1 Timothy 2:1-4

Today is Patriotic Sunday! America is the greatest nation in the world. However, there are influences today that threaten the greatness of America. The greatness of America is in the principles of faith upon which she was founded.

Pray for America: "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority..." (2:1-2a).

Our founding fathers laid the GROUNDWORK for the freedom we enjoy today.

There’s a difference between "freedom OF religion", and "freedom FROM religion".

This nation was founded on Christian principles!

The Pilgrims wrote the Mayflower Compact in 1620: "In the name of God. Amen. Having undertaken for the glory of God and for the advancement of the Christian faith, do solemnly and mutually, in the presence of God, covenant and combine ourselves together."

The New England Confederation: "Whereas we all came into these parts with one and the same end and aim, namely to advance the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to enjoy the liberties of the gospel in purity and peace."

Our founding fathers were COMMITTED to, not only obtaining freedom for future generations … they were COMMITTED to Christian principles. LISTEN to what some of them had to say: (Video).

George Washington: "Do not let anyone claim tribute of American patriotism if they even attempt to remove religion from politics."

John Quincy Adams – the 2nd President, speaking of the Declaration of Independence – "From the time of the Declaration of Independence, the American people were bound by the laws of God, and the laws of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which they all acknowledge as the root of their conduct. We all came together to obey the Word of God."

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

James Madison, the fourth president, known as "The Father of Our Constitution" made the following statement: "We have staked the whole of all our political institutions upon the capacity of mankind for self-government, upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to control ourselves, to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God."

If we are going to see good come from America, we … the church, the people of God, need to PRAY for America and our leaders.

"The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective" (James 5:16).

Live Righteous Lives: "...that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness" (2:2b).

If we want to change the way America is headed, we need to live our lives "in all godliness and holiness".

The very framework of our nation’s government was patterned after the Bible?

They went to Isaiah 33:22 –"For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; it is he who will save us."

Our founding fathers looked to the Word of God to organize the government of our nation.

As you walk up the steps to the U.S. Supreme Court you can see near the top of the building a row of the world's law givers and each one is facing one in the middle who is facing forward with a full frontal view ... it is Moses and he is holding the Ten Commandments!

As you enter the Supreme Court courtroom, the two huge oak doors have the Ten Commandments engraved on each lower portion of each door.

As you sit inside the courtroom, you can see the wall, right above where the Supreme Court judges sit, a display of the Ten Commandments!

The very first Supreme Court Justice, John Jay, said: "Americans should select and prefer Christians as their rulers."

There are Bible verses etched in stone all over the Federal Buildings and Monuments in Washington, D.C.

Our nation has strayed away from God’s Word … and the original intent of our founding fathers.

There is something we can do to keep sin from DISHONORING God’s name … and our nation ... Live righteous lives ….

Proverbs 14:34 says, "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people."

1 Tim. 2:2 says "...that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness".

Share Christ: "This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth" (2:3-4).

Christians in America are the majority … BUT … we are doing very little to speak out as a witness for the Lord.

God expects us to use the freedom that our founding fathers made possible … to be a witness for Christ in this sinful world we live.

If God lives in you … He ought to show through … and the lost and dying world around us ought to see Him in us.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:16 - "let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

Listen to Psalm 33:12 – "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord."

Our forefathers CLAIMED this nation for God. We need to RE-CLAIM it for God … AMEN? How can we do this? 1 Timothy 2:1-4:

1. Pray for America and our leaders.

2. As a Christian, live righteous lives, standing on the principles and values of God’s Word.

3. Let others see that Jesus is the only hope for America … the only hope for an eternity in Heaven.