07/04/2026
Dear Church Family,
As many of us prepare our grills, gather our explosives, and anticipate our celebrations, let us pause for a moment to give thanks to our great God. This year is special in that we are not only celebrating the 4th, but we are also looking toward the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America as well.
At this year's General Assembly, the Presbyterian Church in America voted to encourage congregations to give thanks to the Lord for the United States as we approach this anniversary. In keeping with that action, we will offer a prayer of thanksgiving during worship this Sunday, as we gather to worship the living God, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who rules over all nations. Every good gift comes from His hand, including the liberties we enjoy: the freedom to worship God according to His Word, to preach the gospel openly, to raise our children in the faith, and to live peaceable lives in godliness and dignity.
It's also fitting for us, as Presbyterians, to remember that our spiritual forefathers had a significant role in the founding of this nation. Organized Presbyterianism in America began in Philadelphia in 1706, long before the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. When conflict with Britain became increasingly likely, the Synod of New York and Philadelphia urged Presbyterians to pray for the Continental Congress, to act with courage, and to preserve charity toward Christians of other denominations. 12 of the 56 signers of the DOI were in fact Presbys!
One of the most important Presbyterian figures in the founding era was the Rev. Dr. John Witherspoon. Witherspoon was a minister of the gospel, president of the College of New Jersey (now Princeton), and the only active clergyman to sign the Declaration of Independence. On May 17, 1776, he preached a sermon from Psalm 76:10 titled The Dominion of Providence Over the Passions of Men. Witherspoon reminded his hearers that God rules even over the passions of men, and he prayed that in America “true religion and civil liberty” would be joined together.
So strong was the Presbyterian influence in the American cause that some British observers referred to the Revolution as a “Presbyterian Rebellion.” That history should not lead us to boast in ourselves, but to give thanks to God for our rich heritage and our fighting spirit. God has been exceedingly kind to us, and we stand upon the shoulders of giants. He has granted us liberties that many Christians around the world have never known. And from everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required.
This Sunday, we will thank the Lord for His kindness to our nation. We will pray for our civil authorities, for justice and righteousness, for the protection of life, for the freedom of the church, and most of all, that the gospel of Jesus Christ would continue to be proclaimed freely and boldly in this land.
May the Lord make us grateful citizens, faithful Presbyterians, and above all, devoted servants of Christ and His kingdom. Praying I see you all Sunday with 10 fingers!
Heaven soon,
- Heath Taws
