Galatians 2:20 "I Pledge Allegiance To The Lamb"
"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or to often that this great nation was founded not but religionists but by Christians, not on religion but on the gospel of Jesus Christ." -- Patrick Henry
"Do not let anyone claim tribute of American patriotism if they even attempt to remove religion from politics." -- George Washington Farewell Address to Nation
"The 1st amendment has created a wall of separation between church and state, but that wall is a one directional wall, it keeps the government from running the church, but it makes sure that Christian principles will always stay in government." -- President Thomas Jefferson in an address to Danbury Baptists.
"We have no government armed with power cable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Our constitution was made for a moral and religious people... it is wholly inadequate to the government of any other..." -- John Adams
"THE PATRIOTS"
A. They Made A Bold Declaration
It was during this time of conflict that Patrick Henry, the fiery politician from Virginia, gave his famous speech before the Virginia Provincial Convention...Here is how he concluded it:
"Three million people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the Destiny of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battle for us. Battle sir, is not to the strong alone, it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave.
Besides sir, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat, but in submission and slavery. Our chains are forged. There clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable -- and let it come. I repeat it, sir let it come!
It is in vain, sir to extenuate the matter. Gentleman may cry peace, peace, but there is no peace. The war has actually begun! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle?
What is it that gentleman wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery. Forbid it, almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death."
B. And They Paid A High Price
Now, its one thing to make a bold declaration in the comfort of a church, but it’s quit another to pay the price, to fulfill that declaration on the field of battle, to pay with blood; - yours - your families - and your neighbors...
Our founding fathers made a bold declaration - they paid a high price.
C. And They Reaped A Great Reward
And though many signers of that Great Declaration paid a high price, others reaped a great reward. 2 of the signers became Presidents, 10 US Congressman, 19 Judges, 16 became Governors and dozens of others held other high political offices -- not to mention the enduring place they hold in our history.....)
"THE CHRISTIAN"
A. We Too Made A Bold Declaration
Understand that you were at that time proclaiming what Paul proclaimed in Galatians 2:20.
B. And Like The Patriots You Must Also Pay A High Price
It’s one thing, to make a bold declaration in the comfort of a church building, but it is quit another to live up to it. To pay the price. To fulfill that declaration on the battlefields of our Dailey lives. Most times saying words is the easy part, the actions are much tougher.
C. Reap A Great Reward
One day we will stand before the Lord and all His glory and receive the crown of life
And we will hear those most precious words; "Well done they good and faithful servant, come and share your masters happiness..."
And we will in our new body, join that great heavenly choir that is circled around the Lamb; Revelation 7:9-17
