Sermon Tone Analysis

“It cannot be emphasized too strongly or to often that this great nation was founded not by religionists but by Christians, not on religion but on the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

– Patrick Henry.

“Do not let anyone claim tribute of American patriotism if they ever attempt to remove religion from politics.”

– George Washington Farewell Address to Nation.

“The 1st amendment has created a wall of separation between church and state, but wall is a one directional wall, it keeps the government from running the church, but it makes sure that Christian principles will always stay in government.”

– President Thomas Jefferson in an address to Danbury Baptists.

“We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion.

Our constitution was made for a moral and religious people… it is wholly inadequate to the government of any other…” – John Adams.

Despite what modern politicians, the media and history revisionists say, America was founded not on the concept of freedom to worship any God (Buddha, Allah, etc.) but on the freedom to worship Jesus Christ.

On Wednesday, America will be 225 years old.

When you look at the history of nations, it is but a child.

Egypt, China, Japan, Rome, all had much longer histories, not so free.

Even though it has had a relatively short history, God has richly blessed this nation.

1.

It is the richest nation in the world.

2.     It is the strongest nation.

3.     It has the greatest natural resources of any nations.

Our flag waves proudly in the air – a symbol of all that makes America great.

In no other country will you find school aged children spending hours learning how to fold the flag.

Whether at a ball game, Olympic medal ceremony, or worship service, the flag still sends a chill down our spine.

Our currency still carries the motto: “In God we trust.”

*Psalm 33:12*

I.

Not just any God will do.

“In God we trust.”

A.    Our God, Jehovah, is not accustomed to sharing worship with any other God.

1.

That was the mistake of the pre-exiled Jews.

2.     The greatness of our freedom and hope lies DIRECTLY in our reverence of Jehovah God.

B.    His praise is deserved (1-11).

C.    Today, we have crossed over from disrespect to outright blasphemy.

1.     God’s holiness is mocked.

2.

Even our churches are often filled with lack of reverence.

3.     Who is this God the we say we trust in?

The man upstairs?

The Big guy in the sky?

The Bible says He is the Holy One – El Shaddai (Almighty One) – alpha an Omega – Creator of the Universe – Everlasting Father – rock of Ages.

E.

The Hebrews would not even pronounce His name – we drag it into vulgar language.

F.     If reverence to God is to return to our nation, it will have to start with God’s people:

A high school girl wrote the following letter to a friend:

I attended your church yesterday.

Although you had invited me, you were not there.

I looked for you, hoping to sit with you.

I sat alone.

A stranger, I wanted to sit near the back of the church but those rows were all packed with regular attenders.

An usher took me to the front.

I felt as though I was on parade.

During the singing of the hymns I was surprised to note that some of the church people weren’t singing.

Between their sighs and yawns, they just stared into space.

Three of the kids that I had respected on campus were whispering to one another throughout the whole service.

Another girl was giggling.

I really didn’t expect that in your church.

The pastor’s sermon was very interesting, although some members of the choir didn’t seem to think so.

They looked bored and restless.

One kept smiling at someone in the congregation.

There were several people who left and then came back during the sermon.

I thought, “How rude!”

I could hear the constant shuffling of feet and doors opening and closing.

The pastor spoke about the reality of faith.

The message got to me and I made up my mind to speak to someone about it after the service.

But utter chaos reigned after the benediction.

I said good morning to one couple, but their response was less than cordial.

I looked for some teens with whom I could discuss the sermon, but they were all huddled in a corner talking about the newest music group.

My parents don’t go to church.

I came alone yesterday hoping to find a place to truly worship and feel some love.

I’m sorry, but I didn’t find it in your church.

I won’t be back.

II.

Dependence upon God’s power (21)

A.    Remember Hezekiah’s position and prayer – faced dire circumstances; under siege by King Sennacherib of Assyria.

(2 Kings 19:15-19)

B.    Isn’t that a marvelous picture?

With devil beating on the door, He paused to praise the Lord and testify of His awesome power before asking for help.

C.    Hezekiah sent for Isaiah, hoping for a word from Lord.

It came – (Isaiah 37:6-7)

III.

Continue to hope in His mercy (18,20,22)

A.    Many of our nation’s problems can be traced to a lack of hope.

1.     Crime, drugs, alcohol.

B.    Blessed in the nation whose hope is their God.

1.

We need moral strength as well as military strength.

2.     Two enemies – outside and within.

3.     Outside – relatively strong and at peace.

4.     Within – the present struggle.

During the dark days of the American Revolution, when the Continental Army had experienced several setbacks, a farmer who lived near the battlefield approached Washington’s camp unheard.

Suddenly his ears caught an earnest voice raised in agonizing prayer.

On coming nearer he saw it was the great General, down on his knees in the snow, his cheeks wet with tears.

He was asking God for assistance and guidance.

The farmer crept away and returned home.

He said to his family, “It’s going to be all right.

We are going to win!”

“What makes you think so?” his wife asked.

“Well,” said the farmer, “I heard General Washington pray out in the woods today—such fervent prayer I have never heard.

And God will surely hear and answer that kind of praying.”

And the farmer was right!

It happened because Washington put his hope in God.