Happy Independence Day to the United States of America!

From a fishing derby to a parade and fireworks, there was a little something for everyone to celebrate yesterday on the Fourth of July. Like many other festivals, it was a great opportunity to celebrate a deeper aspect of life. On the Fourth of July, we ponder what it means to have independence, as well as the structures that afford this privilege.

As Christians, we also have the opportunity to celebrate a different kind of freedom. In his death and resurrection, Christ freed us from the bonds of sin, death, and the devil. Martin Luther took up this concept up in his tract, “The Freedom of A Christian.” There he offers what seem to be two contradicting statements:

A Christian is an utterly free person, lord of all, subject to none.
A Christian is an utterly dutiful person, servant of all, subject to all.

As a follower of Jesus, we are given an amazing gift. The freedom of Christian helps us not to fall into the desires or passions of the world. Instead, it makes us a new creation, and we are set free: free from the need to always win, free from the demand to always be right, free from the sin of placing ourselves before others. We then get the chance to bless and be blessed through serving because we are not seeking the traps of popularity, fame, or wealth. 

I hope you had a wonderful day celebrating your freedom here in the USA and the freedom we daily receive through Christ in our baptism!
 
God’s Peace,
 
Pastor Tim