July 4, 2011 marks the 235th anniversary of this country’s founding and independence. Our fore-fathers put their life on the line so that these United States may be a country built on liberty! A country built on liberty against oppression by a government and liberty to worship God.
On July 3, 1776, following the signing of the Declaration of Independence, John Adams wrote to his wife concerning what he had shared with Congress concerning the importance of that day:
“The second day of July 1776 will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It out to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to he other, from this time forward forever."
You can feel the passion of John Adams as he wrote those words.
Friends,
1. Freedom should be Celebrated.
and
2. Freedom Isn’t Free.
Now, that is only the first portion of the letter John Adams wrote to his wife. In almost a prophetic tone, John continued to write in his letter…
"You will think me transported with enthusiasm, but I am not. I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure that it will cost to maintain this Declaration and support and defend theses States. Yet through all the gloom I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see that the end is worth more than all the means; that posterity and will triumph in that day’s transaction, even though we [may regret] it, which I trust in God we shall not.”
Does our National freedom cost? Yes it does.Of those who signed the Declaration of Independence…
• 5 were captured and tortured before their death.
• 12 had their homes ransacked and burned.
• 2 lost their sons in the war.
• 9 either died from war wounds or the effects.
Since July 4, 1776, more than one million brave, American men and women have died defending the freedom of this dear country and the freedom of other countries.
We would do good to heed the words of the Apostle Paul and “Stand fast in our liberty.” (Paraphrase mine).
However friends, don’t ever forget, we are citizens of another land, other than simply America. We are the creation of Almighty God and for us who have given our heart to Jesus Christ, our citizenship is in Heaven. The Bible says we are simply Ambassadors in this land for Jesus.
In Galatians 5:1, the Apostle Paul challenges us to Stand upon is the Liberty we have in Christ Jesus our Lord!
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free,[a] and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” (NKJV)
Our Freedom in Jesus should be Celebrated! And Our Freedom in Jesus Did Not Come to us Freely, It Required the Sacrifice of Our Savior, the Lord Jesus on the Cross!!!
1 Peter 1: 18-19, “knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”
This independence Day weekend, please honor those brave men and women who have fought and those who continue to fight for our freedom. If you meet one, or their family, stop and say “Thanks.” But even more importantly, worship God, honor, and celebrate the freedom you have been given by Christ Jesus our Lord. Stand up for the one who died on the cross, paid your sin debt, was buried, and arose again from the grave to give you eternal life! Stand up for Him and proclaim His Salvation message with others! Remember this, Only Free People Can Tell Bound People Where To Be Free!
