Dripping Springs Weekly Bulletins

The Bible and American History I love this country and I love its history. I’m glad I know what it cost to make it what it is. No, it’s not a perfect nation, nor has it ever claimed to be. But we are now going in directions that are contrary to what our forefathers intended. There are many elements present in our country that I would like to change, but that may not happen. We can, however, influence those who lead our country by means of using our precious privilege – at the ballot box. When we look at our history we find that those responsible for what we  have today were believers in God, the God of the Bible. They not only depended on that God but they put in writing their beliefs and their goals for us. In their documents, in their speeches, in their public appearances,in their letters to their constituents, in their music and their moments of poetic release – everywhere – they made it clear they wanted this to be a united people and a “Christian” nation. While their religious views were not all alike, and often contrary to each other and the Bible, they spoke out for all to see and hear what they wanted America to be. They did not hesitate to reveal their intentions and their convictions to all who would listen or read. New viewpoints have been brought to the fore by men and women as outspoken as those who have gone before, but they seek to change, to abandon the views of those who founded our nation, who lived out our history and who established our laws. They would have us believe that their views are in harmony with our founders. But they are not! In reading what Washington and Franklin, Jefferson and Madison, Adams and others said and wrote we find that the views espoused today are dramatically different from those who wrote those breath-taking, earth-shaking documents. In the Bible the word Christian is much more narrow than the way it is used in secular terms today, but the early founders intended – remember this – that the religion of Jesus Christ be at the root of America’s religion. That those founders were Bible believers is evident, as seen in the following: “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.” Patrick Henry “The highest glory of the American Revolution was that it connected, in one indissoluble bond, the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity.” John Quincy Adams When we study our history we find that our major documents did not hesitate to state in clarion terms that they believed in God and sought His blessing upon this new nation. In our Declaration of Independence we find these words: “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness…” Then in the closing sentence we read: “And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes,     and our sacred honor.” [all emphases mine, cbg] One would have difficulty denying that men who relied on “Almighty God” had done these deeds. In the closing stanza of America’s national anthem, though seldom is it heard or sung, we find these words: “O! thus be it ever when freemen shall stand; Between their loved homes and the foe’s desolation; Bless’d with victory and peace, may our heaven-rescued land Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation. Then conquer we must, for our cause it is just – and this be our motto, “In God is our trust!” History itself declares the beliefs of our country’s leaders as they turned to organizing their states’ own constitutions and by-laws. If you were to search through all 50 states’ preambles or introductory statements you would find all make mention of their gratitude to God for their existence. Please consider the following quotes: “We the people of the State of Alabama, invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God...” “We the people of the State of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God...” “We the people of the State of Iowa, grateful to the Supreme Being...” “.We the people of the state of Nebraska …grateful to Almighty  God…” “We the people of the state of Ohio, grateful to Almighty God...” “We the people of the state of Rhode Island grateful to Almighty God for the  civil and religious liberty...” “We the people of the Republic of Texas, acknowledging, with gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God...” We understand that America has never been a “Christian” nation as the Bible uses that term, but our nation was established on biblical principles and our laws had the Bible as their foundation in the early years of our existence. Those who are Christians must know what we believe and why we believe it — then have the courage to stand up for our convictions even among those who would deny them. That is true if we hope to remain a free people, living for Christ with neither fear nor interference.   Carl B Garner

“Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.”  George Washington in his Farewell Address to the nation,  September 17,1796

Son, Remember One of the most haunting and sobering passages of Scripture is that of Luke 16:19-31. In this particular section of Scripture, we read of two men, two lives, two deaths and two eternal destinies (cf. Matt. 7:13-14). The spotlighted characters are the rich man and Lazarus with the patriarch Abraham making a cameo appearance. The rich man died, was buried, and lifted up his eyes in torments. Lazarus, the beggar, died and was ushered into eternity by the angels, to what the context describes as “Abraham’s bosom.” Notice this part of the story from Luke 16:24-25.… "Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented.’” Certainly one of the worst things about being lost in the eternal realm will be the ability to remember what could have and should have been done while on earth. “Son, remember” echoes through the discerning reader’s mind. None of us wants to find ourselves looking back with regret after we leave this life. What should we remember as we consider this story? 1.  Earthly things will not last. The rich man seemed to have it all in this life (verses 19, 25), but nothing in death. None of us will be able to take our earthly goods with us when we die (Job 1:21; Ecc. 5:19; 1 Timothy 6:6-8). Eventually the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up (2 Peter 3:10). Therefore, our thoughts and investments should be toward heaven (Matt. 6:19-21; Col. 3:1-4). 2. The faithful will be rewarded. Lazarus was rewarded for a life of faithfulness. We don’t read anything about his life in the text but such is implied by the rest of Scripture. Only the faithful will receive the crown of life (Rev. 2:10). Only those who have given themselves completely to God’s will and who die in the Lord will find eternal happiness (Rev. 14:13). Evidently, this was the case with Lazarus. 3. Only one life is given to serve God. The rich man had his opportunity to focus on what really mattered—but he did not (Mark 12:30-31). Life is not a dress rehearsal or walk-through before the big game. It is the big game. Now is the time to get things right with the Lord and to seek Him first (2 Cor. 6:1-2). 4. In death one’s legacy is sealed. The rich man desired to help his five brothers in death (verse 28). But in death it was too late for him to be any kind of influence for his siblings (cf. Matt. 5:16). Whatever effect he had on their lives was “all said and done.” This reminds us of the need to take advantage of every opportunity to do good now (Eph. 5:15-17). 5.  One day all hope will be lost for the disobedient. In life there is hope of salvation and a relationship with God. This hope in fact saves (Rom. 8:24). However, when death comes and then the judgment, if one finds himself separated from God, there no longer remains any possibility of sweet redemption (cf. Heb. 9:27). Therefore, we should remember the need to seek the Lord now while He may be found (Isa. 55:6). Bill Burk, Seagoville, TX.