Faith leaders reflect on America's blessings for the Fourth of July.

Despite the challenges facing our country, "we remain a fortunate nation," Ed Vitagliano, executive vice president of the American Family Association, stated to Planet Chronicle Digital during the week leading up to the Fourth of July celebrations.

In Tupelo, Mississippi, Vitagliano, an ordained minister who leads a church in northeast Mississippi, stated that millions of people worldwide are enduring various forms of suffering, including those living under dictatorships and oppressive regimes.

During the holiday, he urged us to remember our responsibilities to maintain our own freedoms while reflecting on the blessings of liberty.

"We must trust in God and follow His commands, love one another, and work to help our neighbors so that they may thrive."

Numerous faith leaders, pastors, and authors in the faith and culture sphere offered their reflections for July 4th, marking the country's 248th anniversary.

‘My prayer is that we turn to God’

Rev. Franklin Graham informed Planet Chronicle Digital in an email message that on July 4th, he will be in Alaska with wounded veterans and their spouses as part of Samaritan’s Purse Operation Heal Our Patriots.

He stated that it is always an honor to celebrate our Independence Day with these proven warriors, who, along with their families, have made immense sacrifices for our liberties.

"I express gratitude to God for them and those who defend our country."

As we commemorate Independence Day, we must not forget the source of our freedom: It is from God.

The faith leader from North Carolina expressed gratitude to God for our nation's greatness and freedom from oppression, as well as His continued mercy and blessings upon it throughout history.

"My prayer on July 4th is that we would turn towards Him instead of turning further away from Him."

‘They knew what true justice was'

The Framers of our country were well-read, literate, and godly principled individuals, as stated by Alex McFarland, a religion and culture expert and director of Christian Worldview and Apologetics at North Greenville University in North Carolina, in an interview with Planet Chronicle Digital.

He stated, "True justice is not defined by today's woke, online influences but rather by the laws that reflect the nature of God."

This week, let us express gratitude to God for our country and appreciate the blessings of living in the United States.

‘True root of American greatness'

The Alliance of Health Care Sharing Ministries' executive director, Katy Talento, is based in Washington, D.C. She previously served as the top health adviser at the White House Domestic Policy Council.

This year, on July 4th, she voiced worry about the overall well-being of Americans, encompassing both their physical and mental health.

"Never before in our history has America been as sick, fat, anxious, and depressed as it is now," she stated in an email. Additionally, she pointed out that half of all children in the country suffer from at least one chronic condition.

She stated that the link between a higher power and religious affiliation is at an all-time low.

This July 4th, let us spark a revolution against the corporate tyrants who are harming our physical and mental well-being.

"Prayer is crucial for a spiritual revival of our nation's dependence on God, which is the foundation of American greatness."

It's ‘a moment we cannot overlook’

Tim Clinton, president of the American Association of Christian Counselors, emphasized the importance of remembering the biblical foundations of America and focusing on the future to preserve them, in an interview with Planet Chronicle Digital.

Clinton stated that the decline in religion in the country has significant consequences, not only for the church but also for the American family, politics, way of life, and biblical morals.

""We must not miss the opportunity to fight for our family, faith, and freedoms. We will win this fight, one family, one mom, one dad, one day at a time," he said."

‘Need to make changes in America’

Pastor Jesse Bradley of Auburn, Washington, stated that the Fourth of July is a time of celebration and reflection for our nation. He sincerely and wholeheartedly thanked God for His protection and provision.

"We are grateful for everyone who serves our country, sacrifices and risks their safety."

He added, "We appreciate all those who put their own safety on the line to serve our country and protect others."

The pastor of Grace Community Church stated that God has bestowed blessings, grace, and patience on America. As fireworks light up the sky, we must not forget the kindness and mercy of God.

We contemplate our past, evaluate our current state, and anticipate the future with renewed optimism and clarity.

He stated that changes need to be made in America and that we must return to God.

Bradley stated, "God is faithful in keeping all of His promises. The word of God endures forever. Can you hear His gentle voice calling to us? Whoever has ears to hear, let them listen. The Good Shepherd cares about the soul of our nation and each of us individually (Revelation 3:20)."

He also shared thoughts about the notion of liberty on this holiday.

"Our country's progress was marked by a significant milestone, which we will forever commemorate. The establishment of our nation involved a daring liberation from oppression."

He stated today that we possess the "incredible liberty to worship God and experience the prosperous life that Jesus promises."

He stated that true freedom involves liberating oneself from the chains of sinful habits and negative thought patterns.

"Real liberty includes caring for orphans and providing a forever family."

Ending human trafficking and repentance are essential components of true freedom.

"Jesus has the power to deliver us from despair, false teaching, and destructive selfishness," he added.

"The presence of God brings joy and the freedom attained through Jesus' death and resurrection (Eph. 4:2-6) is a source of happiness."