DEVOTION: FREEDOM TO TELL — July 4, 250th Anniversary
July 4, 2026 · Logos
For 250 years this nation has protected the freedom to share Christ without fear — the greatest freedom we have is not found in our founding documents, but in the One who makes us free indeed.
INTRODUCTION — A Moment Before the Sky Lights Up
These are the moments in life I hope to always remember. Coop and Avery on the grill. Andrew and group of pyromaniacs ready to blow things up. People expressing gratitude.
- Tonight we do not worship this country. That would be idolatry.
- But we do express our gratitude to God for it.
- God bless America. Land that I love.
Transition: tonight, before the fireworks, is a night to notice it
1. THE COMMAND — GIVE THANKS FIRST
Let’s do more than observe a day on the calendar.
Let’s be live out Scripture.
1 Timothy 2:1–2 — "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty."
"First of all" — before anything else, give thanks
Illustration: George Washington, First Thanksgiving Proclamation (1789)
Called it a "duty" to be "grateful for His benefits" Not for a perfect country. Not for leaders who get it right. Just thanks.
2. THE FREEDOM I CHERISH MOST
Many blessings could be named tonight — this is the one that matters most
For 250 years, someone has always had the freedom to tell me about Jesus
No whispering. No looking over the shoulder. That freedom has belonged to every person in this country, without fear
Application: this is our 250th year — use the freedom, don't just enjoy it
3. THE GOSPEL — WHY THIS FREEDOM MATTERS
Sin — the international problem
- Romans 3:23 — "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."
- Not just "bad people out there." Us.
Death — the wage
Romans 6:23 — "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
The worst news and the best news in one verse
Christ — the gift
Died on the cross for sinners, buried, rose the third day
Romans 10:9 — "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."
True freedom — the point
You can have every American freedom and still be in chains to sin
John 8:36 — "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."
“While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion. To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian.” George Washington
Do not just celebrate tonight be a freedom livng America. Let us most importantly be Jesus loving Christians.
CALL TO RESPONSE
Tonight, before the fireworks, you can be free indeed
Not by what your country gave you — by what Christ did for you
If you've never trusted Him: right now, quietly, where you're sitting
- Confess you're a sinner
- Believe He died and rose for you
- Ask Him to save you
The Founders gave us a Declaration of Independence. Christ offers a declaration of pardon. One gives freedom under a Constitution. The other gives freedom under the cross.