I must have been in the 4^th or 5^th gradewhen my dad ushered in a big change in my life. Dad had a unique way of testing my attitude. It was always with a question. “What are you doing tomorrow?” On this particular day it was, “Do you want to go with me to the store?” I responded with, “Sure.” Unsuspectingly I follow Dad into the Western Auto store, and he said, “See if there’s a bike over there you might like.” There it was. It was a red beauty. Little did I know how that bike would change my life.

Growing up in the mid 1950’s & early 60’s was much like the “Leave It To Beaver” TV show. It was a time of innocent freedom. After breakfast I got on my “red ride” pedaling down the highway to see my friends. Sometimes I wouldn’t make it back home until supper time…but I never missed supper!

Then one Friday night after the football game Dad asked another one of his famous questions, “What are you doing tomorrow?” “Nothing,” I said, thinking he had something for me to do on the farm. He then replied, “I thought we would go over to George Pugh’s and look for a car for you.” As I grew older, I had more freedom. I loved freedom.

I became so free I thought I was in charge of my life. Years later, married, three kids & working, this attitude came crashing down. It was this crash that led me to Jesus. The incredible thing about Jesus is His TRUE Freedom. What I had been experiencing was the counterfeit freedom that was taking me to Hell. Jesus not only erased my past, He gave me the Hope & Purpose for the future. That is what Jesus can & will do. Jesus transforms nothing into something of value. In John 4, Jesus encounters the woman at the well. She came for water…but Jesus came for her soul. At the well Jesus “transformed” her life. At the well she found freedom. This outcast woman now had value. She was so excited to tell the people in town she left her water jars. She ran to town to tell the very people who rejected her about Jesus. She said, “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did!” John 4:29 This resulted in the village turning to Jesus. They found TRUE freedom.

In Romans 6:14, we learn, “Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.”

Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 3:17 “For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

Galatians 3:22, “But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God’s promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ.”

Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.”

1 Timothy 2:6 “He (Jesus) gave His life to purchase freedom for everyone.”

Colossians 1:13-14 “For He (Jesus) has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of His dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.”

Ephesians 1:7, “He (The Father) is so rich in kindness and grace that He purchased our freedom with the blood of His Son and forgave our sins.”

Galatians 5:13 “For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.”

Here’s the bottom line, only God can free us from “fear.” God is Almighty, Sovereign over all things. Allow the words of Jesus to hold your heart. “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” Matthew 10:28-29. Jesus promises us,

”I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10

This is the Good News!