Hi Brian!
The word for this week is "freedom". How appropriate! The word doesn't appear in the KJV Bible much, but in several places in the Amplified Bible. We're going to look at three different words translated freedom. The first is the word "redeemed", which is the Greek word "exagorazo" and means: to buy up, ransom, to rescue, in Strong's Exhaustive Concordance. We find this word here:
Galatians 3:13 Christ has purchased our freedom [redeeming us] from the curse (doom) of the Law [and its condemnation] by [Himself] becoming a curse for us, for it is written [in the Scriptures], Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree (is crucified)
Galatians 4:5 To purchase the freedom of (to ransom, to redeem, to atone for) those who were subject to the Law, that we might be adopted and have sonship conferred upon us [and be recognized as God's sons].
The next one is the word "liberty", which is the Greek word "eleutheria" and means: freedom, in Strong's Exhaustive Concordance. We find this word here:
Romans 8:21: That nature (creation) itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and corruption [and gain an entrance] into the glorious freedom of God's children.
Galatians 5:1 IN [this freedom Christ has made us free [and completely liberated us]; stand fast then, and do not be hampered and held ensnared and submit again to a yoke of slavery [which you have once put off].
Galatians 5:13 For you, brethren, were [indeed] called to freedom; only [do not let your] freedom be an incentive to your flesh and an opportunity or excuse [for selfishness], but through love you should serve one another.
The last one is the word "boldness", which is the Greek word "parreesia" and means: freedom in speaking, unreservedness in speech, free and fearless confidence, cheerful courage, in Thayer's Greek Lexicon. This is found here:
Acts 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were assembled was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they continued to speak the Word of God with freedom and boldness and courage.
Ephesians 3:12 In Whom, because of our faith in Him, we dare to have the boldness (courage and confidence) of free access (an unreserved approach to God with freedom and without fear).
Hebrews 10:19 Therefore, brethren, since we have full freedom and confidence to enter into the [Holy of] Holies [by the power and virtue] in the blood of Jesus.
One of the greatest, and yet simplest, statements I have heard concerning freedom is that "Freedom isn't free"! SOMEONE has to pay a price for freedom! Our service men and women have paid, and continue to pay, the price for our natural freedom. Jesus paid the price for our spiritual freedom, which effects every area of our lives! Our liberty has come at great expense. We should appreciate it always and honor them by making good use of it! Then we should operate in great boldness, standing up for what is right and letting our voices be heard, in both realms! Boldness to speak up for what is right and boldness to preach the Gospel! Here is Hillsong United with "In Your Freedom":
Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!
