Good morning,
Two weeks ago, we learned that God rules over everything, is all knowing, and sees everything. He cares about His creation and His people. Knowing this, we should not be fearful. Last week we studied why God tells us to “fear not”.
Knowing that God is in control and that we need not be fearful, we can begin to enjoy the blessings of God.
We will see how God blessed Israel, the church through the birth of Jesus, and the United States.
God blesses the United States
a) God allows Europeans to flee spiritual persecution
Many of the British North American colonies that eventually formed the United States of America were settled in the seventeenth century by men and women, who, in the face of European persecution, refused to compromise passionately held religious convictions and fled Europe.
b) Original settlements were governed by Scriptural principals
The New England colonies have often been called “Bible Commonwealths” because they sought the guidance of the scriptures in regulating all aspects of the lives of their citizens. Scripture was cited as authority for many criminal statutes.
The New England colonies, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland were conceived and established “as plantations of religion.” Some settlers who arrived in these areas came for secular motives–“to catch fish” as one New Englander put it–but the great majority left Europe to worship God in the way they believed to be correct. They enthusiastically supported the efforts of their leaders to create “a city on a hill” or a “holy experiment,” whose success would prove that God’s plan for his churches could be successfully realized in the American wilderness. Even colonies like Virginia, which were planned as commercial ventures, were led by entrepreneurs who considered themselves “militant Protestants” and who worked diligently to promote the prosperity of the church.
c) God protected the settlers
The Mayflower landed in New England in November, far too late for them to plant or harvest any crops. As a result their first winter was very difficult and over half of them had perished by springtime. Members of the Wampanoag tribe, with Tisquantum serving as translator, began assisting the Pilgrims in the spring of 1621 and introduced them to native crops like corn, beans, and squash as well as showing them the best places to hunt and fish. They also taught the pilgrims different methods and techniques to help crops grow better in the New England soil. In the summer the leader of the Wampanoag, Massasoit, signed a treaty with the Pilgrims offering them food in exchange for assistance in protecting themselves from other, hostile tribes. The Pilgrims experienced a bountiful harvest in the fall and celebrated with a multi-day harvest festival. Harvest Festivals were common around the world and would have been celebrated in North America long before the Pilgrims arrived.
d) God provided for the settlers
Conclusion
- God blesses Israel
- God blessed the Israel and the Church by allowing Jesus to be born and fulfill many Old Testament prophecies
- God blessed the original settlers to our land with spiritual freedom, protection, and food
God blessed the European Christians seeking religious freedom. He gave their descendants freedom from the tyranny of Britain. He allowed a new country to be born, called the United States of America.
This new country had our foundational truths rooted in Scripture. While we followed God, we flourished. However, over time, God was put on the back burner, and the new country fell into sin. God has intervened with revival over the years. Today, we need revival again.
Revival must start in the hearts of believers. When the church gets right with God, God will be able to use us to win others to Christ. Unfortunately, many church’s see their responsibility end when someone gets saved. Actually, it is only beginning.
We need to disciple young believers. They need to be taught the Bible. They need to see why obedience to God’s word is crucial. They need to learn how to lead others to Christ. They need to know how to minister the word of God to others.
Our country can be great again. Adherence to God and His word are the only way it will be done.
Join the revival!
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
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