Lincoln Memorial United Methodist Church-Buffalo, NY

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, With all the historical and current challenges of living in America there is no denying one of the great benefits is the ability to make political choices. Our system of democracy gives each adult citizen the opportunity to have their voice heard on who and how we will be governed. This is not true for many nations who are governed by cruel despot dictators and monarchies that are solely concerned with their interest and not the interest o...f the people. The ability to vote and participate in the democracy is one practical way we can exercise our freedom. As Americans we are free to make choices. This also true as a follower of Jesus Christ. Christ is not a cruel dictator that exploits the people for his own personal gain. Nor does Jesus use coercion and intimidation to maintain power. No Jesus simply reveals who His is and then leaves it up to us to choose to be a disciple or not. We have the choice to be devoted to an almighty God. However, with this choice comes great responsibility. Just like our decisions as citizens have consequences so do our choices as disciples. That is why Paul reminds us to choose wisely: Galatians 5:13 (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. So, as we exercise our freedom, lets reflect on Paul’s teaching and not make self-serving choices. God gives us freedom so that we can freely share that love that God freely gave to us. Let that core value drive you in your decisions as citizens. Be grateful and exercise both your religious and political freedom. Let each decision be driven not based solely on your self-interest but on the interest of others. Make decisions not only on who and what will make your life better, but who will make things better for the entire community. The greatest freedom is the ability to receive the grace of God and then share God’s great love with others. Not only through our words but through our intentional actions of sacrificial love that drove Jesus to the cross to set us free. I know I had planned on beginning Bible study this evening, but I need to push that back one more week. I need one more week of preparation, so we will start next Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. We will be working from the book https://www.walterbrueggemann.com//09/interrupting-silence/ I look forward to working through this book with you. The class we will continue to work in-person and virtually depending on what is best for you. Calvin will send you a link for next Tuesday 6:00 p.m. and Wednesday noon class. Please send me an email so I will know who is committed to doing this bible study work. Please keep me and my family in prayer as we continue to emerge victorious after some health challenges. God is good. Please listen to this song and be blessed: https://youtu.be/_R-h_UNmgDE Peace, Pastor G

https://youtu.be/EqlGiVQoo28