For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

Titus 2:11-14

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Titus 2:11-14

Today, I continue a pause of my study of Zechariah as I prepare for leading worship at The Gardens and The Lodge this upcoming Sunday as part of a ministry outreach of my church Bay Leaf Baptist. Since the start of the new year, worship for this ministry is based on Tony Evans' booklet The Grace of God, and for this Sunday's worship specifically, we are using chapter 4 Set Free by Grace.  Since the concept of Christian freedom is front and center as I prepare, today I lean on DesiringGod.com and John Piper's view on this topic.  Piper outlines Christian freedom as being free on four levels:

1. Of opportunity - you need to be exposed to the gospel, the Good News of Jesus Christ before you can experience Christian freedom
   
2. Of ability - you have to have the capacity to understand what salvation means to you in the context of Christian freedom
   
3. Of desire - you have to have a heart and a motivation for Christian freedom
   
4. Salvation from what can enslave us
   

Of course, Piper shares that "Jesus makes us free at every single level."  Piper explains: "He has given us the freedom of opportunity: he died for us. The freedom of ability: he gave us the gift of faith. The freedom of desire: he put a new heart in us and wrote his law on it, causing us to have new desires and new loves."  Of course we must also be humble and truly believe in Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords - we must not put any other god before Him.  

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of amazing grace for me and who gives true freedom - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the rich blessings You continue to pour out for me. My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin and help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.