“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”—2 Corinthians 3:17.

One of the most festive holidays in the United States is Independence Day, when we commemorate the birth of our nation. With cookouts, fireworks and patriotic music, many Americans will celebrate the freedom we have in this great nation.

Among those freedoms that we cherish is the freedom of religion. This is one particular freedom that is under attack, and the situation promises to get worse before it gets better. Many people of faith are being bullied into acting against their most firmly-held beliefs. If you doubt this, just put yourself in the place of some Christian caterers, florists, photographers and county clerks.

Beware church! The time is coming when more and more individuals and congregations will be forced to either bow to Caesar or remain faithful to the Lord. Indeed, we live in trying times.

So, as you celebrate what remaining religious freedoms we have, say a prayer for our country and its leaders. Say a prayer for those undergoing religious persecution. And say a prayer for the church, that she will boldly and proudly proclaim the freedom we have in Jesus Christ—freedom to renounce evil and promote that which is good!