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Finding True Freedom
The Hungarian poet Petőfi once said, “Life is precious, love even more so; but for the sake of freedom, both can be thrown away.” Humans have always chased after freedom—political, economic, even personal—but what’s true freedom, really? And how can we achieve it?
Most people think freedom means doing whatever we want, without limits. But true freedom isn’t that simple. The Bible tells us clearly: “Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death…” (Romans 6:16). Without boundaries, our desires control us, trapping us in destructive habits. Just look around: smartphones, gambling, drugs—these things enslave rather than liberate.
When God created Adam and Eve, He gave them real freedom—eternal life without suffering, a close relationship with Him, and true fulfillment. But He set a clear boundary: “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat” (Genesis 2:16-17). When Adam and Eve crossed this boundary, they lost their freedom and became slaves to sin.
Real freedom only comes from Christ. Jesus said, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32). True freedom starts when we believe the gospel—the genuine gospel revealed directly by Jesus. It alone solves our core problem: sin.
Today, some teachings dilute the gospel, claiming baptism is optional or merely symbolic. But Acts 2:38 makes it clear: “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.” Baptism isn’t just symbolic; it’s essential for true spiritual freedom.
Yet believing isn’t enough. True freedom requires daily transformation. Paul emphasized, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). We must continually choose to crucify our old selves—our pride, stubbornness, and sinful desires—and walk humbly with God.
Living under religious rituals or rules doesn’t bring real freedom. Rules alone can’t change our hearts. Instead, Jesus offers us grace. He died to free us from sin’s bondage. Paul reminds us, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage” (Galatians 5:1).
Freedom in Christ is more than escaping rules or rituals; it’s becoming completely new, guided daily by the Holy Spirit. Circumcision or external rituals don’t matter—what matters is a transformed life, a heart renewed by grace. True freedom isn’t just doing what we please. It’s discovering real purpose, joy, and peace within God’s perfect boundaries. Only then can we live as truly free people, experiencing life as God originally intended.
We warmly welcome you to our upcoming Spring 2025 Evangelical Service and Spiritual Convocation (ESSC). You can also join us for the Spring 2025 ESSC via online streaming.
Thursday, April 17, 2025 6:50PM to 8:10PM
Friday and Saturday, April 18-19, 2025 9:00AM to 8:10PM
Sunday, April 20, 2025 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Please find our church location below:
True Jesus Church
4N550 Church Road
Bensenville, IL 60106
Google Maps
In the meantime, please feel free to join us for our regular Sabbath (Friday evening and Saturday) services online or in-person.
Friday Evening Service: 7:50PM – 9:00PM
Saturday Morning Service: 10:50AM – 12:00Noon
Saturday Afternoon Service: 1:30PM – 2:40PM
Email us at ilovejesus@tjc-chicago.org