July 4, 2024
God Bless America!
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
Amendment 1 to the Constitution of the United States of America
Independence Day always makes me think about how thankful I am to have been born in the United States of America in the mid-twentieth century. I have seen many battles, but the Republic is still here. One of the reasons is a document called the Constitution. After the Revolutionary War, the colonies, now called states, came together and created the Articles of Confederation, ratified in 1781, which proved inadequate for such a large and diverse group of political entities to function as a nation.
A convention was held in Philadelphia in 1787. After much heated debate and discussion, the Constitution was ratified in 1789. It outlined a representative form of democracy with protections against the tyranny of the majority. These included the separation of powers, a bicameral legislature, and a three-branch central government with defined checks and balances. Some delegates remained concerned about an overreaching central government. This led to the addition of the Bill of Rights, the first 10 amendments to the Constitution, ratified in 1791, to specifically protect individual liberties.
The first of these amendments contains three specific provisions that are of particular importance to those of us who are committed to Christ above any form of human government. Take a moment to think about these things:
- “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, “ These are usually thought of separately as the “Establishment Clause” and the “Free Exercise Clause.” However, they are both essential to what we call “religious freedom.” If the government can establish one official religion, then it has the power to outlaw all others, or at least limit their resources and activities. Notice that the second clause deals with the “exercise” of religion. It protects what we do as a result of our faith, not just what we claim to believe.
So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”
Acts 4:18-20
- “or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press;” The Christian faith requires us to carry the message to others. We do this in 2 very important ways: We speak and we write. Any law that restricts either of these activities is one we must respectfully disobey. Thank God our forefathers established our rights in this area.
For “WHOEVER CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED.” How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF PEACE, WHO BRING GLAD TIDINGS OF GOOD THINGS!” But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “LORD, WHO HAS BELIEVED OUR REPORT?” So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Romans 10:13-17
- “or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” The Church of the Lord Jesus Christ is not a loose network of disconnected individuals practicing religious rituals in the privacy of their homes. It is a worldwide network of local assemblies, each representing the Gospel in a unique way to a particular constituency. We gather to learn, to serve, and to support one another in the process of reaching the world with the Gospel. We need each other, and thanks to this document, they can’t keep us from coming together.
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:23-25
It’s the 4th of July. Celebrate the USA, but be sure to pray for her, too. We seem to be in a real mess, but we’ve been in messes before. Take a minute today to thank God for the right to be a Christian in whatever tradition you choose, to live out your faith in the public square, to proclaim His goodness to the world around you, and to gather with your family of faith to heal wounds, inspire service, and celebrate your Savior. God bless America!
Pastor Virgil
3141 W. Ironwood Hill Dr.
Tucson, AZ 85741
pastorvirgil.com 