It has only been four days since our nation celebrated its birth as a nation.  For the last 249 years, we have walked as free men and women, uninhibited by a ruling monarchy.  However, reaching that freedom required sacrifice.  As students, we have studied the losses required for the United States to be conceived.  In fact, it was not until Thomas Jefferson penned The Declaration of Independence in 1776 that those words (United—States) were used.

Therefore, when the fifty-six men who formed the 1^st Continental Congress gathered together that day in Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, they came as they were—

• men from all walks of life,
• men of faith, &
• men who just were not sure if what they sought was even possible.

Benjamin Franklin spoke of the treason they were committing as they banded together to seek independence from a tyrant—King George III of Britain.  Their actions could ensue their deaths, as it was a hanging offense. These men—

• Bankers—Lawyers—Farmers—Merchants—Physicians—Ministers  &
• One Printer & One Teacher & One Musician.
• Stood shoulder-to-shoulder,
• Praying.

Together, they remembered The Great Awakening that had just took their land by storm, calling men, women, and children to return to their faith.  These men knew the cost & they were ready to turn away & turn toward FREEDOM.

History records how they met that September 7^th morning of 1774, how they began their time with prayer, and how the men invited Reverend Jacob Duche’ to stand and read The Psalms 35.

Twenty-eight verses that spoke of contending with the LORD, of the salvation the LORD provides, and of the affliction they faced at the hands of their enemies.  The psalm Duche’ read on that pivotal day, words read on the cusp of the birth of a new nation, echoed the intensity of the psalmist David.  He wrote these words as his enemies were pursuing him, wanting his life.  These fifty-six men who went on to sign The Declaration of Independence sought freedom for their families, their neighbors, and for themselves.

When someone turns to the LORD, the veil that covers his eyes, his heart, his soul—is removed.  The person sees with clarity the Spirit of God, and the person experiences FREEDOM from the grip of Satan’s lies.

Jesus Culture sings a melody most appropriate—“Freedom.”  Pause to listen to the lyrics.

Nevertheless, there is a choice, a decision, a person must make.  It is non-negotiable, for a person cannot be set free, changed, and also remain unchanged.  Truly, that is impossible.  The apostle Paul knew firsthand through his own witness, through his personal testimony how the Lord met him that day on the roadway to Damascus, and how the veil covering him was taken away forever.