June 20, 2017
Victory in Europe Day was the public holiday celebrated on May 8, 1945 to mark the liberation secured by the Allied forces in Europe and the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany’s forces. It signaled the end of WWII in Europe.
We have not known this in America. It is hard for us to think of being under the conquering hand of a foreign dictator, like Hitler, that had destroyed our cities and stripped us of our freedom. Liberation day, in such a place, is a glorious moment.
A GREATER DICTATOR
What we do realize (to some degree) if we are believers is that we have been under the horrific hand of the most evil dictator possible. And, there has come a liberation day for us. And it did not take an army. It was accomplished by the sacrificial act of one God-man.
Here's how Paul shares this victorious news with some people who have never heard it. He shares the whole gospel in one sentence.
“Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses. (Acts 13:38-39)
Through Christ we have the possibility of ...
1. Forgiveness of all our sins
2. Freedom from everything that enslaves us--things which we could never have been freed from by our own good works as we tried and tried.
STEPPING INTO FREEDOM
A captive under Hitler could have been liberated and not know it. Or, liberated and not choose to act as a free man. To not BELIEVE.
Such an unbeliever could continue to live in bondage although freedom was completely available.
This is the one condition for this news to be made real to our lives. We must trust in Jesus, looking to Him and Him alone for our forgiveness and release. We must believe in Him and what He has done if we are to receive this forgiveness and freedom.
If you've been forgiven and set free, act like it today. Enjoy your freedom! It is full, free, and forever! And, it would make sense, if you have any love for those around you, that you would tell others who have never heard! In fact, you could explain it in a single sentence.
May 08, 2025
All of us are dramatically shaped by how we view ourselves. Some have too low a perspective; some too high. To be imbalanced here is harmful in either direction.
May 06, 2025
We spend our lives trying to gain certain things and are full of joy when we get them. Our first car, our first job, our first home. Reputation, and prestige, and influence. The list is long. But is it possible to have all those things and not have the most important thing?
April 30, 2025
And then he said with a twinkle in his eye that had seen nine decades plus, “I believe this may be the best season of my life!”
