One Nation Under God

By Clifton Angel     What if you could live in a nation whose foundation was built upon God? What if you could live in a nation whose primary leader was completely submissive to God?  What if you could live in a nation whose laws were always truly good and right? What if you could live in a nation whose justice system was entirely up-right? What if you could live in a nation whose good citizens always looked to God? A nation whose education system relied on the Bible? A nation where life was sacred? A nation where the leaders truly sought the best for the citizens? A nation that cared most about things Biblical, instead of things political? As much as this may seem like a fantasy, it is actually a reality.     Peter wrote these words to members of the body of Christ: "Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9). Figuratively, the Lord's church is a nation, which must shine as a line to all physical nations. Paul said, "Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye  may be blameless and harmless, the sons  of God, without  rebuke,  in  the  midst  of a  crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world" (Philippians 2:14–15).     The Psalmist proclaimed, "Blessed is the nation whose God is Jehovah, The people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance" (Psalm 33:12, ASV). Peter said  it this way, concerning  the  church, "Blessed be  the  God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his  abundant  mercy  hath  begotten  us  again  unto  a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,  To  an  inheritance  incorruptible,  and  undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you" (1 Peter 1:3–4).     If you are in Christ's kingdom (Acts 2:37–47; Colossians 1:13)—an holy nation—you are in: (1) A nation whose foundation is built upon God! (2) A nation whose primary leader is completely submissive to God (Jesus)! (3) A nation whose laws are always truly good and right! (4) A nation whose justice system is entirely upright! (5) A nation whose good citizens always look to God! (6) A nation whose education system relies on the Bible! (7) A nation where life is sacred! (8) A nation where the leaders truly seek the best for the citizens! (9) A nation that cares most about things Biblical, instead of things political!      Are you in the church that belongs to Christ—the one nation that is willingly under God?

- Clifton Angel preaches for the Coldwater Church of Christ in Coldwater, MS. He may be contacted through that congregation's website: http://www.coldwatercofc.com/

We Pledge Our Sacred Honor

By Al Behel   “We must obey God rather than man” (Acts 5:29)     When the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776 its founders were declaring independence from an earthly power while making a clear declaration of dependence upon Almighty God. The closing words of this historic document declares solemnly: ‘With a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.”     The founding fathers of this nation recognized the need for divine guidance. Relying on the providence of God they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor to the mutual good of the citizens of this new nation. Their declaration was one of dependence on God while exercising freedom from foreign domination.     Pledging allegiance to our national flag represents our mutual commitment to preserve our sacred honor under divine leadership and guidance. We recognize the position God holds far above governmental leaders and that all nations stand or fall as He wills.     As Christians our allegiance extends beyond flags and declarations of independence. Our God is supreme over all nations, all peoples, and all cultures. He stands untouched by the corruption and greed of rulers gone bad, or governments whose leaders refuse to bow before Him. Arsenals of mass destruction pale under His power. Our allegiance is to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.

- Al Behel served the Great Smoky Mountains Church of Christ in Pigeon Forge, TN, for many years prior to this death in April 2022. The congregation may be contacted through their website - https://gsmchurchofchrist.com/

That These Shall Not Have Fought in Vain

By Ron Bartanen        Tomorrow we, as a nation, observe Veterans Day, It is a day appropriately set aside to give honor to the veterans—to those who have faced the possibility of death in defense of our freedoms.  Theirs has been the greatest sacrifice of which man is capable.   They have left parents, wives and husbands, and children to serve their country with the realization that they might never again see their loved ones. The greatest of honors are due toward those who were willing to make the greatest of sacrifices.  Let us therefore remind ourselves of the value of that for which they were willing to give their all.  They esteemed our liberty as a nation to be valued even above their lives.      How great will be the disgrace and shame of our nation if this for which they were willing to shed their blood is cast aside.  Following the Civil War, President Lincoln gave the famous Gettysburg Address, remembering those who had fallen in battle.  In the closing words of his speech he said, “It is for us, the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced.  It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”   On Memorial Day we gave special honor to the deceased veterans, but on Veterans Day we recognize also those who survived.  We could make one change in Lincoln ’s speech to say, “…that these shall not have fought in vain.”  As Lincoln saw that “under God” we had been granted freedom, he also recognized the “great task” ahead for the survivors of war—that of a continued defense of freedom.  He called the nation to “increased devotion to that cause….”  Liberty, once achieved, is nevertheless seen as an “unfinished work,” dependent upon that devotion.  Otherwise, tyranny would triumph, and our free republic would “perish from the earth.”      Sadly, our generation is witnessing a loss of that devotion, and with it the dissembling of what was once recognized as a “Christian nation.”  Our nation was blessed from its beginning with founders and defenders who had a high regard for the Bible and the Christian faith.   Congress even provided Bibles for schools and homes that the next generation would continue its Christian heritage and with it the liberties of a free people.  The discarding of this foundation can only result in catastrophic ruin.  We can politically justify killing babies in the wombs of their mothers, kick God and His word out of schools and all public sites, and redefine marriage to give honor to what God calls an abomination, but only at the expense of inviting God’s wrath.  The God who does not change could say to us as He said Israel through David, “Seeing you hate instruction and cast My words behind you…These (evil) things you have done, and I kept silent: You thought that I was altogether like you: But I will rebuke you… Now consider this, you who forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver” (Psalms 50:17, 21-22).  Let it never be said in future generations that through our godlessness we lost our nation, and our veterans “have fought in vain.”

- Ronald Bartanen is a retired minister who for many years served the Lord's church in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee. After the passing of his beloved wife, Doris, Ron has relocated from Illinois to Florida where he is near family. He may be contacted at: ron33dor@yahoo.com

The Lord’s Desire

By Ron Thomas

    The Lord’s prophet, Amos, was a man chosen for a task that was very much a burden to the people. It was to Amos that He spoke the words to Israel (the northern kingdom with its capital in Samaria), “Therefore thus will I do to you, O Israel; Because I will do this to you, Prepare to meet your God, O Israel!" (4:12). Though the Lord addressed His words to Israel in particular, it is worth notice that the Lord’s pending judgment was toward those outside of covenant relationship.
    The Lord identified seven nations that had judgment against them; not only did He identify these nations, but He also described the problem. Syria was merciless with its army of destruction, the Philistines were the same, Tyre failed to honor its treaty with others, Edom was plagued because of jealous rage, Ammon killed innocent children (a form of abortion), Moab exhibited desecrating destruction, Judah because of their failure to hear and obey the Lord, and to Israel because of slavery, greed, and perversion. The importance of noticing this is because the Lord responded to evil wherever it may have exhibited itself, not simply to those within covenant relationship.
    Our country is not in covenant relationship with the Lord; when people speak about this country being a “Christian nation,” what is in view, historically, is the moral foundation put in place that was to guide us. It is clear that the moral foundation put in place has disintegrated. How can we change the direction that our community is traveling? A hard thing to do to be sure, but there are some things that can be done. First, be devoted to the Lord and His way of righteousness. Second, be sure to be a positive influence on those who do not know the Lord’s way. Third, never let your personal politics trump the Lord’s way of righteousness. Fourth, continue to pray for our leaders and our country. These are things that can be done, but in all things the Lord’s desire will be done!

 - Ron Thomas preacher for the Sunrush Church of Christ, Chillicothe, OH.   He may be contacted at etsop95@gmail.com

God Bless America

By Ronald Bartanen

   “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Psalms 33:12a).
   While the above words were spoken of Israel specifically, we make a mistake if we assume they should have no application to any nation that would choose to honor God, recognizing Him as sovereign and respecting His laws. Our nation, from its founding, and contrary to the assertions we hear so much today, has been one that has recognized God and sought His blessings.
    I believe God’s protective hand has been on this country through its long history. A South America president was quoted as saying, “South America was settled by men who were seeking gold, but North America was settled by men who were seeking God.”
    Through our history we have been blessed uniquely. We take for granted the freedoms we have, and the blessings other people can only dream of. But who can doubt that the Christian ideals we once honored are rapidly being eroded away? Someone once observed that we have not only gone off the gold standard, thus weakening our economy, but, more importantly, we have gone off the God-standard, jeopardizing our nation. The religion of secular humanism has become our state-religion. 
    In our rush to “separate church and state”, we have succeeded in separating state from God! Many countries, once considered to be largely “Christian”, are now under the threat of Islam, and our country may not be far behind. Should we be surprised if the blessings we have cherished are lost? Are we not already in the process? For God to bless America, it is vital that America begin again to bless God.

 - Ronald Bartanen preaches for Arthur Church of Christ, Arthur, IL.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website.

Patriotism in God’s Kingdom

By Joe Chesser

    This week our great nation is celebrating its independence. For 244 years now we have been a free nation. We are blessed in countless ways as citizens of the United States of America. Far too often these blessings are taken for granted. A new wave of patriotism and awareness of our blessings swept the country following the terrorists’ attacks on September 11, 2001. Though not as obvious as then, patriotism is still strong.
    Patriotism is defined as “love of country and a willingness to sacrifice for it.” Other words related to the idea patriotism are loyalty, devotion, self-sacrifice, and brotherhood. Because of their love of our country and the people who populate it, men and women willingly risk their lives to protect and defend our liberties and freedoms. At this time of year, patriotism swells within us a sense of pride and renews our devotion when we hear our national anthem or when we simply notice our beautiful flag flying in the breeze. This is a perfect time to display our patriotism. Fly your flags. Decorate your cars and yards.  Pray for America.
    As Christians we have the privilege of taking the idea of patriotism to an even higher and greater plane, to the spiritual level. One of the analogies the Bible uses to describe the people of God is as a kingdom or a nation. In fact, the kingdom was the central image Jesus used to relate his gospel to us. He began his ministry by declaring, “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news” (Mark 1:15). Jesus spoke many kingdom parables. The very heart of the words messiah and Christ is that Jesus is the King of his spiritual nation. Of Christians Peter wrote, “You are a chosen people ... a holy nation (1 Peter 2:9). Whenever and wherever people surrender to the rule of God, there will be the kingdom of God, the church of God.
    But note. Many of us have deep feelings of patriotism towards America. We love the USA, and we give our time, energy and money to participate in patriotic events and organizations. All this is good. It has its place. But how much better it is to love the Lord’s kingdom and sacrifice your time, energy and money for it.
    As great as America is, it will not last forever. It may be overpowered someday by a more powerful nation. Our economy may someday crumble and fall. The examples of the great Roman and Alexandrian empires vividly demonstrate this possibility. But the Lord’s kingdom will never be destroyed (Daniel 2:44). Even Satan with his demonic forces cannot destroy the kingdom of God (Matthew 16:18).
    Do you feel as patriotic towards the church as you do America? Do you have feelings of pride, loyalty and devotion for the church? Are you willing to sacrifice for the Lord’s kingdom with your time, energy and resources? If so, show it! Don’t hide your light under a bushel. Don’t limit your Christian activities to within the walls of a church building. Let everybody know you are a citizen of the Kingdom of God!

- Joe Chesser preaches for the Fruitland Church of Christ, Fruitland, MO.  He may be contacted at joeandareva@yahoo.com

Voting and Truth

By David A. Sargent

     Dan Williams reports: The top legislative body of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) recently adopted a resolution to recognize same-sex marriage. The Presbyterian General Assembly members voted 429 to 157 to add language to their church constitution saying that marriage can be the union of “two people,” not just “a man and a woman.”
     The General Assembly had previously voted in 2011 to allow their clergy to have same-sex partners. Since that vote, 428 of the denomination’s more than 10,000 churches have left the PC USA. Some conservatives remained in the denomination in an effort to exert a moderating influence; this latest action may well accelerate their exodus.
     When I read the article describing the action of the Presbyterian legislative body, I was reminded of the story of a little boy who brought his new pet hamster to “show and tell” time at his school. As the children crowded around admiring the tiny creature, one student asked, “Is it a boy or a girl?” The hamster’s owner replied, “I don’t know. How can we tell?” There was a moment of puzzled silence, until one of the children suggested brightly, “I know – we can vote on it.”
     We chuckle at that child’s innocent suggestion, because we realize some matters cannot be determined by a show of hands, but the story illustrates an important spiritual principle. Votes taken in a denominational assembly can no more change the truths of the Bible than the children’s vote could determine the gender of the hamster. “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth,” Jesus prayed in John 17:17.
     News reports repeatedly emphasized that the same-sex marriage measure passed the Presbyterian assembly by an overwhelming margin, perhaps to signify that the matter is politically settled. Christianity is not based on politics, however, but on revelation. If the Bible is what it claims to be, the divinely inspired Word of God, it does not matter whether the final vote was 429 – 157 or 586 – 0. As Paul said, “Let God be true, and every human being a liar” (Romans 3:4).
     There is an underlying principle that goes far beyond this specific issue or denomination – the need to recognize and respect the Bible as our only standard. *
     “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for...

Doctrine – “What’s Right”
Reproof – “What’s Wrong”
Correction – “For Getting Right”
Instruction in righteousness – “For Staying Right”

...that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
     The TRUTH is ... Sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:1-2) and condemns us (Matthew 7:13-14). And, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
     The TRUTH is ... God loves us so much that He gave His Son Jesus to die on the cross for our sins so that we might receive forgiveness and the gift of eternal life (John 3:16; Ephesians 1:7).
     The TRUTH is ... God will forgive and give eternal life to those who place their faith
and trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from their sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and be baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). The blood of Jesus will continue to cleanse those who continue to walk in the light of His Word (1 John 1:7).
     The Bible contains: Facts, Commands, Promises and Warnings - and there are two ways in which we can respond to each:

Facts: We can Accept or Reject them
Commands: We can Obey or Disobey
Promises: We can Receive or Forfeit them
Warnings: We can Heed or Ignore them

Truth is not determined by a vote! It is only to be acknowledged and accepted.
     Won’t YOU accept the Truth and submit your life to God, the Source of Truth?

- David A. Sargent, minister for the Church of Christ at Creekwood in Mobile, Alabama, is also the editor of an electronic devotional entitled "Living Water." To learn more about this excellent resource contact David via their website: http://www.creekwoodcc.org

* “Voting and Truth” by Dan Williams, Vice-President For Church Relations, Harding University, Searcy, Arkansas. Article shared in PreacherStuff (6/26/14).

THE HYMN “AMERICA”

     One bleak day in February, 1822, a young theological student sat in his room at Andover Seminary.  Samuel Francis Smith was going over a sheaf of German songs for children, given him by a friend, the composer Lowell Mason.  Sunset shadows crept into the room and Smith was tired from a strenuous day of study.  He was relieved to spend a few relaxed moments going over his friend’s music.  As he hummed over one after another, one struck his fancy.  He glanced at the words at the bottom of the page, and his knowledge of German told him that the words were patriotic, but they did not appeal to him.  He decided to write his own words.  He searched around on his desk until he found a scrap of paper about 5 or 6 inches long and two and one half inches wide.  On this, as he tapped out the rhythm of the music, he began to write:

“My country, ‘tis of thee,
Sweet land of liberty,
Of thee I sing;
Land where my fathers died,
Land of the pilgrims’ pride,
From every mountain side
Let freedom ring!

-Selected; via THE SOWER, a weekly publication of the Arthur Church of Christ, Arthur, IL. Ron Bartanen, who serves as minister and editor, may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.arthurchurchofchrist.com

I AM THE FLAG

I am the flag of the United states of America.  I was born on June 14, 1777 in Philadelphia.  There the Continental Congress adopted my stars and stripes as the national flag.

My thirteen stripes, alternating red and white, with a union of thirteen white stars on a field of blue represented a new constellation, a new nation dedicated to the personal and religious liberty of mankind.  Today fifty stars signal from my union—one for each of the fifty sovereign states in the greatest constitutional republic the world has ever known.

My colors symbolize the patriotic ideals and spiritual qualities of the citizens of my country.

My red stripes proclaim the fearless courage and integrity of American men and women and the self-sacrifice and devotion of American fathers and mothers.

My white stripes stand for liberty and equality for all.

My blue is the blue of heaven, loyalty, and faith.

I am the flag.  I symbolize all that is uplifting and good about our country.

-Selected and edited; via THE SOWER, a weekly publication of the Arthur Church of Christ, Arthur, IL. Ron Bartanen, who serves as minister and editor, may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.arthurchurchofchrist.com

Pledge of Allegiance is Unconstitutional

By Jimmy Gribble
    A federal judge has ruled that the pledge of allegiance is unconstitutional because of the phrase "under God." I don't look for the Government to sanction Christianity - one can look in the New Testament and see the problems that cause for the early Christians. But, I think we, as a Country, are hypocritical! One the one hand, we can't say the pledge because the mention of God is in, yet we can confirm and appoint and seat a chief justice on the Supreme Court with the mention of God in the appointment.
    We can't say the pledge because the mention of God is in, yet the "law makers" beginning their sessions with the mention of God. We can't say the pledge because the mention of God is in, yet when one is to testify in a court, usually the Bible is used, so is the mention of God. Many other examples could also support this hypocrisy.
    The Jews, some of them, were also hypocritical. Jesus spoke about some of their hypocrisy in Matthew 23. Some of what Jesus said follows, "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. 26 Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. 27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. 28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. 29 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous," (Matthew 23:25-29).
    A country can be hypocritical; religious people can be hypocritical. While it is okay to look outwardly, we must also, more so, look inwardly! We need to preach the truth, but we also need to live the truth. Notice what Luke wrote of our Lord, "The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach," (Acts 1:1).               
    Let us do and teach, following the example of our Lord. Beloved, listen to all of God's word, God will do thee good!

- Jimmie Z. Gribble, Thought For Today, 09/29/05, Portsmouth, VA; via the Belvedere Beacon, the weekly bulletin of the Belvedere church of Christ, Belvedere, SC.  Ken Chumbley preaches for this congregation, and he may be contacted at their website: http://www.belvederechurchofchrist.org 

"Precious Memories”

By Kyle Moses

“And I’m proud to be an American,
Where at least I know I’m free;
And I won’t forget the men who died,
Who gave that right to me.
And I’ll proudly stand up
Next to him to defend her still today,
‘cause there ain’t no doubt I love this Land:
God bless the U.S.A.!”
-Lee Greenwood

Tomorrow is the national day of memory for those who fought in all of our wars and died defending our freedoms while bringing freedoms to others.

Memorial Day is generally remembered as the first day that the public swimming pool opens, that the summer holidays begin, or when we can gather with friends and families and grill hotdogs and hamburgers. I encourage you to take a little time tomorrow, yea even every day, to thank our God for the freedoms that He afforded us to enjoy as Americans.

Lee Greenwood’s song brings to my memory all of the wars that have been fought for our freedoms as Americans. When I hear it, I cannot help but be thankful for our fallen heroes. How precious are the memories of all our soldiers who fell in hopes of bringing a better life for their home land.

God bless America.

- Kyle Moses; via the weekly bulletin of the church of Christ in Mathis, Texas. Justin Guess serves as the pulpit minister for the congregation. You may visit their website at http://mathischurchofchrist.com/