The Christian’s Impact on America
Psalms 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.
Intro: Make no mistake. The people of God have always had the unequalled power to impact the world.
- It was the people of God that saved all the animals from extinction. – Gen. 8:17-19
- It was the people of God that saved the much people from starvation. – Gen. 50:20
- It was the people of God that ultimately brought the Egyptian empire to an end.
- It was the people of God that wrote, recorded, printed, published and distributed God’s Word.
- It has been the people of God that have influenced and impacted civilization.
- Acts 17:6 And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;
I. The Christian’s Impact on the Founding of this Nation
In Turkey in April of 2009, President Barack Obama stated at a press conference that we Americans “do not consider ourselves a Christian nation, or a Muslim nation, but rather, a nation of citizens who are, uh, bound by a set of values.”
Supreme Court; in the case Holy Trinity v. United States, 143 U.S. 437 (1892), held that “this is a Christian nation.” They meant that this nation was founded on biblical principles, and that those who brought these biblical principles to this land and who implemented those principles in our system of government were for the most part professing Christians who were actively involved with Christian churches. At least 51 of the 55 delegates to the Constitutional Convention were members of Christian churches, and that leading American political figures in the founding era quoted the Bible far more than any other source.
(The notes and research for this section came from nationalblackroberegiment.com)
For example, the early settlers who arrived in Virginia beginning in 1606 included ministers such as the Revs. Robert Hunt, Richard Burke, William Mease, Alexander Whitaker, William Wickham, and others. In 1619 they helped form America’s first representative government: the Virginia House of Burgesses, with its members elected from among the people.  That legislature met in the Jamestown church and was opened with prayer by the Rev. Mr. Bucke; the elected legislators then sat in the church choir loft to conduct legislative business. As Bishop Galloway later observed: The first movement toward democracy in America was inaugurated in the house of God and with the blessing of the minister of God.
In 1620, the Pilgrims landed in Massachusetts to establish their colony. Their pastor, John Robinson, charged them to elect civil leaders who would not only seek the “common good” but who would also eliminate special privileges and status between governors and the governed – a radical departure from the practice in the rest of the world at that time. The Pilgrims eagerly took that message to heart, organizing a representative government and holding annual elections. By 1636, they had also enacted a citizens’ Bill of Rights – America’s first.
In 1636, the Rev. Roger Williams established the Rhode Island Colony and its representative form of government, explaining that “[t]he sovereign, original, and foundation of civil power lies in the people.”
The same year, the Rev. Thomas Hooker (along with the Revs. Samuel Stone, John Davenport, and Theophilus Eaton) founded Connecticut. They not only established an elective form of government but in a 1638 sermon based on Deuteronomy 1:13 and Exodus 18:21, the Rev. Hooker explained that Biblical principles had guided the plan of government in Connecticut.
Influence on the Revolutionary War:
The Black Robed Regiment was the name that the British placed on the courageous and patriotic American clergy during the Founding Era (a backhanded reference to the black robes they wore). Significantly, the British blamed the Black Regiment for American Independence, and rightfully so, for modern historians have documented that: “There is not a right asserted in the Declaration of Independence which had not been discussed by the New England clergy before 1763.”
The rights listed in the Declaration of Independence were nothing more than a listing of sermon topics that had been preached from the pulpit in the two decades leading up to the American Revolution.
But it was not just the British who saw the American pulpit as largely responsible for American independence and government, our own leaders agreed. For example, John Adams rejoiced that “the pulpits have thundered” and specifically identified several ministers as being among the “characters the most conspicuous, the most ardent, and influential” in the “awakening and a revival of American principles and feelings” that led to American independence.
“As a body of men, the clergy were pre-eminent in their attachment to liberty. The pulpits of the land rang with the notes of freedom.” – The American Quarterly Register [MAGAZINE], 1833
“If Christian ministers had not preached and prayed, there might have been no revolution as yet – or had it broken out, it might have been crushed.” – Bibliotheca Sacra [BRITISH PERIODICAL], 1856
“The ministers of the Revolution were, like their Puritan predecessors, bold and fearless in the cause of their country. No class of men contributed more to carry forward the Revolution and to achieve our independence than did the ministers. . . [B]y their prayers, patriotic sermons, and services [they] rendered the highest assistance to the civil government, the army, and the country.” – B. F. Morris, HISTORIAN, 1864
“The Constitutional Convention and the written Constitution were the children of the pulpit.” – Alice Baldwin, HISTORIAN, 1918
The American clergy were faithful exponents of the fullness of God’s Word, applying its principles to every aspect of life, thus shaping America’s institutes and culture. They were also at the forefront of proclaiming liberty, resisting tyranny, and opposing any encroachments on God-given rights and freedoms. In 1898, Methodist bishop and church historian Charles Galloway rightly observed of these ministers: “Mighty men they were, of iron nerve and strong hand and unblanched cheek and heart of flame. God needed not reeds shaken by the wind, not men clothed in soft raiment [Matthew 11:7-8], but heroes of hardihood and lofty courage. . . And such were the sons of the mighty who responded to the Divine call.”
However, Christian ministers did not just teach the principles that led to independence, they also participated on the battlefield to secure that independence. One of the numerous examples is the Rev. Jonas Clark. When Paul Revere set off on his famous ride, it was to the home of the Rev. Clark in Lexington that he rode. Patriot leaders John Hancock and Samuel Adams were lodging (as they often did) with the Rev. Clark. After learning of the approaching British forces, Hancock and Adams turned to Pastor Clark and inquired of him whether the people were ready to fight. Clark unhesitatingly replied, “I have trained them for this very hour!” When the original alarm sounded in Lexington to warn of the oncoming British menace, citizens gathered at the town green, and according to early historian Joel Headley:
There they found their pastor, Rev. Clark who had arrived before them. The roll was called and a hundred and fifty answered to their names . . . . The church, the pastor, and his congregation thus standing together in the dim light [awaiting the Redcoats…
It was here where “the shot heard around the world” was fired. Once the sound of the battle subsided, some eighteen Americans lay on Lexington Green; seven were dead – all from the Rev. Clark’s church. Headley concluded, “The teachings of the pulpit of Lexington caused the first blow to be struck for American Independence,” and historian James Adams added that it was “the patriotic preaching of the Reverend Jonas Clark that primed those guns.”
Much more could be said of the Black Robe Regiment, but time will not allow us to continue.
II. The Christian’s Impact on the Favor of this Nation
America has for 244 years experienced unprecedented blessings.
God has poured out His favor on this nation because we were founded as a Christian nation.
- Psalms 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.
God’s word tells us; promises us; assures us – that the nation, whose God is the Lord – will be blessed.
Notice this quote from the French author, Alexis de Tocqueville in his book Democracy in America – (1835)
“I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbors and her ample rivers – and it was not there . . . in her fertile fields and boundless forests and it was not there . . . in her rich mines and her vast world commerce – and it was not there . . . in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution – and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits aflame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because she is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, she will cease to be great.”
It was the Christians in America that impacted this country to be great.
- Proverbs 14:34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin [is] a reproach to any people.
It was not the businessmen – and we had some of the most amazing business minds in the world.
It was not the inventors – and we have been blessed with the greatest inventors in history.
It was not the politicians, or the diplomats, or the political parties.
It was not the industrial geniuses; the manufacturing capabilities or the importing and exporting of goods.
It was not the sporting world and their incredible athletic participants.
It was not the land developers; the buildings of houses and skyscrapers.
It was not the banking experts or the farmer’s ability to feed the world.
It was without a doubt the people of God that catapulted this nation to greatness.
It was the emphasis on church; Christian education, world missions and holy living.
It was the preaching of the holiness of God; the plan of salvation and the teaching to the younger generation the fear of the Lord.
It was the establishing of Bible-preaching churches all over this land.
It was the passion to train preachers, Christian leaders and church planters.
Colleges like Princeton, Harvard, Yale and many others were started as Bible colleges to train ministers and preachers.
Harvard was named after a Christian minister. Yale was started by clergymen, and Princeton’s first year of class was taught by Reverend Jonathan Dickinson. Princeton’s crest still says “Dei sub numine viget,” which is Latin for “Under God she flourishes.”
III. The Christian’s Impact on the Fate of this Nation
Just as God was willing to hold back his judgement, wrath and destruction on Sodom and Gomorrah for the sake of just 10 righteous people, God has held back His judgment on this nation because of the impact of the Christians.
However, that impact is quickly being lost.
- Psalms 9:17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.
It is up to us to make sure that this nation DOES NOT FORGET GOD!
How can we do that?
A. By Portraying God
- II Cor. 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech [you] by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.
B. By Promoting God
- 1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
C. By Proclaiming God
- 1 Chronicles 16:24 Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations.
- Psalms 96:3 Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.
IV. The Christian’s Impact on the Future of this Nation
A. By Praying
- I Timothy 2:1-3 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and [for] all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this [is] good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
“History fails to record a single precedent in which nations subject to moral decay have not passed into political and economic decline. There has been either a spiritual awakening to overcome the normal lapse or a progressive deterioration leading to ultimate national disaster.” – Douglas MacArthur
We need a spiritual awakening!
B. By Preparing
- Matthew 16:2, 3 He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, [It will be] fair weather: for the sky is red. And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?
The spiritual warfare is not even a secret anymore.
We are fighting against the devils of hell on a daily basis.
It is time to read; study; understand your enemy; his tactics; know your Bible.
Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Have a plan; have a strategy.
C. By Protecting
1. Protect our Hearts
- Proverbs 23:19 Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way.
- Matthew 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
2. Protect our Homes
- Matthew 12:29 Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.
3. Protect our Heritage
- Judges 2:10 And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.
Child-training is more important now than ever before!
Keeping our children under strong preaching; solid Bible teaching is imperative.
Get them in church and keep them in church!
The Sunday School lessons; the services; the preaching; the exposure to God and His will is essential!