CMA HeartBeat July 2021 | Page 5

By JOHN Ogden Sr

July 4 , our nation will celebrate its 245th birthday ; a day set aside to celebrate our independence and freedom . This initial freedom was not free and came at a high cost to the families whose loved ones gave their lives in the hope for a better future for generations to come . Throughout our nation ’ s history , there have been men and women who have sacrificed their time , their wellbeing , and their lives to help us maintain that freedom . We choose to honor them and their sacrifice , remembering that freedom is not free . When the price of our freedom becomes ancient history , just stories from the past , we forget the lessons learned from those struggles , and we find ourselves in danger of going back into the bondage that once held us . We are a nation that values our freedom and chooses to hold firmly to the lessons learned from those who gave so much .

Similarly , as Christians , we hold fast to the truth that Christ came to set us free , paying a debt we could never hope to pay , sacrificing Himself for our freedom . The truth is , “ Therefore if the Son makes you free , you shall be free indeed ” ( John 8:36 , NKJV ). More than just a story or ancient history , Christ extends His offer of freedom to us all , inviting us to remember the sacrifice made on our behalf and then to walk in the freedom that sacrifice brought . The Bible admonishes us in 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 .” If you have not done so lately , I encourage you to read through one of the Gospel books ( Mathew , Mark , Luke , John ) and remember the salvation plan God put in place and the sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf . Practice the freedom we have in this country to worship our God and King .

Romans 6:22 ( NIV ) states , “ But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God , the benefit you reap leads to holiness , and the result is eternal life .”

As you go out in the highways and byways , ask God for the eyes to see and ears to hear the opportunities to share His love and offer of freedom with those He brings across your path . More than just a one-day celebration , our walk of independence and freedom is a daily choice . Thank you for allowing God to use you in the ministry of CMA . You are changing the world , one heart at a time . CMA

July 23-25 NV State Rally Ely , NV

Roger Wilson

05⎪July 2021⎪www . cmausa . org