One Nation Under God

Around the nation this weekend, people will celebrate the 4th of July. They’ll attend parades, family BBQs, fireworks displays, and most events will include music: God Bless the USA, the National Anthem, God Bless America, and the like.

Pastor Terry O’Brien, of Saint Paul Lutheran in Pana, IL believes “the true independence that we Americans, that we Christians, that we Lutherans truly have is in Christ Jesus our Savior. For as we hold our celebrations it is entirely fitting for us to pause and remember that our true independence comes not from a piece of paper signed by men like Thomas Jefferson and John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, but by the suffering, death and resurrection of God’s own precious Son.”

Pastor O’Brien’s sermon continued with these words: “Because Jesus suffered and died for our sins, we have been freed from the death sentence of sin. We have been freed to live our lives as Christians who thank God for our blessings. We have been freed to show and demonstrate our faith through good works and good deeds. Our constitutional freedom of religion – and more importantly, our unshakable belief that we have been saved by God’s grace and not by anything that we have ever done or ever will do – allow us to stand up and proudly confess our faith to anyone and to everyone, believer and nonbeliever alike.”

  

He suggests that each day, and especially this Friday, July 4th, “Thank God for the blessings and privilege of living in a nation where we truly can worship whenever and wherever we wish. Thank God for the blessings and privilege of living in a nation where we can freely and without fear proclaim Jesus Christ and the true eternal independence that He has won for us. Thank God the Father for sending His beloved Son to suffer and die for our sins. Thank God the Son for willingly suffering the agonies of the cross so that we can enjoy the eternal bliss of heaven. Thank God the Holy Spirit for bringing us to faith.”

As you step out into the city for good this weekend, enjoy your fellowship with family and friends, and celebrate your gifts in God's grace.

John 8:32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. 

Psalm 119:45 I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your commandments.