URC Weekly 6/25/2011: Freedom



Hi Family,

The United States Supreme Court overturned California’s banning of the sale of violent video games to minors today. The ruling claims the ban as a violation of the First Amendment – the freedom of speech. Freedom is one of the most important American values. The fact that our country continues to uphold the Second Amendment, the right to bear arms, testify to this. The U.S. has the highest rate of gun violence in the world by far; a gun in a household is about 6 times more likely to kill a family member rather than an intruder. Yet we have not outlawed personal firearms for hundreds of years all because of individual freedom.

I think freedom is also one of the most frequent reasons why people do not turn to Jesus. Some equate becoming a Christian to having limited freedom. Others think that the church gives a list of things they cannot do. While it is indeed true that God commands us not to do certain things, many unfortunately do not recognize that our faith is all about freedom.

Specifically, there are two kinds of freedom that Jesus gives: freedom from and freedom to. We are given the freedom from sins and the freedom from death. The Bible says, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:1-2).” We are also given much freedom to: the freedom to hope, the freedom to love, the freedom to believe and etc. Jesus says, “Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free (John 8:32).” Thus, overall, we are given the freedom to live freely.

Freed people of God at Union Church, I want you to know that you really are free because of Jesus Christ. Let us share this ultimate freedom that the world does not understand with those that are around us. God bless you.

• THANK YOU FOR HELPING AND PRAYING FOR VBS
• PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR JOEL AND MICHELLE JUNG
• BACKPACKS FOR KIDS: Backpacks coming this month
• UNHCR JOB: $12 per hour, includes 30 hour training, see Hyonroh if interested
• UNION SAT SESSION: Coming up soon, help wanted
• EM DEDICATION MORNING SERVICE: 7/16 (Sat) @ 6:30am; date may change
• ALL-COORDINATOR MEETING: 7/17 (Sun) @ 1:30pm
• MORE: 8/1 (Mon) – 8/4 (Thu), leaders wanted
• URC CAMPING: 8/14 (Sun) – 8/17 (Wed) @ Lake Cachuma
• SNACKS: TBA
• SCRIPTURE READING/OFFERING: John Yi
• DEVOTIONS: Romans 12 – 1 Corinthians 1