Free to What?” Even As We Celebrate Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit in a Speech to Britain’S House of of Happiness

I. Introduction This loss of true freedom is a TODAY AS WE CELEBRATE FREEDOM, it seems important to consider the global, cultural issue: question: “Free to what?” Even as we celebrate life, liberty, and the pursuit In a speech to Britain’s House of of happiness . . . Lords, the former Archbishop of Are we free to do what we want without considering others? Canterbury, Dr. George Carey, spoke against the notion that Are we free to speak out—even if our words attack and demean moral questions were subject to others? personal preference: Are we free to pursue our happiness at the expense of others? “We take it for granted that you cannot play a game of football without rules. Rules do not get in the II. Freedom Lost way of the game, they make the “You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free” (John 8:32). game possible. Rules, which make life worthwhile and keep relationships As surely as truth sets us free, the lack of truth produces bondage. Our faithful and true, are inextricably nation has slowly drifted away from the biblical moorings we had as a linked to the deepest things we young nation. We have strayed significantly from the days when our first believe about God and the values President, George Washington, concluded one of his many public prayers which transcend us all. Our nation, in 1752 with these words, “Let me live according to those holy rules which steeped deeply in the faith and Thou has this day prescribed in Thy Holy Word. Direct me to the true object, values of the Judeo‐Christian Jesus Christ, the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” (Washington’s Papers, Burk, W. tradition, has been shaped by the Herbert, 1907, p. 87–95). Ten Commandments along with In twenty-first century America, vain imaginations have replaced moral the teachings and example of Jesus absolutes. Permissiveness and tolerance have been lifted up as moral Christ. We are in danger of ideals. The definition of tolerance (correctly defined as respect for other squandering this inheritance.” (The people without necessarily sharing their ideals, beliefs, and practices) Independent, 6 July 1996, p. 1–2). has been twisted to mean that all individual beliefs, values, lifestyles, and “truths” are equal in value. We have become a culture addicted to our own self‐indulgences, blinded to the discrepancies in our own espoused “values,” and numb to the guilt pangs of our own transgressions. But possibly even more telling has often been the “Christian” response to truth. Possibly more damning than scandal‐filled ministries and more destructive than outright denial of biblical authority has been the subtle decay, which comes from misapplying

.com 1 God’s truth only to the rational mind rather than allowing its transforming power to shape us into living and loving like Jesus. Out of a valid need to “protect” biblical truth, twenty-first century Christianity has too often prioritized proclaiming the Word to the exclusion of living truth as a living epistle. In our zeal to defend truth, we have, at times, neglected demonstrating it. Rather than experience biblical truth, we have become satisfied to simply exegete it. The principle seems clear: much truth leads to much freedom; little truth, little freedom. We may have a crisis in our message concerning truth. The twenty-first century church must restore a priority on experiencing biblical truth. Biblical truth was intended to be lived out experientially in relationships. Our culture is burned out on the emptiness of cerebral arguments, linear thinking, and even correct theological systems. They long to see the relevance of God, His Word, and His people in their life and relationships. The church must not only believe right and behave right, but also live and love right in relationship with God and others.

ENGAGE FELLOWSHIP: As we stand to pray, let’s gather by twos or threes—or as families and as the instrumentalists play. Let’s claim the promise of John 14:14, “If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it,” as we’re asking in His name for one specific thing: “Lord, free me from myself and this world that I might better express Your love.”

III. Love Grows Cold “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold” (Matthew 24:12). Headline news: Mother drowns two infant sons who are strapped in car seats. Father sells young son in exchange for drugs. Mother involves daughter in prostitution ring. Teenagers kill parents in response to a lifetime of sexual abuse. Man’s love has grown cold! Without freedom and experienced Biblical truth, love inevitably grows cold. There’s no genuine liberty or freedom without truth, and when truth is denied, bondage rules. Without intimacy with the Creator, human relationships are, at best, shallow, empty, vain, and, at their worst, headline news! As a culture, we seem to have lost the will to love.

2 .com III. The Will to Love The sustaining will to love comes from an intimate walk with God who is love (I John 4:8), for it is His love that motivates us toward selfless giving. When humans increasingly “shut out” the God who is love and the source of all comfort and mercy, then love will surely grow cold. But sadly, the church has contributed to the “love of many growing cold.” As biblical truth has been prepared, presented, and packaged almost exclusively for the rational mind rather than experienced relationally in the human heart, love grows cold. Love grows cold when we focus on the Ten Commandments and do not experience the heart of a compassionate Father, who gave the commandments, in part, so His children wouldn’t hurt themselves (Deut. 10:12–13). Love grows cold when we see only the darkness of our sin and do not experience the compassion of a loving Father, who is saddened that we’ve been hurt by our own sin (Luke 15:20) “. . . but while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him and ran and embraced him.” Love grows cold when we see only the miracle of Christ’s raising Lazarus from the dead and miss the tender love of God who cries with Mary. “Jesus wept” (Jn. 11:35). Love grows cold when we teach about the drops of blood from a Savior in agony, but miss experiencing the compassionate tugging on our heart as we fellowship with His sufferings. “. . . that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death . . .” (Phil. 3:10).

“We have appointed a Continental EXPERIENCING SCRIPTURE: fast. Millions will be upon their knees at once before their great “Do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh” (Gal. 5:13). Creator, imploring His forgiveness As we embrace the imperative of personal prayer for spiritual renewal that and blessing.” was so much a part of our nation’s history, let’s quietly pray King David’s –President John Adams prayer, “Create in me a clean heart, O God” (Ps. 51:10). “Lord by Your spirit (June 17, 1775) would you remove from my life anything and everything that hinders the expression of Your love; cleanse me, forgive me, empower me to live and love as Jesus.” “Let the Word of Christ dwell deeply in you . . .” ( Colossians 3:16). IV. Freedom in Paradox Pastors/Teachers reflect on a recent time in your life of NOT We can easily miss the biblical paradox of freedom. Christ often spoke loving well; vulnerably share this in of the paradoxical nature of His kingdom—lose your life and find it (Mt. preparation for a time of cleansing 16:25); love those who despise you (Mt. 5:44); die in order to bear fruit (Jn. and renewal: 12:24). Perhaps the greatest biblical paradox concerns “freedom.” The paradoxical message is presented in various settings and uses a variety of Recently I did not love well when analogies, but the message seems clear: surrender to God’s Spirit, God’s Son, and God’s love, and you’ll experience true freedom. ______

______.com 3 “The longer I live, the more Held Captive by Something convincing proofs I see of this “For the love of Christ constrains us…” (2 Cor. 5:14). truth, that God governs in the affairs of men. And, if a sparrow Scripture is filled with references to the pervasiveness of our captivity. cannot fall to the ground without As non‐believers, we once “Walked according to the course of this world, his notice is it probable that an according to the prince of the power of the air” (Eph. 2:2). The Greek word empire can rise without his aid? sunecho, used in 2 Corinthians 5:14 to describe the “captivating,” I therefore beg leave to move that constraining love of Christ is also used to describe being held captive by henceforth, prayers, imploring fear (Lu. 8:37), by the crowd (Lu. 8:45), and by enemies (Lu. 19:43). Paul the assistance of heaven and its uses the same word to describe being “hard pressed from both directions” blessings on our deliberations, as he shares the dilemma of wanting to be with Christ yet remaining with be held in this assembly every the Philippians (Phil. 1:23). It seems that “captivity” is inevitable! But by morning before we proceed to God’s grace, we can choose our master! Will it be fear, the crowd, enemies, business . . .” the course of this world, or will it be the constraining love of Christ? –Benjamin Franklin Experiences of Captivating Love As we live in the true freedom His Spirit brings, it’s “His” love that is constraining, motivating, and empowering. Therefore, we should find evidences of this divine love lived out in our lives. His love initiates—it moves first, never waiting around to be asked or invited! “None seek after God, no not one!” (Rom. 3:11), but rather, “he “Let the Word dwell deeply within came to seek and save” (Lu. 19:10). Initiate, initiate, initiate toward those you…” (Colossians 3:16). God has called you to love—beginning with those nearest you, at home, Pastors/Teachers vulnerably share at school, and in the workplace. a recent time of freedom and His love sacrifices—it’s free, but it’s not cheap; it cost His Son. “God so victory as Jesus loved others well loved that He gave” (Jn. 3:16). “As Christ loved the church and gave Him- through your life: self up for her” (Eph. 5:25). His liberating love prompts sacrifice of time, I recently sensed God was pleased convenience, and self‐interest in communicating His love toward others. with my initiative and giving as I His love rejoices—it gives with gladness, thrilled at the opportunity ______to care for others. “And when he has found the lost sheep, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing” (Lu. 15:5). “And were sharing with all, as anyone might ______have need, and day by day continuing with one mind with gladness” (Acts 2:45‐46). Rejoice often over the privilege of giving. Reflect often on the wonder of having anything of eternal significance to share. In an age filled withknowing about truth, rather than experiencing it, take particular note of the relational and experiential nature of His constraining love which initiates, sacrifices, and rejoices. Then as a good steward of His manifold grace, let’s share this same love with which you’ve been loved. Your life will never be the same!

4 .com “Let us see what love can do.” –William Penn Love Loud Weekend: We’ll have a special opportunity to share His constraining, captivating love on Love Loud Weekend, July 19–20, as we join other Jesus’ followers in practical expressions of serving and care in our community.

(PICTURE ON THE SIDE OF THIS SECTION SHOULD SAY “CLICK HERE ENCOUNTER JESUS: FOR ONE MAN’S STORY IN BEING In one of the most insightful passages on this paradox, we find Christ “FREE TO LOVE” (not sure what the sharing the truth of finding truerest . “Take my yoke upon you and learn picture/video is about…) of Me . . .” (Mt. 11:29).Yielding to His yoke brings blessing! Somehow our yielding brings liberty as His yoke is easy and light. Captivity brings true freedom. Let’s stand to meditate on this invitation from Jesus, “Come unto me . . . Take My yoke upon you and learn of me . . .”(Mt. 11:28–29). Consider that He’s consistently initiating sacrificial expressions of love— rejoicing at the eternal kingdom impact—but maybe He’s often loving those around you without you! Yield to His invitation; join Him in your side of the yoke, and learn of Him. Let’s leave today, yoked with the one who is love, free to love as He does.

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