Independence Day

Last July 4th while sitting and watching the fireworks, I couldn't help but wonder how many believers were considering the state of the country while celebrating the anniversary of Independence Day.

In 1781 John Newton preached a sermon entitled "The Guilt and Danger of Such a nation as This" I read this sermon years ago and I still enjoy reading it from time to time. The exhortations that Newton delivered to his English congegration are well fitted to the saints of 2006 in this land. Sadly, many churches merely mimic the shallow patriotism of the world, contemplating nothing but their desire to see "God bless America" in spite of the fact that she insists in despising God. "Shall I not visit for these things, saith the Lord: shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?"

These words were spoken by the prophet Jeremiah to a sinful, adulterous Israel. I believe that Jeremiah's words are a fit reminder of God's wrath toward sinfulness. These words are not merely to be applied Israel, but to any nation "such as this."

The nation of Israel was founded because of God's grace. He set His favor on Abram and told him that he would be the father of many nation and that through him all the world would be blessed. To the nation of Israel God gave His Word and through Israel He sent the redeemer. The nation of Israel tasted of God's grace and mercy and His mighty works were displayed as He removed their enemies from before them. They turned against God and chose rather to worship the gods of Canaan. Godly constantly chastened the nation until finally he destroyed it at the hand of the Romans.

Much like Israel, America has an advantage in every way. It was founded by men who had deep roots in the Christian faith. It is said that the Bible was the most quoted source in the writings of the founding fathers. While the founding of our nation is not without error, there is much to admire in our history and it is saddening to see how far we are removed from our moorings. The Scriptures openly warn the wicked that they will one day be overthrown. What has happened to the great empires of history? The SCriptures declare that the Lord reigns, that he does what he pleases in the armies of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth. No wisdom, understanding, counsel, or power can prevail without his blessing. As righteousness exalts a nation, so sin is the reproah and will eventually be the ruin of any people.

I trust that we will be upon our knees praying that the gospel of Christ will be thundered from the pulpits of our churches. We need to pray that the saints will repent of their worldliness and beginning recognizing that they are peculiar people that have been bought with a great price. We must pray that if God be pleased that He would send forth revival throughout this land.