Dear Church Family –
235 years ago today, on September 25, 1789, The Bill of Rights was passed by the U.S. Congress and sent to the states for ratification. The Bill of Rights is the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution. They were designed to protect the basic rights of U.S. citizens, guaranteeing us the freedoms of speech, the press, assembly, and exercise of religion. They guarantee the right to fair legal procedure and the right to bear arms. The Bill of Rights also specified that powers not specifically delegated to the federal government are reserved for the states and the people.
These are cherished freedoms and they have served us well. These freedoms largely align with God’s values and they have made America a light to the world. Because of these freedoms we have millions of churches in America, many of which represent Christ and His Word. Because of these freedoms we have tremendous riches of Bible translations and Christians colleges and publishers. We have thousands of Christians organizations serving people in the name of Christ. We have sent missionaries around the world, and everywhere they have gone they have brought hope and peace and love and the light of truth and righteousness in Christ.
We praise God for the rights He has given us in America and we rededicate ourselves to use them for His glory.
But there is an even greater freedom than the freedom secured by our “rights.”
Forgiveness is giving up my right to hurt you for hurting me…and it is liberating!
Love is giving up my rights to my time and resources in order to serve and care for you. Again, it’s liberating.
Peace is giving up my right to have everything just the way I want it, in order to live in harmony with you. The gain is worth the giving.
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.” (John 1:12)
“Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.” (Rev 22:14
“This is my defense to those who sit in judgment on me. Don't we have the right to food and drink? Don't we have the right to take a believing wife along with us, as do the other apostles and the Lord's brothers and Cephas? .... But we did not use this right. On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 9:3-5, 12)
Celebrating our freedom in Christ, freedom in our country, and freedom to love, give, and serve – Pastor Tim
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