is a federal holiday in the United States celebrating the birth of American independence in 1776, when 13 colonies came together to form the USA. Leaders adopted the

and since then, festivities such as fireworks, parades, family gatherings and concerts are held to celebrate the holiday.

Did you know? The only signers of the

Declaration of Independence

later to serve as Presidents of the United States — John Adams and Thomas Jefferson – each died on the same day:

July 4,

1826, which was the 50th anniversary of the Declaration?

God created human beings to be free, and the United States was founded upon the idea of liberty. The Declaration of Independence states that people “are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Our

carnal

freedom in this country came when the alarm sounded at Independence Hall with the Liberty Bell. Our spiritual liberty is offered as a gift from Jesus Christ to free us from the bondage of sin. (Like any gift, it must be accepted. It requires action. Spiritual birth is an event– just as physical birth is an event.)

Galatians 5:1 – “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” Galatians 5:13 – “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.”

“The quest for freedom is a theme found throughout the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. Just three chapters into the story of God’s creation, humanity gave up its freedom by choosing to rebel against God. From that time forward, the perfect freedom God created in the Garden of Eden was gone, and the longterm effects were both physical and spiritual.” ~ Billy Graham God’s gift (Eph. 2:8), through Jesus Christ, offers freedom from sin and the ability to serve one another in love. We are called into this liberty through spiritual birth. Without spiritual birth, there is no entry into heaven or spiritual freedom ( John 3:5-8) Many people today live in spiritual slavery without even realizing it, chasing false gods (idols) of money, success, relationships, even religion—still feeling empty and unfulfilled.

2Corinthians 3:17 – “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”

Our nation is unique in that it is founded upon biblical principles. Our Founding Fathers acknowledged God as Creator and they understood that the role of government is to protect the inalienable rights given by God – Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. Christian, what has happened? Are we voting our Christian values? The modern leaders we have voted into office don’t understand God’s role in government. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and protection if we tell Him with our vote that He’s no longer welcome here? Yes, God is in control, but because He gave us freedom of choice, He will honor our choices. If we ask Him to leave, He will.

The standard for daily life is the Word of God. Period. Let’s protect the America we love by serving The Almighty and voting biblically. Will we as a nation continue in Godless, moral decline or will we, as His soldiers, put on the armour of God and march and fight in this spiritual war?

1Peter 2:15-16 – “For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: 16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.”

We owe Jesus an eternal debt of gratitude for laying down His life for us. Have you accepted His gift of liberty and eternal life in heaven with Him? Visit VBS4ever.com to learn more.

John 8:36 – “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” Have a safe and happy 4th of July!

SPECIAL NOTE:

Have you made plans to visit Higginsville’s Community Bible Tour on July 25th? (Find more information on their Facebook page, including a QR code.) It is a FREE family event, held rain or shine. Have fun while sharing with others the importance of using God’s true words for English-speaking people in the King James Bible and how modern ‘bible’ versions are dangerous deceptions. Also share these weekly articles in The Higginsville Advance newspaper with those who may not have heard or read about them. It is our duty as Christians to be God’s hands and feet. Let’s spread the truth to the Higginsville community and beyond so our little city can be a big Light!

Matthew 5:14-15 – ‘Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.’