7/4/99 Captivating Freedom Mat. 11
by Ronald E. George Jr.
Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of
Independence? Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before
they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons in the
Revolutionary Army, another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from
wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War. They signed and they
pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. We have been given a
wonderful freedom at a very costly price.
The United States of America is made of individuals. So, it is to the individuals who make up this great country in which we live that this message speaks.
Purpose of this message is to show how we have experienced the Lord's blessings in America, and how we need to respond to Him.
Scripture Text:
Matt 11:20 (KJS) Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not: 21 Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. 23 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24 But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee. 25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. 26 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. 27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and [he] to whomsoever the Son will reveal [him]. 28 Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
1. The Resources of The United States of America.
The resources we now enjoy as Americans are a direct result of the hand of God working in America. He gave us the blessed privilege of being born and the opportunity to live in a land where we been given the right to choose. Divine Providence is the working of God in the USA.
a. The People, Place, Position, and Prosperity of America. Are a result of the miracle working power of God within the USA. God has revealed himself to us and given to us his wonderful salvation. The fact that we are influencing the whole world is not an accident or a product of evolution, but we have been placed by God into this world for this time. Our gifts have been from the Lord who gave himself to us that we might become his people.
French writer Alexis de Tocqueville, after visiting America in 1831, said, "I sought for the greatness of the United States in her commodious harbors, her ample rivers, her fertile fields, and boundless forests -- and it was not there. I sought for it in her rich mines, her vast world commerce, her public school system, and in her institutions of higher learning -- and it was not there. I looked for it 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 flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great!"
2. The Responsibility of The United States of America.
Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: Luke 12:48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few [stripes]. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
How do you think about the blessings that we have received? Some have declared these blessings the result of luck or the achievement of rugged individualism. People by the sweat of their brow have produced the things that we enjoy today. God wants us to know that Divine Providence is the reason we are who we are. God isn't the great clock maker that set the world in motion only to then sit back and watch it work. He continues to work daily in our world. The Son of man who came is the best example that God invades this his creation with his presence to make himself known to us. God does not give blessings in this life without the accountability and responsibility of those resources. We have received blessings uncountable in our churches for which we are responsible for way we have used these blessings.
a. There will be a day of reckoning and reconciliation. Just as the cities that Jesus spoke of in our text will be judged and were judged for their rejection of Him, so we will be judged for our response and reaction to his gifts. Their will be a day when we as a country answer to God for the way we have used the blessings and miracles that he has given. Remember that a country is made of individuals, so when the Lord speaks of judgement of cities or nations he is speaking of judgement of people and individuals of that city. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more. What have we done with the miracles and blessings that we have been given as a result of Divine Providence? One day God will ask that question to every individual who has ever lived and unto those who have received much, much will be required.
3. The Response of The United States of America.
Here are just a few of our possible responses to the blessings and miracles that God has given.
We have exalted ourselves above God. We no longer need him or want his interference in our lives, our families, our churches, or our countries. 23 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell
We have excused the blessings of God by reasoning them away as accidents of evolution, so that we have no need of answering to a Divine Providence. In our wisdom we have not recognized the power and presence of the working of the Father. I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent