Redeemer Lutheran Church - Parkton, Maryland

Paster James Banach Dear Fellow Redeemed,

In the United States we celebrate the Fourth of July as our national Independence Day. What usually is the first thing that comes to our minds when we think about the Fourth of July? More than likely we think about the freedom we enjoy in this country and its various expressions: the freedom to say what we want, to go where we want, and do what we want. Hopefully, we also think of our freedom to worship when, where, and how we want. In fact our nation was founded and settled by people who came to this continent seeking religious freedom, and they were more than willing to sacrifice and endure any hardships for this freedom. Yet of all the freedoms we possess in this nation and are willing to protect at all costs, many people forget to take advantage of their freedom to worship our loving, merciful, and gracious God both freely and willingly.

As Americans we take great pride in our many freedoms. As Christians we also need to take as much pride, if not more, in our spiritual freedom that we experience through faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior. His suffering, death, and resurrection purchased our freedom from sin, death, and hell. It is His sacrifice and promises that motivate us to trust in Him for our salvation, find comfort and consolation in His holy Word, gather together for worship, and receive Him in a special way in the Lord’s Supper.

As citizens of this nation we are reluctant to give up any of our freedoms, and rightly so, because they were purchased at a great price by all those who suffered and died to win them. As Christians we need to be just as reluctant to give up any of the freedom Jesus won for us through His suffering, death, and resurrection. That is why we need to take advantage of every opportunity we have to read and meditate on God’s Word, worship with our other Christians, and fellowship together.

This summer when we are tempted to become lax in our worship together because of our freedom to go other places and do other activities, let us remember that the Lord does not forget us or take a vacation from us. If you do go away, please worship on Sunday at a church near you. It will give you an opportunity to experience different expressions of worship, grow in your faith, and fellowship with Christians in other parts of our country, and as you do learn that we all share a common bond because we are one in Jesus.

This summer may our faiths continue to be nurtured the Holy Spirit through God’s Word and Sacrament, and may we always give thanks to Him for the freedom we have in and through Jesus.

Yours in Jesus,

The Purpose Driven Life Commitment Prayer

Lord, since life is preparation for eternity, I want to use my time on earth fulfilling Your five purposes for creating me.

You planned me for Your pleasure, so help me use this day to get to know and love You better (worship).

You formed me for your family, so help me use this day to show love to other believers (fellowship).

You created me to become like Christ, so help me use this day to make choices that grow my character (discipleship).

You shaped me to serve You, so help me use this day to serve You by serving others (ministry).

You made me for a mission, so help me use this day to share the Good News (evangelism).

Lord, help me to be like David because "David served [Your] purposes in his generation…" (Acts 13:36a), and I want to serve them in mine. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. [adapted from Rick Warren’s prayer]

Redeemer Lutheran Church - 20440 Downes Road - Parkton, MD 21120 - Phone 410-343-1665 - Email: info@redeemerparkton.com
Pastor: Rev. James Banach Secretary: Gordon Chandler Webmaster: John Wachter