Newsletter July 2026

Dear Saints,
   This month we are coming to the semi-quincentennial celebration of the Declaration of Independence. It was 250 years ago as a nation; we looked forward to a new future, a new hope. From that day, we declared our individual "Right" to life, to liberty (freedom from oppression), and the pursuit of happiness. The Revolutionary War took more than seven years, until Great Britain recognized that independence, through the Treaty of Paris, signed September 3, 1783. It was another six years for true self-rule, as a Constitutional Republic took effect on March 4, 1789.

   As we look back at the events of our history, we recognize the work that those who came before us did. Their tireless work raised this nation. There was the purchase of land from France and westward expansion to California. As a people, we have faced tremendous challenges, as we have aspired to live in the fulfillment of the promises of God. These challenges are not ours alone. The Statue of Liberty declares to the world, "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free," a reminder that the longing for liberty is not unique to the United States of America. It is the story of mankind across the ages, the same struggle borne by the heroes of faith, described in Hebrews 11. They likewise sought a better country and did not receive what was promised in their own lifetime.

   In fact, men have sought to live in the fulfillment of God's promises throughout the ages. Hebrews 11:38 says "(Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth." They faced trouble in the world, yet it is said of them, "And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:" Hebrews 11:39. The recognition of "unalienable rights" did not begin at the founding of our nation. Indeed, the promise of liberty was proclaimed in 1776. It was not even realized within our own nation, for nearly a century, until the terrible Civil War was fought. At the cost of many lives including family members, choosing opposite sides, for freedom from slavery. A battle whose scars still remain with us. These rights were given to us, in the very beginning, by God our Creator. True freedom was purchased for all mankind, without a shot being fired. Two thousand years ago, Christ's blood brought it, to those who call upon his name.

   But how does this story end? Jesus has taken His place at the right hand of the Father, and "he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them." Hebrews 7:25. The end has not yet come, we are facing a new time. The struggle to appropriate our God given rights continue, even though we have received the comforter, the Holy Spirit who is our peace and joy. Despite the forces of darkness, "God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect." Hebrews 11:40. Our mission was declared by Jesus two thousand years ago, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel" Mark 16:15.

   We have a great heritage. God tells us that all of heaven is looking on, "we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us" Hebrews 12:1. There is work for us to do; we are at a turning point for this generation. We are to "lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed." Hebrews 12:12–14. Because "he hath promised, saying, 'Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.'" Hebrews 12:26.

   Jesus said, "there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken." Luke 21:25–26. Then He said, "when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." Luke 21:28. This was not just an escape clause; soon we will be gone. It is a reminder that we should keep our eyes on Jesus, who said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father." John 14:12. As we mark two hundred fifty years since our nation first declared its hope for liberty, may we likewise believe for greater works in this generation. We must contend by faith to receive the promises of God.

   We currently need your support. God loves a cheerful giver. Thank you for cheerfully giving to this ministry. We are doing the Great Commission through TV, Radio, and ministering in Churches. Go to youtube.com/newhopeinthelord, watch our TV shows, and please subscribe. Please make your tax-deductible check payable to The Master's Hand Christian Fellowship and send it to the above address, or by PayPal at https://paypal.me/Cohen727 or by Zelle at rev.joseph@aol.com.

Serving our King together, Please Pray for us.

Rev. Joseph and Eric Ross