I want to start this short message with one caveat: America is not my source of salvation.
Now, please don’t misconstrue – I’m a very patriotic person, but America is my country, and Jesus is my Savior! Yet I do believe this country is extremely special – founded by faithful men and women and blessed by God’s abundant grace. It’s also in trouble, my friends and fellow citizens, and we need to do something about that!
Currently we are hearing from many in the media – and also from “post-modern” philosophers – that Americans are mistaken about the origins of their nation. But I’m here to tell you that the historical records are quite clear: this nation came into existence because of individuals who sought – and found – religious freedom on these shores. From the Pilgrims to our Founding Fathers and Mothers, faith was the driving force that helped establish this great land and give everyone the opportunity to worship God freely.
These revisionists are trying desperately to rewrite our history toward a more “politically correct” and politely tolerant viewpoint (except, of course, when it comes to Christians and their beliefs and feelings). But the message they’re attempting to modify can’t be stricken from the records so easily, and I discovered that one day at a gravesite just outside Washington, D.C.
At Mt. Vernon, George Washington’s home and now National Historic Landmark, a small tomb was built not far from the residence for the remains of the first President of the United States and his wife, Martha. A plaque on the wall holds these verses:
Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
John 11:25-26
(King James Version)
Interestingly, this section of John is where Jesus talks to Martha. She was the sister of Lazarus, whom He was to raise from the dead shortly after their discussion. Was this a favorite section of Scripture that George gave to Martha which later was added to the tomb? Did these verses reconfirm the message behind his final words, “Tis well,” as he left this life and journeyed into eternity?
Skeptics abound, particularly in modern society. But they cannot second-guess a speech delivered by George Washington himself as he shared the National Day of Thanksgiving Proclamation in October, 1799. It started like this:
“Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor. . .”
And what about other early Americans like John Adams, the second President of the United States? In the initial days of America’s fight for freedom, he addressed the Continual Congress’ delegates and said:
It is my living sentiment, and by the blessing of God it shall be my dying sentiment. Independence now, and Independence for ever!”
Adams and his wife, Abigail, exchanged numerous letters during his travels, many of which included insights about their faith. That faith carried over to their son, John Quincy Adams (the sixth U.S. President), who once said:
“The first and almost the only book deserving of universal attention is the Bible.”
And these kind of historical sources and quotes go on and on, some of which I found in a great book called America’s God and Country by William Federer. The bottom line is that there’s PLENTY of evidence that this country’s foundation includes the concept of “One Nation under God” – a principle that protected people from those first days in this land and will continue to do so as we seek the guidance of the true Father of this nation. After all, our Heavenly Father cares about His children – and He gives this promise to those who look to Him for assistance:
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
II Chronicles 7: 14
(New International Version)
This country is not our salvation, but it has a heritage worthy of saving! As Christians, we need to speak out when our history is challenged. Believers shouldn’t be afraid to talk about the same Bible our Founding Parents proclaimed to be true. And as members of the First Family, we must be bold about our faith – proudly sharing our legacy and letting others learn that they too have been offered the free gift of salvation by the Lord Himself!
Happy Birthday, America! Let’s share with everyone why we have a real reason to celebrate this month – and always!
Thought of the Month
Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.
Ephesians 2:19-20