What can possibly be said which would give proper homage to the sacredness of Independence Day?

As the years have passed, I have come to realize that the feeling of patriotism is so much more than just love of country.

As Thomas Jefferson said in 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 pride in a country – or as we refer to it, patriotism – is more than just an excitement for the cause of freedom.

Those feelings are an endowment from God. Whenever we support any cause of truth, we will inevitably feel His influence.

This is how we recognize truth!

Freedom truly is God’s principle; and as such, when we support its cause, we feel its sacredness.

This is what we are experiencing when we feel a sense of patriotism or pride in country!

We are feeling God's confirmation to us that freedom is a true principle.

As part of my message today, I would like to share with you a few of my favorite quotes centered around liberty and freedom.

I find these to be extemely powerful. I hope you will find value them as well.

A Few of My Favorite Freedom Quotes

“A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.” – Thomas Jefferson, Declaration of Independence

“Believe me, dear Sir: there is not in the British empire a man who more cordially loves a union with Great Britain than I do. But, by the God that made me, I will cease to exist before I yield to a connection on such terms as the British Parliament propose; and in this, I think I speak the sentiments of America.” – Thomas Jefferson

"Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!" - Patrick Henry

“THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its good; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article of FREEDOM should not be highly rated." - Thomas Paine, American Crisis

“Posterity! You will never know how much it cost the present generation to preserve your freedom! I hope you will make a good use of it.” - John Adams, Letters of John Adams, Addressed to His Wife 

“If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude than the animated contest of freedom - go home from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or arms, Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains sit lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen!" - Samuel Adams

 "It is in the interest of tyrants to reduce the people to ignorance and vice. For they cannot live in any country where virtue and knowledge prevail." - Samuel Adams

 “There! His Majesty can now read my name without glasses. And he can double the reward on my head!” - John Hancock

 "Without Virtue there can be no liberty." – Benjamin Rush

And from the words of “My Country, 'Tis of Thee

“Our Fathers’ God, to thee,
Author of liberty,
To thee we sing;
Long may our land be bright
With freedom’s holy light.
Protect us by thy might
Great God, our King!” 

“If a people truly desire freedom, they must first find it through breaking the chains of slavery in their own individual lives!” – Darron Rowley

God Bless, 
Darron Rowley