Kirby Pines Retirement Community | The Pinecone

The Pinecone | July 2025 • 9 • Reflections Maxie Dunnam July Vesper Services | 6:30pm | Performing Arts Center When I was the pastor of a congregation, preparing sermons every Sunday, I paid close attention to culture and timing… what was going on in the world, and particularly in my city and community. The Gospel is relevant not only to a religious calendar…Christmas, Lent, Easter…but also, the civil one… civic holidays. That awareness and practice came strongly to mind as I began to share my REFLECTIONS for this July issue of The Pinecone. Who has not thought about it… July ”the Fourth”? So, what about “the Fourth”? Since I’m not writing a book, only a brief article…FREEDOM is a core principle in Christian living. Paul made that clear in his directions to the early Christian communities. In his Letter to the Galations he wrote, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery”. (Gal. 5:1 NIV) By July 31 Rev Kevin Presley Minister of Music Emmanuel UMC July 10 Rev David Love Seniors Minister Ridgeway Baptist July 17 Rainey Seagars Chaplain St. Mary's Girls School July 24 Ron Wade Director Hope Works July 3 Rev Michael Pence Celebrate July 4th Rossville Methodist Stay centered. Freedom requires discipline. Actually, the freedom Christ gives us, is a freedom to be responsible. Paulmade that clear: “For youwere called to freedom, brethren; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love, be servants of one another.” (Gal. 5:13) He knew that if freedom was interpreted merely as the removal of restraint, sin would seize the opportunity, and use the weakness of human nature to launch attack against the spirit. Stay centered. The freedom of Christ is a freedom to be responsible. The clanking chains of slavery loosed by Christ as we are forgiven and accepted. We are then free from the sins that burden us down, free from meaninglessness guilt, and the threat of death —— set loose to become the unique sons and daughters God created us to be. If we realize that our freedom requires discipline then that freedom will set the stage and provide the power for us to be all that God intends us to be, and live as he calls us to live. FOR FREEDOM CHRIST HAS SET US FREE