The Price of Freedom
By Pastor Jerry A. Burns
Elizabeth Keckley was born into slavery in Missouri before the Civil War. Like many in her situation, she longed for freedom—not only for herself but also for her son. Her owner agreed that if she could raise $1,200, she could purchase their freedom. Keckley worked tirelessly as a seamstress and even planned to travel to New York City to earn the money, but her owner feared she might never return. In an act of kindness, several of her wealthy clients in St. Louis contributed the funds she needed. With their help, Elizabeth Keckley paid the price and secured freedom for herself and her child.
Her story reminds us of a deeper spiritual reality. The Bible tells us that every person is born in bondage—not to chains of iron, but to the power of sin. No amount of good works, effort, or determination can purchase our freedom. The price is far too high. Just as Keckley could not have gained liberty without someone stepping in to provide the cost, we could never redeem ourselves from sin.
In mercy and love, Jesus Christ paid the price we could never pay. Through His death on the cross and the shedding of His precious blood, He purchased our freedom from sin. Salvation is not something we earn—it is something Christ has already bought for us. Yet that freedom comes with a purpose. We are not set free so we can live however we please; we are set free so we can live for the One who redeemed us.
Read Romans 6 and notice how often Paul connects freedom from sin with a new life of obedience and righteousness.
Remember that your freedom from sin was purchased at a great cost. Choose to live today in a way that honors the Savior who paid the price for your redemption.
"For I know that my redeemer liveth, And that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth" — Job 19:25
Daily Scripture Reading
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This Week's Radio Program
Week Eighteen • May 3, 2026
Trusting God With Tomorrow (Pt. 3)
In this final part of the message, “Trusting God with Tomorrow,” we are brought face to face with a powerful truth from Scripture—while we often plan our days and assume the future, the Bible teaches us that life is fragile, uncertain, and completely in God’s hands. As James reminds us, our life is “even a vapour” that appears for a little time and then vanishes away . The issue is not planning, but planning without God—living as though we are in control of what only God knows.
This message walks through the heart of biblical trust: having a proper perspective of tomorrow, a humble posture before God today, and a surrendered plan that says, “If the Lord will.” Whether facing uncertainty, fear, or the illusion of control, we are called to draw near to God, rest in His care, and trust that His will is good, even when tomorrow is unknown. Because Christ has risen, our future is secure—not in our plans, but in His perfect hands.
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