Remember: He WANTS your fellowship, and He has done everything possible to make it a reality. He has forgiven your sins, at the cost of His own dear Son. He has given you His Word, and the priceless privilege of prayer and worship. - Billy Graham
And Jesus answered him, “It is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.’” – Luke 4: 8-9
If you are unable to attend,
our service is streamed live on Facebook at:
https://www.facebook.com/p/Wesley-Chapel-Methodist-Church-100064654933072/
“It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1
On July 4th, we celebrate an important day in our nation’s history. It is a day filled with family cookouts, fireworks, sometimes swimming, and more. It is a day of joy. Think with me a moment. Can you imagine how the people must have felt so many years ago, when the Revolutionary War was won, and the colonies were free from British rule? Think about how the realization must have brought such satisfaction and peace to their hearts. Now, they were free to worship, to live, build, and grow their families and a nation. Joy filled the air; I am sure.
In the beginning God spoke. He spoke, and light and life were created. He took special care in forming us and shaping us into His very image. God breathed the very breath of life into us and made us male and female. Then the serpent, the devil, tried to undo all the good, gracious, loving, and life-giving work that God had done. He tempted Eve. She ate. She gave to her husband, Adam, and he ate. Sin entered the world, and the world has not been the same. However, God promised to send the Christ, the Messiah, the Savior, to redeem and undo the work of the serpent. (Genesis 3:15) Since the beginning of time, the enemy of our souls has been trying to silence, distort, twist, and undo the Word of God. Yet the Word of God has come. The Word of God has been fulfilled, and we live under the declaration of independence that He has given to us. No longer are we slaves to sin, to the shame and fear of darkness. No, the rule of the dominating power which held us captive to do the devil’s will has been shattered. The chains of sin and sorrow have been broken, and in the Son, Jesus Christ, we have light and life. We have true freedom to worship in Spirit and Truth. We are free to live, move, and have our being.
“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ...”
2 Corinthians 5:20
We are truly free. Free to be who we are created to be, sons and daughters of the living God, filled with joy, as we enjoy Him. Let me encourage you to celebrate true independence this July. Celebrate that we can rest in Christ. We can depend on Him, and in so doing, be truly free and filled with joy everlasting!
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
July 2025
