250 Years of Freedom: Covenant, Relationship, and Our Responsibility

This Sunday was a special celebration of gratitude to God for 250 years of freedom in America.

Pastors Ben and Kara reflected on the remarkable history of our nation's founding and the biblical principles that shaped America's birth. They also recommended watching A Great Awakening to learn more about America's Christian heritage and the role faith played in the founding and preservation of our nation.

Pastor Ben reminded us that our President recently read from God's Word in the Oval Office—a powerful reminder that Scripture is still living, active, and just as true today as it has always been.

He read from 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NLT):

"Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land."

Pastor explained that God hears us because we are in covenant with Him. A covenant is entered into by choice. Our founders chose to acknowledge God, and God chooses to enter into covenant with those who seek Him.

Living Faithfully Where God Has Planted Us

rom there, Pastor turned to Jeremiah 29. While many of us know verse 11—"For I know the plans I have for you..."—he focused on the verses leading up to that familiar promise.

The Israelites had been taken captive to Babylon. Although they were living in exile, God instructed them to build houses, plant gardens, raise families, and become productive members of the society where He had placed them.

Likewise, while this world is not our ultimate home and our citizenship is in heaven, we are called to faithfully engage where God has planted us until Christ returns.

Pastor highlighted Jeremiah 29:7 (NLT):

"And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare."

As believers, we are called to seek the peace and well-being of our communities, pray for our leaders, and work toward the flourishing of the places where God has placed us. That includes supporting leaders who uphold biblical truth and moral principles while also living in peace with our neighbors, coworkers, church family, and everyone God brings into our lives.

A New Series on Covenant Relationships

astor shared that over the next several weeks he will be teaching on covenant relationships—our responsibilities within them and how understanding covenant transforms the way we relate to both God and one another.

He pointed to several biblical examples, including David and Jonathan, Ruth and Naomi, and Jesus and John—the disciple who referred to himself as "the disciple Jesus loved."

John remained with Jesus when the other disciples fled after His arrest. He stood faithfully at the foot of the cross because he knew he was deeply loved by Jesus and chose to remain loyal even in the face of fear and suffering.

Pastor reminded us that believing we are loved by God is a choice. Covenant faithfulness means remaining steadfast, even when circumstances become difficult.

He concluded by reminding us that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. Through the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to love well, think wisely, and remain faithful in our relationships—even when we disagree. The same principle applies to our relationship with our nation. We are called to engage with love, wisdom, faithfulness, and prayer.

This message laid a strong foundation for what promises to be a meaningful new series on covenant relationships and our God-given responsibilities as citizens of both heaven and earth.

Whether you joined us in person or are catching up from home, we encourage you to listen to this week's message. We believe this new series will strengthen your relationship with God and with the people He's called you to walk alongside.

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