Freedom is given to us by our Creator. The founders of our great nation knew this. The God of heaven also has graciously bestowed upon those who know him amazing freedom. We are free to confess our sin. We are free to be forgiven. We are free to love others. We are free to approach such a loving God, from which peace was made through the sacrificial blood of Christ.

America, in particular, the thirteen colonies who boldly set out to declare freedom from a leader who hailed themselves as a princely person, yet ruled with tyranny, knew inherently that to be free, a price would be paid. Removing themselves from a heavy-handed ruler, who imposed taxes without consent, rendered impotent a legislature powerless to act against his rule, burned towns and let mercenaries get away with murder of America’s citizens through sham court proceedings, America could stand under such tyranny no more. That’s the American spirit. According to this Declaration of Independence,

“But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.”

How far we have come! I know this same American spirit resides still in the land of the free and the home of the brave. Such bravery and freedom among those citizens of these United States must not shrink back when presented once again with tyranny. Indeed many have given all for such freedom. This is why I celebrate Independence Day. There is hope for America. It lies within the freedom endowed by our Creator. Let us stand united together, under one nation, under God, indivisibe, with liberty and justice for all! Happy Independence Day!