Lessons from the Revolution
I ministered this message Sunday, July 4, 2010, on the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. I hold in high esteem the 56 men who put their names to this document, and for their courage and commitment to the cause of freedom. If not for their conviction, sacrifice, and dedication, this nation would be a far different place than we know today.
There are lessons that can learned here that are relevant to the Church, also. It will take a similar dedication for God's people to fulfill the mission to which she has been called. It is my hope and prayer that she will rise up and give herself to the cause of Christ, even as these brave men did for freedom.
I began this message by reading the entire Declaration of Independence to the congregation. I have not included that portion of the message here, but, encourage you to follow this link and read it for yourself before listening to the audio file.
think on these things...
"We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of America,in General Congress, assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the name, and by the authority of the good people of these colonies, solemnly publish and declare, that these united colonies are, and of right ought to be free and independent states; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved;and that as free and independent states, they have full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and to do all other acts and things which independent states may of right do. And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor." —from the Declaration of Independence
"Until and unless the Church fully commits herself to the cause of Christ with the same type and measure of dedication and determination held by the signers of the Declaration of Independence, she shall remain powerless and of little or no consequence in the world. Either she will find within herself this courage of conviction, or she will acquiesce to the will of the oppressor." —Randall Gearhart
"You need not be defeated by anything unless you consent to be. If you throw your will on the side of victory, then the whole of the Universe of reality throws itself behind your will, releases it, reinforces it, redeems it—and you. You are caught up in a tide of victory, and nothing can stop it except your refusal to cooperate." —E.Stanley Jones
Played: 43 | Download | Duration: 00:15:51
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