Loretta Gjeltema Home

Freedom, that’s what we celebrate as a country here in the U.S. Actually, we celebrate our independence as a country. But for me, as a Christ-follower, there is a freedom that is far more meaningful and much more valuable. I celebrate my freedom in Christ.

This freedom looks a little different. In Colossians We are told that in this new life it doesn’t matter if we are a Jew or a Gentile, barbaric, uncivilized slave or free.*

Yes, in this upside down world of the Christ-follower, freedom looks a bit different than the freedom our country represents. We are free to love, free to serve and free to give up our own lives, take up our cross daily and follow our savior. In doing so, we learn in John 8:36 that then we will be truly free!

This week I’m just going to give you the list of freedom verses that will be the July focus. We will talk more about each verse as we move through July.

Week 1

So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.  John 8:36 (NLT)

All other freedoms pale in comparison! As we learn about freedom in Christ, as we look to who Christ was and how he lived, we get a very different perspective than that of the individual who is free to live however they see fit. Let’s take July to focus on the long-awaited freedom, freedom from sin, and how we should rightly respond.

Here’s a list of the rest of the verses for July.

Week 2

And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:32 (NLT)

Week 3

So now, there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1 (NLT)

Week 4

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. Galatians 5:13 (NLT)

Week 5

In my distress, I prayed to the Lord, and the Lord answered me and set me free. Psalm 118:5 (NLT)

So, this week I pray that those of you who live in the U.S. will look at all those fireworks that you can’t seem to miss on July 4 and recognize that you have a freedom that is even more precious!

Link to July verses that you can print.

*  (Paraphrasing Col 3:11  from the NLT.)