As I was driving home yesterday from work, I drove through Porter, Oklahoma. It was refreshing to see the American flag flying from porches and in front yards. It reminded me of a time right after 9-11 you would pass through neighborhoods and see the flag flying. It was refreshing to see people be patriotic. Last Friday the American military suffered its greatest lost in the Afghan wars since it began in 2001. 30 members of the military were killed when there helicopter was shot down. These men were headed to help Army rangers in a fight against the Taliban. Across Oklahoma flags fly at half-staff to honor the men Oklahomans' have lost in Afghanistan. Last week we lost 4 Oklahoma soldiers from the 45th Infantry Division. The events of the last week remind me that freedom is not free. Our freedom as Americans was brought with a price. We are able to say that we live in the land of the free because of the men and women that have fought for our country and because same gave the ultimate sacrifice. As Americans we should remember the 30 lost last week, but let us not forget to remember those who continue to give the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. I challenge those that have a flag to fly it in honor of military this week and in memory of those who give the ultimate sacrifice to keep us safe.
In the same way that our freedom as Americans is not free we must remember that we are offered freedom in Christ and this freedom is not free. This freedom from sin and death was bought with a price. It was bought with the blood of Christ on the cross. Throughout the old testament they had to offer blood sacrifices to cover the people's sins. With Christ's death on the cross we no longer have to offer blood sacrifices to cover our sins. Christ made the ultimate sacrifice on Calvary so that we could have ultimate freedom. This freedom that is better than the freedom we have as Americans. It is a freedom that can be universal to all who accept. Freedom to have eternal life through Christ.
"It is for Freedom that Christ set us Free. Stand firm, then and do not let yourselves be burdened again by the yoke of Slavery"
Galatians 5:1
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