Independence Day

Years ago I watched an interview on FOX News that jogged my memory banks to remember what the 4th of July is really about.


A World War II Veteran was asked what “the fourth” meant to him. Without hesitation and with dignified humility he responded. “I want to remind my fellow Americans that the 4th of July is INDEPENDENCE DAY. For the past 230 years freedom loving men and women have lived, sacrificed, fought, and died so we could be free and independent. I would like us to call the fourth what it really is, INDEPENDENCE DAY!”


Thank you, kind sir, for the thought-provoking reminder and for your unselfish service to your country. When the three-day holiday, barbecues in the backyard and fireworks at the fairgrounds are history, the real reason for celebration remains.


INDEPENDENCE.


On July 4th, 1776 our courageous forefathers declared independence from the tyranny of England. The early Americans decisively cast off the harsh dominion of a nation that had denied individuals religious freedom and taxed them into poverty.


Enough was enough. The Revolutionary War resulted in a history-making victory for the young freedom-minded American revolutionaries. The United States of America was established because bold patriots shed their blood for freedom’s sake.


I am so proud to call myself an American. We are the free-est people on planet earth. America has been kept free to date because we cherish and defend our freedom gained on Independence Day.


Shifting gears for a moment, Christians fully understand freedom. Americans are free but Christian Americans are really free.


Our passage for this word for your week tells us plainly that truth sets people free.


“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
“If therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.”
                                                                                                         John 8: 32, 36




Jesus is the truth. He said so in John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but by me.” The truth is that Jesus died and rose again to set us free.


Jesus’ sacrifice secured our spiritual independence day.


Our independence from the tyranny of Satan, sin, death, the grave, eternal punishment and separation from God was declared and purchased for us when Jesus Christ shed His precious blood on the Cross and rose victoriously from the dead on Easter morning!


This timeless, Biblical truth provides the way for us to have eternal life. When we put our personal faith in what Christ has done for us (John 3:3, 3:16, Ephesians 2:8-9) we declare independence from sin’s power.


INDEPENDENCE DAY for Christians means…….


FREEDOM FROM

• Guilt
• Condemnation
• Satan’s evil power
• Separation from God
• Being lost in hell forever.

    


FREEDOM TO

• Love and serve God
• Know and enjoy Jesus Christ
• Live a victorious life
• Love people with God’s love
• Spend eternity in heaven    

    
Christians have every reason to celebrate everyday!!!


Personal Reflection: HAVE YOU DECLARED YOUR INDEPENDENCE DAY by believing the truth and putting your personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ? Are you free indeed because Jesus has set you free?


This Independence Day as we celebrate America’s political freedom, take a few moments to humbly, joyfully give thanks to God for sending His only Son to set you free from the tyranny of sin. Maybe set off some fireworks in His name!!!


“I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.”  III John 4


“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.”                 Galatians 5:13 


A Word For Your Week: Everyday is Independence Day for Christians SO celebrate and share your freedom in Christ!