Freedom That Leads to Faithfulness - A message from Pastor Stewart Feketa.
"For you are free, yet you are God's slaves, so don't use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. Use your freedom to serve God." — 1 Peter 2:16 (NLT)
As our nation celebrates America's 250th anniversary, we pause to thank God for the precious gift of freedom. Throughout our country's history, countless men and women have sacrificed to protect the liberties we enjoy today. Independence is a blessing that should never be taken for granted.
Yet as Christians, we understand there is a freedom even greater than political freedom. Through Jesus Christ, we have been set free from the power of sin, guilt, and eternal separation from God. His sacrifice on the cross offers every believer a new life filled with hope, purpose, and peace.
The apostle Peter reminds us in 1 Peter 2:16 that our freedom is not a license to live however we please. Instead, it is an opportunity to serve God faithfully. True freedom is found when we willingly submit our lives to Christ and allow Him to guide our thoughts, words, and actions each day.
As Americans, we cherish the freedoms protected by our Constitution. As followers of Christ, we treasure an even greater freedom—the liberty to worship God, share the Gospel, and live boldly for His Kingdom. These freedoms carry responsibility. We are called to love our neighbors, pray for our leaders, encourage one another, and shine as lights in a world searching for truth.
This Independence season, let us celebrate with grateful hearts while remembering the greatest freedom ever offered was purchased by Jesus Christ. May we use every freedom God has entrusted to us—not for selfish gain, but to honor Him and serve others with humility, compassion, and unwavering faith.
May God continue to bless America, and may America continue to seek the God who alone makes people truly free.
