This month, we will be celebrating the 249th anniversary of Independence Day; the day when our founding fathers openly declared that the colonies would no longer be subject to the king of England but would be free to create a new nation that would be self governing. Through courage and determination, the colonists came together to defeat the British forces and the United States of America would be formed. For every American, this is an important day of remembrance and as we celebrate with cookouts, family gatherings, parades, and fireworks, we can be proud of all those who have risked their lives for the freedoms and liberties we enjoy.

But, this should not be the only Independence Day we celebrate. Each of us who have surrendered our lives to our Heavenly Father through the sacrifice made on the cross by His Son, Jesus Christ, can celebrate the day we were set free from sin and because heirs to the Kingdom of God. We are no longer under the control of the Great Deceiver but can claim the wonderful title of Child of God. We are free to love one another, help one another, and pray for one another. We are at liberty to worship the God who loves us and called us, to go to Him with our concerns and our needs, and to expect that He will always care for us according to His grace and mercy.

And just as our freedom as Americans was paid for by the blood of the early colonists who fought and died so that we can live free, our freedom from the guilt of sin in our lives was paid in full by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who died in our place so that we could be adopted into the Family of God.

So, as you celebrate the 4th of July, also celebrate being a new creation in Christ. Celebrate the love of our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus. Celebrate your salvation. Amen.

In Christ,

Pastor Len