Proclaim Liberty

Happy Independence Day, America!

250 years ago, 56 delegates penned their names to the Declaration of Independence under this powerful paragraph:

"And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor."

We long for a commitment like that--and it is needed! Like that day, there are great enemies of our faith and our country that seek to steal, snare, and 'slave.

Consider the following true liberty story.

In the dawn of the Revolution, Reverend Peter Muhlenberg served the Virginia legislature. At that time, Lexington and Concord had been attacked, Boston was blockaded by British ships, Charleston was burned, Bunker Hill was fought, and total war with Britain was foreseen. When the legislative session ended, he returned to his church and prepared to deliver what would be a farewell sermon. On January 21, 1776, Muhlenberg mounted the pulpit in his clergy cloak and began by sharing that the colonies' pursuit of religious and civil liberties was in peril, and then he read Ecclesiastes 3, the famous passage by King Solomon describing that there are times and seasons in life.

Muhlenberg drew an application of the text saying:

In the language of Holy Writ, there was a time for all things—a time to preach and a time to pray, but those times had passed away.

And then he boldly proclaimed:

There was a time to fight—and that time had now come!

Reverend Muhlenberg closed the service in prayer, but instead of retiring to the vestry, he removed his cloak to reveal the full uniform of a Virginia Colonel. Then he stood at the back of the church, weapon in hand, and reminded his congregation that if they did not become personally involved in protecting their liberties that there might not be any liberties to protect. He ordered drummers outside to beat for recruits, and 300 enlisted!

Reverend Muhlenberg went on to become one of the of most successful, experienced, and decorated officers of the Revolutionary War--and among the most influential.

I pray that our hearts would beat with the resolve and action of those patriots to influence others. As God gives us breath and opportunity, stand and sacrifice to secure a vision of liberty that is bigger than ourselves.

May we, like Philadelphia's Liberty Bell, ring out the words of Leviticus 25:10: “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof," believing that true liberty originates with God.

Let's revive the support and pledge of many of our early statesmen, fighting men, and clergymen to rely on the Lord and enter into the great work of living and dying for a cause that brings true life and liberty to all who believe on Christ.

With liberty and justice for all,
Dennis Schaffer, Pastor

There are several upcoming events over the summer at Open Door, in addition to great weekly services and Bible studies! Come and be a part and stand for liberty in Christ!
Sundays: 9:30 A.M. Sunday School; 10:30 A.M. Service
Wednesdays: 7:00 P.M. Wow! Wednesday multigenerational service