Patriotic Providence
"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord."
Psalm 33:12
There are five unique areas that give America her identity. These areas have forged themselves into the very fabric of our nation for 250 years. May there be a renewed sense of excitement and expectation regarding all of them.
These key elements have shaped America's national identity and cultural heritage.
1. The American Flag: Also known as the Stars and Stripes, its 50 stars and 13 stripes represent the 50 states and the original 13 colonies.
2. The Bald Eagle: Adopted in 1782, this majestic bird was chosen for its strength, freedom, and longevity.
3. The Statue of Liberty: A gift from France in 1886, this landmark in New York Harbor represents freedom, democracy, and a historic welcome to legal immigrants.
4. The Liberty Bell: Housed in Philadelphia, this bell famously rang for the reading of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and is still a symbol of liberty.
5. The Providence of God: God and Christianity have played a fundamental role in making our great country. Our nation's founders viewed God as the ultimate source of human rights. And I believe that this belief brought a calm assurance to our them as they shaped our country's foundation.
Many of America's past leaders displayed humility before the God of the Bible, realizing their helplessness apart from Him. Abraham Lincoln was speaking in 1862 to a group pastors who hoped the Lord was on the Union's side. It was recorded that he said, "I do not care whether God is on my side; the important question is whether I am on God's side, for God is always right."
Our heroic Founding Fathers believed that God was present at Philadelphia — and they saw His handiwork in the process of forming the country. During the Constitutional Convention at a particularly fierce period of debate in June 1787, when agreement seemed far away, Benjamin Franklin spoke up. In a passionate and measured voice, Franklin reminded the Convention of what he had already seen God do for America.
As we celebrate America's 250th birthday let's remember Franklin's powerful words, "In the beginning of the contest with Britain, we had daily prayers in this room for divine protection! Our prayers were heard; and they were graciously answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a superintending providence in our favor." And then he called for prayer.
In 1763, Founding Father, and our 2nd President John Adams, wrote, “America’s settlement was the opening of a grand scene and design in God’s providence.”
If America survives the coming years as a republic, we must invite God back into the fabric of our homes, government, schools and courts. And we must reject the false interpretation of the "separation of Church and State" where the two should never meet. Historically, this phrase was used, first by Thomas Jefferson, to assure Americans that government needed the support and wisdom of the Bible.
Happy birthday, America!
Pastor Dave
Psalm 33:12
There are five unique areas that give America her identity. These areas have forged themselves into the very fabric of our nation for 250 years. May there be a renewed sense of excitement and expectation regarding all of them.
These key elements have shaped America's national identity and cultural heritage.
1. The American Flag: Also known as the Stars and Stripes, its 50 stars and 13 stripes represent the 50 states and the original 13 colonies.
2. The Bald Eagle: Adopted in 1782, this majestic bird was chosen for its strength, freedom, and longevity.
3. The Statue of Liberty: A gift from France in 1886, this landmark in New York Harbor represents freedom, democracy, and a historic welcome to legal immigrants.
4. The Liberty Bell: Housed in Philadelphia, this bell famously rang for the reading of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and is still a symbol of liberty.
5. The Providence of God: God and Christianity have played a fundamental role in making our great country. Our nation's founders viewed God as the ultimate source of human rights. And I believe that this belief brought a calm assurance to our them as they shaped our country's foundation.
Many of America's past leaders displayed humility before the God of the Bible, realizing their helplessness apart from Him. Abraham Lincoln was speaking in 1862 to a group pastors who hoped the Lord was on the Union's side. It was recorded that he said, "I do not care whether God is on my side; the important question is whether I am on God's side, for God is always right."
Our heroic Founding Fathers believed that God was present at Philadelphia — and they saw His handiwork in the process of forming the country. During the Constitutional Convention at a particularly fierce period of debate in June 1787, when agreement seemed far away, Benjamin Franklin spoke up. In a passionate and measured voice, Franklin reminded the Convention of what he had already seen God do for America.
As we celebrate America's 250th birthday let's remember Franklin's powerful words, "In the beginning of the contest with Britain, we had daily prayers in this room for divine protection! Our prayers were heard; and they were graciously answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a superintending providence in our favor." And then he called for prayer.
In 1763, Founding Father, and our 2nd President John Adams, wrote, “America’s settlement was the opening of a grand scene and design in God’s providence.”
If America survives the coming years as a republic, we must invite God back into the fabric of our homes, government, schools and courts. And we must reject the false interpretation of the "separation of Church and State" where the two should never meet. Historically, this phrase was used, first by Thomas Jefferson, to assure Americans that government needed the support and wisdom of the Bible.
Happy birthday, America!
Pastor Dave
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