Happy Birthday, America!

This week, our nation celebrates its 250th birthday.

Two hundred and fifty years ago, our founders launched a grand experiment in self-government. They believed people were endowed by their Creator with rights that no government could give and no government should take away. Born out of the persecution and oppression they had witnessed under other political systems, they built a nation unlike any the world had seen.

America has given more people freedom and opportunity than any other nation in history.

Freedom is a gift, but it has never been free.

Every generation has benefited because someone else was willing to sacrifice. Men and women surrendered comfort, security, and even their lives so that we could enjoy the blessings of liberty.

This weekend is an opportunity to remember, honor, and celebrate those blessings.

What surprises me is that 250 years later, what should be a national moment of gratitude is so often viewed through the lens of partisan division. Patriotism is not a political party. The moment love for our nation becomes a left or right issue, we have already lost something that enables people with different convictions to work together toward a more perfect union.

As Christians, we don’t worship our nation. Christ alone is worthy of our worship.

But we should love our nation.

I recently read something from Pastor Josh Howerton that captured this well:

“I love my King of Kings more infinitely than any earthly ruler. And there is an Eternal Kingdom that has infinitely more allegiance from me than any earthly country.

But… 

In the Bible, God established 3 institutions for the good of the world: 

– The Family 

– The Church 

– The State (governments)

This means that a Christian man should seek to be… 

– A family man

– A churchman

– A statesman

This week, we’ll celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, and part of being a ‘statesman’ is loving your country.

A family never gets better unless the father loves his family.

A church never gets better unless people love their church.

A nation cannot get better unless people love their nation.

So, I do unapologetically love my country, thank God for the historically unique way Christianity played a role in the founding of our nation, and I’ll have a blast this week unapologetically and enthusiastically celebrating it and working for its future good. Not in spite of the fact that I’m a Christian, but because I’m a Christian, who is grateful to God for what He has done in the past and imploring Him to pour out His Spirit in our culture for the good of its future.”

I couldn’t agree more.

How can we strengthen our families if we don’t love them?

How can we reach our neighbors if we don’t love them?

And how can we seek the good of our nation if we don’t love it?

This weekend at Grace, we are going to celebrate America’s 250th birthday unapologetically.

I’ll be sharing a message called “Faces of Freedom”, exploring the cost of freedom, the blessing of liberty, and how followers of Jesus can faithfully love their country while keeping Christ on the throne of their hearts.

After the service, join us in the Family Life Center for hot dogs, family games, and time together celebrating.

It’s going to be a weekend centered on faith, freedom, and family. I hope you’ll be there and bring someone with you.

“But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you… and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” (Jeremiah 29:7, ESV)

See you this weekend!

Pastor Daniel

PS: This summer is going to be on fire – and I’m not talking about the Florida heat. Summer Fire is just around the corner, and so is Grace Kids Fire Nights on July 12-15! Each night will be packed with high-energy games, powerful worship, unforgettable moments, and opportunities for kids to build friendships and grow deeper in their faith together. Registration options include an event t-shirt and special multi-kid discounts for families! Trust me, your kids want to be there. Sign them up today!