One Nation Under God [Independence Day]

forgiveness." - 1863
*Theodore Roosevelt, America’s 26th President, wrote:
"In this actual world, a churchless community, a community where men have abandoned and scoffed at, or ignored their religious needs, is a community on the rapid down-grade." - 1917
*Woodrow Wilson, our 28th President and Governor of New Jersey, said this:
"America was born a Christian nation. America was born to exemplify that devotion to the elements of righteousness which are derived from the revelations of the Holy Scripture." - 1911
*Calvin Coolidge, our 30th President, said this about our founding fathers:
"They were intent upon establishing a Christian commonwealth in accordance with the principle of self- government. They were an inspired body of men. It has been said that God sifted the nations that He might send choice grain into the wilderness... Who can fail to see it in the hand of destiny? Who can doubt that it has been guided by a Divine Providence." - 1923
*Franklin Roosevelt prayed this prayer on a national radio hookup on D-Day, June 6, 1944, as our troops stormed the beaches of Normandy, France:
"Almighty God... with Thy blessing we shall prevail over the unholy forces of our enemy. Help us to conquer the apostles of greed and racial arrogance. Lead us to the saving of our country. Thy will be done, Almighty God. Amen."

*Harry Truman, our 33rd President, not known to be a committed believer, understood the spiritual heritage of this nation:
"If men and nations would but live by the precepts of the ancient prophets and the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount, problems which now seem so difficult would soon disappear”

*Gerald Ford, our 38th President, quoted a 1955 speech by Dwight D. Eisenhower on December 5, 1974:
"Without God there could be no American form of government, nor an American way of life. Recognition of the Supreme Being is the first - the most basic - expression of Americanism. Thus the founding fathers of America saw it, and thus with God’s help, it will continue to be."
*President Ronald Reagan:
"If we ever forget that we are ’One nation, under God’, then we will be one nation gone under."

And so, as we look today at our civic responsibility, the question is not, should a Christian be involved in gov’t…the question is: Can you be the Christian you are commanded to be and not be involved?

5 things every Christian must do for their gov’t if they’re going to obey the Word of God (most painful first):

1. We must participate in paying for government
v. 6-7 tribute = income tax
custom = sales tax
Some Christians, even preachers, say, our gov’t is a pagan gov’t, therefore, we do not owe them taxes, they are not of God!
Well, what gov’t was in charge when this was written? The Roman Empire…not exactly a Godly gov’t!
When Jesus was here on earth, He paid His taxes, and so should we!
“But, they’re unfair” I agree!
“And, it’s wasted and used unwisely” I agree!
Certainly we need tax reform…
…but do YOU agree w/ Romans 13? Then pay your taxes!
(pay for gov’t)
2. We need to pray for gov’t
I Tim. 2
1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
Pray for revival/leaders/war on terror/God to use our leaders