The Bible instructs in Romans 13:1, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.”

This week the Lord gave us a special opportunity to encourage some of our national leaders and let them know that we, as a church as well as other Christians across the country, are praying for them even in this difficult time in our country.

A year or so ago I began to pray with a friend, Pastor Mike Creed from Clinton, Maryland, regarding his burden for our elected officials and their staff members in our nation’s capital. Brother Creed together with Evangelist Chuck Harding, formed an organization entitled Awake America and asked if I would serve on their advisory board. Over the last year they have been notifying pastors and asking them to pray earnestly for their elected officials.

A few days ago, we met for what was called the Capitol Connection. Hundreds of Christian leaders from autonomous Baptist churches across America joined us from forty-five states. We met for preaching and an organizational time on Monday evening. All of the pastors were reminded that our goal was not to “lobby” but to be a witness for Christ and an encouragement to those in leadership.

On Tuesday morning, we headed to Capitol Hill. The week prior to the visit every congressional member received a copy of the original Aitken Bible—the first American Bible printed in 1782. We let our elected officials know that we had sponsored the Bibles to their offices and that we believe American leaders need to rely, once again, on the Scriptures.
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1. I have freedom—to vote, to speak, to travel, to live. We enjoy a level of freedom people in repressed nations cannot even fathom.
2. I pledge to a flag I am proud of. The stars and stripes of Old Glory represent the courage, sacrifice, and patriotism of those who purchased our freedom.
3. I have a rich heritage—of courage, faith, honor, and sacrifice. Not only do I have this heritage, but I have been raised in a nation that has taught me to be thankful for it.
4. Our government is branched for balance. Yes, it tips out of control at times, but our founding fathers had the wisdom to set three branches of government with checks and balances to encourage the government to serve and protect the people. Again, we do not understand the gift it is to not live under a harsh, repressive government.
5. We are friends with Israel. Although our current administration has tried to push Israel, the United States has long committed to stand as Israel’s ally. God promised to bless nations that bless Israel (Genesis 12:3).
6. We have a strong military. I’m thankful for the men and women who have staked their lives for my freedom.
7. We have a culture that runs deep with Christian values. Not all of our founding fathers were born-again Christians, but many were. And the strong Judeo-Christian heritage they set for us has shaped our nation. Freedom, honesty, hard work, sacrifice, integrity, and generosity are not encouraged, or even applauded, in every culture.
8. I have liberty to worship and to witness. I not only can practice my faith, but I can freely share the Gospel with others as well.
9. We enjoy prosperity. Even in a lean economy, Americans have more than most of the rest of the world. Even the poorest of us are considered wealthy in developing countries.
10. God blesses America. Every item in the list above is a result of God’s blessing on our land. I’m thankful for His favor, and I pray for Americans to turn back to Him.

And a bonus one:

11.  I enjoy watermelon, the 4^th of July, fireworks…and enjoying it all with my grandchildren!

Americans are not always good at remembering.

We forget the sacrifices made for us so we can enjoy freedom today. We forget the blood, sweat, and tears of those who have given their all that we might have liberty.

Israel was not always good at remembering either.

They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel: But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert.—Psalm 106:13–14

Forgetting is a serious offense for a nation, and it brought Israel down a vicious spiral of idolatry and desolation. (more…)

Today we remember veterans—men and women who have given of themselves for our freedom. And I’m thankful for every one of them—from the minutemen of the war for independence to the heroic Americans serving today in the deserts of Afghanistan and Iraq.

I never had the privilege of serving in our nation’s armed forces. God called me to preach as a young teenager, and I’ve given my life to “Fight the good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:12).

Yet, I am acutely aware—today especially—that the liberty I enjoy to preach the Gospel was paid for by untold ranks of courageous soldiers. (more…)

Ten years and one day ago, a street sign of downtown New York stood in the shadow of the south tower of the World Trade Center. The sign marked the intersection of the streets Church and Liberty.

Today, the sign still stands. But now it is at the corner of Ground Zero.

Today, we remember the horrific events of 9/11/01. We grieve the loss of life. We thank the heroic first responders who courageously gave their lives to rescue others. And, as a nation, we rebuild and renew ourselves to preserve freedom.

The signpost of Church and Liberty streets in New York reminds us, as Christians, of an important truth regarding freedom: God wants His churches to proclaim liberty.

Jesus Himself came to “proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound” (Isaiah 61:1, c.f. Luke 4:18). He brought the truth which sets the hearts of men free (John 8:32).

Our nation is increasingly turning away from God—even in the commemorative services for 9/11. We seem to have forgotten our Christian heritage, and we are losing our moral compass. (more…)