LET FREEDOM RING!

Sermon Notes, July 1, 2012

Pastor Gary Smith

Pastor Gary’s sermon was titled “Let Freedom Ring!”  His scripture reference was 1 Peter 2:13-17, where Peter urges his readers to submit to authority.  He reminded us that our country was founded on godly principles, and noted how far we have moved from that.  God has been discarded—we’ve pushed Him out.  The values of Americans have descended to the sewer.  The call is to Christians and Americans to “Let Freedom Ring!”

Let freedom ring in our response to government authorities.  Verse 13 tells us that we are to respect those the Lord has sent to govern us.  However, we are not to violate the higher laws of God.  When God’s laws conflict with man’s law, go with God.

Let freedom ring through the liberty of life in Christ.  Sin holds us hostage; only in Christ can we be truly free.  Jesus fought for our independence; His death delivers us from sin.  Verse 16 tells us not to use our freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God

Let freedom ring through our response to sin while living in a sinful world.  What happened to “In God We Trust,” or “one nation under God”?  We sing “God Bless America,” but we kick Him out of our society.  We do that as individuals, too.  The Supreme Court of 1892 said “…this is a Christian nation.”  Verse 17 tells us to honor (respect) the king, but to fear (revere) God.

Let freedom ring through reverence for God again.  Regard Him with majesty.  Lift Him up.  Bow in His presence.  He hasn’t forgotten us—we’ve forgotten Him.  We need to reclaim our nation under God.  Pray for our country and its leaders.