Let Freedom Ring

July 2018

Message from Pastor Tom,

As we find ourselves celebrating Independence Day with family and friends, enjoying fun and sun, barbecues, parades and lots of fireworks, I want to also share another side of the holiday. In doing some reading for this month's message, I found a speech given on July 4, 1946, by John F. Kennedy, 29 years old at the time and running for Congress in Massachusetts. JFK addressed the crowd at Boston’s Independence Day celebration stating, “The informing spirit of the American character has always been a deep religious sense. Throughout the years, down to the present, a devotion to fundamental religious principles has characterized American thought and action.” I am sure many of us are thinking this opinion most likely did not sit well with those who didn’t believe in God or identify with any religious tradition.

However, even now 72 years later the social norm is to adopt a culture of tolerance, basically lowering our Christian standards. I hate to say this, but all too often the same kind of tolerance and anything-goes attitude moves into the church. Our truths are based on fundamental Christian principles learned through Scripture, and it is our moral and ethical duty to lay this foundation for our families and the lost as well. One of our founding fathers John Adams said, "The general principles on which the Fathers achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity.” Preserving our American liberty depends first upon our understanding of the foundations on which this great country was built, and then it depends on preserving the principles on which it was founded. We as Christians do not have the luxury of compromising our morals and ethics to be all-inclusive and to believe anything goes.

However, that is what our world wants, which is owned and run by the great deceiver himself satan. This is evident as we look at the turmoil in other nations and even within our own country today. We should be devoted to the fundamental religious principles of God, and our character should be beyond reproach. Can you say you are running your life or your family's life on these same principles? I know the theology of this great country has gotten lost in the decades since it was founded, and even since JFK proclaimed this country's founding so strong and so proudly.

We need to hold our ground and be prepared, dressed in our battle gear every day. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” Ephesians 6:10-11. Remember that through His Word, God has entrusted to us the knowledge of who He is, what He is doing, and how the future will unfold for mankind. The Scriptures were intended to lead us into a growing personal relationship with our heavenly Father and to empower us for fruitful service as Christ’s Disciples. This life is just the beginning. One day we will see Jesus face to face, be perfected as the individuals He created us to be, and live with Him in our true home forever.

Heidi and I pray you will all have a joyous, safe and blessed 4th of July holiday, and remember to remain in God’s Word, for indeed it will draw us into a closer relationship with our Lord and Savior. Each of us can experience the blessings of true spiritual liberty. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and as always I hope it spiritually enriches you.

Blessings from a pastor and his wife, 

Tom and Heidi           

We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20 (NIV)