INSIDE:  As of July 4, 1776, we abandoned the practice of bowing to a man, and as a nation, we bow only to King Jesus. 

     On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was finalized as the document that our Founders would send out to the world to proclaim who we are, and why we were separating from Great Britain to form a new nation.  That great document declares that it was the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God that entitled us to separate from Great Britain, and to take our equal place among the nations of the world.  Therefore, God Himself, as seen in His creation, and as seen in His revealed Word, the Bible, is the author of this great nation.   

Courage, then, my countrymen!

     Samuel Adams spoke about The Declaration of Independence a few weeks later on August 1, 1776.  In this famous speech entitled American Independence, he said, “Courage, then, my countrymen!  Our contest is not only whether we ourselves shall be free, but whether there shall be left to mankind an asylum on earth, for civil and religious liberty”.  As we celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday, may we continue to be mindful of Mr. Adams’ caution.  This nation has long been the haven of civil and religious liberty for the world.  It must remain so.   

     As you know, our nation is under relentless attack from a host of enemies who would steal our freedom and would subject us to tyranny, from the likes of which our Founders separated at the expense of their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor.  These enemies supplant our treasured founding principles with lies to paint a deceitful picture that our nation is not worth preserving.  If we allow her principles to be treated with disdain, if we allow our precious nation to be stolen, then the world will lose this cherished asylum of civil and religious liberty of which Samuel Adams spoke. 

     I hope you celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday – I hope you have a wonderful time with friends and family.  May we praise the Lord for the remarkable founding of this nation upon the firm principles of God’s Word.  May we thank the Lord for His mighty hand of blessing that has been our constant support throughout our national history.  May you have a wonderful 4th of July.  Indeed, we have much for which to be grateful – and much to celebrate. 

Our next 250 Years

       I also pray that tomorrow, you will have a wonderful 5th of July as we begin our next 250 years.  As we do so, may we never lose sight of our children, grandchildren, and future generations beyond them, who desperately need the blessing of liberty that has been lavished upon us.  May we never lose it, and may we always keep it that it be always ready to pass to the next generation intact – and growing!  May we, as a nation, humble ourselves, pray, seek God’s face, and turn from our wicked ways (2 Chronicles 7:14).  May we return to the firm foundation of God’s Word for this nation. 

     As we conclude this 250 years, and begin the next, may each of us commit to getting involved.  If we need more education, then there are invaluable books to be read and classes to be taken.  Or maybe we just need to start using the talents we already have.  If so, there are countless opportunities in excellent organizations that are focused on different parts of the fight.  Find the spot that works for you and let’s get busy!  We would love to help suggest ways you can plug in and get involved.  Leave a comment to ask questions or to tell us all where you will be getting involved!  I look forward to reading them! 

Samuel Adams

     I think it is appropriate to end this article with another Samuel Adams quote from the same speech.  He said:

“We have explored the temple of royalty, and found that the idol we have bowed down to, has eyes which see not, ears that hear not our prayers, and a heart like the nether millstone.  We have this day restored the Sovereign, to whom alone men ought to be obedient.  He reigns in Heaven, and with a propitious eye beholds his subjects assuming that freedom of thought, and dignity of self-direction which He bestowed on them.  From the rising to the setting sun, may His kingdom come.” 

     Our Founders “restored the Sovereign” of this nation.  As of July 4, 1776, we abandoned the practice of bowing to a man, and as a nation, we bow only to King Jesus.  May we learn what we need to learn, read what we need to read, and do what we need to do, in order to make sure the Sovereign of this nation is always and only King Jesus forever. 

Happy 4th of July!