Many believe freedom comes from where you were born or live, symbolized by the Fourth of July, the Statue of Liberty, and the idea of America as “the land of the free and the home of the brave.” People think they will be free if they leave home, change their marital status, or overcome addictions. However, true freedom is “spiritual” freedom, regardless of your location or circumstances. Our thoughts and prayers go out to U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich, who has been held in a Russian jail on espionage charges for four months, with no release in sight. While his situation is heart-wrenching, it is even sadder that many American Christians live in spiritual bondage to addictions, unforgiveness, and negative thoughts despite their freedom as Americans. Jesus died to give us true freedom, regardless of our circumstances. Jesus teaches in John 8:36, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”
True freedom means being free to be 100% controlled by the Holy Spirit in every area of our lives. In any area where He is not in total control, we remain in bondage. This freedom is complete and total, not partial or conditional. Understanding bondage, Jesus died so we could be freed from sin, self, and all other bondages that hold us captive. These bondages can come in many forms—food, drugs, alcohol, anger, fear, pride, and more. When we allow anything other than the Holy Spirit to control an aspect of our lives, we remain in bondage in that area. Freedom from Jesus frees us from sin, fear, and legalism. The stories of Paul and Silas singing hymns in prison and Paul’s proclamation of freedom while imprisoned show that true freedom is not limited by physical chains. To experience this freedom, we must seek a relationship with Jesus Christ, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us and fill us with His liberty. The deeper your relationship with Jesus, the freer you are. This spiritual freedom is the only kind that truly matters; anything else is the worst kind of slavery and bondage.
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
CHANGE A KID’S LIFE FOR ETERNITY!
July 15-19, we will take our young people to the Arise Youth Conference in Pigeon Forge, TN. This will be a life-changing week for our youth. We need your help to cover the cost, which is $185 per child for registration, plus food and lodging expenses. Thank you for making this need a matter of prayer. Your support can make a lasting impact on their lives.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
Galatians 5:24: “And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.”
Paul acknowledged a critical truth about the human condition when he said, “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells” (Romans 7:18).
He understood that our flesh, with all its passions and desires, cannot overcome itself.
In Colossians, Paul further warns believers against relying on religious efforts to combat the flesh, as these efforts will inevitably lead to failure (Colossians 2:18-23).
The solution to overcoming the flesh is found in Galatians 5:24: “And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.”
This means that those who belong to Christ Jesus, who are united with Him in spirit, have already dealt a decisive blow to the flesh.
The phrase “those who are of Christ Jesus” signifies a complete and total identification with Him.
This identification means we do not have a separate existence apart from Christ; we are wholly His.
To belong to Christ Jesus means we share in His victory over the flesh.
His relationship with the flesh was not a prolonged battle; it was a one-time crucifixion.
The Greek word for “crucified” in Galatians 5:24 is in the aorist tense, indicating a past action that is complete and final.
This decisive act took place on the cross of Calvary two thousand years ago.
So, how should we view our relationship with the flesh?
It is encapsulated in one question: Are we of Christ Jesus?
If we can answer “yes,” then we have crucified the flesh.
We don’t need to evaluate our potential for victory, tally our successes, or assess our current condition to determine if we feel crucified.
Our victory over the flesh is not based on our efforts or feelings but on our identity in Christ.
Paul emphasizes that being of Christ Jesus means we have already crucified the flesh.
This means that Christ’s victory over the flesh is also our victory.
It is not about ongoing personal struggles; it is about embracing and living out the reality of what Christ has already accomplished.
Practical Application:
- Recognize Your Identity in Christ: Understand that being “of Christ Jesus” means you share in His victory over the flesh. You are not fighting this battle alone; you are united with Him.
- Live in the Reality of the Cross: The crucifixion of the flesh is a completed action. Embrace this truth and live in the freedom it provides. You don’t need to continually strive to defeat the flesh on your own.
- Daily Surrender to Christ: Although the flesh has been crucified, daily surrender to Christ helps us to live out this truth practically. This involves regular prayer, reading the Word, and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
- Reject Religious Legalism: Paul warns against trying to overcome the flesh through religious rules and self-effort. Trust in the finished work of Christ rather than in your ability to follow religious laws.
- Encourage One Another: Remind fellow believers of their identity in Christ and the victory they have in Him. Support each other in living out this freedom.
By understanding and embracing our identity in Christ, we can live in true freedom from the flesh.
Our relationship with the flesh is not about ongoing personal effort but about resting in the victory Christ has already won.
This transforms our daily walk and empowers us to live a life pleasing to God, free from the bondage of the flesh.
Until Tomorrow
With A Shepherd’s Love,
Pastor Jackson
MONDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Steve Michaels
Tom Graham
Gail Sparks
Ellen Boyd
Friend of Linda Hodge
Joy Gilbert
Amy Garner’s Mom & Dad
Coly/Connor – Allison’s G’sons
Dan Haines
Darlene Wiggins
David Burnette
Denise Hulsey – Jordan’s G’mother
Donnie Butler’s Dad
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Ed Mays
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Faith Burnette
Freddie May’s Mom
George & Linda Alexander
James Burnette
Joanie/Jeanie Mom
Jodi Bateman
Joe Shelnutt
John McClain’s Mother
June Cronan’s Sister
Kailey Bateman
Kathryn Raines
Kim McClain’s Mother
Krista Hilscher
Larry Barker
Lillanna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Linda Hodges’ Sister
Lonzo Christin
Lori Blount’s Mother
Marynell Ford
Maureen Brown
Michael Stanley
Nora Allison
Pastor Driskell
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Sarah Parker
Scott Lanier
Tom Graham (Sandra’s Husband)
Tom Witcher