Sunday, July 4th . . . 17 years ago at Wilshire Baptist Church: “The Cross and the Flag” 
Sermon by George A. Mason, Senior Pastor, July 4, 2004 (audio)

EDITOR’S NOTE: George Mason preached this sermon on July 4, 2004, the first time Joanna and I visited Wilshire Baptist Church (we soon became members). Our previous church had given itself over completely to nationalistic fervor on patriotic holidays – America first, Jesus . . . we’ll get back to you next week. George’s sermon gave a fresh insight and perspective to Baptist/Christian patriotism – one that put Christ first – and to three classic hymns often sung on those “patriotic” Sundays. Joanna and I were so blessed by this sermon that I copied the audio off the Wilshire Web site that summer of 2004 and put it on a CD; in 2020, with George’s permission, I put it on SoundCloud and am making it available here as we approach another Sunday July 4th. I pray that you will find the same inspiration, challenge, and refreshment that Joanna and I found in it. – Bill Jones