special preview of select chapters from dreams of a godly america

7/31/2019 Special Preview of Select Chapters From Dreams of a Godly America

1/21


2/21

Dreams of Innocence:

Dreams of a Godly America

Copyright 2002 Todd Nessa

All rights reserved.

All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. Reproduction or translation of any part of this work

beyond that permitted by Section 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act without the permission of the copyright owner is

unlawful. Requests for permission or other information should be addressed to Catch the Spirit of 1776 at the above address.

The thoughts and ideas expressed are the sole viewpoints & opinions of the author and not necessarily the views of Catch the Spirit of 1776.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, (R). NIV (R). Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by

International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (NKJV) are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used

by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (Amplified) are taken from the Amplified Bible, Expanded Edition, copyright 1978 by the Zondervan Corporation

and the Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

This book is dedicated not only to my wife and precious daughter but all those who are willing to put it on the line to stand up for what is not

only right but also righteous.

ISBN 1-58898-645-4


3/21

Dreams of Innocence:

Dreams of a Godly America

Todd Nessa

greatunpublished.com

Title No. 645

2002

This book is dedicated not only to my wife and family but all those who are willing to put it onthe line to stand up for what is not only right but righteous.


4/21

Contents

Introduction: Dreams of Change xiSECTION I.

Foundations of Innocence

1. Dreams of Innocence 3

2. The Children are our future 13

3. Accountability to others is essential

for the common good 23

4. Garbage in, garbage out and the medias

influence upon society 29

5. The love of money is the root of al l-evi l 396. A passion for Truth 43SECTION II.

Secular Humanist Approach Versus Biblical

1. Give me l iberty or give me death 492. Religious right or America off-center? 59

3. Evolutionary lies 65

4. Religious freedom is freedoms barometer 71

5. Survivor or survival of the fittest? 77

6. The curse of moral relativism 81

SECTION III.

Justice

1. One Nation under God 89

2. The forgotten Ten Commandments-

the fear of God is absent 93

3. Lawlessness and fear:

Moral relativitys power twins 97

4. Not even the appearance of evil 1015. Rebellion: The sin of witchcraft 105

SECTION IV.

Abortion


5/21

1. Who is paying the price for sexual freedom? 115

2. The throwaway mentality 121

3. Blood money 125

4. Reproductive rights or house of horrors? 129

5. The killing fields 141

6. The end does not justify the means 147

SECTION V.

Righteous Civil Rights

1. Love vs. tolerance and acceptance 1 57

2. Pursuit of the common good 161

3. Civil wrongs 165

4. Catering to the offended 169

SECTION VI.

Politics & Political Strategy...God is Watching1. The mother of political strategy 177

2. Demonized: Who are the accusers? 181

3. The elitist mentality: Nothing more than pride. 187

4. Smoke and mirrors 195

5. Social ism or dependence upon God 1996. Beware of selfish ambition 205

SECTION VII.

Godliness or Paganism: A Clear Choice

1. Lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God 213

2. Worshipping God is a privilege 219

3. The wheat and the tares: They grow together. 225

4. Consequences of paganism 231

Conclusion:

A torch is being passed 237


6/21

Introduction: Dreams of Change

erversion, immorality, and injustice are things we see all around us in America today. Sometimes

it has seemed that our very foundation has been cracking out from underneath us. A battle

between secular ideology and biblical values has been raging in our culture. Virtually all of our

cultural norms have been either challenged or just plain turned on their head as a rebellious

attitude has crept into the thoughts, behavior, and actions of the American people.

I am not a pessimist nor do I desire to be one. It is much more fun to be an optimist. Always the

eternal optimist, I believe that truth will ultimately win out over evil. However, I am also a realist. I

realize that to win the battle against error and deceptive reasoning, it takes people who are willing,

able, and ready to fight it. Without them, the battle is already lost.

Passivity is our biggest enemy and our oppositions greatest ally. For if we do nothing, nothing is

what we will receive in return. If those who are righteous and know the truth of God and His word sit

back in our easy chair and refuse to be involved in the cultural and public affairs of our communities,

states, and our nation, then the wicked will advance themselves and their evil cause due to our

complacency and inactivity.

This book is a collection of essays on various cultural and political ills facing us in our nation

today. It is more or less an analysis of what is going on today as it is held up to the light of the

scriptures for inspection. While the work is not solely authoritative in nature (only Gods Word as

interpreted through the power of the Holy Spirit is authoritative in my view), it is an attempt to point

out sound doctrine on a myriad of issues. It is my belief that these views are true and correct but I

wish to leave it to you, the reader, to judge by the dictates of your own conscience. After all, no man

or woman can stand before God to give an account for his or her life on behalf of someone else. Each

of us must stand before God to give an account of our own.I both hope and believe that these pages will inspire and motivate the reader toward action. John

F. Kennedy said it best, Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your

country. This is a time, probably as never before, in which our country needs men and women to take

up freedoms torch and protect it from extinguishment. Freedom truly is a gift from God. Protecting it

is an act of eternal vigilance.

May God bless you in every work of righteousness for the Kingdom of Heaven and this blessed

country.

Sincerely,

Todd Nessa

P


7/21

The Love of Money is the Root of All Evil

here are many who would lead us to believe that money itself is an evil thing. According to this

thinking, having too much money makes someone a bad person. Personally, I do not believe

that needs to be so. I might add that I do not believe that money itself is intrinsically evil.

Money is simply a medium of public exchange for goods and services.

Certainly, money has the potential to be used for much good in the world. For example, it can

buy badly needed medical equipment for use in third world health clinics. These countries generally

have little medical care. Money may also be used to purchase food to feed hungry or starving

children. I am sure that all would agree having enough money to meet more of these needs is a noble

goal. These types of needs carry with them an added degree of urgency and mean the difference in

life and death.

The Bible has much to say about money. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.

Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many

griefs (1 Timothy 6:10, NIV).

From this verse of scripture, one can see that loving money is problematic. Many people will do

anything, or almost anything, to get it. This is covetousness. However, true biblical rendering of the

evil of loving money is vastly different than money itself being bad.

There is an old saying, Whoever owns all the gold rules. For many covetous people, this is the

golden rule they live by. This materialistic saying serves to pervert the true golden rule. So in

everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and theProphets (Matthew 7:12, NIV). However, it must not be denied that there is a clear correlation

between money and power.

For example, it can be frightening to think of corrupt organizations with very large sums of

money. A large sum of money gives them greater ability to promote the usual reign of terror and fear.

Their money can buy varying forms of access, weapons, and other items used to promote and protect

their chosen vocation.

America has largely been a very noble country. Our wealth has enabled us to bring much peace in

the world. We have largely been a force for good despite a few aberrations to the contrary.

The nations wealth and vast resources were used to form a weapon against Hitlers Nazi

Germany during World War II. The American war effort was an important part in the battle to defeat

the forces of tyranny. American prosperity served to enable allied forces that eventually would liberate

the Nazi death camps.

Of course, these camps were used in the Holocaust to exterminate millions of Jews. Others

deemed undesirable by the Nazi establishment also died in these camps. The example of the

American effort leading to liberation is just one example of what money used in the support of noble

purposes can do.

T


8/21

We must realize that money does empower individuals, groups of individuals, corporations, cities,

states, and nations to do that which reflects their values. Without money, people lack ability to do

many of the things that they otherwise would. It is beneficial to humanity when all those with noble

ambitions and purposes have money to aid them in their efforts.

Both character and values predetermine how we may assume a person, or a group of people, will

use the money that they have received. I have heard it quoted that a dollar in the hands of the

righteous becomes a holy instrument. When given the choice as to which we would rather see

possessing wealth, hands down we would choose those who would do the most good things with it.

Those with evil purposes would not enter the running.

A person such as Mother Theresa, who did so much good in her lifetime for the people of

Calcutta, India, would probably have received more votes than anyone if an election were held today

to decide the distribution of one billion dollars. Most all of us recognize her true desire to care for and

help needy children. The greater majority would take comfort in knowing that she would faithfully use

the money to further expand her efforts in reaching the needy.

On one end of the spectrum, are people who give of themselves in service of others. On the

other end, are those who are selfish and self-serving in nature. These folks will undoubtedly use andabuse others in the process of obtaining their evil goals. People such as these are a threat to peace,

security, and innocence when given enough money.

One who is a student of history will see that power is often abused. Hitler is an often-cited

example throughout this book. As all of us most certainly realize, there seems to be a marriage

between money and power. Power often brings money or at least opportunity to gain it. However, the

converse is also true that money also brings power.

Righteous people are empowered by money and will use it for the purpose of bringing about

good. Wicked people are also empowered by money and use it for the purpose of bringing about evil.

When righteous people are given power, they are enabled with money to do righteous things. Wicked

people with power not only hold access to wealth but also often will misuse their power in order to

generate it. This gives us reason to work diligently in an effort to promote righteous men and women

into places of our government.

Because of this connection between power and money, we must ensure that power is given to

those who will use it unselfishly. Godly men and women are necessary for Truth and Justice to

continue to reign. We the people must examine proof of actions when considering qualifications for

holding office. Once we have elected them, it is often simply too late.

I am always distraught whenever hearing allegations of corruption with government officials,

particularly, when they are high-ranking government officials. The fact that this can, and too often

does, happen stresses the need for very high standards of integrity and accountability.Unfortunately, there are always those who are willing to endanger or even sell the national

interest for thrills and profit. It is precisely people such as these that we must do our best to

recognize before allowing them to hold public office. It is a serious mistake to give anyone access to

power and resources that could misuse them. This may very well endanger our freedom and security.

This is true at the state and local levels of government as well as at the national level.

A persons character is important because pressure and temptation can be great in some of our

nations most important government offices and positions. And in a world of globalization and


9/21

technology, where there is such an easy transfer of information, the recipients of power have more

tools at their disposal to be misused. More than ever before, we need to be extra careful and make

prudent decisions.

It is important to remember that we cannot expect to enforce any standard upon our leadership

that the collective public will not support. Our own priorities must reflect the values we expect our

leaders to respect. We must be ourselves free from the love of money.


10/21

A Passion for Truth

or American democracy to both thrive and survive people must have a passion for truth. The

apostle John recorded Jesus as saying in John 14:6a, I am the way and the truth and the life.

John further wrote in his gospel, For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came

through Jesus Christ (John 1:17, NIV).

Some people love to water things down and limit the context to only a religious one. This is as

if to try to relegate the gospel to a corner of subculture. 1 Timothy 4:8 (NIV) says ...godliness has

value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and life to come. Biblical principle

transcends the religious to preside over all of creation.

The reason for this is simple. The Savior of the world, Jesus Christ, was also the Creator of it. The

apostle Paul, who wrote the letter of Colossians, said of Jesus Christ, For by him all things were

created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or

authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things

hold together (Colossians 1:16-17, NIV). So when one comes into contact with truth, one comes into

contact with Jesus who put the universe together and understands how to make all things work.

A passion for truth is one of the most important principles of a free society. Truth is a necessary

element in order for freedom to exist, primarily, because it is a guard against corruption and

exploitation which evil men use as a means of obtaining and maintaining their rule of tyranny over

others.

However, in order for truth to be effective, people must first earnestly desire it, pursue it, andthen exercise it. Then society must hold one another accountable to truth. It is absolutely counter-

productive for society to war against it. Warring against the truth should be done at an individuals

own peril. Danger is on the horizon for those who disdain it rather than embrace it.

I have observed times where human nature would seem as if it would rather paint a rosy picture

instead of confronting the reality slightly beneath the surface. Possibly, it could be said that one may

desire to be naive. Often times, the rosy picture is easier and often more desirable to deal with.

We often see only what we are willing to see. Leaders, sports figures, or entertainers in different

ways give us what we desire. It can be hard to see past the illusions we created by putting them on a

pedestal, especially, when we benefit emotionally from the continuance of their larger than life status

in some way or have done so in the past.

It becomes very dangerous to prioritize the image we would all like to have over the reality that

exists. Often, society deifies certain people by building them up as being larger than life. We create a

mythical reality in our imagination that makes us feel good. Since there is an imperfect person

associated with those feelings, any violation of that emotion through their misdeeds can be too

difficult to believe.

In doing this, we create a class of people enabled to live like spoiled children above the law. Just

so long as this super-class does not leave enough evidence behind to damn their defense, we seem all

F


11/21

too willing to protect them. Of course, this comes with the help of some rich and influential trial

lawyers. The decade of the 90s had some noteworthy examples. I need not mention them.

The quest for truth begins at the Cross. But however difficult, pursuing truth always pays big

dividends in the long run. Remaining in the dark may seem more desirable because often confronting

the truth can be difficult.

Human pride is often a barrier in the pursuit of it. Humility is a necessary prerequisite to truth.

Without humility, the possibility of admitting that our ideas could be wrong is tough to admit. Refusal

to be challenged is a position often taken by someone with an issue of pride.

Pride is an obstacle that stands in the way of seeing through all of the smoke and mirrors,

recognizing deceptions, and viewing the very heart of a matter. Sometimes, we label people as

extremists or fundamentalists in attempts to justify or continue in our desired beliefs. The thought of

change can be undesirable. Our personal pride becomes a tool used to aid us in the furthering of our

own destruction.

Pride always leaves one with egg on his or her face in the end. It is better to recognize error and

make corrections. Desiring to live in a lie makes one a fool. Confronting the truth makes one free, but

it comes with the price of faith and obedience attached. This is a price that many seem unwilling topay.

Even though in the short run it may seem too high a price, in the long run it is far less expensive

than choosing to live in ignorance. The price of freedom is cheaper by far than the price paid by those

ignoring the truth. Living for the short-term is always more expensive than making sacrifices which

yield long-term results. However, wisdom is too high for a fool.

The future success of our society and our nation depends upon the national will to pursue truth at

all costs. The measure by which this is done will be the measure by which a harvest of innocence and

incorruptibility is reaped. The opposite is also true that the measure of lies we are willing to put up

with will be the measure of corruption we will reap.

It is to our detriment to allow a perception to exist that says that if only one is well liked enough,

and gives the right impression to enough of the right people, that he or she can get away with

anything. When we demonstrate to others that believing in falsehoods is more desirable than the

consequences of confronting the truth, this is precisely the impression we send to tomorrows future

leaders, our children. We must be determined to no longer give off any impression other than that

Truth is to be sought above all else.


12/21

Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death

erhaps one of the greatest challenges before us, if not the greatest challenge of our time, is the

reversal of secular-humanist philosophy. The roots of this philosophy originate with the theory of

evolution. The popularizing and widespread acceptance of evolutionary theory has brought with

it a world-view all its own. This worldview is diametrically opposed to biblical principle and the

gospel.

Just why is this worldview so dangerous? The primary reason is the inherent absence of absolute

truth. Since only science can define our reality, there is little or no room for faith in a God which

science cannot definitely prove.

Science cannot prove Gods existence-this is true. However, science can be used to bear

testimony to His existence. As an honest study of the natural order is done, one cannot deny that it

seems to be very well thought out and must have been planned, designed, and engineered,

especially, when you examine complex organisms and their relationship to one another. All of these

factors point to and necessitate a Master Designer and Engineer.

The science of unbelief has done much to erase the fear of God from mankind within the last

century. Pride has deceived us into believing that we have outgrown the need for God and have

simply grown smarter than to believe in His infinite existence. The result has been pagan chaos and

the unraveling of civilized behavior throughout society.

The If it feels good, do it attitudes have replaced biblical ones. As science has attempted to

justify our existence people have felt more liberty to please their senses. As demeaning as thescientific rationale may be in categorizing man as an animal that has evolved from a monkey, it is

appealing to those who wish to sin.

The evolutionary theory is a form of idolatry. It escalates human reasoning to be supreme and

above God Almighty. The theory becomes justification for the sin against the God of all human spirits

(see Numbers 27:16 in the version of your preference). At the very core of this theory is the notion

that there is no God.

The worldview that has sprung up as a result of evolutionary theory runs contrary to the founding

of this great American nation. The spreading of the view that absolute truth does not exist threatens

freedom. Freedom by its very nature is dependent upon truth in order to exist in a world filled with

lust, covetousness, and greed.

Moral relativity attempts to replace truth with democratic consensus alone as defining right and

wrong. This is the view in which the will of the people reigns supreme. It is idolatrous to prioritize the

will of people above the will of God.

The LORD is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens (Psalm 113:4, NIV).

The Lord...will crush kings on the day of his wrath. He will judge the nations, heaping up the

P


13/21

dead and crushing the rulers of the whole earth [who have been incensed against Him and

His plan and purposes] (Psalm 110:5-6, NIV).

The LORD reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment. He will judge the world

in righteousness; he will govern the peoples with justice. The nations have fallen into the pit

they have dug; their feet are caught in the net they have hidden. The wicked return to the

grave, all the nations that forget God (Psalm 9:7, 8, 15, 17, NIV).

America was formed upon a biblical basis in reverential fear and honor of God. Our Declaration of

Independence and the Constitution have scriptural underpinnings. A careful and in-depth study of the

history of our country affirms a biblical basis of law.

The biblical perspective or worldview is fundamental to national integrity. It also serves as a

foundation for continued success as a nation in the future. The very concept of freedom and liberty

upon which American democracy is based was gleaned from study of scripture.

I feel, as many Americans have undoubtedly felt also, that the idea of political correctness (which

incidentally thrived through most of the 1990s) is offensive. There seems to be a sense that individual

thought on certain social and political issues is not tolerated. One is left feeling afraid to voice his orher thoughts in the marketplace of ideas.

People should be able to speak what they believe without fear of intimidation from the

government or anyone else who may oppose their views. Fortunately, the first amendment off the

Constitution provides freedom of speech. However, many have misused powers of office or position

and created pressure, often even creating public pressure, to twist the arms of those subordinate to

them. Of course, this is done in order to attempt to make them conform to their wishes.

Constitutional protection allows citizens to communicate according to the dictates of their

conscience. Sadly, in recent years many have been silenced from voicing religious speech or from

speaking out on moral issues. Silencing those with opposing views has been largely accomplished

through improper use of political and legal pressure (i.e. threats of lawsuits and so on) thus coiningthe term, politically correct.

Such squelching of free thought is a travesty. The idea of suggesting that appropriate thought is

best dictated from the top down is the mark of ungodly leadership. Such type of leadership is both

idolatrous and abominable. It attempts to replace Gods authority in the lives of people with the

leaders own authority.

The New Testament records that Jews had Jesus arrested by charging him with opposing Caesar

and subverting their nation (Luke 23:2; John 19:7, 12). What was the offense? It was Jesus

proclaiming equality with God.

The Jewish leaders responsible for the arrest were ungodly men. They did not desire to protect

their people from error. What they really wanted was the praise of men. Jesus was perceived to be a

threat to their authority and influence throughout the Jewish community. The event surrounding the

Jewish leaders resistance to the ministry of Jesus, and his eventual arrest and crucifixion are the best

examples of men in leadership reviling and rebelling against Gods authority.

In the passage of scripture commonly referred to as the six woes in Luke 11:37-54, Jesus brought

to light the true heart attitudes of the leaders of the Pharisees and their theological experts. Listed

below are some of the traits characterizing them gleaned from Jesus rebuke. They are as follows:


14/21

They placed utmost importance upon outward appearances and made every attempt to make

themselves look good in front of people. The love of money filled their hearts causing them to

misappropriate funds for personal gain. They would keep money collected for themselves rather than

give to the poor. Pharisee leaders neglected justice and the love of God. They loved to take advantage

of every opportunity to portray themselves as important and make themselves look good in the eyes

of the public. Without realizing it, those they encountered were endangered by their presence. They

used deception to their advantage so no one would realize how evil they really were. They covered up

their sins by making it look as if they were not responsible for them. They went to great lengths to

blur truth in order to keep people dependant upon their interpretation of it.

Metaphorically speaking, there are still Pharisees and experts of the law today, leaders in all

facets of life (religious, political, and so on) who have no fear of God and His authority. Instead, they

covet after power and worldly riches at the expense of others.

Men and women such as this exemplify many or all of the attitudes and character traits listed in

Jesus six woes. Their hearts are an open sepulcher (which is a tomb or place of burial in which the

decomposing body is exposed for all to see and smell). Violence, covetousness, lust, and greed leave

a stench in the atmosphere round about them. Their prey is the very heart and soul of man.We must beware of them. Only those who are searching for and find truth will escape. These

modern day Pharisees reach out their hands to gain a death grip on their victims. If they can grab

hold of them, they will try to pull them into the casket to rot alongside.

Political leaders such as these are a danger to freedom. They are out to serve themselves and

accomplish their own agenda. The fear of God for them is not even an option as they commit

idolatrous acts abominable before Him. Advancing an unholy, wicked agenda is their real goal and

they will stop at nothing to get it.

It is possible that we could have a Hitler-type leader in the White House. If there is enough sin

and evil in peoples hearts to win a majority of support, nothing can stop them. Truth is the only

weapon of protection against such type of tragedy repeating itself in this country.

The six woes are a description of leaders who possessed an antichrist spirit. This is what Jesus

said of them in John 8:44 while rebuking the Pharisees, You are of your father, the devil, and you

want to carry out your fathers desire. He went on to say, He [the devil] was a murderer from the

beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native

language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. Yet because I [Jesus, the Christ, Son of the Living

God] tell the truth, you do not believe in me! (John 8:44b-45, NIV).

Though there are many in positions of power possessing an antichrist spirit, the Bible prophesies

a time where an antichrist will rule over the earth. Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you

have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. Who is the liar? It isthe man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man [or woman] is the antichrist--He denies both

the Father and the Son. I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you

astray (1 John 2:18, 22, 26, NIV).

Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into

the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. Watch out that you do not lose what

you have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully (2 John 7-8, NIV).


15/21

Only those who know Truth, exemplified in the Lord Jesus Christ and revealed to us through the

anointing of the Holy Spirit, are capable of not being led astray. Those who do not know God are

unable to distinguish truth from deception. However, even the elect may be deceived if they are sober

minded, awake to the schemes of demonic power.

Ephesians 6:10-11 commands, Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the

full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devils schemes (NIV). The possibility of

being deceived by the devil is mentioned also in 2 Corinthians 2:11 saying, [forgive]...in order that

Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware [both the Bible and the anointing of the Holy Spirit

abiding within us provide instruction of how demonic power operates to ensnare and deceive] of his

schemes (Amplified).

The key to keeping evil from flourishing on American soil is to maintain high public standards and

demand accountability to them. An important trait characteristic of true freedom is the liberation of

citizens to become all that God intends them to be. Freedom is abused whenever restraint is thrown

out the door.

Personal restraint is an important counterpart to freedom. For freedom to continue indefinitely

into the future, restraint to commonly accepted moral standards must exist. Restraints purpose is toprotect freedom from being misused for evil purposes.

Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.

Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the

king (1 Peter 2:16-17, NIV).

You...were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather,

serve one another in love. The entire law [in which true freedom is based] is summoned up

in a single command: Love your neighbor as yourself. If you keep on biting and devouring

each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other (Galatians 5:13-15, NIV).

Freedom is a biblical principle. It is the fruit resulting from obedience to Gods way of doing

things. This is most often referred to as the law of God. James, Jesus half-brother, wrote twice in his

epistle that the law of God gives freedom (James 1:25, 2:12). In James 1:25 he wrote that Gods way

of doing things is ...the perfect law that gives freedom.... (NIV).

The principle of freedom is designed to work in harmony with other principles God set in order.

Whenever one tries to do away with one of these other factors, it is at the peril of the others. Since

obedience to Gods law results in freedom, disobedience causes one to lose it.

There are two factors that are necessary for freedom to exist. The first is personal restraint

through the governing of ones thoughts and actions in adherence to a moral and ethical code. The

other factor is love for ones neighbors, loving them as you would love yourself (see 1 Corinthians 13).Evil in all forms is a threat to freedoms very existence. When freedom is abused, like pulling the

pin from a hand grenade, a clock begins ticking off the seconds before the explosion. Sure, things

may appear to be much the same for a time or a season. But what happens when the harvest of evil

is reaped and freedom runs out?

They [false teachers] promise...freedom while they themselves are slaves of depravity--for a

man is a slave to whatever has mastered him... These men are springs without water and

mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them. For they mouth empty,


16/21

boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of sinful human nature, they entice

people who are just escaping from those who live in error (2 Peter 2:19, 17-18, NIV).

The price for freedom was paid for at the cross through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. It is truly

the gift of God and cannot be achieved by man apart from him. Freedom is found only by abiding in

the grace of God.

Freedom cannot exist where sin has mastery over a person. Neither can it exist where it hasmastery over a nation. Sin brings bondage rather than blessing.

Freedom is dispensed over both the just (those walking in obedience to Gods commands) and

the unjust (the disobedient who live after the sinful nature) alike. It is given on account of the faith

and obedience of the righteous. Those who are living in disobedience benefit from the outpouring of

grace though they are not the reason for it being given. Faith in God is demonstrated by obedience to

the laws He righteously ordained.

The traditional American moral code is biblically based. The Ten Commandments, along with

other scriptural supports, provided the foundation of our nations laws. The fear of God was

demonstrated by those who founded our country with the adoption of scripture into law.

When one looks at things from this perspective, one gets a sense that attacks upon the Bibles

importance in our society is counterproductive to the cause of freedom. The scriptural precepts

implemented and practiced have been time-tested throughout our history. Rather than looking upon

the Bible with disdain and disgust, as far too many people have in the latter half of the 20th century

America, one should both admire and appreciate its value. The Bible has provided much reason for

society to embrace its distinguished place in the American experience.

As much as some would like to continue to relegate its importance to private religion, its

relevance transcends all barriers. Governments, nationalities, and cultures are subordinate to the law

of God. This is a statement of fact rather than a matter of faith.

The Bibles relevance extends to all facets of life to include governing. To reject the Biblesrelevance to government is to reject the very ideals and principles of our founders. These were men

used of God to birth a nation in freedom and bring Gods heavenly plan of law and order to earth.

I stand with Patrick Henry. This American Patriot was a leading advocate in the effort seeking

independence from Great Britain. During his lifetime of service to his state and his country, Mr. Henry

was a lawyer, member of the Virginia legislature and Continental Congress, and Virginia Governor.

On March 23rd, 1775, Patrick Henry addressed the Virginia Convention. At this time, the country

was deciding what course to take regarding escalation of British military presence in the colonies. The

colonists were torn between the options of war to defend their liberty or submitting to oppressive

demands of King Charles V.

Many people still felt a sense of loyalty and even patriotism toward Great Britain. Though manyappeals were made to the King regarding issues of importance to the colonists, they were not

received with open arms. Patrick made reference to this in his speech.

Sir, we have done everything that could be done to avert the storm which is now coming

on...Our petitions have been slighted, our remonstrances have produced additional violence and

insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the

foot of the throne!


17/21

In the speech given at the Virginia Convention, he made some very noteworthy remarks. Patrick

Henry considered the pursuit of independence as a great and arduous struggle for liberty. His belief

was that There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations...

He revered Gods authority above all else and considered cowering to oppressive forces as

...treason towards my country and disloyalty towards the Majesty of Heaven [Jesus Christ], which I

revere above all earthly kings. This view was commonly held as demonstrated through the often-

heard phrase, which echoed throughout the War for Independence, No King but Jesus.

At one point in the speech he said, The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant,

the active, the brave. He likened freedoms plight to a holy cause worthy of bravery. Millions of

people, armed in the holy cause of liberty...are invincible by any force which our enemy can send

against us. Besides...we shall not fight our battles alone [God will fight with and for us].

It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which

we hold to God and our country, he said. Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at

the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but

as for me, give me liberty or give me death!

And who could have said it better? We have much to learn from someone like him. May we carryforth his spirit of independence in our nation and labor to spread it to the far-reaching corners of the

earth. God bless the modern day Patrick Henrys.


18/21

Socialism or Dependence upon God

f only the people of Germany, who were facing desperate financial times, had not voted Adolph

Hitler into power. We could only sit and wonder how the course of human events would have been

altered, and for the better. The German people, to include most of the German church, saw Hitler

as Gods answer to the German economic problem. It was possibly their desperation that allowed

economics to become the top priority. Their choice of value-less priorities would serve to blind them to

the corrupt principles their chosen man of the hour espoused.

Hitlers answer for a weak German economy was socialism, whereby government partners with

business in the private sector becoming owner or part owner, and also the singling out of an entire

race of people. The Jews were perceived to have had so much social and business success that it was

to the detriment of so-called white-Aryan social and financial progress. The Jews were scapegoats for

the financial problems. Pride caused them to be seen as enemies to be wiped out.

Hitlers socialism provided well for people who were suffering due to economic depression but

allowed government to become deeply entrenched in the private affairs of the nation. Government

that partners with business is a dangerous concept to freedom because it empowers government (and

makes citizens subjects) over empowering people. I have heard it said by one former U.S. President

this way, A government that is big enough to give you all you want is also big enough to take it all

away. In a very real sense, people desiring socialism are desperate enough to make themselves

slaves of the government because they feel inadequate or unable to take care of themselves.

In the Bible, it is recorded in the Old Testament that people willingly sold themselves to their Kingin times of famine for fear that they would die. In Genesis, Joseph was put in charge over the whole

land of Egypt (Genesis 41:41) by the Pharaoh. Pharaoh placed Joseph in charge because he

interpreted a dream which prophesied seven years of great abundance followed by seven years of

great famine and then gave him wise instructions as how to proceed in preparation for the oncoming

famine (Genesis 41:25-40). The famine was so severe that the people sold their land to Pharaoh in

return for seed to plant the ground (Genesis 47:20,21,23). You see, they had never prepared reserves

to be used in case of famine. After first spending all of their money and then selling all of their

livestock in exchange for food, they approached Jacob and offered to sell both themselves and their

land to Pharaoh for food.

You saved our lives, they said. May we find favor in the eyes of our lord; we will be in bondage

to Pharaoh (Genesis 47:23, NIV). Notice that it was they who desired to in effect give up their

freedom by selling their land and becoming servants of Pharaoh and then pursued it until they got

what they wanted. Josephs purchase of the land on behalf of the King was a form of socialism. The

purpose of the land was for farming enterprise. Here is a biblical example of government, ruled by a

king, partnering itself with business enterprise to exist exclusively with the people. In addition, we

have an example of people, who out of their fear for the worst, desired to sell their freedom for a loaf

of bread.

I


19/21

Contrast this with a system of economics based upon dependence upon God. This is the

underlying theme of the American quest for freedom and is evident from the earliest colonist settling

upon her shores. Thanksgiving is the American holiday representative of this sentiment.

In 1623, William Bradford, the governor of Plymouth Colony in New England, proclaimed

November 29th a day of Thanksgiving to Almighty God for all His blessings. In his proclamation, he

listed some of the blessings worthy of Thanksgiving. They included abundant harvest, abounding fish

and game, protection from foreign invaders, and protection from sickness and disease. But, he

mentions one thing more (which is the most important of all)--the granting of freedom to worship God

according to the dictates of ones own conscience.

While in the midst of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln made it a priority to set apart and observe

the last Thursday of November , as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who

dwelleth in the Heavens. Even in the midst of military conflict and deep division created by the

practice of slavery, President Lincoln found reason to be thankful. The year that is drawing toward its

close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which

are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have

been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and softeneven the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. He

then went on to note all the ways he observed the country to be prospering. No human counsel hath

devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the

Most High God, he said. He also recognized that God had Divine purposes for the United States as he

asked the whole of the American people with one heart and one voice to fervently implore the

interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may

be consistent to the divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and Union.

There is an old poem written by the American poet Robert Frost that says, Two roads diverged in

the wood. Continuing the great American poet concludes, I chose the one less traveled by and it has

made all the difference. Dependence upon God is a liberating force shining the light of freedom upon

all those choosing to enter in. Should we rather depend on ourselves or upon the government? The

Bible says, No slave can serve two Masters, he will hate the one or love the other (Matthew 6:24,

NIV). Dependence upon God brings freedom through government that never tries to supercede Him

and His role in the lives of humanity. Socialism is a danger to that role and the ability for people to

freely worship Him from the dictates of their own conscience.

Because of the covetous nature of sinful man, as witnessed throughout the world today through

the means of tyrannical dictatorships and constant vying for power as evidenced by war, no nation can

remain free which increasingly and progressively entrusts government with power and ability that

potentially could be used to enslave people and thus domineer over them. Government that bringsfreedom must always feel the lesser of equals and promote the countrys best interest through humble

service rather than political prowess or partnership.

Those aspiring to political leadership always must exalt the God who provided them with

opportunity for service in this great nation by honoring His principle above all. These ideas are

essential to the furtherance of freedom. Young warriors of freedom must answer the call and march to

the beat of a heavenly drum. They must be willing to refuse the temptation to live up to the status

quo.


20/21

Heaven has dreams for America beyond our own. United together through a common bond of

reverential fear of God, we can soar to new heights in the America of the 21st century. We must

choose not to be common men and women. Instead, we must choose to be uncommon in our pursuit

of a more perfect Union and a better world around us. We must leave this nation a better place than

when we found it and pass on hopes of an even brighter tomorrow to our children and the next

generation.

The end result of secularism is to replace dependence upon God with dependence upon

government. Within a socialist or communist government, the views of the government preside over

views of persons or organizations in the general public. In effect, the government plays God by

dictating views which are acceptable to the majority in power and many times such views will be in

opposition to the Word of God. This is contrary to the biblical views of our founding Fathers.


21/21

A government that does not acknowledge dependence upon God is idolatrous. This type of

government is a by-product of the growth of secular-humanist philosophies that are also idolatrous by

their very nature. Politicians who presume what is best for all of us rule as more of a dictator than a

servant.

People are the ones responsible for how they conduct their lives within simple laws designed to

protect them and should be free from government interference. Socialism opposes dependence upon

God. Social progress and benevolence should be accomplished through promotion of private

enterprise primarily. Laws based on the Ten Commandments protect people to further the cause of

life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

special preview of select chapters from dreams of a godly america

Documents