What is it that made America so great? I believe it was the fact that this nation was founded on the principles of the Bible. Our founding fathers were not all fundamental Christians, but they all recognized God and His Word as the basis for this country. At the Continental Congress, Ben Franklin stood up and said, “Gentlemen, if it is true that not one single petal from any flower falls to the ground without escaping God’s attention, will the distress of this nation go unheeded? Let us therefore determine to seek His face.” At Franklin’s suggestion, 56 of the signers of the Constitution dropped to their knees in prayer to seek God’s wisdom for the development of our nation’s guidelines.
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 religion but on the gospel of Jesus Christ.” The only hope for America’s survival is revival to break out in our churches and for God’s people to return to holy living, being the influence in this dark world we are living in. Ray Comfort recently stated, "While America is celebrating her independence from Great Britain, she should be mourning her independence from God."
Proverbs 14:34 says, “Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” You don’t hear much talk about “righteousness” today, even in many churches. There is only one standard of righteousness, and that is the Word of God. However, America has turned its back on the Bible and kicked it out of our schools and courtrooms. If America is to survive, we must return to the moral standards that were observed at the time of our founding. Jesus told His disciples, “Ye are the salt of the earth.” We are to influence our culture by living righteous and holy.
Consider the word “exalteth”. America has been an exalted nation, and it is God alone who has exalted us. We did not exalt ourselves; we were recipients of God’s favor. God enabled us to survive the American Revolution, the Civil War, and many other military conflicts. As America has turned its back on God, God’s hand of protection seems to be less visible. It was Thomas Jefferson that said, "I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever." That was back in 1871. The events of September 11, 2001 are only a small taste of what could happen if God removes His favor from this country. We need to realize where our greatness comes from and follow the admonition of the apostle Peter who wrote, “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6)
Notice the word “sin” from the previously mentioned verse. It is our sin that will lead to our destruction. We have sinned in killing unborn babies, giving homosexual couples marital status, among many other evils. Galatians 6:9 says, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked. For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Could it be that soon America feels the same reproach that is described in the book of Nehemiah?
Many in America would like to see the day when they get rid of all Christians. They are going to get their wish soon, but until then, may God give us a burden to pray for America. Let us humble ourselves and let our light shine in our corrupted culture. Above all, let us pray for mercy and for revival in our churches that America will turn back to its greatness.
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