It was on June 11, 1776 that Thomas Jefferson, aided by James Madison, began to draft a document later known as the Declaration of Independence. On July 4th of that same year, 56 men gathered together to approve this document in a Continental Congress. It wasn’t until nearly a month later, on August 2nd to be exact, that the Declaration was ready for signing. Who would sign it? How many would be willing?
Each man knew the potential cost of doing so. They could lose their homes and property. They could be hanged by the British as rebels. Their wives and children could be thrown into prison. They would be putting all that they had on the line.
Yet, when time came, Richard Henry Lee presented the document. John Hancock was first, and then every man stepped to the table and signed this Declaration of Independence. They broke barriers. They crossed the line.
This weekend in worship we will talk not only about the signers of the Declaration of Independence, but also about another one who breaks principles, ignores our self-imposed realities, and goes beyond what we allow ourselves to believe. The men in that Continental Congress followed the model of Jesus Christ who opened doors that were long believed to be nailed shut. Let’s look at several boundaries and limits in life, how Jesus dealt with them, and how he set the example for us even today.
Please join us for worship this weekend — Saturday at 5:00 p.m. Central, or Sunday at 8:00, 9:15, or 10:45 a.m. -– either in person at 200 North Plum Grove Road, Palatine, IL or online.
See you in church!
Pastor Tom
Pastor Tom's Blog 