Another Pastoral Epistle 7/3/18

True Freedom! What is freedom? What does it really mean to be free? Some might say that freedom is the ability to pursue happiness with minimal constraints imposed by others. Some might answer that freedom is the right to do what we want to do.

July 4this the day we Americans set aside to celebrate the birth of our nation and the freedoms we enjoy. And we should. However, our greatest freedom is found in another citizenship. We belong to a far better country. In Hebrews “hall of faith” chapter it says of the people who walk by faith that “they were longing for a better country- a heavenly one” (Hebrews 11:16). Earlier in that same chapter it is said of Abraham, “For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God” (Hebrews 11:10). Hebrews 13:14 says, “For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.”

Our citizenship is in heaven! Being citizens of a better country frees us from trying to make this one the kingdom of heaven. Being citizens of heaven, we know that there is a greater freedom than to be free in the American sense. Jesus said, “If you remain in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32). This is the freedom we are to promote. While there is a place for us to defend our constitutional rights, our primary focus is our kingdom mission; to bring as many Americans (and beyond) to the better, lasting country.

David Mathis, executive editor for Desiring God Ministries, writes, “Let’s be profoundly grateful for the freedom we have in this country to recruit for the true one, and let’s be unashamed to seize upon our fellow Americans’ desire for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and show them in whom such joy is truly found.”

Church, enjoy your Fourth of July celebrations with family, friends, food, and fireworks. Let it lift our hearts in praise for our Christ-bought freedom from the guilt of sin. Let our lives reflect that our greatest joy is in knowing Him who has set us free…we are free indeed!

Citizen of a better country,
Pastor Brian

Looking Forward

Sermon Direction

“Jesus has not given up on the church” Revelation 1:9-20

Links to Last Sunday’s Sermon

audio
video

Meal Train

Dave and Shannon Dyer have a meal train set up for them. Please consider helping them out during their time of need, as Dave is recovering from surgery. SIGN UP HERE!

ELMM

The next meeting of the Military Ministry (ELMM) will be Saturday July 14th @ 0800 in the Fellowship Hall. Veterans, retirees, active duty military, men, women and all denominations are welcome. So please come join us in fellowship, prayer and discussion of our common bond of those who serve.

EBC KIDS

Please pray for EBC Kids! We are expanding this Fall and adding a new classroom for kids downstairs. We therefore need more helpers and teachers to serve once a month! Please pray for us as we grow and pray for more volunteers to join our team. Please email Mary Whitman at mflain@liberty.edu or call 540-986-6626 if you are interested in serving in this growing ministry!

Worship Service Live Stream

The Library will now serve as a “Cry Room” for parents with children who need to step out. You can now go watch the entire Worship Service live. Located downstairs next to the Fellowship Hall.

Church Picnic

Save the Date! Sept. 9th Details to come!

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