INDEPENDENCE DAY

Independence Day is a day that many of us spend with our families going to BBQ's, parades, lakes, camping, and, of course, firework extravaganzas. It is interesting that so many become patriotic on this day with the mass display of flags, yet reject the theology that this country was founded upon. I wonder what it really means to be patriotic as the architects of this country would define it. Does it have anything to do with understanding the ideology that our country was founded on? Is it the understanding what the cost of our country's liberty entailed? I wonder what our forefathers would think of the "Patriotism" of our nation today. It seems to be conditional, resting not upon what is best for the country as a whole, but what is best(humanly speaking) for each individual in the country.

This way of thinking has had a huge impact on the churches effectiveness in communicating the truths concerning man and his standing before a Holy God. When conditions are placed on Gods plan of Salvation, (good works, baptism, faith, foreknowledge) God is no longer taken seriously and man becomes the "author and finisher of his faith". By doing this he replaces the God of Scripture with a god that is dependent on man to complete His work. A strange thought indeed. Man in his corrupt nature will always change God into someone that is less threatening to him in his active rebellion. Look at what the word of God has to say concerning Salvation:

Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

John 1:12-13 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

John 6:29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

Romans 9:15-16 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.

Ephesians 1:4-5 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

We as individuals in a nation that was founded upon Godly principles need to repent of our self-centeredness and look toward the God of the Scriptures for guidance in ALL things. WWJD? does not cut it! How about, What would Jesus have you to do? A difficult thought to consider. However, it is the biblical line of thought.

Happy Independence Day