Letter from Pastors

Richard & Joan West

Freedom as a Stewardship from God

Dear Church Family,

As we celebrate Independence Day, many of us will gather with

family and friends, enjoy traditions we cherish, and give thanks for

the blessings of living in a nation that has long valued liberty. It is

fitting to express gratitude for these freedoms, but it is equally

important to view them through the lens of Scripture.

The Bible does not present America as a "chosen nation" in the

same covenantal sense as Israel. God's covenant promises belong

uniquely to Israel, and today the Church is His covenant people

through Jesus Christ. At the same time, Scripture teaches that God

is sovereign over all nations, guiding history according to His

purposes.

The prophet Daniel reminds us:

"He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and

raises up kings." (Daniel 2:21)

Throughout history, God has worked through imperfect men and

women to accomplish His purposes. America's founders, like all

people, were flawed. They were not apostles or prophets, yet God

can use imperfect people to accomplish extraordinary things. For

two hundred fifty years, through wars, division, hardship, and

change, His providence has sustained this nation — not because

America has earned His favor, but because He alone holds the

times and the seasons in His hands. As we remember our nation's

history, our gratitude is ultimately directed not toward human

achievement but toward God's providential care.

The Apostle Paul writes:

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free... Serve one another

humbly in love."(Galatians 5:1, 13)

Political liberty is a remarkable blessing, but spiritual liberty in

Christ is eternal. Scripture teaches that freedom is never merely for

personal comfort or self-interest. Rather, freedom is a gift that

enables us to love our neighbors, serve one another, and faithfully

carry out the mission Christ has given His Church.

The wisdom of Proverbs offers another timeless principle:

"Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any

people." (Proverbs 14:34)

A nation's lasting strength is not ultimately found in military power,

economic success, or political influence. Scripture points us

instead to righteousness. America's deepest need has never been

simply political renewal, but spiritual renewal. That truth applies to

every nation throughout history.

As followers of Christ, we should love our country, pray for our

leaders, serve our communities, and seek the good of our

neighbors. Yet we must never confuse patriotism with the gospel.

Paul reminds believers:

"We are therefore Christ's ambassadors." (2 Corinthians 5:20)

Before we are citizens of any earthly nation, we are citizens of the

Kingdom of God. Our highest allegiance belongs to Christ alone.

This Independence Day also invites us to ask an important

question: What has God entrusted to us because we live with

freedoms that many believers throughout history never

possessed?

We have the freedom to proclaim the gospel openly, plant

churches, send missionaries, care for the poor, defend the

vulnerable, disciple the next generation, and bring the hope of

Christ into every sphere of society and to other nations.

Many Christians across the centuries worshiped in secret under

persecution. Some risked imprisonment simply for owning a Bible.

Others carefully copied Scripture by hand because printed copies

were forbidden. Their circumstances remind us not to take our

freedoms for granted.

The question is not simply. "How free are we?" The more important

question is, "How are we using the freedom God has entrusted to

us?"

Freedom is never the finish line. It is the starting line for faithful

service in Gods Kingdom.

As we celebrate this Fourth of July and our nation's 250th birthday,

may our gratitude extend beyond our nation's history to the God

who rules over all history. Two hundred fifty years is a long time in

the life of a nation, and Scripture reminds us that no empire,

kingdom, or republic stands by its own strength (Psalm 127:1). If

America has endured this long, it is because the same God who

raises up kings and removes them has, in His mercy, sustained

this land through every generation — not as a reward for

righteousness, but as an ongoing invitation to seek it. This

anniversary, then, is not a monument to what we have built, but a

milestone marking what God has preserved. May we thank Him for

the freedoms we enjoy, acknowledge our nation's imperfections

with humility, and recommit ourselves to living as faithful

ambassadors of Jesus Christ.

May our lives demonstrate that true greatness is found not merely

in the freedoms we possess, but in how we use those freedoms to

honor God, love our neighbors, and proclaim the good news of the

gospel.

Grace and peace,

In Christ's service,

Pastors Richard and Joan West

Liberty Church