They tell us that on the basis of the vote in the Senate last week that the immigration bill is dead.  They are also saying that because of the elections in ’08, that the Congress is not going to any more than it absolutely has to over the next 18 months.  We are now seeing a clear picture of gridlock.  Many national and state politicians are in the midst of trying to position themselves for the future.   Some would like to see us make progress but there is a significant number that will only try to take action in order to hurt the president, protect their office and get reelected, or support a particular candidate.

This is a real tragedy and if we only looked at these circumstances, there would be cause for great discouragement.  But our nation was founded on Biblical principles.  We do not have to depend on a political system to make a difference in our culture and in the world.

On Sunday night we had some great patriotic music that helped us celebrate our heritage as a nation.  At the same time, we heard testimonies of what God has done with people that have faithfully shared the gospel.  Both of those go together.  We live in a country that gives to us the freedom to share our faith.  We must use that right every time we get the chance.  While they tell us that the political system is frozen for the foreseeable future, we can make a difference by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.

As you celebrate the “4th” tomorrow, please remember that this is more than a patriotic holiday.  IT is so much more than that.  It is a reminder that our country was created so that people like us would have the freedom to boldly proclaim what is most important to us and to the entire world.  That truth is that God has sent Son to die on the cross for our sin.  Many of forefathers have sacrificed their lives in order that we might have that opportunity.