THEME: Write one sentence about the topic. A MESSAGE THAT CHANGES LIVES!!!

EQUIP THE SAINTS!!!

Date of Update: July 1,2026

Overview: >

Proposition:  Freedom is God's gift, but preserving freedom is God's stewardship.

Theme:           God has entrusted every generation with the stewardship of three priceless gifts: the Gospel, the Church, and the freedoms that allow the Gospel to flourish. As faithful followers of Christ, we are called to preserve these gifts through prayer, righteous living, civic responsibility, and faithful witness.

Objective:       To encourage believers to view civic involvement—including prayer, voting, and serving their communities—not as political activism but as faithful stewardship flowing from their allegiance to Jesus Christ.

How does this message change lives?

How does it CHANGE LIVES?

How is it tied to our testimony?

How do we apply it in our lives?

What is the one thing hearers should walk away with, if they do not hear anything else?

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✔️CHECKLIST

Complete the Sermon Notes Insert.

CREATE NOTES AND BIBLIOGRAPH AS AN INSERT IN THE BULLETIN.

Select Background

Create an Introductory Slide (with name).

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WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS

(Lay Leader) WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS

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CALL TO WORSHIP

Psalm 33:8–22

(Lay Leader):  Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere him.

(People):         For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.

(Lay Leader):  But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.

(People):         Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance.

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CHOIR / SONG🎵505

Faith of Our Fathers

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Today’s Bible Reading

(LAY LEADER) BIBLE (Reading): Deuteronomy 8:10–20 (PAGE #287)

Deuteronomy 8:10–20 NIV

10 When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. 11 Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. 12 Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, 13 and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, 14 then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 15 He led you through the vast and dreadful wilderness, that thirsty and waterless land, with its venomous snakes and scorpions. He brought you water out of hard rock. 16 He gave you manna to eat in the wilderness, something your ancestors had never known, to humble and test you so that in the end it might go well with you. 17 You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” 18 But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today. 19 If you ever forget the Lord your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely be destroyed. 20 Like the nations the Lord destroyed before you, so you will be destroyed for not obeying the Lord your God.

(LAY LEADER) This is the Word of the Lord.

(PEOPLE) Thanks be to God!

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Sharing Our Joys and Spiritual Needs

(LAY LEADER) PRAYER NEEDS AND REQUESTS

[Go to front after Sharing of Prayer Requests.]

PASTOR: SILENT PRAYER

PASTOR: PASTORAL PRAYER for NEEDS.

Unspoken Prayer

Warden Community Church (Leaders, Volunteers, Givers, all other needs)

Mission Organizations (particularly the Navratils, the Elliots, the Killions, the Gideons, the NACCC, and others)

Persecuted Church (Iran, China, Africa, Asia, South America, and the Middle East . . . even those in Europe and Australia . . . your church everywhere)

Homeless and Destitute,

Sick and Injured,

Hungry and Needy,

In Prison

Military, Fire, Police, all other Emergency Services and Rescue,

Those who are new or visitors to Warden Community Church.

Those who are seeking after You and those who are lost. We pray for redemption.

And we lift up our families, friends, and and those close to our hearts, that they may seek and find You, Lord.

Others that we may not have mentioned.

PASTOR: LORDS PRAYER or OTHER PRAYER (Bulletin)

Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we

forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us

from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,

forever. Amen. (Matthew 6:9-13)

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(Lay Leader) GLORIA PATRI

Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was

in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.

Amen, Amen.

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CHOIR / SONG 🎵#456

God of Grace and God of Glory

[GO TO THE PLATFORM BEFORE music ends.]

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PRAYER OF PREPARATION (for the message)

PASTOR: May the words of my mouth . . . (CAN BE CHANGED!

PEOPLE: And the meditation of our hearts,

be acceptable in Your sight,

O Lord, Our Strength and Our Redeemer.

Amen. (Psalm 19:14)

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John 3:30; 1 Corinthians 2:1–5

Father, may Your Son, Jesus Christ, increase and that we may decrease. Let our confidence rest not in human wisdom nor eloquence but in the power of Your Holy Spirit. May Jesus Christ alone be exalted through the preaching of Your Word today.

Lord, revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You? Show us Your lovingkindness, O LORD, and grant us Your salvation. (Psalm 85:6-7)

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Freedom Worth Preserving

Pastor Dave Marks

Warden Community Church

😁ANIMATED, EXPRESSIVE, PASSIONATE, POSITIVE. 😊❤️

1. Welcome 😊❤️

Good morning, church family! It is such a joy to gather together today in the presence of the Lord. To celebrate the FREEDOM that we received through Jesus Christ. We are free indeed. There is nowhere else I would rather be on a Sunday morning than right here, worshipping alongside each of you. Let's give God thanks for bringing us together.

2. Welcome to Guests and Visitors

And if you’re visiting with us for the first time, we want to extend a very special welcome—you are not here by accident. We’re truly glad you’ve joined us, and we pray that today would be an encouragement to your heart.”

3. Warden Community Church ⛪♥️

We are a Bible-believing, Christ-centered church committed to knowing God, growing in Christ, loving one another, and making the good news of Jesus Christ known in our community and throughout the world.

4. Special Announcements or Messages

We invite you to join us in the Fellowship all after the service for some food and fellowship. We’d love to get to know you better.

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WORSHIP SERVICE ON SUNDAY . . . NEED MUSICIANS

PRAYER CARDS: Importance. I pray every day for this church.

MEN: In September 28th we will be starting a Men’s ministry.

Keep the date open. We will have some special announcements as we get closer to that date.

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5. Series:

We are taking a break from our regular series.

HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT SAYS . . .

Explain the series.

Explain where we are at . . .

Explain where we are going.

Last week, WHAT WE LEARNED, WHAT I LEARNED

DICK SCOGGIN: And I pray that when You call me home, I can say, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith." And I pray I will hear You say "Well done" and that I am 'Your good and faithful slave.'

Today is a special message.

Independence Day

250 year celebration.

Freedom Worth Preserving

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Introduction to Message

A MESSAGE THAT CHANGES LIVES!!!❤️😁

IMPORTANT: Include your own story and/or experience in this message.

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When I was growing up in Oklahoma

Go to neighbors of Independence Day to set off fireworis.

Lots of good memories.

One year one of the children - 5 year old little girl

Given a sparkler.

Got tired of it - put it in the bag of fireworks that her dad bought - LIT.

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IT WAS THE BEST FIREWORKS EVER!!!

"But here's what's interesting.

When I think about Independence Day, that's the first story that comes to my mind.

For many people, that's what the Fourth of July has become—a collection of memories.

AND THAT’S NOT A BAD THING

GOOD, HAPPY MEMORIES ARE WONDERFUL

BUT . . . How many of us actually pause to remember what we're celebrating?"

Story or Quote (with history)

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(Signing of the Declaration of Independence)

The Signing of the Declaration

Most people picture fifty-six men signing a document.

But we seldom think about what those signatures meant.

After reading the Declaration publicly, John Hancock stepped forward.

He signed his name boldly.

According to tradition, he remarked that

he wanted King George to be able to read it without spectacles.

Those men were not simply signing paper.

They were pledging everything.

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Benjamin Franklin reportedly quipped,

"We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately."

Every one of those fifty-six men knew what that signature might cost.

Some lost homes.

Some lost businesses.

Some lost sons.

Several were imprisoned.

Many died poor.

They weren't asking,

"What can this country do for me?"

They were asking,

"What must I give so that those who come after me may live in freedom?"

(Pause.)

What if they had decided it wasn't worth the sacrifice?

(Long pause)

This morning, I want to suggest that every generation faces the same question.

Not whether we'll sign a Declaration.

But whether we'll faithfully preserve what others sacrificed to give us.

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(Father opening a box with a Bible in it to give it to his son.)

Imagine a father bringing his teenage son into the family study.

He opens an old wooden box.

Inside is an old Bible.

Its pages are worn.

Inside the cover are six generations of names.

The father hands it to his son.

The son says,

"Dad...is this yours."

The father smiles.

"No."

"It isn't mine."

"I've only been entrusted with it."

"My grandfather placed it in my father's hands."

"My father placed it in mine."

"Now I place it in yours."

"This Bible doesn't belong to us."

"We're simply its caretakers until the next generation."

In 1961, Ronald Reagan said,

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Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same."

Point or Perspective from Story

That is how fragile our freedom is.

There are lots of people in this world who

want to limit it.

want to eliminate it.

want to abuse it.

want to take advantage of it.

We need to belong to those who fight to preserve it.

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On July 4.

People celebrate with

Flags.

Parades.

Barbecues.

and of course, fireworks (or drone shows).

Have you ever wondered what Independence Day is really celebrating?

The men who signed that Declaration understood something we've almost forgotten.

They believed they were building something that did not belong to them.

They were building something for generations they would never meet.

That's exactly how every Christian should think.

Not just about America.

Its about the Gospel.

Its about the Church.

Its about freedom.

Its about God.

We don’t own any of these . . .

God has simply entrusted them to us for a season.

Overview of Subject

"How did we receive this freedom?"

Not merely through military victories.

Not merely through brilliant political minds.

But through sacrifice.

Those men didn't believe they owned freedom.

Body of Message

What does God expect from people who have been entrusted with freedom?

Here’s where the Bible must prevail in our lives.

Not history.

Not politics.

Scripture.

This is where Romans 13 begins. (Identifies three areas of social responsibility).

What is special about Romans, Chapter 13?

Romans 13 establishes that all people should submit to governing authorities, grounding this obligation in the conviction that governmental power ultimately derives from God.

Let’s look at the first seven verses.

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Resistance to authority is opposition to God.

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Romans 13:1–2 ESV

1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.

Paul instructs believers to submit to governing authorities,

grounding this command in the conviction that all legitimate authority ultimately derives from God.

He then warns that resistance to authority constitutes opposition to God’s order and brings judgment upon oneself.

How does this make sense in the eyes of God.

Obedience is submission to God’s created order.

If authority is ordained by God, we honor God by submitting to that authority.

Obedience also blesses us when the manner of submission reveals

one’s conscience,

Authority is supposed to reward good and punish evil.

LET’S KEEP THIS IN MIND:

Paul calls for “submission”

NOT absolute “obedience”

This is simply a distinction for recognizing one’s subordinate place in a hierarchy.

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Government functions as God’s instrument—rewarding good conduct and punishing wrongdoing through its authority.

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Romans 13:3–4 ESV

3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.

Paul argues that rulers pose no threat to those doing good—

in fact, those who act rightly receive approval—

as long as government serves as God’s instrument for good.

Conversely, those who do evil should fear,

since authorities wield coercive power to punish wrongdoing as agents of divine judgment.

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Believers should submit not only from fear of punishment but from conscience.

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Romans 13:5–7 ESV

5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.

Paul grounds submission to authority in two distinct motivations:

First is fear - The first appeals to self-interest—avoiding consequences—

The second invokes a deeper principle:

aligning one’s conduct with what one knows to be right.

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ONE THING TO REMEMBER:

As God’s servants, authorities are not permitted to do what is wrong;

their duty is to reward good and punish evil.

When the state prohibits good and demands evil,

it is no longer performing its God-ordained task.

A totalitarian regime that systematically violates this mandate

forfeits its moral legitimacy.

REPEAT

THIS IS WHY WE NEED TO:

Pray for leaders.

Honor authority.

Seek the welfare of our COMMUNITY.

AND REMEMBER

The Bible—not the Constitution—

IS the authority for everything.

This is important.

READ POINT 1.

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Point 1 - Freedom Is a Sacred Trust (A Gift to Be Stewarded)

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Galatians 5:1 NASB95

1 It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.

Before we talk about America, we must talk about God.

Freedom did not begin in Philadelphia.

Freedom began at Calvary.

Christ purchased our spiritual freedom with His own blood.

Everything else flows from that.

Because Christ has made us spiritually free, we understand something the world often forgets.

Freedom is never an end in itself.

Freedom always carries responsibility.

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Paul immediately says in Galatians 5:13

Galatians 5:13 NASB95

13 For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Freedom is not permission.

Freedom is stewardship.

Christians know that ultimate freedom is found in Christ.

But civil freedom is also a gift.

It allows us

to worship,

speak truth,

raise families,

speak the gospel, and

serve our neighbors.

The question is not merely, “Do we have freedom?”

The question is, “Are we preserving it faithfully?”

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The Declaration of Independence

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

Where do our rights come from?

Not the Congress.

Not the Supreme Court.

Not the President.

“They are endowed by our Creator."

This is one of the most profoundly biblical ideas in American history.

Rights come from God.

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George Washington, in his First Inaugural Address (1789)

"The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty, and the destiny of the republican model of government, are justly considered as deeply, perhaps as finally, staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people."

We are the American people.

It is into our hands that this SACRED FIRE OF LIBERTY is entrusted.

Washington didn’t say ENJOY LIBERTY.

He said PRESERVE IT.

And he said it is, “entrusted to the hands of the American people."

God has entrusted every generation with three sacred trusts—

the Gospel,

His Church, and

the freedoms that allow the Gospel to flourish.

We are not the owners of these sacred trusts;

we are their stewards, and

one day we will give an account for how faithfully we preserved them

for those who follow us.

Freedom is a sacred trust.

Rights come from God.

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Point 2 - Submission and Civic Responsibility

We know that . . .

Rights come from God.

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All governing authorities are established by God, and

believers should be subject to them.

Romans 13:1–7 ESV

1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.

AS WE GO THROUGH ROMANS 13 . . . WE SEE THAT . . .

This isn’t passive withdrawal but active participation.

Government functions as God’s minister for good,

rewarding righteous conduct and

restraining evil.

Submission serves the Lord’s purposes—

doing right silences foolish criticism and

demonstrates Christian integrity.

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READ THIS:

1 Peter 2:13–17 ESV

13 Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

This is where Peter puts an added emphasis on obedience.

That is in connecting submission to evangelistic witness. (TESTIMONY)

He argues that righteous conduct silences the criticism of those who oppose the faith.

He suggests that obedience to authority serves a missionary purpose beyond mere civic duty.

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Believers should be ready for every good deed,

obedient to authorities..

Titus 3:1–2 ESV

1 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.

Significantly, Christians are called to pray

for leaders and those in authority,

recognizing that this honors God’s desire for salvation and truth.

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1 Timothy 2:1–4 ESV

1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Even in exile, believers should “seek the welfare of the city” and

pray for its benefit.

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On October 11, 1798, President John Adams stated in a letter to the officers of the First Brigade of the Third Division of the Militia of Massachusetts: “We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Avarice, ambition, revenge, or gallantry, would break the strongest cords of our Constitution as a whale goes through a net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”

John Adams

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When immoral and irreligious people are in power, they are incapable of preserving the very constitution that protects our freedoms. (REPEAT)

That is why who we select for governance is not a small matter.

IT IS A MORAL RESPONSIBILITY.

We need:

Leaders who honor God and uphold truth.

Strengthen our liberties,

Safeguard justice for all.

Leaders who do not honor God

erode our freedoms

destroy our nation’s foundation.

YOUR VOICE MATTERS.

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Point 3 - Prophetic Witness and Justice

Christians bear responsibility for justice.

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Believers should speak for the voiceless and

Defend the rights of the afflicted and needy.

Proverbs 31:8–9 ESV

8 Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. 9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.

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God requires doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly.

Micah 6:8 ESV

8 He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

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As “the light of the world,” Christians should let their good works shine so others glorify God.

Matthew 5:13–16 ESV

13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

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Civic Involvement Is One Way We Love Our Neighbor (3)

Jeremiah 29:7 ESV

7 But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.

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Voting is not merely a political act.

It can be an act of stewardship.

It can be an act of neighborly love.

It can be an act of opposition to evil.

When we vote, we are helping shape laws and leadership that affect

children,

families,

churches,

schools,

the poor,

the unborn,

the elderly, and

the vulnerable.

To refuse to VOTE is to refuse to care.

It is not neutrality.

Silence allows unrighteousness to grow.

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George Washington in his Farewell Address (1796), said: "Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, Religion and Morality are indispensable supports."

Point 4 - The Limits of Obedience

Where do we draw the line?

At what point do we say “Enough is enough.”

At what point do we push back and say NO to government.

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic,

California prohibited indoor worship services for a period of time.

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After initially complying with public health restrictions and

offering online services, Grace Community Church,

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under the leadership of John MacArthur,

concluded that the government's continuing restrictions on corporate worship exceeded its God-given authority over the church.

The church resumed indoor worship.

Los Angeles County sought court orders, fines, and injunctions against it.

The church responded by arguing that while Christians should ordinarily obey civil authorities, the state does not have authority to forbid what God commands the church to do—namely, gather for worship.

The litigation continued until California changed its policies following broader court rulings on religious gatherings.

California dropped all charges.

Paid Grace Community Church $800,000.

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After the settlement, Pastor John made this statement (DON’T READ IT)

We are very grateful for our Lord’s protection and providence throughout this past year. Our commitment to the Word of God and His church has never wavered. We have simply continued to stand firm, as we always have and always will. We put our trust in the Lord Jesus Christ who is the head of the church. Over the past year, our congregation has seen His hand of blessing in ways like never before, and the Lord’s promise has been realized: “I will build My church and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.”  I am thankful for the advocacy of our attorneys, Jenna Ellis and Charles LiMandri, and this outcome.

When Peter and John were faced with charges by the Sadducees, they were thrown into prison.

An angel let them out of prison and told them to go preach in the temple.

They did.

They were arrested again.

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Taken before the Council of the Sadducees.

Acts 5:27–29 ESV

27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, 28 saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” 29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.

We must obey God rather than man.

This is the charge to each one of us.

God is first.

Up to this point we've seen that God established government for the good of society.

We are commanded

to pray for our leaders,

honor those in authority,

pay our taxes,

obey the law, and

seek the welfare of our communities.

But our obedience to government is NOT unlimited?

God established government for the good of society.

But does that mean our obedience to government is unlimited?

The answer is no.

Submission isn’t absolute.

When authorities command what contradicts God’s law,

believers must “obey God rather than men.”

Daniel exemplifies this—

He served faithfully in government with integrity and no corruption,

but when commanded to cease prayer,

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he continued his devotion to God.

Daniel 6:10 ESV

10 When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.

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Galatians 5:1 NASB95

1 It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.

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Point 5 - Kingdom Perspective

Our Hope Is Not in Government, it is in our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Philippians 3:20 NASB95

20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;

Paul wrote those words while living under the Roman Empire.

WE ARE NOT JUST PASSING THROUGH.

WE ARE LIVING HERE JUST AS THE ISRAELITES WHEN THEY WERE IN CAPTIVITY.

WE ARE TEMPORARY RESIDENTS, BUT WE ARE RESIDENTS INDEED.

Heavenly citizenship does not cancel earthly responsibility.

We vote, speak, serve, and pray —

not because politics is our savior, but

because Christ is Lord over all.

Christians engage society not to establish earthly power

but to reflect kingdom values—

justice,

mercy,

truth,

forgiveness.

Colossians 3:23–24 (ESV) 23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

Whatever work believers do, they serve Christ, not merely human masters.

We do all these things because Jesus Christ is Lord.

Every vote we cast.

Every conversation we have.

Every act of service.

Every prayer for our nation.

Every stand for truth.

Every act of justice.

Should point people—

not to a political party

not to a candidate.

but to the King of kings.

THIS IS OUR TESTIMONY. (DO NOT READ)

Matthew 5:13–16 ESV

13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Salt preserves.

Light exposes darkness.

That's exactly what we've been talking about for thirty minutes.

Christians preserve.

Christians illuminate.

Christians influence.

Christians love.

Point 6 - Freedom Is a Gift to Be Stewarded

Christians know that ultimate freedom is found in Christ.

But civil freedom is also a gift.

It allows us to

worship,

speak truth,

raise families,

preach the gospel, and

serve our neighbors.

The question is not merely, “Do we have freedom?”

The question is, “Are we preserving it faithfully?”

🎞️[CLICK FOR THE NEXT SLIDE]

The Declaration of Independence (DO NOT READ - KEEP TALKING )

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

Freedom is a sacred trust.

Summary (What have we learned?)

The freedom we enjoy was handed to us by others.

The question is whether we will preserve it for those who come after us.

Not by anger.

Not by fear.

But by faithful Christian witness,

prayerful engagement,

courageous truth, and

love for our neighbors.

Throughout Scripture, God blesses people and nations that honor Him.

Throughout history, those who have recognized their dependence upon God have often experienced His blessing.

America's founders frequently acknowledged that same dependence.

The question is not whether our founders were perfect,

but whether we today will honor the God they repeatedly invoked.

Brothers and sisters, our ultimate hope has never rested in Washington, D.C.

It has never rested in Congress,

the Supreme Court, or

the White House.

Our hope rests in an empty tomb and

an occupied throne.

Jesus Christ reigns today.

Because He reigns,

WE HAVE HOPE.

we can serve faithfully,

we can speak courageously,

we can pray fervently, and

we can love our neighbors well.

We are not called to build heaven on earth.

We are called to faithfully represent the King of heaven until He comes.

Preview of Next Message

[CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

Next week, we're going to hear Jesus speak to a very different church.

It wasn't the largest church.

It wasn't the strongest church.

It wasn't the wealthiest church.

In fact, Jesus said, 'You have little strength.'

Yet this church received no rebuke—only encouragement.

Next Sunday we'll discover one of the most encouraging promises in all of Revelation:

What can God do with an ordinary church that simply remains faithful?

I don't want you to miss next week's message.

[CLICK TO CHANGE SLIDE]

Call to Action

This week...

Don't simply celebrate freedom.

Steward it.

Pray for your nation.

Pray for your leaders.

Become informed.

Vote according to biblical conviction.

Speak truth with grace and truth.

Love your neighbor sacrificially.

Share the Gospel boldly.

Raise your children faithfully.

And remember...

America does not merely need better politics.

America needs faithful Christians

Christians who will stand firm in the faith.

Christians who will live with courage and conviction.

Christians who will be examples to the world in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.

Christians who will faithfully serve as ambassadors for Jesus Christ and His Kingdom.

(PAUSE)

Governments rise and fall…

Nations come and go...

But the Kingdom of Jesus Christ endures forever.

Freedom is a sacred trust.

Let us be faithful stewards—

for the glory of God and for the generations yet to come.

Pray (Pastor) -> (Related to Message)

———————————————————

[Sit/Stand]

CHOIR / SONG🎵484

The Church’s One Foundation

———————————————————

COMMUNION

1st Sunday only - SEE LAST PAGES

INVITATION TO COMMUNION (1st Sunday only - BELOW)

RITE OF COMMUNION (1st Sunday only - BELOW)———————————————————

(LAY LEADER) OFFERING

(LAY LEADER) DOXOLOGY

DOXOLOGY: Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.

(LAY LEADER) PRAYER OF DEDICATION (for Offering)

———————————————————

CHOIR / SONG🎵#303

Battle Hymn of the Republic

———————————————————

BENEDICTION

PASTOR: Inspirational Conclusion🎉😁❤️

Governments will rise and governments will fall...

Nations come and nations will go...

But the Kingdom of Jesus Christ will endure for eternity.

Freedom is a sacred trust.

Let us be faithful stewards—

for the glory of God and

for the generations yet to come.

———————————————————

PASTOR: BENEDICTION

Before we go, I want to extend an invitation.

If God has been speaking to your heart today, or if there is a burden you've been carrying, please don't leave without receiving prayer.

Come to the altar — I'll be waiting, and we will believe together."

Now, Go as faithful stewards of all that God has entrusted to you.

Stand firm in the faith.

Love your neighbor.

Serve your community.

Pray for your leaders.

Do justice

Love kindness

Walk humbly with your God.

AMEN!

———————————————————

PASTOR: FINAL PRAYER (WALK with LAY LEADER) ->

As we bow our heads .

Please pray with me . . . (While walking)

(WALK WITH THE LAY LEADER TO THE LOBBY)

WHILE PEOPLE ARE DEPARTING:

If you need prayer today, come on. Don't leave without it.

If you need prayer, please come.

Don't leave carrying that burden alone.

If God is tugging at your heart right now, respond to that. Come.

If you came in today with a heavy heart, you don't have to leave the same way.

If the Lord is working in your heart today, you're welcome to come pray.

If you'd like someone to pray with you, I'll be here.

Whether it's a spiritual concern, a family matter, or a personal need, you're welcome to come.

If you would like to know more about following Christ, please come speak with me.

Don’t hesitate to come forward if you’d like someone to pray with you.

If the Lord is stirring something in your heart, come.

If you’re carrying a burden today, you don’t have to carry it alone.

FINAL SLIDE OPTIONS:

Go with God in Peace and Joy We’d love to spend time with you—join us in the Fellowship Hall!

PASTOR: COMMUNION PORTION

READ/PREACH: 1 Cor 11:23-29

1 Corinthians 11:23–29 NIV

23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 27 So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. 29 For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves.

1. Opening Prayer (Variable)

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with grateful hearts, remembering the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus Christ. As we partake of this bread and cup, we proclaim His death until He comes again (1 Corinthians 11:26). Cleanse us from sin, renew our hearts, and help us approach this Table with reverence and faith. Thank You for the cross, for the blood that was shed, and for the grace that saves.

May this meal strengthen our unity, deepen our love for Christ, and stir our hope in His return. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

2. Scripture Reading & Brief Exhortation (Variable)

Text: Luke 22:14–20

Luke 22:14–20 NIV

14 When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. 15 And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” 17 After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. 18 For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.

3. Exhortation (Brief) (Variable)

As we come to the Lord's Table this morning, we do so in simple obedience to the words of Jesus Christ.

On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus took bread and the cup and gave this command to His disciples:

"Do this in remembrance of Me."

Communion is much more than a tradition of the church. It is an act of worship, an act of remembrance, and an act of obedience.

When we partake of the bread, we proclaim that Christ gave His body for us.

When we drink from the cup, we proclaim that His blood was shed for the forgiveness of our sins.

And when we come to this table, we declare that Jesus Christ is our Lord and that we willingly submit ourselves to Him.

This morning we've been reminded that freedom is a sacred trust. The greatest freedom we possess is the freedom Christ purchased for us through His sacrifice on the cross. As we come to this table, let us remember not only what Christ has done for us, but also our responsibility to faithfully obey Him in every area of life.

Therefore, let us examine our hearts before the Lord. If there is unconfessed sin, let us confess it. If there is bitterness, let us surrender it. If there is disobedience, let us repent of it.

Then let us come with grateful hearts, remembering His sacrifice, rejoicing in His grace, and renewing our commitment to faithfully follow Him until He comes again.

4. The Lord’s Supper

Invitation (Variable)

All who have put their life and trust in Christ alone for salvation, and who walk in fellowship with Him and with His church, are invited now to come to the table and join with us in communion.

Distribution of the Bread:

“This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” (1 Corinthians 11:24)

(Eat the bread together)

Distribution of the Cup:

“This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” (1 Corinthians 11:25)

(Drink the cup together)

5. Closing Prayer (Options)

Gracious Father,

We thank You for this sacred meal and for the immeasurable gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. As we have remembered His sacrifice today, may we also remember our calling to faithfully follow Him.

Strengthen us by Your grace to be faithful stewards of the Gospel, faithful servants of Your Church, and faithful ambassadors of Your Kingdom. Give us courage to stand for truth, wisdom to live with integrity, compassion to love our neighbors, and boldness to proclaim Christ while You have given us the freedom to do so.

May our lives reflect the One whose body was broken and whose blood was shed for us. Until the day we gather at Your heavenly table, keep us faithful in every good work, for the glory of Your name.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord we pray.

Amen.