Messages
Pastor’s Message
How do you celebrate July 4th? For a lot of us, it’s about family get-togethers, good food fixed on the grill, fireworks, and flying the American flag. We have this great holiday as a nation in remembrance of July 4, 1776, when the 13 American colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, declaring our independence from Great Britain. Our independence did not come easily; only after several difficult years of war would it finally be won. Nor were our first years as a nation free from problems and controversies (as is still true). But our forefathers were determined to establish a free and democratic system of government, and the Declaration of Independence (together with our Constitution and the Bill of Rights) became the foundation for this. They have stood the test of time, and on July 4th we give thanks for the wisdom and faith and courage of those leaders.
In addition to reflecting on the past, it is important to look forward and determine how we can positively influence this nation. As Christians, we ought to believe in the power of prayer and acknowledge that our country is in desperate need of a revival. However, this revival will not start in the government, in schools or even in churches – this revival must start in our own hearts and homes. Billy Graham once said that, “The secret strength of a nation is found in the faith that abides in the hearts and homes of the country.” Pray that this great nation of ours would experience a revival and return to the Christian values this nation was founded upon. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
Although it is not a religious holiday like Christmas or Easter, for many Americans July 4th is a time to reflect on God’s goodness to us as a nation. The freedoms we enjoy as Americans pale in comparison to the freedom we have as Christians, purchased by Christ’s death on the cross. God’s Word in Romans 8:1-2 reminds us, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.”
While we look with gratitude to the past on this July 4th, may we also look in faith to the future, and commit it and our lives to God and His will. The words of the Psalmist are still true: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Psalm 33:12).
I hope you have a great week. I hope to see you and your family in church this coming Sunday. Don’t forget to let your light shine for Jesus!
Pastor Rick
Message From Andy (Student Minister)
Our youth and leaders are heading to FUGE Camp at Milligan University June 30th through July 4th! I’m so excited for a week of worship, studying God’s Word, and serving in missions at a community center in Elizabethton!
The Bible Study focus for FUGE 2025 is “Into The Light: Owning Your Faith.” Our faith in Jesus is not a borrowed faith. Rather, it is a faith that we own upon coming to the saving knowledge of Christ and accepting Him as our Savior. We are more invested when we own something rather than rent, borrow, or lease something, and that includes our faith. It is personal!
Our walk of faith as a Christian is one where we grow: in the knowledge of God’s Word, in relationship with Him as we spend time with Him in prayer and worship, and in living out our faith in the world to shine God’s Light in the dark places. Our youth will be learning about the source of their faith, the spark of their faith, the fuel of their faith, and how to make their faith shine over the course of our week at FUGE Camp!
Church Family … Please be praying for our youth and leaders during our week at FUGE Camp, and thanks to everyone who has sponsored a youth to attend, supported a fundraiser, or contributed in any way to this life-changing week!
Andy