Celebrate Freedom Sunday at First Baptist Dallas!
Freedom Sunday is an annual event surrounding Independence Day where First Dallas celebrates our freedom as Americans and our freedom in Christ.
This Sunday will feature patriotic music, a salute of our armed forces, an inspiring message, and more!
We can’t wait to see you!
Guest Speaker
Kelvin J. Cochran
Decades fighting other people’s fires prepared Kelvin Cochran to face his own fiery trial. He overcame poverty, prejudice, and pain to fulfill a childhood dream of helping others. He was appointed Fire Chief for Atlanta in 2008. Just one year later, Cochran was appointed as the U.S. Fire Administrator for the United States Fire Administration, the highest office in the profession, by President Obama.
Faith has always played a part in Chief Cochran’s life. He felt called to write Who Told You That You Were Naked? a book that details the state of man since the fall of Adam in the Book of Genesis. Based on his Christian beliefs, his book briefly acknowledged how physical intimacy is reserved for marriage and should be between a man and a woman. Kelvin unexpectedly found himself caught in controversy over his Christian beliefs and his career, for which he ultimately was fired by the city—making him a focal point in a national battle over religious freedom.
Misrepresented by activists and the media, Kelvin relied on his faith to bring him through. Alliance Defending Freedom represented Chief Cochran in a suit filed against the city in federal court to vindicate his rights, including his rights to free speech and freedom of religion.
In due course Kelvin emerged from the flames of scandal unscathed, like the friends of the prophet Daniel who were thrown into the burning furnace. In October 2018, the city of Atlanta agreed to pay its former fire chief in the wake of the federal court ruling.
Kelvin’s story is a warning of how Christians faithful to biblical teachings are increasingly at risk of persecution in today’s culture. It is also an inspiring example of overcoming racial prejudice and adversity, and finding the courage to take the heat and stand for the truth. In October 2021, Kelvin released a book in his perspective on the federal court ruling, Facing the Fire: The Faith That Brought “America’s Fire Chief” Through the Flames of Persecution.
Musical Guest
Lee Greenwood
Music has always played an instrumental part of Lee Greenwood‘s life. By the time he finished high school in Sacramento, California, he could play almost every instrument in the orchestra. He even missed his high school graduation ceremony to star in his band, Apollos, at the Golden Hotel and Casino in Nevada. This decision ultimately led to his discovery by Larry McFaden in 1979, resulting in a contract with producer Jerry Crutchfield, who recorded Lee for the next 20 years.
His musical success has included seven number one hit songs and 25 charted singles. Greenwood has been honored with the title Male Vocalist of the Year by the Academy of Country Music in 1983, two Male Vocalist of the Year awards from the Country Music Association in 1983 and 1984, and received a Grammy for Top Male Vocal Performance in 1985. Famously, CMA named “God Bless The U.S.A.” Song of the Year in 1985. This song placed in the top five on the country singles charts three times, and is the only song in any genre to achieve this honor. It was no surprise when CBS News voted “God Bless The U.S.A.” the most recognizable patriotic song in America.
In 2008, President George W. Bush appointed Greenwood to serve on the National Endowment of the Arts Council. That Presidential Appointment continued under President Obama and President Trump. In 2012, Greenwood authored a successful children’s book titled “Does God Still Bless the U.S.A.” The book contains a patriotic themed 30-day calendar and two songs written by Greenwood with a biblical message.
