Celebrating the Fourth of July

Celebrating the Fourth of July 

On July 4th, over 240 years ago, Congress officially signed the Declaration of Independence signifying the genesis of a liberated country. 

It wasn’t until 1787 that the war was over, though.  In those 11 years, countless lives were lost, power shifted back and forth, and the future of a now great nation hung in the balance.  After a decade-long struggle, the hard-fought battle for freedom was won due to the innumerable sacrifices of it’s loyal citizens.  

This weekend, Americans will gather around BBQs, enjoying the carefree luxury of living in a free country.  This celebration allows each of us, no matter our background, to fully reflect on the precious gift of our liberties.  

As we come together to take part in the traditional festivities of hot dogs, star-spangled paraphernalia, and scintillating fireworks, let us take a moment to remember the true reason this day exists.  Our forefathers came to this land in order to escape the crushing religious persecution.  

Since the days of the revolution, thousands more from across the world have immigrated here to enjoy our freedoms as well.  In many countries, however, the institution of individual worship still does not exist.  

This is something that we as Americans can so easily take for granted.  So let us, on this day especially, take the time to remember the struggle of those who have come before us so that we may worship God without fear.  Let us thank God for the blessings He has bestowed on this country, including its establishment so many years ago.  

And let us continue to freely share the good news of Jesus Christ so that more Americans may come to know His endless blessings.  

May God bless you, your families, and our churches.  And may God bless America.  

We'll be celebrating America in a special way this Sunday with Lone Survivor, Marcus Luttrell!

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Encouragement During Chaotic Times

It seems that over the last few years and especially in the last few weeks, our culture is at a new low when it comes to civility, kindness, and love.  It’s almost enough to make even the bravest of evangelistic souls retreat into their homes, draw the blinds, and wash their hands of their fellow man.  

In tumultuous times like these, the weight of this world can feel heavy.  But God tells us in John 16:33 “...take heart!  For I have overcome the world.”  

He overcame it then and in His omnipresent glory, He continues to conquer it now.  

Our country has seen a new health pandemic with dire economic consequences and now, we are also seeing a cultural pandemic.  Along with stressful times, we often see the worst side of people.  In the flurry of Facebook comments, Twitter wars, and ‘cancel culture’, it can make us feel like the human race is running in all different directions.  

Proverbs 15 says “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”  It can be tempting to return fire with fire, to interject our opinions into the heated fray but rather than fight on an Earthly plane, fight with truth, wisdom, and love.  

It is not people, things, or worldly institutions that give us hope… It is the everlasting, immutable grace given to us by Jesus Christ.  Wherever we go (in person or online), we are representatives of God.  Let our words be seasoned with salt, let our hearts long to give love to all His creation, and let our minds be set on things above for  “...whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”