Summer at Elevate Life: America 250 Events in Frisco, TX

AMERICA 250: CELEBRATING OUR NATION AND HONORING GOD

This year is an incredible moment in our country and Christian history as we prepare to celebrate America250 at Elevate Life Church. This year, 250 years ago, we signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. This was a defining moment that shaped the course of our nation and reminded the world that freedom is not ultimately granted by government.

By Keith and Sheila Craft, Founding Pastors, Elevate Life Church

“Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indisputable supports… From the earliest days of our national story, reflection and thanksgiving have been central to our character, identity, and destiny… Today, too, we pray that our noble cause continues to be guided by the hand of providence and the grace of God — and that the fire of freedom will forever burn brightly in the heart of every American.”

— George Washington, 1796 Farewell Address

Freedom to worship has been a defining feature of the United States throughout its history. Many of the original 13 states were settled by those fleeing religious persecution, such as the Pilgrims in Massachusetts, Catholics in Maryland, and Quakers in Pennsylvania. Though 98% of Americans in 1776 were Protestant Christians, they were of different denominations and often disagreed over matters of faith. Yet their common Christian heritage inspired the Founding Fathers to guarantee religious freedom in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Mark David Hall, author of several books on the role of religion in America’s founding, stated, “The Founders’ commitment to Christianity in the Bible led them to establish a robust understanding of religious liberty for all citizens.”

On May 17th, the leaders of our nation launched A National Rededication to God. From the very beginning, America’s story has been deeply connected to faith, prayer, biblical conviction, and dependence upon God – not government. The founders understood something that still matters today: freedom cannot survive without Biblical truth, morality, virtue, and self-government. Today, many of those foundations have been challenged or forgotten. Truth has become subjective. Conviction is often labeled offensive, and faith in God has been pushed aside as an option. The founders warned this would happen if America drifted from its spiritual foundation. America250 is more than a historical celebration. It is an opportunity to remember who we are, where we came from, and what sustains a nation.

At Elevate Life, we believe revival does not begin in politics; it begins in the hearts of people. It can take place when hearts return to God. We should not sit silently while culture moves away from biblical truth. God has called us to be salt and light; we are difference makers and leaders who carry truth with love, boldness, wisdom, and strength. As we celebrate this milestone together, we know that our hope is not found in a political party, cultural movement, or any other success. Our hope is found in Jesus, who remains faithful through every generation, and as we thank God for America, may we never forget that our highest allegiance belongs to the Kingdom of God.

For more information on our founding fathers or their thoughts on faith in God, click here.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

In the months leading up to and beyond July 4, we have summer events planned. We hope you’ll join us as we celebrate, commemorate, and thank God for America.

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4TH OF JULY AT ELEVATE LIFE

Saturday, July 4 | 7 PM – 10 PM

Join us for an unforgettable night as we celebrate faith, freedom, family, and community together as a church. Your family can enjoy a first-class firework show, inflatables, rides, face painting, balloon artists, food trucks, and more. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets as we gather to celebrate America and thank God for His faithfulness.

Parking is limited.

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THE LAST STAND VIEWING

Sunday, July 19 | 6 PM

Our church will gather for a special viewing of Seth Gruber’s feature film THE LAST STAND. This event is free, and it is a great opportunity to invite your friends. We are in a war, and most Christians don’t even know it. The main issue is that we have forgotten what we were made for. Biblical truth is not meant to bend to culture, but to shape it.

Free event.

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By Dawn’s Early Light Viewing

Sunday, August 2 | 6 PM

Join us for a special viewing of By Dawn’s Early Light, a documentary that recounts the defining events of the War of 1812 and the bombardment of Fort McHenry, which inspired Francis Scott Key to write what became the United States national anthem. The film explores how the struggle to preserve liberty during the nation’s founding years continues to resonate in modern America.

Free event.

Guest Speakers

Throughout the summer, we’re honored to welcome world-renowned speakers whose insight, historical understanding, and leadership will equip us to move forward with wisdom, conviction, and greater Kingdom impact.

William Federer

Historian, bestselling author, and president of Amerisearch, Inc.

Garrett Unclebach

Former U.S. Navy SEAL

Seth Gruber

Founder of The White Rose Resistance

Eric Metaxas

Bestselling author and cultural commentator

Dr. Robi Sonderegger

Clinical psychologist and speaker

Why This Matters

Why It's Important for Believers to Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary

As Elevate Life Church, we recognize that our hope is not in government, politics, or earthly nations. Our hope is in Jesus alone, and yet we also understand that God establishes nations and works through generations to accomplish His purposes. America’s 250th anniversary is more than a historical milestone. It is an opportunity for us as believers to reflect on God’s faithfulness, honor the biblical principles that helped shape this nation, and recommit ourselves to being salt and light in our generation.

KNOW GOD HAS BEEN FAITHFUL TO AMERICA

Daniel 4:17 says, “the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom He will.”

America did not rise to influence and freedom by accident. From the beginning, many of the principles woven into the foundation of this nation were rooted in biblical truth and the dignity of every person, the value of liberty, personal responsibility, justice, morality, and the recognition that our rights ultimately come from God, not government. We should thank God for His hand of blessing, protection, and opportunity throughout our history. Celebrating America’s 250th anniversary is ultimately about acknowledging God’s providence and recognizing the responsibility that comes with His blessings.

Don’t believe the false narratives of culture. Go learn about our founding and our founding fathers. What you learned in school and hear on the news is not the full or even real story! From the beginning of our founding, God blessed us – because we put Him first. Pastors led in political positions and ministers shaped culture through discipling our founding fathers. Many of their sermons directly influenced Congress, our founding documents, and more!

FREEDOM IS A BIBLICAL PRINCIPLE, AND IT MATTERS

One of the greatest gifts believers have in America is the freedom to worship openly, preach the Gospel boldly, and live according to biblical convictions without fear of persecution. Countless believers throughout history have never experienced the freedoms we often take for granted. Religious liberty is not simply a political issue; it is a spiritual stewardship. The freedom to gather as the Church, teach God’s Word, disciple families, send missionaries, and proclaim Jesus publicly has allowed the Gospel to spread powerfully across this nation and around the world.

As believers, we should celebrate these freedoms while also recognizing that they must be protected, valued, and passed on to future generations.

AMERICA'S FOUNDATION CAME FROM BIBLICAL TRUTH

The moral framework that shaped America was deeply influenced by Scripture. Foundational truths such as justice, equality, human dignity, accountability, and the value of life are rooted in biblical principles.

“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34).

Psalms 33:12 reminds us that, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance.”

As our culture moves further away from God’s truth, the Church cannot afford to remain silent. America does not need less biblical influence; it needs a renewed return to biblical truth. The future strength of this nation depends on whether believers are willing to stand firmly for God’s Word with both conviction and love.

Celebrating America’s 250th anniversary gives us an opportunity not only to remember our history, but also to remind the next generation what made this nation strong in the first place.

GOD HAS ENTRUSTED YOU

As Christians, we are called to care about the spiritual condition of our nation. God has placed us here, in this moment, for a reason. We are not called to sit back in silence while truth is compromised and biblical values are abandoned.

Jesus said we are the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world” (Matthew 5:13–14). That means we are called to influence culture, stand for righteousness, defend truth, protect families, value life, and boldly represent Christ in every sphere of society. Patriotism for a believer is not blind loyalty to a nation; it is loving our country enough to pray for it, speak truth to it, serve it faithfully, and point it back to God.

Jeremiah 29:7 tells us, “And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace.”

This verse was written to the Israelites while they were living in exile in Babylon. Even though they were in a foreign land, God told them not to withdraw or become bitter, but to pray for their nation, work for its good, and be a positive influence where He had placed them. If believers do not stand for biblical truth, future generations may never understand the freedoms, values, and faith that helped shape this nation.

AMERICA'S GREATEST NEED IS FOR THE CHURCH TO RISE UP

While we celebrate our nation’s history and freedoms, we also recognize that no political system or party can save America. Only Jesus can transform hearts and change lives. The greatest contribution the Church can make to America is to show up wherever God has placed us and be faithful to His Truth and His Word. We must stop sitting on the sidelines of culture and hope that God has it… He sent us to be His hands and feet, He sent us to represent Him wherever we go, and He sent us to take action in a way that builds His Kingdom!

As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, we must recommit ourselves to the mission Jesus gave us:

As grateful Americans, we celebrate the blessings of this nation. We pray for America without placing our hope in it. We serve faithfully here, remembering that our citizenship is ultimately in heaven (Philippians 3:20). We celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with gratitude, humility, and purpose, asking God to once again pour out His Spirit on this nation and to use His Church to shine the light of Christ for generations to come. May Elevate Life Church stand in this moment with bold faith, unwavering truth, and a renewed passion for the Word of God, believing that God is not finished with America yet!