Properly known as Independence Day, the Fourth of July is the national holiday of the United States, commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, with this year marking the 250th Anniversary. Most people are very surprised to learn that it is estimated the colonies in 1776 were at least 33% Lutheran, and the many Lutherans among the Founding Fathers included John Hanson, first President of the Continental Congress, and Frederick Muhlenberg, first Speaker of the House and son of the famous Lutheran pioneer pastor Henry Melchior Muhlenberg. The new nation was only 63 years old when the founders of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod emigrated from Germany in 1839. They debated several possible destinations, including Argentina and Australia, but finally decided upon the United States, specifically because of the freedom of religion enshrined in the First Amendment of our Constitution. As the first LCMS President Dr. C. F. W. Walther said in an address on the Fourth of July, 1853: “Blessed is this land in which we enjoy this freedom! Only let us make use of this freedom faithfully, taking full advantage of this incredibly great gift for the free exercise of our faith. And as citizens of this country, let us work zealously, fight bravely, and, if need be, shed our blood willingly, that this country may remain free, and that it may, above all, retain religious liberty as the most precious jewel in its crown of freedom.”
Why did God put the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil in the Garden of Eden but forbid Adam and Eve to eat of it? What are the seven stages of temptation we see in their Fall into sin—and how can you defeat them? Join in after worship on Sunday in the Fellowship Hall for our new study in Adult Bible Class on Genesis–Book of Beginnings as we consider these questions.
Because of various family commitments Pastor Vogts has over the summer we are taking a summer break with no Midweek Matins or Men’s & Women’s Bible Studies during June and July, and the normal Wednesday schedule resuming in August.
