First Baptist Church, Meadville, PA
P A T R I O T I S M
True patriotism believes that GOD has a plan for each nation. CHRIST did not come merely to save the lost sheep of the house of Israel, but that whosoever believeth should have eternal life, and HIS Gospel is to be preached in all the world.
With this background of GOD's world purposes, patriotism is right and worthy of praise. GOD has a place and plan for each nation, having determined their appointed seasons and "the bounds of their habitation" Acts 17:26. HE WHO came to save the world wept over Jerusalem. Therefore our prayer song is fitting:
LORD, while for all mankind we pray,
Of every tribe and coast,
Oh, hear us for our native land,
The land we love the most.
P I O N E E R S
As a nation we should ever be grateful to GOD for HIS hand in our history. HE hath not so blessed any people as HE has blessed America. From out of the old world GOD chose the seed for this new planting. There were varieties of people from many nations led by Divine Providence to these shores. All over Europe the pathfinders of progress were fighting to come to this new land. They came from England, from France, from Germany and many other nations. They came from every land where men were looking for the dawn of a better day. We are proud of our fearless pioneers.
If, drunk with sight of power, we loose
Wild tongues that have not THEE in awe-
Such boastings as the Gentiles use,
Or lesser breeds without the Law-
LORD GOD of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget, lest we forget.
P O S S E S S I O N S
We have a goodly heritage. If any land under the sun could get along by itself, it would be these United States, with our large territory, and our natural resources. The standard of living in our nation is higher than in most nations, and American money is good money everywhere.
Our social blessings are a cause for gratitude. The blessings of GOD are on every hand. Take the matter of education. we have reason to be thankful for our nation-wide Public School system, and for our Colleges and Universities, of such numbers and resources as the world has never seen. Enrollment in these higher institutions of learning is greater than that of several other nations combined.
Let us remember that these blessings have not come to us because we are better than other peoples, but they are given to us as a sacred trust for the good of the world.
The priceless principles of our nation should be an incentive for all people to be good citizens. "Our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal" (Gettysburg Address). At the time of our nation's founding democracy was an experiment, suspected of evil by monarchies. Today the world sees the truth in Abraham Lincoln's immortal phrase, "That government of the people, by the people, and for the people shall not perish from the earth" (November 19,1863).
The American principle of a Free Church in a Free State has been demonstrated to be best for both, Church and State. In these days, when others crowd the path where America blazed the trail, it is not so easy to see what is distinctive. The great American principle is this: "In GOD we trust." Among national songs we know of none better than the closing verse of America's song. May we ever sing it in a prayerful spirit.
Our Father's GOD, to Thee,
Author of Liberty, to THEE we sing,
Long may our land be bright
With freedom's holy light,
Protect us by THY might,
Great GOD, our KING.
P R A C T I C A L C O N S I D E R A T I O N S
1. BE LOYAL TO AMERICA. Whoever in this land loves another country more than our commonwealth is not worthy of America. We repeat the words of President Theodore Roosevelt, "We demand Americanism . . . only such immigrants should be admitted as seek to carry out American ideals."
Let us remember President Lincoln's wise words, "Intelligence, patriotism, Christianity, and a firm reliance on HIM WHO has never yet forsaken this favored land, are still competent to adjust, in the best way, all our difficulties."
Our loyalty must be more than waving the flag and pointing with pride. We should behave as citizens worthy of this great nation. It is the privilege of every citizen to take an intelligent interest in public affairs, and discharge faithfully whatever reasonable share of public service may fall on them. Our life, home, and business cannot be separated from the public welfare, and should be so conducted in a manner that is best for all.
The Celebrating of our great national days, such as Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Thanksgiving deepens our loyalty and helps our children love our nation. It is our duty to keep the fires of American liberty burning, that all may rejoice.
2. SEEK TO MAKE AMERICA BETTER. Let us dedicate ourselves to the unfinished task of making America better. Our country is not perfect. It is sadly true that "the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land" (Hosea 4:1) because of the wickedness thereof. Multitudes of our people profane GOD's holy day. Family life and many homes are wrecked by divorce. Evil has raised its venomous head, and crime strikes at the very structure of our society. Corrupt politics are the shame of many cities. Profiteering exacts its unrighteous toll, and for greed of gain the innocent are caused to suffer. In a limited degree it may be said that we house our gold in palaces and some of our people in slums.
What does the LORD say ? According to HIS WORD, the judgment of the nations is not the question of national wealth, or armies, or multitudes of people and great areas of fertile land, but "inasmuch as ye did it unto the least of these" (Matthew 25:45). Feeding the hungry and clothing the naked is the test. In other words, the condition of the people is what makes a nation great. Our aim should be,
O, beautiful for patriot dream, that sees beyond the
years,
Thine alabaster cities gleam, undimmed by human
tears.
America, America ! GOD shed HIS grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to
shining sea.
It is the Christian religion alone that can inspire people to the ideal of the American dream. We need more of it. The outer wall of civilization is not enough for America. The inner wall of the Christian faith is the bulwark of this nation. The people who build this wall by life and service are the hope of the Republic.
3. HELP AMERICA IN HER WORLD MISSION. Nations blessed of GOD are not to live for themselves. The Bible says the larger national outlook should be, "GOD be merciful unto us and bless us, and cause HIS face to shine upon us, that THY way may be known upon earth, THY salvation among all nations" (Psalm 67:1). American wealth is for the comfort and advancement of America, of course, but also for the needy of every land. We are glad that America has never failed to go to the rescue, with workers, food, and money whenever disaster has come to any people. And yet charity is not enough. Christians can never be content until all the world has heard the Gospel of the grace of GOD in CHRIST JESUS.
In CHRIST there is no east or west,
In HIM no south or north,
But one great fellowship of love
Throughout the whole wide earth.
It is a matter of thankfulness that we are the greatest nation in Christian missions. We should be the best at reaching the world with the Gospel. but remember, we are just touching the fringe of the world's need. In this age the great responsibility and opportunity is America's. We have come to the Kingdom for such a time as this.
HE has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat,
HE is sifting out the hearts of men before HIS judgment seat,
Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer HIM, be jubilant, my
feet,
Our GOD is marching on.
This message was first preached in 1921 at the First Baptist Church in Meadville, PA under the title: 'My Country, Tis of Thee" by Rev G Morton Walker D.D. and has been edited by Dr.Tom Sexton and published by Five Star Christian Ministries 7/26/2017 Copyright Dr.Tom Sexton, Five Star Christian Ministries, 312 S.E.24th.Avenue, Cape Coral, FL 33990
"For GOD so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that whosoever believeth in HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
GOD LOVES YOU. The LORD JESUS said, "For GOD so loved the world. . ." HE gave HIS SON for you, and HE loves you.
YOU ARE OF WORTH. The Bible also teaches us that ". . . CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures" (1st.Corinthians 15:3). GOD demonstrated our worth to HIM when HE sent HIS SON to die in our place. The LORD JESUS paid our sin debt in full when HE died on the cross. "For HE hath made HIM to be sin for us. . ." (2nd.Corinthians 5:21).
YOU CAN HAVE HOPE. In a world where so many have lost hope, GOD wants you to have hope. "the LORD JESUS CHRIST . . . is our hope" (1st.Timothy 1:1)
YOUR LIFE CAN HAVE PURPOSE. HE desires that we ". . .should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). "And this is the promise that HE hath promised us, even eternal life" (1st.John 2:25).
You may ask, "How can I receive GOD's promise of eternal life?"
ACKNOWLEDGE that you are a sinner. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD" (Romans 3:23).
BELIEVE that the LORD JESUS died for you. "CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures" (1st.Corinthians 15:3)
CALL upon the LORD to save you. "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved" (Romans 10:13).
If you would be willing to turn to CHRIST in repentance and faith, pray this simple prayer of Salvation:
LORD, I know that I am a sinner, and I believe YOU died and rose again for me. I am trusting YOU to forgive me, come into my heart, and save me. Help me to live for YOU always. In JESUS' name I pray, AMEN.
If you have made a decision to receive CHRIST as your personal LORD and SAVIOR after reading this message, please let me know so that I along with the angels in Heaven can REJOICE !
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
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