Happy 4th of July – Independence Day #250
250 years ago, TODAY, on July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence; it was a proclamation of freedom from the tyrannical rule of Great Britain.
The 13 American colonies courageously announced that they were no longer under British dominion – but – the British didn’t let us go without a fight.
The war for freedom actually began in 1775 and continued for a grueling 8 years until the Treaty of Paris was signed, in which Great Britain finally recognized the independence of the United States. Along the way over 50,000 soldiers died – more British than Americans – and mostly from disease, starvation, or brutal conditions as prisoners of war (on both sides).
As we’ve heard many times, “Freedom isn’t free!”
Today, as we engage in the celebration of that declaration – and gather with family and friends ENJOYING our freedom in what may very well be the greatest nation in the history of mankind, let’s not forget the courage – the cost – and the Christ in all this.
250 years ago, our nation was “born” a Christian nation. Make no mistake about it, we were predominantly and unashamedly Christian.
General George Washington, the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution and future first president, encouraged soldiers to act as “Christian soldiers” defending their country. We read his correspondence, “The General hopes and trusts, that every officer and man will endeavor so to live and act as becomes a Christian soldier, defending the dearest rights and liberties of his country.” (From an order issued to the Continental Army, July 9, 1776)
Of the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence, all but 2 identified themselves as Christians and regularly attended church. They belonged to various Protestant denominations, with the exception of Charles Carroll, who was Catholic.
(Click HERE for more Christian quotes from our founding fathers)
But what happens when you deny the foundation of a nation? What happens when a secular society seeks to eradicate the foundation upon which we’ve been built? That nation will fall. An atheistic agenda finds a home in our schools – from the kindergarten classrooms all the way to the university campuses. Other beliefs and philosophies are then elevated above Christianity because of the rise of the spirit of antichrist.
So here we are 250 years later.
Christians, let’s pray for God to bring us back to the faith we had in Jesus Christ…when our nation was born, nationally and individually.
What would Jesus say to the USA today?
Revelation 2:4–5 “Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.”
Enjoy your liberty today my friend, and please pray for our nation – and even the church…that we would return wholeheartedly to Jesus.
Your brother in Christ,
– Manny