Pastor's Notes
July 2016
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LET FREEDOM RING!
Wow! Here we are again, celebrating the independence of our country—a country founded by Christians. Here's a collection of powerful quotes. Some of these will make you think; others will affirm and a few will create conversations around the meaning of patriotism in light of the Kingdom of God.
"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ. For that reason alone, people of other faiths have been afforded freedom of worship here." ~ Patrick Henry
"The propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained." ~ George Washington
"We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." ~ Thomas Jefferson
"Intelligence, patriotism, Christianity, and a firm reliance on Him, who has never yet forsaken this favored land, are still competent to adjust, in the best way, all our present difficulty." ~ Abraham Lincoln
"With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own." ~ John F. Kennedy
"America was founded by people who believe that God was their rock of safety. I recognize we must be cautious in claiming that God is on our side, but I think it’s all right to keep asking if we’re on His side." ~ Ronald Reagan
“True patriotism is not worship of our nation but rather, in the light of our worship of the God of justice, to conform our nation's ways of justice.” ~ Robert McAfee Brown
“True patriotism hates injustice in its own land more than anywhere else.” ~ Clarence Darrow
"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others." ~ Nelson Mandela
“The Kingdom of God wasn't born on the Fourth of July.” ~ Matt Chandler
So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law. ~ Galatians 5:1 ~ Paul
“You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings.32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” ~ John 8:31, 32 ~ Jesus Christ
It is my prayer that God blesses you and this great nation that he has gifted us with. May we be the stewards He intends us to be, thus enabling the passing on of these great freedoms to our children and grandchildren.