“HOPE FOR A NATION IN TROUBLE”

Pastor Mark Johnson

July 4, 2010

INTRO: As we celebrate our independence as a nation, it is vital that we also declare and celebrate our dependence on God. America is a nation with an incredible history, a troubled present, and a yet-to-be determined future.

I. AMERICA – AN INCREDIBLE HISTORY

A. Quotes from Christopher Columbus, William Penn,

     Patrick Henry and Samuel Adams

B. The first act of the Jamestown landing party

C. Delaware Constitution of 1776

II. AMERICA – A TROUBLED PRESENT

A. America is reaping what she has sown (Gal. 6:7-10).

B. What has America sown?

     1. A rejection of God and His ways (Deut. 28:1-2, 15).

     2. Sexual Immorality (especially homosexuality and gay

          marriage) (Lev. 18:22; 20:13a; Rom. 1:26b-27; 1Cor.

          6:9-10).

     3. Fiscal irresponsibility (1Cor. 4:2; Matt. 25:14-30).

          a. We have not lived within our means.

          b. We have used money for ungodly purposes.

          c. We have not adequately required capable citizens

               to provide for themselves and be good stewards.

III. AMERICA – A YET-TO-BE DETERMINED FUTURE

A. America’s future is going to be determined mostly by the

     church (2Chron. 7:14), not the government.

B. America’ hope – the church being salt and light (Matt.

     5:13-16; 2Chron.  7:14):

     1. We must humble ourselves (Ja. 4:6, 10).

     2. We must pray and seek God’s face (Ps. 10:4; Jer. 33:3).

     3. We must turn from our wicked ways.

CONCLUSION: Americas future is largely going to be determined by the church – you and I. If we become the salt and light we are called to be, if we do what 2Chron. 7:14 tells us to do, and if we take the great commission seriously, God will hear from heaven, and will forgive our sin and heal our land! What will we do? What will you do?