July, 2008
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
“So if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36
During the month of July we celebrate Independence Day which commemorates the signing of the declaration of independence formally establishing the United States of America as sovereign nation and separating our allegiance to Great Britain. While the fourth of July celebrates the signing of the declaration of independence—the victory that secured our freedom did not come until much later and after many lost their lives.
We know that our freedom was not and is not free, but was the result of the resolve and sacrifice of those who came before us. As Christians, we need to remember that the freedom that we have in Christ was not free because it costs Him His very life as Jesus took on the full weight of our sin and shame upon the old rugged cross of Calvary.
Luke 12:48 reminds us that to whom much is given, much is expected. Christ gave his all for us, so that we will give our all to Him. We give our all to Him, by declaring our dependence on Him. We do this because He first loved us (1 John 4:19) and so that we can truly live life at its best (Romans 6). Daily we need to declare to God that we can’t make it through the day without Him, acknowledge Him in all situations (Proverbs 3:6), and seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). The result will be life to the full (John 10:10)!
I want to encourage you to enjoy your life and the freedom found in Christ. This quote is posted in my office: "Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, totally worn out and proclaiming, 'WOW, WHAT A RIDE!!!'" Let us continue to encourage one another to live life to its fullest and using the freedom that we have in Christ to choose to do good for God’s glory and honor!
In Christ,
Pastor Robin Weinstein
