A few weeks ago we celebrated our country's national independence. Our family typically commemorates this day with fireworks in the night sky, food on the grill, and friends around the house. Physically speaking, we have the opportunity to achieve our dreams, earn an education, and become financially independent all because we live in a free country. So it is fitting that we make a big deal about living in an independent nation.

But spiritually speaking, when we celebrate and/or desire our independence, it raises significant concerns. In fact, this Sunday, as we open up God's Word we are going to learn that living the kingdom life requires the exact opposite. In John 15, Jesus is going to tell us why dependence is "far better" than independence.