We are less than 24 hours away from the United States of America turning 248. July 4th marks the official birthday of the US and the celebration that follows. It is one of the only holidays that most every American celebrates. Cookouts, vacations and fireworks are just a few ways that we celebrate the day our founders declared independence from Great Britain. Millions have traveled to see the official documentation that started the Revolutionary War in 1776, but what they found was not what many expected.
Upon close examination of the founding document, known by most as “The Declaration of Independence,” it’s surprising to discover that it doesn’t actually use the word “independence” anywhere on the parchment. Instead, the document is called, “The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America.” The strong and poetic wording makes the message of independence abundantly clear, but it is strange that the actual word never appears. In life, sometimes what is not said is more powerful than what is spelled out. The actions that followed by some of the Founding Fathers spoke volumes as to the level of desire for separation. Just a year before, in 1775, it was Patrick Henry that is attributed as saying, “Give me liberty or give me death," when trying to get Virginia to send troops for the Revolutionary War. The legend goes that it was John Hancock that signed his name so large that “someone can read my name without spectacles;” begging the British to come specifically for him. As we read more of these examples of bravery, our founders wanted independence, but they realized they would have to work together to obtain it.
In this same sense, this should remind Christians that we have individual freedom through Christ, but we cannot enjoy the fullness of that freedom apart from the Church. Jesus declares in Matthew 16:18: “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.” After a special declaration made by Peter confirming the Messiahship of Jesus, Jesus goes on to tell us that together the forces of Satan will not be able to withstand our advancements. It is an important reminder that, yes, we must all make an individual declaration of faith in Christ, but Kingdom accomplishments come only when we work together.
In the political environment we find ourselves in at the moment, now is a great time to remember that we are stronger together as a Nation than when we are divided. If it is Satan’s goal to divide Believers, wouldn’t it make sense that he would seek to divide citizens of a prosperous nation? Our Founding Fathers came from all kinds of political, religious and social backgrounds. They saw a common greater good and put their life on the line for it. Seeing the eternal significance of the Gospel Message, shouldn’t we do the same? Especially in the midst of this Independence Day celebration.
Serving the Savior,
Bro. Jonathan
Upon close examination of the founding document, known by most as “The Declaration of Independence,” it’s surprising to discover that it doesn’t actually use the word “independence” anywhere on the parchment. Instead, the document is called, “The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America.” The strong and poetic wording makes the message of independence abundantly clear, but it is strange that the actual word never appears. In life, sometimes what is not said is more powerful than what is spelled out. The actions that followed by some of the Founding Fathers spoke volumes as to the level of desire for separation. Just a year before, in 1775, it was Patrick Henry that is attributed as saying, “Give me liberty or give me death," when trying to get Virginia to send troops for the Revolutionary War. The legend goes that it was John Hancock that signed his name so large that “someone can read my name without spectacles;” begging the British to come specifically for him. As we read more of these examples of bravery, our founders wanted independence, but they realized they would have to work together to obtain it.
In this same sense, this should remind Christians that we have individual freedom through Christ, but we cannot enjoy the fullness of that freedom apart from the Church. Jesus declares in Matthew 16:18: “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.” After a special declaration made by Peter confirming the Messiahship of Jesus, Jesus goes on to tell us that together the forces of Satan will not be able to withstand our advancements. It is an important reminder that, yes, we must all make an individual declaration of faith in Christ, but Kingdom accomplishments come only when we work together.
In the political environment we find ourselves in at the moment, now is a great time to remember that we are stronger together as a Nation than when we are divided. If it is Satan’s goal to divide Believers, wouldn’t it make sense that he would seek to divide citizens of a prosperous nation? Our Founding Fathers came from all kinds of political, religious and social backgrounds. They saw a common greater good and put their life on the line for it. Seeing the eternal significance of the Gospel Message, shouldn’t we do the same? Especially in the midst of this Independence Day celebration.
Serving the Savior,
Bro. Jonathan
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