Freedom

Written by Jeff Howell | Associate Pastor of Administration

Dear Faith Family ~

July is upon us…the month in which our nation celebrates its birthday. Perhaps like me, you are proud to be an American (!!!) and thankful for the freedoms and rights that we enjoy in this land.

  • We treasure the freedom of assembly that enables us to peacefully gather as the Faith Family in groups both large and small.
  • We enjoy a freedom of speech each time we share or defend the hope of the Gospel without fear of governmental persecution or prosecution.
  • Similarly, we joyfully utilize our freedom of religion whenever we declare, depict, sing, sign, or otherwise communicate the singular saving power of Jesus Christ over sin and death!
  • Occasionally, we must pursue our freedom to petition—the ability to ask the government to intervene in a matter or right a wrong.
  • And we value freedom of the press as it lets us know what is going on in our community and around the world so that we can pray and minister in an informed way.

These freedoms—contained in the First Amendment to the United States Constitution—are precious and worth protecting. Thank you, Founding Fathers, but also consider this: Ultimately, living in a land such as ours where these freedoms exist is a kind and merciful providence of God.

It is the goodness of He who says of Himself, “[9] I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, [10] declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’” (Isa 46:9—10)1. Thank you, GOD, for ordaining that a nation like ours would exist and that this nation would be our home.

*All Scripture contained herein is ESV

Over a decade prior to the writing of the First Amendment in 1789, the Declaration of Independence identified certain “inalienable rights” which pertain to all individuals. Jefferson defined these as “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” They are treasures indeed for every person who concurs with the writer of Ecclesiastes: “[12] I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; [13] also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil– this is God’s gift to man” (Eccl 3:12—13). God does not want us to be miserable here on this marvelous world that He has created; rather, we are to enjoy it and give Him the praise for it!

But, beyond the freedoms extended to us by our nation or the rights that pertain to us as human beings, our hearts yearn for something……...more.

The writer of Ecclesiastes also tells us that God “has put eternity into man’s heart” (Eccl 3:11b). Deep down, we want more than this earth can ever provide because God created us to exist eternally. When our time on Earth is done, we will transition into an eternal existence…either with the Lord in Heaven, or apart from Him in Hell if we reject the Savior Jesus Christ.

We have a Maker who is thoroughly good, just, gracious, holy, and so much more. And that Maker is also a Father who desires and makes possible personal relationship with Himself for all who ask. Our First Amendment freedoms are priceless, but they are guaranteed only as long as the Constitution is effective upon us. Likewise, as vital to our dignity as inalienable human rights are, their practical value comes to an end when we leave this earth. But there is no expiration date on the plans and promises of our omnipotent Maker, providential Sustainer, glorious Sovereign, willing Savior, and coming Judge. While we enjoy our freedoms as citizens of this great country and our rights as human beings, we must not lose sight of what is coming next. The writer of Hebrews wrote:

“[12] So Jesus also suffered outside the gate [as a sacrificial lamb] in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. [13] Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. [14] For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. [15] Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name” (Heb 13:12—15).

May we, through faith and trust in Jesus Christ, possess the certain hope of entering “the city that is to come” (Heb 13:14b).  Only in Christ is entry found. Only in Christ is true freedom from sin and death and eternal punishment found. If you haven’t turned away from sin and turned to Jesus in faith and trust, let today be the day that you experience His forgiveness and gain a new, more glorious home! And if you already have that hope, take a moment to tell the Lord how grateful you are!

What a gift from God is this land of the free and home of the brave! Let us each do our part to value, protect, and build up our country, while at the same time preparing ourselves for “the city that is to come”.

May God graciously perpetuate the freedoms and opportunities we as Americans have to make Christ known. May God bless America. May God richly bless you.

Yours truly,