Celebrating Independence Day 

Independence Day is one of my favorite holidays -- celebrating patriotism, our history and the tremendous courage, faith and sacrifices of our Founding Fathers. As the 237th birthday of America dawnstomorrow, millions will get together with friends and family for backyard barbeques, games and fireworks. 

By all means, enjoy the day! But please take a moment to remind your children and grandchildren about America's exceptionalism and the significance of Independence Day. 

Remind them about the sacrifices made to create this nation and preserve our freedoms. Tell them about America's "values statement." It can be found in the second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence: 
 

• "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed…"

This week the country also celebrated the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg -- the decisive battle that turned the tide of the Civil War. After the battle, President Abraham Lincoln delivered one of the greatest testimonies to the American experiment. Honoring the sacrifices of the men who died on the Gettysburg battlefield, Lincoln declared: 
 

• "…we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

Last week, the notion of a government "of the people, by the people and for the people" suffered a devastating blow when the Supreme Court refused to consider Proposition 8. A law passed by the majority of voters of our most populous state, preserving one of our most cherished institutions, was ignored by arrogant elected officials and imperious judges. 

The disenfranchisement of millions of Californians was a chilling exercise of raw political power more suited to the tin pot thugs and dictators who terrorize Third World countries. In many respects it was a sad day for freedom and self-governance. 

I have to be honest with you, I wonder if America is currently experiencing a "fundamental transformation" that may forever change the character of this great nation. This July 4th is no doubt one of the most important in our history. The future of our liberty depends on whether folks like you and me can come up with renewed courage to fight back. 

In closing, I would like to offer a brief word of encouragement to our pastors, who are on the front lines of the culture war, now more than ever, given the assault on marriage and religious liberty.

John Peter Gabriel Muhlenberg is a lesser-known hero of the War for Independence. He was a pastor and a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses. 

In 1775, he preached a sermon on Ecclesiastes 3:1 -- "For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven." Pastor Muhlenberg closed his sermon with these words: 
 

• "In the language of Holy Writ, there is a time for all things. There is a time to preach and a time to fight. And now is the time to fight."

He then removed his clerical robes and revealed to the congregation that he was wearing the uniform of an officer in the Continental Army. 

Pastor Muhlenberg's example of a man of God fighting for our God-given rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness should give increased fervor and devotion most especially to those who lead us in the fight for faith, family and freedom. And like few times in our nation's history, this is a time to fight for the values we cherish! 

God bless you, my friends, and may God bless the United States of America!