Faith

May 27, 2007

By Linus Mathis III

This weekend Americans will be remembering the many heroes who gave their lives in defense of freedom.

Memorial Day was instituted initially to honor Union soldiers killed during the Civil War and expanded after World War I to include all the dead or missing from any military action or war. Originally called Decoration Day, due to the observance of the visiting and decorating of graves of our fallen heroes, Memorial Day is a day to give thanks for America's brave sons and daughters.

Freedom is not free and must never be taken for granted. Here are some quotes I find inspirational and poignant, perhaps you will too:

&#8220The patriot's blood is the seed of Freedom's tree.” Thomas Campbell, Scottish poet, 1777-1844

&#8220Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men, and so it must be daily earned and refreshed - else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die.” Dwight D. Eisenhower, 34th president of the U.S.A., American soldier and Supreme Commander of the Allied forces during World War II, 1890-1969

&#8220It is easy to take liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken from you.” Dick Cheney, vice president, born 1941

&#8220Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.” Thomas Paine, pamphleteer, revolutionary, radical intellectual, and deist, 1737-1809

&#8220These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value.” Thomas Paine

&#8220They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.” Benjamin Franklin, Historical Review of Pennsylvania, 1759, author, political theorist, politician, printer, scientist, inventor, civic activist, diplomat and Founding Father, 1706-1790

There are many other quotes we could recognize. I chose the above to magnify American patriotism and bravery. It is, after all, Memorial Day weekend!

That being said, there's yet another celebration to acknowledge - the birth of Christianity and the Christian Church. No bravery nor sacrifice exceeds our Lord's, without which none of us would know freedom at any price.

Consequently, this Sunday we will be recognizing what's known among Christians as Pentecost. This event marks the original outpouring of God's gift of holy spirit. Many people think Christianity was founded during Christ's earthly ministry, but you cannot be a Christian until you have Christ in you.

Colossians 1:27 - To whom God would make known what [is] the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (1769 Authorized Version)

This is a spiritual reality! The Lord referred to God's gift of holy spirit as the comforter and spirit of truth (John 15:26). He also called it the promise of the Father (Luke 24:49, Acts 1:4), power from on high (Luke 24:49) and holy spirit (Acts 1:5).

The original recipients of holy spirit on the day of Pentecost were the 12 Apostles. Who, upon receiving, spoke in tongues.

Acts 2:1-4 - And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they (the twelve) were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they (the twelve) were sitting.

And there appeared to them (the twelve) cloven tongues as of fire, and it sat upon each of them (the twelve). And they (the twelve) were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them (the twelve) utterance. (1995 Revised Webster)

That day, 50 days after the resurrection of Christ, marked the birth of the Christian Church. Jesus accomplished all that was required to make possible the reinstatement of God's spirit within man. What Adam lost, Jesus regained.

That and much, much more. You see, to have a Christian Church you must have Christians, and to be a Christian you must be spirit filled.

All the devout were gathered in Jerusalem that day in recognition of the day of the first fruits, the 50th day of commemorating the feast of harvest, i.e., Pentecost the 50th day. What they witnessed was phenomenal! The birth of 12 righteous sons and the beginning of the Christian Church.

Not all believed then, even as now. But truth needs no defense, only a witness.

Happy birthday, Church!

The Reverend Linus A. Mathis III is the founder and director of Frontier Christian Ministries. Contact him at fcm@mtaonline.net.