Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ,
Last Sunday, June 26th, I asked the children in worship, “what was six months ago?” It was sort of a “trick question” I admitted. Six months back would have been St. Stephen’s Day, December 26th, yet we talked about Christmas and Jesus’ coming to bring salvation to all who believe: “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
The realization that it has been over six months from Christmas led me to think of how the current year is already half-way forward!
We begin our 3rd year of ministry together on July 1. Two years past and a third begun, and yet a “drop in the bucket” when we keep the big picture of life in context. However, it is no less important to heed God’s Holy Spirit reminding us each day is created to be a day of salvation and new life!
Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. We have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways; we refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the likeness of God. For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:1-6
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand fast therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1
We have been set free for a life of freedom and faithfulness in Christ Jesus! Life is radically changed because of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus and the gift of His Holy Spirit. We are free and remain faithful to love God and others with all our heart, soul, and strength. Resist the temptations of the god of this world to submit again to a yoke of slavery! Celebrating our nation’s Independence, remember that our Celebrations of Independence should be steeped in thankfulness for our freedom and determination to be faithful in all that has been entrusted to us.
We are privileged to be called by Jesus to be ambassadors of Jesus’ good news! Christ’s body shares the love of Jesus to rescue and transform. Wars and rumors of war, millions of babies aborted and orphaned, trapped in slavery, millions of refugees, and (B)illions hungry; how easy it is to be trapped in a yoke of selfish slavery. We have the power of God to share the love of Jesus which frees from sin and death!
Jesus Christ sets us free; we can be faithful, shining light in the darkness making known the glory of God! We stand on the shoulders of saints who have gone before us, we are not finished! God has a holy purpose for us today, to be Jesus’ Church!
Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ,
In Jesus, Paul and Nancy Wier