Many will invoke an outcry when freedoms seem to be restricted; stating that freedom means that I can do whatever I choose to do. Yet, our founding fathers would suggest otherwise.
The freedom we celebrate in the Declaration of Independence is a witness to a proclamation that reads in part;
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal. That they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness..."This document provided a path for which the United States of America became "FREE" from tyranny to a system to self-govern.
After the words were signed by the delegates on that fateful day in 1776, it was Samuel Adams that declared:
"We have this day restored the Sovereign to Whom all men ought to be obedient. He reigns in heaven and from the rising to the setting of the sun, let His kingdom come."Clearly recognizing that God was the source of their declaration. (Pg 143, Quotes from Founding Fathers.)
I am not an expert on the History of America, I do believe that this nation was founded on Godly and even Christian values that guided it's establishment and formed it fundamentals. Many founding fathers recognized that the freedom being declared was not of individual choice but that of breaking from a system where rulers were kings but rather the people, through representation could establish responsibility for actions.
We can read over and over again that this country was establishment by the divine and Godly influence. (Quotes from Founding Fathers) -- Here are a few that spoke on this newly formed governance: Excerpts taken from the book,"America's God and Country. Encyclopedia of Quotations"
"Suppose a nation in some distant region should take the Bible for their only law book, and every member should regulate his conduct by the precepts there exhibited! Every member would be obliged in conscience....charity toward his fellow men; and to piety, love, and reverence toward Almighty God....What a Utopia, what a Paradise would this region be." (Pg. 5)On July 4, 1821, John Quincy Adams (son of the former) stated:
"From the day of the Declaration... they (the American people) were bound by laws of God, which they all, and by the laws of the Gospel, which they nearly all, acknowledge as the rules of their conduct."(Pg. 18)
"The Colonist grew in their resilience and confidence in God, to the point where one Crown-appointed Governor wrote of the condition to the Board of Trade back in England: 'If you ask an American, who is his master? He will tell you he has none, nor any governor but Jesus Christ.'" This expression soon became a motto statement in merchant trade: "No King but King Jesus!" (Pg. 59)
"The first general order to his troops, General George Washington called on:At the establishment of the Inauguration of George Washington as the first President of the United States Congress passed a resolution:
'Every officer and man...to live, and act, as becomes a Christian Soldier defending the dearest Rights and Liberties of his country.'" (Pg. 146)
"Resolved, That after the oath shall have been administered to the President, he, attended by the Vice President, and the members of the Senate, and House of Representatives, proceed to St. Paul's Chapel, to hear divine service, to be performed by the Chaplain of Congress already appointed." (Pg. 155)On October 4, 1982, in a Joint Resolution of the 97th Congress, signed by President Reagan, declared 1983 as the "Year of the Bible," Public Law 97-280:
"Whereas the Bible, the Word of God, has made a unique contribution in shaping the United States as a distinctive and blessed nation and people; ... deeply held religious convictions ... inspired concepts of civil government ... 1983 as a national 'Year of the Bible' in recognition of both the formative influence the Bible has been for our Nation, and our national need to study and apply the teachings of the Holy Scriptures." (Pg. 175)(John) Calvin Coolidge, 30th President of the U.S. once stated on May 31, 1923 (then Vice President) in a message "The Destiny of America".
"....They (the founding fathers) were intent upon establishing a Christian commonwealth in accordance with the principles of self-government. They were an inspired body of men."Later we see in history that on August 4, 1923 (after being sworn into office as President following the death of Warren G. Harding proclaimed that there should be a National Day of Mourning and Prayer saying; "To bow down in submission to the will of Almighty God." (Pg. 180-181)
On June 14, 1954, President Eisenhower support and signed into law the Congressional act, Joint resolution 243, which added the phrase "under God" to the Pledge of Allegiance. He stated:
"In this way we are affirming the transcendence of religious faith in America's heritage and future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country's most powerful resource in peace and war." (Pg. 226)President Gerald Ford upheld that:
"Without God there could be no America form of government, nor an American Way of life. Recognition of the Supreme Being is the first - and most basic - expression of Americanism. Thus the founding father of America saw it, and thus with God's help, it will continue to be." (Pg. 237)Even quoting President Martin Van Buren (of which the town of Van Buren derives it name) once declared;
"I only look to the gracious protection of that Divine Being whose strengthening support I humbly solicit, and whom I fervently pray to look down upon us all. May it be among the dispensations of His Providence to bless our beloved country...." (Pg. 621)While this is not a history class, it is important to understand that the founding of this nation was set apart and a Declaration of Dependence upon God was set in motion.....The founding fathers were dependent on God, the Bible and Christ.
Are we now living in the day of a Christ-less America?
Dr. James Garlow, former Pastor at Skyline and now leading national efforts and heritage revival movement, and author of many books speaks on the American spiritual heritage. His messages are widely sought! He spoke at Indiana Wesleyan University Chapel several years ago and declared of our once great influence in America as Christians. In a rather pessimistic yet prophetic message he stood at the edge of the platform. In summary he said;
"Up through the 1800's we were a dominate influence. Up through 1963 we were sub-dominate. Up through 1980 we were marginalized. Up through 1999 we were pushed to the edge of society, considered persecuted."While we stand in greater opposition to our faith, many of the politics are contrary to our biblical morals and principles, and yes, much persecution can be expected; yet, we have a message that I believe is welcomed today. It is a message of dependence upon the Lord.
We may argue about many things yet it is our testimony that people cannot argue with. Yet it is all too important to keep God in our country. Someone once said: "...without God, the state and its leaders were free to shape morality for themselves." (Sean Hannity, Deliver Us From Evil.)
This is not intended to be a political stump speech today yet it is intended to apply a themed message on this holiday that carried a Biblical message.
Someone once said: "The day a president cannot invoke God as his guiding light, and the source from whom he and our nation derive strength and direction, is the day America ceases to be great." (Hannity, Deliver Us From Evil)
I now share a couple of quick thoughts for us today. These are ways we can be a positive influence in life and culture.
1. Giving Testimony - Declare our Dependence on God.
We must proclaim the message of Jesus Christ. He is our source of strength. It is a declaration of dependence upon God! I usually cannot just give a synopsis however Jesus was a master at communicating his message. Jesus was able to get His message across with brevity and depth. He stated is source when he stated: "I have made known to you everything I heard from my Father." - John 15:15.
We too often preach a message of blame and judgment. We often are perceived as people who are negative while we have the most hope-filled message of all creation! It is our testimony that will win the debates and declare Christ over all.
Max Lucado wrote a devotional (my Birthday, June 15):
"We learn brevity from Jesus. His greatest sermon can be read in eight minutes (Matthew 5-7).....He summarized prayer in five phrases (Matthew 6:9-13). He silenced accusers with one challenge (John 8:7). He rescued a soul with one sentence (Luke 23:43). He summarized the Law in three verses (Mark 12:29-31), and he reduced all his teachings to one command (John 15:12). He made his point and went home."
2. Philip gives testimony with the eunuch. (Acts 8:26-40)
Billy Graham once wrote: "He (Jesus) was able to engage and transcend the culture." (Leadership Secrets of Billy Graham. Leadership Magazine, 4/5/99)
Three simple drawing factors that help bring people to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
a. Life. Vs 26-30 - We can be a positive influence on culture and Christ by how we live and lead.
- Philip was a follower of Christ and His resurrection story. He was doing what he was commanded to do.
- He walked along the road and met the eunuch who was reading Isaiah 53.
- Philip holds a Bible study and then baptizes the new believer.
b. Word. Vs 30-35 - We can be a positive influence on culture and Christ by sharing the Word of God which never will return to you void. It will always make an eternal difference.
-He met the eunuch reading from Isaiah 53:7-8.
- He helped the eunuch understand the message and meaning of Christ's resurrection
- "Philip grabbed his chance" and begin to preach Truth and demonstrate the love of Christ.
c. Deed. Vs 36-40 - We can be a positive influence on culture and Christ by what we do! Remember, what we do here on earth echoes for eternity!
- He spent time with the eunuch.
- The eunuch wanted to be baptized.
- The Spirit of God came upon Philip.
- The eunuch gave testimony..."But he didn't mind. He had what he'd come for and went down the road as happy as he could be."
I believe that we are still able to make a positive witness today. While society seems to deny the existence of God, we can testify of our dependence upon God. This message can make a difference.
May forget how and why this nation exist. It is our duty to let them know that this nation was established upon Godly precepts! May we remind people, even our own family, how essential it is to never forget that God blesses the nation whose God is the Lord!
We too may have to define the meaning of the words not just in our Declaration of Independence or in our National Anthems or even in our Pledge of Allegiance. We may have the opportunity to also help bring clarity to some along the road who declares as the eunuch did with Philip: "How can I, unless I someone instruct me?"
On this Holiday season when we choose to celebrate our Country's Independence, let us keep Christ as central to this celebration. Let us not be ashamed to invoke the name of our Creator and Savior. Let us not shrink back but press forward to DECLARE OUR DEPENDENCE upon the Lord Jesus Christ. He alone is our strength. He is Truth. He is Lord.
Go out and Declare your Dependence upon God!
