A true independence day

This Friday July 4th, we as a country celebrate our independence won from England many years ago in 1776. It was an event that had worldwide attention and also ushered in a new era as the United States was born and would change the landscape of the world forever.

While not everyone thinks so. The country we have is still a blessing and has been a blessing to many generations over the years. I myself am glad that God allowed me to grow up here and enjoy the benefits he allowed us to have in my life and for those I love.

One event I typically think about around this time is also a true independence day. That is the day Jesus Christ returns to Earth and sets up his kingdom. Among all the great things that will change is the biggest. An end of sin and an end to death. Both of these are elements that separated us from God. There is nobody but Jesus Christ whomever walked sinless on this Earth. The only ones who came close were Adam and Eve but their fall led to a world full of sin and death. To this day all of mankind has never known a world without it.

When He comes and establishes the Kingdom It will mark the independence of all man from those things. I Corinthians 15:20 shows us a window into the events of that day:

20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. 24 Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 27 For he “has put everything under his feet.” Now when it says that “everything” has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ. 28 When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.

Since we have always lived in a world full of sin and death it is hard to imagine a life without it. Jesus Christ showed those around him a small glimpse of it when he walked the Earth but even then many rejected it.

Even though what is coming is wonderful and those who are Children of God look forward to it every day, it will be a new and unusual experience for everyone. No longer will the world around us be subject to decay, no longer will we have to fight for things, no longer will we have to fight our own selfish desires and no longer will we see those we love die. It is a complete contradiction to the evil world we have today.

In the time we have left on earth it is the Christian duty to learn all we can about our savior and his plan for us and what it means for eternity. Knowing what its revealed not only helps us to see what is coming but embrace it when it does come!

Your Brother in Christ,

Steve Koenig

Lakeshore Fellowship