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FWMBC Members and Friends,
Many of you engaged in Juneteenth celebrations this past weekend. I believe that it is important to recognize Juneteenth because of it's historic significance. As most of you know, the Emancipation Proclamation was actually enacted on January 1, 1863, but news of the freeing of the slaves traveled slowly. Officially, residents in the South were infomed on June 19, 1865 in Galveston, Texas. It took almost a year and a half for Blacks in the South to learn that they were free. State Representative Al Edwards was instrumental in getting a bill passed that recognizes Juneteenth as a state holiday in Texas.
We should never take freedom for granted. We must not only use it wisely, but we should also guard it intensely.
Continue to pray for one another!
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Weekly Message
HOW FREE IS FREE?
It was freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1)
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. (Galatians 5:13)
As stated in my earlier greeting, freedom should never be taken for granted. Our ancestors sacrificed tremendously over the years that we could claim it. Juneteenth is a reminder that freedom is not a concept that all people will want to share. It should never have taken a year and a half for Blacks in the South to learn of the Emancipation Proclamation. In a recent newspaper article, we learned that a young woman was killed in Iran pursuing "freedom" in her country while also protesting the inaccuracy of the recent election. The article was entitled, "Tragic Face Of Resistance." In the article the young woman's fianc� stated that she wanted "freedom, freedom for everybody." How sad a commentary we have, when people are still dying for the cause of freedom. It makes you wonder, how free is free?
In the passages above, the Apostle Paul spoke of freedom from a different perspective.
He wanted the young Christians to understand that they were free from the requirements of Judaism. However there is also a message to be learned for us today. Many of us are still in a slavery of a different kind. Perhaps we are bound by an unhappy childhood; or a tumultuous marriage; or illegal drugs; or maybe insecurity and low self-esteem. One of the greatest threats to our exercise of freedom is "sin!" We have the freedom to commit sin, and we have the freedom to avoid sin. We are free to show each other respect, and we are free not to. But freedom carries with it responsibility and accountability. Paul is telling us that our freedom is in Christ Jesus, and we must act accordingly. We should cherish our freedom and guard it wisely. How free is free? The answer is: Totally free when we receive Jesus Christ into our lives. Dr. Martin Luther King once said, "Let Freedom Ring!" To that I say, I AM FREE, PRAISE THE LORD I'M FREE!
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News Update:
FWMBC members should have received a separate email on Tuesday regarding individual pictures. Let me know if you still have questions.
Remember that group ministry pictures should be scheduled with Bro. Maurice Toliver. I would like to take a group picture with all preachers on July 5 immediately after the 11:00 am service. Be sure and mark your calendars.
Remember the 4th of July Picnic will be on the 4th this year. As usual there will be food, fun, and fellowship for all ages. We will see you there.
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