Happy 4th of July to those of you in the United States. This holiday is a big one here

of course and one that reminds me of many episodes in this podcast, Pastor John, that we've done, where you have delved

into the church state separation, controversy, political activism, Christian patriotism, U.S.

flags in the sanctuary, things like that, all sorts of topics we've covered

in this realm, and I attempted to digest all those episodes into one summary that you can find.

Hopefully it's handy for you.

That's in the APJ book on pages 47 to 56.

Citizenship in a country like America is a wonderful grace.

It's a common grace. and on a day like this one I'm reminded of the

Apostle Paul and his Roman citizenship which afforded him certain privileges and protections

and we see those come up all over

acts in acts chapter 16 22 23 25 it's just all over Paul's passport is always showing up in acts because his nationhood was useful.

And it was a common grace he returned to and claims.

We too have a ton of privileges,

Pastor John, and protections in being American citizens.

We cannot take them for granted.

And so on a day like today, it's a good one to celebrate them.

So, Pastor John, what are your thoughts today as you ponder this common grace of citizenship

and how we got it?

I have little doubt that the lavish blessings of common grace that we enjoy in America are rooted in

the pervasive cultural transformation that came from centuries of Christian influences in

Europe and America. I don't doubt that. And just by way of Thanksgiving on this special day, and we should be thankful, the kind of common

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