250 - It is difficult to explain how this country has survived apart from acknowledging God's providence over her. Declaring independence from the most powerful nation in the world was, humanly speaking, a death sentence. Yet that is exactly what our Founding Fathers did 250 years ago this week.

With faith in God—and realizing they might die in the attempt—they claimed the right to be "Free and Independent States" and concluded the Declaration with these words:  "…with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor."   In other words, they risked everything.
 
As grateful citizens of the United States, honor their sacrifice this week. Even more, as followers of Christ, we should see in that same statement a reflection of what our Savior did for us. He gave His life, His riches, and His honor to make us truly free. "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:36).

The Declaration described the King of Great Britain as one "whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, [and] is unfit to be the ruler of a free people." Unlike that king, our King Jesus is:

1. Holy  ("He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth." 1 Peter 2:22).  
2. Loving and Compassionate ( "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." Matthew 9:36).  
3. Humble ("Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus... he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." Philippians 2:5, 8).  
4. Gentle ("A bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench." Matthew 12:20).
5. Truthful ("I am the way, and the truth, and the life." John 14:6)
6. Courageous ("When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem." Luke 9:51).
7. Patient ("But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life." 1 Timothy 1:16).
8. Merciful and Forgiving.  "Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more." John 8:11); ("Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." Luke 23:34).
9. Righteous and Just ("Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!" Matthew 23:13).
10. Obedient  ("My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work." John 4:34).
11. Self-Sacrificing ("For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:45).
12. Full of Grace  ("And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us... full of grace and truth." John 1:14).

As you honor your country this week, honor your King even more.


In the message, from Ephesians 2, we were reminded that we were once dead in our sins, without hope and without God, but through His great mercy and love, God made us alive together with Christ. Salvation is entirely a work of grace, leaving no room for human boasting and making every believer a trophy of God's kindness and mercy. Yet God's saving work does not end with individual redemption. Through the blood of Christ, those who were once far off have been brought near and made one people, fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God. Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ as the cornerstone, the church is being joined together into a holy temple where God dwells by His Spirit. Therefore, believers are called not merely to attend church but to live as family, knowing one another, loving one another, and building together in Christ.


Safety Training -  Please finish up your packet of information and the test to be safety trained for the upcoming year.   This is for all who regularly work with children and teens (as well as ushers/ /VBS / security team helpers).   July 1st is the deadline.  There is a packet of information available to review and you just need to complete the "test."