The Nation Whose God is the Lord

What establishes a strong nation and what is the role of government? 245th US Anniversary. 100 CCP

We need to know our history in order to understand where we came from and the liberty that we have inherited.

Son, “Dad, I think I failed my history test.” Father, “Son, maybe not. You need to think positively!” Son, “Ok, Dad, I’m positive I failed my history test!”

A Nation Established on God’s Word (1-9)

No nation can long endure with prosperity and freedom for its citizens that is not established upon Biblical Principles.

Our historical foundation was upon principles derived from God’s Word, but men who at least honored God’s Wisdom and intention for government.

Thomas Jefferson - “Can the liberties of a nation be thought secure, when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gifts of God? — that they are not to be violated except with His wrath? Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that Giod is just, and that His justice cannot sleep forever.”

God’s Word is the standard that provides a firm foundation for all of life, including governments. Government was provided by God to punish evil and praise God.

Whenever government steps outside the bounds of what God intended for it to do it is guilty of injustice.

“The word of the lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord.” (4-5)

The founding fathers saw God’s Word as the foundation of the nation.

The first official act of Congress after inauguration of Pres. Washington.

The reflection of John Adams upon the nature of Christianity.

The belief of Dr. Benjamin Rush as to the importance of God’s Word in society.

Leaders Who Submit to God’s Counsel (10-17)

Any philosophy, government, or system that sets itself against the counsel of God’s Word will eventually fail, because it goes against God’s creative order. This was why the signers of the Declaration appealed to the “laws of Nature and Nature’s God.” They saw that God as Creator .. “We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal and are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.”

God’s Word says that it is His counsel alone that endures forever. A nation can only be morally strong so long as its leaders and its people submit to the Counsel of God.

There is blessing for any people who are God’s people.

1 Peter 2:9–10 ESV

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

A nation’s strength does not ultimately rest in the might of her weapons, but in the power of God. (13-17)

Statements from the first three presidents of the US:

Washington’s inaugural address.

Thomas Jefferson (first paragraph)

A People Who Seek God’s Salvation (18-22)

What is the hope for any nation? It is when people turn to God for their deliverance, strength and salvation?

He is our help and shield. He is our truth. His steadfast love and faithfulness will preserve His people.

God is always calling his people out from among the world. We are called trust in His steadfast love, and hope in His salvation!