Sermon Central
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De-Pendence Day
Contributed by James Bryant on Jul 2, 2002 (message contributor)
Summary: Should we look at the 4th of July as being truly Independent? Here’s another look...
(Please note that the references used below are not all "word-for-word" quotes from the afore mentioned names. In one reference, (Thomas Jefferson) it is merely a culmination of words that he was implying.)
"DEPEND-ENCE DAY"
(12) Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.
(13) The Lord looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men.
(14) From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth.
(15) He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works.
(16) There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.
(17) An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength.
(18) Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;
(19) To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.
(20) Our soul waiteth for the Lord: he is our help and our shield.
(21) For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.
(22) Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.
THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
226 years ago this 4th of July, a few Great Men signed The Declaration of Independence. (56-Men)
It was a Few Great Men, looking for a way to express their religious faith that discovered America. They came looking for freedom to worship our Lord. We recall the story of the Pilgrims and how they came to Plymouth Rock on the Mayflower. Just as they landed they joined together and made what was called the Mayflower Compact in 1620. Listen to these words of the Mayflower Compact:
"In the name of God, amen. Having undertaken for the glory of God and for the advancement of the Christian faith, do solemnly and mutually in the presence of God, covenant and combine ourselves together."
Those settlers wrote: "We came here for the glory of God, and for the advancement of the gospel of Jesus Christ."
Those settlers had a dependence on God and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Today, our Day of Independence should reflect our dependence on Christ.
There’s a painting of the first Continental Congress.
Many of you have heard the story of how they were discussing and they were debating about how the Declaration of Independence would be written.
And finally, Ben Franklin stood 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 that suggestion 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence all went to their knees as one man and began to pray and seek the wisdom of God. Wouldn’t it be wonderful today if our congress would go to their knees in prayer, wouldn’t it be wonderful today if the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and every other court including our Supreme Court, would just get on their knees like our forefathers did and say, "Almighty God, what do you want for this nation?" Imagine how our country could turn back around if this would happen. Abortions, Homosexuality, Prayers in Schools, Bible Reading in our Schiools all would be given another second look. If, our nation would once again turn to God for guidance.
A Few Great Men made a difference.
A FEW GREAT MEN CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE TODAY
A few Great Men who placed God first built America! Our founding fathers valued Christian Principles. Listen to the spiritual commitment in what they say:
John Quincy Adams who would become President said later in 1821 about the Declaration of Independence. He said:
"From the time of the Declaration of Independence, the American people were bound by the laws of God and the laws of the gospel of Jesus Christ, which they all acknowledge as the root of their conduct. We all came together to obey the word of God."
George Washington Farewell Address to Nation:
"Do not let anyone claim tribute of American patriotism if they even attempt to remove religion from politics."
Patrick Henry:
"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or to often that this great nation was founded not but religionists but by Christians, not on religion but on the gospel of Jesus Christ."
President Thomas Jefferson in an address to Danbury Baptist:
"The 1st amendment has created a wall of separation between church and state, but that wall is a one directional wall, it keeps the government from running the church, but it makes sure that Christian principles will always stay in government."
