The word freedom is defined as liberation from slavery, restraint, or the power of another.

In about 10 days our nation will celebrate the beginnings of freedom from the power of another, in this case a king. Through our history where freedom has prevailed blessing and prosperity have followed.

When people have been overtaken by greed and selfishness, many have been hurt and some destroyed. The nation has struggled at times from these sins so much that its future existence has been threatened. Through truth and righteousness (found only in Jesus) has the nation been able to avoid self-destruction.

The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 3:17 that the Lord is the Spirit and wherever the Lord is there is freedom. The freedom and blessing that this nation has enjoyed for around 250 years is currently being threatened by those who have turned away from the faith of our fathers and sought their own pursuits.

1 Peter 2:15-17 says, “It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you. For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. Respect everyone and love the family of believers. Fear God and respect the king.”

It is time for America to return to God and to her first love. We need to turn from our own personal pursuits and give ourselves entirely to the purposes of God for this nation. It is time we put our faith in God and what He has accomplished for us through our Savior.

Ken Lawrence is pastor emeritus at River of Life Church.