GRACE THAT STILL AMAZES

“Amazing grace! how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me…”  (John Newton, 1772)

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.”  (Galatians 5:1)

Two hundred and fifty years ago, a nation took its first breath. America’s story began with a longing for liberty -- a conviction that people should live free, speak free, worship free, and hope free. That longing ignited courage. That courage demanded sacrifice. And that sacrifice wrote the early chapters of our national story in blood.

Around the same time, on the other side of the ocean, another kind of freedom was being born -- not in a nation, but in a soul. John Newton, once a slave trader, encountered the transforming mercy of Christ. His life was turned upside down by grace so powerful it broke chains no government could touch. Out of that encounter came a hymn that has outlived empires, comforted generations, and become a soundtrack for redemption: “Amazing grace! how sweet the sound…”

As America celebrates 250 years, it’s striking to remember that both our national freedom and Newton’s hymn emerged in the same era -- one declaring political liberty, the other proclaiming spiritual liberty. One was secured by the blood of patriots. The other was secured by the blood of Christ. Both freedoms matter. Both freedoms cost something. But only one freedom lasts forever.

The founders fought for a nation where people could live unshackled from tyranny. Jesus died for a Kingdom where people could live unshackled from sin. The Revolution opened the door to earthly liberty. The Cross opened the door to eternal liberty.

Newton’s hymn reminds us that the deepest freedom is not found in documents, declarations, or anniversaries -- but in God’s grace. Grace that rescues. Grace that restores. Grace that rewrites stories. Grace that still amazes.

So as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, we give thanks for the gift of living in a land shaped by courage. And we give even greater thanks for the grace that shapes our souls -- the grace that found us, saved us, and set us free. 

Lord, thank You for the freedoms we enjoy in this country. And thank You for the grace that gives us a freedom in Christ that no nation can grant and no enemy can steal. As America marks 250 years, we pray that grace -- not fear, anger, or division – would define how we live. Help us live as people amazed by grace and committed to sharing it. Amen. 

-- SOUND BITES Ministry™

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PRESIDENTIAL PERSPECTIVES

“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.”  (Psalm 119:105 NLT)

“Posterity! You will never know how much it cost the present generation to preserve your freedom! I hope you will make good use of it!”  (President John Adams, 1735-1826, in a letter to Abigail Adams, April 26, 1777)

"It is essential, my son, in order that you may go through life with comfort to yourself, and usefulness to your fellow-creatures, that you should form and adopt certain rules or principles, for the government of your own conduct and temper… It is in the Bible, you must learn them, and from the Bible how to practice them.  Those duties are to God, to your fellow-creatures, and to your self."   (President John Adams, writing to his son, John Quincy Adams, who at that time was Ambassador to Russia)

“So great is my veneration for the Bible that the earlier my children begin to read it, the more confident am I that they will prove useful citizens to their country.”  (President John Quincy Adams, 1767-1848)

“This great Book is the best gift God has given to man. But for it, we could not know right from wrong.”  (President Abraham Lincoln, 1809-1865)

“Every thinking man, when he thinks, realizes that the teachings of the Bible are so interwoven and entwined with our whole civic and social life that it would be literally -- I do not mean figuratively, but literally -- impossible for us to figure what that loss would be if these teachings were removed. We would lose all the standards by which we now judge both public and private morals; all the standards towards which we, with more or less resolution, strive to raise ourselves.”   (President Theodore Roosevelt, 1858-1919)

“People in the New Testament church came to Paul and asked him what things they could depend on if they changed their way of living and adopted the Christian faith that he espoused. He replied, "We look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:18). The things we cannot see are paramount, and do not change -- those about which Jesus taught. Can we see truth, justice, forgiveness, or love? I have tried to remember this verse during some of the more trying times of my own life.”  (President Jimmy Carter, 1924–2024)

“Within the covers of the Bible are all the answers for all the problems men face. The Bible can touch hearts, order minds and refresh souls.”   (President Ronald Reagan, 1911-2004)

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THE FREEDOM TO SEE BEYOND OURSELVES

“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”  (Philippians 2:4)

As fireworks light up the skies and flags wave proudly across the U.S., we’re reminded of the cost of freedom -- of those who gave up their comfort, their safety, even their lives, so that others might live free. July 4th is a celebration not just of liberty, but of the extraordinary spirit of sacrifice that made it possible.

Paul’s words in Philippians 2:4 challenge us in a similar way. Freedom, in Christ and in country, is never meant to be hoarded -- it’s meant to be shared, stewarded, and used in service to others. As we enjoy the blessings of this nation, we’re reminded to ask: Am I using my freedom to look after the interests of others, not just my own?

In a culture that often celebrates individualism, Philippians 2:4 is a radical call back to community. It’s about remembering that true greatness is not found in how far we get ahead, but in how well we lift others up.

Enjoy your hot dogs and parades -- but also take a moment to do something selfless. Call a lonely neighbor. Listen before you speak. Be the person who brings peace where there’s tension and hope where there’s hurt.

Let freedom ring -- but let the love of Christ lead.

Lord, thank You for the gift of this nation and the freedom we enjoy. Help us not to take it for granted, nor to use it selfishly. Teach us to see others, not as obstacles or outsiders, but as neighbors to serve. May we reflect the self-giving love of Jesus, who gave everything that we might be free. In His name we pray, amen. 

-- SOUND BITES Ministry, compiled from a variety of sources

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SPIRITUAL FREEDOM

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”  (Galatians 5:13-14 NIV)

We who lived in concentration camps can remember those who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread.  They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms -- to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way...  It is this spiritual freedom which cannot be taken away that makes life meaningful and purposeful. 

-- Viktor Frankl 

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A PRAYER FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord."  (Psalm 33:12)

Most gracious Heavenly Father and Sovereign Lord:

There is no greater feeling of liberty than to experience the freedom from sin and death that You provided for us through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Today our hearts and souls are free to praise You. For this, we are beyond thankful.

As we approach Independence Day, we are reminded of all those who have sacrificed for our freedom, following the example of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Let us not take freedom, both physical and spiritual, for granted. May we always remember that a very high price was paid for all of our freedoms. Bless those who have served and continue to give their lives for our freedoms. With favor and bounty, meet their needs and watch over their families.

Lord God, we are so thankful for this nation -- for all the sacrifices others have made to build and defend and to protect this country. Thank You for the opportunities and freedoms we have in these United States of America. Help us to never take these blessings for granted.

Help us to live our lives in ways that glorify You, Lord. Give us the strength to be a blessing in someone's life, and grant us the opportunity to lead others into the freedom that can be found only in knowing You.

Help us to exercise our freedoms by being responsible and caring. Give us strength to do what is needed individually and collectively to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic. Give us the resolve to deal with racism in all its forms. Give us understanding to value life and protect the innocent and most vulnerable. Give us hope to work toward a future where justice and mercy are lived out every day.

Father God, we stand today as past generations have stood before You in times gone by, celebrating our history and reveling in all the great things that our country has achieved. On this day we rejoice in the favor You have graciously given us.

Yet, as a nation and people we have not always chosen the right way. We ask You to forgive us for these times. On this day we commit ourselves to wholeheartedly honoring and serving You. With everything that we are, we lay our lives before You. Make us a generous people, a holy nation, a people set aside to love You forever, for the sake of our people and our land. 

Lord God, today, we do not presume Your grace for our country. Our land is in need of You; our people are in need of You; our families are in need of You; our businesses are in need of You; our schools are in need of You; our government is in need of You. May we look only to You this Independence Day and be DEPENDENT on You.

Come now by Your glorious Holy Spirit, breathe new life into all of our nation. Cover us with Your mercy and Your grace, Your wisdom and Your will, so that we as a nation may be part of Your glory, so that we might see “the glory of the Lord.”

Amen.

-- Adapted from various sources

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FREEDOM IN CHRIST

“So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed Him, ‘If you abide in My word, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’”  (John 8:31-32 ESV)

Saul of Tarsus thought he was in God's will when in fact, he was in bondage to his strict religious observance of the law.  When God interrupted his life, Paul was transported from religion to relationship.  He became a new creation in Christ.  Paul learned to breathe the air of freedom by living in God's will.  Jesus said, "If the Son sets you free, you will indeed be free" (John 8:36, NLV).

Henrietta Mears, a beloved Bible teacher, taught the secret to true freedom.  She explained, "A bird is free in the air.  Place a bird in the water and he has lost his liberty.  A fish is free in the water, but leave him on the sand and he perishes.  He is out of his realm.  So, the Christian is free when he does the will of God and is obedient to God's command.  This is as natural a realm for God's child as the water is for the fish, or the air for the bird."

-- Lenya Heitzig and Penny Pierce Rose in Pathway to God's Treasure: Ephesians


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