America – the Religious Refuge – Born July 4, 1776 The colonies that eventually formed the United States of America were settled by men and women, who, in the face of persecution, refused to compromise there religious convictions. So they left England. The settlers had a different interpretation of the Bible than the State Church of England. In fact, the State Church of England’s interpretations were never to be questioned or strayed from. Doing so could result in penalties, ranging from a fine to death. In 1620 the settlers illegally broke away from the Church of England and came to America. After this bold step of faith the settlers endured much hardship – cold winters, hunger, sickness and death. In June 1776, the settlers were so determined that England would not interfere with the way they worshiped God, that representatives of the 13 colonies wrote a resolution that would declare their independence from Great Britain. On July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence and on July 4th the Declaration of Independence was adopted. Twenty-nine of the 56 signers of the Declaration had seminary degrees or Bible School training. The first Bible printed in English in America was printed by Congress in 1782 to be used by schools. In 1803 Thomas Jefferson negotiated a treaty with the Indians and sent missionaries to them. He also used federal funds to build churches. God was the original intent behind this country’s formation and it is only by His hand – through His grace and thru His provision that it still stands today. As we celebrate freedom, let us be thankful for the men and women who sacrificed their lives to make it possible. Patrick Henry said “There is a just God who presides over the destinies of the nations”. Now, as in times past our survival as a nation will come down to our faith, our prayer and “In God We Trust”. In the words of George Washington “out future is in this book – the Bible. Our knowledge or ignorance of the truth it contains will largely determine our future history and survival as a people and a nation. Now is the time before it’s too late, to reclaim our lost heritage.” God bless America.
Posted on: Thu, 04 Jul 2013 01:38:15 +0000
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