It’s a real privilege to live where the groundwork for our independence was laid. “The shot heard around the World,” on April 18, 1775, here in Massachusetts followed by the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia, shaped this nation and changed the direction of this world.

Just like our forefathers, we long for freedom and independence, but the kind of freedom we need the most will not be found from a government or political movement. The Bible reminds us that true freedom will only be found through faith in Jesus Christ. “Whom the son has set free, shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36)

This is true because before our salvation, we are trapped or bound by sin or a sin nature. This bondage can only be broken through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. (Galatians 6:1, Ephesians 2:1)

As you and your family celebrate this July 4th, I hope you can also celebrate the spiritual freedom we find in Jesus; that as we celebrate the freedoms of America, we can celebrate the wonderful spiritual freedom predicated by our faith.

Pastor John