Imagine if you will that you were an early colonialist in 1776 enjoying liberty and much independence from England. Over the last year (1775), however, the hostilities between the colonies and the English Crown had increased. Liberties and freedoms once enjoyed have been shrinking. The British military takes up quarters in your home without your approval. The clash between the Loyalists and Patriots are increasing more and more. It has been easy to stay with the familiar and avoid a side in the matter, but now a Declaration has been made. Found in a place of decision the costs are measured: security with loss of liberty or chance of freedom with a future that is unknown. The question that loomed, " Will you remain loyal to the tyranny that looms over all that you have known and built or join the resistance?"

This was a common place many of the early colonists faced. There was a celebration that a decision was made hopefully one that was true and right. There was also a SOBERING reality that officially war was declared. The reality is the same is true for us today as we accept the beliefs and promises of the Bible. As we declare that we are going to follow and embrace the scriptural declarations that will bring our freedom, we declare to the enemy of our soul, “bring in on.” As the British army used all tactics of intimidation from spreading small pox among the patriots by leaving their own infected soldiers to be cared for by the colonists, to threatening hanging to any who supported the patriots. Finally, the British would impose the most powerful army in the western world to bear on the small, untrained farmers of the colonial army. The same is true of our enemy as he mercilessly imposes every tactic in his grasp to break you and retract your hearts intentions.

The Declaration of Independence and our Declaration of Faith, both provide(d) freedom from oppression in our lives with a promise of resistance from the oppressor. The difference is the Declaration of Independence was not guaranteed. The Declaration of our Faith has the hosts of Heaven and the Creator himself standing behind it. We are just agreeing with what He (Jesus) has already done. This is why we are encouraged in Hebrews 11:23, “Let us hold fast our profession (or declaration) of faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised).” Did you see that, He is faithful that promised “so stand fast in the liberty where Christ has set you free.”(Galatians 5:1) You are not setting yourself free you are just holding fast to what was promised and stepping away from where the enemy has oppressed. This is where freedom rules. Your enemy will do everything to convince you through circumstances, cares, fears and even those close to you that you need to concede your position. Stand fast, not in your abilities, but in what Jesus did for you. We are free in this country because of what patriots who went before us to sacrifice themselves for us. We are free in our hearts because of what one man, the Son of God, went before us and paid the price you had no ability to pay.

So stand firm and celebrate in His declaration, “The Son of God appeared for this purpose to destroy the works of the devil.” (I John 3:8) “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10) “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption THROUGH HIS BLOOD (the price He paid), even the forgiveness of sins.” (Colossians 1:12-14)

Now go and extend beyond the ordinary!