It was a birth that started with a Declaration of Independence.   It was an independence that was won by military victory over an oppressive government that disregarded its own laws and responsibilities as set forth in the Magna Carta.  As an officer in the U.S. Navy I endeavor to be keenly aware of the significance of historical events and the threat of history repeating itself when we fail to learn its lessons. That said I look to a document that was set forth on July 4, 1776; this foundational document in our nation’s history declared: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable 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. That whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness. The Declaration of Independence appeals to the God of creation, specifically the “Creator” as it alludes to that which is “self-evident.” This statement refers to a principle found in Romans 1:20, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.” I would now like to draw your attention to another document that is foundational to our nation’s history. This document was signed eleven years after our Declaration of Independence, on “the seventeenth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty seven…” and was the twelfth year of American independence. This document is very important to me because I, just as all members of the United States military, have taken an oath to “…support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic…so help me God.” I have flown and sailed in harm’s way in defense of this Constitution and the country whose course it directs.  While I am not so naive to believe that all of our founding fathers were known by the Lord as one of his flock, they nevertheless recognized the God of Scripture and rendered respect and honor to Him in both of these documents. They were not making an obscure reference to a generic god. They reference the God of creation (Genesis 1, Romans 1), His blessings upon humanity as the One who establishes governments (Daniel 2, Romans 13), and the one who has defined time, seasons and years (Genesis 1, Psalm 104). This country was most assuredly founded upon Christian principles defined in God’s Word the Bible regardless of whether all the founders were Christian or not. The Bible is certainly more important and foundational than either of these very significant historical documents as its existence will never cease, “…the word of the Lord endureth for ever.” (1 Peter 3:25a) As Jesus declared, “For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” (Matthew 5:18) The Birth of Everlasting Freedom So as we celebrate the freedom we gained in these United States of America two hundred and thirty-seven years ago, I turn your attention to a more certain and lasting freedom made available over two thousand years ago to all who would repent and believe. In speaking to the Jews who had believed in Him, Jesus said these words found in John chapter 8 verses thirty-one and thirty-two: “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Trust entirely on the finished work of Jesus Christ shown in His sacrificial death on the cross and victorious resurrection to set you free from the bondage of sin.  Jesus provides us true freedom, freedom from slavery to sin and the ability to be slaves of righteousness. I pray that you know the truth and that you are truly free. Share the truth of real and everlasting freedom as you celebrate Independence Day. Watch the video and see more at www.rforh.com - See more at: http://www.rforh.com/uncategorized/freedom/#sthash.vQfhsSUY.dpuf