WHEN AMERICAN PREACHERS PREACHED POLITICS,

RESISTED TYRANNY, AND FOUNDED A BIBLICAL NATION

Our problem today is that the American preachers have

abandoned preaching the fullness of Christ which was

commanded by Christ to teach the world all of His

commandments. The Great Commission includes

speaking truth to the public which includes calling out

rulers, governments, laws, abuse, and to demand

justice and liberty. Therein lies the difference between

17th Century preaching and today's preaching.

Preachers of the 17th Century taught about the

blessings of good government, good laws, and the

wonderful blessings of liberty.

The most fundamental principle of the American

constitutional system is that no one is bound to obey

an unconstitutional act. This was taught repeatedly

before 1763. They taught that government must obey

law and that those who resisted authority advocating

unjust laws were not rebels but were simply protectors

of the law. My belief is that no one can fully understand

the American Revolution and the constitutional system

unless you study the sermons preached in that time.

Today, much of what We call "Christian America" is

actually progressive Imperialism which is

CINO,(Christian in Name Only). They rarely if ever cite

the Bible to confirm political/ social policies. Today.

there ls a huge gap between Sunday School lessons _

and any comprehensive application of Biblical ideals to

society.

What's the difference between preaching today and those

of that early era? Those preachers drew their beliefs from

the Bible, and they preached political speeches both

within and outside the church building. They believed

that the authority of government came from God and

application of God's law. There was no conflict between

divine and natural law. These men held the Bible in high

esteem and applied every facet of their life whether it be

daily living, politics, or government based on God's Word.

They required their governing officials to be ardent

Christians of students of the Bible. They taught that all

maxims and rules for government and natural law could

be found in God's inerrant word. Rulers also needed to

understand the Constitution and Civil Law so that

people's rights were not violated. Think back to Jewish

limes and remember how the rulers were instructed to

write down and remember the law and keep it in in their

hearts. l‘m reminded of Gideon who tirelessly reminded

the people of all God had done for the Israelite's and how

they were to keep it in constant memory.

Preachers of that time preached specific principles with

real world consequences including armed resistance and

civil disobedience when necessary to do so. They taught

that governments not based on God's Word were nothing

but tyrannies.One preacher in particular. James Cogwell

taught. "Live is to be free... When our Religion is in

danger. it will warrant our engaging tn war. Religion is a

treasure never to be parted with...We fight for our

Properties. our Liberties, our Religion, and our Lives.”

Christianity was not confined to the building. Rather, it was to

be upheld in one's daily life. In the defense of liberty, Liberty

was always mentioned In their sermons. They did not fear

legislation like our preachers of today. James Emerson boldly

proclaimed a political victory over the Stamp Act. Jonas Clark

routinely discussed biblical principles for natural rights and

liberty and also attacked the Stamp Act for on those

rights.The foundations were laid in the minds and hearts of

the colonials a generation before the war because of their

tireless preaching. (Imagine hearing a sermon in the pulpit

today that discusses the evils of our laws)

Thus, when the tyrants encroached upon their liberties, the

people recognized it immediately. When the British marched

toward Lexington and Concord to take their weapons and

ammo, the Revolution began. Thank the preachers who had lit

the fire in the colonials' hearts and taught them a fierce love

for liberty. Ministers served and sometimes led in that war.

Many preached in the pulpits with muskets loaded by their

side or financially financed the war from their meager

salaries. As a result of these preachers, that is why we have

the marvelous document today called the Constitution and

Bill of Rights. The framers of the Constitution had sat at the

feet of these men who cared deeply about biblical principles,

morals, and values. and it had been well taught to them.

Even after the Revolution, their preaching continued in the

vigilance of righteousness. They used every outlet open to

them: town hall meetings, public venues, newspapers, &

pamphlets, They faithfully proclaimed the whole counsel of

God in every phase of colonials' lives.

Compare today's preaching with theirs. It pales in comparison.

Most preachers of today have censored and silenced

themselves by not preaching politics. They have turned away

from our 3 cornerstones of what made America great... family,

church, and state.What are we willing to fight for today? Will

our preachers ever teach the doctrines of government, liberty,

and God's Law? Where are tracts concerning taxes. tyranny,

and our honorable Constitution and Bill of Rights? Preachers

of the Pre/Revolution spoke out and some died to fight

tyranny.Where are the preachers of today who would dare

speak out against warrant-less wire taps, drone strikes, civil

forfeiture, or other usurpation of liberties. They don't even

speak out against abortion, gambling, or homosexuality! As a

result, we have dumb uninformed people. If we are ever to

return to liberty, it must be through the pulpit with biblical

authority for everything we practice plus actively following all

of Christ’s commandments. ---Sherrie Orange

The Providence of God

~ What is providence? It is the idea that God is using world

events, including the affairs of men. to bring about His will

for the benefit of mankind. Example: Gen. 5:20, where

Joseph told his brothers,” But as for you, ye thought evil

against me. but God meant it for good, to bring to pass, as

this day, to save much people alive.” Though God is at

work behind the scenes. providence does not over rule

man's free will."( Gen. 45:5)

The book of Daniels shows many examples of God's

providence for His servants and also how evil empires are

used to bring about His will for the saints. It shows how

God is involved in the lives of His people. 1. Daniel's life is

spared dining the initial siege of Jerusalem in 606 B.C.

God was involved in this invasion. Daniel 1:2 reveals, "the

Lord gave Jehoikim. king of Judah. into his hand." God's

providential hand spared Daniel's life. 2. Daniel was

promoted to a position of great power and influence in the

Babylonian empire.How did he manage to do this even

though he would not defile himself with the wine and meat

and yet not offend the king? Daniel found favor with the

chief. This was providence(Dan. 1:9). 3. Daniel and his 3

friends were protected by God and given great learning and

wisdom. Daniel had been given understanding of dreams.

When the King decided to destroy all wise men. because

they couldn't interpret his dream, Daniel was able to do so

and gave the praise to God. Providence at work to

spare the lives of these great servants of God; and even

exalt them. In all these events, God was working behind

the scenes to accomplish His purpose. Anyone who misses

this point has missed an Important truth in the Book of

Daniel. God still works providentially today for His saints.

Knowing this, should give strength and hope to Christians.

...Doug Hoff, McMinnville, Tennessee