This fourth of July marks the United States' 238th Independence Day, a pivotal time in American history in which congress approved the Declaration of Independence. Today, the event is celebrated by millions around the country, commemorated with parades, parties, and fireworks..
On this festive day, a group of pastors are encouraging Christians to take a moment and thank God for the unalienable rights and freedoms the citizens of the country daily enjoy.
"It is God who gave this nation birth 238 years ago. We have got to come back to a place where we honor God," said Steven Andrew, president of USA Christian Ministries.
"History shows that God blesses America when we stand up for our God-given rights. Our rights for Independence and liberty are from God. That's why we thank Him. God made man in His own image so man has dignity. No one should surrender their unalienable rights. God is Supreme. His Word says we ought to obey God rather than men. Let's thank Him as a nation," he continued.
Echoing Andrew's sentiments, Pastor Bill Keller, president of Liveprayer.com, urges Christians to hold fast to their God-given rights.
"I call for the USA to stand up for God - our God-given unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness," Keller said.
Pastor Rick Warren of Saddelback Church took to social media to thank God for the spiritual freedom found only through the gospel.
"This #IndependenceDay I declare my total DEPENDENCE on God who made me,Jesus who saved me, & the Spirit who lives in me!" the "Purpose Driven Life" author wrote on Facebook.
On this holiday, religious leaders are also encouraging those in Congress who are willing to stand up for the gospel.
"We salute the 65 chaplains who just appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court in defense of religious liberty, denied promotion and justice by the Obama Administration and drummed out of the service because they prayed and preached the Bible 'in Jesus' name," said Colorado State Representative Gordon James Klingenschmitt.
David Barton of Wallbuilders reminds Christians that the United States was founded on Biblical principles, as 56 of the country's founding fathers were strong believers in Christ.
"The Declaration of Independence was the birth certificate for this nation...The closing paragraph states, "And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance of the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor," he writes.
Barton concludes, "The Founding Fathers passed the torch to us. It is our responsibility to not let it go out."
