As Americans we enjoy many freedoms, such as; freedom of assembly, worship, and speech, among many others. Regardless if we agree with the group that is assembling on the court house steps, or the religious group that is worshiping down the street, or the article or commentary given by a journalist or reporter. We all have the same freedoms. In my personal opinion, many people push the envelope in these areas and may even cross the line on occasion in abusing some of these freedoms.
As a Christian, however, I am free only in the sense that I have been liberated from the penalty and power of sin. I have bee redeemed and now I am a slave, or a servant, of my new Master, the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, I cannot just do whatever I want or say what I want, because I am now held to a different standard and rule, the Bible, God’s Word. The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 6.12 “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful…” In other words, in America there may be a freedom to assemble and burn religious books, but is it helpful? And to whom is it helpful? Will it cause a few people in Gainesville feel better about themselves? Will it serve to increase the violence against Americans around the world?
I certainly hope and pray that Rev. Terry Jones and the Dove World Outreach Church will reconsider using their freedom to carry out the burning of the Koran. I also pray and ask everyone to join with me in praying that God will use believers and missionaries around the world to reach out to Muslims with the power of the love of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ.
God Bless
