"Christian Nation" Part XII

First From Julie's keyboard:

"Overcoming the Enemy"

In our thoughts this week, it seemed good to think on an idea about how we must live as "overcomers" in this life.  Surely we must know just what we're speaking of when we say we must overcome.  As we studied in our lesson this morning at Sunday School, the passage came up in I John 5 about "he that overcometh the world."  Immediately, my thoughts went to what the same writer, John, wrote in the book of the Revelation.

Revelation 12:11 "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."

In this text found in Revelation, John is referring to the overcoming of the evil one, Satan.  In I John we see him referring to being an overcomer of this world.  However, we know from Scripture that Satan is considered the prince of this world.  This earthly kingdom is now his play ground.  As believers we have a responsibility to overcome this way of living that is in opposition to the plan of God.

My point today comes about from a personal lesson of how I've always approached this verse in the book of Revelation.  How easy it is, so often, to quote only a portion of the truth as it is given.  For years my own mouth has quoted the first two phrases of Rev. 12:11.  However, the strength of the third phrase, takes the overcoming process to a whole new level.

Sure we overcome by the blood of the Lamb (Christ's blood shed for us), nothing we did added anything to this.   Then we spend our days bearing testimony to this Gospel which we received as a free Gift.  But, "They loved not their lives unto the death," seems to require daily sacrifice and work on the part of the believer.  Dare we become entangled in the achievements of this nation, or this world?  What does it really mean to "love not their lives unto the death?"

Personally, this latter part of the description of an overcomer has hit me the hardest lately.  Doesn't it show on us a bit of how much we are able to "not love our lives?"   My prayer is for myself and Christians everywhere, to get up each day in the sincere heart of a disciple of Jesus Christ, approaching this life with the question of "What Would Jesus Do?"  This question and the action we'd be required to take to obey it would have to have an impact in this world for the Truth.

This week may we be mindful of how we are risen with Christ.  The old man has died and the new creation in Christ has come forth.  We are not our own.  He bought us with a great price.  He gave His life for us.  What an honor before us to be able to live this life for Him.

May we be so dedicated to His love.

Have a blessed week,

Julie



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http://spiritualheritage.blogspot.com

"Christian Nation" Part XII

My post this week will be with very little commentary from me.  As we move into the forming of our National documents I want to begin with Benjamin Franklin.  He being thought by most to be one of the least religious of our Founders made a stirring speech during the Constitutional Convention on June 28, 1787.  Living in a Christian atmosphere has a most pleasant effect even on the least religious among.  Below is part of the speech the 81 year old Franklin gave, notice the sincere Christian sentiment embodied within his words.

"Mr. President:  The small progress we have made after four or five weeks close attendance and continual reasoning's with each other, our different sentiments on almost every question, several of the last producing as many noes as ayes is, methinks, a melancholy proof of the imperfection of the human understanding.  We indeed seem to feel our own want of political wisdom since we have been running about in search of it. . . .

In this situation of this Assembly, groping as it were in the dark to find political truth, and scarce able to distinguish it when presented to us, how has it happened, sir, that we have not hitherto once thought of humbly applying to the Father of lights, to illuminate our understanding?

In the beginning of the contest with Great Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayer in this room for the Divine protection. Our prayers, sir, were heard, and they were graciously answered.  All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a superintending Providence in our favor.   To that kind Providence we owe this happy opportunity of consulting in peace on the means of establishing our future national felicity.  And have we now forgotten that powerful Friend?  Or do we imagine we no longer need His assistance?

I have lived, sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth, that God governs in the affairs of men.  And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probably that an empire can rise without His aid?

We have been assured, sir, in the Sacred Writings, that 'except the Lord build the House, they labor in vain that build it.' I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without His concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel:  we shall be confounded, and we ourselves shall become a reproach and byword down to future ages.  And what is worse, mankind may hereafter from this unfortunate instance, despair of establishing governments by human wisdom and leave it to chance, war, and conquest. 

I therefore beg leave to move, that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessings on our deliberations, be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business and that one or more of the clergy of this city be requested to officiate in that service" - - - - Benjamin Franklin. James Madison, The Papers of James Madison, Henry D. Gilpin, editor (Washington: Langtree and O'sullivan, 1840), Vol. II, pp. 984 - 986, June 28, 1787. Orginal Intent (David Barton) pp. 110 - 111.

This world view is conducive of the sentiment of a Christian Nation and the influence it would have on society.  As we observe the "continual reasoning's with each other, our different sentiments on almost every question, . . ." that we see in Washington today, most we not wonder if we have again "now forgotten that powerful Friend?" and again "imagine we no longer need His assistance?" 

Must we not wonder if the Wisdom of Benjamin Franklin would still be relevant advise to a nation truly in need of grasping the very roots of it foundation to once again sustain it in trouble times?

May God bless each of you,

David