Pastor Harry’s Thoughts for July

Bath Family and Friends, Happy 4th everyone! It’s hot and it’s dry, but we are so blessed to see another beautiful month! July is one of the most special months of the year, and one of my personal favorites. This month brings vacation and relaxation, fun in the sun, and there is plenty of it! You know what they say about fun, time flies when you’re having it. So may I encourage you today not to let this month go by without taking time to stop and honor what it is that we are celebrating, the 4th of July. A day that stands out above all that the rest in this month. A moment in time that will go down in infamy, in the history of our nation. This special day marks the official birth of our nation and our freedom from tyranny. A rule of law that kept people bound for centuries under the yoke of slavery. The old law of dictators, kings, and queens for thousands of years impressed upon all who were enslaved to this way of life. But on July 4th, 1776, America was born, and liberty was offered to all who would choose her way of living. People from every nation, tribe and race, have now been given an opportunity to share in the same privileges that once belonged only to those of royalty. The 4th of July forever changed the course of our lives and generations to come, in a way that nothing else will. You might say freedom offers new life, and a royal inheritance to all! But freedom doesn’t come free, it always comes at a price. A price that was paid by those who found enough love in their hearts willing to sacrifice their life, for you and for me. In fact, the Bible has a lot to say about love and sacrifice. John 15:13 says, "Greater love hath no man, than that he should lay down his life for a friend”. From King David to Julius Caesar, people everywhere have fought and given their lives for others to experience true freedom to be able to partake in the same privileges and opportunities granted to princes and princesses. The apostle Paul said that when you believe and put your faith in Jesus Christ as your King, you too can experience true freedom, freedom from the yoke of slavery that once made us slaves to man’s law. Galatians 5:1 says, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” But it took being bound together. Farmers would place a yoke around the neck of both oxen. One was older, wiser, and stronger, being able to carry most of the workload, teaching the younger, less mature, inexperienced ox the way he should go. When we choose to follow Christ, we too can choose to be yoked with the one who has promised to help carry our heavy load as we work and toil and plow the fields here on earth. Jesus is someone who will lead us and show us the way to eternal life. Matthew 11:28-30 says, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” So today, as we set out to enjoy this beautiful weather and go about our daily tasks, take some time to stop and remember the freedom you’ve been offered, both here on earth and your eternal freedom. If you are someone who has not made that choice to be free, to be yoked with one who will lead you, guide you, and when you weary, help carry your heavy load, all you have to do is ask. Sin is the load that we carry in this life, but today, you can choose to lay it all down. Your eternal freedom was bought with a price. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that HE GAVE (his life-a price paid in blood) his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish but have EVERLASTING life”. Simply believe in him who gave his life for you to be free! If you have never believed, please let me encourage you today, to stop and declare that you believe in Christ and the price he paid for your freedom. Accept him as your Lord and Savior and let him take the weight that sin brings. Luke 15:7 says, “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” So, let us celebrate together and rejoice with the angels that we have eternal life and freedom! Have a safe and wonderful 4th!

Grace and Peace,

Harry & Jennifer