Devotional from Pastor Tim Chalas

On Independence Day, we celebrate our national freedom, a right fought for with courage and sacrifice. But as followers of Jesus, we celebrate an even greater freedom: freedom from sin and freedom to belong to our Savior.

This freedom wasn’t earned by our efforts; it was secured by His sacrifice. We don’t fight for it, we receive it.

Our declaration of dependence is realized at the cross, where Jesus paid it all for us.

The world says, “Be strong. Stand on your own. Prove your worth.” But the gospel tells a better story: real freedom isn’t found in self-reliance — it’s found in the Savior’s redemption.

When Jesus died and rose again, He didn’t just make your life better — He made you new. He didn’t come to make you stronger so you could manage sin more effectively. He came to set you free from sin — fully, finally, and forever.

You are not a sinner trying to become holy — you are a saint, made holy by Christ.

You are not a struggler chasing victory — you are a child of God, living from it.

This freedom isn’t fragile — it’s eternal. It isn’t earned — it’s inherited.

So today, while our country celebrates independence, let our hearts boldly declare our dependence on the One who gave everything to set us free.

Galatians 5:1 It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.

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