Freedom, Authority, and the Sovereignty of God
As we celebrate Independence Day, we are reminded that America’s story began with a courageous resistance—most famously on the night of December 16, 1773, during the Boston Tea Party Protest. As followers of Christ, we know that true freedom and justice find their ultimate source only in Him. While those patriots stood against unjust laws to secure independence from British rule, our recent sermon series on 1 Peter and 2 Peter reminds us of the Bible’s call to respectful submission to authority (1 Peter 2:13–17). How do we reconcile a nation’s founding on rebellion with the Bible’s teaching to submit?
Submission Is Not Passivity
When Peter penned his letters, early Christians lived under oppressive Roman tyranny with no legal avenues for justice. He urged believers to submit—not because Rome was righteous, but because their highest allegiance was to Christ. Christians submit for Christ’s sake (1 Peter 2:13a). This submission involved patient endurance and a peaceful witness, contrasting the violent rebellions among some Jewish factions that culminated in Jerusalem’s fall and the Temple’s destruction in AD 70. By steering Christians away from insurrection, Peter wisely pointed them toward God’s sovereign justice and reminded them that suffering for righteousness mirrors Christ’s own example (1 Peter 2:19–23).
Apostolic Echoes
Peter’s call to submission finds strong support throughout the New Testament, especially from Apostle Paul:
- Paul in Romans 13:1-2 reminds us that all authority is established by God. Resisting human rulers is, in effect, resisting God’s appointment.
- Paul in Titus 3:1-2 encourages believers “to be submissive to rulers and authorities… ready for every good work,” showing that submission is an active pursuit of kindness and justice.
- Paul in 1 Timothy 2:1–2 instructs us to pray “for kings and all who are in high positions,” that we may enjoy peaceful, godly lives marked by dignity.
- Simon the Zealot, though labeled for his political zeal, chose a different revolution. Traditionally believed to have been martyred in Persia or Armenia, he was one of sacrificial love, submission to God’s will, and bore persecution for the peaceful Gospel advancement.
Jesus’ Radical Example
Jesus modeled a countercultural response to power: He taught us to “turn the other cheek” (Matthew 5:39), to pray for persecutors (Matthew 5:44), and to submit even to unjust rulers (John 19:11). In a world that prizes self-assertion, His humble submission testifies to God’s supreme authority.
Our Context: Justice and Liberty
Unlike early Christians, America’s founders had lawful means to address injustice. Their resistance was deliberate and measured, seeking liberty and justice rather than unchecked violence. They believed freedom should serve righteous purposes.
Living Faithfully Today
• Refuse impulsive rebellion. When we face injustice, we trust God’s sovereign judgment and choose peaceful, constructive action. Riot does not bring peace or justice.
• Exercise our freedoms responsibly. We pursue justice through prayer, advocacy, and service, honoring Christ’s example of love and humility.
This Independence Day, let us celebrate both our national freedom and our ultimate freedom in Christ. May we live as citizens who honor God, respect rightful authority, champion justice, and rely fully on the sovereignty of our Lord.
Happy Independence Day!
This Week (July 4 ~ July 10, 2025)
- This Friday night, July 4, 2025, there will be No Bible Study Gathering. Enjoy your time with friends and families and watch some fireworks.
- Please note there will be No CrossPoint Community Sunday School this Sunday, July 6. Instead, join us for a Connection Time in the Fellowship Room (A-202) at 9:45 am. We look forward to spending this time with you and your church family!
- Sunday Worship Service, July 6, 2025, at 11:25 am, Min. Kim will be sharing with us from 2 Peter 1:16-21 “Making Every Effort to Grow.” Join us for worship at CBCGL main Sanctuary.
Text: 2 Peter 2:1-3
Title: God’s Sure Judgment
Tube: https://www.cbcgl.org/live-stream/
- Prosper of Aquitaine said, “lex orandi, lex credenda!” Each Wednesday at 7:45 pm, you are invited to join our weekly prayer meeting. We will not grow in Christ without growing in our dependence on God through prayers. In July, we will be praying with a focus on our nation and community. The link is found below in the section on prayer.
https://zoom.us/j/758587937?pwd=aS9sZUdxcm1janNNM2I2aXJ6Smx2QT09
Meeting ID: 758 587 937
Password: 030086
Join by phone: +1 929 436 2866 US (New York)
Other Announcement:
1. Starting 6/22/2025, CBCGL will temporarily stop providing lunch. Lunch service will resume on 9/7/2025 after the Labor Day.
2. Come visit CBCGL’s country booths 15 & 16 at the Chelmsford Common tomorrow from 8am – 1pm.
3. Come join us on Chelmsford Independence Day Parade if you can! The time is 8:30 am on 7/4/2025. Please contact Pastor Changjian Sun for more details.
https://forms.office.com/r/SJcivyc9WJ
4. Youth root cellar short-term mission needs your donations on the following items:
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- Bike helmets,
- Sports balls,
- Chalk
- Bubbles
- Face paint
- Pencils (sharpened, preferred!) or pens
- Spiral or composition notebooks
- 1 or 1.5 inch binders
- Socks
- Swimming shorts
- Roller skates
- Headphones or laptops
- BJ’s, Walmart and Amazon gift cards (also for Park Night dinner for 75 people)
- Snacks for 85 kids (cookies, granola bars, snack mix, fruit, etc.) They can be packaged or homemade.
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Please drop them off at the GIFT room (A102).
5. Children VBS decoration party will be held in July. Items needed:
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- Brown packing paper (like from Amazon deliveries) – large trash bag full
- Yellow hexagonal paper plates – approx 12
- Brown pompoms – 10
- Google eyes all sizes – approx 12 sets
- Insulation foam sheets 4×8 – 5 sheets
- acrylic Paint- yellow, green, light green, dark green, dark yellow, white, black – approx 3 bottles each
- Painters tape – 1 roll
- Tissue paper-pink, green, yellow -approx 12 sheets each color
- Floral wire – 1 roll
- 8 in Styrofoam ball
- White spray paint – 1 can
- Wooden skewers – approx 12
- Coffee cans w few rocks – 6-8
- Green pool noodles – 4
- Black balloons – approx 21
- Paper bags – 20 – 30
- Green crepe paper streamers – 3 rolls
- Large green and black construction paper – approx 20 sheets each
- Disposable plastic dip and chip trays – 9
- Fishing line – 1 roll
- Clear plastic plates – 6
- Yellow and black and white poster board – 2 sheets each
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Please drop them off by the door of Min. Katherine’s office.