Independence Day

- Britain was the worlds superpower

- Britain had the better defense and more money than America

- The 13 colonies lacked a professional army or navy.

- Militiamen were lightly armed, had little training

If you had been a member of the Second Continental Congress in 1776, you were a rebel and considered a traitor by the King.

- You knew that a reward had been posted for the capture of certain prominent rebel leaders and the largest British armada ever assembled was just outside New York harbor.

- Affixing your name to the document meant that you pledged your life, your fortune, and your sacred honor to the cause of freedom

- Yet there were members of the Second Continental Congress who did not sign the Declaration of Independence.

- Non-signers included John Dickinson, who clung to the idea of reconciliation with Britain,

- Robert R. Livingston, who thought the Declaration was premature.

- On July 4, 1776 56 - representatives from all 13 colonies signed the Deceleration of Independence.

- The 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence included two future presidents, three vice presidents, and ten members of the United States Congress

The Cost of Freedom

A. The writers of the declaration separated themselves from their own past.

- Jesus was separated from God on the cross (Matthew 27:46).

B. The writers of the declaration literally gave their lives.

- Jesus gave His life for mankind

(John 10:10

10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

The Treasure of Freedom

How did the Patriots win “The Revolutionary War”?

1. The Colonists were fighting for their homes. They had the will to fight unlike the British soldiers and other soldiers hired by the British who were just fighting for the money they were being paid.

- Britain had underestimated their opponent and they finally came to that realization.

2. They had a home advantage by having the war in America, a place they knew and were able to get around easily.

3. French and Spanish helped by becoming allies with the colonists and helping them pay for the supplies they needed

- Our freedom dare not be taken for granted.

- From Birth of the nation until today blood is shed

- We are forever set free from the penalty of sin

Galatians 5:1 (KJV)

1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.