Foundational Declarations

Truths from the Signers of the Declaration of Independence 

I want to share with you a truth that I read several years ago back – I do not remember who wrote it, but it holds a truth that should not be ignored, “If we do not know the foundation on which the Founding Fathers laid for this nation, then we as a nation have no understanding on what we are to be today, thus we are a nation that has no clear vision for tomorrow.”

In regards to understanding what we are suppose to be doing today as a nation, many have no clue what is expected of us.  Just this last June, there was a week when we as Americans were suppose to be doing different things to show honor for the flag of the Unites States of America.  As a matter of fact, the Sunday before flag week, churches were to be having services that honored what the flag of the United Sates of America stands for.  I have talked with several pastors, – they all said, “I did not know that!”  As a matter of fact, this fourth of July, there are celebrations that will be giving away United State flags.  Hopefully there will be some kind of instructions given, clarifying just what our flag stands for, and hopefully it will be truths from the Founding Fathers who laid the foundation for this nation.

I would propose to you, there is a lack of understanding of the Biblical truths on which the Founding Fathers of this nation laid our foundation.  That ignorance has enabled this nation’s values to drift off her course for which she was sent.  I would propose to you that we as God’s elect are to be prepared to give a testimony on how we believe God has raised up this nation, how He has blessed this country and how He will deal with us, depending on the choices we make.  The Bible says “in season or out of season” meaning if it is popular or not, we are to “correct, rebuke, encourage — with great patience and careful instruction.”

Just what are truths that can be taught to a people who for several generations have been kept in the dark on what our founding Fathers believed?  What facts found in history can correct that false-hood presented by many – saying that most of our Founding Father’s were not Christians, nor had a reverent fear of God.

It was not until I became a Christian, that I was exposed to the facts that many of our Founding Father knew God’s Word, sought counsel from God’s Word and made laws to govern this nation based from the truths of God’s Word.  When I started writing about the vision of our Founding Fathers, I was pleasantly surprised that so many of our foundational leaders were not ashamed of Jesus Christ. Thus enabling us as a nation “to be the longest on-going Constitutional Republic in the history of the world.” (Wall builders – David Barton)

Heart Beat of the Men who Signed the Declaration of Independence

There is a lot of historical facts about the belief’s of the men who laid down the foundation of this country, there is no way it can all be expounded upon in just one message.  In order for us to grasp and retain any of it, we must look a bits at a time.  Let us consider the heart beat of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.  John Adams and John Hancock, bold signers of the Declaration of Independence on April 18, 1775 said, “We Recognize No Sovereign but God and no King but Jesus!”

The Bible says, “This is what the Lord says, Israel’s King and Redeemer, the LORD Almighty: I am the First and the last; apart from Me there is no God.”  (Isaiah 44:6) Isaiah 45:5 says, “I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from Me there is no God.” In regard to Jesus being king, Pilate asked our Lord if He was the King of the Jews? Jesus said, “Yes, it is as you say,” (Luke 23:3)  Many of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, had a firm conviction, there is one God and Jesus is the King of kings.

…proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants.”

Not only did many of the signers of the Declaration of Independence know that there is only one God and Jesus is the King of kings, they did not presume on the grace of God, they sought His will in the decisions they made.

On July 2, 1776, Congress voted to approve a complete separation from Great Britain.  On July 4, the early draft of the Declaration of Independence was signed.  Four days later, July 08, 1776 – members of Congress took that document and read it aloud from the steps of Independence Hall, proclaiming it to the city of Philadelphia, after which the Liberty Bell rung.  The inscription around the top of the bell, a key truth found in Leviticus 25:10 – “…proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants.”   Compared to many war torn nations, we have independence, freedom and opportunity to pursue dreams.  The turmoil in other nations, their struggles and multiple revolutions, have yet to see the stability and blessings that we have here in America, even considering this nation’s many faults.

John Adams wrote to his wife in a letter about the day America declared her independence.  He wrote, “This day will be the most memorable time in the history of America. …it will be celebrated by succeeding generations…”  Mr. Adams said, “The general principles the Fathers achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity.”  The Founding Fathers had a reverent fear of the Lord.  A truth God still honors today.

Remember the Price Paid by our Founding Fathers

The Bible says we should give honor were honor is due. (Romans 13:7) We should be honoring God by letting the Fourth of July be a reminder of the price our Founding Fathers paid for laying down the independence we enjoy.

For example:

Five signers were captured by the British as traitors and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons in the Revolutionary Army, another had two sons captured. Nine of the fifty-six signers fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War. They signed and they pledge their lives, their fortunes, and their scared honor.   John Q. Adams, son of John Adams, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, wrote: “Posterity! You will never know how much it cost the present generation to preserve your freedoms. I hope you will make good use of it.”

The men who signed the Declaration of Independence, were an elect group of ministers, business men, teachers, university professors, sailors, captains, and farmers. (Wall-Builders, David Barton) These men were not crazy, trouble makers wanting to make a name for themselves, miss-use power, and get rich.  Most lost nearly everything, some lost everything they owned and lived in poverty the rest of their lives. These were soft spoken men, (in a sense) men of means, education, security, but they valued liberty more for this nation, yes liberty for the people who were to live in it. (Quotes, History – The High Cost of Signing The Declaration of Independence)  Many of the signers of the Declaration of Independence knew the whole of Scripture which says, there is “a time for war, and a time for peace.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

Writings from signers of the Declaration of Independence

The heart breaking truth about many who live today, they have been kept in the dark, they are not hungry to seek out the truth and they are easily drawn to false-hood.  One fact Christians must understand, not everyone who signed the Declaration of Independence were Christians, many were deists and/or wavered between those two beliefs.  This does not change the fact, God has used their courage and suffering to raise up a nation that has spread God’s Word and love around the world.

The Bible says, “…The Word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart… if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:8-9)

Listen to these writings and proclamations from signers of the Declaration of Independence:

John Adams, concerning Independence Day.  In a speech he delivered in 1837, on fourth of July.  He said, “It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.”  In Newburyport, Massachusetts Mr. Adams asked,   “Why is it that, next to the birth of the Savior of the world your most joyous and most venerated festival returns on this [the Fourth of July]?”  His answer, “Is it not in the chain of human events, the birthday of the nation is indissolubly linked with the birthday of the Savior?  That it forms a leading event in the progress of this Gospel dispensation?  Is it not that the Declaration of Independence first organized the social compact on the foundation of the Redeemer’s mission upon earth? That it laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity?”   Mr. Adam’s heart and the heart beat of other signers of the Declaration of Independence is reflected in the last paragraph of that wonderful document “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence…”

Samuel Adams wrote, “I…recommend my soul to that Almighty Being Who gave it, and my body I commit to the dust, relying upon the merits of Jesus Christ for a pardon of all my sins.”

John Hancock wrote, “…being advanced in years and being of perfect mind and memory – thanks be given to God – therefore calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing it is appointed for all men once to die [and face judgment] (Hebrews 9:27), I do make and ordain this my last will and testament…”

Richard Stockton wrote, “I think it proper here not only to subscribe to the entire belief of the great and leading doctrines of the Christian religion, such Being of God… that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom; that the way of life held up in the Christian system is calculated for the most complete happiness that can be enjoyed in this mortal state…”

Much has been said and written to bring question about some the men’s faith who signed the Declaration of Independence, reading their very own quotes sets right any uncertainties of their purpose for true liberty in America.

Take the Pledge Seriously

The men who signed The Declaration of Independence took their pledge seriously.  The questions must be asked – Do our youth take it seriously? Does our present government? Do we?

Dr. Benjamin Rush, the father of American Medicine and signer, recorded that day in a diary when the Declaration of Independence was first read to the House and when they were all called up, one by one to the table of the President of Congress.  The entire Congress knew to sign such a document – was like signing a death warrant.  On that day there was a great silence and gloom on that morning, the silence was broken with a kind of crude humor.  Colonel Harrison of Virginia (a very large guy) said to Mr. Elbridge Gerry (a very small man) of Massachusetts.  The crude joke – the Colonel said, “I shall have a great advantage over you, Mr. Gerry, when we are all hung for doing for what we are doing… From the size and weight of my body, I shall die in a few minutes, but from the lightness of your body you will dance in the air an hour or two before you are dead.” (Wall builders – David Barton) That crude joke brought a brief smile upon all who were there that morning, but was soon succeeded by the seriousness of what was taking place so you and I can enjoy the liberties we have today.

Years ago back I attended a fourth of July celebration, as a matter of fact I remember two occasions.  One, a preacher was speaking – reminding listeners of the Christian faith that many of our Founding Fathers had.  Most in the crowd talked among themselves, as the pastor spoke.  I was overwhelmed of the disrespect.  The second, I was setting off from the events that were taking place, waiting for the firework display to go off.  I had small children at that time – it was easier for us to just park on the hill some distance away.  I could hear a man speaking, sharing different points on how this country was blessed, because the sacrifice made by many throughout history, as the man talked I could hear the constant rumble of the crowd talking, ignoring what the man had to say, to please themselves, enjoying everything around them. I was amazed, and felt sad for the speaker, those holding the event and for the Lord.

Today, I am blessed, thinking how God is still raising up ministries that are proclaiming truth, using modern day tools, the social media, internet and radio to get the truth out, so those outside the church walls have a chance to hear.  I am very blessed to have on several occasions get on a website, Wall Builders, LLC – a website that presents America’s forgotten history.  The website’s founder is David Barton, an evangelical Christian activist and author who promotes unorthodox views about the religious basis of the United States.   It is great to make time to get on that site and read about the genuine faith of many of our Founding Fathers.  That ministry has copies and actual prints of the men who laid the foundation of this country. Men who were not ashamed of the Lord, boldly proclaimed God’s truth and made decisions from God’s truths.  Make time this forth of July to visit that website and others to learn the truths about the foundation of this United States of America.

National Prayers

Praying for Our President and America

1 Timothy 2:1-4 says, “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”   Pray!

Terrible times in the last days

The apostle Paul wrote the young pastor Timothy regarding the last days saying, But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.” (2 Timothy 3:1)      If you have a child who is fighting our war on terrorism right now, defending this nation from those who hate America, the truth of this verse grips your heart.

The Apostle Paul is being led of the Holy Spirit to take the Body of Christ to the high level of intercession for those they love and for those in authority.  The truths found in this portion of Scripture guide the children of God to a very effective form of public worship, an act of worship that comes from a heart that has learned the joy of both singing the praises of God and grasping the truths of worship in spirit and truth.

The Holy Spirit moved Paul to write “I urge” (parakaleo) to indicate the urgency of the need of prayer.  This Greek word means to admonish or call someone to do something.

It is like a mother looking out and seeing her two year old out in the middle of a four lane highway.  Because her hands are full, holding a baby and packages from the store, she calls out for someone to intervene.

Dr. Ralph Earle points out that Paul is giving Timothy instructions on public worship in today’s text.  The Holy Spirit wants you to grasp this truth:  our president and our country have great needs.  Pastors are to call out for someone who has ears to hear and a heart to obey, to urgently pray.

I would propose to you that the children of God can most certainly desire and call out to the Lord for godly leaders who walk in the fear of the Lord.  The last words of King David in 2 Samuel give us this truth, The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me: `When one rules over men in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God, he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings the grass from the earth.’” (2 Samuel 23:3-4)

Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, gave some great advice that we as Christians need to heed to, “...select capable men from all the people–men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain–and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens…  If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied.”  (Exodus. 18:21,23)

Our founding fathers knew the truths in these Scriptures.  Noah Webster wrote, “When you become entitled to exercise the right of voting for public offices let it be impressed on your mind that God commands you to choose rulers men who rule in the fear of God. The preservation of a republican government depends on the faithful discharge of this duty; if the citizens neglect this duty and place unprincipled men in office the government will soon be corrupted.”  (Taken from “Pray the Vote, What to Pray For”)

Just what clear instructions does God’s Word have for us as we live in these last days?

Four keys words

The first step to becoming a pleasing prayer warrior is to grasp the truths of four keys words regarding to prayer in today’s key text.

The first word is “request” (deesis) giving us the application of presenting a special need or the intense needs of others by making the supplications with the sense of urgency.  In keeping with our theme for today, it was the intense prayers offered up to the Lord for protection of our president when he was being flown around the USA in Air Force One, while our nation was being attacked on 9/11/2001.

The second word is “prayers” (proseuche) meaning to become a house of prayer. This is literally a house of prayer with set times to pray and involved in seasons of prayer.  Compare this to a house that has everything set in place, everything being done in proper dependable order.

The third word is “intercessions” (enteuxis) and as it is used in 1 Timothy 2:1 it means praying according to God’s will (Zodhiates) and standing in the gap before God on behalf of others seeking His mercy and grace for them.  In keeping with our theme today, it’s praying that God would bring America to repentance, God would put His protective hand around our president as He did King David, and that the Lord would give him wisdom.

The fourth word is “thanksgiving” (eucharista) meaning prayers that express thankfulness to God for hearing our prayers of faith in anticipation that He is going to work out all things for His glory and purposes.

 

Christianity Today had a quote from Karl Barth that should cause all Christians to grasp the power that is possible in offering prayers girded in these truths, “To clasp hands in prayer is the beginning of an uprising against the disorder of the world.”

Pray particularly for those in authority

Praying with these four truths upon our hearts enables us to pray with Biblical faith.  Our key text today instructs us to pray particularly for those in authority.

Those in authority are there because God put them there.   In Daniel 2:21 we read that God “…changes times and seasons; He sets up kings and deposes them.  He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.”  Romans 13:1 says; “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”
The Holy Spirit had given Daniel understanding, it is the God of providence, by whom kings reign and princes decree justice.  It is the inspiration of the Almighty God that gives men understanding, He enables them to acquire knowledge and use that knowledge in a right and humble manner.  Without Him knowledge leads to pride and to a nation’s downfall.

This truth is so powerfully displayed as we take time to consider the purpose of the writings of First and Second Kings.  These two portions of Scripture record the history of kingdom rulers, some were of noble God fearing character, most misruled and expressed a willful unrepentant heart in their failure to follow God’s commandments.

Obedience is met with blessings, and disobedience with punishment and chastening.  Throughout the times of the kings and judges when God wanted to bless His people He raised up righteous leaders.  On the other hand, when God wanted to bring chastisements, He raised up a wicked leader, sometimes among His people or from another nation to take them into oppression.

The Bible shows clearly that God will deal with His people on the basis of His promise in 1 Samuel 12:18-24.  In his farewell speech, Samuel, reminds the people of God that he had set a king over them upon their request. (1 Samuel 12:1-2)  As God’s spokesman he gives this exhortation from the Lord, “For the sake of His great name the Lord will not reject His people… But be sure to fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart, consider the great things He has done for you.” (1 Samuel 12:22,24)    God is the same today as He was in the past and He will be the same for the future when it comes to raising up and deposing leaders.  (Hebrews 13:8, Malachi 3:6)

What the Holy Spirit wants you grasp is that the Lord is the one in charge of setting up leaders for a nation.  Intercessors for this nation can be humble and pray for a president with the spiritual character of Hezekiah to govern this nation.  The Word of God holds this testimony of the great leader, Hezekiah trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him.  He held fast to the LORD and did not cease to follow Him; he kept the commands the LORD had given Moses.  And the LORD was with him; he was successful in whatever he undertook….” (2 Kings 18:5-7)

Lord to lead the President

A foundational truth based on the whole of Scripture is seek the Lord in heartfelt petition for a president that is hungry for the commands of the Lord.  Christians can ask the Lord to lead their president as well.

Proverbs 21:1 says; “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD; He directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases.”  The president’s heart is in the hand of the Lord and God is going to turn him just as He turns the course of a little babbling brook that runs down a mountainside and as He controls the rivers of the world.

In his early days of leading God’s people, Solomon expressed the heart of the leader that we should want for this nation.  The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream and said, “Ask for whatever you want Me to give you.”  Solomon answered the Lord, “Now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties.  Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number.  So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.  For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” (1 Kings 3:7-9)

In these days of major conflict we need a national leader who understands his need for God’s grace and wisdom just like President George Washington who said, “It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible.”  In later years, President Abraham Lincoln said, “I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go to.  My own wisdom, and that of all about me, seemed insufficient for the day.”(Taken from a sermon preached by Pastor Gerald Flurry)

There is a powerful psalm written by King David that expresses what should be in the heart of someone who desires to walk under God’s directing course. (Matthew Henry Commentary; Spurgeon; Thru the Bible Commentary)  David’s song of praise honors God’s omnipresence.  He writes, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24)

Proverbs 21 is a powerful truth that must be grasped so Christians may pray in faith that God is fully able to put in affect His perfect will, regardless of who has leadership in America.  The hearts of men are in God’s hand.  The Lord can change men’s minds and direct their affairs even in the freedom of their free will for His own purpose.

This truth is powerfully displayed in several passages of Scriptures such as Exodus 10:1-2, “Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Go to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the hearts of his officials so that I may perform these miraculous signs of mine among them that you may tell your children and grandchildren how I dealt harshly with the Egyptians and how I performed my signs among them, and that you may know that I am the LORD.’”

In Isaiah we read of God using Assyria as an instrument of wrath to bring judgment on His people for disobedience.  The Bible says, “[Assyria], the rod of My anger, in whose hand is the club of My wrath!  I send him against a godless nation, I dispatch him against a people who anger Me, to seize loot and snatch plunder and to trample them down like mud in the streets.” (Isaiah 10:5-6)

In the last verse of Isaiah 44 (verse 28) into Isaiah 45 we read of God proving His Headship and His incontestable sovereignty in working through a king to get His will done.  The Lord uses a King who has not even acknowledged Him to deliver His people from captivity and to restore them back into their own Land.  God’s Word speaks of this king very clearly, “Cyrus, he is My shepherd and will accomplish all that I please; he will say of Jerusalem, ‘Let it be rebuilt,’ and of the temple, ‘Let its foundations be laid.” (Isaiah 44:28)

Cyrus was a king who had not known or acknowledged the Lord, yet God used him in a powerful way. Listen carefully to what God says to Cyrus.  This is what the LORD says to His anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I take hold of to subdue nations before him and to strip kings of their armor, to open doors before him so that gates will not be shut: I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron.  I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.  For the sake of Jacob my servant, of Israel my chosen, I summon you by name and bestow on you a title of honor, though you do not acknowledge me. I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God.  I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged Me.”  (Isaiah 45:1-5)  Most translations say, “…have not known Me.” (King James, New American Standard and NEV)

Christians have every right to pray in confidence for God to intercede for the president of the United States of America, whether he or she is a Christian or not.  God is able and will accomplish what He needs to in order for sinners to see the hand of the Lord, to repent, and to come to Christ.

There is much in the Bible about how God moved upon kings to get the work of the Lord done.  In Ezra chapter 4 we read about the opposition to the rebuilding of the temple of the Lord.  The Bible says the enemies of Judah and Benjamin hired counselors to work against those working on the temple.  The people around the Israelites frustrated their plans during the entire reign of Cyrus king of Persia and down to the reign of Darius.  (Ezra 4:1-4)   The Lord worked through King Darius to get the building of the temple going (Ezra 6) and God used King Artaxerxes to keep the building of the temple going. (Ezra 7)   It was king Artaxerxes who gave the priest Ezra everything he asked for because the hand of the Lord was upon him.  God granted him favor with the king. (Ezra 7:6)

God granted favor for Nehemiah as well as King Artaxerxes.  He was so discouraged over the condition of Jerusalem that it affected his appearance before the king.  The king told Nehemiah that he knew he was not ill and he could see his “sadness of heart.” (Nehemiah 2:2)

Nehemiah said, “I was very much afraid.”  Nehemiah told the king what lay so heavily upon his heart.  The king asked, “What do you want?”  I love what Nehemiah said, “Then I prayed unto the God of heaven.”  Then Nehemiah answered the king.  At the end of the story Nehemiah was sent to Jerusalem for 12 years to rebuild the work of God. (Nehemiah 2:1; 5:14)

This country was founded by men who for the most part had a fear for the Lord and looked to the Word of God for the foundation of making many of this nation’s laws.   However, much opposition is arising to make it hard to rebuild the foundation for which God raised up this nation.  Christians can look to the Lord to grant them favor with national leaders so they can accomplish the work of the Lord.  It does not matter how good or bad they are, whether they are a Democrat or Republican, how conservative or liberal they may be, the Lord can do a work among them for His glory and the glory of His son.

Protection of the United States

Christians can call upon a God who literally is in full control of those in leadership position.  They may look to Him for the protection of the United States of America as well.  Psalm 33:16-18 says “No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength.  A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save.  But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His unfailing love.”

The great preacher Charles Spurgeon wrote, “The strongest battalions melt like snowflakes when God is against them.”  America has been blessed with great and powerful military forces, yet Americans must understand that the Lord is not on the side of those who have the biggest war heads and largest armies.  His eyes watches out for those who look to Him as Lord and who fully understand that victory only comes from Him.

In the Book of Exodus we read of Israel’s first battle after the Lord God had brought them out of Egypt.  Exodus records the event of this great warrior who was going out to battle, commissioned by Moses and anointed by God to fight against the Amalekites who threatened the people of God.  This warrior’s name is “Joshua” meaning “Yahweh is salvation.”  Listen to this account of God’s faithful servants doing battle for their nation.  “So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill.  As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelite’s were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning.  When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up–one on one side, one on the other–so that his hands remained steady till sunset.  So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.” (Exodus 17:10-13)

Here we see how the Lord lays out the format for battling enemies of a nation with the motto, “The People of God” or “In God we Trust.”  There are those who are trained to go out and fight and there are those who are commissioned to pray.

In verse 9 we read that Moses told Joshua that he would be holding the staff of God in His hands.  This rod of God was a way of appeal to the Lord, our way of appeal today is to enter the throne of Grace in the Name of Jesus Christ.  Christians are not only to be a light upon a hill, but intercessors.

Please note how Moses hands became tired and then God raised up assistance.  Aaron and Hur were quick to give aide, thus showing us that we should not be embarrassed to ask for assistance nor should Christians be shy in giving assistance in offering up intercession to the Lord in prayer.

The Bible says that after the victory of the Lord, “Moses built an altar and called it ‘The Lord is my Banner.’” (Exodus 17:15)  Banner reflects the staff as the standard in approaching God and is a testimony of the power of God. (The Expositor Bible Commentary)  We are to approach the Lord through the altar of the heart in prayer as the testimony of seeking His power to intercede for His people.

Our nation is fighting an enemy right now and Christians should be as quick and steadfast in prayer as Moses, Aaron and Hur. We do not know what the outcome of this war will be, however, we do serve a God who is ready and able to intercede.  There are Christians who intercede in prayer on a regular basis for our president, government and armed forces.  National Day of Prayer is our opportunity to gird up those who may become tired in prayer and feel like giving up.

God whose plans will prevail

Christians can pray for their nation when they are at war knowing He can bring victory.  They can be steadfast at prayer because they serve a God whose plans will prevail.  Psalm 33:10-11 says The LORD foils the plans of the nations; He thwarts the purposes of the peoples.  But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations.”

While interceding for our President and all in authority there is no need to give God His marching orders, Christians need only to pray as Christ did, Father, “…may your will be done.” (Matthew 26:42)

Holy Spirit illuminated Christians give praise to God as this psalmist did because they rest in the sovereignty of His providence in the government of the world.  The Lord overrules all the counsels of men, and contrary to their intentions makes them serviceable to His counsel in due time.

The Apostle Paul’s call is “Urgently pray.”  Christians need only to grasp the four truths to praying.  They must be willing to pray for those in authority, have faith that God has full control over the president and be diligent in joining with others to pray for our armed forces as they fight the enemy who attacked us, just as the Amalekites did the Israelite’s.

The National Day of Prayer team is asking you to assist them in prayer as Aaron and Hur assisted Moses while He fulfilled his duty in prayer as Joshua and the armies of Israel fought the battles of the Lord.

Let us pray!!!!

A Vigilant Nation

The Foundation of a Nation – “In God We Trust.”

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people He chose for His inheritance. From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind; from His dwelling place He watches all who live on earth– He who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do. No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. We wait in hope for the LORD; He is our help and our shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name.  May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.”  (Psalm 33:12-22)

United States of America has always had enemies

Vigilance has never come easy.  Throughout the past 200 plus years the United States of America has always had enemies.  Many today still remember the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor and everyday in some way we are reminded of 9/11/2001.  A day that reminded us that even the powerful U.S.A. is not beyond the violent attack of a hateful enemy.

I would propose to you that America needs to be vigilant and she must have her full trust in God.  There are three Biblical ways for America to protect her national borders.  Our war on terrorism has upped the ante and the Lord is calling the church to the lay a foundation that points those who have ears to hear to once again set their hearts on truly saying, “In God we trust!”

Just what three things is the Lord calling Christians to do in these last days?  Our keys text lays the foundation for the United States as she endeavors to avoid the dangers that are coming at her through acts of terrorism.

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people He chose for His inheritance. From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind; from His dwelling place He watches all who live on earth– He who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do. No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. We wait in hope for the LORD; He is our help and our shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name.  May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.”  (Psalm 33:12-22)

Healthy fear of the Lord

There are three foundational truths that the Holy Spirit wants to place within our hearts this Independence Day Weekend.  Our great military strength alone is not enough as we face an enemy that is hard to locate and never knowing when, where, and how he may attack. The first foundational truth found in a vigilant nation is a healthy fear of the Lord. “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD… the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear Him.” (Psalm 33:12,18)

Contemporary America has a long list of transgressions against the Lord. Some of those transgressions are the embracing of the homosexual agenda, abortion, abandoning Christ by bowing to the pressures of the ACLU and other worldly organizations.  However the remnant, Christians who know Jesus Christ as personal Savior and Lord are a powerful force in a wicked culture that flaunts her disbelief’s.  There is a powerful hope in the words that the Lord spoke to Abraham in his plea for Sodom and Gomorrah.  The Lord told Abraham, “For the sake of ten [righteous men], I will not destroy it.”  A God fearing people can make a powerful difference in God’s dealings with a nation.

The Bible gives us this powerful truth worth clinging to, “the LORD delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love.”  (Psalm 147:11)  Psalm 34:7 says, “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear [God] and He delivers them.”

The obvious question is “What is fear of the Lord?”

The fear of the Lord ranges from terror, which may be evidenced by shaking or trembling (Daniel 5:6), to awe or reverence (Malachi 2:5) which induces love or worship rather than terror.  This is the very awe that every God fearing man should have before the Lord if he is going to be among that remnant that is going to be used of the Lord to maintain a lasting foundation for America.

In the close of the Book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon writes a truth that must be grasped by all Christians and especially for those who may be involved in the governmental affairs of this country.  He writes, “…Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of man.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13)   In the Old Testament fear of the Lord is used as designation of true religion. (Proverbs 1:7)  This fear conjoined with love and hope in Christ is the heartbeat of true reverence thus becoming the preventive tool against backsliding and is the incentive to living a life of true repentance before God. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

True Christianity produces a fear that induces a love for keeping God’s commands and laws.  In Deuteronomy 5:29 we read about what is on  the heart of God for those who are called by His name, “Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear Me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children.”  In Deuteronomy 31:12 we read of Moses telling the priest to “Assemble the people – men, women, and children, and the aliens living in the towns, so they can listen and learn to fear the Lord…”

Fear of the Lord involves receiving instructions from God’s Word.  In 2 Chronicles 26 we read of King Uzziah accepting instructions from a man of God named Zechariah.  Uzziah took instructions from Zechariah on how to live in “fear of the Lord.” (2 Chronicles 26:5)  The Bible says, “He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord…  He sought God…   [and] as long as he sought God the Lord, God gave him success.” (2 Chronicles 26:4-5)

Uzziah prospered in civilian and battle pursuits.  This includes building and farming projects. (2 Chronicles 26:6-9)  Uzziah became a great military leader and inventor and God gave him well-trained armies powerful enough to regain land taken over by hostel nations and hold off enemy attacks. (2 Chronicles 26:11-15)  Uzziah had fame that was in accordance of God’s Word thus bringing honor to God and His people.  The Ammonites paid him tribute.  Uzziah’s reign as king underscored the connection between a king’s and nation’s success with their obedience to God’s Word reflecting true fear of the Lord. (2 Chronicles 26:5; 2 Kings 14:21-22; 15:1-14)

A nation with a firm foundation has Christians who have the heart of the psalmist who wrote, “Teach me your way, O Lord, and I walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.” (Psalm 86:11)  God is very pleased and will look out for a nation that has people who serve Jesus, cleave to Him, live under the authority of Christ and keep His words.  Obedient Christians who fear the Lord see all acts of obedience to the Lord as a delight, not a burden.  Psalm 112:1 says, “Praise the LORD.  Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in His commands.

The foundation of this country is clearly spelled out in the words of William Bradford who became governor of the Plymouth Colony as he describes the mission of the Pilgrims.  Mr. Bradford said, “They cherished a great hope and inward zeal of laying a good foundation… for the advancement of the gospel of Christ in the remote parts of the world…”

It is very evident that the men who God used to lay the foundation of this nation were men who had a fear of the Lord.  Listen to these quotations from our founding fathers and other national leaders.   Men like George Washington who said, “It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible.”  In his farewell speech of 1796 he said, “Of all habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. …Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.”  George Washington was a man of prayer who could grasp the heart of God in praying, “Direct my thoughts, words and work. Wash away my sins in the immaculate blood of the Lamb, and purge my heart by thy Holy Spirit… Daily frame me more and more into the likeness of Thy Son Jesus Christ.”

The third president of the United States, Thomas Jefferson said, “God …gave us liberty.  And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis…  …I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, and that His justice cannot sleep forever.”  Thomas Jefferson knew the need of a nation to walk in reverence before God and to live with a Biblical understanding of what it means to live in the fear of the Lord.

One of America’s Revolutionary leaders, Patrick Henry said, “It cannot be emphasized to strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

We know this to be true because of the heart that was reflected in men who signed the Declaration of Independence and our Constitution.  John Witherspoon, a signer of the Declaration of Independence said, “Cursed be all learning that is contrary to the Cross of Christ.”  Alexander Hamilton, signer of the Constitution said, “I have a tender reliance on the mercy of the Almighty, through the merits of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am a sinner. I look to Him for mercy.”

There have always been attacks on the faith of the men God had used to lay the foundation for this nation and even on Christians the Lord is using now to govern this nation.  One such man was Benjamin Franklin who has often and still is accused of being a deist.  At the Constitutional Convention of 1787 he clearly said, “I have lived long.  Sir, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth – that God governs in the affairs of men.  And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it [possible] that an empire can rise without His aid?  We have been assured, Sir, in the Sacred Writings, that ‘except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it.’  I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without His concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of [the Tower of] Babel… My views… are the results of life of inquiry and reflection, and very different from the anti-Christian system imputed to me by those who know nothing of my opinions.

To the corruptions of Christianity, I am, in deed opposed; but not to the genuine precepts of Jesus Himself.  I am a Christian in the only sense in which He wished anyone to be; sincerely attached to His doctrines in preference to all others.”

We all must understand that back in the time of laying a foundation for this nation there were men who claimed to be God fearing and were not, just like it was in the time God was building and establishing the nation Israel.  However, there was that remnant who truly feared the Lord.  The Holy Spirit dwelt with this through the Apostle Paul in Romans 9:6, “…For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel.”  God does not look upon a man’s outward relation and position, but upon the character and heart.  Calling oneself an Israelite does not make a person right with the Lord and neither does calling oneself an American citizen while quoting “In God we Trust.”  The Apostle Paul gives this truth in Romans 2:28-29, “A man is not a Jew [or Christian] if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical.  No, a man is a Jew [or Christian] if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the [Holy] Spirit…” There has always been a remnant and Jesus taught only a few will enter the narrow gate and walk the narrow road that leads to eternal life. (Matthew 7:13)

I do not know how many Christians were involved in the founding of this nation, one thing is for sure, there were men who had a fear of the Lord and God used them to lay a firm foundation for this country.  It will only take a remnant to grasp the heart of God and live in the fear of the Lord to assure God’s hand upon our country, petitioning Him to do what is best for the souls of mankind to come to Christ.

One Nation Under God also has her foundation under-girded in prayer.

1Timothy 2:1-2 says, “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”

The Apostle Paul used the word “urge” (parakaleo) meaning to exhort with urgency.  He wrote “first of all” meaning that prayer for those in leadership is of primary importance in the church, a very essential part of public worship.

We are to pray for those in leadership positions, Republicans praying for Democrats and Democrats praying for Republicans.  The heart of God is not first for Republicans to be praying for more Republicans and Democrats praying for more Democrats.  “Many years ago a famous chaplain was asked, ‘Do you pray for the Senators?’ he replied with, ‘No, I look at the Senators, and then pray for our county!”

This was really a very good answer for Proverbs 21:1 says, “The King’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; He directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases.”  God’s Word affirms that the decisions of the king are under the Lord’s control.  And God moves the king to do as he pleases.  As the farmer channels the water where he wants and regulates its flow, so does the Lord with the king.  No human ruler then, is supreme.  God determines the results of his reign and how long he reigns as the king or in America’s case, governs as president.

Christians are to pray in accordance with Exodus 18:21-22, “But select capable men from all the people–men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain–and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. Have them serve as judges for the people at all times…”

“Judges” (sapat) here means to govern.  This Hebrew word is much more inclusive than the modern day concept of judging and encompasses all the facets and function of government; executive, legislative and judicial.  Judges are to be men who have a fear of the Lord and they have a serious charge

This is why a vigilant nation will have men like George Washington who prayed, “Bless O Lord the whole race of mankind, and let the world be filled with the knowledge of Thee and Thy Son, Jesus Christ.”  Men like Abraham Lincoln who served our nation in its bloodiest war who said, “I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go to and my own wisdom…  seemed insufficient for the day.” (Taken form a sermon preached by Pastor Gerald Flurry)

When this nation has been attacked, in great danger or in times of making key choices about the direction of her future, the Lord has raised up men of faith in Christ and men of prayer.  He also raises up Christians who feel a great burden to be in humble prayer for their leaders.

The Pentecostal Evangel ran the true story of Eliza Gurney who the Holy Spirit gave special sympathy for President Lincoln, a president who has been driven to his knees many times.   She had prayed for a spiritual visit with the president and in October of 1862 the Lord brought that visit about.

She was accompanied by three friends, John Whitall, Hannah Mott and James Carey.  Not one of them sought anything for themselves and none came to criticize or offer unasked advice.  They came only to give spiritual support.  They were therefore greeted with unusual warmth from Mr. Lincoln and he spent much time with them.
In the private apartment of President Lincoln there was an awful silence and the President had a look of anxiety on his face brought by the national crises the United States was in.   Tears ran down his face and when a prayer was offered President Lincoln bowed his head in reference.  After the prayer Mrs. Gurney gave in essence a short Biblical message, which was later written down in Lincoln Papers.  After the message she knelt down and prayed a prayer asking that light and wisdom would be shed down from on high, to guide our president.

After further silence Lincoln spoke, “We are indeed going through a great trial – a fiery trial.  In every responsible position in which I happen to be placed, being a humble instrument in the hands of our Heavenly Father, as I am, and as we all are, to work out His great purposes.  I have desired that all my works and acts may be according to His will, and that it might be so, I have sought His aid…” President Lincoln words reflect the heart of a man who knew that a vigilant nation must have God’s aid and that the Lord works through positions of great authority as well as through humble servants fulfilling their call in praying for those who are in governmental authority.

Beseeching the Lord for a true spiritual awakening

Vigilant nations have leaders who know their need of Divine intervention and have faithful servants who obey God’s Word to be in prayer for their leaders.  Such nations also have men and women of God beseeching the Lord for a true spiritual awakening.

Joel 2:12-13 says, “Even now, declares the Lord, ‘return to Me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.  Rend your heart and not your garments.  Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love.”

The expression “the Lord your God” was well known to Israel and testified to the conventional relationship between God and the nation.  For the people of a nation to “rend” their hearts is to have it circumcised by the Holy Spirit and produce the fruit of repentance by the way they live before God.  This only comes as God has revealed to a nation’s people in a nation of her sins and He is the only one who can do a supernatural work in the hearts and lives of people.

When people are truly broken by their sins, and yearn to return back to living for the Lord, then a change of life will follow.  A form of godliness that denies the power of God breaks the heart of God.  True repentance leads to a nation and people enjoying the graciousness and compassion of the Lord and enables a vigilant nation to rest in the abounding love of God.

Vigilant nations have spiritual leaders who know the need of being a nation that calls out to God for a true spiritual awakening.  Abraham Lincoln wrote an address to the nation during the Civil War, by which he designated Thursday, April 30, 1863 as a day of humiliation, fasting and prayer.

He wrote, “It is the duty of nations as well as of men to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God; to confess their sins and transgressions in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord.

The awful calamity of the Civil War which now desolates the land may be but a punishment inflicted upon us for our presumptuous sins, to bring us to a needful national reformation as a whole people.  Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity to pray and too proud to pray to the God that made us.

It behooves us, then, to humble ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national sins, and pray for clemency and forgiveness.”

A vigilant nation expresses true “In God we Trust” by living in fear of the Lord by being vigilant in prayer by her leaders and through Christians praying for their leaders and by beseeching God for a spiritual awakening.  She must have a remnant in her that is living the Christian life before God.

Let us pray!

(The truths found in the message come from long prayerful study of the NIV Bible, The Complete Word study of the New and Old Testament; The Expositors Bible Commentary; Harper’s Bible Dictionary; Easton’s Bible Dictionary; The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia: Pentecostal Evangel; Barnes Notes; Thru the Bible; Commentary on the Old Testament; A Commentary, Critical and Explanatory; Daily Study Bible Series; Matthew Henry Commentary; Willmington Bible Hand Book; The Bible Reader’s Bible Commentary: The Bible Knowledge Commentary; The New American Commentary: Dictionary of Biblical Languages With Semantic Domains; Encyclopedia of 7,700 Illustrations)

A Nation’s Only Hope

Leaders who are God Ordained to be a Blessing 

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.  Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For he is God’s servant to do you good.  Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.  This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing.  Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”  (Romans 13:1-2, 4-6)

God’s Word Has Final Authority

The Word of God tells us a lot about governmental authority.  Many people, Christians and non-Christians, have become discouraged in what they are seeing in the political process.  Many are convincing themselves that it is not worth the trouble to participate in one of the greatest freedoms that God can give a nation, the opportunity of voting for political leaders.

I would propose to you that regardless of what you hear and how you feel, God’s Word is to have the final say in your participation in the political process.  Our response toward governmental rule will make the difference between receiving the Lord’s blessings on our wonderful country or experiencing the chastisements of God.

Romans 13:1-2, 4-6 says, Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.  Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For he is God’s servant to do you good.  Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.  This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing.  Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”  (Romans 13:1-6)

What does God’s Word say about government and what should be the goal for a nation that desires the blessings of God upon her people?

The first question that must be answered is “Why does a nation that had founding fathers who feared God have laws that openly allow things to go on that are clearly against God’s Word?”  Ezekiel 20:25 gives us the answer, God said to Ezekiel speaking about the people of God who rebelled against Him by not following His decrees and were not careful to keep His laws.  The Lord Almighty says, “I also gave them over to statutes that were not good and laws they could not live by…” (Ezekiel 20:25)

We all must understand that back in the time of laying a foundation for this nation there were men who knew Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord.  How many no one knows.    

The foundation of this country is clearly spelled out in the words of William Bradford who became governor of the Plymouth Colony as he described the mission of the Pilgrims.  Mr. Bradford said, “They cherished a great hope and inward zeal of laying a good foundation… for the advancement of the gospel of Christ in the remote parts of the world…”

It is very evident that the men who God used to lay the foundation of this nation were men who had a fear of the Lord.  Listen to these quotations from our founding fathers and other national leaders.   Men like George Washington who said, “It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible.”

In his farewell speech of 1796 Mr. Washington said, “Of all habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. …Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.”  George Washington was also a man of prayer who could grasp the heart of God.  He prayed, “Direct my thoughts, words and work. Wash away my sins in the immaculate blood of the Lamb, and purge my heart by thy Holy Spirit… Daily frame me more and more into the likeness of Thy Son Jesus Christ.”

The third president of the United States, Thomas Jefferson said, “God …gave us liberty.  And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis…  …I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, and that His justice cannot sleep forever.”  Thomas Jefferson knew the need of a nation to walk in reverence before God and to live with a Biblical understanding of what it means to live in the fear of the Lord.

One of America’s Revolutionary leaders, Patrick Henry said, “It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

We know this to be true because of the heart that was reflected in men who signed the Declaration of Independence and our Constitution.  John Witherspoon, a signer of the Declaration of Independence said, “Cursed be all learning that is contrary to the Cross of Christ.”  Alexander Hamilton, signer of the Constitution said, “I have a tender reliance on the mercy of the Almighty, through the merits of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am a sinner. I look to Him for mercy.”

There have always been attacks on the faith of the men God used to lay the foundation for this nation and even on Christians the Lord is using now to govern this nation.  One such man was Benjamin Franklin who has often and still is accused of being a deist.  At the Constitutional Convention of 1787 he clearly said, “I have lived long.  Sir, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth – that God governs in the affairs of men.  And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it [possible] that an empire can rise without His aid?  We have been assured, Sir, in the Sacred Writings, that ‘except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it.’  I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without His concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of [the Tower of] Babel… My views… are the results of life of inquiry and reflection, and very different from the anti-Christian system imputed to me by those who know nothing of my opinions.  To the corruptions of Christianity, I am, indeed opposed; but not to the genuine precepts of Jesus Himself.  I am a Christian in the only sense in which He wished anyone to be; sincerely attached to His doctrines in preference to all others.”

These powerful testimonies of great men whom God has raised up to lay the foundation of this wonderful country should set the standard for which Republicans and Democrats lay as the platform of their political agenda.  Our early founding fathers for the most part were statesmen who had a reverent fear of the Lord, great knowledge of His Word, and were no shame in seeking God’s will in the governing of this nation.

Because of our disregard of what the Bible says about selecting and having leaders who do not fear God, we are seeing laws and ordinances that are based on this world’s view.  This causes Christians to live by ordinances and laws that are in direct opposition to the written Word of God.  Amazingly most church attendees are not aware of it because they have disregarded the Word of God.  They would rather watch TV, play games on computers and satisfy self instead of spending painstaking hours of prayerful reading and Bible study before making decisions about their lives.  By doing so they willfully shut out the Lord’s direction for them and are left to the demise of the flesh, the world and the lies of the devil.

One of our nation most noted modern day prophets, David Wilkerson, spoke of concern that some day preachers will be put in jail for preaching that homosexuality is a sin.  Other men of God are warning of a time when churches will lose their tax free status because they cannot endorse the laws of a nation that allows sin against God to reign in the land.  The people of God could very well find themselves put into captivity just like the Israelites did and having to face laws they cannot live by.

According to Dr. James Dobson of “Focus on the Family” our nation is once again in great danger of falling into the hands of political leaders who do not share the views of those who are born again Christians.  This nation needs to see conservative voters get out and vote for the best candidate possible.  If not, Christians will find themselves facing more laws that are directly against the will of God for a nation who claims to want to live under God’s blessings.

Directions for a nation that lives under the slogan, “In God We Trust.” 

When the people of God disregard the Word of God and when a people in a nation despise the decrees and the laws of God, laws will be made that have a negative effect causing everyone to be chastised by the Lord.  The Word of God has directions for a nation that lives under the slogan, “In God We Trust.”  Exodus 18:19-23 says, Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their disputes to Him.  Teach them the decrees and laws, and show them the way to live and the duties they are to perform.  But select capable men from all the people–men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain–and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.  Have them serve as judges for the people at all times…  That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you.  If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied.” (Exodus 18:19-23)

Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law was priest of Midian and he was a wise, godly man who knew the faithfulness of the Lord.  He gave Moses some advice that should be taken note of by all who live in the United States of America.

Let the Holy Spirit of God place this deep within your heart and mind regarding the selection of men or women who are going to lead this nation’s governmental affairs.  Select capable people from among this nation’s borders, servants who fear God, trustworthy servants who hate dishonest gain.  Have them serve in political affairs for the people at all times.  This will cause the people in the nation to be satisfied.

Jethro told Moses to have these God fearing servants serve as judges. “Judges” (sapat) here means to govern. This Hebrew word is much more inclusive than the modern day concept of judging and encompasses all the facets and function of government; executive, legislative, judicial and warfare.

(The Complete Word Study of the Old Testament; Gesenius Hebrew Chaldee Lexicon on the Old Testament; Tyndale Bible Dictionary)

Judges are to have a reverent fear of the Lord and they are to take their charge seriously.  Those who serve in political affairs are to have good sense, understand business, be bold and not threatened by frowns and grumblings nor controlled by those who praise them and support them.  Their focus is to be as statesmen who have vision for the good of all the people.  They are to be servants who believe in God, understand He is watching them and they are accountable to Him.  This fear of God keeps them from all temptations that may cause them to become corrupt when handing down judgments.  These servants are to be people who love truth, can be taken at their word and relied upon.  They are to be noble and generous and unable to be touched by bribery.

It is imperative to note that Jethro does not expect Moses to just move on his advice without consultation from the Lord.  Jethro said, “If you do this and God so commands.” (Exodus 18:23)  This plan was to be submitted to God prayerfully and so should be the selecting of men and women who will govern the affairs of this nation.

Jethro, a man of God tells Moses that if governmental authorities walk before the Lord in uprightness the people whom they govern will be satisfied, cheerful and contented.  They will have confidence in the leadership and respond appropriately.  Christians who will utilize their God given strengths to affect their community through governmental affairs are Christians used by God to maintain a nation “In God We Trust.”

Christian leaders and non-Christians hold must be shown respect

There is much to be said in the Word of God regarding a Christian’s relationship to his government and civil rule.  The office Christian leaders and non-Christians hold must be shown respect.  1 Peter 2:13-14 says, Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.”  (1 Peter 2:13-14)

At the writing of this passage of Scripture Nero was just coming to the throne as the new emperor.  Peter is writing to Christians and telling them to submit to every authority or rather the institutions of man.  To honor God who ordained human government, Christians are to observe man-made laws carefully as long as those laws do no conflict with the clear teaching of Scripture.

In Acts 4:19 we read of a time when the Sanhedrin had commanded Peter and John to not speak or teach in the Name of Jesus.  Their reply was, “Judge for yourself whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God.  For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:19)  Our key purpose for living is to bring honor and glory to Jesus Christ and do what is best for His kingdom.  Our goal in life is to live as Christ who submitted to those in authority.

Our submission to governmental rule with the right attitude can be every bit as much a witness for Christ as our preaching and teaching of God’s Word.

What Peter is writing about is obedience to the institution that creates the law and enforces it.  It is possible to submit to the institutions and still disobey certain laws, especially laws that would cause us to break the law of God.

For example, when Daniel and his three friends refused to obey the king’s dietary regulations, they disobeyed an ordinance; but the way they did it proved that they honored the king and respected the authorities.  In Daniel 1:5 we read that the “…king assigned a daily food and wine from the kings table.”  In Daniel 1:8 we read that “…Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself in this way.”

Daniel and his three friends had the courage to observe the laws of the Torah (Leviticus 11: Deuteronomy 14) which forbid the eating of foods that may have been sacrificed to the gods of Babylon (Marduk, Nebo and Ishtar; Expositors Bible Commentary).  Therefore these foods would have been unclean for them to eat.  Daniel did not lead the whole group into a rebellion, but they stood their ground and God granted them favor and sympathy with the official. (Daniel 1:9)

Peter and the other Apostles faced a similar challenge shortly after Pentecost. (Acts 4-5)  The Jewish council commanded them to stop preaching in the Name of Jesus, but Peter pointed them to his only authority and they did not deny the authority of the council.  They submitted to the institution and did not physically assault them nor start a rebellion yet they still preached even if it meant going to jail.

Christians can still respect the office even though the person holding the office is not respectable.  As much as possible, we should seek to cooperate with the government and obey the law, but we must never allow the law to make us violate our conscience or disobey God’s Word.

Years ago Jack Lockwood was in China passing out Christian tracts.  One night the law enforcement came to the motel and arrested him and those with him.  They went down for questioning without a fight or argument.  After their interrogation the police decided that they would hand out the tracts through a local church.  Jack and those with him were still obeying God’s Great Commission and at the same time respected the authority of law enforcement in China at that time.  Christians must be led of the Holy Spirit so they can walked in full obedience to the written Word yet at the same time show respect to the institutions that God has ordained in any certain town, state or country.

Christians must be faithful to pray for those in governmental authority

Christians can walk in respect and obedience to an institution put in place by the Lord and at the same time fulfill God’s ordained purpose for them.  They also must be faithful to pray for those in governmental authority.

1 Timothy 2:1-4 says,I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone–for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4)    Proverbs 21:1 says “The Kings heart is in the hand of the Lord; He directs it like a watercourse wherever, He pleases.”

God’s Word affirms that the decisions of the king are under the Lord’s control.  God moves the king to do as he pleases.  As the farmer channels the water where he wants and regulates its flow, so does the Lord with the king.  No human ruler then, is supreme. (The Expositors Bible Commentary)     God determines the results of his reign and how long he reigns as the king or in America’s case, governs as president.

We read in the Word of God, time and time again of the Lord raising up a king, good or bad, to achieve the purposes He so desires.  There were times when he raised up a bad king to chastise the nation Israel for her disobedience and when Israel would cry out to Him, God would raise up a king to bring a deliverance of some kind.  First and Second Kings demonstrate conclusively the necessity of believers keeping God’s covenant obligations.  The children of God have obligations to the Lord, their families and government.  Therefore, Paul’s admonition, “I urge” (parakaleo) means that it is an urgency that we be faithful to pray for those who are in governmental authority over us, both those who are serving in office right now and those whom we would like to see put in office.

First and Second Kings record the history of those who are responsible in governing the people of God, kings and prophets.  Prophets, Apostles, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers are to be doing what Moses did, “Teach [the people] the decrees and laws, [or rather the whole council of God’s Word].  Those who have been appointed into governmental positions are to serve the people of this nation in reverent fear of God.

Christians need to be praying for statesman and ask the Lord to override political party fights and control.  They are to be asking the Lord to raise up statesmen who fear God and make decisions according to the written Word of God.

Christians are to be asking the Lord to give everyone in office an opportunity to hear the divine inspiration that God gave Solomon, “So be strong. Show yourself a man, and observe what the Lord your God requires:  Walk in His ways, and keep His decrees and commands, His laws and requirements, as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go…” (1 Kings 2:2-3)

Our country has only one hope

Our country has only one hope.  Christians need to pray regularly for the Lord to raise up men and women of God to run for political office who walk in step with the Holy Spirit of Christ.  Even though it appears to us right now that good candidates are hard to find we are to stay faithful to our nation and intercede for her.  We can pray to the Lord who controls the king’s heart like He does the water courses of the world.  We can pray, “Lord, move our congress to make and maintain laws that are pleasing to you and good for Christians to live by.  Lord, make us willing and able to obey the laws of the land for the sake of Jesus Christ and Lord, help us to pray regularly for those who you have placed in office for our own good.”

Let us Pray!

Separation of Church and State

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech…”  (excerpt from Amendment I, U. S. Constitution)

If our United States Constitution actually commands Congress to protect the “free exercise [of religion]” and explicitly protects freedom of speech, how on earth did this phrase “separation of church and state” get such common usage?  The phrase is not in the Constitution nor, according to the Congressional Record, was it ever even mentioned during the framing of that document in 1789.

The phrase is not Constitutional at all!  It has been wrenched out of context from a private letter written in 1802, 11 years after the First Amendment was ratified.  There was a widespread rumor going around at the time that one particular denomination was to become the official national religion.  This concerned the other denominations a great deal since some had fled religious persecution by the official church of England.   President Thomas Jefferson wrote to the concerned Danbury Baptist Association of Connecticut assuring them that under the Constitution the federal government would not, and indeed could not, establish a national Christian denomination.  In other words, the United States Congress could not legislate that all Americans had to be Lutherans, or Episcopalians, or Baptists, or whatever.

It is clear from Thomas Jefferson’s letter that the “wall of separation” he spoke of was to be one-directional.  This wall was to keep government interference out of the church and out of believers’ lives.  It was never meant to keep the church, or believers in Jesus Christ, out of the federal government, states, municipalities or schools.  It certainly was never intended to mean that believers could not speak of their faith openly, or pray openly in Jesus’ Name at public events.

The historical record clearly shows the Founding Fathers of our country truly had freedom of religion in mind when they framed our Constitution.  The courts, media and special interest groups have convinced the American people that we must have freedom from religion in the public square.  Nothing is further from the truth.

As a nation, we have been increasing the judicial and public approval and practice of shedding innocent blood of the littlest human beings, flaunting all sorts of abominations and sexual sins, forsaking our marriage covenants, calling good evil and evil good, and now pushing even the mention of God’s Holy Name out of public life under the false guise of “separation of church and state.”  Are we still arrogant enough to think that the Lord will rescue us from our enemies time and time again?  Perhaps we are that arrogant.   But, maybe we’ll be surprised some day to find that His patience has run out.

The prophet Isaiah says, “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.”  Are we willing to repent of our national sins and be forgiven and be spared God’s judgment?

“Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near.  Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts.  Let him turn to the Lord…” (Isaiah 55: 6, 7a) 

Separation of Church and State? Part Two

What do you hear in so many places around America when a student wants to pray in Jesus’ Name? “No way, Constitutional separation of church and state, you know.”  What do you hear when a county wants to put a Nativity scene on their courthouse lawn at Christmas?  “We can’t do that… Constitutional separation of church and state, after all.”  What do you hear when a judge wants to post the Ten Commandments on his courtroom wall?  “What?!?  Everyone knows that the Constitutional separation of church and state prevents that.” Or does it? Just what “Constitutional separation of church and state” is being referred to here? This is usually said by groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and People for the American Way (PAW), groups which many of us would argue are obstructing many of our civil liberties rather than protecting them and whose attitudes in many instances are more anti-American than American.

Now, having said all that, I dare you to find the phrase “separation of church and state” in our official United States Constitution.  In fact, I dare you to find the words “separation” or “church” in the Constitution.   “Religion” is referenced in the Constitution, Amendment 1.  This is part of our Bill of Rights, which were immediately enacted to protect citizens from the government, not government from the citizens.

Let us quote this section for you. “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”  (emphasis ours)

First, please notice the two emboldened phrases in the quote.  Our Constitution actually commands that CONGRESS (not schools, not local governments, not even States) “shall make NO LAW…” Again, it doesn’t say anything about not praying, or speaking Jesus’ name, or having Christmas celebrations, or posting the Ten Commandments, but about making laws.

Second and most important, Congress as an arm of the federal government is Constitutionally and strictly forbidden from EVER preventing the free exercise of religion.

 “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord… the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him.” (Psalm 12a, 18a)

Individually, and as a nation, we must give our God more than lip service.  We must give Him the glory and honor due His Name.  We must seek to obey the entirety of His Word.  We must extend His grace and mercy to all, but never allow His justice and Truth to be compromised in our hearts or in our homes.  May His Name be praised, and not profaned, in this country.  Let us truly be “one nation, under God.”