Independence Day
“We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.” ESV Romans 6:6
All eyes, young and old, looked to the sky as the jets screamed down Main Street in the midday sun, banking sharply and disappearing in the distance only to reappear a few minutes later and an instant before the deafening roar of their engines. It was an unusual and awesome sight in downtown Russellville, forever etched in my twelve-year-old mind, and the crown jewel moment of our Independence Day celebration in July, 1976.
Of course, Independence Day is celebrated every year in this country and I pray that we can continue to do so from now on. It is good to remember the foreign grip of days gone by and to celebrate liberation and freedom from outside dominion and control. In some ways it is not unlike Jews celebrating freedom from Egyptian captivity as described in the book of Exodus; an annual celebration that continues till this day.
Much of the Apostle Paul’s writing in the New Testament compares and contrasts his old life as a non-believer to his new life as a Christian. The picture he paints is one of vivid contrast between darkness and light. On the one hand, he paints a dark, dark picture of a life controlled by evil. On the other, he paints a vibrant, vivid picture of his life as a Christian; liberated by Christ! Paul’s zeal for his newfound life in Christ is evidenced in every one of his writings. You might say that Paul celebrated Independence Day every day!
We can draw other comparisons that are much more personal and close to home. At least I hope we can. In last week’s column we looked at the tendency of human nature to be inclined towards evil and how we don’t have to teach our kids to do evil. How is that tendency broken? How is it that natural tendencies are replaced by righteous, God glorifying intentions? Paul describes the transformation as being alive in Christ instead of dead in sin. It is a transformation worthy of daily celebration and shouts of thanksgiving from all Christians.
Are you alive in Christ? Has God’s word, by the power of Holy Spirit, moved you so that you’ve asked God to forgive you for doing evil in his sight? That’s called repentance; the first step in liberation. Do you believe in Jesus Christ—that he died for your sins? Repentance and belief—the one two punch that brings new life in Christ and a personal Independence Day.
Repent and believe today. Let today be your Independence Day and celebrate it each and every day forevermore.
Ken Askew
All eyes, young and old, looked to the sky as the jets screamed down Main Street in the midday sun, banking sharply and disappearing in the distance only to reappear a few minutes later and an instant before the deafening roar of their engines. It was an unusual and awesome sight in downtown Russellville, forever etched in my twelve-year-old mind, and the crown jewel moment of our Independence Day celebration in July, 1976.
Of course, Independence Day is celebrated every year in this country and I pray that we can continue to do so from now on. It is good to remember the foreign grip of days gone by and to celebrate liberation and freedom from outside dominion and control. In some ways it is not unlike Jews celebrating freedom from Egyptian captivity as described in the book of Exodus; an annual celebration that continues till this day.
Much of the Apostle Paul’s writing in the New Testament compares and contrasts his old life as a non-believer to his new life as a Christian. The picture he paints is one of vivid contrast between darkness and light. On the one hand, he paints a dark, dark picture of a life controlled by evil. On the other, he paints a vibrant, vivid picture of his life as a Christian; liberated by Christ! Paul’s zeal for his newfound life in Christ is evidenced in every one of his writings. You might say that Paul celebrated Independence Day every day!
We can draw other comparisons that are much more personal and close to home. At least I hope we can. In last week’s column we looked at the tendency of human nature to be inclined towards evil and how we don’t have to teach our kids to do evil. How is that tendency broken? How is it that natural tendencies are replaced by righteous, God glorifying intentions? Paul describes the transformation as being alive in Christ instead of dead in sin. It is a transformation worthy of daily celebration and shouts of thanksgiving from all Christians.
Are you alive in Christ? Has God’s word, by the power of Holy Spirit, moved you so that you’ve asked God to forgive you for doing evil in his sight? That’s called repentance; the first step in liberation. Do you believe in Jesus Christ—that he died for your sins? Repentance and belief—the one two punch that brings new life in Christ and a personal Independence Day.
Repent and believe today. Let today be your Independence Day and celebrate it each and every day forevermore.
Ken Askew
posted by TBC at
7/01/2009 09:54:00 PM
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