Introduction Today we conclude our series titled FEVER PITCH. In the previous weeks we have talked about many “hot button” topics in our culture that have escalated to a fever pitch. In this series we have talked about and learned how we can approach and respond to these topics in a biblical manner and in ways that bring glory to God. Today is July 4th, Independence Day, so it is fitting that our discussion panel talks about God and Country. Today our panel will tackle some hard questions like “Is war Godly?” “What about being a soldier and fighting?” and “How can the church remain patriotic without falling into idolatry?” These are great questions! Let’s see what today’s panel has to say about them. Video America, land of the free and home of the brave. We are truly blessed to live in a country that values freedom and independence. Because of this we have the liberty and protected right to assemble to worship freely, to preach the Gospel openly without negative ramifications, and have the freedom to choose to be religious or irreligious. Today is the day we observe and celebrate the freedom we have as a nation. Many of us will gather with family and friends to watch fireworks, some of you may have adorned your homes with American flags and patriotic décor. Hopefully, all of us here in this room will fellowship after the service to celebrate our freedom and country by doing all things Americana. This is all well and good. But let us not forget as Christians what true independence looks like. True Christian independence does not give us the freedom us to do whatever we want; however we want, with whomever we want. Christian freedom comes with parameters, but they are not constricting parameters. Our freedom comes at a cost that was paid on the cross of Calvary. Romans 5:20 – 6:14 Dead to Sin… Alive in Christ
As I conclude, I want to stress that all of us are truly blessed to live in a country that values freedom and independence. I am proud to be an American. I love my country. I love that our freedom of speech, and our freedom to practice religion without government interference is protected. I am grateful for the men and women who have fought and sacrificed for our freedom. But I stand up here today to say that as much as I love being an American, I am loyal to Jesus Christ only. I am a child of God first and foremost. I will be faithful to the Word of God and put into practice the Word of God over any political ideology. I am not allied with any political party; I am allied only with Jesus Christ. Can I be all of these and still be patriotic? Yes! But as a Christian I must be devoted to God first and all other things, including country, come after.
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Jeff has been in full-time ministry for thirty years. He currently serves as Executive Director at Anchor House Ministry at SeaPort Manatee in Palmetto, FL and he is a part-time Campus Pastor at West Bradenton Southside in Bradenton, Florida.
Jeff Has authored A Lent Devotional (A Spiritual Journey to Lent) an Advent Devotional (The Advent of Jesus) and a devotional on the book of James (James: Where Faith and Life Meet). All three are available on Amazon. He is married to Carrie and they have four children, Micaiah, Gabe, Simon, and Berea. Preview or purchase Jeff's Books
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