Understanding America's Heritage

It is obvious that many of us are unashamedly patriotic. Across the country one could find many church leaders who would quickly say that this kind of nationalistic display is inappropriate for Christians. They argue that it is nothing short of idolatry to pay honor to the nation. The Bible does say that every good gift comes from God, and it is definitely not idolatry to give thanks for the blessings that we enjoy as a nation. I believe we can be unashamedly patriotic and yet unapologetically Christian. As we see in the Bible God has over the years ordained distinctive nations to accomplish His purpose. The best way for us to understanding God’s purpose for America and our role in that purpose is to begin by gaining an understanding of our heritage. Through the years God has blessed our nation. Do you realize that the United States has fifty-percent of the world’s resources and only four-percent of the world’s population? Coincidence or blessing from God. I would suggest to you that we have enjoyed the abundant blessings of God as a nation because of the foundation this country was built on. James Madison one of the driving forces behind our constitution said, "We have staked the whole future of American civilization not on the power of government, far from it. We have staked the future of all of our political institutions upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God." Without of doubt America was intended to be a Christian nation and with that comes great responsibility for Christian citizens. Today let’s focus on four reasons it is important for us to understand our heritage and history.

I. Having an accurate view of history will help us understand our identity.

A. Through out the ages God has given man reminders to help them remember who they are and who He is.

1. Consider this example from the nation of Israel. (Joshua 4:4-7—NIV)

2. The twelve men found their stones near the place where the priests carrying the ark were standing. The stones were "to serve as a sign" for future generations.

3. These memorials were intended to provoke questioning so that the story of God’s miraculous interventions might be told over and over.

4. The miracles would not be repeated—in fact, there is an economy of miracles in Scripture.

5. Remembering was a way for future generations to participate in the great acts that God had done for Israel.

B. Remembering our heritage will help us and all future generations be able to know that God’s hand has always been on our nation.

1. In the French & Indian war in 1755, George Washington commanded 1300 troops against the Indians in a woodland battle. Washington’s officers (on horseback) and most of his troops were cut down. At the end of the battle Washington was the only officer that remained & still on horseback. Afterwards he found 4 bullet holes in his jacket & wrote to his wife that God had protected him.

2. This exciting story and Washington’s letter, used to be in the American history books. In an effort to degrade American heroes that depended on God, American history books are being revised and this story & letter have been removed in this century.

3. Those that have desired to see God be removed from our society have gone to great lengths to craft a deception by removing these accounts from the pages of history.

4. Many have made it a goal to present view of history that is only half true.

5. Ninety-four-percent of all the quotes of the Founders had their origin in the Bible, which shows the importance of God’s word in their lives and of this Nation’s founding.

a. Thirty-four percent of all quotes were from the Bible.

b. Another 60% of the quotes were from men who were using the Bible to arrive at their conclusions.

II. Having an accurate view of history will allow us to properly express our appreciation for the blessings we have enjoyed.

A. When the Israelites had eaten and were satisfied, after they were settled in the land, they were to praise the Lord for the good land.

1. The Lord wanted them to always remember what He had done for them even while they were enjoying the prosperity. (Deuteronomy 8:10-14—New Living)

2. We tend to see those good things as the product of our own efforts and abilities.

3. In their prosperity they were not to forget him or fail to observe his laws.

4. They had lived through the hard life of that desert by God’s providence, but the future prosperity in a better land might lead them astray.

5. Any belief in self-sufficient freedom and independence is dangerous, for it causes us to forget our commitment to trust in God and to depend on Him.