#147: The Only Freedom that Lasts

Email: [email protected] https://apostolicinternational.com/ Statement of beliefs: https://apostolicinternational.com/statement-of-beliefs The sermon: https://apostolicinternational.com/sermons/THE_ONLY_FREEDOM_THAT_LASTS.pdf This sermon contrasts political freedom with the deeper freedom that only Jesus Christ can provide. Using Norway’s Constitution Day as a starting point, it acknowledges humanity’s long struggle for national independence and self-government but argues that no constitution, revolution, or political system can solve humanity’s deepest problem: sin. While nations may gain freedom from foreign rulers, individuals remain bound by a condition that affects every person. This is illustrated by biblical figures such as Noah, Abraham, David, and Peter. Though greatly used by God, each fell into sin, demonstrating that human effort alone cannot overcome mankind’s fallen nature. Likewise, entire civilizations—from Sodom to Nineveh and the great empires of history—eventually collapsed because they could not conquer the corruption within. Sin is defined not merely as wrong actions but as falling short of God’s standard. According to Jesus’ teaching, sin enslaves people, making them servants who cannot free themselves. The central question becomes Paul’s cry: “Who shall deliver me?” The answer is found in Jesus Christ, who came specifically to save people from their sins. Jesus is the one true God manifested in flesh and true freedom comes through Him alone. The sermon argues that even the best human constitutions are flawed because they are written by fallen people, whereas the New Testament provides God’s perfect charter of liberty. The sermon concludes with a call to look beyond political freedoms and seek lasting freedom through repentance, faith in Jesus Christ, baptism in His name, and receiving His Spirit. Only this freedom can overcome guilt, sin, and the fear of death.