me, so he paid
it for us. Call it simple. Call it a gift. But don’t call it easy. Call it what it is.
Call it grace.”
Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,
How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed.
In this insightful sermon on “God’s Guiding Principles for Gray Areas (Part 2)”, we explore biblical wisdom from Romans 14 and other scriptures about making decisions in morally ambiguous situations. Drawing from Paul’s teachings, we examine 7 key questions to guide our choices: Will it direct or detour us? Build up or tear down? Help or hinder? Free or enslave? Free or violate our conscience? Lead us by faith or feelings? Lift up or weigh down? Learn practical biblical principles for navigating life’s complex moral decisions while respecting others’ convictions and maintaining spiritual freedom. Perfect for Christians seeking wisdom in decision-making and understanding biblical perspectives on personal convictions. Based on Romans 14, 1 Corinthians 6:12, 10:23, Galatians 5:16, and Hebrews 12:1.
Sermon Audio
Sermon Video
Sermon Notes:
Romans 14:1 Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over
doubtful things.
Romans 14:2 For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats
only vegetables.
Romans 14:3 Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not
him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him.
Romans 14:4 Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he
stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him
stand.
Romans 14:5 One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every
day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind..
1. WILL THIS DIRECT ME OR DETOUR ME?
1 Corinthians 10:23 All things are lawful for me, but not all things are expedient;
2. WILL THIS BUILD ME UP OR TEAR ME DOWN?
1 Corinthians 10:23 “… all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.
3. WILL THIS HELP ME OR HINDER ME?
1 Corinthians 6:12 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful ….
4. WILL THIS FREE ME OR ENSLAVE ME?
1 Corinthians 6:12 … All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under
the power of any.
Romans 14:1 Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over
doubtful things.
Romans 14:1 (GWT) Welcome people who are weak in faith, but don’t get into an
argument over differences of opinion.
Romans 14:2 For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats
only vegetables.
Romans 14:5 One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every
day alike.
Romans 14:3 Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not
him who does not eat judge him who eats ….
Romans 14:3 … for God has received him.
Romans 14:4 Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he
stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him
stand.
5. WILL THIS FREE MY CONSCIENCE OR VIOLATE MY CONSCIENCE?
Romans 14:5 “… Let each be fully convinced in his own mind.”
Romans 14:5 (PHILLIPS) Let every one be definite in his own convictions.
Romans 14:5 (GWT) Every person must make his own decision.
Romans 14:5 (MSG) So, each person is free to follow the convictions of conscience.
Romans 14:5 (TLB) On questions of this kind everyone must decide for himself.
Romans 14:5 (VOICE) In these matters, all must reach their own conclusions
and satisfy their own minds.
Romans 14:21 It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by
which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak.
The is not just “Would it hurt you?”
The question is also “Will it hurt somebody else?”
Romans 14:22 Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God …
Romans 14:22 (NLT) You may believe there’s nothing wrong with what you are doing,
but keep it between yourself and God…
In other words, don’t impose your beliefs in gray areas on other people.
Some things are wrong for you that are right for others.
And some things are right for you that are wrong for others.
6. WILL I LIVE BY FAITH OR BY FEELINGS?
Romans 14:23 But he who doubts is condemned … for whatever is not from faith is sin.
Galatians 5:16 “… Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh..
We don’t pray because we are trying to change God.
We pray because we are trying to change ourselves..
7. WILL THIS LIFT ME UP OR WEIGH ME DOWN?
Hebrews 12:1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud
of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us,
and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
Hebrews 12:1 (TLB) “… let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back,
Hebrews 12:1 (VOICE) “… ‘let us drop every extra weight
Hebrews 12:1 (KJV) “… let us lay aside … the sin which doth so easily beset us …”
Hebrews 12:1 (CEV) “… especially the sin that just won’t let go
Hebrews 12:1 (GNT) “… the sin which holds on to us so tightly
Hebrews 12:1 (NET) “… the sin that clings so closely
Hebrews 12:1 (NLT) “… especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress
Hebrews 12:1 (TLB) “… especially those sins that wrap themselves so tightly around
our feet and trip us up
1 John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is
not in us.
