Grilling, Flags, and Fireworks have come to characterize the Fourth of July. As long as there has been a calendar there has been a 4th of July. In 1776 that day became special. On July 2nd the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence and two days later–July 4th–the delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence and a new nation was born. It was not until 1941 that it was declared a national holiday.

This Sunday, the United States of America will celebrate it 245th birthday. Still fairly young compared to those countries who preceded the birth of our nation. Many still call democracy an “experiment.” America was never intended to be a “religion” with The Constitution it’s “Bible.” From the very beginning it was to be a melting pot of ideas held together by one common denominator–freedom.

For 245 years we have been debating freedom. Freedom from slavery, freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom to vote, and the list continues to grow with each passing year. I hope the debate never ends. We must keep freedom at the forefront if we are to survive this “experiment” we call democracy.

This Sunday we will worship God as free Americans. People around the world will worship the same God in their countries (some as free and others not so free).

Paul reminds us in Galatians 5:1 reminded us that “It was for freedom Christ set us free…” And then he went on to write in Galatians 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.”

Maybe Paul had some insight for us in 2021.

Don’t forget, we are inviting everyone to wear red, white, and blue this Sunday to worship. My wife, Jan, has already taken this opportunity to buy a new outfit!! Let’s worship God as free Americans, and free in Christ.

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