2022-07-03 Independence to be Dependent

I Timothy 2:1  “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;  2  For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty3  For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

Let us be most thankful this day, for we yet have the Independence to be Dependent upon the Sovereign, Eternal, Holy God and to worship and serve our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Most High God.  Today is when our country commemorates the passage of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776.  This Congress Declared our Country’s Independence from all governing authority and power by the British Government.  However, it was not until December 15, 1791, when the first Ten Bill Of Rights Were Ratified, that governmental restraints and controls were lifted from religion and the Churches.  Although, religious freedom is now guaranteed under the Constitution, it has been a struggle to maintain this blessed liberty, even down to this very day.  This is why Paul so strongly exhorts us to pray for our civil leaders, that God would intervene through them so “that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty”!  For, the object of True Religion is to “worship the Father in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24) and to be “quiet and peaceable” in the world, not making headlines with great controversies and troubles; but, living simple and sincere lives (II Corinthians 1:12) in all “godliness and honesty”; being good neighbors to all, and always, in all things “Holding forth the word of life” rejoicing “in the day of Christ” (Philippians 2:16).  “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour”!