Our Pledge Of Allegiance

Our Pledge of Allegiance

July 4th Sermon

July 1, 2018

[PowerPoint or ProPresenter presentations are available for this sermon upon request by emailing chucksligh@hotmail.com.]

Adapted from a sermon by Steve Malone.

TEXT: Joshua 24:15 – “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom you will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

INTRODUCTION

Wednesday, as you know, is Independence Day for Americans. The title of my message today is “Our Pledge of Allegiance.” What I want to do is look briefly at the parallels between the United States’ founding fathers’ allegiance to their country and our allegiance to our Lord Jesus Christ. I think you’ll be surprised at the similarities between them and what we learn from them.

I. FIRST, LET’S CONSIDER THE PATRIOTS’ ALLEGIENCE TO THEIR COUNTRY.

I’d like you first to see three things about the actions of the founding fathers:

1. Note first that they MADE A BOLD DECLARATION.

After the conflict with England had begun, many patriots BOLDLY declared their allegiance to the fledgling country. Patrick Henry, the fiery politician from Virginia, in his famous speech before the Virginia Provincial Convention, addressing those sitting on the fence, boldly said,

It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentleman wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery. Forbid it, almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death.

Then came the boldest declaration of all, the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, signed by 56 representatives from the 13 colonies in which they voted to declare that they would accept nothing less than absolute freedom from England. From there, the declaration was read before the militia troops in the field on July 9th, and from there to the rest of the world.

This was a BOLD DECLARATION. In it, the Americans challenged the most powerful empire of the world. And they entered the war with neither a navy nor an army. Their fighting forces consisted solely of untrained militia units made up of citizen-soldiers from the various colonies.

On the other side, England had an army of well trained, highly disciplined—not to mention, ruthless—soldiers, as well as the strongest navy on earth at the time. The founding fathers and many other courageous patriots made a BOLD declaration—they pledged their lives and their allegiance to their country.

2. Note second that THEY PAID A HIGH PRICE for that declaration.

After the Americans declared their independence, they had to win it by force. Historians tell us that the task proved especially difficult—partly because the people never fully united behind the war effort. (This is a fact often forgotten today.) About 1/3 of the colonists REMAINED UNCONCERNED about the outcome of the war. – They were indifferent and openly supported neither side. And as many as 1/3 of the population SYMPATHIZED WITH ENGLAND. – They called themselves “Loyalists” for their loyalty to King George. These problems meant that victory in the Revolutionary War depended on patriots who made up less than 1/3 of the entire population—a situation roughly parallel to the amount of support for the Vietnam War at its lowest point of support.

For a population the size of America’s in that day, the casualties were high—7,200 Americans were killed in battle during the Revolutionary War; 8,200 were wounded; 10,000 died from disease and exposure (3,000 at Valley Forge alone); an additional 6,500 died in prison after being captured; and 1,400 soldiers were listed as, which means a grand total of about 23,700 dead.

What about the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence? Their strong conviction and their bold declaration resulted in great sufferings for themselves and their families. Of the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence that day….

* 5 were captured by the British and tortured before they died.

* 12 had their homes ransacked and burned.

* 2 lost their sons in the Revolutionary Army.

* Another 2 sons were captured.

* 9 of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardship from the war.

* One of the signers, Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships sunk by the British Navy. – He sold his home and properties to pay his debts and died in poverty.