August 2026

Dear Friends,

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. … ¹³ For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. ¹⁴ For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”         Galatians 5:1, 13-14

Two hundred and fifty years ago this past July, representatives from the American Colonies gathered at the Pennsylvania State House to sign what is now known as the Declaration of Independence. These men knew that signing the Declaration could very well come at a great price. King George III had already announced that those who rebel against the Crown were disloyal and could by tried for treason. The penalty of such treason was death. The signers of the Declaration of Independence were convinced that freedom from tyranny was worth the risk.

During the American Revolution, many soldiers gave their lives in battle to preserve the freedom of our new nation. In the two centuries that followed, many other men and women would also lay down their lives upon what President Abraham Lincoln would one time refer to as “the altar of freedom.” It is this cherished freedom that serves as a hallmark of greatness for our country.

The Bible also speaks of the great gift of freedom that God has given to His people. There are some distinct differences between the freedom that we enjoy as American citizens and the freedom that we have as God’s children. The American colonists fought against the tyranny of the British Crown, while God has delivered us from the tyranny of sin by the finished work of Christ at the Cross. National freedom is temporal, Godly freedom is eternal. We celebrate our freedom as American citizens by asserting our rights, but God has given freedom to Christians so that we might serve one another. “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.”             Galatians 5:13

As wonderful as it is to enjoy the freedoms that we have as American citizens, it pales in comparison to the great freedom that we have in our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Although there are differences between earthly and spiritual freedom, there is at least one striking similarity. Freedom comes at great price. The price of blood. We are grateful for the men and women in history who shed their blood to preserve the freedom of our nation. Even so, we are most thankful for the greater sacrifice of the blood of God’s Son, which has granted us the greatest freedom of all. Thanks be to God!

“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; ³² And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. ³³ They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? ³⁴ Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. ³⁵ And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. ³⁶ If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”   John 8:31-36

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Chuck Bylkas

Donations received...

In memory of Loren Bergstedt From Gladys Bergstedt, her family & friends Lloyd & Barbara GodellJames & Kristin Erickson In memory of Reuben & Anita Aho

From Eleanor Puumala

In memory of Stewart Lee

From Eleanor Puumala

In memory of Evey Palosaari

From Mark & Rita Palosaari

In memory of Edward Puumala

From James & Laurene Mattinen

FALL CLASS SCHEDULE

If you are interested in taking a class, please contact the office at 906-482-3337 or email cilseminary@ilseminary.com. Please see www.ilseminary.org/acadinfo.htm for class descriptions. Daily classes begin on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. Monday night class begins on September 14, 2026.