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A Long Two Weeks
I spent the first two weeks of June out of town serving in my part-time role as an assistant to a Chaplain in the National Guard. That job is a great opportunity to meet people, many of them young adults, and learn how to support them where they’re at in life.
However, what was difficult about this time was being apart from both my family and my church family. It always amazes me how missing just one or two Sundays can affect my spiritual health and well-being and I often find myself feeling spiritually cold after missing that weekly time of gathering with my local church family. It’s striking how vitally important those weekly gatherings are for our souls, especially in worshiping Jesus together.
The author of Hebrews emphasizes the importance of meeting together, writing, “Consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25). This verse at the bottom of each Young Adult newsletter reminds us of the necessity of gathering as a church family and drives the vision for our Young Adult group as well.
True Independence Day
As July 4 approaches, the sight of American flags adorning front porches and the prevalence of words like “independence,” “freedom,” and “liberty” on various forms of media become increasingly frequent. American independence is certainly a cause for celebration. Despite the imperfections and sins in America’s past, the foundation of this nation upon Biblical principles such as equality, liberty, and human dignity was and remains remarkable when compared with most of human history. The sacrifices made, from the bloodshed in the American Revolution to subsequent struggles for justice, stand as enduring testaments to a worldview deeply rooted in Christian principles.
In fact, the American ideal of freedom and independence serves as a poignant and profound reflection of a much greater freedom and independence that was also paid for and sealed through sacrificial bloodshed. Scripture is clear about our natural state as slaves to sin. Titus 3:3 describes this state vividly: "For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another." Before Jesus came, our situation was hopeless.
However, the Gospel brings the message of true freedom. Paul’s words in Romans 8:1-2 ring like a bell of independence: "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death." Until we wholeheartedly trust in Jesus’ finished work, we remain bound by sin’s chains. Yet, the promise remains firm: “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).
As we celebrate Independence Day this 4th of July, let’s reflect not only on America’s historical journey but also on the profound freedom Christ offers to those enslaved by sin. There is no greater independence.
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