HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY

Saturday, July 4, 2020

“Christ has freed us so that we may enjoy the benefits of freedom. Therefore, be firm in this freedom, and don’t become slaves again.” Galatians 5:1 GW

This Independence Day marks the 244th anniversary of our great nation. July 4, 1776 was not just another day, but a significant moment in time that changed our world forever. It was a day that citizens of the original 13 colonies declared independence from the tyrannical repressive control of Great Britain. To declare independence required great courage and faith realizing that it would not come without a fight. The greatest battles took place after the declaration of independence was signed and put into effect.

There is certainly a spiritual parallel when we consider our independence day as followers of Jesus Christ. We see in Galatians 5:1 that Christ has freed us so that we may enjoy the benefits of freedom. The scripture cautions us to be aware of the danger of abusing our freedom. “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another14 for the whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Galatians 5:13-14 ESV

We are called to freedom; freedom to serve God and others in an impactful way. We are free to live our life to do what’s right, not to do what’s wrong. We can live in freedom and experience life to the fullest without the bondage of sin and the yoke of slavery in reference to keeping the law. 

Freedom is a choice, but it’s also a call we must be willing to respond to. We respond by answering the call to serve one another. Freedom is not an opportunity for fleshly gratification. Freedom opens doors and gives us opportunities we would never have experienced otherwise.  

TODAY’S PRAYER

Heavenly Father, we thank you not only for the freedom we have as citizens of this great nation, but more importantly for the freedom we have in Christ. May you continue to bless America, forgive our sin and heal our land. “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. Blessed are the people he has chosen as his own.” Psalm 33:12 GW

God Bless,

Pastor Matt