Gal 5:1 It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. (5:13) For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another
This week we celebrate our 248th birthday as a nation. Let’s review a couple of facts concerning our growth:
In 1607 the Mayflower landed on Plymouth Rock and the Mayflower Compact was signed.
From the Revolutionary War to present the US has been in over 108 conflicts & wars three of which were lost (War of 1812, Korea, Viet Nam)
Over 600,000 have died from combat related deaths & twice that from accidents and diseases.
The National Anthem was written during the War of 1812.
We have a rich history of both success and failure. Our history shows many failures towards each other over the years. Examples of the “Indian Removal Act of 1837” which produced the “Trail of Tears for the Cherokee Nation, the issue of slavery, the Civil Rights Movement of the 50’s and 60’s. Even today hatred and racism still rears it’s ugly head.
Our Constitution gives us the Bill of Rights and as citizens we have guaranteed freedoms protected by law. The Oxford Dictionary defines freedom as the power or right to act, speak, or think as one chooses without hinderance or restraint. Some have said we have three freedoms: the freedom to do… the freedom from… and the freedom to be. The Scriptures are clear about what our true freedom consists of. Paul tells us in Galatians that once freedom we should be entangled again in the yoke of spiritual slavery to sin and he goes on to say that we should use of freedoms to serve one another.
Jesus tells us in John chapter 8:34 Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. (35) "The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. (36)"So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. As a Christian nation we have slowly migrated away from the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ as a nation. We, as Paul has stated, have entangled ourselves once again in the yoke of bondage.
As we celebrate our freedom let us remember the word sacrifice. Many have sacrificed so we could choose to live any way we want, and we forget that the ultimate sacrifice was on a cruel rugged cross 2000 years ago by the Son of God. Let us not fall into sin but let us fall on our knees and pray for a spiritual awakening or revival and a return to the “Old Ways” Jer 6:16 Thus says the LORD, "Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, Where the good way is, and walk in it; And you will find rest for your souls.
Having served in the military for 21 years, I have seen many countries, and the United States of America is still the best thing going anywhere in the world. That’s why millions are trying to migrate each and every day
. As you celebrate with family and friends remember the blessings and the responsibilities we have as a CHRISTIAN NATION to love serve and lift up the name of Jesus Christ at every opportunity.
America, America God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with Brotherhood
From Sea to Shining Sea
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