In July we as Americans celebrate the birth of our nation and the freedom we enjoy as citizens of this great land. But what is freedom? Does it mean you can live without restraint and do exactly what you want to do? Some today would say that is exactly what it means. The truth is that those who live without restraint are held in bondage by their own self-centered lusts and passions. Their thoughts and actions are aimed at doing what they believe will give them power, prestige, position, pleasure or prosperity. Biblically they become the slaves of sin and alienated from God.
What is freedom? John recorded the words of Jesus on this subject when he wrote, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free… Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” ( John 8:31b – 32, 36) What is freedom? It is living a life guided by the Word of God under the Lordship of Jesus. It is doing as the Lord teaches and having a vibrant personal love relationship with Him. It is letting the Lord live in you to the extent that others have no trouble seeing Him in your words and actions. As Christians we need to live in such a way that others see in us what real freedom looks like.
If you can, I hope you will come to the Brooklet Fourth of July parade at 10:00 AM on the fourth. Our association will take part in the parade and share with the public the four ministries we conduct that minister to the people in our area. Those ministries are: Christian Social Ministry or CSM (our benevolent ministry), The Mann Retreat Center (our camp and conference center in Brooklet), Camp “I AM” (our children’s summer camp) and the Baby Comfort Station (our ministry at the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair each October to families with small children and nursing mothers).
Please remember me in your prayers as I go in for a total left knee replacement on July 20. Hopefully I will not have an extended period of recuperation before I can return to my normal routine.
I thank God for each of you!
Greg Abercrombie