Next Step Devotion
This week our New Day Cafe focus has been "America's Godly Heritage." The role of Christianity in the founding of our nation is a topic widely debated and doubted in recent years. This was made ever more present throughout the fiery political election season of which we are still freshly mindful. But as we celebrate President's Day, Lincoln's Birthday, and Black History Month, it grants opportunity to take a step back and re-examine the personal values and faith of those that allow us to live in freedom today.
One question posed often is "Why is knowing the faith of our founding fathers so important? How does it change anything for me today?" We explored this in detail during our interview with Stephen McDowell of The Providence Foundation. One perspective that Stephen shared was that what a nation founds its law upon sets the directive for every other decision it will make. Therefore, if our nation was founded upon the principles and values found in God's Word, then it is from this same paradigm that every other decision, legislative action, and executive vision should be developed.
There certainly is not time for us to break down the evidence supporting the role of Christianity in the founding of our nation. However, one truth that we do know is that all but one or two of the original signers of The Declaration of Independence professed Christianity. Even those who were most "un-Christian" in their lifestyle ascribed to the benefits of setting the moral and governmental structure of our nation upon the foundations of the Bible. Below are a few quotes from many of our founding fathers that reveal more thoroughly the role of Christianity woven within both their personal and political lives:
Quotations from our Founding Fathers:
- "The great, vital, and conservative element in our system is the belief of our people in the pure doctrines and the divine truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ." - United States Congress 1854
- "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." - George Washington: Commander-in-Chief in the American Revolution; Signer of the Constitution; First President of the United States
- "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. . . . What a Eutopia – what a Paradise would this region be!" - John Adams: Signer of the Declaration of Independence, Judge, Diplomat, One of Two Signers of the Bill of Rights, Second President of the United States
- "In the chain of human events, the birthday of the nation is indissolubly linked with the birthday of the Savior. The Declaration of Independence laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity." - John Quincy Adams; Sixth President of the United States, Secretary of State, U.S. Senator
- "The name of the Lord (says the Scripture) is a strong tower; thither the righteous flee and are safe [Proverbs 18:10]. Let us secure His favor and He will lead us through the journey of this life and at length receive us to a better." - Samuel Adams: Signer of the Declaration of Independence, "Father of the American Revolution", Ratifier of U.S. Constitution, Governor of Massachusetts.
- "Being a Christian… is a character which I prize far above all this world has or can boast." - Patrick Henry; Revolutionary General, "The Voice of Liberty," Governor of Virginia, Ratifier of the U.S. Constitution
- "I am a real Christian – that is to say, a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus Christ." - Thomas Jefferson; Signer of the Declaration of Independence, Governor of Virginia, Secretary of State, Third President of the United States.
For more quotes visit http://www.wallbuilders.com/libissuesarticles.asp?id=8755
It is undeniable that our nation has evolved when it comes to its understanding and commitment to God's Word and principles. As shared in our interview with Stephen Mansfield about his book Lincoln's Battle with God, many of our past Presidents reflected this evolving solidarity to Christ. In fact, Lincoln reflected a common sentiment among our current generation - a distrust of organized religion coupled with longing know and serve the God of the Universe. Our current President, President Barack Obama, has personally expressed his own evolving positions when it comes to many moral or social issues that many of us would say are clearly outlined in God's Word.
So does this mean for our future? We cannot seek to live in the past, clinging to the faith of those who have already passed into eternity. Neither can we forget what has led to the blessing and prosperity we have so richly enjoyed throughout America's history. It is up to us to educate our nation and personally embody God's values as we exercise our freedoms. Vote and vote for those that align themselves most closely with the Word of God! More than anything, we must pray that the light of God would illuminate the hearts and minds of our governmental leaders. Pray that God would regenerate their hearts as well as give them the boldness needed to take a solid stand on the Word of God when it comes to their decisions and influence in their area of government.
America DOES have a Godly heritage, but it can also have a Godly future. It's up to us!
Interview Recaps
- Lynn Ellenhausen - Brent Baptist Women's Conference - http://brentbaptistchurch.org/
- Wayne Atcheson - The Legacy of Billy Graham - http://www.billygraham.org/
- Jack Williams - U.S. Alabama State Representative - http://www.legislature.state.al.us/house/representatives/housebios/hd047.html
- Stephen McDowell of The Providence Foundation - America's Godly Heritage - http://providencefoundation.com/
- Rosalie Hunt - The Life of Ann Judson - http://www.judson.edu/
- Brian Christmas - Greensboro Baptist Wild 4 God Conference
- Jordan Plaster - U.S. Honor Flights - http://www.honorflight.org/
- Treasured Moments in Black History - Birmingham Civil Rights Institute - http://www.bcri.org/
- Steven Mansfield - Lincoln's Battle with God - http://mansfieldgroup.com/
- Matt Krause of Wallbuilders - Our Founding Fathers - http://www.wallbuilders.com/
- Roy Hawkins - Christian Values of the Civil War
Key Scriptures
Psalm 33:12 - Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance.
Romans 13:1 - Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.
Jeremiah 29:7 - But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you to exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.
Proverbs 11:14 - For where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in the abundance of counsel there is safety.
Deuteronomy 28:1 - If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all the command I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on the earth.
Blessings,
Melissa Rogers
Moody Radio South
Blessings,
Melissa Rogers
Moody Radio South
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