Verse of the Day 5/20

Through the Bible - 1 Chronicles 3-5, John 8:12-38   Good morning, Today's New Testament reading in John 8 tells of one of the greatest things that we have "in Christ", true freedom.  The outside world often looks at Christianity as binding, limiting freedom when in actuality it does the opposite.   John 8:31 says that if we abide in His Word we are His disciples and that we will "know the truth, and the truth will make you free".   Today's verses follow shortly after. John 8:34-36 Jesus said, "I tell you most solemnly that anyone who chooses a life of sin is trapped in a dead-end life and is, in fact, a slave. A slave is a transient, who can't come and go at will. The Son, though, has an established position, the run of the house. So if the Son sets you free, you are free through and through.  - The Message or from the NKJV John 8:34 Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.  35 And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever.  36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. John MacArthur writes that the "ultimate bondage is not political or economic enslavement but spiritual bondage to sin and rebellion against God.  This also explains why Jesus would not let Himself be reduced to merely a political Messiah."   Many today put their "hopes" in political leaders hoping in societal change and economic freedom.  Christ is the hope, the hope that can change hearts, minds, and lives in any political or economic climate.   Consider the words from the Newsboy's song:   I AM Free   Through You the blind will see, Through You the mute will sing, Through You the dead will rise, Through You our hearts will praise, Through You the darkness flees, Through You my heart will scream "I am free!"   I am free to run, I am free to dance, I am free to live for You, I am free!   Are you free?   Jesus tells us "most assuredly" that we can be free if we will abide in Him and His Word.   In Christ, Mike   John 8:31-37 The Truth Shall Make You Free 31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.  32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." 33 They answered Him,"We are Abraham's descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, 'You will be made free'?" 34 Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.  35 And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever.  36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. NKJV