Our True Freedom

Dear Friends,

This week we will be celebrating the birth of our country and our Independence from tyranny! Fourth of July is a special holiday and your Pastoral Ministry staff is really hoping that you enjoy it. Have some hot dogs, pop some fireworks, and remember where our true, eternal, freedom comes from.

As we’ve been talking about the last few weeks in our lectionary readings, Paul tells us that we were all once slaves to sin. But, because, “God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons,” (Galatians 4:4) we, too, are free. 

Just as the blood of our patriot brothers and sisters won us freedom from oppressive forms of government, Jesus Christ’s blood has won us freedom from sin, death and the devil. Our great oppressor, the devil, has been defeated and we give thanks to God that this is true!

As we rejoice in our personal freedom this weekend, we also rejoice in our spiritual freedom daily. In v.6 Paul writes, “And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” Because of this, we have an occasion to truly celebrate. Jesus Christ died on the Cross and rose again from the dead, and we have been made sons and daughters of God, heirs to His promise of eternal life!

So, yes, let us acknowledge the upcoming holiday in gratitude for our country. But also, while you are out watching the fireworks and enjoying the fellowship of friends and family, remember that your God has given you the joy you experience and, only He, has made you truly free!