“But now that you have been freed from sin and enslaved to God, the advantage you get is sanctification. The end is eternal life.” –Romans 6:22
“For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your
freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves
to one another.” –Galatians 5:13
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As we enter July, the theme is always about INDEPENDENCE and FREEDOM. The 4th of July is about breaking away from the hold of the King of England and his taxation of the people. There was the hope of creating a different world filled, where the citizens would be a part of the direction and decision making. The hope was to be free, and yet our forefathers understood this came with
responsibility.
When considering our history, the ups and downs… the good and bad… the
successes and failures, I believe the 4th of July is truly about being FREED with the advantage of being “better” for others.
As citizens of the United States of America we have been blessed with gifts all around. We are not a perfect nation, as no nation is, however we have been gifted financially and spiritually in so many ways that the doors are often opened to
allow a flood of resources to reach beyond our borders. Because of our “gifts” others have been saved from many of the tyrants of this world. Because of our “gifts” others have had food on their plates and resources to help begin new and better lives. Freedom is not about ME/US, but about US/THEM and our ability to reach out to care for others.
Paul understands and writes about freedom with similar thoughts in his letters. He wants the readers to understand that we have been freed from a tyrant, SIN. He reminds the readers that we have now been enslaved to God, but with an
ADVANTAGE. The advantage is “sanctification”, which means “becoming
holy”. We are being set apart with a purpose of being more Christ like, reflecting God’s love in service to others.
Jesus has set us free from the tyrant of SIN, DEATH and the POWER OF THE DEVIL, to live lives which will be like opened doors to allow a flood of God’s grace, forgiveness, joy, peace, and patience bringing hope to the hopeless.
Because of our “gifts” others are saved from THE TYRANT of this world!
Because of our “gifts” others have food, both for body and for soul and the ability to have hope for a better life.
Remember this 4th of July to give thanks to God for the freedom we have in our country to reach others. Most of all, remember this 4th of July to give thanks to God for the true freedom we have in Christ to become more and more like him in reaching those who are in need.
God’s peace and joy,
Pastor Barb
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