robert wendt@robertkwendt || lead pastor Happy Fourth of July! Eleanor Roosevelt said, "With freedom comes responsibility." The United States of America is a very special place. It is a nation founded on the principle of freedom. It is a country whose history is filled with men and women who gave their lives so that we may have the freedom that we do. To all of you who have risked your life for the freedom of our country...THANK YOU! May we not forget why we have this special day to celebrate with food, fireworks, and festivals. While it's a joy to have freedom as citizens of the United States, that's not our truest freedom. What if we were held as captives (like people in other nations)? What if we were restricted? Would we no longer have hope, joy, and a reason to celebrate? Our ultimate freedom is found in Jesus Christ of Nazareth. It is through his sacrifice that true, everlasting freedom is found. No matter what our nation, language, or situation we as human beings can be united with living and active God through Jesus Christ. We are free from bondage. We are no longer captive. We are not restricted. We can have hope, joy, and a reason to celebrate. However, with freedom comes great responsibility. Galatians 5:13 (NLT) says, "For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love." We are called to serve one another in love. While you are gathering and celebrating this holiday of freedom, would you consider how you can love those around you? How can you serve rather than be served? How can you spread and share in the freedom bought for us by Jesus Christ of Nazareth this Fourth of July?
How about giving someone a hug this week. It may just be the love they needed!
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8/14/2018 07:07:26 am
Freedom really comes after responsibility. As to share, it is so hard to meet the goal for freedom if you do not take in mind that there are always in partnered with responsibility. Sometimes, what you do is opposite to what you want and what you needed to achieve. There is no bad at being happy as long as you are not hurting nobody. I would be glad to hear peace and love spreading into nations. Let us all be kind and happy for everyone's success.
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