Freedom to Lead, Teach, and Serve

 Dear St. Andrew’s Family,

Next Sunday, I have the honor of preaching as we gather during this July 4th holiday weekend. While our civic celebrations often focus on independence, our worship invites us to reflect on a deeper, enduring kind of freedom—the freedom we receive in Christ.

The sermon is titled:
“Freedom to Lead, Freedom to Teach, Freedom to Serve.”

In today’s world, freedom is often seen as personal choice or independence. But Scripture offers a countercultural view: Christian freedom is not for self-indulgence, but for self-giving. It leads us into deeper connection, greater humility, and wider service.

Guiding Scriptures

Four key passages will frame our worship:

Galatians 5:13
“For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another.”
Freedom in Christ is not about comfort or status—it’s about mutual love and service.

1 Peter 4:10
“Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.”
Whatever your voice part, title, or task—your gift matters. It was given for the good of the Body.

Ephesians 4:11–12
“The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry…”
We are called not only to serve, but to equip one another—multiplying grace and strengthening community.

Micah 6:8
“What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
This verse centers it all. Our freedom must always be rooted in justice, kindness, and humility.

Hymns as Theological Anchors

The music this Sunday does more than inspire—it teaches. Each hymn helps guide us through this journey of understanding what Christian freedom really means.

Opening Hymn: “God of the Ages, Whose Almighty Hand”
Often called the National Hymn, this is a respectful nod to July 4th traditions—but it is no song of nationalism. It is a prayer. A prayer for God’s guidance, peace, and wisdom to shape our life together.
“Thy love divine hath led us in the past,
In this free land by Thee our lot is cast…”
This hymn reframes “patriotic music” as an act of reverence and submission to God—not pride in nation, but trust in divine leadership.

Centering Hymn: “Have Thine Own Way, Lord”
This is where the journey turns inward. If we are to lead, teach, and serve well, we must first be shaped.
“Mold me and make me after Thy will…”
This hymn is our invitation to the Spirit to form us like clay in the Potter’s hands. For the choir, it is a prayer of preparation—offering our hearts before our voices.

Sending Hymn: “The Lord Now Sends Us Forth” (Enviado soy de Dios)
Short. Joyful. Missional. This hymn commissions us as everyday missionaries—not just pastors or preachers, but all of us.
“The Lord now sends us forth with hands to serve and give,
To make of all the earth a better place to live…”
When you sing this, you are being sent—into classrooms, neighborhoods, rehearsals, and workplaces. You are not just singers. You are worship leaders. Spiritual mentors. Vessels of grace.

Friends, this is your church. This is your moment.
This is your freedom—not only to believe, but to become a people shaped by God’s love, led by the Spirit, and sent to serve.

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