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. Galatians 5:1

Every year we celebrate our national independence on July 4th as citizens of the United States of America. We attend outdoor concerts, family get togethers and a myriad of friendship celebrations. Fireworks displays have been part of the 4th of July festivities for as long as I can remember. Church services have always played an important role as I affirm my faith and trust in Jesus Christ and commemorate our country's heritage. But this year is different. We are living within the parameters of the Coronavirus. There are many who feel trapped or burdened. Some feel trapped within their own homes or limited in the way they can express their freedom. Others feel deeply burdened by social structures that have been in place for centuries that are now being reexamined. There is real pain. There is real discomfort. There is real separation of family and friends. This year we might be feeling anything but freedom.

God is active—there is a reason to have faith!

Consider this--God is at work—even during this time of economic hardship, Coronavirus pandemic and social discontent. We might discover that it is during these times of intense struggle that our Christian freedom is the very thing that sets us apart and puts us into a position of leadership. Remember that we are also citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. (Philippians 3:20) Paul reminded the church in Philippi to wait eagerly for the return of our Savior placing our faith and trust in His authority and leadership. It’s a firm reminder that we temporarily live within the constraints of this world but we have an eternal destination—an eternal home-- that is secured for us by Christ Jesus himself. Heaven is where we truly belong. We are exiles, strangers and aliens living in a foreign land while we live here on planet Earth. (1 Peter 2:11 and Hebrews 8:11-18) Our work here is to bring the good news —that the battle has been won! But, isn’t interesting that the temptation is so real to get caught up in the things of this world?

Who are we?

Think for a moment how the Galatian church struggled with their Christian identity. Strong opposing forces were at work within and outside the church. Imagine being in a leadership position in your church where there are major opposing view points. I think it would be easy to get sucked into the vacuum of turmoil and confusion. One side says this and the other side says that—which side do we select? The Apostle Paul opposed getting wrapped up in the rigorous social or religious arguments too intensely by classifying that very behavior slavery. Slavery was a volatile word then—and it is a volatile word now. I believe that’s why Paul used the intense comparison. When we become captivated by the beliefs, behaviors and expectations of this world—we can be in danger of selling our soul for a temporary vision that leads to meaningless. Paul would be quick to remind us that we are held accountable for sharing the gospel message and to avoid anything that gets in the way or endangers our efforts toward inviting others to become part of the eternal Kingdom of God.

Who’s kingdom are we building?

Christians are here to invite others to know Christ and him crucified. (1 Corinthians 2:2) Christian freedom is the outcome of the gospel and for all to believe Jesus is the Christ—the Messiah—the Anointed of God who is the King of Kings. Jesus is the ruler and commander. Paul states this succinctly: do not let yourself be burdened by a yoke of slavery. Don’t settle for a vision of this world which diminishes Christ’s eternal influence. There is more to life! The gospel is good news to everyone who is a captive. Who is a captive? The answer is not as obvious as you may think. Captives are held to something against their will, imprisoned, enslaved or confined. Bottom line—humans are captives of sin. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) Jesus has overcome sin and Jesus is the authority over sin. Freedom from sin is only found in Jesus. Jesus has the plan, He paid the price, He set salvation into motion long before we knew him and He did it all before we would ever love him or claim him as our Lord. Our mission…should we choose to accept it is simple. Don’t let anyone confuse you.

Raise a Hallelujah!...what counts is the new creation. Galatians 6:15 NIV

Pastor Jen