Sermon
delivered on July 2nd, 2017
Morning Service
By: Pastor Greg Hocson
Scripture Text: Psalm 33
Introduction
I believe we would all agree that
United States is a blessed country!
Bill
Bennett, when he was Secretary of Education, was asked by a 7th grader: "How can you tell a good country from a bad one?" Bennett replied, "I
apply the 'gate' test. When the gates of a country are open, watch which way
the people run."
A
survey done in 2013 showed about 13% of the adults in the world -- or about 630
million people -- say they would like to leave their country and move somewhere
else permanently. For about 138 million people, that somewhere else would be
the U.S. The U.S. remains the most popular destination in the world for
potential migrants, which is only one indication of the fact that we are a
nation that is blessed!
America
is still blessed, but I believe, the blessings we enjoy today not because of the
faithfulness of the present generation but mostly because of the
faithfulness of past generations. The founding fathers of America were
men of faith in God and God's Word. America
was founded on Biblical truths.
There
is no denying that many of the founding fathers of the United States of America
were men of deep religious convictions based in the Bible and
their Christian faith in Jesus Christ. Of the 56 men who
signed the Declaration of Independence, 24 of them held seminary or
Bible school degrees.
Allow
me to quote some of our founding fathers to give us an overview of their strong
moral and spiritual convictions which helped form the foundations of our nation
and our government. But be reminded they were not perfect. They
were not all born again Christians, but they all
acknowledged that God was the Supreme Ruler over man and over government.
George
Washington, the 1st U.S. President, said, "It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence
of Almighty God and to obey His will."
George
Washington's Prayer
"Oh, eternal and everlasting God, direct my thoughts, words
and work. Wash away my sins in the immaculate blood of the Lamb and purge my
heart by Thy Holy Spirit. Daily, frame me more and more in the likeness of Thy
son, Jesus Christ, that living in Thy fear, and dying in Thy favor, I may in
thy appointed time obtain the resurrection of the justified unto eternal life.
Bless, O Lord, the whole race of mankind and let the world be filled with the
knowledge of Thee and Thy son, Jesus Christ."
Thomas Jefferson, the 3rd President, said, "God
who gave us life gave us liberty. Can the liberties of a nation be secured when
we have removed a conviction that these liberties are the gift of God?"
"I am a real
Christian that is to say, a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus Christ." - The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, p. 385.
Benjamin
Franklin - Signer of the Declaration of
Independence and Unites States Constitution
"Here is my Creed. I believe in one God, the Creator of the
Universe. That He governs it by His Providence. That He ought to be worshipped."
"As to Jesus of Nazareth, my opinion of whom you
particularly desire, I think the system of morals and his religion, as he left
them to us, is the best the world ever saw, or is likely to see;"
James Madison -
4th U.S. President
"Cursed be all that learning that is contrary to the cross
of Christ."
--America's Providential History by
Stephen K. McDowell, p. 93.
William Penn -
Founder of Pennsylvania
"I do declare
to the whole world that we believe the Scriptures to contain a declaration of
the mind and will of God in and to those ages in which they were written; being
given forth by the Holy Ghost moving in the hearts of holy men of God; that
they ought also to be read, believed, and fulfilled in our day; being used for
reproof and instruction, that the man of God may be perfect. They are a
declaration and testimony of heavenly things themselves, and, as such, we carry
a high respect for them. We accept them as the words of God Himself." - Treatise of
the Religion of the Quakers, p. 355.
Calvin
Coolidge, 13th President, said, "The foundations of our society and our government rest so
much on the teachings of the Bible that it would be difficult to support them
if faith in these teachings would cease to be practically universal in our
country."
Abraham
Lincoln, the 16th President, said, "I am profitably engaged in reading the Bible. Take all of
this book upon reason that you can, and the balance by faith, and you will
lived and die a better man."
Franklin
D. Roosevelt, 32nd President prayed, "O Lord, give us faith. Give us faith in Thee; faith in our
sons; faith in each other; faith in our united crusade...Thy will be done,
Almighty God. Amen."
David
Joseph Brewer, Supreme Court Justice from 1889 to
1910 said, "The American nation from its first
settlement at Jamestown to this hour is based upon and permeated by the
principles of the Bible." From
Discovering God in America, by Newt Gingrich
Our Pledge
of Allegiance goes like this ..."I
pledge Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the
Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty
and justice for all."
The pledge of Allegiance declares
without apology that America is "one nation under God."
The Declaration
of Independence declares the following ...
"We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are
created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable
rights that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
Yet today, we as a nation have
forgotten where happiness is found! We have forgotten where blessedness is
found!
Psalm 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD: and the
people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.
The
Psalmist declares that blessedness is experienced by a nation whose God is the
LORD. A nation is blessed, when it claims God as its LORD. God's
intentions towards nations and always have been to bless mankind.
Psalm 33:5 He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is
full of the goodness of the LORD.
God
fills the earth with His goodness in spite of wretchedness of man towards
God and each other.
The
word "Blessed" carries the idea of happiness, contentment with
godliness. O, how happy that nation whose God is the LORD. What is true
of a nation is also as true of an individual.
Psalm 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD: and the
people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.
The primary reference here is
undoubtedly to the Hebrew people, called His "inheritance", but
what is here affirmed of that people is true also of all other people who
worship the true God.
Here
is the secret to blessedness. The LORD must be our God! But it
is sad to say that we as a nation have turn our backs on God. Unless America
rediscovers the path to blessedness, instead of experiencing blessedness; we
will experience complete ruin and failure. Biblical history is filled with
examples of failed nations - Nineveh, Egypt, Babylon, Greece, Roman Empire,
etc. It is all because these nations do not have the LORD as their God. Because
a nation that despises and rejects God and His law shall be brought down.
Proverbs 14:34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a
reproach to any people.
I
don't know about you but I want God's blessing upon my life. And I want God's
blessing upon America. I pray for America to come back and make the LORD as her
God. This may or may not happen in my generation but as for me and my house we
will make sure the LORD is our God!
I
believe God wants to bless America. I believe God wants to bless every nation.
I believe He wants to bless every individual.
Psalm 33:5 He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is
full of the goodness of the LORD.
But
when it comes to blessing, God has clearly and repeatedly set down conditions.
Blessing has always had its conditions and they are not hard to find, because
they are revealed in the Scripture.
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name,
shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked
ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal
their land. 15: Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto
the prayer that is made in this place.
God, what do we need to do to be
blessed?
1. God's people must return to the Holy God
Throughout this Psalm we are reminded
of some things about the LORD. Throughout this Psalm we are reminded of the
character traits of God.
God is a holy, righteous and just God.
Psalm 33:4 For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works
are done in truth. 5: He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full
of the goodness of the LORD.
If
we want God to bless America and our individual lives, we must return to the
God of the Bible whose Word is right and whose works are all done in truth, who
loves righteousness and who fills the earth with His goodness.
God is a God of great mercy
Psalm 33:5 He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is
full of the goodness of the LORD.
Psalm 33:18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear
him, upon them that hope in his mercy; 19: To deliver their soul from death,
and to keep them alive in famine. 20: Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our
help and our shield. 21: For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have
trusted in his holy name. 22: Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as
we hope in thee.
God is a God of great power
If we want God's blessing upon America
we must go back to the God who created the universe.
Psalm 33:6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and
all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. 7: He gathereth the waters of
the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses. 8: Let all
the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of
him. 9: For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.
If
we want God's blessing upon America we must put our trust and confidence in
God.
Psalm 33:10 The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he
maketh the devices of the people of none effect. 11: The counsel of the LORD
standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.
Psalm 33:13 The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the
sons of men. 14: From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the
inhabitants of the earth. 15: He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth
all their works. 16: There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a
mighty man is not delivered by much strength. 17: An horse is a vain thing for
safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength.
If
we are really serious of asking God to bless America we must pray that America
would return to the God of Truth who is holy, righteous, just and of great
power.
Psalm 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the
man that trusteth in him.
Blessed
is the man who takes refuge in the Lord.
2. God's people must return to the Holy Scripture
Psalm 33:1 Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is
comely for the upright. 2: Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the
psaltery and an instrument of ten strings. 3: Sing unto him a new song; play
skilfully with a loud noise. 4: For the word of the LORD is right; and all his
works are done in truth.
And
the way to blessing is back to the Book, is not only to know the God of truth
but also to know the truth of God. If there is ever going to be blessing, there
must be returning to this Book!
John
Quincy Adams who would become President said later in 1821 about the
Declaration of Independence. He said:
"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."
Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy
mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe
to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy
way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
What's
the key? The key is this Book! Read, meditate, keep, and observe the Word of
God. Yes, there is blessing for the one who walks in the Word, for this book
will reveal God in all His glory. This book will reveal the reality and
ugliness of sin and its divine remedy.
Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of
the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the
scornful. 2: But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he
meditate day and night. 3: And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of
water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not
wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
Psalm 112:1 Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that
feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. 2: His
seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be
blessed. 3: Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness
endureth for ever.
And the way to blessing is back to the
book, to know the truth of God and the God of the book.
3. God's people must return to Holy Living
Psalm 33:5 He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is
full of the goodness of the LORD.
Psalm 33:13 The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the
sons of men. 14: From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the
inhabitants of the earth.
2 Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro
throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose
heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from
henceforth thou shalt have wars.
Psalm 33:18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear
him, upon them that hope in his mercy; 19: To deliver their soul from death,
and to keep them alive in famine. 20: Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our
help and our shield. 21: For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have
trusted in his holy name. 22: Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as
we hope in thee.
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name,
shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked
ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal
their land. 15: Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto
the prayer that is made in this place.
If
we Christians truly want to see God's blessing on our country, it must start in
the house of God. Blessing begins when you and I admit our sin and admit
our violation of the law of God.
Isaiah 55:6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon
him while he is near: 7: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous
man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon
him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
Psalm 32:1 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose
sin is covered. 2: Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity,
and in whose spirit there is no guile.
Here
is true blessedness - forgiven and justified. There is blessing, but that
blessing comes by way of repentance for sin and obedience to the Word of God.
Our
founding fathers recognized this ...
Senator
James Harlan of Iowa, whose daughter later married President Lincoln's son
Robert, introduced this Resolution in the Senate on March 2, 1863. The
Resolution asked President Lincoln to proclaim a national day of prayer and
fasting. The Resolution was adopted on March 3, and signed by Lincoln on March
30, one month before the fast day was observed.
By
the President of the United States of America.
A Proclamation.
"Whereas, the Senate of the United States, devoutly
recognizing the Supreme Authority and just Government of Almighty God, in all
the affairs of men and of nations, has, by a resolution, requested the
President to designate and set apart a day for National prayer and humiliation.
And whereas it is the duty of nations
as well as of men, to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to
confess their sins and transgressions, in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope
that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the
sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that
those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord.
And, insomuch as we know that, by His
divine law, nations like individuals are subjected to punishments and
chastisements in this world, may we not justly fear that the awful calamity of
civil war, which now desolates the land, may be but a punishment, inflicted
upon us, for our presumptuous sins, to the needful end of our national
reformation as a whole People? We have been the recipients of the choicest
bounties of Heaven. We have been preserved, these many years, in peace and
prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth and power, as no other nation has
ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand
which preserved us in peace, and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us;
and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these
blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own.
Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel
the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God
that made us!
It behooves us then, to humble
ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national sins, and to pray
for clemency and forgiveness.
Now, therefore, in compliance with the
request, and fully concurring in the views of the Senate, I do, by this my
proclamation, designate and set apart Thursday, the 30th. day of April, 1863,
as a day of national humiliation, fasting and prayer. And I do hereby request
all the People to abstain, on that day, from their ordinary secular pursuits,
and to unite, at their several places of public worship and their respective
homes, in keeping the day holy to the Lord, and devoted to the humble discharge
of the religious duties proper to that solemn occasion."
Closing Thoughts
Do you want God's blessing upon
America? Do you want God's blessing upon your life? There are conditions.
Return to the Holy God, return to the Holy Scripture and return to Holy living.
Walk with God, walk in truth and walk in holiness. It starts with a
personal relationship with Jehovah through His Son.
2 Corinthians 1:19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who
was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not
yea and nay, but in him was yea. 20: For all the promises of God in him
are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly
places in Christ:
All
the promises of God, all spiritual blessings become a reality in and only in
Christ. If God would bless America, if God would bless our individual
lives, we must come back to Jesus Christ.
We
have God in our Declaration of Independence, we have God in our Pledge of
Allegiance, we have God on our coins, we have God in our songs, but if we are
going to be blessed we must have God in our minds or our hearts through His Son
Jesus Christ!
Psalm 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD: and the
people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.
AMEN!