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Was the United States founded as a Christian nation? Historians continue to debate this question. However, one thing is certain: Christian principles and ideals significantly impacted the original colonies, leading to the American Revolution.
As early as the 19th century, clergy members such as William S. Plumer feared the direction the nation was heading. While the Founders were brilliant in separating church and state and notably acknowledging that no religion, including Christianity, could be forced upon its people, dangerous precedents could follow.
In America, starting any religious body is pretty simple, which has paved the way for cults, radical belief systems, and sometimes the departure from the Scriptures as the standards of life. While such opportunities are troubling, religious freedom in America also allows believers to defend traditional Christianity, including the sacred Scriptures.
The Western World has a deep-rooted connection to the Christian faith. While radical socialists, communists, and atheists try to destroy this history, American Christians should find encouragement in the fact that their nation still sets itself apart from other countries by permitting the proclamation of Jesus Christ. Despite attempts to challenge and attack religious freedom, notably Christianity, believers have remained steadfast.
President Donald J. Trump is cognizant of America’s past and the many American Christians who follow the Lord and vote according to biblical standards.
Christianity in the United States can be bright and flourish like the times of the past, but it will take unification from the Lord’s sheep to face secularism and the current radical agenda embraced by so many Americans today.
To rebuild America in Christ, believers must exemplify Christ in their homes. One of the most faithful examples found in the Bible lies in Joshua and his devotion to God. Famously, he declared, “And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:15)”
When Joshua challenged his fellow Israelites on their priorities, the people answered him, “No, but we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:21)”
To restore this nation to a Christian resemblance, believers must start within their own lives and those of their families. Two fundamental practices are prayer and embracing the Word of God and its teachings.
Americans should pray, seeking God’s blessings and guidance in every aspect of their lives and their nation’s future. Just as important, Christians should live in the Scriptures, knowing the world is in a fallen state, seeking to grow closer to the Lord. How do you practice your faith if you are not well-versed in the Bible yourself?
The United States has produced some of the greatest revivals in Christian history and currently remains a mission need for any evangelistic effort. It was Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield, and John Wesley in one generation. In the next, it was D.L. Moody and Billy Sunday. As good as these preachers were, a common occurrence always remained: the citizens of America wanted change and something to place their faith in.
Ordinary people from every walk of life sought understanding, hope, peace, and love. Their desires resemble those of the present.
Americans must always remember that revivals start in their own lives and those of their families. If you are tired of the nation’s direction and its abandonment of Christian principles, seek to spark change through Christ. Never underestimate Christ’s power and His blessings upon those who seek and obey Him.
May the Lord bless the United States.