Happy Independence Day! I've always loved this holiday... Fireworks, cookouts, baseball, apple pie & homemade ice cream, patriotic music, & the red, white, and blue everywhere! As I get ready to celebrate today just like everyone else, I started to think about those things we have as a country that ensure and secure our freedom as Americans.
When people first settled in America, their citizenship still belonged to England. They were British people. However, they decided to fight, shed blood, and even lose their lives to secure their freedom, the freedom of their families, and the freedom of those who would be born and raised in this country. And they succeeded! Because of their success, we have these symbols and guarantees of FREEDOM!
The Deceleration of Independence
We have a document that declares our freedom, liberty, and independence. This document was signed by men who believed in their cause, fought for their cause, and risked all for the cause of freedom that they believed in. Now, for us as Americans, we can go back to this document and find security and assurance that we are now and forever FREE!
The Flag of the United States of America
Our flag, that we pledge our allegiance to, is a symbol of freedom! I don't know about you, but every time I hear our National Anthem, I am moved with emotion by these lyrics written by Francis Scott Key, "And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there; O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave, o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?" In the midst of the battle's rage, the flag stood for freedom. It was the battle's rage that brought light and reassurance that flag was still standing and that there was still a cause to fight for... FREEDOM!
The Blood of Those that Fought for Freedom
Many men and women have fought and lost their lives to win and defend the right to freedom. Blood has been spilled on many, many battlefields as soldiers stood for what they believed in and were called to do. They were obedient to their orders. They knew what had to be done. They paid the ultimate sacrifice so you and I can be FREE.
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What is most comforting and assuring to me today, is not my freedom as an American, but my freedom as a Christian. I love my country, but I love my God more. As Christians today, think about your independence and freedom that you have through Christ. Just as our forefathers came to this land with their citizenship still in England, we, as a people, are born into this world destined to very real place called hell. Our forefathers fought and bought our freedom as Americans. As Christians, our Father fought the fight and paid the price for us and He declares us FREE! We also have symbols that ensure and secure our freedom as Christians.
The Bible
We have a document that has been written by the One who fought for our freedom. This document not only assures and secures our freedom, but also tells us the story of love that our God has for us. Now as Christians, we can go back to this book and find security and assurance that we are now and forever will be FREE!
The Cross of Jesus Christ
The place of death of our Lord and Savior, now, for the Christian becomes a symbol of freedom. The price has been paid, the atonement made, IT IS FINISHED! So, now as we fight this battle of the Christian life, we look to the cross as a symbol that the fight has already been won! We persevere in the midst of the battle and look to the cross and remember it stands for FREEDOM!
The Blood of Jesus Christ
As humans we are born slaves of sin (Romans 6). The Bible also tells us that without bloodshed there is no forgiveness of sin (Hebrews 9:22). God Himself stepped into this world, took on flesh, became one of us, and shed His own blood to forgive sin. The precious blood of Jesus was shed on the cross for you and for me. Jesus was obedient to His call. He knew what had to be done. He paid the ultimate sacrifice so you and I can be FREE.
Christians, as you watch fireworks tonight, a public display of freedom as Americans... Let your worship be a public display of your ultimate FREEDOM as a child of the King!
"If the Son has set you FREE, you are FREE indeed!" -- John 8:36
