INTRO: We are so blessed in this country. Today is the 228^th year of celebration of our Declaration of Independence of our nation. What has made us great? Our resources? Our location? Our intelligence? Our schools? Our location? What has done this?

I think one thing that has made a difference is our freedom! I know you thought I was going to say the Lord! And do not misunderstand, He IS the difference for our great nation. But, it is our choice that helps make a difference in our lives.

Don't you just hate having to do something? I do. One of the most difficult things in life for me is when I have to. I used to read one week ahead in U.S. History class so I did not "have to." It is just part of my nature. I like to be free to choose! I hate it when a sales person tells me I would be stupid to NOT buy their product. Let me make up my mind!

I came to the Lord, not because I had to, but because I saw it was the best choice and I wanted to. To be honest, when we truly examine what God offers, there is no other good choice. What a great, loving, and understanding God we have this day, that offers us eternal life. I am so glad I know Him. Let us start in the message today.

Is. 1:18-20 ¹⁸Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. ¹⁹If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: ²⁰But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

Gal. 2:20 ²⁰I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

[Not to say we can live our life recklessly and not face the law of consequences.]

Free to share the love of God in our life - God is love

1 John 4:7-13 ⁷Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. ⁸He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. ⁹In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. ¹⁰Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. ¹¹Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. ¹²No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. ¹³Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.

2 John 1:1-6 ¹The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth; ²For the truth’s sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever. ³Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. ⁴I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.