I'm glad I go to Bayside Church. Not because it is a large mega-church that doesn't have to sell fireworks in a wooden shack filled with explosive materials in the Sacramento summer heat. But mostly because of the principle of faithfulness Pastor Ray Johnston has instilled in the church's philosophy of ministry. What would you rather do? Spend your God-given time and resources doing ministry with the community you are reaching out to, or sitting in a booth trying to sponge money out of those people in the community? I know I phrased that purposefully to make the former sound more honorable than the latter. But think about it. Is it just about the money?
A Biblical, God-honoring church shouldn't have to go to lengths and stoop to selling gimmicks to raise money. If the people in the church were faithful and generous givers, they would be able to make the financial needs of their ministries. Sure, we need to be out in the communities we minister to, however we should be giving to the community rather than taking from the community. Does that make sense?
Okay. That was one of my points I wanted to make.
But, it's the Fourth of July, Independence Day. We give much gratitude to the forefathers of this great country we live in for the freedom they demanded from the Mother country, England. And more importantly, we thank America's armed forces that are constantly keeping the freedoms of this country free. Really, freedom is not free. There is a price to pay for freedom.
And that is also true for our Christian liberties. We talk about dependence upon God. And we should always rely on God for strength, wisdom and His ultimate love upon us. But having that spiritual freedom we have been given, Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice. Jesus died for all of our sins. Just like the soldiers sacrificing their only life for the freedoms of our country, Jesus paid the ultimate price of every body's sins with His precious blood. Only, Jesus is alive!
How can that be? Jesus, being fully man and fully God, was able to be resurrected from the dead to give us eternal life! If we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, then God will forgive us of all of our sins... past, present and future. That is how we can have freedom in Christ!
Through You the blind will see
Through You the mute will sing
Through You the dead will rise
Through You all hearts will praise
Through You the darkness flees
Through You my heart screams, I am free!
I am free to run
(I am free to run)
I am free to dance
(I am free to dance)
I am free to live for you
(I am free to live for you)
I am free
(I am free)
~I Am Free (by the Newsboys)
Okay, the Newsboys aren't really American (they originated from Australia). But because of their freedom in Christ, they understand what spiritual freedom is (or we also call it Christian liberties) and where it comes from. We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. (Philippians 4:13)
So, do you have that freedom God has given us through His Holy Son, Jesus Christ? If not, and you would like to experience God's love and freedom, you can say a simple prayer like this: "Dear Heavenly Father, please forgive me of my sins. I ask for a new life in You and freedom to live my life for You. Thank You for Your love for me. In Jesus' name, Amen."
Once you have experienced God's love and faithfulness, then You can trust and rely on Him to provide for all of your needs (like my previous point). God may be invisible, but He is always faithful. I may not be the wealthiest person and I am struggling in this economy, like most of us, right now. But I am trusting in God and He does provide for my needs. Perhaps not as much as I would like, but I am making due, in God's timing.
Blessings,
Garret
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