Christ, Country and the Cross* (Romans 3)

As we celebrate Independence Day, Pastor Chris Teien invites us to reflect not only on our national freedom, but on the greater spiritual freedom offered through Jesus Christ. In this timeless message from Romans 3, discover how the story of America's founding points us toward the deeper hope of redemption found in the cross. True freedom doesn’t come from doing whatever we want—it comes from being made right with God.

Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/16370119

Key Points:

1. Freedom requires dependence on God – (Romans 3:1–4)
 America’s founders understood that liberty came with sacrifice, and lasting freedom must be rooted in faith. We too must choose to live dependent on God, not ourselves.

2. We are not free to do whatever we want – (Romans 3:5–18)
 Sin is anything against God's will. Paul reminds us that apart from Christ, no one is righteous—not even one. Real freedom isn’t the license to sin but the power to live faithfully.

3. Justification comes through Jesus, not our performance – (Romans 3:19–26)
 The law reveals our need for a Savior. We are justified freely by God’s grace through faith in Christ, who became our atoning sacrifice and our propitiation.

4. Our only boast is in the Lord – (Romans 3:27–31)
 We bring nothing to God but our need. All we have and all we are in Christ should lead us to humility, gratitude, and praise—not pride or self-reliance.

Stories:

Pastor Chris shares historical reflections from American founders like John Adams, Benjamin Rush, and John Witherspoon—men who combined patriotic vision with strong faith in Jesus. He also reflects on the shift in modern culture and the importance of raising children to know where their true citizenship lies.

Quotes:

• “You and I couldn’t be good enough. You and I couldn’t do good enough. We couldn’t get through this life without God's help.”
• “God accepts the death of Christ as the sacrifice for our sins and justifies us.”
• “This is your country, but it’s not your home.”

Takeaways:

• Reflect: Am I living in dependence on God or in self-reliance?
• Apply: Let your freedom lead you to faithfulness, not selfishness.
• Take a Step: Boast in Christ this week—share your testimony with someone.
• Next Step: Recommit your heart and priorities to Jesus as your ultimate King.

Scripture:

• Romans 3:1–31 – Humanity’s guilt, God’s righteousness, and the gift of justification
• Psalm 51:4 – David’s confession and God’s justice
• 2 Cor 5:21 – Christ became sin for us
• 1 John 4:10 – Jesus as the propitiation for our sins
• Gen 18:18 – God’s promise to Abraham
• James 2:10 – Breaking one law breaks the whole law
• 1 Cor 1:26–31 – Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord

Keywords:

Freedom, Justification, 4th of July, Romans 3, American Founders, Salvation, Grace, Gospel, Cross, Independence Day Sermon

Challenge:

This week, as you celebrate your freedom as an American, don’t forget to celebrate the greater freedom you’v

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Join us Sundays at 10:15 AM
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New messages released Sundays.
Replay messages from Pastor Chris’s earlier ministry (2021 and prior), marked with an asterisk (*), are posted midweek.