Freedom

​For you were called to freedom… only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”- Galatians 5:13
 
Grace and peace to you, Beloveds!
 
As the heat of the summer settles in and July begins to unfold, we find ourselves gathered in celebration of a monumental milestone. On July 4, 1776, the brave founders penned the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming that liberty is a gift from God. This historic moment provides us with a profound opportunity to express our gratitude for the freedoms we hold dear in our country.
 
I extend my warmest thanks to all who serve and protect. To our veterans, active-duty military personnel, law enforcement officers, first responders, and their families— thank you. Your courage in standing in the gap, even at the cost of your lives, ensures that we can live in safety and peace. Your sacrifices are deeply appreciated, and they remind us of the profound impact one individual can have on the world.
 
Political freedom, though invaluable, is but one facet of freedom. As followers of Jesus, we are privileged to celebrate an even more profound freedom—the freedom we possess in Jesus Christ. Galatians 5:1 reminds us, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” This freedom transcends the political; it is a freedom from guilt, sin’s control, fear, and the futile attempt to earn God’s love through our own efforts. In Christ, we are truly free. There is no ladder to climb, and nothing we can do to make God love us more. This is God’s gift to us by grace, freely given because God so loved the world…
 
Martin Luther succinctly expressed this truth: “A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none. A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject to all.” Our freedom in Christ does not breed selfishness; rather, it compels us to love and serve others, mirroring the selfless love of Jesus. And in response to that love and grace lavishly poured upon us, we cannot help but love and serve our neighbors, doing so with glad and grateful hearts.
 
On this Independence Day, I encourage you to take a moment to thank a service member or first responder. Enjoy the fireworks- may each sparkle and boom remind you of the deeper, unshakable freedom we have in Christ.
 
Happy 250th birthday, America.
God loves all y’all, and so do I.
Pastor Suzanne