On July 2, 1776, the Second Continental Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence. The importance of this day was expressed by John Adams to his wife Abigail in a letter saying:

'The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.'

He almost got it right. After the vote of approval they began working on a statement to explain their decision. This Declaration of Independence was finally approved on July 4th 1776, and this day is celebrated in many ways just as John Adams had predicted.

Everyone has their own way of celebrating the 4th of July. Our local area offers many opportunities to help you celebrate. There's the Watermelon Festival or you may want to attend the fair complete with contests for best pie and best ice cream. How about a parade on the lake? Whatever your method of celebration might be, whether fireworks, family reunions, concerts, barbecues, picnics, parades or baseball games, it is certainly a day to reflect on the Blessing of Freedom we share as Americans.

We should not take this freedom lightly. However, the Bible speaks of another type of freedom. This freedom is received by knowing Truth. In John 8:32 we read Jesus' words, "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." He goes on to explain in John 14:6 when He said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." Freedom to come to our Heavenly Father and be truly liberated is the freedom we should all be most excited about.

Becoming an American was pretty easy for most of us. All we had to do was be born. It's a little different if you want to be a Christian. To be a Christian you have to be 'born again'. It's not difficult, in fact it almost sounds too easy. Romans 10:9 says, 'For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.'

So if you haven't done this already, now would be a wonderful time to declare your freedom from the bondage of sin. Take notice that the very first thing on John Adam's list was devotion to God Almighty.

This July 4th may you truly ...LET FREEDOM RING!