So most of us will be doing our Fourth of July things. We'll be getting with friends and family, going to see fireworks, eating hot dogs and hamburgers, and watching specials on T.V. It is, obviously, a holiday unique to the U.S.A. I trust you will have a happy fourth of July.

It occurred to me, as I was thinking about Sunday, that perhaps one of the most appropriate ways to celebrate our nation's independence is by worshipping our Lord. Surprisingly, roughly 62 to 66% of the world population live in countries with severe restrictions on religious freedom (Think China, North Korea, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, to name just a few).

I think it is fair to say, we hardly think about it. We come to church on any given Sunday without a thought that 2/3rds of the rest of the world can't do so without risking their lives. We probably take it for granted and I'm thinking we might treasure the privilege more were we to consider how many are denied it.

In light of The Constitution of the United States, which in the very first amendment, unequivocally guarantees religious freedom ("Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble...), perhaps the most appropriate way to celebrate our nation's 250th anniversary, would be by exercising that right, by not taking for granted our great privilege of peaceably assembling to worship our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

I am looking forward to worshipping this Sunday. I believe it will be a really good day.

Pastor Mark