
Let freedom rise when Christ is crowned— No truer King can e’er be found. Let freedom ring—make Jesus your King.
There is no heart without a throne, No soul that truly stands alone. The crown we wear, we often claim— Yet freedom dies in pride’s own name.
We chase the self, call it divine, But chains are forged in every line. We bow to fear, or wealth, or fame, Still whispering Jesus, yet crown only His name.
Israel cried, “Give us a king!” But found that self-rule scars and stings. The prophets grieved, the people strayed, But God remained—His rule unswayed.
Today we echo ancient cries, Disguising thrones in modern lies. But Christ still calls: “Lay down your plans— Take up your cross and take My hands.”
He reigns not just in heaven’s halls, But in the clash of earthly calls. His crown is truth, His scepter grace— He bids us rise, to take our place.
Through martyrs’ blood and pilgrim song, The cry endured and still is strong: “Let King Jesus reign, and enemies fall— No crown, no power, above Him at all.”
So, break the chains, let idols flee, And bow to Love that sets you free. Let courage rise on Kingdom wings— And live for Christ, the King of Kings.
Let freedom rise when Christ is crowned—No truer King can e’er be found. Let freedom ring—make Jesus your King.
👑 There Is No Such Thing as a Kingless Heart

In the kingdom of Satan—which is really the kingdom of self—the throne belongs to pride. The anthem? “My truth.” The soundtrack of rebellion? “I’ll do it my way.”
But don’t be fooled—this isn’t freedom. It’s a beautifully disguised cage. In the kingdom of self-will and sin, the crown you wear becomes the chain that binds you.
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” — Proverbs 14:12
The truth is: every heart has a throne. Always. The real question isn’t if there’s a king—it’s who.
💠 What Is a King?

A king is more than just a crown or a throne. At its core, a king holds ultimate authority over a realm. Historically, that meant sovereignty—responsible for justice, protection, and the final word.
But spiritually, the title carries even more weight. A king is the object of your deepest loyalty. He defines your identity, directs your decisions, and determines your direction.
In that sense, a king isn’t just someone in a palace. It’s whatever rules your heart.
⚖️ The Great Pretender: Self on the Throne

Let’s bring this closer to home. Culture today sells self-rule like it’s salvation:
“Follow your heart.” “Live your truth.” “You’re the hero of your story.” “Do your own thing!”
But here’s the truth: self isn’t a savior—it’s a substitute. A fallen throne dressed up in confidence and charisma.
And when self reigns—Jesus is dethroned.
The great lie of every generation is that freedom means doing whatever we want. But real freedom? It’s found in surrender to the One who created us.
“For the Lord most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth.” — Psalm 47:2
God doesn’t just reign in heaven. He reigns over nations. Over systems. Over you.
His crown isn’t decided by popular vote. Whether we acknowledge it or not—He wears it.
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” — Proverbs 14:12
🏰 When People Rejected God as King (1 Samuel 8:7)

Back in the time of the judges, Israel was ruled by God through divinely appointed leaders. But then the people looked around and said: “Give us a king like the other nations.”
Why? Because they wanted what the world had. They craved kings who looked like them, thought like them—who exalted self-will the way they did.
They didn’t want to be ruled by God.
Samuel took it personally. He thought he had failed as judge. But in 1 Samuel 8:7, God answers:
“They have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.”
That cry still echoes today. It’s not just about governments. It’s about hearts that prefer self-rule to surrender.
We say “Thy will be done,” but quietly hope God won’t answer. We lean on money more than on His provision. We blend in, when we were called to stand out.
The cry for any king but Jesus isn’t history—it’s the human heart, every day.
🔥 Allegiance Over Approval

In Acts 5:29, the apostles were told to stop preaching Jesus. Their response?
“We ought to obey God rather than men.”
That’s not arrogance—it’s allegiance. It’s what happens when culture and Christ collide—and you know which crown matters most.
It’s saying:
· My feelings don’t get the final word—God does.
· My preferences don’t rule me—Jesus does.
· My past doesn’t define me—His Lordship does.
As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 9:19: “Though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.”
Here’s the paradox of the Kingdom: The freest people on earth are the ones joyfully ruled by Christ. His crown doesn’t crush you—it crowns you with life.
💡 What Does King Jesus Mean for You Today?

Want to live in real freedom?
Stop asking God to bless your plan—start asking Him to lead you in His. Let His Word rule your decisions—not your emotions. Renounce the rival kings: Fear. Pride. Addiction. Success.
None belong on the throne meant for Christ alone.
This isn’t about saying “Jesus is Lord”—it’s about living like He is.
So let the kingdoms of self collapse. Let the idols of culture crumble. Let every knee bow, every heart rise, every voice declare:
Let freedom rise when Christ is crowned—no truer King can e’er be found. Let freedom ring—make Jesus your King.
🛡️ Historical Echo: The Covenanters’ Cry

Let’s go back to 17th-century Scotland.
The government tried to force churches into Anglican conformity. But the Scottish Covenanters stood firm—signing the National Covenant in 1638 and 1643.
Their cry?
“For Christ’s Crown and Covenant.”
When King Charles outlawed their worship, they were exiled, tortured, and martyred. But they met death with banners high: “Let King Jesus reign, and all His enemies be scattered.”
They knew what crown mattered. Do we?
The American Colonists and the King Above Kings

Centuries later, on American soil, colonists echoed that same cry.
When asked who ruled them, some boldly replied: “I have no King but Jesus.”
Not because they hated kings—but because they had met the only true One.
This wasn’t political rebellion. It was a spiritual revolution. Their allegiance wasn’t to an earthly throne—it was to the throne of heaven.
✝️ The Throne Is Not Empty

The world may shout: “No king!” But the redeemed whisper—and roar: No King but King Jesus.
He’s not a figurehead. He’s not a mascot. He reigns—now and forever.
“God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.” — Psalm 47:8 “Rise up, Lord, and let thine enemies be scattered.” — Numbers 10:35
Yes—let King Jesus reign. Let every enemy be scattered.
But don’t miss this: This isn’t a justification for rebellion. It’s a call to righteousness.
To obey God means truth. Order. Humility. Justice. Love.
Because that’s the kind of King Jesus is. And that’s the kind of Kingdom He offers —to all who receive Him as Lord.
🙌 Your Move: Bow Before the Crown

If your heart’s been ruled by fear, pride, or self—today is the day to surrender.
Don’t just say Jesus is King—make Him your King.
Lay down your crown. Step off the throne. Give Christ His rightful place —over your plans, your pain, and your praise.
Let His reign begin—and watch real freedom rise.
🙏 How To Make Jesus Your King

· Pray: Invite Jesus to rule every part of your life.
· Live: Let your choices reflect His Lordship.
· Declare: Share your allegiance—online and in life.
📣 Shareable Summary

Click here to view the sermon on this topic at Dr. Patrick Briney’s YouTube channel.