Galatians 5:1,13-26

July 4, 1776 - Declaration of Independence was signed
September 17, 1787 - the US Constitution was signed
December 15, 1791 - the Bill of Rights was signed

Independence from Great Britain
Freedom From - taxation without representation
Freedom To - self government

It is for Freedom that Christ has set us free.

Self government was generally referred to as “Republicanism.”

A Corrupt and Selfish people could never make the principles of republicanism operate successfully.

Benjamin Franklin - “Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters.”

Gordon Wood - “The willingness of the individual to sacrifice their private interest for the good of the community…was termed public virtue.”

James Madison - “Is there no virtue among us? If there be not, we are in a wretched situation.”

Thomas Jefferson - “Virtue is not hereditary.”

The Founders of this country look to:
The Home
The School
The Church
to fuel the fires of virtue from generation to generation.

George Washington (his Farewell Address):
“Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.”

We have been freed from trying to earn our own salvation.
We have been saved by Christ - our lives are a response to this salvation

Use your freedom to Serve one another in Love

Ephesians 2:8-10
Philippians 2:12-18
Colossians 3:1-17
Romans 12:1-2, 9-21