As we contemplate Thursday’s celebration of our nation’s independence, let’s never forget God’s grace.
God births America
God’s grace has been evident in America’s formation. Consider this:
•The first English colony in Jamestown, Va., included a building for church services.
•When Puritans landed in present-day Plymouth Rock, Mass., they knelt in worship, praised God and dedicated the colony to God.
•Roger Williams, a Baptist Minister, established Rhode Island.
•Lord Baltimore held church services while establishing Maryland as a colony.
•William Penn, a Quaker, established colonies in Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware, Connecticut, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. In writing Pennsylvania’s policies, he ensured that “all treasurers, judges and all elected officials professed faith in Christ."
We could use those policies now.
Today, government works overtime to remove reminders of the Christian faith. The Ten Commandments are vanishing from courthouses.
Founded on the Gospel
Our Founding Fathers consistently spoke of the need to use the Bible and Judeo-Christian values to define and preserve this nation. Twelve of the original 13 colonies incorporated the Ten Commandments into their civil and criminal codes.
“It is impossible to govern the world without God and the Bible,” President George Washington said. “Of all dispositions and habits that lead to political prosperity, our religion and morality are indispensable supporters."
In 1782, the U.S. Congress voted up a resolution recommending and approving the Bible for use in public schools.
"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” stated Patrick Henry, Virginia’s first governor and a Continental Congress member.
What has happened to America
Fast forward to the present — what is happening in America?
In 1962, our government outlawed prayer in the public schools.
In 1963, our government outlawed Bible reading in public schools.
In 1973, our government has legalized abortion.
It appears that government has criminalized the Christian faith and has ignored the Lord God who blessed this land.
I was born in America, raised in Crestview as a child, have been saved 43 years as a Christian, 40 have been a minister, and I love America and consider myself a loyal citizen.
However, can God continue blessing a nation that has turned its back on Him?
The Rev. Albert Corey is Oak Ridge Assembly of God's pastor.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: Decay of Christian values raises concerns