WHY MEMORIALIZE JULY 4TH
We have to go back to the year 1776, when our nation confirmed itself to be an "independent nation," and no longer a colony of England! The "Declaration of Independence" was signed by several prominent citizens stating our determination to become a free country.
Our independence didn't come easily; it was only after several difficult years of war that we exhaustively but finally won our freedom from the domination of England! Our forefathers persevered and guided a free and self-governing system of government accompanied by the Declaration of Independence, together with our Constitution and the Bill of Rights became the foundation for our freedom!
July 4th marks the birthday of our United States of America! We celebrate with cookouts, block parties, the displaying of our American flag and finally with fireworks!
SPECIFIC REASONS FOR CELEBRATION
- GRATEFULNESS FOR RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
America offers powerful and influential freedom for Christian Believers (and others) to freely worship. Our United States of America continues to operate as one of the nations that offer the most religious freedom worldwide!
More than one-fourth of all the nations in the world that include some form of legal restrictions prohibitions towards any Christian activities! Across the globe, you can lose your job, be arrested or even find yourself sentenced to death for following Christ Jesus.
Yet in America, we can attend the church of our choice, to openly read the Bible with others or on our own and we can openly pray to our God alone or with others without any fear of government interference!
Regardless of ongoing legal challenges to certain Christian activities in these United States, our nation still enjoys great religious freedom and this alone is something wonderful about our celebration of Independence Day!
GRATEFULNESS FOR OUR NATION
- THANKFULNESS BECAUSE FREEDOM ISN'T FREE
Believers can thank God for those who serve daily and have even given their lives to defend our freedom. This includes past military veterans, current military personnel and their families who have sacrificed much, that all of us may be free to live, to speak and to be who we individually.
I remember it as the following:
"All who have given some and some who have given all!"
- GRATITUDE TO TAKE PART IN OUR GOVERNMENT
We are blessed and thankful to God for the opportunity to participate in the democratic process of our nation. Yes, politics is often viewed negatively however, we read in our Bibles that governing leaders are ordained by God and are to receive honor and prayer from those who follow Jesus Christ.
America also offers the ability to participate in voting, advocating for issues that are important to our values, and even campaigning for those running for office. Comparing this to the tyrannical Emperor Nero who led the Roman Empire in New Testament times and you'll quickly acknowledge and be thankful to have a voice within our political process.
THESE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
- THE PEACE WE EXPERIENCE IN OUR NATION
We live in a nation that has not experienced the realities of war on our land. If we as Christians lived in Afghanistan, Iran or Iraq we may be forced to flee for our very safety. In the many parts of Sudan, we may live in fear of our towns being attacked by rebels.
We have much to be thankful in these United States concerning the freedoms we have to believe in Christ or not to believe in Him! Yet, many of us take our peace for granted, while millions worldwide long for just one single night of peace and rest from attack!
THANKFUL FOR PEACE
- AMERICA A LAND OF PEACE
Yes, we may have civil uprisings of rebellion at times but our United States of America is relatively a peaceful land. If we lived in Orma Kenya or many other places, we may have to have our church services in secret, hiding from Muslims whose desire is to kill all Christian Believers or Infidels as the Koran puts it.
If you live in Afghanistan, Iran or Iraq you may be forced to flee for your safety. If you live in the many parts of Sudan you would live in fear of attacks from rebels. And, if you lived in Syria today your home and community would live under the threat of civil war.
However, here in America, we live relatively in peace, free of war within our borders. Most of us take this peace for granted, while millions worldwide long for just one single night of rest and peace without fear of attack on their community!
A MOMENT OF THANKS
- AS YOU CELEBRATE JULY 4TH
We can at the very least take a moment to thank God for the very peace He has provided us as we gather together today, to have barbecues, enjoy family and friends and watch fireworks!
God has provided the peace to be able to do these things free from fear!
One more thing, take a moment to "impact those around you with the love of Christ Jesus!"