Freedom in Christ

As the 4^th of July approaches this summer, most people in our communities will be reflecting on freedom in general, the Revolution that freed our people from foreign rule by Great Britain, and the freedom our military brings us each and every day. It is safe to say that many Americans are patriotic and become emotional when watching fireworks, singing our national anthem, and celebrating our blessed independence. The military has always been a great source of pride to many of us because we have served or have family members who have served or are currently serving. I am personally grateful to my parents, who are Air Force Veterans, and my grandfathers who valiantly served in World War II. I have a direct connection to two men who literally fought on a battlefield for my freedom. Just the thought of what my grandfathers faced in battle stirs emotions that bring such gratitude and humility because of my inability to return their service. How much more gratitude and humility should we feel about the Son of God who won the ultimate battle over sin and death and who intercedes for us even today? Nothing compares to the freedom we have in Christ; not even the freedom we enjoy in our country on a daily basis. We are so blessed and should indeed remember the sacrifices made by our military since the 1700s. However, we should also remember that many of those men and women fought believing this nation was great because of its’ reliance on the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. My grandfather once wrote,

“May the soul of America never become insensitive to the sacrifices of men who without thought of monetary reward gave themselves unreservedly to the defense of their country in a war that was unquestionably the defining event of the 20th century. We're reaching the end of our expectancy. All will be gone in a few years. Will U.S. citizens know a war was fought? And why? As old vets depart, as we must, our concern is that of eyewitnesses to the sacrifices of war. May those who come after us realize that their freedoms are etched in blood. So soon comes the silence of old war veterans gathered in the bivouacs of the dead awaiting the Lord's trumpet call to the final muster. Such is the faith of those who fought and died in defense of a nation they held inseparable from God.”

Jack Conn, 6^th Marine Division, Pacific Theatre, World War II

A nation inseparable from God! Our forefathers fought and died for a nation they held inseparable from the Living God. Our freedom is not the only thing our ancestors granted us; they passed down the Christian tradition that teaches it is for freedom that Christ set us free from the laws of sin and death! Not only is the freedom of a U.S. citizen etched in our soldier's blood, our freedom is etched in the blood of Christ Jesus. This 4^th of July we pray that you experience freedom in Christ, and of course, thank a veteran!

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then and do not be burdened again by the yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1 NIV

“You, my brothers were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge in the sinful nature; rather serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Galatians 5:13-14 NIV

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:17 NIV

Stevie 



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