Freedom - Location, Location, Location

Freedom?Location, Location, Location

I. Introduction

The statement was coined in 1944 by Harold Samuel. When asked what was the most important factor when trying to buy or sell real estate. He said it was “Location, location, location.” Location determines the value of the property. Since that time others have said that this quote when it comes to real estate, is gospel, gospel, gospel.

This morning I want you to know that the gospel in regards to real estate is also the gospel when it comes to our ability to walk in freedom. There are two important passages of Scripture that we are forced to wrestle with when we talk about being free or finding freedom. They are important because they clearly reveal to us a revelation that we must have if we sincerely want to be free.

Text: John 8:36 (NLT)

So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.

Galatians 5:1(NIV)?It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Message - So Christ has made us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get all tied up again in the chains of slavery to Jewish laws and ceremonies.

Jesus and then Paul made it abundantly clear about the source of freedom. Their audience is the same. Speaking directly to Jews who had spent centuries trying to work themselves to freedom, obey to freedom, and sacrifice to freedom they state that freedom is found only in what Christ as done. Don't get it twisted during this series . . . although we must partner with the freedom that is promised we will not find freedom via self control, will power, mantras, discipline or any other means than through Jesus. If we are to be free, then it is only because it is what Christ died to provide for us. Christ makes us free . . . period. No set of rules, no program, no pastor or anything else can do what Jesus can do! So, it is essential to start our discussion there. (SLIDES 7-8) We must remain sure of our source of freedom. Finding freedom requires finding Jesus.

Jesus died for my freedom. Jesus bought my freedom. Jesus paid the price for my freedom. That is why when I come in this place I can't help but worship. That is why I can't take the credit for the cleaned up condition of my life today. That is why I serve. You may say you’ve never seen a miracle, but look at me you are looking at a miracle. When I experienced the source of freedom, He rescued me He set me free.

That is why I want others to meet Jesus. Not to pad our numbers. Not to win crowns. Not to get acclaim. I want them to meet Jesus because He is the only source for freedom and if they don't meet Him they will live in bondage. They may live in a nice house. They may have money in the bank. They may have man's applause. However, without Jesus they are and will remain in chains. Bound. Jailed. Imprisoned. Shackled. Dying a slow death. The Romans had an interesting punishment for a person who murdered someone. They would strap the dead body to the guilty and slowly the decay of that body would invade the life of the guilty until death was sure. That is how we live. We carry around what is slowly killing us. Jesus is the solution for that. His burden is easy and His yoke is light.

However, there is a third verse of Scripture that we must work through that isn't about the source of freedom. It instead is the gospel of freedom. This passage addresses the location of freedom. Once we know and embrace the source of freedom knowing the location of freedom is the key to staying free.

2 Corinthians 3:17 (NKJV)?Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

Location, location, location! Paul declares that where the Spirit of the Lord is there is a byproduct, the fruit, the result of that presence and he says it is freedom. When the Spirit of Lord is present there is freedom.

So, if Paul is right, and I believe he is, it forces me to conclude logically that in any area where there is bondage, or lack of freedom, the Spirit of the Lord is absent. Because if He was there then there would be freedom. In other words, what I am saying to you is that if we have accepted the source of freedom, but don't pay attention to the location of freedom we can find ourselves saved but bound! In the Kingdom, but without a King's power being wielded and brought to bear in areas of our life.