Liberty in Christ

July 5, 2026 Romans 7:15-25 Liberty in Christ 6th Sunday after Pentecost Year A Prelude Greeting Call to Worship We gather to worship God with our full, imperfect selves. We come to delight in the law of God, who is Love. We gather as people who don’t always know what to do in the face of difficult and complex circumstances. We come to delight in the law of God, who is Love. We gather as people who desire to follow God with our actions but struggle to connect what we want to do with what we actually do. We come to delight in the law of God, who is Love. Whether you come to worship today wondering if there is anything good left in the world or rejoicing in the small moments of goodness that remind you grace is still at work among us, you are welcome here. We come to delight in the law of God, whose grace shows us how to live, work, play, and rest as a community of faith woven together by Love. Amen. Written by Dr. Lisa Hancock, Discipleship Ministries, January 2026. Invocation God of all nations and all peoples, bless us as we gather in your name. Open us to vessels in building your kindom and spreading the good news of life and liberty. May we drink from the well of your abundance. May our cups overflow with your love. May our hearts burn in your presence. Be with us in this time and place. Amen. (United Church of Christ Worship Ways, Cheryl Lindsay) Song My Country Tis of Thee UMH 697 A Sermon for all Ages Good morning, boys and girls! This week we celebrate the Fourth of July. You may see flags, fireworks, parades, and people wearing red, white, and blue. The Fourth of July reminds us that our country values freedom. Freedom means we are not trapped or controlled by someone else. But today I want to talk about another word: liberty. Liberty means God helps us live the way He created us to live. The Bible tells us that even when we want to do good, sometimes we mess up. The apostle Paul said, “I do not do the good I want to do.” That means even grown-ups struggle sometimes! Have you ever wanted to be kind but said something mean? Have you ever wanted to share but kept something for yourself? Have you ever wanted to obey but did the wrong thing? That happens to all of us. Sin can feel like a chain around our hearts. But Jesus came to break those chains. A long time ago, preachers like George Whitefield and John Wesley told people that Jesus gives us real liberty. George Whitefield preached that we need a new heart through Jesus. John Wesley preached that we are saved by God’s grace. Grace means God loves us and helps us, even when we do not deserve it. So today, when you see a flag or fireworks, remember to thank God for our country. But also remember that the greatest freedom comes from Jesus. Jesus gives us liberty to love, forgive, tell the truth, share, and do what is right. Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for our country and for the freedoms we enjoy. Thank You most of all for Jesus, who gives us true liberty. Help us love others, do what is right, and live as Your children. Amen. Kuzma Offering Prayer of Confession Lord, we come before you this day confessing that we don’t understand our own actions. The very things we want to do, we don’t do. Too often, we find ourselves doing the very things we hate. We need you this day, Lord. The harmful behaviors we tried to put down, we keep picking back up, and our soul is hurting. The chance we had to fix that broken relationship came, But anger and rage rose up again, Inflicting harm and abuse upon the very people we said we loved. We need you this day, Lord. The opportunities we have been praying for came, But fear, lack of confidence, and low self-esteem drove them away. Lord, the good we want to do, we don’t do; and the evil we hate doing, we just keep doing. Lord, what messed-up souls we are. We need you now, Lord, this day. Rescue us from works that lead to death; save us from self-destructive behaviors. We submit our lives into your hands right now. (Silence) Thank you, God, for your Son Jesus, who will make it all right. Thank you for your Son Jesus. He will heal our sin-sick souls. Thank you, God, for Jesus Christ, our Lord. When we find it difficult to do the right thing, we will place our trust in you. We are convinced that we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. Glory to God! Amen. Adapted from Joseph W. Daniels, Jr. in The African Worship Book, Year A (Nashville: Discipleship Resources, 2006), 147, 155. Scripture Romans 7:15-25 Sermon Liberty in Christ So yesterday, on July 4th we celebrated the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. But that was just the declaration, it took years after that for the nation to unite. It was a nation founded on moral values. The six values of our nation are • Equality: The belief that all individuals are inherently equal at birth, possessing the same natural rights, and should be treated equally before the law. [1, 2] • Liberty: The protection of fundamental human freedoms—including speech, religion, and the press—ensuring citizens can live free from arbitrary governmental control. [1, 2] • Consent of the Governed: The democratic principle that political power is derived from the people, who delegate that power to representatives through a social contract. [1, 2] • Individual Responsibility: The expectation that citizens will actively exercise self-governance, uphold civic morality, and take personal responsibility for their families and communities. [1, 2, 3, 4] • Limited Government: The constitutional framework of checks and balances and separation of powers designed to prevent the concentration of authority and protect individual liberties. [1, 2] • Justice: The idea that the rule of law must apply to everyone equally and that citizens have access to a fair, impartial legal process. [1] Many of our founding fathers were not particulary religious, - they were philosophers – thinking of a way to create a nation where people worked together for the good of one another – not the good of one person or group. I find it fascinating that they were religious to a point, but from a practical way. Ben Franklin had a morning regiman of taking one of the six virtues and using it as the foundation of his day in practice and in thought. Thomas Jefferson rewrote the new testament. He believed in the life and teachings of Jesus, but he had no use for the miracles, so he took them out. It is probably not much of a story, but Thomas Jefferson’s bible is still available today. Our founding fathers sought a nation of people living their best lives, and being their best selves. They soon learned that it is human to love, to care for others, to have discipline and to follow instructions. But it is also human to fail, to dislike, to disagree, to go as fare ass hate someone who does not agree with you, and to break even the best of habits. Perhaps that is why at the first continental congress he proposed that each session begin in prayer. It took a while, but congress agrees that prayer set the tone for the debates, and helped with reaching a united outcome. Franklin was not religious, but he did have great respect for an evangelist who came to America – George Whitefield. Whitefield spoke to thousands of people about God. The Great Awakening happened from 1730 -1740. Whitefield was one of the first superstars that people flocked to hear. His message was the true freedom can only be found in God. He was so compelling that people wanted to know more. Some would say that Whitefield was methodist – he was a part of the holy club in Oxford. By today’s standards he was very conservative – in teaching that salvation only comes through works for christ. John Wesley was also a part of the great awakening – of course reaching that salvation is in Christ, but that with salvation there is always grace. God will love us no matter how hard or how little we work. Whitefield and Wesley were often opposites in their teaching, yet it was Wesley who preached his funeral. Together they both became a part of the fabric of our nation and its values. This became a nation with liberty and justice for all. The message of the great awakening is that liberty is a given right from God. It is not granted from a nation, it is how god created us. In our freedom to live our lives, morality is a discipline that we have to be intentional about every day. Even in our intentional practice, we still struggle. If left to our own freedom alone, we fail. We need the power of God in all areas of our life, personal, public, as a nation. As grace would have it, this is where our scripture comes in. In Romans 7, Paul admits that he is human- that he has the best of intentions and they go wrong. We all have our Romans 7 moments. We promise ourselves we'll be more patient. Yet we lose our temper. We promise we'll forgive. Yet resentment keeps returning. We promise to love more deeply. Yet selfishness sneaks back into our hearts. Paul says that no matter what we do, there is a pervasive darkness that gets the better of us. Paul calls it sin. But the answer is God. God has the power to be the light. God has the power to bring Jesus back to life and bring salvation to us all. God is the miracle that Thomas Jefferson tried to take out of the bible, but he had no choice but to acknowledge. Paul says that God delivers us from our moral struggle. Even today in 2026 – we will struggle with ourselves, we all have Romans 7 moments. The good news is that we have a Romans 8 God – nothing can separate us from the love of God not even our sin. Celebrate founding of a nation where all free to pursue life, liberty and happiness. We often use the words freedom and liberty as though they mean exactly the same thing. But they are not quite identical. Freedom is often understood as the ability to do what we want. Liberty is something deeper. Liberty is the ability to become who we were created to be. Freedom says, "No one tells me what to do." Liberty says, "I am finally able to do what is right." Freedom removes chains from our hands. Liberty removes chains from our hearts. Liberty is a gift that only comes from God. May we live in it today and in the days to come. Amen. Song Battle Hymn of the Republic UMH 717 A Prayer for Our Country by Woodrow Wilson (in the Book of Common Worship) Almighty God, Ruler of all the peoples of the earth, forgive our shortcomings as a nation, purify our hearts to see and love the truth, give wisdom to our leaders, and steadfastness to our people, and bring us at last to that fair city of peace whose foundations are mercy, justice, and goodwill, of which you are the designer and builder; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Continue to pray Lord’s Prayer Stewardship Moment Song This is my Song UMH 437 Invitation to Communion Paul uses clear language in his letter to the Romans, sharing his understanding of the inner battle known to many of us. Caught in the struggle, he writes, “Who will rescue me from this body of death?” Week by week, as we gather at the Lord’s Table, we see the answer in the form of bread and juice. Out of death, God brought life! Out of despair, we can find redemption! All are invited to participate in this simple meal. It will not fill your belly, but it will bring rest to your spirit and provide energy for you to turn toward the Light and Life we know in Jesus, the Christ. Even in our brokenness, Jesus binds us together in one body. With this cup, we receive a transfusion, strengthening us for the ministries to which we are all called. Come! Find here the power to take on the yoke, and turn once more to follow Jesus in heart, mind, and spirit. (Disciples of Christ Center for Faith and Giving) Communion Announcements Closing Prayer for YouTube As you go, Celebrate liberty and pursue justice Pray for the land on which you are planted And open space for neighbors seeking a home Remember the challenges and blessings of the past Work for the promise and hope of the future Knowing that the God of the Covenant Lives, reigns, and abides with us As the journey continues Go in peace and go for peace To love and to serve (United Church of Christ Worship Ways, Cheryl Lindsay) Community Time – Joys and Concerns Benediction Jesus says, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” May we answer Jesus’s call and be led, taught, guided, and strengthened as we live as his disciples. May the people of God embody, advocate and create Liberty and Justice for all (Inspired by Presbyterian Outlook, Philip Gladden) Additional Illustrations A Community of Practice, Not a Community of Perfectionby Leonard Sweet - Romans 7:15-25a When your child is playing a musical instrument that is “rented” from the school, instead “owned” by you, there is a big decision to make at the end of the school year. Do you pay rental fees for the summer break? Or do you turn the instrument in? Paying rental fees for the summer means that the instrument will be practiced on hot summer days and during beautiful sunsets. Turning the instrument in means that summer is for swimming, sleep-away camps, family vacations, flexible schedules and peace and quiet. Your decision is based both on the passion of your budding musician for their instrument and on your personal preferences. For parents, on the one hand, there is the knowledge that structure and practice and commitment are all good things for a young musician. On the other hand, there is the prospect of a few weeks without squeaks and squawks, without hearing the same fractured tune repeated over and over again in your head, an earworm that can be as ragging and nagging as “It’s a Small World After All.” Professional musicians, as well as the garage band guys, the Christmas party piano player, the community band enthusiasts--- all seem to make their music effortlessly. But it took a lot of squeaky-squawky, off-key, eardrum bruising moments to get to the degree of proficiency where, suddenly, they were making music. Music that brings ecstasy and enchantment. Music that channels creativity and sparks the imagination. Music that fills a lonely evening. Music that brings a party to life. Okay, okay: the hope of that mystic connection to music is why you DO pay for that instrument over the summer vacation. When it sounds good, it looks easy. But it took a lot of practice to get to that point of sounding good. Why is it we will put up with the imperfections and disruptions of “practice” when it comes to learning to play a musical instrument . . . but we find it so much harder to put up with the discord and dissonance that comes when we are all engaged in “practicing” the greatest instrument we have each been given? That instrument is the living Spirit of Christ within each of us. The Church is best defined as a “community of practice.” A place where those who have chosen to live the life of Christ can hit flats and sharps, miss entrances, go off-beat, and even get completely lost for a while— yet still be a part of the church community’s “practice session” that is Christ’s church. Isn’t growing a soul, like learning any musical instrument, a life-long project? Yes, it brings great joy. Yes, it brings focus and direction. Yes, it brings a love of artistic perfection. But it does take continual, gradual, life-long practice. In today’s epistle text it is not surprising that it took Martin Luther and other reformation theologians to shift the focus of Paul’s words away from the “pre-Christian” Saul to the “post-Christian” Paul… _______________________ Celebrating the Declaration Americans celebrate July 4, 1776 as Independence Day. We shouldn't. We should call it our DECLARATION of Independence Day, for merely signing, quite literally, our John Hancock’s on the declaration did not establish our independence. King George did not read the Declaration and then say to Thomas Jefferson, "Nice piece of writing Tom, y'all enjoy your USA, send me a postcard from Colonial Williamsburg." No, it took seven years of struggle before the Constitution could be written. Have we forgotten the struggle involved in this noble experiment of democracy? Do we cherish this land or do we shy from a word like "patriotism" because it's been co-opted by the fanatic fringe? To be "patriotic" is not to be blind to our nation's sins. Like every nation, we have our weak points. King Duncan, Collected Sermons, www.Sermons.com The Cost of Freedom On July 3, 1776, the day before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, George Washington wrote a letter to his wife, anticipating the hardships which would soon occur. Here in part are his words, "In a few days, you will see a Declaration setting forth the causes which have impelled us to this mighty revolution and the reasons which will justify it in the sight of God. I am fully aware of the toil and blood and treasure what it will cost to maintain this declaration and support and defend these states; yes, through all the gloom, I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory." Brett Blair, www.eSermons.com ______________________ "America today is running on the momentum of a Godly ancestry, and when that momentum runs down, God help America." General Omar Bradley - Details: Bradley is the U.S. Army officer who commanded the highly effective 12th Army Group, which helped ensure the Allied victory over Germany during World War II; later he served as first chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff (1949–53). ______________________ Historical Background to the Declaration On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia in the Pennsylvania State House (now Independence Hall), approved the Declaration of Independence. Its purpose was to set forth the principles upon which the Congress had acted two days earlier when it voted in favor of Richard Henry Lee's motion to declare the freedom and independence of the 13 American colonies from England. The Declaration was designed to influence public opinion and gain support both among the new states and abroad -- especially in France, from which the new "United States" sought military assistance. Although Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Roger Sherman and Robert R. Livingston comprised the committee charged with drafting the Declaration, the task fell to Jefferson, regarded as the strongest and most eloquent writer. The document is mainly his work, although the committee and Congress as a whole made a total of 86 changes to Jefferson's draft. As a scholar well-versed in the ideas and ideals of the French and English Enlightenments, Jefferson found his greatest inspiration in the language and arguments of English philosopher John Locke, who had justified England's "Glorious Revolution" of 1688 on the basis of man's "natural rights." Locke's theory held that government was a contract between the governed and those governing, who derived their power solely from the consent of the governed and whose purpose it was to protect every man's inherent right to property, life and liberty. Jefferson's theory of "natural law" differed in that it substituted the inalienable right of "the pursuit of happiness" for "property," emphasizing that happiness is the product of civic virtue and public duty. The concept of the "pursuit of happiness" originated in the Common Sense School of Scottish philosophy, of which Lord Kames was the best-known proponent. Jefferson emphasized the contractual justification for independence, arguing that when the tyrannical government of King George III of England repeatedly violated "natural law, " the colonists had not only the right but the duty to revolt. The assembled Continental Congress deleted a few passages of the draft, and amended others, but outright rejected only two sections: 1) a derogatory reference to the English people; 2) a passionate denunciation of the slave trade. The latter section was left out, as Jefferson reported, to accede to the wishes of South Carolina and Georgia, who wanted to continue the importation of slaves. The rest of the draft was accepted on July 4, and 56 members of Congress began their formal signing of the document on August 2, 1776. From the Library of Congress: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/const/abt_declar.html ____________________ French writer Alexis de Tocqueville, after visiting America in 1831, said, "I sought for the greatness of the United States in her commodious harbors, her ample rivers, her fertile fields, and boundless forests--and it was not there. I sought for it in her rich mines, her vast world commerce, her public school system, and in her institutions of higher learning--and it was not there. I looked for it in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution--and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great!" Alexis de Tocqueville - He was a political scientist, historian, and politician, best-known for "Democracy in America," 4 vol. (1835–40), a perceptive analysis of the political and social system of the United States in the early 19th century. _______________________________________________ Live Free or Die For many years the license plates of New Hampshire bore the slogan, made famous by Revolutionary War general John Stark – "live free or die." The irony is that those great words were printed onto the license plates by inmates in the state prison. They could not leave their prison, but many of us stay in our prisons when we have the power to leave. We want to live free, but we do not want to do what the gospel says we need to do to be truly free. By J. Michael Shannon, PREACHING, March/April 2004, p. 61. When Christ says, "Straight is the gate and narrow is the way that leads to life, but wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction" (KJV), he wasn’t trying to make life miserable. He wasn’t trying to fence us in. He was trying to release us into life. Have you ever been flying a plane at night and realize that your gas is getting low, your radio is out, and you are not sure where you are? Everything is black around you; no familiar landmarks are visible. You bore on into the night, with the sweat popping out all over you. You have almost given up hope - when suddenly there in the distance you see - yes, you do see it - a narrow parallel line of lights. Are you mad because those lights mark a runway that is narrow and straight? No! You breathe again and thank God. The straight and narrow runway means life. You can fly beyond it and die. You can fly short of it and crash. You can fly to the left of it or to the right of it, but you are no fool. You are grateful that a clear path of life has been laid out before you, where you can land with safety. That’s what Jesus was telling us. There is a way of life that God has prepared for us. We can reject it and destroy ourselves, but it is there to save us, to give us life. That’s what a high sense of Christian morality is all about. It is a way of life! Almost forty years ago Harry Emerson Fosdick wrote a brief article in the Reader’s Digest on "How to Tell the Difference Between Right and Wrong." It made good sense. That was in the day when all the young preachers were saying, "What a pity to be Fosdick and not to be able to quote Fosdick." The six points were simple and specific and would appeal to youth in any generation. Is it right or is it wrong? Or, "When to say ‘yes,’ and when to say ‘no.’ " 1. Does it make sense? There are too many uncontemplated actions. Back away from it, look at it, appraise it. Does it make sense? Don’t be silly! Don’t be stupid! Does it make sense to cheat yourself out of an education by cheating? Does it make sense to drink, smoke, shoot chemicals, thus making it impossible to know whether or not it does make sense? Does it make sense by careless, thoughtless, undisciplined boy and girl relationships to rob yourselves of the deep joy and lasting love that your home should give to you and your loved one as long as you live? If it doesn’t make sense, it’s wrong! 2. What does it do to others? "Is it fair?" If it’s right for me, it’s right for the other person. Good and evil are democratic. If it’s wrong for others, it’s wrong for me. Some people think mistakenly that, "All men were created equal, but some are more equal than others." A mother gave Bobby a plate with two pieces of cake, saying, "Give Jimmy his choice." Soon she heard Jimmy wailing. She called out, "Bobby, I said to give Jimmy his choice." "I did," came back the reply. "I said he could take the little piece or none." If it hurts or crushes or destroys others, it’s wrong! 3. Would I like to see it in print? This is the "Publicity Test." It’s a little thing. Nobody will know about it. It won’t make much difference, just this once. But how would you like to see it on the front page of your newspaper tomorrow morning, for all to see? Would you be glad, or would you run and hide? Nothing is really hidden. I know about it. God knows about it, and soon others will know about it. Jesus spoke truth when he said: "That which is whispered in secret in your closet will be shouted from the rooftops." If you would not like to see it in print, the answer is "No!" 4. What does it do to my highest ideals? An ideal is something that you believe in. This is the way life should be. Will this thing make me a better person? Or does it let me down? Does it make me a finer, more wholesome, a stronger person? Or does it betray me? Is this what I really believe in? Or does it undermine all that I stand for? If it does not fit my highest ideals, the answer is "No!" 5. What would the person I admire most think of this? My boyfriend, my girlfriend, my future wife, my future husband; my parents; some favorite teacher; what would Christ think of this? What would my future children think of me? I do not belong to myself alone. I cannot hurt myself without hurting others. I am all tied up in "the bundle of life" with others. People care about me; God cares. If those I admire most would be happy about this, the answer is "Yes!" 6. What will it do to my after self? Is this the kind of person I want to become? Maybe it makes little difference now, but if I continued this as a practice, what would I be like twenty years from now? Would I like myself? Every day is Judgment Day - step by step, I am becoming inexorably what I am to be. "A habit is first a cobweb, then a cable." I can be freed for greatness, or enslaved hopelessly by my own practices. Do I have the right to do today that which will destroy me tomorrow? If it will not turn out well twenty years from now, the answer is "No!" This can be illustrated by a unique story told by Reuel Howe. A little girl had disobeyed her mother. She felt guilty and, therefore, hostile toward her mother. The mother tried to help, but the child rejected her. Angry and hostile the child stamped out of the room, stamped up the stairs, went into her room and slammed the door. Alone in that upstairs room, the little girl, still possessed by the demon of guilt, and her rejection of her mother, saw her mother’s new party dress hanging on the door. She saw the scissors on the table She grabbed the scissors, like a little fiend, and mutilated the dress. The mother had followed the child upstairs, in love and concern, seeking to help She came into the room, saw what had happened, and fell brokenhearted across the bed, sobbing. The little girl could not stand it. She eased timidly up against the bed and whispered, "Mama." No reply, just more sobs Again, "Mama, Mama." No reply. Then, "Mama, Mama, please." Finally the mother responded through her sobs, "Please, what?" "Please take me back. Please take me back."3 (How long, how long will we resist God, because of our guilt, mutilating our lives and his world, before we cry out? "Please take us back. Please take us back.") The mother reached out her arm and drew her daughter close to her. That was all. That was enough. We all have our “Romans 7 moments” moments when we will to do good but do evil, or as Paul puts it in this morning’s text, “For I do not do the good that I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do” (7:19). The problem with human beings is that we have just enough of what Paul called his “inner self” or “true self,” what Isaiah called “the still small voice,” to know what we SHOULD do. But we lack the ability to actually DO it. Actually, what we “lack” is the wholeness and unity of spirit that would put us in a right relationship with God. What we have instead is a fallen nature, a fractured self, a fragmented soul which lives in a state removed from or in opposition to, God. It is that state we call “sin.” Jewish writer/holocaust survivor Chaim Potok wrote, “A man is born into this world with only a tiny spark of goodness in him. The spark is God; it is the soul; the rest is ugliness and evil, a shell. The spark must be guarded like a treasure; it must be nurtured; it must be fanned into flame. It must learn to seek out other sparks, it must dominate the shell” (The Chosen [1967]). Another Jewish writer/Christian martyr Paul of Tarsus recognized the existence of this “spark,” but realized that without divine deliverance the strength of sin would forever keep the damper down on our sacred spark: “For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing that I hate” (7:15). Human history is a litany of Romans 7 moments, of good deeds gone bad: Romans 8 God: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him . . . What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? (32) He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? . . . . (35) Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? (36) As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." (37) No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (38) For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, (39) neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. ChristianGlobe Networks, Inc., Leonard Sweet Sermons, by Leonard Sweet