ith all the fireworks, parades and fun we enjoy the annual celebration of our independence as a nation. Our collective love of freedom is tightly woven into our fabric as a nation. We don't get along well with those who threaten it in any form. We are willing to sacrifice financially and personally for our own freedom and the freedom of other oppressed people in the world. Freedom means different things to different people even in our country. What one may consider freedom can be bondage to another. Really being free requires being free in the truth. We can be deluded into thinking we are living free when in reality we are slaves to false ideas, or religions, or even sin itself.

In the eighth chapter of John, Jesus told some would be followers of His that that if they remained faithful to Him they would know the truth and the truth would make them free. True freedom from being a slave to the world is to know the truth of Christ and accept it and live by it. Other systems of thinking omit the truth to capture the hearts and minds of the ignorant and innocent. Jesus is the only Good Shepherd who laid down His life for His sheep. He did this selfless deed to once and for all free those who accept and obey Him as Savior and Lord. The truth that leads to freedom comes from God and nowhere else. In the same section of Scripture Jesus reminded the Jews that Satan is a murderer and lies are his natural tongue. We have to be ruthless with our beliefs and make sure we know what we believe and why. Real Christians are constantly growing in their knowledge of Christ and how He thought and lived. They can't wait to know more and be more and do more for the Lord. We are truly free when we are freed by the One and Only Son of God, Jesus Christ.

We are excited about our time of Vacation Bible School going on this week. VBS starts each evening at 6:15 pm. The evening sessions will run till 8:30 pm. The closing program will be at 6:30 pm this Friday. The theme is based on a county fair and features the " Fruits of the Spirit". Children of all ages are having a great time learning a lot about the God who loves them and the "Fruits of the Spirit". Transportation can be arranged by calling the church in advance of the first session at 859-6072.

Our men's breakfast will be this Saturday, July 12th at 7:30 am. Men of all ages have found this to be a gathering spot for good food and low-key fellowship. The devotionals are given by different men each month and deal with issues for men, boys and fathers.