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