In 1776, the 13 colonies set out on a journey of self-determination, fighting for five years to overcome tyranny and explore the ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. However, even then, the American experiment struggled—and continues to struggle—with contradictions around: whose life, whose liberty, and whose pursuit of happiness are worthy of these unalienable rights?
Over the next two weeks, we will set the historical context for the October 26th TJC Battlefield Summit at Kings Mountain, NC. This week, we focus on key factors and individuals that made this battle pivotal to the Patriot cause, as Thomas Jefferson noted when he said it “turned the tide of the war.”
We Hold These Truths
via TJC
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.” ~James 1:22, 25
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
~ Declaration of Independence July 4, 1776
The Declaration of Independence sets vision, calling out 27 injustices and contrasting what is with what ought to be. This vision of a new nation was on the minds of those who fought at Kings Mountain, NC; a rare Revolutionary War battle between Americans, with only one British officer, Major Patrick Ferguson, present on the field. The combatants were Patriots, fighting for the new vision, and Loyalists, defending British rule.
As we prepare for the Kings Mountain Summit, I’ve been reflecting on the Truths we hold as Christians. Many think of the Ten Commandments or the Gospel, summarized in the Apostle’s Creed. But what strikes me is how we act on these Truths. Holding Truth is not enough—there must be action. Like the Patriots, it was years of action that gave birth to a new nation. As Kingdom Men and Women what counts is how our actions align with the Gospel.
As Kingdom Men, our vision and purpose are clear. Though we exist in the tension between the “Already and Not Yet,” the Kingdom we serve and the King’s vision are eternal. We boldly hold these Truths: God’s love is unconditional, Jesus is Lord, and the victory of the Cross is certain. Like the Overmountain Men, our role is to act in a way that rallies those around us, both those who share our vision and those who don’t yet, to see its beauty, embrace it, and be blessed. At TJC, we live by this motto: “Follow me. I know the Way.”
Daily Battle Order:
As a family today, read the Apostle’s Creed. Reflect on how your daily actions align with the Gospel to rally those around you. Pray together and remove actions that don’t reflect this vision (like certain social media posts), so others may follow. I know you know the Way.
Follow me, I know the way to King’s Mountain! Join TJC and me as we step into a pivotal battle where local men united to ‘turn the tide’—for themselves, their families, and the nation. Experience your victory firsthand too! Register here:
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