Let Freedom Ring!

Galatians 5:1 (NIV®)
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Today, as we celebrate the freedoms gained by those who have gone before us, let’s pledge to do everything in our power to keep them for future generations. Let freedom ring!

Let Freedom Ring!     “Let freedom ring!” In America, we associate this declaration with “My Country, 'Tis of Thee,” a song written by seminary student, Samuel Francis Smith, and first performed on July 4, 1831, in Boston’s Park Street Church. It opens in a proclamation and closes in a prayer:    “My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing;  Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrims' pride,  from ev'ry mountainside let freedom ring!”     “Our fathers' God to Thee, Author of liberty, to Thee we sing.  Long may our land be bright, with freedom's holy light,  Protect us by Thy might, Great God our King!”

True freedom begins with freedom in Christ, and our country will only experience that when God’s people are willing to take what we believe out of our church buildings and into the places where we have influence.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, You have called Your people to this unique time in history and equipped us to be ambassadors for Your truth. Grant us courage, wisdom, and boldness to lead with our faith so Jesus’ name might once again be honored throughout our nation. In His name, amen.