Revelation 5:9-10 “And they sang a new song, saying,
“Worthy are you to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation,
and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,
and they shall reign on the earth.”
On July 4, 1776 the Declaration of Independence was signed. The preamble to the declaration began with the words: “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.” These stirring words were designed to convince Americans to put their lives on the line for the cause. Separation from the mother country threatened their sense of security, economic stability, and identity. The preamble sought to inspire and unite them through the vision of a better life.
When the republic of the United States was formed it represented a people who recognized strength in unity. There was singularity of purpose and a Constitution that was founded upon biblical precepts designed to govern the people in justice while honoring God.
Today, there is a great hope apart from any country or people. Among the nations of the earth resides a Kingdom that is not of this world. Governed by laws established by God, there is a holy people set apart for His glory. The Word of God is their constitution and the declaration is made clear as to their purpose.
1 Corinthians 12:12-13 “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.”
The United States was founded upon the forefathers of the Constitution, the Church of God is founded upon Jesus Christ. The Apostles carried on the teachings of the Messiah and throughout the ages the church continues to represent the values by which it was founded.
Degradation of Truth
Today, much of the American Constitution has been eroded by revisions that cater to modern dogma while its core doctrines are misused and reimagined in courts and by judges who have lost their way.
For those who have lived long enough to witness the erosion of American morality and have watched special interest groups dominate policies and revisions, the disappointment has been an understatement.
What hope do God fearing people have for a nation that is increasingly hostile towards christians values?
The Church of God is still here and it is built upon Christ the Rock.
The church is found among every tribe, nation, and tongue…the people of God are not relegated to a particular nation but dwell across the recesses of the globe and continue to spread the light of God’s grace.
The world grows darker by the day, evil seems to have left the shadows and flaunts its rebellion in parades and on flags. There seems to be a loss of shame and honor, relegated to a past that is often considered old fashioned and out of date.
As dismal as the world is becoming, the Truth of God remains steadfast, unmoving, and without compromise.
1 Corinthians 15:1-2 “Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.”
The Word of God does not change because God has not changed. Sin is still sin, abominations are still destined for judgement, and the people of God are still called to remain HOLY, regardless of how much this world has compromised.
Heritage of Belief
The Apostles witnessed the glory of the Lord and shared their message far and wide. The declaration of the apostles resonates today.
1 Corinthians 15:3-7 “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles.”
The evidence of Jesus’ manifestation as Messiah and Lord was witnessed first hand by thousands. The strength of God was passed down to His people and the church of God has not wavered.
In the early first centuries of the church the universal church was referred to as the Catholic Church. It was representative of every Spirit filled believer who has given their lives in service to the King. A creed was formed and declaration pronounced to dispel any doctrine not in accordance with God’s people. The Creed resonates today.
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Amen.
The apostles creed is not only a declaration but it is a statement meant to remind any who would come that the Truths of God’s people remain fixed.
The birth of the United States of America is recognized on July 4, the birth of the Church of God was formed at the resurrection of Jesus Christ. When Jesus conquered sin and death, He paid the price for all who would come and receive His grace.
It is the church of God that will only remain. One day there will not be a United States of America, nor will there be any nation independent of God’s Church. His holy bride will dwell upon a new Earth and all who appose her will find their place separated and tormented for eternity.
1 Corinthians 15:20-25 “But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.”
Jesus is the strength of the Church and He will reign with His people forever. As the American people celebrate their nations birth, let us as a church celebrate our hope and future.
A future in Christ is not dismal but is secure, steadfast, and unmoving.
Jesus reigns today and His people rejoice, that is a promise worth celebrating.
U.T. 