Last weekend, we, as a country, celebrated our freedom.

We have a lot to be thankful for, compared to a lot of other places around the world. We saw this firsthand on a recent mission trip to Cuba. Things seem to be getting better, but they have little opportunity to start their own businesses or to choose to go to college and pursue their own careers. They can’t choose the house they want to live in and have to settle for what supplies the government will get to them. They have freedom to worship, but it still is limited.

There is freedom, however, that no government can ever take away. We are assured in God’s word that we have the freedom to choose to be a follower of Jesus Christ. And yet, there is more. John 8:36 tells us that “if the Son sets you free, you will be free, indeed.” We can experience the freedom from the power of sin. In other words, we don’t have to be under its bondage. We can be free of guilt and condemnation and can live with peace each and every day. We can worship and pray privately, and no type of oppression can stop that. We can choose to be happy and content with what God provides.

The good news for every person on this planet is that this freedom is in reach. All people must do is humble themselves before a loving Father, admit their sin and choose to follow his Son, Jesus Christ.