"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." -

The Declaration of Independence

Back in

July of 1776 fifty-six men representing the thirteen

united American colonies were gathered in Philadelphia to

sign a declaration that clearly recognized that the basic

rights of humans are not given by men. The document

states that "all men are created equal, that they

are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable

rights..." These men understood that our freedom and

rights are not mere political privileges granted by

people in position of power but are God given from the

beginning of all creation.

The words

in the declaration seem intentional. We are

"created" by our "Creator" with

certain "unalienable rights." We are not here

rights that are part of His original design. Thomas

Jefferson tied together acknowledging God as the Source

of our liberty with the maintaining of our liberty when

he asked the question "Can the liberties of a nation

be sure when we remove their only firm basis, a

conviction in the minds of the people that these

liberties are a gift of God!"

As you

celebrate Independence Day this week remember no

celebration of our freedom is complete without giving

honor to the true source of our liberties-not the

signers of the declaration-but God.

Thanks be

to Him for life and liberty.

Chuck Griffith is

pastor of Fayette Assembly of God, 1144 Ga. Highway 92

South in Fayetteville, 770-719-0322.

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