Friday, Jul. 04, 2008

Pastors' corner

"...We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. . ." The Declaration of Independence.

Today marks the 232nd anniversary of the document that contains these words. Adopted by Congress on July 4, 1776 and signed by our founding fathers; this declaration of independence from England stands as a testament to the values we possess as Americans. Our Constitution and our laws, all hinge on this very important truth. All men are created equal and they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights.

We believe this so much that as individuals we have fought for these rights at home and as a nation around the world. Americans have over the years risk their very lives for folks who have been denied these rights. It's in our DNA, as Americans we believe each person is created equal. But who created us as equals? Who endowed us with these "certain unalienable rights?"

According to our founding fathers it was our creator. America was founded on the idea that there is a God and we will need Him to survive as a nation. I won't take the time today to list the many quotes that can be found to support my case, but if you have the time today or are just curious you can visit, www.1776web.com/quotes.html and discover for yourself what the leaders of our nation have said about their belief in God. Or here's an idea, read the Declaration of Independence today and decide for yourself if these men believed in the "creator."

Some people today believe America would be better off without God. They would like every reference to God removed from our government and schools. Their goal is an America without God.

It is my pray today that their goal is never reached. But if that day should ever come, when God the creator is told to leave America, it is my hope that those who are left would have the decency to change the name of that new nation. For the founders of this great experiment in human freedom never intended to create a godless country. It was always their intention to embrace God and to seek his favor.

Hear the words of our founding fathers as they close this proclamation we celebrate today. "We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appeal to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of theses Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connections between them and the state of great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and as Free and Independent States, they will have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. - And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor."

Happy birthday America; May we always be a nation that puts its trust in God.

Pastor John Rusk

Mercy Springs Church of the Nazarene

“…We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. . .” The Declarat