Uncle Sam Celebrates America’s Birthday
🗣️ Speaker: Pastor Derrel Strickland
Presented from the perspective of Uncle Sam, this sermon emphasizes the intertwined history of faith and governance in America's foundation, citing historical instances and figures to argue that the nation's development was significantly influenced by Christian beliefs and divine providence. He highlights the importance of faith in shaping the country's past and future, invoking a sense of responsibility to continue this legacy.
The core takeaway from Pastor Strickland's sermon is the assertion that America's founding and historical development were deeply rooted in Christian values and guided by divine providence, suggesting that the nation's future success and identity should continue to be shaped by these principles.
Additional Info
The info below was generated by an AI from the audio recording of the sermon.
The Spiritual Foundations of American Independence
America celebrates its independence every Fourth of July, marking the day in 1776 when the thirteen colonies declared their freedom from British rule. This pivotal moment was not just a political revolution but also a reflection of the deep-seated Christian values among the colonists. Leaders like William Bradford and George Washington saw the formation of America as a chance to advance Christianity and uphold divine providence, indicating a national identity heavily influenced by religious faith.
The Mayflower Compact: A Precedent for People-Powered Governance
Long before the Declaration of Independence, the Mayflower Compact of 1620 laid the groundwork for governance by the people in America. Signed by both Pilgrims and other passengers aboard the Mayflower, this document was a pioneering move toward self-governance, underpinned by a collective commitment to God and community. This compact set a precedent that would later find its echo in the founding documents of the United States.
Divine Providence in American Leadership
From the early colonial period through the Revolutionary War, American leaders frequently invoked the concept of divine providence. George Washington, in particular, credited divine providence with his successes both as a military leader and as the nation's first president. His faith was evident in his personal declarations and public actions, reflecting a belief that America's destiny was guided by a higher power.
The Role of Faith in the American Revolutionary War
The American Revolution was not only fought with weapons but was also bolstered by the convictions of its leaders. Figures like Patrick Henry and Benjamin Franklin emphasized the role of Christian values and divine assistance in their quest for independence. Their speeches and writings infused the revolutionary cause with a sense of spiritual mission, further entwining faith with the fight for liberty.
The Influence of Christianity on the Founding Fathers
The framers of the American Constitution and the signers of the Declaration of Independence were predominantly influenced by Christian doctrines. Even Benjamin Franklin, who was less orthodox in his religious views, acknowledged the importance of divine support in governmental affairs. This collective Christian background shaped the principles that guided the formation of the nation's legal and societal structures.
Reflecting on America's Christian Heritage and Future
As America looks forward to future anniversaries of its independence, the reflections of past leaders remind us of the nation's foundational reliance on Christian principles and divine providence. The ongoing challenge for contemporary Americans is to live out these values authentically, ensuring that the nation remains true to its spiritual roots while navigating the complexities of modern governance and society.
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Use the questions listed below as a launching point to discuss the sermon points together as a family. These are great for dinner table discussions and small groups.
Reflection Questions:
1. Why do you think the Pilgrims were willing to risk so much for their faith? How can we apply their commitment in our lives today?
2. Pastor Strickland mentioned the role of providence in George Washington’s life. Can you share an experience where you felt God's guidance in your life?
3. The black-robed regiment were leaders who were both ministers and military leaders. How can we balance our faith and responsibilities in our daily lives?
4. Ben Franklin wasn’t initially known as a devout Christian, yet he believed in divine intervention. How can we find faith even in unexpected places?
5. Ezra spoke about rebuilding after slavery. What areas in your life do you feel need God’s revival and rebuilding?
Practical Applications:
1. Identify ways you can integrate your faith more deeply into your daily decisions and activities.
2. Take a moment this week to thank God for the blessings in your own life and pray for the future of our country and community.
3. Support a local cause or organization that promotes faith-based values and principles.
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Connecting our kids to what we as adults are learning and hearing on Sundays is vital to passing on our faith to the next generation. Use the summary below as a great way to talk about the message we heard with your kids.
The Story of America's Birthday - By Pastor Strickland
Hello kids! Today, we are celebrating America's birthday! Imagine it being just like a big birthday party for our country. Pastor Strickland talked about how a long time ago, before America was like it is today, a group of brave people called Pilgrims traveled from far away on a ship called the Mayflower. These Pilgrims wanted to live in a place where they could freely worship God. When they arrived, they helped start our great country.
Years later, many other important leaders like George Washington helped make America what it is today. George believed that God was protecting and guiding him even when he faced many dangers. There was also a smart man named Ben Franklin who believed that God cared about our country very much.
So, as we celebrate, let’s remember that it is our faith in God and our love for this country that makes it so special. Happy birthday, America! And remember, God loves you and has a purpose for your life too!
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The Pilgrims and the Mayflower Compact (1620)
The Pilgrims, a group of English separatists, set sail from Plymouth on the Mayflower in 1620 to escape religious persecution. The Mayflower Compact became the first governing document of Plymouth Colony, establishing self-governance and majority rule among the settlers. This was a significant step toward democratic governance in America, influenced by their Christian faith.
The Declaration of Independence (1776)
Drafted during the American Revolution, the Declaration of Independence marked the colonies' formal separation from Great Britain. Many of its 56 signers were deeply religious, drawing on their faith to support their pursuit of liberty and justice. The document proclaimed that “all men are created equal” with rights endowed by their Creator, reflecting a Christian worldview.
George Washington and Divine Providence
George Washington, the American Revolution’s leading general and the nation’s first president, frequently spoke of God's providence. His survival in multiple battles and his near-misses with death reinforced his belief in divine guidance. Historical records suggest that Washington's faith was integral, both in his personal life and his leadership.
Ben Franklin and the Constitutional Convention
Though not a regular church-goer, Benjamin Franklin recognized the importance of faith in public life. During the Constitutional Convention’s deadlock, Franklin advocated for prayer, recalling God's intervention during the Revolution. Despite his varied beliefs, Franklin’s plea for divine aid was a turning point, leading to the adoption of the U.S. Constitution.
Ezra’s Return and Rebuilding the Temple (circa 450 B.C.)
Ezra, a priest and scribe, led the second wave of Jewish exiles returning from Babylon to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. This period marked the restoration of Jewish faith and practice after a long exile, symbolizing renewal and hope. Ezra’s leadership in reestablishing religious and community life is echoed in America’s historical reliance on faith, particularly during times of rebuilding and renewal.
These historical contexts underscore the importance of faith and divine guidance in the pivotal moments of our nation’s history.
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Well, happy birthday, America. The psalmist said, blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage. I know some of you are going to say, uncle Sam, religion and politics don't mix. Well, Uncle Sam didn't come into being until 1813, but John Wycliffe, the translator of the Bible into English, translated the Bible into English in 813, 84, and he said this. The Bible is for the government of the people and for the people.
Sounds a little familiar, doesn't it? The great nation was founded in 1776. Yes, 248 years ago. In four days, we'll be celebrating that. But to understand our story, we've got to go back prior to 1620 where a group of people, including William Bradford, they left England and went to Holland because they were having religious persecution.
Holland did not provide the sought after opportunity, so they helped form a group and funded by the Virginia company. A number of others were part of that group. They were known as strangers. I know, I know many of you are saying that others came to America before that, and that's true. But it was this group that had the first official government here.
They came over on a ship called the Mayflower. And before they got off the ship, before they departed the ship, they had a meeting and voted for what we know as the Mayflower compact. It was signed not just by the separatists, who later became known as the Pilgrims, but the majority of those on board voted and signed the Mayflower compact. Some people say, well, the Magna Carta wasn't that older. Yes, it was, by almost 400 years, but that was based on government by the kingdom.
The compact was the first to establish government by the people. Note a few lines. Having undertaken for the glory of God and the advancement of the christian faith and honor of our king and country. Sounds kind of religious to me. The years between 1620 and 1776 were years of many challenges as the various colonies begin to form.
But it seems as if the general thrust was not just to form colonies, but to further the kingdom of God. From William Bradford's statement where he says, talked about the pilgrims, he said, a great hope and an inward zeal they had of laying some good foundation, or at least to. To make some way thereinto for the propagating and advancing the gospel of the kingdom of Christ in this remote parts of the world. To the first constitution. I'm not talking about the american constitution.
The first constitution that was written in the United States was the fundamental orders of Connecticut, that real conservative spot north of here. It was written in 1639, where it says, well, knowing when a people are gathered together, the word of God requires that to maintain the peace and union of such people, there should be an orderly and decent government established according to God. William Bradford went on to say, we all came into these parts of America with one and the same end and aim, namely, to advance the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ. Our first president, George Washington. He used the words providence of God often.
That was his favorite word, providence. And the word providence comes from the root word provident, which means the future, providing the future. Needs for events exercising are characterized by foresight. The word providence means the care or benevolent guidance of God or nature. George Washington firmly believed that it was the providence of God that enabled him not only to serve as the first president, but also as general that led to the victory in the Revolutionary War.
This was the oath that George Washington made when he became a lay leader of the church, not when he became president, not when he became general general. He made this as he became a lay leader of the church. He says, I, George Washington, do declare that I will be conformable to the doctrine and discipline of the Church of England, as by law established the teachings of Christianity, a belief in the Trinity, the deity of Christ, his atoning work on the cross, his resurrection from the dead, his ascension into heaven, his second coming, and the inspiration and authority of the Bible. Most people don't know that George Washington almost joined the british navy, you say. How did that happen?
Well, his uncle and his father in law were very committed to the military and felt that his best interest was to join the British Navy. Of course, the british navy was the strongest navy in the world, and his mother reluctantly agreed until she received a letter from her brother encouraging her not to allow it, but rather train him to be a planter or a farmer. Now, when did that letter, when was it received? After George Washington already had his luggage on the ship loaded to go back to England to join the british army. Providential.
He was that close to joining the british navy, our first general. Before I leave, our first president, let me remind you that this president, while serving as general, almost drowned after being thrown off a raft into an ice swollen river. And he was the only officer in a major battle. Of 86 officers, he was the only one that came out of that battle unscratched. 714 soldiers were killed or wounded, two horses were shot out from under President Washington, and he had four bullet holes in his coat, but he did not have a scratch on his body.
No wonder he believed in the providence of God. What about the signers of the Declaration of Independence? What were their thoughts? Well, there were 56 who signed the declaration. Some were farmers, some lawyers, some preachers, two were future presidents, and a large number were married to ministers daughters.
All but three of the 56 were church members. At the time of the revolution, at least 75% of the population grew up in families espousing some form of puritan belief. Of the remaining 25%, at least half of those were calvinistic persuasions. So more than 85% of the signers had had considerable religious training. And as the oldest signer, Ben Franklin, said, we must all hang together, or assuredly, we shall all hang separately.
Now, what do you mean by that? Why would he say that we must all hang together or we're hanging separately? Well, see, those that signed the declaration knew that if their declaration failed, if we lost the battle with Great Britain, every one of them would have been hung for treason. They signed the declaration. 1776.
The war lasted to 1783, seven years later, and during that time, every one of them, by the government, were considered traitors. And if we'd have lost, they would have all been hung. So no wonder he said, we'll all hang together or hang separately. Patrick Henry said it this way. It said, it cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists, but by christians, not by religion, but by the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Patrick Henry made one of the greatest speeches, probably recorded in american history, when he said this. Shall we try argument, sir? We've been trying that for the last ten years. Our petitions have been slighted, our complaints have produced additional violence and insult, our supplications have been disregarded, and we have been spurned with contempt from the foot of the throne. An appeal to arms and to the God of host is all that is left us.
They tell us, sir, that we are weak, unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be next week or next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed. And when a british guard shall be stationed in every house, shall we gather strength by resolution or inaction?
Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. Three millions of 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 destinies of nations and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone.
It is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Gentlemen may cry, peace. Peace. But there is no peace. The war has actually begun.
The next gale that seeps down from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms. Our brethren are in the battlefield. Why stand we here idle? What is it the gentlemen wish? What would they have?
Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased? At what prices 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. Ben Franklin was the oldest signer of the declaration. He was 86.
He was not a church member. He was one of the three of the 56 that was not a church member, and he was not known as being a Christian. But he was greatly influenced by George Whitefield and a revival that George had in Pennsylvania. He said this after Whitefield held revival in Philadelphia. Franklin commented, it seems as if all the world were growing religious, so that one could not walk through the town in an evening without hearing psalms sung in different families on every street.
Franklin was known for his work with electricity. He was a writer for Poor Richard's almanac. He was postmaster of Philadelphia. He was governor of Pennsylvania. He was ambassador to France, and numerous other achievements.
But maybe one of the greatest things that Ben Franklin did was when he stood before the Continental Congress as they were preparing the constitution, the United States of America. They were getting nowhere. They were dead end. And Ben Franklin stood and made this statement in the beginning of the contest with Great Britain, when we were sensible with danger, we had daily prayers in this room for divine protection. Our prayers, sir, were heard, and they were graciously answered.
All of us who were engaged in that struggle must have observed frequent instances of a superintendent providence in our favor. And have we now forgotten this 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 probable 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. I also believe without his concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel. We shall be divided by our little partial local interest, and our projects will be confounded, and we ourselves shall become a reproach and a byword down to the future ages.
And what is worse, mankind may hereafter, from this unfortunate instance, despair of establishing government by human wisdom and leave it to chance, war or conflict. I therefore beg leave to move that henceforth prayers employing the assistance of heaven and as blessings on our deliberations be held in this assembly every morning before we proceed with business that started a three day pause of a time of prayer, a time seeking God and out of it, we know our country was formed. As I've already mentioned, Ben Franklin was one of only three of the signers of declaration that were not church members. Was he a believer? Well, you tell me.
Just heard his prayer, heard his plea, and this is what he composed for his epitaph to go on his tombstone. Here lies the body of Ben Franklin, printer, like the COVID of an old book, its contents torn out and stripped of its lettering and gilding, lies here. Food for worms. But the work shall not be lost, for it will, as I believe, appear once more in a new and more elegant edition. Revised and corrected by the author.
What about the black robed regiment, some of you say, well, who was a black robe regiment? Well, see, they were leaders of the revolutionary war. But they were unique leaders, because they were not only leaders of the war, they were ministers. So they took off their religious outfit, the black robes, and put on the military uniform. And they were some of the key leaders of the Revolutionary War, you say?
Well, what happened to the signers of the Declaration of Independence? 25% died in battle. Twelve had their homes looted. One of my favorite stories is about a guy named Thomas Wilson Junior, who was not only a plantation owner or a farm owner that had a nice home with Vuelty, and he was also a military leader. And General Cornwallis took over his home and made it his stand.
Cornwallis, the leader of the british army, Thomas Wilson junior, instructed his men to open artillery fire on his house. It was totally destroyed. Thomas Wilson junior later died bankrupt. See, freedom was not and is not free. So we say, happy birthday, America.
We have a great, illustrious past. Do we have things that we're dissatisfied with, that we're ashamed of? Certainly. But what the future looks like will depend upon us. Cal Thomas issued a great challenge.
He said, if christians begin living what they claim to believe, loving their enemies, praying for those who persecute them, becoming a friend to sinners, a new kind of power would be unleashed on the land. Doctor Benjamin Rush, one of the signers of the Declaration and the father of american psychiatry, said, I have been ordinarily called an aristocrat and a democrat. I am neither. I am a christocrat.
I want to share with you a portion of one of the greatest speeches ever made. You'll recognize it as soon as I begin it. When I say, fourscore and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war.
We have come to dedicate a portion of that field as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that this nation might live. It's altogether fitting and proper that we should do this, but in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate and we cannot consecrate. We cannot hollow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, struggled here, have consecrated far above our poor power to add or detract. The world would little know nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.
It's for us, the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought Here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us, that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave their last full measure of devotion. That we are highly resolved that these dead shall not have died in vain, that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom, and the government of the people, by the people, and for the people shall not perish from the earth. What does the future hold for AmericA? God only knows.
We celebrate him 248 years. Will we have 249. Will we celebrate 250? Only God knows. But I'm reminded of the words of Ezra.
Ezra was one of those that rebuilt the temple. He had been in slavery, and he came back home to a mess.
He came back home to a mess. The temple was in ruins, and they began to put it together. His nation was destroyed, and the nation had served in exile 70 years. But listen to what Ezra had to say. But now for a brief moment.
Now for a brief moment, you say, well, they were in bondage 70 years. How many knows compared to eternity, whatever we have left is just a brief moment. And some of us are old enough to realize a brief moment should be very. Can be very brief. But Ezra came back and said, but now for a brief moment, favor has been shown by the Lord our God.
How many of you believe that God has favored America? God has favored America. And if you've done any traveling in other parts of the world, we have our garbage, we have our mess. But I'd still rather be born here than anywhere in the world.
Yes, go ahead and let Ezra said, for a brief moment, favor has been shown by the Lord our God. I believe we've been shown favor. How long will that moment last? How long will the opportunity be? Only God knows.
But what are you going to do with your brief moment? Goes on to say in the scripture, he said, favor has been shown by the Lord our God to leave us a remnant. Who's the remnant? The church. That's the remnant.
I'm glad that the remnant all over the world today is bigger than the United States. I'm glad it's bigger than any denomination. But we're a remnant that's been shown favor to leave us as a remnant and to give us a secure whole, this holy place that our God may brighten our eyes and grant us a little reviving in our slavery. For we are slaves. Yet our God has not forsaken us in our slavery, but has extended to us his steadfast love before the kings of Persia to grant us some reviving, to set up the house of our God, to repair its runes, and to give us protection in Judea and in Jerusalem.
I see a great parallel between our country and the mess that Ezra inherited. And I have to tell you, I had a rough time swallowing this because, see, I grew up being taught that we need to be held accountable for our own problems and not accept the blame for what everybody else did. That sounds good. That's my personal theology. But guess what?
Ezra had nothing to do with that mess. And what was the first thing Ezra did? He repented because he had inherited a mass. Friends, we've got a great, great nation with a great history. But when you get an inheritance, those of you that inherited something from your family, some of you could share with us that you inherited some riches, and some of you say you inherited some mess.
But guess what? We have to handle it all. And I believe we're blessed. And for this brief moment, we have an opportunity to see what God's going to do with this generation. Because guess what?
This brief moment is the only generation that you and I have this moment to be used for the glory of God.
