This is the manuscript of the sermon preached at Christ Church Los Angeles on July 13, 2025.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)

We live in a world that often feels chaotic, uncertain, and sometimes overwhelming. We experience setbacks, disappointments, and moments where the path ahead seems anything but clear. In such times, it’s easy to feel lost, anxious, or to question where we are headed.

In a world that constantly shifts beneath our feet, let us stand firm on the unchanging promise of God: "For I know the plans I have for you, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

Let us not forget that this faith is a journey, not a destination. It’s a continuous process of aligning ourselves with God's will. It requires us to regularly pause, reflect, and open ourselves to His loving guidance.

Scripture Reading: 

Jeremiah 29:1-14 NIV [1] This is the text of the letter that the prophet Jeremiah sent from Jerusalem to the surviving elders among the exiles and to the priests, the prophets and all the other people Nebuchadnezzar had carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. [2] (This was after King Jehoiachin and the queen mother, the court officials and the leaders of Judah and Jerusalem, the skilled workers and the artisans had gone into exile from Jerusalem.) [3] He entrusted the letter to Elasah son of Shaphan and to Gemariah son of Hilkiah, whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent to King Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon. It said: [4] This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: [5] “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. [6] Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. [7] Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” [8] Yes, this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have. [9] They are prophesying lies to you in my name. I have not sent them,” declares the Lord. [10] This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. [11] For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. [12] Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. [13] You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. [14] I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”

Sermon 

We live in a world that often feels chaotic, uncertain, and sometimes overwhelming. Life throws curveballs, doesn't it? We experience setbacks, disappointments, and moments where the path ahead seems anything but clear. In such times, it’s easy to feel lost, anxious, or to question where we are headed.

But as believers, we are anchored by a profound truth – a truth that can bring peace amidst the storm and clarity in confusion. It's the truth shown in our text for today:

Text:

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 

This isn't just a nice verse, one Christians affirms all the time, it's a divine declaration, a covenant promise from God, the Creator of the universe to His beloved children.

Today, we're going to talk about "Faith in God's Plan." This isn't about blind optimism; it's about a deep, abiding trust in the One who holds all things in His hands. As we have been saying all year, maintaining a strong foundation in faith and aligning our priorities with God's will is a continuous process, not a quick fix. It requires regular self-reflection and openness to God's guidance. 

The Context of God's Promise 

First let's unpack Jeremiah 29:11, our text, within its original context. This promise was given to the Israelites when they were in exile in Babylon. Just imagine their situation: uprooted from their homes, stripped of their temple, living in a foreign land under foreign rule. Their world had been turned upside down. They had every reason to feel hopeless, abandoned, and forgotten by God. They were likely asking, "Where is God in all of this? Does He even care?"

So what was God's message through the prophet Jeremiah? It wasn't an immediate rescue, it wasn’t  a magic carpet ride back to Jerusalem. Nope, He told them to settle down, build houses, plant gardens, marry, and pray for the welfare of Babylon. James read earlier thar in our Scripture today. 

As you see this was not the quick fix they might have wanted. It was instead a call to live faithfully in their current  difficult circumstances, yet, contained  in this directive for a prolonged stay in Babylon was this incredible promise: "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. . 

God was telling them: even in exile, even in what seems like a detour or a punishment, I have a plan. My plan is for your good, for your ultimate well-being, to give you a future and a hope. He wasn't ignoring their suffering; He was assuring them that their suffering was not purposeless. 

This is a crucial lesson for us. God's plan often unfolds not in the way we expect, or on our timeline. It often involves seasons of waiting, enduring, and even suffering sometimes. But the promise still remains: His plans are for our welfare, our future, and our hope.

Embracing God's Sovereignty 

So, what does it mean to have "Faith in God's Plan" in our own lives?

First, it means embracing God's sovereignty. It means acknowledging that God is truly God – all-knowing, all-powerful, and perfectly good. He sees the beginning from the end. He orchestrates events, not always in ways we understand, but always with a purpose that ultimately serves His glory and our good.

When we face disappointment, when doors close, when our prayers seem unanswered in the way we desire, it's a deep act of faith to say, "God, I don't understand this, but I trust that You are in control. I trust that Your ways are higher than my ways, and Your thoughts higher than my thoughts."

Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV [8] “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. [9] “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. 

Think about Joseph in the Old Testament. Sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely imprisoned, forgotten in a dungeon. From a human perspective, his life was a series of devastating setbacks. Yet, through it all, God was working His plan.Joseph's journey was not a straight line, but it was perfectly aligned with God's ultimate purpose.

Years later, Joseph could tell his brothers,

Genesis 50:19-21 NIV [19] But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? [20] You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. [21] So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.

Having faith in God's plan means releasing our grip on our own preferred outcomes and surrendering to His perfect will. It means praying, "Not my will, but Yours be done," not just as a religious phrase, but as a heartfelt plea of trust. This trust in God and His promises is the foundation for surrendering our limited understanding and trusting in God's perfect, often mysterious, but always good, sovereign plan.

Romans 8:28 NIV [28] And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 

This continuous process of openness to God's guidance is essential. We need to ask ourselves; “Are we truly listening for His voice, even when it challenges our preconceived notions?

Living with Hope and Purpose

Having "Faith in God's Plan" means living with hope and purpose, even in the midst of uncertainty. Jeremiah 29:11 promises us "a future and a hope." This isn't just a vague wish; it's a solid assurance rooted in the character of God.

2 Corinthians 1:20 NIV For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. 

This means that every promise God has ever made, whether in the Old Testament or through His prophets, finds its ultimate affirmation and guarantee in Jesus Christ. Jesus is the embodiment and fulfillment of God's faithfulness. His life, death, and resurrection confirm that God is true to His word. There's no doubt, no hesitation, no "maybe" in God's promises when viewed through Christ.

Amen" is a Hebrew word that means "so be it," "it is true," or "let it be established." When we say "Amen" in response to God's promises, we are:

Agreeing with God.  We are placing our faith in His ability and willingness to bring those promises to pass.

We are giving Him glory, we are acknowledging His faithfulness and bringing glory to His name.

When we trust that God has a plan for us, it changes how we approach life.

• It gives us peace: We don't have to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders, trying to control every outcome. We can cast our anxieties on Him, knowing He cares for us, as it says in 1 Peter 5:6-7 NIV

[6] Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. [7] Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

• When we trust that God has a plan for us, it gives us perseverance: We know that God is working all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. This doesn't mean every situation feels good, but that God can bring good out of every situation.

• When we trust that God has a plan for us, it gives us purpose: Knowing God has a plan for us means our lives are not random. We play a role in a larger story that has a specific purpose.

Ephesians 2:8-10 NIV [8] For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— [9] not by works, so that no one can boast. [10] For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

This empowers us to seek His will, to use our talents and gifts for His glory, and to live in a way that honors Him, even when the specific details of the path ahead are unclear.

God’s plan for us is not just about our individual prosperity; it's intricately woven into His redemptive plan for the world. Our hope is not just for a comfortable life on earth, but for eternal life with Him, and for His kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven.

Conclusion 

In a world that constantly shifts beneath our feet, let us stand firm on the unchanging promise of God: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” 

I want us to cultivate a deep and abiding faith in God's perfect plan, even when we don't understand the winding roads He leads us on. I want us to find peace in His sovereignty, courage in His promises, and I want us to live each day with the hope and purpose that only His divine plan can provide. 

Let us pray for the grace to fully surrender to His will, trusting that His plans for us are always good.

Father, we acknowledge  Your supreme wisdom and unfailing love. We thank You that Your thoughts are not our thoughts, and Your ways are higher than our ways, reaching beyond anything we can comprehend.

Thank You, Lord, that Your promises are "Yes" in Christ, and we wholeheartedly declare our "Amen" to them. We believe that You are faithful and true, and every word You speak will come to pass.

We also thank You for the incredible truth that we are Your handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for good works which You prepared in advance for us to do. You have a divine purpose for each of our lives, and we desire to walk fully in it.

Father, we confess that sometimes our human understanding falls short. We can struggle to see Your hand in difficult circumstances, or to trust Your timing when our own desires feel pressing. Forgive us for our doubts and our limited vision.

We pray now for a deeper, unwavering faith in Your perfect plans. Help us to surrender our worries, our anxieties, and our need to control, knowing that You are sovereign over all. Open our eyes to see You're working, even in the unseen. Strengthen our hearts to trust Your goodness, even when the path is unclear.

Guide us, Holy Spirit, in this continuous process of self-reflection and alignment with Your will. Show us the good works You've prepared, and empower us to walk in them with courage, humility, and obedience. May our lives bring glory to Your name as we faithfully pursue Your purposes.

In Jesus' precious name,

Amen.

Faith and Independence

This is the manuscript of the sermon preached at Christ Church Los Angeles on July 6, 2025.

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1 NIV)

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:36 NIV)

We just celebrated our nation’s Independence Day, so our minds might naturally turn to themes of freedom, liberty, and self-governance. We reflect on the profound courage and sacrifice of those who sought independence for our nation, forging a path for the freedoms we cherish today. And indeed, these are vital aspects of our earthly existence.

However, as people of faith, we are called to consider a deeper, more profound kind of independence – one that transcends political boundaries and historical moments. We are called to understand true independence, the kind that is from God, and in God, through a vibrant and living faith.

Scripture Reading: 

Galatians 5:13-25 NIV [13] You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. [14] For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” [15] If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. [16] So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. [17] For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. [18] But if you are led by the Spirit, you are notunder the law. [19] The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; [20] idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions [21] and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. [22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. [24] Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. [25] Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 

Text

Galatians 5:1 NIV It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

John 8:36 NIV So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. 

Introduction

We just celebrated our nation’s Independence Day, and our minds might naturally turn to themes of freedom, liberty, and self-governance. We reflect on the profound courage and sacrifice of those who sought independence for our nation, forging a path for the freedoms we cherish and are chasing today. And indeed, these are vital aspects of our earthly existence.

However, as people of faith, we are called to consider a deeper, more profound kind of independence – one that transcends political boundaries and historical moments. 

We are called to understand true independence, the kind that is from God, and in God, through a vibrant and living faith.Our faith is not just compatible with independence, but is, in fact, the very foundation of lasting freedom and independence.

I. The Human Pursuit of Independence

From the earliest stories in Genesis, humanity has wrestled with the desire for independence. Think about Adam and Eve in the Garden.  Their pursuit of knowledge "like God" was, at its heart, a quest for ultimate autonomy, the ability to define good and evil for themselves, independent of their Creator. 

Genesis 3:2-5 NIV [2] The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, [3] but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’ ” [4] “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. [5] “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

This desire to be "like God," on our own terms, is what led to humanity's fall.

Genesis 3:6 NIV When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and  pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 

Historically, this yearning for self-governance, for control over our own destinies has manifested itself in powerful ways, individuals striving for personal liberty, and each of us seeking to chart our own course in life. 

We value the right to choose, to speak, to assemble, to worship and these are precious gifts. However, if our independence is solely defined by our ability to be free from external control or from reliance on others, it often leaves us ultimately dependent on our own limited strength, wisdom, and resources, and as we know from experience, relying solely on ourselves can lead to a different kind of bondage.  Bondage to anxiety, bondage to fear of failure, bondage to the pursuit of fleeting pleasures, or to the burdens of self-sufficiency. As Proverbs 14:12 warns, "There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death."

In other words  true wisdom comes from God, and aligning our lives with His will is the only way to avoid destructive outcomes, even when our own reasoning suggests otherwise.

II. True Independence: Freedom in Christ

This is where the gospel offers a revolutionary perspective. Our text this morning speaks directly to this. Galatians 5:1 declares, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." And John 8:36 assures us, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."

What kind of freedom is this you might ask!  It is real freedom.  It is freedom in God.:

• It is freedom from the penalty of sin: The crushing weight of guilt and the power of sin no longer hold us captive. Christ’s sacrifice on the cross paid our debt, offering us forgiveness and a path to reconciliation with God. Romans 6:23 reminds us, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

And as Romans 8:1 proclaims, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."

• It’s freedom from the power of sin: While we still wrestle with temptation, we are no longer slaves to our sinful desires. The Holy Spirit empowers us to choose righteousness, to live lives that honor God. As Romans 6:18 states, "You have been set free from sin and have become slaves of righteousness." And Philippians 2:13 teaches, "For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."

The Holy Spirit's empowerment is not a passive experience but an active partnership. As we yield to His leading, listen to His guidance, and rely on His strength, He enables us to choose righteousness day by day, transforming us into individuals who truly honor God with our lives. It's a journey of continuous growth and surrender, as we constantly seek to align our priorities with His divine will.

• It’s freedom from the tyranny of fear: Fear of the future, fear of failure, fear of judgment – these fears lose their grip when we trust in a sovereign and loving God who holds us in His hands. 2 Timothy 1:7 declares, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." And Psalm 27:1 affirms, "The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?"

When we internalize these truths about God – His absolute sovereignty, His boundless love, and His intimate care for us – these paralyzing fears begin to dissolve.

 The fear of the future gives way to peace, knowing a sovereign God is directing our steps and will bring good out of all circumstances.

 The fear of failure transforms into freedom to take risks and learn, knowing that even setbacks are part of a loving God's plan for our growth and that our worth isn't tied to our performance.

 The fear of judgment evaporates under the warmth of His unconditional love and acceptance, knowing that in Christ, we are forgiven, righteous, and fully embraced.

This trust isn't a one-time decision but a continuous process. As we deepen this trust, we find a profound sense of security and liberation, enabling us to live boldly and purposefully, free from the chains of fear.

• It is freedom from the burden of working for our salvation: We are not saved by diligently following rules, but by grace through faith. Our obedience becomes a response of love, not a desperate attempt to earn salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9 clearly states, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."

Salvation is a free gift from God, given out of His undeserved kindness (grace), and received through trusting in Him (faith).  Salvation is not earned by anything we do (works). This means that God alone receives the glory for salvation.

• This freedom I’m talking about is freedom FOR righteous living and service: This freedom isn't license to do as we please; it is the glorious freedom to become who God created us to be – to love, to serve, to bring justice, and to shine His light in the world. It’s a freedom for something greater than ourselves. Galatians 5:13 encourages us, "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love." 

Christian freedom isn't about absence of rules, but about a transformation that leads to selfless love and service towards others, guided by our relationship with God. It's a call to use our freedom for constructive, loving purposes, rather than destructive, selfish ones.

III. Faith is the Foundation of True Independence

1. Faith in God Frees Us from Self-Reliance: When we place our faith in God, we acknowledge His sovereignty and omnipotence. We step out of the exhausting cycle of trying to control everything ourselves. Instead of relying on our own limited strength and wisdom, we lean on His limitless power and perfect plan. 

Proverbs 3:5-6 wisely instructs, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." 

True wisdom and effective living come from a complete, humble, and pervasive reliance on God's guidance, rather than our own limited human wisdom. 

James 1:5 NIV If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 

 Wisdom from God is not reserved for a select few or only acquired through extensive worldly study.

True wisdom, especially the kind that leads to life and helps us navigate complex situations, originates with God. It's distinct from mere human knowledge or cleverness. When we acknowledge Him in everything, He provides clear direction and purpose for our lives.

And Jeremiah 17:7-8 promises, "But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."

Those who place their complete trust and confidence in the Lord will experience stability, resilience, and spiritual fruitfulness, regardless of the challenging circumstances they face in life. Their connection to God provides an unfailing source of strength and sustenance.

I can’t emphasize enough the immense importance of trusting God above all else.

2. Faith Establishes Our Identity in Christ: Our true identity is not found in our achievements, our possessions, our nationality, or even our roles in life. Our true identity is found in Christ. When we understand that we are chosen, redeemed, and sanctified by Him, we are liberated from the need for external validation. 

In our Bible Study on the names of God we studied the name Jehovah-Mekoddishkem (The LORD Who Sanctifies You).  We learned about God's active role in making His people holy and setting them apart, God is the one who sanctifies. 

Because God is continuously transforming us to be more like Him, we can shed the pretense and fear that often prevent us from being truly ourselves. We are free to be genuine, knowing that His love is constant and that He is committed to our growth, not our condemnation. 

Romans 8:1 NIV [1] Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 

Our authenticity is rooted in His unwavering commitment to our holiness.

2 Corinthians 5:17 beautifully states, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" 

3. Faith Provides Peace and Security. 

Romans 5:1-5 NIV [1] Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, [2] through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. [3] Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; [4] perseverance, character; and character, hope. [5] And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

The hostility and separation between a holy God and sinful humanity are removed through the sacrifice of Jesus. The "peace" here is not just an internal feeling of calmness (though that can be a result), but primarily a cessation of hostilities and a reconciliation in the relationship between God and believers. It means we are no longer enemies but are now His children, reconciled and at peace with Him, all made possible through Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:9-11 NIV [9] Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! [10] For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! [11] Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

When we trust that God is working all things for our good, even when we don't understand His ways, we are freed from the bondage of anxiety and worry. 

Romans 8:28-30 NIV [28] And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. [29] For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. [30] And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

And then at Romans 8:38-39 NIV [38] For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, [39] neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

This is true liberation. 

As Philippians 4:6-7 commands and promises, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

4. Faith Inspires Service and Love: The freedom we gain in Christ is not meant for selfish indulgence, but for loving service. Galatians 5:13 says, "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love." 

Our faith frees us to love without reservation, to serve without expectation of reward, and to give without counting the cost, mirroring the self-giving love of Christ. This is true freedom – the ability to love without constraint. 1 John 4:7-8 reminds us, "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love."

Conclusion

As we celebrate our national independence, let us also celebrate, and more importantly, live out, the profound spiritual independence that is ours through faith in Jesus Christ.

National independence is a precious gift, allowing us to pursue life, liberty, and happiness. But spiritual independence in Christ is an eternal gift, freeing us from the ultimate bondage of sin and death, and empowering us to live lives of purpose, peace, and loving service.

It is the freedom to align our priorities with His will, to trust in His character, and to find our true selves in Him.

May we, as individuals and as a church, stand firm in the freedom Christ has given us. May we demonstrate this freedom through lives of worship, service, and unwavering reliance on our God – the LORD who sanctifies us, provides for us, heals us, is our peace, our banner, our righteousness, and who is always, always there.

Let us pray.

Our Gracious God,

With the spirit of our nation's Independence Day still strong in our hearts, we come before you with gratitude. We thank You for the earthly freedoms we cherish—the liberty to live, to speak, to assemble, and to worship.

Help us, Father, to continuously place our faith in You, trusting in Your sovereignty and omnipotence. Free us from the exhausting cycle of self-reliance and enable us to lean on Your limitless power and perfect plan.May we worship You wholeheartedly, serve others selflessly, and rely unwaveringly on Your character. You are the Lord who sanctifies us; You are our provider, our healer, our peace, our banner, our righteousness, and You are always, always there.

May we stand firm in the freedom Christ has given us, not allowing ourselves to be burdened again by any yoke of slavery, but living fully in glorious liberty.

In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.