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REALIZING OUR NATIONAL AND SPIRITUAL FREEDOM 

This week, we celebrate the 4th of July, Independence Day. It's a day when we celebrate by eating hot dogs and hamburgers, going on picnics, and playing in the parks. Perhaps we will go swimming, but usually we spend time with family and friends just to relax and have a good time. But let us never forget the significance of this day, a day to remember those who have fought hard and won our freedom for us.

Our freedom came at a great price: it required tremendous sacrifices from our forefathers. It cost many of them their lives to build this nation, "One Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." Because of their fight and struggle, we have the right to pursue life, liberty, and happiness.

As we reflect on the freedoms we enjoy in our land, I would encourage you to spend time in thankfulness to the Lord for those freedoms we have in our country. The freedom we enjoy should also prompt us to consider another freedom, the freedom we have if we know Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Christ said in John 8:32, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

 In John 8, Jesus was speaking about forgiveness and His role in saving us from sin.  While many listeners did not believe, those who did were told that the truth would set them free.  Our spiritual freedom, like that of our ancestors, was obtained at a great cost, the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who left heaven to die on the cross for us. It's remarkable that He chose to sacrifice Himself so we could have freedom from sin, not only its power but also its presence—and the privilege to live in Him every day.

 As you reflect on the freedoms in our land, remember to thank God for them. Also, take time to thank Him for the freedom you have in Christ, especially as you grow in your knowledge of Him.  If you haven't yet come to know Him, read the third chapter of the book of John. Understand that He is the truth, the way, and the life, and that He wants to set you free!

 Pastor Carroll