Celebrating Freedom, Unity, and Dependence on God: A Reflection on Independence Day
By Pastor Barron Greenwalt, En-Joy Ministries

Today, July 4, 2025, as we celebrate Independence Day, we honor the birth of our great nation. On this day in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted, boldly proclaiming freedom from British rule through the courage and sacrifice of our founding fathers. This act established principles of liberty and self-governance, rooted in the Christian faith that shaped America’s foundation. Yet, true freedom and unity are not merely human achievements, they are gifts from God, sustained by our dependence on Him.

Freedom Rooted in Faith

The United States was built on biblical principles, with leaders like George Washington and John Adams acknowledging God as the source of our rights. The Declaration itself reflects this, stating our liberties are endowed by our Creator. Galatians 5:1 reminds us, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free,” a freedom that extends beyond politics to our souls. This liberty demands responsibility, individually, to live justly, and as a nation, to uphold righteousness.

Unity Through Koinonia

Biblical unity, or koinonia (fellowship in Christ), calls us to a deeper bond. Ephesians 4:3 urges us to “endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Just as the early church thrived in shared faith and purpose (Acts 2:42-47), our nation’s strength lies in Christians uniting in Christ. This unity reflects God’s design, bridging divides with love and prayer, mirroring the sacrifice that birthed our nation.

Courage, Sacrifice, and Dependence

The courage to sign the Declaration came with immense sacrifice, lives lost, families disrupted, and futures risked. This echoes Christ’s ultimate sacrifice on the cross, granting us spiritual freedom. John 8:36 declares, “If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” Our nation’s liberty depends on God, and with it comes the responsibility to seek His guidance, as Proverbs 14:34 states, “Righteousness exalts a nation.”

As we celebrate, let us recommit to dependence on God, uniting in prayer and action to preserve the freedoms He entrusted to us.

A Prayer for Our Nation and Leaders

Heavenly Father,
We come before You on this Independence Day, 2025, with grateful hearts for the freedom and unity You have bestowed upon our nation. Thank You for the courage and sacrifice of our founders, reflecting Your love shown through Christ’s cross. Unite us, Lord, in koinonia, a holy fellowship with You and one another, as Your body in this land. Guide our leaders with wisdom and righteousness (Proverbs 3:5-6), that they may govern with justice and humility. Strengthen the Christians of America to stand firm in faith, boldly proclaiming Your truth. Forgive our failings, heal our divisions, and renew our commitment to You, the source of all liberty. May we, as a nation, honor You, depending on Your grace to fulfill our great responsibility. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

In Christ’s love,
Pastor Barron Greenwalt
En-Joy Ministries