One Nation Under God

This week we have celebrated the 231st anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In the midst of all the fireworks, hot dogs, and trips to the lake, it is important to remember what this nation stands for and more importantly, what it stands on. The United States of America was founded on the principles and values found in the Holy Bible and these Christian principles and values will keep her strong through the years to come. Below is a reading I received emphasizing the foundation of God in America. As you read it, ask the Lord to help us remain "one nation under God".

"On July 4, 1776 a remarkable group of men signed a remarkable document and a remarkable nation began, the United States of America. Many years passed before the nation was completely organized and even longer before all fifty states became a part of the union. However, from that first day basic Christian principles were established as a part of the foundation of the nation.

The second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence reads, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

Self-evident Truth – There are truths that apply to all people and are so basic that to the founders they were "self-evident". These truths are absolute. Absolute truths. Our country is founded on absolute truths that center on God as their source.

Creator – God, the Master Designer – The founders of this country acknowledged God. As the Creator, God has the authority to determine the rights which He "endows" to every person. God is intimately involved with His creation.

Created – The founders proclaimed God as the Creator and mankind as His creation. The world did not just exist. It did not result from some cosmic accident billions of years ago. This world was created by the conscious design of God. In the beginning God created the Heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1).

All men are created equal- This concept of equality is found in the teachings of scripture – neither Jew nor Greek. Before God, the scripture teaches we have all sinned and can not make ourselves right with God. We all have the need for a Savior, Jesus Christ. Jesus’ death on the cross paid the price of all people’s sins. Salvation is available to all who will believe in Jesus. Access to God is the same for all people, only through Jesus.

The basic rights - Life – God is the giver of life and thus life is each man’s basic right. Women? Children? The unborn child in his mother’s womb?

Liberty – freedom – through Jesus. Jesus sets us free.

Pursuit of Happiness – One of the key words in the Bible is the word blessed. God’s blessing is our happiness.
The United States of America has Christian principles as the foundation of its existence. The Supreme Court has ruled that America is a "Christian nation (1892, 1931) and as recent as 1952 affirmed "we are a religious people and our institutions presuppose a Supreme Being".

During this 4th of July week take a few moments and thank the Lord for America."