An Independence Day Lesson of Love*
*Sermon notes taken from my Pastor and Shepherd, Brother Bobby Gilley of The South Gastonia Church Of God. Pastor Gilley truly deserves the credit for this lesson and I know he would agree with me in thanking God for this message and that we both continually give all the Glory to God for His precious Word.
Psalm 20:1-5
May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble;
May the name of the God of Jacob defend you;
May He send you help from the sanctuary,
And strengthen you out of Zion;
May He remember all your offerings,
And accept your burnt sacrifice.
Selah
May He grant you according to your heart’s desire,
And fulfill all your purpose.
We will rejoice in your salvation,
And in the name of our God we will set up our banners!
May the LORD fulfill all your petitions.
A Spiritual Parallel
Have you declared independence from what you were born into? Being born into sin, Jesus tells us we must be “born again”. John 3 -This lesson parallels the United States Declaration of Independence with our Spiritual lives through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Independence Day – July 4, 1776 – the Declaration of Independence was adopted by Congress.
There are several parts to the Declaration of Independence and this lesson will give some “spiritual” parallels to the declaration.
1. Preamble – An opening statement to the Constitution of the United States. This paragraph stated facts of what the United States will have, once independent from England.
Spiritual Preamble – John 3:16 – This verse explains what we will have, if we believe.
John 3:16 tells us we can be forgiven of ALL our sins through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ whom God our Father sent. Once we confess our sins, repent (turn away) from these sins and then believe on Jesus’ work on the cross and His resurrection, He comes to live in our hearts and He sets us free from the bondage of sin. Of course this is only the beginning of a brand new abundant, joyous and peaceful life for us while we are here living on earth. Along with our Salvation through Jesus, John 3:16 tells us of an eternal life in Heaven! Praise God, through our Savior we can live eternally! What a revelation!
2. Declaration of Rights – The first 10 amendments to the Constitution make up the Bill of Rights. This list of rights tell us as citizens of the United States, there are certain rights that cannot be taken away from us.
