Happy Birthday USA | Andy Stanley

[music] [music] Oh, when the saints go marching in. Oh, Oh, when the saints go marching in. Oh, Oh, when the saints go marching in. Oh, when the saints [music] go maring in, I when the saints [music] go maring in, I when the saints [music] go maring in, I want to be in [singing and music] that want to be in [singing and music] that want to be in [singing and music] that number. number. number. When the saints go maring in, [music] he's the boogie wgie bugle boy of he's the boogie wgie bugle boy of company B. The boogie wgie bugle [music] company B. The boogie wgie bugle [music] company B. The boogie wgie bugle [music] boy of company [singing] B. The boogie boy of company [singing] B. The boogie boy of company [singing] B. The boogie wgie bugle boy of company B. Oh [music] Johnny go Oh [music] Johnny go Johnny go Johnny go Johnny go Johnny be [music and singing] [music and singing] These These These times never seem so [music and singing] times never seem so [music and singing] times never seem so [music and singing] good.

Working hard to find. What a way to make Working hard to find. What a way to make a [music] living. Barely dancing by. a [music] living. Barely dancing by. a [music] living. Barely dancing by. It's all taken in. No [singing] gore to It's all taken in. No [singing] gore to It's all taken in. No [singing] gore to move ahead. But the boss won't [music] move ahead. But the boss won't [music] move ahead. But the boss won't [music] seem to let me. I swear sometimes that seem to let me. I swear sometimes that seem to let me. I swear sometimes that man is out [music] to get me. >> [music] >> [music] >> Free. [music] [music] [singing] [music] [music] Hey. >> [music] >> [music] >> side inside [singing] >> side inside [singing] >> side inside [singing] out.

a chicken fry surely temple on a Friday a chicken fry surely temple on a Friday night. A pair of jeans that fit just night. A pair of jeans that fit just night. A pair of jeans that fit just right. and the radio. >> Clap along if you feel like [music] a >> Clap along if you feel like [music] a room without a roof. Because I'm happy. room without a roof. Because I'm happy. room without a roof. Because I'm happy. >> Clap along if you feel [music] like >> Clap along if you feel [music] like >> Clap along if you feel [music] like happiness is the truth. Because I'm happiness is the truth. Because I'm happiness is the truth. Because I'm happy. Clap along if [music] you know happy. Clap along if [music] you know happy. Clap along if [music] you know what happiness is to you. what happiness is to you. what happiness is to you. Clap along [music] if you feel like Clap along [music] if you feel like Clap along [music] if you feel like that's what you want to do. that's what you want to do. that's what you want to do. [music] [music] [music] >> Good for you. You happy, healthy, and >> Good for you. You happy, healthy, and >> Good for you. You happy, healthy, and not me. If you ever care to ask for you, not me. If you ever care to ask for you, not me. If you ever care to ask for you, you're doing great up there without me. you're doing great up there without me. you're doing great up there without me. Baby, got to wish that I could do that. Baby, got to wish that I could do that. Baby, got to wish that I could do that. I lost my mind. I spent the night I lost my mind. I spent the night I lost my mind. I spent the night [music] crying for my bedroom. So, I'm [music] crying for my bedroom. So, I'm [music] crying for my bedroom. So, I'm don't [music] don't [music] don't [music] for you right now. Keeping dreams alive. 1999 right now. Keeping dreams alive. 1999 [music] [music] [music] heroes. I ain't worried about it right heroes. I ain't worried about it right heroes. I ain't worried about it right now. Swimming in the blood, now. Swimming in the blood, now. Swimming in the blood, [music and singing] dancing on the [music and singing] dancing on the [music and singing] dancing on the clouds below. I ain't worried about it.

clouds below. I ain't worried about it. clouds below. I ain't worried about it. [music] I ain't worried about it. I ain't worried about it. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] >> Wow. Wow. Wow. >> Wow. Wow. Wow. [applause] [applause] [applause] That's amazing, That's amazing, That's amazing, man. The band ran off, but I wish they man. The band ran off, but I wish they man. The band ran off, but I wish they could have seen this standing ovation. could have seen this standing ovation. could have seen this standing ovation. 250 years of American music right there. 250 years of American music right there. 250 years of American music right there. That was incredible.

That was incredible. That was incredible. Yeah, we're still clapping. Hey, well, Yeah, we're still clapping. Hey, well, Yeah, we're still clapping. Hey, well, welcome to North Point. We're so glad welcome to North Point. We're so glad welcome to North Point. We're so glad you joined us today. And if it's your you joined us today. And if it's your you joined us today. And if it's your first time, well, special welcome to first time, well, special welcome to first time, well, special welcome to you. And here's what we're up to around you. And here's what we're up to around you. And here's what we're up to around here. We're on a mission. That's to here. We're on a mission. That's to here. We're on a mission. That's to inspire people to follow Jesus. And inspire people to follow Jesus. And inspire people to follow Jesus. And we're not the only ones. We're one of we're not the only ones. We're one of we're not the only ones. We're one of eight churches in the city. Eight on the eight churches in the city. Eight on the eight churches in the city. Eight on the north side, four on the south side. Lots north side, four on the south side. Lots north side, four on the south side. Lots of people joining us online this of people joining us online this of people joining us online this morning. So, good morning to you if morning. So, good morning to you if morning. So, good morning to you if you're tuning in online. And then here you're tuning in online. And then here you're tuning in online. And then here at North Point, we have two auditoriums at North Point, we have two auditoriums at North Point, we have two auditoriums and Andy is over in the west this and Andy is over in the west this and Andy is over in the west this morning. Andy, how's it going? And Andy, morning. Andy, how's it going? And Andy, morning. Andy, how's it going? And Andy, what are you hugging? It's pretty what are you hugging? It's pretty what are you hugging? It's pretty amazing over here in the west. Holly, amazing over here in the west. Holly, amazing over here in the west. Holly, >> what is this thing that you have? >> what is this thing that you have? >> what is this thing that you have? >> You haven't seen this? >> You haven't seen this? >> You haven't seen this? >> I have not. >> I have not. >> I have not. >> This is a 40 oz bald eagle coffee cup >> This is a 40 oz bald eagle coffee cup >> This is a 40 oz bald eagle coffee cup from Dunkin Donuts. And it is like all from Dunkin Donuts. And it is like all from Dunkin Donuts. And it is like all the rage. And it is actually a the rage. And it is actually a the rage. And it is actually a collector's item now. 40 oz. Isn't that collector's item now. 40 oz. Isn't that collector's item now. 40 oz. Isn't that amazing? Yeah, amazing? Yeah, amazing? Yeah, >> it's special. That looks amazing. I wish >> it's special. That looks amazing. I wish >> it's special. That looks amazing. I wish I would have known I would have gotten I would have known I would have gotten I would have known I would have gotten one for myself this morning. one for myself this morning. one for myself this morning. >> Yeah. Well, you know what? I got you >> Yeah. Well, you know what? I got you >> Yeah. Well, you know what? I got you one. one. one. >> Oh, so generous. and somebody's going to >> Oh, so generous. and somebody's going to >> Oh, so generous. and somebody's going to bring it out to you cuz I want everybody bring it out to you cuz I want everybody bring it out to you cuz I want everybody over there to see this. This is amazing.

over there to see this. This is amazing. over there to see this. This is amazing. Okay. Okay. Okay. >> Wow. Thank you. >> Wow. Thank you. >> Wow. Thank you. >> Yeah. Now, because I'm because I'm a >> Yeah. Now, because I'm because I'm a >> Yeah. Now, because I'm because I'm a Christian, I'm going to give mine away Christian, I'm going to give mine away Christian, I'm going to give mine away to somebody over here who loves coffee. to somebody over here who loves coffee. to somebody over here who loves coffee. So, who thinks they could drink 40 in So, who thinks they could drink 40 in So, who thinks they could drink 40 in the back? All the way in the back. Come the back? All the way in the back. Come the back? All the way in the back. Come on up here. All the way in the back. on up here. All the way in the back. on up here. All the way in the back. Come. Come. Come. >> Okay. You know what? I'm a Christian. >> Okay. You know what? I'm a Christian. >> Okay. You know what? I'm a Christian. And And And >> you're a Christian, too. >> you're a Christian, too. >> you're a Christian, too. >> There is a lovely lady whose birthday it >> There is a lovely lady whose birthday it >> There is a lovely lady whose birthday it is. [screaming] is. [screaming] is. [screaming] Here you go. Here's a bald eagle full of Here you go. Here's a bald eagle full of Here you go. Here's a bald eagle full of coffee. You just enjoy that. That's coffee. You just enjoy that. That's coffee. You just enjoy that. That's awesome. That is awesome. Eagle is awesome. That is awesome. Eagle is awesome. That is awesome. Eagle is landing over here. Well, hey, we're landing over here. Well, hey, we're landing over here. Well, hey, we're going to keep talking about our country going to keep talking about our country going to keep talking about our country today. But Andy, tell us what's today. But Andy, tell us what's today. But Andy, tell us what's happening next week. happening next week. happening next week. >> Okay. So, let me So, summer is kind of >> Okay. So, let me So, summer is kind of >> Okay. So, let me So, summer is kind of off and on. People are traveling. So, off and on. People are traveling. So, off and on. People are traveling. So, let me tell you about the next three let me tell you about the next three let me tell you about the next three weeks. Um, next Sunday, Joel's weeks. Um, next Sunday, Joel's weeks. Um, next Sunday, Joel's preaching. The following that I'm preaching. The following that I'm preaching. The following that I'm preaching. We're going to do a two-part preaching. We're going to do a two-part preaching. We're going to do a two-part series called You're Invited. And it's a series called You're Invited. And it's a series called You're Invited. And it's a buildup to the third week, which is buildup to the third week, which is buildup to the third week, which is baptism Sunday. We're going to baptize a baptism Sunday. We're going to baptize a baptism Sunday. We're going to baptize a little over hundred people between our little over hundred people between our little over hundred people between our two services. It's going to be so fun. two services. It's going to be so fun. two services. It's going to be so fun. You got to you got to be here to You got to you got to be here to You got to you got to be here to celebrate with all these amazing people. celebrate with all these amazing people. celebrate with all these amazing people. I know. Um and next Sunday when Joel's I know. Um and next Sunday when Joel's I know. Um and next Sunday when Joel's preaching to kick it off, I'm going to preaching to kick it off, I'm going to preaching to kick it off, I'm going to be in Brazil. And here's why. Because be in Brazil. And here's why. Because be in Brazil. And here's why. Because our Latin American partner network that our Latin American partner network that our Latin American partner network that you've helped fund through Deeper Wider you've helped fund through Deeper Wider you've helped fund through Deeper Wider is splitting up because in Brazil they is splitting up because in Brazil they is splitting up because in Brazil they speak Portuguese and and in Mexico and speak Portuguese and and in Mexico and speak Portuguese and and in Mexico and some other Latin American countries who some other Latin American countries who some other Latin American countries who are part of that network speak Spanish.

are part of that network speak Spanish. are part of that network speak Spanish. So I I when we when I found out we were So I I when we when I found out we were So I I when we when I found out we were going to split them off, I told Thiago, going to split them off, I told Thiago, going to split them off, I told Thiago, the pastor of this huge church that the pastor of this huge church that the pastor of this huge church that you've helped build actually in Brazil, you've helped build actually in Brazil, you've helped build actually in Brazil, I said, "I want to come to your I said, "I want to come to your I said, "I want to come to your conference and to kick it off." So they conference and to kick it off." So they conference and to kick it off." So they were hoping to have 500 church leaders were hoping to have 500 church leaders were hoping to have 500 church leaders from Brazil at this conference to launch from Brazil at this conference to launch from Brazil at this conference to launch the network. They have over a thousand the network. They have over a thousand the network. They have over a thousand church leaders registered for this church leaders registered for this church leaders registered for this conference. I know. And honestly, this conference. I know. And honestly, this conference. I know. And honestly, this is what your deeper wider generosity has is what your deeper wider generosity has is what your deeper wider generosity has allowed us to help speed up what they're allowed us to help speed up what they're allowed us to help speed up what they're doing, fund what they're doing, help doing, fund what they're doing, help doing, fund what they're doing, help train their leaders. So, I'm going to be train their leaders. So, I'm going to be train their leaders. So, I'm going to be in there next weekend. I'm speaking a in there next weekend. I'm speaking a in there next weekend. I'm speaking a couple times and I'm going to do their couple times and I'm going to do their couple times and I'm going to do their Sunday morning service with the Sunday morning service with the Sunday morning service with the translator. So, that'll be great. Joel translator. So, that'll be great. Joel translator. So, that'll be great. Joel will be here, then I'll be here, then we will be here, then I'll be here, then we will be here, then I'll be here, then we do baptism Sunday. And so, we got three do baptism Sunday. And so, we got three do baptism Sunday. And so, we got three great weeks coming up and Holly tell us great weeks coming up and Holly tell us great weeks coming up and Holly tell us about about about >> Yeah, that's going to be amazing. But >> Yeah, that's going to be amazing. But >> Yeah, that's going to be amazing. But today, we're going to keep celebrating. today, we're going to keep celebrating. today, we're going to keep celebrating. Andy's going to bring us a special Andy's going to bring us a special Andy's going to bring us a special message called Happy Birthday USA. But message called Happy Birthday USA. But message called Happy Birthday USA. But first, we're gonna sing with Aaron, first, we're gonna sing with Aaron, first, we're gonna sing with Aaron, Cara, Erica, Jeff, Nate, Taylor, Tommy, Cara, Erica, Jeff, Nate, Taylor, Tommy, Cara, Erica, Jeff, Nate, Taylor, Tommy, and Mark. And this first song is called and Mark. And this first song is called and Mark. And this first song is called Good Grace. And it celebrates that Good Grace. And it celebrates that Good Grace. And it celebrates that because of Jesus, we all have something because of Jesus, we all have something because of Jesus, we all have something [music] in common. We're not divided by [music] in common. We're not divided by [music] in common. We're not divided by our differences or by our past or by our our differences or by our past or by our our differences or by our past or by our circumstances. We are all united by his circumstances. We are all united by his circumstances. We are all united by his grace. So, if you will stand up, say hi grace. So, if you will stand up, say hi grace. So, if you will stand up, say hi to somebody. Let's sing together. Thank to somebody. Let's sing together. Thank to somebody. Let's sing together. Thank you for learning all.

[music] [music] [singing] [music] [music] Oh. People [music] People [music] come [singing] together, come [singing] together, come [singing] together, strangers, [music] neighbors. strangers, [music] neighbors. strangers, [music] neighbors. Our blood is one. Our blood is one. Our blood is one. and children [singing] and children [singing] and children [singing] of generation [music] of every nation of every nation of kingdom come. Come on. So don't let of kingdom come. Come on. So don't let of kingdom come. Come on. So don't let [music] your heart [singing] be trouble. [music] your heart [singing] be trouble. [music] your heart [singing] be trouble. [music] Hold your head up. I don't fear [music] Hold your head up. I don't fear [music] Hold your head up. I don't fear no evil. no evil. no evil. [music] [music] [music] Fix your eyes on this one truth. God is Fix your eyes on this one truth. God is Fix your eyes on this one truth. God is [singing] madly in love with you.

[singing] madly in love with you. [singing] madly in love with you. So take courage, [music and singing] So take courage, [music and singing] So take courage, [music and singing] hold on, be strong. Remember where I am hold on, be strong. Remember where I am hold on, be strong. Remember where I am come from. [music] come from. [music] come from. [music] Oh. [music] [music] Why all you heavens? [singing] Why all you heavens? [singing] Why all you heavens? [singing] Let the praise go up as the walls come Let the praise go up as the walls come Let the praise go up as the walls come down. All creation, down. All creation, down. All creation, everything [music and singing] everything [music and singing] everything [music and singing] with breath repeat the sound. all his with breath repeat the sound. all his with breath repeat the sound. all his children. children. children. Clean hands, pure hearts, [music] good Clean hands, pure hearts, [music] good Clean hands, pure hearts, [music] good grace, good God. His name is Jesus. grace, good God. His name is Jesus. grace, good God. His name is Jesus. [music] [music] let the praise go up as the [music] let the praise go up as the walls come down. All creation, walls come down. All creation, walls come down. All creation, everything everything everything repeat the [music] sound. All his repeat the [music] sound. All his repeat the [music] sound. All his children children children have [music] your hearts with grace.

have [music] your hearts with grace. have [music] your hearts with grace. Goodbye Goodbye Goodbye Jesus. [music] [singing] Heat. Heat. Heat. [singing] Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> your heart >> your heart >> your heart is Jesus. is Jesus. is Jesus. [music] Jesus, Jesus, our [music and singing] redemption, our [music and singing] redemption, our [music and singing] redemption, our salvation our salvation our salvation is [music] in his [singing] blood. is [music] in his [singing] blood. is [music] in his [singing] blood. Jesus, [music] light [singing] of heaven, light [singing] of heaven, friend forever, friend forever, friend forever, his kingdom [singing] his kingdom [singing] his kingdom [singing] come.

[music] Let your kingdom come. [music] Let your kingdom come. Let your kingdom come. >> All [music and singing] hell >> All [music and singing] hell Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. [music] [music] [music] All [singing] hell Lord of heaven and All [singing] hell Lord of heaven and All [singing] hell Lord of heaven and earth. earth. earth. All hell All hell All hell Jesus. [music] All the savior [music] All the savior [music] of the world. of the world. of the world. He is the savior. [music] [music] There was a moment [singing] There was a moment [singing] There was a moment [singing] when the sky lit up. when the sky lit up. when the sky lit up. A flash of light breaking [music] A flash of light breaking [music] A flash of light breaking [music] through.

When love was lost, [music] he crossed When love was lost, [music] he crossed eternity. Is the king [singing] of life was on the Is the king [singing] of life was on the move. Yeah. move. Yeah. move. Yeah. For in [music] a dark cold where our Lord [music] where our Lord [music] [singing] was free, [singing] was free, [singing] was free, one miraculous [music] one miraculous [music] one miraculous [music] way way way and forever. [music] [music] Yeah. Heat. Yeah. [music] Yeah. [music] Heat.

>> Let every >> Let every [music] [music] [music] bow before the king of kings. Let bow before the king of kings. Let bow before the king of kings. Let everyone [music] everyone [music] everyone [music] confess and hear the Lord. Lift up your confess and hear the Lord. Lift up your confess and hear the Lord. Lift up your [music] [music] [music] let us join with all the singing. Oh, let us join with all the singing. Oh, let us join with all the singing. Oh, [music] Yeah. [music] Yeah. [music] Heat. [music] [music] Heat. [singing] >> God, we love to worship you. We magnify >> God, we love to worship you. We magnify you in this place above all else. Lord, you in this place above all else. Lord, you in this place above all else. Lord, our creator. Thank you for being our our creator. Thank you for being our our creator. Thank you for being our redeemer. [music] Thank you for your redeemer. [music] Thank you for your redeemer. [music] Thank you for your mercy and your grace, your acceptance,

mercy and your grace, your acceptance, mercy and your grace, your acceptance, your forgiveness. your forgiveness. your forgiveness. We love you so much. Change us [music] We love you so much. Change us [music] We love you so much. Change us [music] this day. to be like you, to know you this day. to be like you, to know you this day. to be like you, to know you more. We love you so much and we pray more. We love you so much and we pray more. We love you so much and we pray these things in the matchless [music] these things in the matchless [music] these things in the matchless [music] name of Jesus. Amen. Thank you so much name of Jesus. Amen. Thank you so much name of Jesus. Amen. Thank you so much for worshiping with us. You can take a for worshiping with us. You can take a for worshiping with us. You can take a seat. >> Heat.

>> Heat. Heat. So, a little bit about that video. So, So, a little bit about that video. So, that is real. We our team shot that and that is real. We our team shot that and that is real. We our team shot that and they were they knew it was kind of they were they knew it was kind of they were they knew it was kind of dangerous because they actually put 250 dangerous because they actually put 250 dangerous because they actually put 250 candles on that cake. That's literal. candles on that cake. That's literal. candles on that cake. That's literal. And so, they thought, where should we And so, they thought, where should we And so, they thought, where should we shoot this? So, they were really smart. shoot this? So, they were really smart. shoot this? So, they were really smart. They called Brenda, who's on our staff. They called Brenda, who's on our staff. They called Brenda, who's on our staff. Brenda is over HR, and they thought, "If Brenda is over HR, and they thought, "If Brenda is over HR, and they thought, "If we're going to get in trouble, we should we're going to get in trouble, we should we're going to get in trouble, we should get in trouble at her house." So, they get in trouble at her house." So, they get in trouble at her house." So, they said, "Brenda, can we shoot this video said, "Brenda, can we shoot this video said, "Brenda, can we shoot this video of this cake with 250 candles in your of this cake with 250 candles in your of this cake with 250 candles in your kitchen?" And she said, "Yes." And I kitchen?" And she said, "Yes." And I kitchen?" And she said, "Yes." And I thought that was pretty smart of them to thought that was pretty smart of them to thought that was pretty smart of them to use the kitchen of the woman who use the kitchen of the woman who use the kitchen of the woman who oversees HR, which is kind of a oversees HR, which is kind of a oversees HR, which is kind of a corporate thing here at the church you corporate thing here at the church you corporate thing here at the church you should know about. Anyway, I want to should know about. Anyway, I want to should know about. Anyway, I want to welcome all those who are joining us welcome all those who are joining us welcome all those who are joining us from all over the country, our partner from all over the country, our partner from all over the country, our partner churches, those of you joining us in the churches, those of you joining us in the churches, those of you joining us in the Atlanta area. you know, summer's kind of Atlanta area. you know, summer's kind of Atlanta area. you know, summer's kind of off and on, hit and miss in terms of off and on, hit and miss in terms of off and on, hit and miss in terms of church attendance. We get that. So, we church attendance. We get that. So, we church attendance. We get that. So, we thank you for joining us from wherever thank you for joining us from wherever thank you for joining us from wherever you're joining us from. All of our you're joining us from. All of our you're joining us from. All of our friends at Southside um as well. So, friends at Southside um as well. So, friends at Southside um as well. So, yeah, yesterday was we celebrated the yeah, yesterday was we celebrated the yeah, yesterday was we celebrated the 250th birthday of our country um which 250th birthday of our country um which 250th birthday of our country um which is a lot of candles for sure and it is a lot of candles for sure and it is a lot of candles for sure and it seemed like too big of a deal to just seemed like too big of a deal to just seemed like too big of a deal to just kind of have a normal Sunday and a kind of have a normal Sunday and a kind of have a normal Sunday and a normal Sunday message. So, I decided we normal Sunday message. So, I decided we normal Sunday message. So, I decided we should we should talk about it because should we should talk about it because should we should talk about it because there's a lot to talk about. Um so, full there's a lot to talk about. Um so, full there's a lot to talk about. Um so, full disclosure, I am a raving fan of our disclosure, I am a raving fan of our disclosure, I am a raving fan of our country. I'm so patriotic. I get

country. I'm so patriotic. I get country. I'm so patriotic. I get emotional with the national anthem. emotional with the national anthem. emotional with the national anthem. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. We have military extended family and and We have military extended family and and We have military extended family and and all of that. So that's just just so you all of that. So that's just just so you all of that. So that's just just so you know where I'm coming from because I'm know where I'm coming from because I'm know where I'm coming from because I'm going to say a couple of things where going to say a couple of things where going to say a couple of things where you might think, oh, you know, what does you might think, oh, you know, what does you might think, oh, you know, what does he think? But I'm I I'm just, you know, he think? But I'm I I'm just, you know, he think? But I'm I I'm just, you know, such a fan. Um I I think it's the such a fan. Um I I think it's the such a fan. Um I I think it's the greatest nation on earth. Um I I if greatest nation on earth. Um I I if greatest nation on earth. Um I I if you're from another country, I hope that you're from another country, I hope that you're from another country, I hope that you think your country is the greatest you think your country is the greatest you think your country is the greatest country on earth because it's not about country on earth because it's not about country on earth because it's not about competition. It's about appreciation. competition. It's about appreciation. competition. It's about appreciation. Just like me saying, "I married the most Just like me saying, "I married the most Just like me saying, "I married the most wonderful woman on earth." And you, if wonderful woman on earth." And you, if wonderful woman on earth." And you, if you're married husband, you should you're married husband, you should you're married husband, you should disagree with me. You should be like, disagree with me. You should be like, disagree with me. You should be like, "Oh, no, no, you didn't. I married the "Oh, no, no, you didn't. I married the "Oh, no, no, you didn't. I married the most wonder." Okay, so it's that kind of most wonder." Okay, so it's that kind of most wonder." Okay, so it's that kind of thing. It's it's, you know, it's not thing. It's it's, you know, it's not thing. It's it's, you know, it's not competition. It's appreci appreciation. competition. It's appreci appreciation. competition. It's appreci appreciation. Um, I say it's not competition. The Um, I say it's not competition. The Um, I say it's not competition. The soccer thing, it got it's very soccer thing, it got it's very soccer thing, it got it's very competitive right now. But anyway, I competitive right now. But anyway, I competitive right now. But anyway, I still think the greatest nation on still think the greatest nation on still think the greatest nation on planet Earth. Um, so and I and again, planet Earth. Um, so and I and again, planet Earth. Um, so and I and again, I'm hope you're grateful for wherever I'm hope you're grateful for wherever I'm hope you're grateful for wherever you're from. And we have so many things you're from. And we have so many things you're from. And we have so many things specifically to be grateful for. or a specifically to be grateful for. or a specifically to be grateful for. or a lot of it we have no control over. Um lot of it we have no control over. Um lot of it we have no control over. Um where we're located as a nation where we're located as a nation where we're located as a nation geographically. When I wrote this geographically. When I wrote this geographically. When I wrote this message, I wrote in my notes. I love message, I wrote in my notes. I love message, I wrote in my notes. I love where we're located geographically. It's where we're located geographically. It's where we're located geographically. It's not it's not too hot. It's not too cold.

not it's not too hot. It's not too cold. not it's not too hot. It's not too cold. But it is too hot. But normally it's not But it is too hot. But normally it's not But it is too hot. But normally it's not too hot. It's not too cold. It's just too hot. It's not too cold. It's just too hot. It's not too cold. It's just right. Uh we're located between sea and right. Uh we're located between sea and right. Uh we're located between sea and shining sea, which it gives us um you shining sea, which it gives us um you shining sea, which it gives us um you know autonomy in terms of things that know autonomy in terms of things that know autonomy in terms of things that happen in different parts of the world. happen in different parts of the world. happen in different parts of the world. But what I want to talk about for just a But what I want to talk about for just a But what I want to talk about for just a few minutes um is is one of the primary few minutes um is is one of the primary few minutes um is is one of the primary reasons we are who we are as a nation is reasons we are who we are as a nation is reasons we are who we are as a nation is because our founders set out to do because our founders set out to do because our founders set out to do something completely unprecedented. I something completely unprecedented. I something completely unprecedented. I know a lot of you are like me, you're know a lot of you are like me, you're know a lot of you are like me, you're history geeks, but what what they set history geeks, but what what they set history geeks, but what what they set out to do was unprecedented. It was in out to do was unprecedented. It was in out to do was unprecedented. It was in contrast to what had been done in so contrast to what had been done in so contrast to what had been done in so many other places in the world. And um many other places in the world. And um many other places in the world. And um some of you can relate to this. You some of you can relate to this. You some of you can relate to this. You know, I had the opportunity to start know, I had the opportunity to start know, I had the opportunity to start with a team of people to start an with a team of people to start an with a team of people to start an organization to start a church. Imagine organization to start a church. Imagine organization to start a church. Imagine I think I've thought of this a thousand I think I've thought of this a thousand I think I've thought of this a thousand times. Imagine sitting with a group of times. Imagine sitting with a group of times. Imagine sitting with a group of people that you love and trust and you people that you love and trust and you people that you love and trust and you decide to start a country. Let's start a decide to start a country. Let's start a decide to start a country. Let's start a country. I mean I I mean starting an country. I mean I I mean starting an country. I mean I I mean starting an organization, starting anything a home, organization, starting anything a home, organization, starting anything a home, you know, a homebased business, anything you know, a homebased business, anything you know, a homebased business, anything you start is difficult. But we again we you start is difficult. But we again we you start is difficult. But we again we can't it's we get inside the minds of can't it's we get inside the minds of can't it's we get inside the minds of our founders to some extent because of our founders to some extent because of our founders to some extent because of what there's so many letters and all what there's so many letters and all what there's so many letters and all that they wrote. But they they decided that they wrote. But they they decided that they wrote. But they they decided to start a country that was different to start a country that was different to start a country that was different than their country of origin. And so than their country of origin. And so than their country of origin. And so they decided to create a system of they decided to create a system of they decided to create a system of government. They decided that the north government. They decided that the north government. They decided that the north star they're going to create a new star they're going to create a new star they're going to create a new system of government. And [snorts] the system of government. And [snorts] the system of government. And [snorts] the north star I mean the northstar the north star I mean the northstar the north star I mean the northstar the thing that they were measuring and thing that they were measuring and thing that they were measuring and gauging everything by was this one gauging everything by was this one gauging everything by was this one single word liberty. This maximum they single word liberty. This maximum they single word liberty. This maximum they wanted a system of government that

wanted a system of government that wanted a system of government that created maximum freedom for their created maximum freedom for their created maximum freedom for their citizens. citizens. citizens. And when you read their speeches and And when you read their speeches and And when you read their speeches and when you read their letters to each when you read their letters to each when you read their letters to each other and then when you consider the other and then when you consider the other and then when you consider the circumstances that they were responding circumstances that they were responding circumstances that they were responding to and that they were reacting to, it's to and that they were reacting to, it's to and that they were reacting to, it's so I mean there's no you can't miss so I mean there's no you can't miss so I mean there's no you can't miss this. Their intent was liberty. And so this. Their intent was liberty. And so this. Their intent was liberty. And so the form of government they created was the form of government they created was the form of government they created was a means to an end. It wasn't the end. a means to an end. It wasn't the end. a means to an end. It wasn't the end. The the form of government they created The the form of government they created The the form of government they created was a means to an end. And the end was was a means to an end. And the end was was a means to an end. And the end was liberty. Now here's where I'm going to liberty. Now here's where I'm going to liberty. Now here's where I'm going to ruffle some feathers, but not ruffle some feathers, but not ruffle some feathers, but not intentionally. I just want you to stay intentionally. I just want you to stay intentionally. I just want you to stay with me, you know, mentally. Don't don't with me, you know, mentally. Don't don't with me, you know, mentally. Don't don't check out yet. There's a there's a check out yet. There's a there's a check out yet. There's a there's a sentiment currently, in fact, it's been sentiment currently, in fact, it's been sentiment currently, in fact, it's been around a long time. It's been around around a long time. It's been around around a long time. It's been around since I can remember. There's a since I can remember. There's a since I can remember. There's a sentiment among a lot of some Americans, sentiment among a lot of some Americans, sentiment among a lot of some Americans, uh, specifically Christian Americans, uh, specifically Christian Americans, uh, specifically Christian Americans, that really what the founders set out to that really what the founders set out to that really what the founders set out to do was to create um a Christian nation. do was to create um a Christian nation. do was to create um a Christian nation. And just a couple things about that. And just a couple things about that. And just a couple things about that. First, when anyone ever whenever someone First, when anyone ever whenever someone First, when anyone ever whenever someone uses this is another sermon for another uses this is another sermon for another uses this is another sermon for another day, but if when somebody uses the term day, but if when somebody uses the term day, but if when somebody uses the term Christian, which is a noun, and makes it Christian, which is a noun, and makes it Christian, which is a noun, and makes it an adjective, you should kind of sit up an adjective, you should kind of sit up an adjective, you should kind of sit up and pay attention. Here's why. Whenever and pay attention. Here's why. Whenever and pay attention. Here's why. Whenever you take a noun and make it an you take a noun and make it an you take a noun and make it an adjective, you take something away from adjective, you take something away from adjective, you take something away from whatever that term is. This is just the whatever that term is. This is just the whatever that term is. This is just the nature of things. So, when you take the nature of things. So, when you take the nature of things. So, when you take the term Christian that's clearly defined term Christian that's clearly defined term Christian that's clearly defined and you make it an adjective, you lose and you make it an adjective, you lose and you make it an adjective, you lose something about the Christian part.

something about the Christian part. something about the Christian part. We're going to come back to that in just We're going to come back to that in just We're going to come back to that in just a minute. So there's a sentiment and a minute. So there's a sentiment and a minute. So there's a sentiment and understanding fact you may be a firm understanding fact you may be a firm understanding fact you may be a firm believer and already you're deciding you believer and already you're deciding you believer and already you're deciding you don't like this message. Um because and don't like this message. Um because and don't like this message. Um because and I understand this there's they decided I understand this there's they decided I understand this there's they decided to found a Christian nation. But here's to found a Christian nation. But here's to found a Christian nation. But here's what I want you to hear me say because what I want you to hear me say because what I want you to hear me say because this is so important when it comes to this is so important when it comes to this is so important when it comes to the literature and the teaching of of the literature and the teaching of of the literature and the teaching of of the founders. The founders of our nation the founders. The founders of our nation the founders. The founders of our nation were actually parting ways with a very were actually parting ways with a very were actually parting ways with a very Christian nation. England was an Christian nation. England was an Christian nation. England was an extraordinarily Christian nation as far extraordinarily Christian nation as far extraordinarily Christian nation as far as nations go. In the 18th century, and as nations go. In the 18th century, and as nations go. In the 18th century, and you know this, England had a national you know this, England had a national you know this, England had a national church, the Church of England, which was church, the Church of England, which was church, the Church of England, which was not just a church, it was a Protestant not just a church, it was a Protestant not just a church, it was a Protestant church that used a Bible that was church that used a Bible that was church that used a Bible that was essentially the same Bible that many of essentially the same Bible that many of essentially the same Bible that many of you grew up with. Um, they in 18th you grew up with. Um, they in 18th you grew up with. Um, they in 18th century England, they still held to the century England, they still held to the century England, they still held to the idea of the divine right of kings where idea of the divine right of kings where idea of the divine right of kings where that a monarch actually received their that a monarch actually received their that a monarch actually received their authority from God and not just any God, authority from God and not just any God, authority from God and not just any God, the God of the of the Bible, the God of the God of the of the Bible, the God of the God of the of the Bible, the God of the New Testament. and that the monarch the New Testament. and that the monarch the New Testament. and that the monarch was ultimately accountable to God. And was ultimately accountable to God. And was ultimately accountable to God. And then to just kind of, you know, pile on then to just kind of, you know, pile on then to just kind of, you know, pile on a little bit, speaking of kings and and a little bit, speaking of kings and and a little bit, speaking of kings and and God, um, in6004 God, um, in6004 God, um, in6004 and the in England, in 1604, the king and the in England, in 1604, the king and the in England, in 1604, the king actually commissioned and helped pay for actually commissioned and helped pay for actually commissioned and helped pay for the creation of an English Bible so that the creation of an English Bible so that the creation of an English Bible so that the English Bible would be more the English Bible would be more the English Bible would be more accessible to the people of that accessible to the people of that accessible to the people of that country. Um, his name, did anybody know country. Um, his name, did anybody know country. Um, his name, did anybody know his name? King. King James. That's

his name? King. King James. That's his name? King. King James. That's right. King James. Not to be confused right. King James. Not to be confused right. King James. Not to be confused with LeBron James. Okay. Sometimes those with LeBron James. Okay. Sometimes those with LeBron James. Okay. Sometimes those get confused. Anyway, so get this. Think get confused. Anyway, so get this. Think get confused. Anyway, so get this. Think about this. I mean, think about this. about this. I mean, think about this. about this. I mean, think about this. The king used government money to fund The king used government money to fund The king used government money to fund the creation of his. They hired about 50 the creation of his. They hired about 50 the creation of his. They hired about 50 scholars. They took the Tindale, the scholars. They took the Tindale, the scholars. They took the Tindale, the English Bible that Tinddale had created, English Bible that Tinddale had created, English Bible that Tinddale had created, which was extraordinary. And the Geneva which was extraordinary. And the Geneva which was extraordinary. And the Geneva Bible. They took all the notes out of Bible. They took all the notes out of Bible. They took all the notes out of the margins of the Geneva Bible. There's the margins of the Geneva Bible. There's the margins of the Geneva Bible. There's a lot of interesting history. some of a lot of interesting history. some of a lot of interesting history. some of his political in terms of the creation his political in terms of the creation his political in terms of the creation of the King James Bible, but the king of the King James Bible, but the king of the King James Bible, but the king commissioned and funded the creation of commissioned and funded the creation of commissioned and funded the creation of what would ultimately become the most what would ultimately become the most what would ultimately become the most widely read and distributed English widely read and distributed English widely read and distributed English Bible in history. So the country that Bible in history. So the country that Bible in history. So the country that they were again the the King James they were again the the King James they were again the the King James Bible, you knew that and and the other Bible, you knew that and and the other Bible, you knew that and and the other thing in communities in England and thing in communities in England and thing in communities in England and ultimately in the colonies before, ultimately in the colonies before, ultimately in the colonies before, during and after the Revolutionary War. during and after the Revolutionary War. during and after the Revolutionary War. The King James Bible was used as a The King James Bible was used as a The King James Bible was used as a primer for homeschooled parents and in primer for homeschooled parents and in primer for homeschooled parents and in schools to teach children how to read. schools to teach children how to read. schools to teach children how to read. They learned to read by reading this They learned to read by reading this They learned to read by reading this King James Bible. Even after the King James Bible. Even after the King James Bible. Even after the Revolutionary War, it was that central.

Revolutionary War, it was that central. Revolutionary War, it was that central. It just permeated. Again, many of us It just permeated. Again, many of us It just permeated. Again, many of us were raised being taught from and given were raised being taught from and given were raised being taught from and given our first Bible was a a King James our first Bible was a a King James our first Bible was a a King James Bible. And the other kind of ironic Bible. And the other kind of ironic Bible. And the other kind of ironic thing is during the Revolutionary War. thing is during the Revolutionary War. thing is during the Revolutionary War. The preachers in the colonies in the in The preachers in the colonies in the in The preachers in the colonies in the in the 13 original colonies who were the 13 original colonies who were the 13 original colonies who were preaching for revolution and preaching preaching for revolution and preaching preaching for revolution and preaching for breaking away from England, they for breaking away from England, they for breaking away from England, they were preaching from the King James were preaching from the King James were preaching from the King James Bible. My my point in in all of this is Bible. My my point in in all of this is Bible. My my point in in all of this is and this is the important point is that and this is the important point is that and this is the important point is that the differentiator between the founders the differentiator between the founders the differentiator between the founders of our country and the people they were of our country and the people they were of our country and the people they were breaking off from the differentiator was breaking off from the differentiator was breaking off from the differentiator was not Christianity. It wasn't we're going not Christianity. It wasn't we're going not Christianity. It wasn't we're going to be a Christian nation versus the you to be a Christian nation versus the you to be a Christian nation versus the you know the motherland on the other know the motherland on the other know the motherland on the other continent. It wasn't that at all. The continent. It wasn't that at all. The continent. It wasn't that at all. The differentiator they were so clear about differentiator they were so clear about differentiator they were so clear about this over and over and over. The this over and over and over. The this over and over and over. The differentiator differentiator differentiator was liberty. was liberty. was liberty. Liberty. They they were they rejected Liberty. They they were they rejected Liberty. They they were they rejected the idea of the divine right of king. So the idea of the divine right of king. So the idea of the divine right of king. So in some ways they rejected part of what in some ways they rejected part of what in some ways they rejected part of what had been substantiated from the Bible. had been substantiated from the Bible. had been substantiated from the Bible. They rejected the idea of a theocracy.

They rejected the idea of a theocracy. They rejected the idea of a theocracy. They knew better. Here's what they knew. They knew better. Here's what they knew. They knew better. Here's what they knew. And this is so important even in the day And this is so important even in the day And this is so important even in the day and age in which we live. And this is and age in which we live. And this is and age in which we live. And this is what many other nations or several other what many other nations or several other what many other nations or several other nations in the world today are nations in the world today are nations in the world today are struggling with. They recognize because struggling with. They recognize because struggling with. They recognize because of their experience and we've never had of their experience and we've never had of their experience and we've never had this experience. This is why it's easy this experience. This is why it's easy this experience. This is why it's easy to drift in some dangerous directions. to drift in some dangerous directions. to drift in some dangerous directions. They knew from experience They knew from experience They knew from experience that if if when a man or a king or a that if if when a man or a king or a that if if when a man or a king or a party claimed to speak for God, they party claimed to speak for God, they party claimed to speak for God, they knew from experience that the moment a knew from experience that the moment a knew from experience that the moment a man with power, a woman with power, man with power, a woman with power, man with power, a woman with power, specifically a king or a party, claimed specifically a king or a party, claimed specifically a king or a party, claimed to speak on behalf of God, it was only a to speak on behalf of God, it was only a to speak on behalf of God, it was only a matter of time until the citizens lost matter of time until the citizens lost matter of time until the citizens lost what was most important to our founders. what was most important to our founders. what was most important to our founders. They would eventually lose their They would eventually lose their They would eventually lose their liberty. So this is amazing. This was liberty. So this is amazing. This was liberty. So this is amazing. This was such a breakaway. For us, this is like such a breakaway. For us, this is like such a breakaway. For us, this is like just Tuesday. But for them, this was just Tuesday. But for them, this was just Tuesday. But for them, this was such a novel idea because they were so such a novel idea because they were so such a novel idea because they were so steeped in the Bible and they were so steeped in the Bible and they were so steeped in the Bible and they were so steeped in Christianity. They decided steeped in Christianity. They decided steeped in Christianity. They decided that the leaders of this nation would that the leaders of this nation would that the leaders of this nation would not answer to God in this life. They not answer to God in this life. They not answer to God in this life. They would answer to God in the life to come would answer to God in the life to come would answer to God in the life to come because of what they t were taught from because of what they t were taught from because of what they t were taught from the Bible. But they believed that they the Bible. But they believed that they the Bible. But they believed that they decided that the now the leaders of this decided that the now the leaders of this decided that the now the leaders of this nation would not answer to God in this nation would not answer to God in this nation would not answer to God in this life. They would have to answer to the life. They would have to answer to the life. They would have to answer to the people. As Lincoln, as President Lincoln people. As Lincoln, as President Lincoln people. As Lincoln, as President Lincoln so famously said in the Gettysburg so famously said in the Gettysburg so famously said in the Gettysburg address that this would be a government address that this would be a government address that this would be a government of the people, by the people, and for of the people, by the people, and for of the people, by the people, and for the people. It's people, people, people.

the people. It's people, people, people. the people. It's people, people, people. And the authors of the Declaration of And the authors of the Declaration of And the authors of the Declaration of Independence and our founding fathers, Independence and our founding fathers, Independence and our founding fathers, they said as much. In fact, they state they said as much. In fact, they state they said as much. In fact, they state this clearly in the Declaration of this clearly in the Declaration of this clearly in the Declaration of Independence. And this is again Independence. And this is again Independence. And this is again anchoring to their idea which should anchoring to their idea which should anchoring to their idea which should still be the thing that permeates our still be the thing that permeates our still be the thing that permeates our culture and permeates the way that we culture and permeates the way that we culture and permeates the way that we think as Americans. This is what they think as Americans. This is what they think as Americans. This is what they wrote in the Declaration of wrote in the Declaration of wrote in the Declaration of Independence. Governments are instituted Independence. Governments are instituted Independence. Governments are instituted among men deriving their just powers among men deriving their just powers among men deriving their just powers from where do the powers to institute from where do the powers to institute from where do the powers to institute government come from? They come from the government come from? They come from the government come from? They come from the consent of the governed. They don't consent of the governed. They don't consent of the governed. They don't appeal to God. They appeal to the people appeal to God. They appeal to the people appeal to God. They appeal to the people who are going to be governed. Which was who are going to be governed. Which was who are going to be governed. Which was brilliant. And I'm telling you this to brilliant. And I'm telling you this to brilliant. And I'm telling you this to us again this is just a this is this is us again this is just a this is this is us again this is just a this is this is just normal. This was so different in just normal. This was so different in just normal. This was so different in some ways and don't take this too some ways and don't take this too some ways and don't take this too extreme. In some ways they were stepping extreme. In some ways they were stepping extreme. In some ways they were stepping back from the Christianity that they had back from the Christianity that they had back from the Christianity that they had been exposed to and that many of them been exposed to and that many of them been exposed to and that many of them had been raised on. So again they had been raised on. So again they had been raised on. So again they weren't trying to establish a Christian weren't trying to establish a Christian weren't trying to establish a Christian nation. They were trying to establish a nation. They were trying to establish a nation. They were trying to establish a different form of government that they different form of government that they different form of government that they believed led to the maximum amount of believed led to the maximum amount of believed led to the maximum amount of liberty for their citizens. But they liberty for their citizens. But they liberty for their citizens. But they were most of them were church attenders.

were most of them were church attenders. were most of them were church attenders. This is why scripture shows up in so This is why scripture shows up in so This is why scripture shows up in so many of their letters and so much of many of their letters and so much of many of their letters and so much of their writing. In fact, George their writing. In fact, George their writing. In fact, George Washington pretty much um you know Washington pretty much um you know Washington pretty much um you know insisted or commanded or demanded that insisted or commanded or demanded that insisted or commanded or demanded that his soldiers attend church and respect his soldiers attend church and respect his soldiers attend church and respect the Sabbath. So this it was a very real the Sabbath. So this it was a very real the Sabbath. So this it was a very real very religious you know religious very religious you know religious very religious you know religious culture. Um in fact while it was true culture. Um in fact while it was true culture. Um in fact while it was true that that on in both continents um um that that on in both continents um um that that on in both continents um um the the cultures were very Christianized the the cultures were very Christianized the the cultures were very Christianized but in in the colonial days the United but in in the colonial days the United but in in the colonial days the United States as well as today was a very we'll States as well as today was a very we'll States as well as today was a very we'll just use the term Christianized culture just use the term Christianized culture just use the term Christianized culture Christianized nation because of the Christianized nation because of the Christianized nation because of the influence of the church and in the the influence of the church and in the the influence of the church and in the the days of the colonies in the colonial days of the colonies in the colonial days of the colonies in the colonial days most of the leaders had grown up days most of the leaders had grown up days most of the leaders had grown up being taught to read by reading the King being taught to read by reading the King being taught to read by reading the King James version of the Bible. But in spite James version of the Bible. But in spite James version of the Bible. But in spite of that, religion was not the founders's of that, religion was not the founders's of that, religion was not the founders's north star. It was in fact liberty, north star. It was in fact liberty, north star. It was in fact liberty, including religious liberty. In fact, I including religious liberty. In fact, I including religious liberty. In fact, I I I didn't know this until I was I I didn't know this until I was I I didn't know this until I was researching for this message. Um George researching for this message. Um George researching for this message. Um George Washington, President Washington, our Washington, President Washington, our Washington, President Washington, our first president, said it was the cause first president, said it was the cause first president, said it was the cause of liberty that c that motivated him to of liberty that c that motivated him to of liberty that c that motivated him to agree to lead the first Continental agree to lead the first Continental agree to lead the first Continental Army. and a message that he gave at a Army. and a message that he gave at a Army. and a message that he gave at a church because political leaders spoke church because political leaders spoke church because political leaders spoke in churches all the time because in in churches all the time because in in churches all the time because in communities in the colonial days um the communities in the colonial days um the communities in the colonial days um the places that everybody gathered were was places that everybody gathered were was places that everybody gathered were was in the churches and in one particular um in the churches and in one particular um in the churches and in one particular um message that he gave in a church he made message that he gave in a church he made message that he gave in a church he made this statement he said the establishment this statement he said the establishment this statement he said the establishment of civil and religious liberty was the

of civil and religious liberty was the of civil and religious liberty was the motive which induced me to the field the motive which induced me to the field the motive which induced me to the field the reason I grant I accepted the commission reason I grant I accepted the commission reason I grant I accepted the commission to lead the army was my desire to see to lead the army was my desire to see to lead the army was my desire to see both civil and religious liberty both civil and religious liberty both civil and religious liberty be a part of what we experience as those be a part of what we experience as those be a part of what we experience as those of us who who live on this continent. of us who who live on this continent. of us who who live on this continent. Then from one of the most famous Then from one of the most famous Then from one of the most famous speeches that you've all heard or read speeches that you've all heard or read speeches that you've all heard or read parts of or perhaps memorized parts of parts of or perhaps memorized parts of parts of or perhaps memorized parts of in school at some point, Patrick Henry, in school at some point, Patrick Henry, in school at some point, Patrick Henry, he's speaking to the second Virginia he's speaking to the second Virginia he's speaking to the second Virginia Convention and what he's trying to Convention and what he's trying to Convention and what he's trying to convince the Virginiaians to raise a convince the Virginiaians to raise a convince the Virginiaians to raise a militia that would join the revol or the militia that would join the revol or the militia that would join the revol or the Continental Army. So he's trying to Continental Army. So he's trying to Continental Army. So he's trying to inspire them, you know, to engage in inspire them, you know, to engage in inspire them, you know, to engage in this this conflict. And here's what he this this conflict. And here's what he this this conflict. And here's what he here's what he said. He said, 'The here's what he said. He said, 'The here's what he said. He said, 'The millions of people armed in the holy millions of people armed in the holy millions of people armed in the holy cause of liberty. What was their cause? cause of liberty. What was their cause? cause of liberty. What was their cause? Their cause was liberty. In the holy Their cause was liberty. In the holy Their cause was liberty. In the holy cause of liberty and in such a country cause of liberty and in such a country cause of liberty and in such a country as that which we possess are invincible as that which we possess are invincible as that which we possess are invincible by any force which our enemy can send by any force which our enemy can send by any force which our enemy can send against us. In other words, we're we're against us. In other words, we're we're against us. In other words, we're we're going to win. So you guys need to going to win. So you guys need to going to win. So you guys need to engage. You know, don't come in late. engage. You know, don't come in late. engage. You know, don't come in late. Besides, he says, besides, sir, we shall Besides, he says, besides, sir, we shall Besides, he says, besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a not fight our battles alone. There is a not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies just God who presides over the destinies just God who presides over the destinies of nations and who will raise up of nations and who will raise up of nations and who will raise up friends. And that was like France, friends. And that was like France, friends. And that was like France, France, we need you. France, we really France, we need you. France, we really France, we need you. France, we really need you to get involved in this or need you to get involved in this or need you to get involved in this or we're going to lose. You know, who will we're going to lose. You know, who will we're going to lose. You know, who will raise will raise up friends to fight our raise will raise up friends to fight our raise will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. So the implication and battles for us. So the implication and battles for us. So the implication and this you find this throughout the this you find this throughout the this you find this throughout the literature. You know this. The literature. You know this. The literature. You know this. The implication is God is on our side. But implication is God is on our side. But implication is God is on our side. But back in merry old England, they thought

back in merry old England, they thought back in merry old England, they thought God was on their side. They are all God was on their side. They are all God was on their side. They are all literally singing off the same sheet of literally singing off the same sheet of literally singing off the same sheet of music, reading the same Bible, praying music, reading the same Bible, praying music, reading the same Bible, praying to the same God. It's it's it's maybe to the same God. It's it's it's maybe to the same God. It's it's it's maybe the best way to describe it, it's like the best way to describe it, it's like the best way to describe it, it's like when Georgia plays Alabama and football, when Georgia plays Alabama and football, when Georgia plays Alabama and football, right? And God's on both sides and God's right? And God's on both sides and God's right? And God's on both sides and God's like, "No, I'm just going to watch." I like, "No, I'm just going to watch." I like, "No, I'm just going to watch." I don't know how that works. Anyway, so don't know how that works. Anyway, so don't know how that works. Anyway, so Patrick Henry, Patrick Henry concludes Patrick Henry, Patrick Henry concludes Patrick Henry, Patrick Henry concludes this famous speech with these famous this famous speech with these famous this famous speech with these famous words. He says this, you remember this words. He says this, you remember this words. He says this, you remember this from school. He says, "I know not what from school. He says, "I know not what from school. He says, "I know not what course others may take, but as for me, course others may take, but as for me, course others may take, but as for me, give me give me give me >> Jesus." No, not Jesus. Give me liberty >> Jesus." No, not Jesus. Give me liberty >> Jesus." No, not Jesus. Give me liberty or give me death. Now, there's an irony or give me death. Now, there's an irony or give me death. Now, there's an irony here, and you know this, and I have to here, and you know this, and I have to here, and you know this, and I have to state it. The irony of ironyies is in state it. The irony of ironyies is in state it. The irony of ironyies is in the same speech he makes the case that the same speech he makes the case that the same speech he makes the case that the tension that they're wrestling with the tension that they're wrestling with the tension that they're wrestling with as Virginiaians, the tension is he he he as Virginiaians, the tension is he he he as Virginiaians, the tension is he he he he pitches it as a conflict as a a he pitches it as a conflict as a a he pitches it as a conflict as a a choice between freedom and slavery. Are choice between freedom and slavery. Are choice between freedom and slavery. Are we going to continue to be slaves to we going to continue to be slaves to we going to continue to be slaves to England to that other continent or are England to that other continent or are England to that other continent or are we going to are we going to embrace our we going to are we going to embrace our we going to are we going to embrace our freedom? Now, of course, the irony was freedom? Now, of course, the irony was freedom? Now, of course, the irony was he was a slave owner. But here is the he was a slave owner. But here is the he was a slave owner. But here is the amazing thing and the thing we should be amazing thing and the thing we should be amazing thing and the thing we should be so grateful for. Little did he or any of so grateful for. Little did he or any of so grateful for. Little did he or any of the founders know that the nation they the founders know that the nation they the founders know that the nation they were in the process of birthing were in the process of birthing were in the process of birthing would take their commitment to liberty would take their commitment to liberty would take their commitment to liberty more seriously more seriously and more more seriously more seriously and more more seriously more seriously and more literally than some of them did. But it

literally than some of them did. But it literally than some of them did. But it would be almost a hundred years before would be almost a hundred years before would be almost a hundred years before slavery was banned in the US. And here's slavery was banned in the US. And here's slavery was banned in the US. And here's the other interest interesting thing on the other interest interesting thing on the other interest interesting thing on both. In fact, it was the slave trade be both. In fact, it was the slave trade be both. In fact, it was the slave trade be was illegal and slavery was banned in was illegal and slavery was banned in was illegal and slavery was banned in the English colonies before it was the English colonies before it was the English colonies before it was banned in the United States of America. banned in the United States of America. banned in the United States of America. But on both continents, the drivers But on both continents, the drivers But on both continents, the drivers behind the anti-slavery movement, the behind the anti-slavery movement, the behind the anti-slavery movement, the drivers were Christians and eventually drivers were Christians and eventually drivers were Christians and eventually pastors and churches because both pastors and churches because both pastors and churches because both cultures were so extraordinarily cultures were so extraordinarily cultures were so extraordinarily Christianized. But then in the United Christianized. But then in the United Christianized. But then in the United States of America, it would be decades States of America, it would be decades States of America, it would be decades before women were liberated to vote. The before women were liberated to vote. The before women were liberated to vote. The point is they started something amazing. point is they started something amazing. point is they started something amazing. They started something that wasn't that They started something that wasn't that They started something that wasn't that wasn't overtly religious, but was wasn't overtly religious, but was wasn't overtly religious, but was certainly connected to the heart of God certainly connected to the heart of God certainly connected to the heart of God as we're going to see in just a minute. as we're going to see in just a minute. as we're going to see in just a minute. And they created a form of government And they created a form of government And they created a form of government with that as the end. The form of with that as the end. The form of with that as the end. The form of government they created was a means to government they created was a means to government they created was a means to that end. The found the founders that end. The found the founders that end. The found the founders established um a form of government that established um a form of government that established um a form of government that they thought created the maximum they thought created the maximum they thought created the maximum opportunity for liberty or maximum opportunity for liberty or maximum opportunity for liberty or maximum liberty for citizens. And the result, as liberty for citizens. And the result, as liberty for citizens. And the result, as you know, is our democratic republic you know, is our democratic republic you know, is our democratic republic where authority is exercised through the where authority is exercised through the where authority is exercised through the elected officials, the ones that we elected officials, the ones that we elected officials, the ones that we elect who are accountable to the people elect who are accountable to the people elect who are accountable to the people and then are sworn and this was the and then are sworn and this was the and then are sworn and this was the other kind of potentially fatal flaw in other kind of potentially fatal flaw in other kind of potentially fatal flaw in the system that they recognize that the system that they recognize that the system that they recognize that these elected officials are then sworn these elected officials are then sworn these elected officials are then sworn to uphold and govern in accordance with to uphold and govern in accordance with to uphold and govern in accordance with a document, a piece of paper, the

a document, a piece of paper, the a document, a piece of paper, the Constitution, and then later on or Constitution, and then later on or Constitution, and then later on or pretty soon after that, the Bill of pretty soon after that, the Bill of pretty soon after that, the Bill of Rights. And the bill of rights of course Rights. And the bill of rights of course Rights. And the bill of rights of course are the ten amendments. This is how are the ten amendments. This is how are the ten amendments. This is how committed they were to liberty. The ten committed they were to liberty. The ten committed they were to liberty. The ten amendments to the constitution our bill amendments to the constitution our bill amendments to the constitution our bill of rights were written to protect of rights were written to protect of rights were written to protect individual liberty. Any questions so individual liberty. Any questions so individual liberty. Any questions so far? Okay, that's review. Most of that far? Okay, that's review. Most of that far? Okay, that's review. Most of that you know or know you know specific you you know or know you know specific you you know or know you know specific you know some idea of. So which brings me to know some idea of. So which brings me to know some idea of. So which brings me to the point of today's message and we'll the point of today's message and we'll the point of today's message and we'll start with a question. How are we doing? start with a question. How are we doing? start with a question. How are we doing? How are we the people doing with this How are we the people doing with this How are we the people doing with this extraordinary gift that so many people extraordinary gift that so many people extraordinary gift that so many people have paid such a high price to create have paid such a high price to create have paid such a high price to create and give us the opportunity to and give us the opportunity to and give us the opportunity to experience? How well, another way of experience? How well, another way of experience? How well, another way of asking it is how well are we stewarding asking it is how well are we stewarding asking it is how well are we stewarding our liberty? And the answer is we will our liberty? And the answer is we will our liberty? And the answer is we will always struggle to to to steward it well always struggle to to to steward it well always struggle to to to steward it well because for us it's just like the air because for us it's just like the air because for us it's just like the air that we breathe. It's all we know. I that we breathe. It's all we know. I that we breathe. It's all we know. I mean, we get bits and pieces and mean, we get bits and pieces and mean, we get bits and pieces and glimpses of things in different parts of glimpses of things in different parts of glimpses of things in different parts of the world that make us glad we live in the world that make us glad we live in the world that make us glad we live in the United States of America. And we see the United States of America. And we see the United States of America. And we see s totalitarian governments or we see s totalitarian governments or we see s totalitarian governments or we see dictators and we're like, "Oh, I'm so dictators and we're like, "Oh, I'm so dictators and we're like, "Oh, I'm so glad I live in the United States of glad I live in the United States of glad I live in the United States of America." But because it is our daily America." But because it is our daily America." But because it is our daily experience for most of us because it's experience for most of us because it's experience for most of us because it's what we experience. It's easy to take what we experience. It's easy to take what we experience. It's easy to take for granted because whenever you have for granted because whenever you have for granted because whenever you have too much of anything, you don't too much of anything, you don't too much of anything, you don't appreciate it. It's just a principle.

appreciate it. It's just a principle. appreciate it. It's just a principle. It's not your fault or my fault. It's not your fault or my fault. It's not your fault or my fault. Whenever you have extra of anything, you Whenever you have extra of anything, you Whenever you have extra of anything, you just don't appreciate it the way you just don't appreciate it the way you just don't appreciate it the way you should. And for for us again, it's just should. And for for us again, it's just should. And for for us again, it's just Tuesday. Freedom is just Wednesday. But Tuesday. Freedom is just Wednesday. But Tuesday. Freedom is just Wednesday. But for our founders, this was so new and for our founders, this was so new and for our founders, this was so new and this was so fresh. And this was so from this was so fresh. And this was so from this was so fresh. And this was so from their perspective fragile. They knew their perspective fragile. They knew their perspective fragile. They knew that this experiment, Liberty, would that this experiment, Liberty, would that this experiment, Liberty, would only work as long as we the people chose only work as long as we the people chose only work as long as we the people chose to work it. They understood because they to work it. They understood because they to work it. They understood because they were on the precipice. They were in the were on the precipice. They were in the were on the precipice. They were in the they were the hinge in all of this. They they were the hinge in all of this. They they were the hinge in all of this. They understood how fragile this experiment understood how fragile this experiment understood how fragile this experiment in liberty is. They they understood that in liberty is. They they understood that in liberty is. They they understood that it must be handled carefully. And here's it must be handled carefully. And here's it must be handled carefully. And here's what they knew that we don't know what they knew that we don't know what they knew that we don't know because of when they lived. It's like, because of when they lived. It's like, because of when they lived. It's like, you know, they create that that's just a you know, they create that that's just a you know, they create that that's just a document. It's just words on paper. And document. It's just words on paper. And document. It's just words on paper. And they're thinking, okay, no king. Like I they're thinking, okay, no king. Like I they're thinking, okay, no king. Like I mean, remember later they wanted to they mean, remember later they wanted to they mean, remember later they wanted to they wanted to make George Washington the wanted to make George Washington the wanted to make George Washington the king. Why? because there's still like king. Why? because there's still like king. Why? because there's still like okay wait paper there's there's not okay wait paper there's there's not okay wait paper there's there's not going to be there's not going to be a going to be there's not going to be a going to be there's not going to be a single point of human authority or single point of human authority or single point of human authority or single point of authority that resides single point of authority that resides single point of authority that resides in a person just paper they knew and in a person just paper they knew and in a person just paper they knew and admitted this is what's so amazing and admitted this is what's so amazing and admitted this is what's so amazing and this is the thing we just can't forget this is the thing we just can't forget this is the thing we just can't forget they knew and they admitted it would they knew and they admitted it would they knew and they admitted it would require more than paper to guarantee require more than paper to guarantee require more than paper to guarantee liberty so John Adams second president liberty so John Adams second president liberty so John Adams second president of the United States so again what what of the United States so again what what of the United States so again what what these men and women, but you know, the

these men and women, but you know, the these men and women, but you know, the men who kind of were on the forefront, men who kind of were on the forefront, men who kind of were on the forefront, what they experienced it again, you you what they experienced it again, you you what they experienced it again, you you read and we read and it's remarkable. read and we read and it's remarkable. read and we read and it's remarkable. But John Adams, second president of the But John Adams, second president of the But John Adams, second president of the United States, um wrote down or United States, um wrote down or United States, um wrote down or communicated what they were also aware communicated what they were also aware communicated what they were also aware of. This is an extraordinary quote. He of. This is an extraordinary quote. He of. This is an extraordinary quote. He he says, "Our Constitution, the the one he says, "Our Constitution, the the one he says, "Our Constitution, the the one that he helped create, our constitution that he helped create, our constitution that he helped create, our constitution was made only for a moral and religious was made only for a moral and religious was made only for a moral and religious people." people." people." implication. If the people aren't moral implication. If the people aren't moral implication. If the people aren't moral and if the people aren't religious, and if the people aren't religious, and if the people aren't religious, this isn't going to work. This is this this isn't going to work. This is this this isn't going to work. This is this is someone who is at the epicenter of is someone who is at the epicenter of is someone who is at the epicenter of creating the form of government we creating the form of government we creating the form of government we experience every single day. Listen to experience every single day. Listen to experience every single day. Listen to this next line. It speaking of this this next line. It speaking of this this next line. It speaking of this extraordinary document, it is wholly extraordinary document, it is wholly extraordinary document, it is wholly inadequate inadequate inadequate to the government of any other. He to the government of any other. He to the government of any other. He acknowledged in fact multiple they acknowledged in fact multiple they acknowledged in fact multiple they acknowledge that there is a potential acknowledge that there is a potential acknowledge that there is a potential fatal flaw fatal flaw fatal flaw in this experiment and the fatal flaw in this experiment and the fatal flaw in this experiment and the fatal flaw potential fatal flaw is me potential fatal flaw is me potential fatal flaw is me and you and us. He considered their and you and us. He considered their and you and us. He considered their masterpiece of democracy wholly masterpiece of democracy wholly masterpiece of democracy wholly inadequate for governing if there was no inadequate for governing if there was no inadequate for governing if there was no moral consensus or we'll say a consensus moral consensus or we'll say a consensus moral consensus or we'll say a consensus of conscience. A moral code that of conscience. A moral code that of conscience. A moral code that anchored the a moral code that was a anchored the a moral code that was a anchored the a moral code that was a consensus of moral code that was a

consensus of moral code that was a consensus of moral code that was a consensus among those being governed consensus among those being governed consensus among those being governed that was that was anchored to something that was that was anchored to something that was that was anchored to something transcendent. This is why he uses the transcendent. This is why he uses the transcendent. This is why he uses the word religious in this quote for a moral word religious in this quote for a moral word religious in this quote for a moral and religious people. A sense of I'm and religious people. A sense of I'm and religious people. A sense of I'm accountable to something whether you accountable to something whether you accountable to something whether you call it a higher power or a personal god call it a higher power or a personal god call it a higher power or a personal god but there is something above all of us but there is something above all of us but there is something above all of us that holds us accountable. There is a that holds us accountable. There is a that holds us accountable. There is a divine ought and there is a divine ought divine ought and there is a divine ought divine ought and there is a divine ought not. George Washington agreed. If you've not. George Washington agreed. If you've not. George Washington agreed. If you've never read George Washington's farewell never read George Washington's farewell never read George Washington's farewell address if you've never read it you address if you've never read it you address if you've never read it you should read his farewell address. It's should read his farewell address. It's should read his farewell address. It's extraordinary. again when you think extraordinary. again when you think extraordinary. again when you think about what he endured and what he about what he endured and what he about what he endured and what he accomplished and again they wanted him accomplished and again they wanted him accomplished and again they wanted him to run run for a third term and he's to run run for a third term and he's to run run for a third term and he's like no in fact one of my favorite like no in fact one of my favorite like no in fact one of my favorite quotes um in in that period of history quotes um in in that period of history quotes um in in that period of history and I I didn't write it down so this is and I I didn't write it down so this is and I I didn't write it down so this is a little bit from memory but essentially a little bit from memory but essentially a little bit from memory but essentially as the story goes when King George heard as the story goes when King George heard as the story goes when King George heard okay this the revolutionary war is over okay this the revolutionary war is over okay this the revolutionary war is over the colonies have broken away the United the colonies have broken away the United the colonies have broken away the United States of America has been established States of America has been established States of America has been established George Washington has you know done his George Washington has you know done his George Washington has you know done his two terms in office when King George two terms in office when King George two terms in office when King George heard [snorts] that Washington decided heard [snorts] that Washington decided heard [snorts] that Washington decided to step down and not accept the offer of to step down and not accept the offer of to step down and not accept the offer of a third term. King George allegedly said a third term. King George allegedly said a third term. King George allegedly said if he if he does if he decides to if he if he does if he decides to if he if he does if he decides to decline that offer, he will truly be the decline that offer, he will truly be the decline that offer, he will truly be the greatest man who's ever lived.

greatest man who's ever lived. greatest man who's ever lived. Because his willingness to give up power Because his willingness to give up power Because his willingness to give up power is what set him apart from everyone else is what set him apart from everyone else is what set him apart from everyone else who clung to it. And as a king who who clung to it. And as a king who who clung to it. And as a king who inherited his right to rule, that was inherited his right to rule, that was inherited his right to rule, that was unthinkable that someone would give up unthinkable that someone would give up unthinkable that someone would give up that much power. King the king said he that much power. King the king said he that much power. King the king said he is perhaps the greatest man who who is is perhaps the greatest man who who is is perhaps the greatest man who who is alive or who has has ever lived because alive or who has has ever lived because alive or who has has ever lived because this was so unusual. But here's what this was so unusual. But here's what this was so unusual. But here's what here's what George Washington said in here's what George Washington said in here's what George Washington said in his farewell address. This is just one his farewell address. This is just one his farewell address. This is just one statement. He said, 'Of all the statement. He said, 'Of all the statement. He said, 'Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to dispositions and habits which lead to dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, political prosperity, political prosperity, of all the things that rel would lead to of all the things that rel would lead to of all the things that rel would lead to political prosperity, religion and political prosperity, religion and political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. If morality are indispensable supports. If morality are indispensable supports. If the people aren't moral, if there's not the people aren't moral, if there's not the people aren't moral, if there's not a consensus of conscience, if there's a consensus of conscience, if there's a consensus of conscience, if there's not a consensus of what ought to and not a consensus of what ought to and not a consensus of what ought to and what ought not be done, this will not what ought not be done, this will not what ought not be done, this will not work. A self-governing republic required work. A self-governing republic required work. A self-governing republic required a virtuous governed. That was the a virtuous governed. That was the a virtuous governed. That was the potential weak link. Perhaps, and I love potential weak link. Perhaps, and I love potential weak link. Perhaps, and I love this quote. It doesn't really fit the this quote. It doesn't really fit the this quote. It doesn't really fit the sermon, but I just like it so much I sermon, but I just like it so much I sermon, but I just like it so much I wedged it in. Okay. Perhaps they would wedged it in. Okay. Perhaps they would wedged it in. Okay. Perhaps they would have agreed with what Winston Churchill have agreed with what Winston Churchill have agreed with what Winston Churchill said when he said this. This is amazing.

said when he said this. This is amazing. said when he said this. This is amazing. Winston Churchill said, "Democracy is Winston Churchill said, "Democracy is Winston Churchill said, "Democracy is the worst form of government the worst form of government the worst form of government except for all the others that have been except for all the others that have been except for all the others that have been tried." [laughter] tried." [laughter] tried." [laughter] His point was this. The problem with His point was this. The problem with His point was this. The problem with democracy is it depends on those who are democracy is it depends on those who are democracy is it depends on those who are being governed. And if those who are being governed. And if those who are being governed. And if those who are being governed, if there's not a moral being governed, if there's not a moral being governed, if there's not a moral consensus, if they aren't, if if you consensus, if they aren't, if if you consensus, if they aren't, if if you know, if depending on who's being know, if depending on who's being know, if depending on who's being governed, if there's not something good, governed, if there's not something good, governed, if there's not something good, if there's not a commitment to virtue, if there's not a commitment to virtue, if there's not a commitment to virtue, even democracy won't work. It's the even democracy won't work. It's the even democracy won't work. It's the worst form of government, but it's the worst form of government, but it's the worst form of government, but it's the best thing we've got. So Washington and best thing we've got. So Washington and best thing we've got. So Washington and Adams and all the others, they were Adams and all the others, they were Adams and all the others, they were correct. law and law enforcement, law correct. law and law enforcement, law correct. law and law enforcement, law and law enforcement was not enough to and law enforcement was not enough to and law enforcement was not enough to protect the liberty they pursued and the protect the liberty they pursued and the protect the liberty they pursued and the liberty they hope to give to this new liberty they hope to give to this new liberty they hope to give to this new nation. Something else was required. But nation. Something else was required. But nation. Something else was required. But here's the problem, and here's why here's the problem, and here's why here's the problem, and here's why you're the solution. The something else you're the solution. The something else you're the solution. The something else that guarantees liberty can't be that guarantees liberty can't be that guarantees liberty can't be mandated. mandated. mandated. It's a choice.

It's a choice. It's a choice. We literally choose how free we intend We literally choose how free we intend We literally choose how free we intend to be as a nation. And the founders knew to be as a nation. And the founders knew to be as a nation. And the founders knew this. And and I'm not trying to be cute, this. And and I'm not trying to be cute, this. And and I'm not trying to be cute, but here's their message. Liberty, but here's their message. Liberty, but here's their message. Liberty, choose it or lose it. That's right. choose it or lose it. That's right. choose it or lose it. That's right. Because liberty requires a variable. The Because liberty requires a variable. The Because liberty requires a variable. The government has no control over the government has no control over the government has no control over the character of the govern. character of the govern. character of the govern. If we choose, if I choose, if we choose If we choose, if I choose, if we choose If we choose, if I choose, if we choose to be as selfish and as self-centered as to be as selfish and as self-centered as to be as selfish and as self-centered as we have the liberty to be, we erode what we have the liberty to be, we erode what we have the liberty to be, we erode what we claim to value, what we claim to we claim to value, what we claim to we claim to value, what we claim to value most. value most. value most. And the solution is [snorts] And the solution is [snorts] And the solution is [snorts] you, you, you, me, me, me, and us. and us. and us. we the people. But we the people. But we the people. But specifically, the solution is specifically, the solution is specifically, the solution is Jesus followers. Here's why I say that.

Jesus followers. Here's why I say that. Jesus followers. Here's why I say that. Actually, I'll let the Apostle Paul say Actually, I'll let the Apostle Paul say Actually, I'll let the Apostle Paul say it. The Apostle Paul, as you know, it. The Apostle Paul, as you know, it. The Apostle Paul, as you know, writing to first century Christians, writing to first century Christians, writing to first century Christians, contextualizing what Jesus said to contextualizing what Jesus said to contextualizing what Jesus said to Jewish people. He's Paul is writing Jewish people. He's Paul is writing Jewish people. He's Paul is writing mostly to Gentiles and clearly in a very mostly to Gentiles and clearly in a very mostly to Gentiles and clearly in a very different context than the one that different context than the one that different context than the one that we're talking about points to a we're talking about points to a we're talking about points to a principle that is so true. It's a principle that is so true. It's a principle that is so true. It's a principle of sewing and reaping. Now, principle of sewing and reaping. Now, principle of sewing and reaping. Now, this is important. Um, a principle is this is important. Um, a principle is this is important. Um, a principle is not something that you break. A not something that you break. A not something that you break. A principle is something that you break principle is something that you break principle is something that you break yourself against. A principle is not yourself against. A principle is not yourself against. A principle is not something you break. You can't break a something you break. You can't break a something you break. You can't break a principle. A principle is if you ignore principle. A principle is if you ignore principle. A principle is if you ignore it, you break yourself against it. It's it, you break yourself against it. It's it, you break yourself against it. It's the law of the harvest. It's sewing and the law of the harvest. It's sewing and the law of the harvest. It's sewing and reaping. And here's what the Apostle reaping. And here's what the Apostle reaping. And here's what the Apostle Paul says to these Christians living in Paul says to these Christians living in Paul says to these Christians living in the Roman province of Galatia. This is a the Roman province of Galatia. This is a the Roman province of Galatia. This is a throwback from last time we were throwback from last time we were throwback from last time we were together. He writes, "You, my brothers together. He writes, "You, my brothers together. He writes, "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free." In and sisters, were called to be free." In and sisters, were called to be free." In other words, this is evidence that God other words, this is evidence that God other words, this is evidence that God is a God who enjoys liberty. And this is is a God who enjoys liberty. And this is is a God who enjoys liberty. And this is a God, this liberty was God's idea. In a God, this liberty was God's idea. In a God, this liberty was God's idea. In fact, it's so interesting if you take fact, it's so interesting if you take fact, it's so interesting if you take the book of Genesis seriously like I do, the book of Genesis seriously like I do, the book of Genesis seriously like I do, that when God created the first people that when God created the first people that when God created the first people and put them on in the Garden of Eden, and put them on in the Garden of Eden, and put them on in the Garden of Eden, he gave them one rule. That's it. Not he gave them one rule. That's it. Not he gave them one rule. That's it. Not ten commandments, one. He established ten commandments, one. He established ten commandments, one. He established his authority as God. Just one. God is a his authority as God. Just one. God is a his authority as God. Just one. God is a God who created us to be free. So Paul God who created us to be free. So Paul God who created us to be free. So Paul writes, "My brothers and sisters, we are writes, "My brothers and sisters, we are writes, "My brothers and sisters, we are called to be free." But and here's here called to be free." But and here's here called to be free." But and here's here it is. Here are our marching orders.

it is. Here are our marching orders. it is. Here are our marching orders. This is what makes all the difference in This is what makes all the difference in This is what makes all the difference in your family. This is what makes all the your family. This is what makes all the your family. This is what makes all the difference at work. This is what makes difference at work. This is what makes difference at work. This is what makes all the difference at school. He says, all the difference at school. He says, all the difference at school. He says, "You're to be free, but do not do not "You're to be free, but do not do not "You're to be free, but do not do not use your freedom to indulge yourselves. use your freedom to indulge yourselves. use your freedom to indulge yourselves. Don't leverage your freedom for your Don't leverage your freedom for your Don't leverage your freedom for your benefit alone. use it, but do not abuse benefit alone. use it, but do not abuse benefit alone. use it, but do not abuse it. Because can do, can do doesn't it. Because can do, can do doesn't it. Because can do, can do doesn't equate to ought to. Everything you are equate to ought to. Everything you are equate to ought to. Everything you are free to do is not something you ought to free to do is not something you ought to free to do is not something you ought to do. And the moment we lose that, the do. And the moment we lose that, the do. And the moment we lose that, the moment we flip that around, the moment moment we flip that around, the moment moment we flip that around, the moment we run to our own little selfish we run to our own little selfish we run to our own little selfish corners, and there's nothing you can do corners, and there's nothing you can do corners, and there's nothing you can do about it, and I'm not breaking any laws, about it, and I'm not breaking any laws, about it, and I'm not breaking any laws, and I'm not breaking any civil and I'm not breaking any civil and I'm not breaking any civil ordinances. The moment we do that, ordinances. The moment we do that, ordinances. The moment we do that, listen, we begin to lose what we value listen, we begin to lose what we value listen, we begin to lose what we value most. We begin to lose our liberty. So most. We begin to lose our liberty. So most. We begin to lose our liberty. So Paul is saying, and you understand this, Paul is saying, and you understand this, Paul is saying, and you understand this, we just need a reminder every once in a we just need a reminder every once in a we just need a reminder every once in a while. Don't confuse liberty with while. Don't confuse liberty with while. Don't confuse liberty with entitlement. Don't ask the question, entitlement. Don't ask the question, entitlement. Don't ask the question, "How low can I go?" Quit asking the "How low can I go?" Quit asking the "How low can I go?" Quit asking the question, "What can I get by with?" One question, "What can I get by with?" One question, "What can I get by with?" One of the frustrating things about people of the frustrating things about people of the frustrating things about people who do what I do, um, is we're often who do what I do, um, is we're often who do what I do, um, is we're often asked, and for years and years, I I kept asked, and for years and years, I I kept asked, and for years and years, I I kept changing my answer because it's such an changing my answer because it's such an changing my answer because it's such an irritating question. But I get it. I irritating question. But I get it. I irritating question. But I get it. I understand why people ask this question.

understand why people ask this question. understand why people ask this question. Does the Bible say such and such is a Does the Bible say such and such is a Does the Bible say such and such is a sin? Does the Bible say such and such is sin? Does the Bible say such and such is sin? Does the Bible say such and such is a sin? Does the Bible say such and such a sin? Does the Bible say such and such a sin? Does the Bible say such and such is a sin? Here's what's behind the is a sin? Here's what's behind the is a sin? Here's what's behind the question. I would like to get as close question. I would like to get as close question. I would like to get as close to sin as possible without God being mad to sin as possible without God being mad to sin as possible without God being mad at me. So, if you'll just tell me, I at me. So, if you'll just tell me, I at me. So, if you'll just tell me, I just want to know where the line is. just want to know where the line is. just want to know where the line is. Okay? I want because I want to live Okay? I want because I want to live Okay? I want because I want to live right on the line and God's going to right on the line and God's going to right on the line and God's going to love me, but I'm getting by with love me, but I'm getting by with love me, but I'm getting by with everything I can get by with. Jesus everything I can get by with. Jesus everything I can get by with. Jesus never answered that question. The Bible never answered that question. The Bible never answered that question. The Bible doesn't answer that question. And as doesn't answer that question. And as doesn't answer that question. And as soon as you catch yourself asking that soon as you catch yourself asking that soon as you catch yourself asking that question, you have become part of the question, you have become part of the question, you have become part of the problem. problem. problem. Whether it's what the Bible teaches or Whether it's what the Bible teaches or Whether it's what the Bible teaches or what the law says because men and women what the law says because men and women what the law says because men and women who retreat to the edge, I'm going to be who retreat to the edge, I'm going to be who retreat to the edge, I'm going to be as I'm going to be as illegal as I can as I'm going to be as illegal as I can as I'm going to be as illegal as I can possibly be illegal without getting possibly be illegal without getting possibly be illegal without getting caught. What have we done? We've begun caught. What have we done? We've begun caught. What have we done? We've begun to leverage our liberty for our sake and to leverage our liberty for our sake and to leverage our liberty for our sake and eventually we move further and further eventually we move further and further eventually we move further and further and further apart. What Paul writes next and further apart. What Paul writes next and further apart. What Paul writes next changes everything. If we take it changes everything. If we take it changes everything. If we take it seriously, it takes it changes seriously, it takes it changes seriously, it takes it changes everything. And again at home, at work, everything. And again at home, at work, everything. And again at home, at work, at school, in the country, in a at school, in the country, in a at school, in the country, in a community, community, community, he says, "Rather, he says, "Rather, he says, "Rather, do not use your freedom to indulge do not use your freedom to indulge do not use your freedom to indulge yourselves. Rather, use your freedom and yourselves. Rather, use your freedom and yourselves. Rather, use your freedom and your liberty for the benefit of other your liberty for the benefit of other your liberty for the benefit of other people to serve one another humbly in people to serve one another humbly in people to serve one another humbly in love, just like your savior did for you.

love, just like your savior did for you. love, just like your savior did for you. Leverage your freedom with others in Leverage your freedom with others in Leverage your freedom with others in mind. mind. mind. But you don't have to, but you should But you don't have to, but you should But you don't have to, but you should choose to. choose to. choose to. You don't have to share, You don't have to share, You don't have to share, but you should choose to. You in this but you should choose to. You in this but you should choose to. You in this country, you don't have to tell the country, you don't have to tell the country, you don't have to tell the truth unless you're in court or in a truth unless you're in court or in a truth unless you're in court or in a couple other incidences, but other than couple other incidences, but other than couple other incidences, but other than that, you can lie and lie and lie and that, you can lie and lie and lie and that, you can lie and lie and lie and lie and it is not illegal and you will lie and it is not illegal and you will lie and it is not illegal and you will not be arrested. You do not have to tell not be arrested. You do not have to tell not be arrested. You do not have to tell the truth. You should choose to. You the truth. You should choose to. You the truth. You should choose to. You don't have to do your best at work, but don't have to do your best at work, but don't have to do your best at work, but you should choose to. You don't have to you should choose to. You don't have to you should choose to. You don't have to be faithful to your spouse. You should be faithful to your spouse. You should be faithful to your spouse. You should choose to. So we choose to and if we choose to. So we choose to and if we choose to. So we choose to and if we don't if we see liberty as entitlement don't if we see liberty as entitlement don't if we see liberty as entitlement if we ask the question how low can I go if we ask the question how low can I go if we ask the question how low can I go how close to sin can I get without how close to sin can I get without how close to sin can I get without sinning how close can I get to break how sinning how close can I get to break how sinning how close can I get to break how much law can I break without being much law can I break without being much law can I break without being arrested he says let me let me tell you arrested he says let me let me tell you arrested he says let me let me tell you what happens if you're going to be what happens if you're going to be what happens if you're going to be irresponsible with your liberty if irresponsible with your liberty if irresponsible with your liberty if you're going to live according to the you're going to live according to the you're going to live according to the since I don't have to I won't do Paul since I don't have to I won't do Paul since I don't have to I won't do Paul says here's what you can expect says here's what you can expect says here's what you can expect and nobody's put me in charge of the and nobody's put me in charge of the and nobody's put me in charge of the country but I would say to our country country but I would say to our country country but I would say to our country here's what we can expect and here to here's what we can expect and here to here's what we can expect and here to some extent is what we are experiencing.

If you decide to leverage your liberty If you decide to leverage your liberty for your sake only, you will eventually for your sake only, you will eventually for your sake only, you will eventually just bite and devour each other. This is just bite and devour each other. This is just bite and devour each other. This is graphic language in Greek. It's kind of graphic language in Greek. It's kind of graphic language in Greek. It's kind of graphic in English. These are these are graphic in English. These are these are graphic in English. These are these are two wild dogs battling to the death. two wild dogs battling to the death. two wild dogs battling to the death. These are wild animals trying to get These are wild animals trying to get These are wild animals trying to get their jaws around the throat of the their jaws around the throat of the their jaws around the throat of the other, trying to have their way. I'll other, trying to have their way. I'll other, trying to have their way. I'll have my way. It's two dogs wrestling have my way. It's two dogs wrestling have my way. It's two dogs wrestling over a piece of meat. I will have you over a piece of meat. I will have you over a piece of meat. I will have you have mine. I have I'm not getting what I have mine. I have I'm not getting what I have mine. I have I'm not getting what I deserve. He says, eventually your deserve. He says, eventually your deserve. He says, eventually your expression of liberty will devour the expression of liberty will devour the expression of liberty will devour the community and will devour the context community and will devour the context community and will devour the context that has given you the gift of liberty. that has given you the gift of liberty. that has given you the gift of liberty. demand your way at the expense of others demand your way at the expense of others demand your way at the expense of others because you can, because you have every because you can, because you have every because you can, because you have every right to. right to. right to. He says, "Watch out He says, "Watch out He says, "Watch out or you will be destroyed or you will be destroyed or you will be destroyed by each other by each other by each other in your abused expressions of the in your abused expressions of the in your abused expressions of the liberty that someone liberty that someone liberty that someone gifted you with, that you took advantage gifted you with, that you took advantage gifted you with, that you took advantage of."

of." of." I don't have to tell you this, but I'll I don't have to tell you this, but I'll I don't have to tell you this, but I'll say it anyway. Selfishness say it anyway. Selfishness say it anyway. Selfishness divides. divides. divides. Selflessness Selflessness Selflessness unites. Selfishness. I'm not breaking unites. Selfishness. I'm not breaking unites. Selfishness. I'm not breaking any laws. I don't have to. You can't any laws. I don't have to. You can't any laws. I don't have to. You can't make me. Divides. Try that at home. make me. Divides. Try that at home. make me. Divides. Try that at home. Right? Isn't that part of what's Right? Isn't that part of what's Right? Isn't that part of what's happening in homes when things aren't happening in homes when things aren't happening in homes when things aren't well? Selflessness. I don't have to, but well? Selflessness. I don't have to, but well? Selflessness. I don't have to, but I choose to. I don't have to, but I love I choose to. I don't have to, but I love I choose to. I don't have to, but I love you. I don't have to, but I have the you. I don't have to, but I have the you. I don't have to, but I have the freedom to unites. But here's the freedom to unites. But here's the freedom to unites. But here's the potential fatal flaw in our system. And potential fatal flaw in our system. And potential fatal flaw in our system. And our founders knew it and they warned us. our founders knew it and they warned us. our founders knew it and they warned us. You can't legislate or mandate You can't legislate or mandate You can't legislate or mandate selflessness. It must be chosen. And our selflessness. It must be chosen. And our selflessness. It must be chosen. And our founders knew that. founders knew that. founders knew that. But here's why there's hope. About 70% But here's why there's hope. About 70% But here's why there's hope. About 70% depending on when the surveys are done depending on when the surveys are done depending on when the surveys are done and the how the questions are written. and the how the questions are written. and the how the questions are written. about 70% of people who are citizens of about 70% of people who are citizens of about 70% of people who are citizens of the United States of America claim to be the United States of America claim to be the United States of America claim to be Christian or some for some form of Christian or some for some form of Christian or some for some form of Christian.

Christian. Christian. If everyone in our country who claims to If everyone in our country who claims to If everyone in our country who claims to be some form of Christian would embrace be some form of Christian would embrace be some form of Christian would embrace the original meaning of the term, this the original meaning of the term, this the original meaning of the term, this is why you shouldn't use I don't think is why you shouldn't use I don't think is why you shouldn't use I don't think we should use Christian as an adjective we should use Christian as an adjective we should use Christian as an adjective because it diminishes the nature of what because it diminishes the nature of what because it diminishes the nature of what it means. If every if every person who it means. If every if every person who it means. If every if every person who names the name of Jesus believes Jesus names the name of Jesus believes Jesus names the name of Jesus believes Jesus is their savior, it claims to be any is their savior, it claims to be any is their savior, it claims to be any form of Christian, Protestant, Catholic, form of Christian, Protestant, Catholic, form of Christian, Protestant, Catholic, whatever. If every single one of us whatever. If every single one of us whatever. If every single one of us would simply embrace the original would simply embrace the original would simply embrace the original meaning of the term Christian, which meaning of the term Christian, which meaning of the term Christian, which means a follower of the teaching of means a follower of the teaching of means a follower of the teaching of Jesus. It doesn't mean believing a bunch Jesus. It doesn't mean believing a bunch Jesus. It doesn't mean believing a bunch of stuff. It means following the of stuff. It means following the of stuff. It means following the teaching, the practical teaching of teaching, the practical teaching of teaching, the practical teaching of Jesus. If every person who claims to be Jesus. If every person who claims to be Jesus. If every person who claims to be a Christian would decide that Jesus is a a Christian would decide that Jesus is a a Christian would decide that Jesus is a king and I'm a follower of a king. In king and I'm a follower of a king. In king and I'm a follower of a king. In other words, if Christlike other words, if Christlike other words, if Christlike characterize Christians, characterize Christians, characterize Christians, things change. In fact, if Christ if things change. In fact, if Christ if things change. In fact, if Christ if Christians were characterized by Christians were characterized by Christians were characterized by Christlike and embrace the idea of Christlike and embrace the idea of Christlike and embrace the idea of Christlike, it almost wouldn't matter Christlike, it almost wouldn't matter Christlike, it almost wouldn't matter who's in office. Our liberty would be who's in office. Our liberty would be who's in office. Our liberty would be maintained. But if we don't, it doesn't maintained. But if we don't, it doesn't maintained. But if we don't, it doesn't matter who's in office. We will bite and matter who's in office. We will bite and matter who's in office. We will bite and bite and bite and devour one bite and bite and devour one bite and bite and devour one another.

another. another. And you hate it when that happens. You And you hate it when that happens. You And you hate it when that happens. You hate it when you see it at work. Just hate it when you see it at work. Just hate it when you see it at work. Just petty yiky yak. You hate it when you see petty yiky yak. You hate it when you see petty yiky yak. You hate it when you see it in your fraternity or your sorority. it in your fraternity or your sorority. it in your fraternity or your sorority. It's like, what are they even arguing It's like, what are they even arguing It's like, what are they even arguing about? They won't even speak to each about? They won't even speak to each about? They won't even speak to each other. Some of you have had the awful other. Some of you have had the awful other. Some of you have had the awful experience of being alienated from a experience of being alienated from a experience of being alienated from a father or a mother or a brother or a father or a mother or a brother or a father or a mother or a brother or a sister. And after time goes by, you sister. And after time goes by, you sister. And after time goes by, you can't even really remember what can't even really remember what can't even really remember what happened. And then somebody's on their happened. And then somebody's on their happened. And then somebody's on their deathbed and suddenly everybody's deathbed and suddenly everybody's deathbed and suddenly everybody's apologizing and coming back together. apologizing and coming back together. apologizing and coming back together. Why? Because selflessness unites and Why? Because selflessness unites and Why? Because selflessness unites and selfishness divides. It's that simple. selfishness divides. It's that simple. selfishness divides. It's that simple. So as we celebrate this milestone in our So as we celebrate this milestone in our So as we celebrate this milestone in our nation's history, in our young nation's nation's history, in our young nation's nation's history, in our young nation's history, let's remember history, let's remember history, let's remember liberty rises and falls on the choices liberty rises and falls on the choices liberty rises and falls on the choices we the people make. every single day. we the people make. every single day. we the people make. every single day. So, let's choose to be more than law- So, let's choose to be more than law- So, let's choose to be more than law- abiding as citizens, right? That's abiding as citizens, right? That's abiding as citizens, right? That's that's as low as you can go. Let's don't that's as low as you can go. Let's don't that's as low as you can go. Let's don't settle for that. Let's let's do what's settle for that. Let's let's do what's settle for that. Let's let's do what's just, not what we can justify.

just, not what we can justify. just, not what we can justify. Let's do what's responsible, Let's do what's responsible, Let's do what's responsible, not simply what's permissible. not simply what's permissible. not simply what's permissible. Let's participate politically Let's participate politically Let's participate politically and then choose to live responsibly. and then choose to live responsibly. and then choose to live responsibly. This experiment in liberty will only This experiment in liberty will only This experiment in liberty will only continue to work to the degree that we continue to work to the degree that we continue to work to the degree that we the people choose to work it. And we the the people choose to work it. And we the the people choose to work it. And we the Jesus people have no excuse because we Jesus people have no excuse because we Jesus people have no excuse because we the Jesus people have been commanded to the Jesus people have been commanded to the Jesus people have been commanded to work it because work it because work it because leveraging liberty for the benefit of leveraging liberty for the benefit of leveraging liberty for the benefit of others is the way others is the way others is the way of Jesus. of Jesus. of Jesus. He famously said on his way to Jerusalem He famously said on his way to Jerusalem He famously said on his way to Jerusalem to die for even the son of man speaking to die for even the son of man speaking to die for even the son of man speaking of himself did not come to be served but of himself did not come to be served but of himself did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life ransom for to serve and to give his life ransom for to serve and to give his life ransom for many. But Jesus we thought you were many. But Jesus we thought you were many. But Jesus we thought you were king. I am the king and I have come to king. I am the king and I have come to king. I am the king and I have come to reverse the order of things. I am not reverse the order of things. I am not reverse the order of things. I am not requiring you to die for me like the requiring you to die for me like the requiring you to die for me like the average king does. I have come to die average king does. I have come to die average king does. I have come to die for you and now I'm asking you to follow for you and now I'm asking you to follow for you and now I'm asking you to follow me. And on the front end it will feel me. And on the front end it will feel me. And on the front end it will feel like sacrifice. But in the end you will like sacrifice. But in the end you will like sacrifice. But in the end you will preserve what you value most. Liberty preserve what you value most. Liberty preserve what you value most. Liberty and freedom because you stewarded it and freedom because you stewarded it and freedom because you stewarded it well. Our liberty as a nation has is has well. Our liberty as a nation has is has well. Our liberty as a nation has is has always been and is currently in our always been and is currently in our always been and is currently in our hands. We will steward it well or we hands. We will steward it well or we hands. We will steward it well or we will devour it away. Choice is mine.

will devour it away. Choice is mine. will devour it away. Choice is mine. Choice is yours. Choice is ours. Choice is yours. Choice is ours. Choice is yours. Choice is ours. Because liberty rises and falls on the Because liberty rises and falls on the Because liberty rises and falls on the choices we the people make every single choices we the people make every single choices we the people make every single day. day. day. Let's pray. Let's pray. Let's pray. Father, thank you Father, thank you Father, thank you for those extraordinary men, their for those extraordinary men, their for those extraordinary men, their extraordinary families, the price they extraordinary families, the price they extraordinary families, the price they paid, paid, paid, the faith they held to. It's it's why we're here. and we can It's it's why we're here. and we can only read and try to appreciate. But only read and try to appreciate. But only read and try to appreciate. But moving forward, moving forward, moving forward, give us wisdom to know what to do with give us wisdom to know what to do with give us wisdom to know what to do with this. I didn't make this up. This is our this. I didn't make this up. This is our this. I didn't make this up. This is our reality. reality. reality. And we're so blessed. And in some ways, And we're so blessed. And in some ways, And we're so blessed. And in some ways, we're so spoiled. And I pray that we we're so spoiled. And I pray that we we're so spoiled. And I pray that we would never feel guilty for the liberty would never feel guilty for the liberty would never feel guilty for the liberty and the opportunities and the privileges and the opportunities and the privileges and the opportunities and the privileges we have. I feel we I pray that we we have. I feel we I pray that we we have. I feel we I pray that we wouldn't feel guilty. we would feel wouldn't feel guilty. we would feel wouldn't feel guilty. we would feel responsible responsible responsible because you have given us opportunity because you have given us opportunity because you have given us opportunity like no other nation and no other like no other nation and no other like no other nation and no other generation in any other nation has ever generation in any other nation has ever generation in any other nation has ever had. So open our eyes, open our eyes in had. So open our eyes, open our eyes in had. So open our eyes, open our eyes in this room, those are listening, people this room, those are listening, people this room, those are listening, people in our churches, open the eyes of our in our churches, open the eyes of our in our churches, open the eyes of our nation. Open the eyes of our nation's nation. Open the eyes of our nation's nation. Open the eyes of our nation's leaders. And I pray that we would leaders. And I pray that we would leaders. And I pray that we would continue to be a beacon on a hill continue to be a beacon on a hill continue to be a beacon on a hill for the world, a beacon of liberty, but for the world, a beacon of liberty, but for the world, a beacon of liberty, but under that, supporting that, a beacon of

under that, supporting that, a beacon of under that, supporting that, a beacon of light that reflects the light of the light that reflects the light of the light that reflects the light of the world who came to give his life so we world who came to give his life so we world who came to give his life so we could experience this kind of freedom. could experience this kind of freedom. could experience this kind of freedom. And we pray all of that in Jesus name. And we pray all of that in Jesus name. And we pray all of that in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Amen. Well, thanks for Thank you. Thanks for uh spending your Fourth of Thanks for uh spending your Fourth of July weekend Sunday with us on your way July weekend Sunday with us on your way July weekend Sunday with us on your way out. We have Kona ice trucks on the out. We have Kona ice trucks on the out. We have Kona ice trucks on the lawn. We hired all of them so you won't lawn. We hired all of them so you won't lawn. We hired all of them so you won't have to stand in line. Enjoy the rest of have to stand in line. Enjoy the rest of have to stand in line. Enjoy the rest of your day. We'll see you next weekend.