Can a Nation Stay Free Without God? | Eric Metaxas

I want to talk to you about the meaning I want to talk to you about the meaning of America. of America. of America. This is not just some nation. Now, This is not just some nation. Now, This is not just some nation. Now, before you get all puffed up, you're no before you get all puffed up, you're no before you get all puffed up, you're no special and I'm no more special than special and I'm no more special than special and I'm no more special than anybody anywhere in the world. The Lord anybody anywhere in the world. The Lord anybody anywhere in the world. The Lord looks at us the same. looks at us the same. looks at us the same. But, the Lord But, the Lord But, the Lord works in history, unless you're a deist. works in history, unless you're a deist. works in history, unless you're a deist. Any deists in the audience? Any deists in the audience? Any deists in the audience? Good. Good. Good. God works in history. God works in history. God works in history. Uh and I believe and all of the founders Uh and I believe and all of the founders Uh and I believe and all of the founders believe that America was part of God's believe that America was part of God's believe that America was part of God's providential plan in history. providential plan in history. providential plan in history. So, even if you don't believe it, they So, even if you don't believe it, they So, even if you don't believe it, they believed it. That is our history. believed it. That is our history. believed it. That is our history. Um and so, America is Um and so, America is Um and so, America is you know, even to say a special nation, you know, even to say a special nation, you know, even to say a special nation, it's more than a special nation. It's it's more than a special nation. It's it's more than a special nation. It's God's idea of a nation. You heard the God's idea of a nation. You heard the God's idea of a nation. You heard the the quote or you read the quote just now the quote or you read the quote just now the quote or you read the quote just now from John Adams. No less than the great, from John Adams. No less than the great, from John Adams. No less than the great, great, great John Adams said that the great, great John Adams said that the great, great John Adams said that the general principles on which our fathers general principles on which our fathers general principles on which our fathers achieved independence achieved independence achieved independence are the general principles of are the general principles of are the general principles of Christianity.

Christianity. Christianity. He said that. Many of them said similar He said that. Many of them said similar He said that. Many of them said similar things and they all believed that. And things and they all believed that. And things and they all believed that. And the question is, why don't we all hear the question is, why don't we all hear the question is, why don't we all hear that? that? that? Why isn't it being taught in most Why isn't it being taught in most Why isn't it being taught in most schools? Why isn't it part of the schools? Why isn't it part of the schools? Why isn't it part of the culture? Even if you don't like the culture? Even if you don't like the culture? Even if you don't like the idea, it's a fact. You know, you might idea, it's a fact. You know, you might idea, it's a fact. You know, you might not like the fact that Columbus came not like the fact that Columbus came not like the fact that Columbus came here in 1492, but it's just one of those here in 1492, but it's just one of those here in 1492, but it's just one of those facts. And as John Adams said, and this facts. And as John Adams said, and this facts. And as John Adams said, and this is his quote, "Facts are stubborn is his quote, "Facts are stubborn is his quote, "Facts are stubborn things." things." things." That's his quote. It's in my book. Um That's his quote. It's in my book. Um That's his quote. It's in my book. Um and I just thought, you know what? Um in and I just thought, you know what? Um in and I just thought, you know what? Um in the last number of decades, now again, I the last number of decades, now again, I the last number of decades, now again, I can't speak for Houston, certainly can't can't speak for Houston, certainly can't can't speak for Houston, certainly can't speak for this church cuz you all are an speak for this church cuz you all are an speak for this church cuz you all are an anomaly here, but most of America has anomaly here, but most of America has anomaly here, but most of America has not sufficiently understood our not sufficiently understood our not sufficiently understood our founding, has not understood God's hand founding, has not understood God's hand founding, has not understood God's hand in our founding or that at least all of in our founding or that at least all of in our founding or that at least all of the founders, the men of the revolution the founders, the men of the revolution the founders, the men of the revolution firmly believed firmly believed that firmly believed firmly believed that firmly believed firmly believed that God's hand was with them in this God's hand was with them in this God's hand was with them in this project. project. project. That liberty cannot exist apart from the That liberty cannot exist apart from the That liberty cannot exist apart from the God of the Bible. That is not widely God of the Bible. That is not widely God of the Bible. That is not widely taught in our culture. If you had the taught in our culture. If you had the taught in our culture. If you had the misfortune of watching the PBS misfortune of watching the PBS misfortune of watching the PBS documentary on the revolution by Ken documentary on the revolution by Ken documentary on the revolution by Ken Burns. By the way, miss it if you can.

Burns. By the way, miss it if you can. Burns. By the way, miss it if you can. Sometimes you can't help it, but if you Sometimes you can't help it, but if you Sometimes you can't help it, but if you can miss it. can miss it. can miss it. It's not wicked, but it ain't good It's not wicked, but it ain't good It's not wicked, but it ain't good either. Can I use the word ain't? I'm a either. Can I use the word ain't? I'm a either. Can I use the word ain't? I'm a Yale English major. So, but I'm I'm Yale English major. So, but I'm I'm Yale English major. So, but I'm I'm going to use it. going to use it. going to use it. Sometimes people just ignore the heart Sometimes people just ignore the heart Sometimes people just ignore the heart of the matter. The heart of the matter of the matter. The heart of the matter of the matter. The heart of the matter in the American Revolution is that God in the American Revolution is that God in the American Revolution is that God is all over it and it's not just because is all over it and it's not just because is all over it and it's not just because we want to believe that. It just happens we want to believe that. It just happens we want to believe that. It just happens to be true. It's inescapable. It's to be true. It's inescapable. It's to be true. It's inescapable. It's crazy. crazy. crazy. And so when I said it's going to be the And so when I said it's going to be the And so when I said it's going to be the 250th, I want to write a single volume, 250th, I want to write a single volume, 250th, I want to write a single volume, one book, you know, that tells the whole one book, you know, that tells the whole one book, you know, that tells the whole story of the revolution. Because there's story of the revolution. Because there's story of the revolution. Because there's zillions of books on the revolution, but zillions of books on the revolution, but zillions of books on the revolution, but there wasn't a book that on a popular there wasn't a book that on a popular there wasn't a book that on a popular level tells you the whole story, right? level tells you the whole story, right? level tells you the whole story, right? There's all kinds of books, but if you There's all kinds of books, but if you There's all kinds of books, but if you just want to read one book, I thought I just want to read one book, I thought I just want to read one book, I thought I want to write that book because I want want to write that book because I want want to write that book because I want to tell the glorious stories. There are to tell the glorious stories. There are to tell the glorious stories. There are so many stories, glorious, glorious, so many stories, glorious, glorious, so many stories, glorious, glorious, glorious stories about tremendous heroes glorious stories about tremendous heroes glorious stories about tremendous heroes and a few despicable villains. Every and a few despicable villains. Every and a few despicable villains. Every single American has a debt. single American has a debt. single American has a debt. A debt. If you live in this country, you A debt. If you live in this country, you A debt. If you live in this country, you have a debt. You need to know that have a debt. You need to know that have a debt. You need to know that stuff. We need to know this stuff and stuff. We need to know this stuff and stuff. We need to know this stuff and shame on us that we've let it slide. I shame on us that we've let it slide. I shame on us that we've let it slide. I think in our 250 years time time for us think in our 250 years time time for us think in our 250 years time time for us to focus this summer, whether you go to to focus this summer, whether you go to to focus this summer, whether you go to the beach or don't. Like this is this is the beach or don't. Like this is this is the beach or don't. Like this is this is the time we need to read about this. And the time we need to read about this. And the time we need to read about this. And if you find a better book than mine or if you find a better book than mine or if you find a better book than mine or another book or whatever, feel free. But another book or whatever, feel free. But another book or whatever, feel free. But the point is this is our time. This is the point is this is our time. This is the point is this is our time. This is not I didn't write this book for history not I didn't write this book for history not I didn't write this book for history buffs. I wrote it for Americans.

buffs. I wrote it for Americans. buffs. I wrote it for Americans. Every American needs to know these Every American needs to know these Every American needs to know these stories. Whatever I learned, you know, stories. Whatever I learned, you know, stories. Whatever I learned, you know, in fifth grade or eighth grade, I in fifth grade or eighth grade, I in fifth grade or eighth grade, I forgot. We need to to learn this stuff. forgot. We need to to learn this stuff. forgot. We need to to learn this stuff. So people said, "Why are you writing So people said, "Why are you writing So people said, "Why are you writing this book?" I said, "Because we need to this book?" I said, "Because we need to this book?" I said, "Because we need to have one book that tells the whole have one book that tells the whole have one book that tells the whole story." story." story." And everybody said, "Oh, what's your And everybody said, "Oh, what's your And everybody said, "Oh, what's your angle?" What's your angle? And I said, angle?" What's your angle? And I said, angle?" What's your angle? And I said, "Well, I don't have an angle, you know, "Well, I don't have an angle, you know, "Well, I don't have an angle, you know, I'm not an academic that I got to take a I'm not an academic that I got to take a I'm not an academic that I got to take a some kind of an angle. I'm telling you some kind of an angle. I'm telling you some kind of an angle. I'm telling you something you didn't know or or I just I something you didn't know or or I just I something you didn't know or or I just I just want to write the story, which is just want to write the story, which is just want to write the story, which is really an epic narrative of all these really an epic narrative of all these really an epic narrative of all these stories, you know, starting in 1761 when stories, you know, starting in 1761 when stories, you know, starting in 1761 when King George III comes to the throne and King George III comes to the throne and King George III comes to the throne and leads to all the stuff and the Stamp Act leads to all the stuff and the Stamp Act leads to all the stuff and the Stamp Act and all the conflict which leads to and all the conflict which leads to and all the conflict which leads to Lexington and Concord and then the story Lexington and Concord and then the story Lexington and Concord and then the story of the war and I said I just want to of the war and I said I just want to of the war and I said I just want to tell that story. That's all I want to tell that story. That's all I want to tell that story. That's all I want to do. do. do. But in the course of doing my research But in the course of doing my research But in the course of doing my research I kept seeing stuff that I hadn't really I kept seeing stuff that I hadn't really I kept seeing stuff that I hadn't really noticed before. noticed before. noticed before. And I would see something and go, well, And I would see something and go, well, And I would see something and go, well, that's weird, you know, cuz I'm I'm that's weird, you know, cuz I'm I'm that's weird, you know, cuz I'm I'm self-confident enough to admit my self-confident enough to admit my self-confident enough to admit my ignorance. There's a lot of stuff I ignorance. There's a lot of stuff I ignorance. There's a lot of stuff I didn't know. I don't go into something didn't know. I don't go into something didn't know. I don't go into something armed with 30 years of research. I go in armed with 30 years of research. I go in armed with 30 years of research. I go in armed with just enough that I want to armed with just enough that I want to armed with just enough that I want to write this book and I start doing the write this book and I start doing the write this book and I start doing the research and reading and reading and research and reading and reading and research and reading and reading and reading, but some stuff popped up to me reading, but some stuff popped up to me reading, but some stuff popped up to me and I kind of thought, how come I've and I kind of thought, how come I've and I kind of thought, how come I've never heard this before? How come I've never heard this before? How come I've never heard this before? How come I've never seen this before? And the main never seen this before? And the main never seen this before? And the main thing that popped up to me thing that popped up to me thing that popped up to me is the inescapably is the inescapably is the inescapably godly character godly character godly character of the men and women in the 13 colonies.

of the men and women in the 13 colonies. of the men and women in the 13 colonies. It is an astonishing thing to notice how It is an astonishing thing to notice how It is an astonishing thing to notice how all of them knew the Bible. It was a all of them knew the Bible. It was a all of them knew the Bible. It was a Christian culture like we do not have in Christian culture like we do not have in Christian culture like we do not have in America anymore. Even here, even in this America anymore. Even here, even in this America anymore. Even here, even in this in this church, everybody knew in this church, everybody knew in this church, everybody knew scripture, spoke in ways that were just scripture, spoke in ways that were just scripture, spoke in ways that were just constantly referencing scripture. It constantly referencing scripture. It constantly referencing scripture. It would it was thoroughly suffused with would it was thoroughly suffused with would it was thoroughly suffused with Christian faith in a way that's not Christian faith in a way that's not Christian faith in a way that's not normal. normal. normal. And And And those people had certain parochial ideas those people had certain parochial ideas those people had certain parochial ideas about God and liberty about God and liberty about God and liberty ideas about liberty that come from no ideas about liberty that come from no ideas about liberty that come from no place else but the Bible. place else but the Bible. place else but the Bible. And I started noticing how clear this And I started noticing how clear this And I started noticing how clear this was. I said, this is kind of crazy. Why was. I said, this is kind of crazy. Why was. I said, this is kind of crazy. Why have I not heard this? How I mean in in have I not heard this? How I mean in in have I not heard this? How I mean in in in the Ken Burns PBS thing, they don't in the Ken Burns PBS thing, they don't in the Ken Burns PBS thing, they don't even mention this. even mention this. even mention this. I want you to think about that. 12 hours I want you to think about that. 12 hours I want you to think about that. 12 hours on the American Revolution, they don't on the American Revolution, they don't on the American Revolution, they don't mention this. They act like, well, it's mention this. They act like, well, it's mention this. They act like, well, it's not really true. not really true. not really true. Folks, not only is it true, it is Folks, not only is it true, it is Folks, not only is it true, it is inescapably inescapably inescapably everywhere, overwhelmingly true, everywhere, overwhelmingly true, everywhere, overwhelmingly true, embarrassingly true, true to the point embarrassingly true, true to the point embarrassingly true, true to the point that not to talk about it is a vile lie.

And we need to know that. Again, this is And we need to know that. Again, this is not your point of view or my point of not your point of view or my point of not your point of view or my point of view. It's not opinion. We We don't need view. It's not opinion. We We don't need view. It's not opinion. We We don't need to tell what's my What's your Christian to tell what's my What's your Christian to tell what's my What's your Christian view? What is the truth of history? view? What is the truth of history? view? What is the truth of history? Everywhere I looked, I was truly Everywhere I looked, I was truly Everywhere I looked, I was truly astonished at the faith of the men and astonished at the faith of the men and astonished at the faith of the men and the women of the Revolution. I was the women of the Revolution. I was the women of the Revolution. I was astonished to the point where it started astonished to the point where it started astonished to the point where it started driving me crazy. I said, "How come I'm driving me crazy. I said, "How come I'm driving me crazy. I said, "How come I'm not seeing this more?" This is I mean, not seeing this more?" This is I mean, not seeing this more?" This is I mean, in all these books I'm reading, I'm in all these books I'm reading, I'm in all these books I'm reading, I'm seeing examples of this, but but nobody seeing examples of this, but but nobody seeing examples of this, but but nobody seems to be talking about it. It's kind seems to be talking about it. It's kind seems to be talking about it. It's kind of like, yeah, that was a weird thing of like, yeah, that was a weird thing of like, yeah, that was a weird thing they did back then. they did back then. they did back then. And I thought, And I thought, And I thought, "I need to write the hidden history "I need to write the hidden history "I need to write the hidden history of the birth of this country." Or at of the birth of this country." Or at of the birth of this country." Or at least that's what I'm doing. I didn't least that's what I'm doing. I didn't least that's what I'm doing. I didn't set out to do it. I didn't set out with set out to do it. I didn't set out with set out to do it. I didn't set out with an angle, but I thought, "If I simply an angle, but I thought, "If I simply an angle, but I thought, "If I simply tell this story, a lot of people are tell this story, a lot of people are tell this story, a lot of people are going to think, well, where'd you get going to think, well, where'd you get going to think, well, where'd you get this from?" this from?" this from?" Folks, most Americans knew this up until Folks, most Americans knew this up until Folks, most Americans knew this up until about 50 years ago. about 50 years ago. about 50 years ago. Okay? If there's Okay? If there's Okay? If there's any older folks here, the oldest among any older folks here, the oldest among any older folks here, the oldest among us, you you got this in in school. us, you you got this in in school. us, you you got this in in school. But it kind of went away. But it kind of went away. But it kind of went away. And what I noticed also is that the And what I noticed also is that the And what I noticed also is that the other side, the British elites, I mean, other side, the British elites, I mean, other side, the British elites, I mean, I was just in London 2 days ago I was just in London 2 days ago I was just in London 2 days ago interviewing a British scholar on King interviewing a British scholar on King interviewing a British scholar on King George III, who wasn't really such a bad George III, who wasn't really such a bad George III, who wasn't really such a bad guy in some ways, but you know, he got guy in some ways, but you know, he got guy in some ways, but you know, he got the colonies wrong as wrong as Pharaoh the colonies wrong as wrong as Pharaoh the colonies wrong as wrong as Pharaoh got, you know, Moses and the Israelites got, you know, Moses and the Israelites got, you know, Moses and the Israelites wrong. Like, he kind of blew it.

wrong. Like, he kind of blew it. wrong. Like, he kind of blew it. It's kind of like, if you were Pharaoh's It's kind of like, if you were Pharaoh's It's kind of like, if you were Pharaoh's friend, you'd say, like, after the third friend, you'd say, like, after the third friend, you'd say, like, after the third plague, you'd want to be, "Listen, plague, you'd want to be, "Listen, plague, you'd want to be, "Listen, Pharaoh, Pharaoh, Pharaoh, I don't I think you may be, you know, I don't I think you may be, you know, I don't I think you may be, you know, I don't know if this is going to is I don't know if this is going to is I don't know if this is going to is going to go your way. I'm I just have a going to go your way. I'm I just have a going to go your way. I'm I just have a sense sense sense you may want to cut your losses and let you may want to cut your losses and let you may want to cut your losses and let them go." them go." them go." As your friend, I'm just telling you As your friend, I'm just telling you As your friend, I'm just telling you know know know That's that's what happened with King That's that's what happened with King That's that's what happened with King George the third. There's kind of a George the third. There's kind of a George the third. There's kind of a hardness of heart. It's a bizarre thing hardness of heart. It's a bizarre thing hardness of heart. It's a bizarre thing to watch this in history where you say to watch this in history where you say to watch this in history where you say you're you're handling this exactly you're you're handling this exactly you're you're handling this exactly wrong. wrong. wrong. Well, Well, Well, I guess the bottom line the reason I I guess the bottom line the reason I I guess the bottom line the reason I bring that up is that in interviewing bring that up is that in interviewing bring that up is that in interviewing the scholar you know we were talking the scholar you know we were talking the scholar you know we were talking about the British elites of this era of about the British elites of this era of about the British elites of this era of the 1760s and 70s. Georgian England was the 1760s and 70s. Georgian England was the 1760s and 70s. Georgian England was tremendously decadent, tremendously tremendously decadent, tremendously tremendously decadent, tremendously godless, sneering godless, sneering godless, sneering uh at the at the simple Christian faith uh at the at the simple Christian faith uh at the at the simple Christian faith of the men in the 13 colonies of the men in the 13 colonies of the men in the 13 colonies particularly in Massachusetts which was particularly in Massachusetts which was particularly in Massachusetts which was very Puritan, sneering at it, mocking at very Puritan, sneering at it, mocking at very Puritan, sneering at it, mocking at it, it, it, looking at it derisively and thinking we looking at it derisively and thinking we looking at it derisively and thinking we have tremendous power, leaning on the have tremendous power, leaning on the have tremendous power, leaning on the arm of the flesh, right? We're going to arm of the flesh, right? We're going to arm of the flesh, right? We're going to crush you.

crush you. crush you. Well, Well, Well, I'd never really seen it so clearly that I'd never really seen it so clearly that I'd never really seen it so clearly that in some ways it was a battle of good in some ways it was a battle of good in some ways it was a battle of good versus evil. It's a it's an astonishing versus evil. It's a it's an astonishing versus evil. It's a it's an astonishing story. I said I have to write about story. I said I have to write about story. I said I have to write about this. this. this. I have to tell the truth and even the I have to tell the truth and even the I have to tell the truth and even the title of my book, it's just revolution. title of my book, it's just revolution. title of my book, it's just revolution. It's not the American Revolution. Why? It's not the American Revolution. Why? It's not the American Revolution. Why? Because we kind of act like oh well ours Because we kind of act like oh well ours Because we kind of act like oh well ours is one of many revolutions. Well, that's is one of many revolutions. Well, that's is one of many revolutions. Well, that's baloney. Can I say baloney? baloney. Can I say baloney? baloney. Can I say baloney? >> [laughter] >> Uh >> Uh I cannot tell you I cannot tell you I cannot tell you how true it is that there only has been how true it is that there only has been how true it is that there only has been one genuine successful revolution in the one genuine successful revolution in the one genuine successful revolution in the history of the world and that is our history of the world and that is our history of the world and that is our revolution. It is the revolution because revolution. It is the revolution because revolution. It is the revolution because it's it's the revolution where what did it's it's the revolution where what did it's it's the revolution where what did they do? They said we are going to they do? They said we are going to they do? They said we are going to replace the sovereign, King George the replace the sovereign, King George the replace the sovereign, King George the third, with God our sovereign. third, with God our sovereign. third, with God our sovereign. They understood that if we do not look They understood that if we do not look They understood that if we do not look to God as the Israelites in the to God as the Israelites in the to God as the Israelites in the wilderness looked to God, directly to wilderness looked to God, directly to wilderness looked to God, directly to the Lord, we could not govern ourselves.

the Lord, we could not govern ourselves. the Lord, we could not govern ourselves. You cannot have liberty without looking You cannot have liberty without looking You cannot have liberty without looking to the Lord. They all understood that to the Lord. They all understood that to the Lord. They all understood that and that's what I discovered over and and that's what I discovered over and and that's what I discovered over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over. They all understood this. They all over. They all understood this. They all over. They all understood this. They all got this narrative. They didn't have got this narrative. They didn't have got this narrative. They didn't have some utopian a stupid idea as the French some utopian a stupid idea as the French some utopian a stupid idea as the French did in the French Revolution that we can did in the French Revolution that we can did in the French Revolution that we can do this on our own. We don't need God. do this on our own. We don't need God. do this on our own. We don't need God. We don't need the church. We're just We don't need the church. We're just We don't need the church. We're just going to do it on our own. The I mean in going to do it on our own. The I mean in going to do it on our own. The I mean in France, the French Revolution, how did France, the French Revolution, how did France, the French Revolution, how did that go? You know how that went? They that go? You know how that went? They that go? You know how that went? They said we don't like the king. Okay, said we don't like the king. Okay, said we don't like the king. Okay, great. So, we're going to behead the great. So, we're going to behead the great. So, we're going to behead the king and queen. We got rid of the king king and queen. We got rid of the king king and queen. We got rid of the king and queen. and queen. and queen. Now we're going to start killing all the Now we're going to start killing all the Now we're going to start killing all the priests and nuns. priests and nuns. priests and nuns. It was utterly godless. It was utterly godless. It was utterly godless. It was dramatically, brazenly godless. It was dramatically, brazenly godless. It was dramatically, brazenly godless. And how did that work out? If you don't And how did that work out? If you don't And how did that work out? If you don't pray if you don't replace the king with pray if you don't replace the king with pray if you don't replace the king with looking to God the king, what do you looking to God the king, what do you looking to God the king, what do you get? Well, you get anarchy. You get a get? Well, you get anarchy. You get a get? Well, you get anarchy. You get a bloodbath followed by a dictator named bloodbath followed by a dictator named bloodbath followed by a dictator named Napoleon who proclaims himself emperor. Napoleon who proclaims himself emperor. Napoleon who proclaims himself emperor. That's the French Revolution. That's the French Revolution. That's the French Revolution. That's called a failure, folks.

That's called a failure, folks. That's called a failure, folks. That's a joke of a revolution. That's an That's a joke of a revolution. That's an That's a joke of a revolution. That's an embarrassment of a revolution. So, yeah, embarrassment of a revolution. So, yeah, embarrassment of a revolution. So, yeah, that's history, but that's nothing to to that's history, but that's nothing to to that's history, but that's nothing to to scream about. Yeah, we got rid of, you scream about. Yeah, we got rid of, you scream about. Yeah, we got rid of, you know, King Louis the the Louis the 16th. know, King Louis the the Louis the 16th. know, King Louis the the Louis the 16th. Yeah, and you got a dictator emperor Yeah, and you got a dictator emperor Yeah, and you got a dictator emperor named Napoleon. How did that work out? named Napoleon. How did that work out? named Napoleon. How did that work out? How did the Bolshevik Revolution work How did the Bolshevik Revolution work How did the Bolshevik Revolution work out? Where they promised the people out? Where they promised the people out? Where they promised the people you're you're going to govern. The you're you're going to govern. The you're you're going to govern. The people are going to govern. The people people are going to govern. The people people are going to govern. The people were enslaved were enslaved were enslaved by the Soviet Union. The people are by the Soviet Union. The people are by the Soviet Union. The people are enslaved in Communist China. All these enslaved in Communist China. All these enslaved in Communist China. All these revolutions are parodies, demonic revolutions are parodies, demonic revolutions are parodies, demonic parodies of God's idea of a revolution. parodies of God's idea of a revolution. parodies of God's idea of a revolution. Our revolution is the only revolution Our revolution is the only revolution Our revolution is the only revolution where the founders understood unless we where the founders understood unless we where the founders understood unless we put our hope in God, we will fail and we put our hope in God, we will fail and we put our hope in God, we will fail and we deserve to fail. deserve to fail. deserve to fail. They knew that. They knew that. They knew that. And they fought that way. And so, that's And they fought that way. And so, that's And they fought that way. And so, that's why my book is titled Revolution, The why my book is titled Revolution, The why my book is titled Revolution, The Birth of the Greatest Nation in the Birth of the Greatest Nation in the Birth of the Greatest Nation in the History of the World. It's the only time History of the World. It's the only time History of the World. It's the only time in the history of the world where a in the history of the world where a in the history of the world where a group of people understood it's possible group of people understood it's possible group of people understood it's possible for us to do this. We're going to get for us to do this. We're going to get for us to do this. We're going to get rid of the king, but we are going to rid of the king, but we are going to rid of the king, but we are going to look directly to God the king. They all look directly to God the king. They all look directly to God the king. They all understood the narrative is like the understood the narrative is like the understood the narrative is like the Israelites in the wilderness. We come Israelites in the wilderness. We come Israelites in the wilderness. We come out from under Pharaoh, out of bondage out from under Pharaoh, out of bondage out from under Pharaoh, out of bondage in Egypt, but we're not alone. We look in Egypt, but we're not alone. We look in Egypt, but we're not alone. We look to the Lord. And when we look to the to the Lord. And when we look to the to the Lord. And when we look to the Lord and obey the Lord and covenant Lord and obey the Lord and covenant Lord and obey the Lord and covenant directly with the Lord, directly with the Lord, directly with the Lord, we can govern ourselves.

we can govern ourselves. we can govern ourselves. Now, that is just historical fact. I'm Now, that is just historical fact. I'm Now, that is just historical fact. I'm not telling you that's the Christian not telling you that's the Christian not telling you that's the Christian version. Some people will claim it's the version. Some people will claim it's the version. Some people will claim it's the Christian version, but if you do the Christian version, but if you do the Christian version, but if you do the research as I did, all of the founders research as I did, all of the founders research as I did, all of the founders understood this. You say, "Oh, yeah, but understood this. You say, "Oh, yeah, but understood this. You say, "Oh, yeah, but just the Christian founders." Well, just the Christian founders." Well, just the Christian founders." Well, either they were all Christian, either they were all Christian, either they were all Christian, almost all of them were fire-breathing almost all of them were fire-breathing almost all of them were fire-breathing evangelical Christians. They wouldn't evangelical Christians. They wouldn't evangelical Christians. They wouldn't have used that term, but that's just a have used that term, but that's just a have used that term, but that's just a fact. When you read what they write, fact. When you read what they write, fact. When you read what they write, it's almost funny. I mean, Nathan Hale, it's almost funny. I mean, Nathan Hale, it's almost funny. I mean, Nathan Hale, one of the most pious, amazing one of the most pious, amazing one of the most pious, amazing Christians ever. Henry Knox, he even all Christians ever. Henry Knox, he even all Christians ever. Henry Knox, he even all of those figures, everywhere you look. of those figures, everywhere you look. of those figures, everywhere you look. Patrick Henry, John John Hancock, Patrick Henry, John John Hancock, Patrick Henry, John John Hancock, it's unbelievable how Christian they it's unbelievable how Christian they it's unbelievable how Christian they were, suffused with Christian faith, were, suffused with Christian faith, were, suffused with Christian faith, publicly speaking about their Christian publicly speaking about their Christian publicly speaking about their Christian faith. And the only ones you'd say the faith. And the only ones you'd say the faith. And the only ones you'd say the least religious among them may be least religious among them may be least religious among them may be Benjamin Franklin and John and Benjamin Franklin and John and Benjamin Franklin and John and Jefferson. Jefferson. Jefferson. Well, you just heard the quotes from Well, you just heard the quotes from Well, you just heard the quotes from Franklin. Franklin. Franklin. At the end of his life, he sounded At the end of his life, he sounded At the end of his life, he sounded pretty darn religious to me. pretty darn religious to me. pretty darn religious to me. I don't know what it what what what he I don't know what it what what what he I don't know what it what what what he was like earlier, but I want to tell was like earlier, but I want to tell was like earlier, but I want to tell you, there's so many things that he you, there's so many things that he you, there's so many things that he said. But so even if you just single out said. But so even if you just single out said. But so even if you just single out Franklin and Jefferson, even they Franklin and Jefferson, even they Franklin and Jefferson, even they understood the narrative because they understood the narrative because they understood the narrative because they were asked, among others, to create an a were asked, among others, to create an a were asked, among others, to create an a seal for the new for the new nation.

seal for the new for the new nation. seal for the new for the new nation. Both of those men, the least religious Both of those men, the least religious Both of those men, the least religious men, men, men, came up with uh Franklin came up with came up with uh Franklin came up with came up with uh Franklin came up with Moses in the wilderness, or or rather Moses in the wilderness, or or rather Moses in the wilderness, or or rather Moses overseeing the parting of the Red Moses overseeing the parting of the Red Moses overseeing the parting of the Red Sea with Pharaoh's army drowning. Sea with Pharaoh's army drowning. Sea with Pharaoh's army drowning. That's Benjamin Franklin came up with That's Benjamin Franklin came up with That's Benjamin Franklin came up with that as the image for the seal of the that as the image for the seal of the that as the image for the seal of the United States of America. He got that United States of America. He got that United States of America. He got that narrative. Jefferson came up with the narrative. Jefferson came up with the narrative. Jefferson came up with the image of the Israelites in the image of the Israelites in the image of the Israelites in the wilderness following the pillar of fire wilderness following the pillar of fire wilderness following the pillar of fire and the cloud. and the cloud. and the cloud. Every single one of the founders got the Every single one of the founders got the Every single one of the founders got the narrative. This is what we're doing. narrative. This is what we're doing. narrative. This is what we're doing. We're going back to Sinai. We're going We're going back to Sinai. We're going We're going back to Sinai. We're going to do what hasn't been done in modern to do what hasn't been done in modern to do what hasn't been done in modern times. We're going to be doing what times. We're going to be doing what times. We're going to be doing what hasn't been done in in 3,000 years. hasn't been done in in 3,000 years. hasn't been done in in 3,000 years. We're going to look directly to the We're going to look directly to the We're going to look directly to the Lord. Lord. Lord. They all got that. Why don't we know They all got that. Why don't we know They all got that. Why don't we know that? Why doesn't every American know that? Why doesn't every American know that? Why doesn't every American know that? Even if you don't like it, why that? Even if you don't like it, why that? Even if you don't like it, why don't you know it? Why doesn't every don't you know it? Why doesn't every don't you know it? Why doesn't every American know this? Cuz this is history. American know this? Cuz this is history. American know this? Cuz this is history. This is not Christian history. This is not Christian history. This is not Christian history. It's been hidden from us. It's been It's been hidden from us. It's been It's been hidden from us. It's been shoved away by people who just don't shoved away by people who just don't shoved away by people who just don't like it. They want to pretend that you like it. They want to pretend that you like it. They want to pretend that you can achieve liberty and self-government can achieve liberty and self-government can achieve liberty and self-government on French Enlightenment principles.

on French Enlightenment principles. on French Enlightenment principles. That is a vile lie. That is a vile lie. That is a vile lie. And we need to know that. And we need to know that. And we need to know that. And we need to proclaim the truth. And And we need to proclaim the truth. And And we need to proclaim the truth. And again, people don't have to agree again, people don't have to agree again, people don't have to agree because here's the point. They because here's the point. They because here's the point. They understood that without Christian faith, understood that without Christian faith, understood that without Christian faith, we cannot have liberty. But they also we cannot have liberty. But they also we cannot have liberty. But they also understood with liberty, you cannot understood with liberty, you cannot understood with liberty, you cannot force Christian faith. We do not convert force Christian faith. We do not convert force Christian faith. We do not convert by the sword. by the sword. by the sword. If you convert by the sword, you're If you convert by the sword, you're If you convert by the sword, you're working for Satan. You're not working working for Satan. You're not working working for Satan. You're not working for God. for God. for God. And we believe that the Holy Spirit And we believe that the Holy Spirit And we believe that the Holy Spirit converts people. That it's the Lord's converts people. That it's the Lord's converts people. That it's the Lord's will that people come to him. So we will that people come to him. So we will that people come to him. So we don't need to force it. We allow don't need to force it. We allow don't need to force it. We allow liberty. We say in this country liberty. We say in this country liberty. We say in this country without faith, without virtue, without faith, without virtue, without faith, without virtue, we cannot be free. But because we have we cannot be free. But because we have we cannot be free. But because we have liberty, liberty, liberty, everyone is free to obey God as they everyone is free to obey God as they everyone is free to obey God as they like or not to obey God or to worship like or not to obey God or to worship like or not to obey God or to worship God or not to obey God. That you're God or not to obey God. That you're God or not to obey God. That you're free. free. free. And freedom is a scary thing. And freedom is a scary thing. And freedom is a scary thing. But we know that the Lord allows us But we know that the Lord allows us But we know that the Lord allows us freedom and free will. freedom and free will. freedom and free will. And so And so And so they had this idea of covenant theology.

they had this idea of covenant theology. they had this idea of covenant theology. Blessed is the nation Blessed is the nation Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. The the the men whose God is the Lord. The the the men whose God is the Lord. The the the men fighting knew that without God's fighting knew that without God's fighting knew that without God's blessing, we will fail and we deserve to blessing, we will fail and we deserve to blessing, we will fail and we deserve to fail. fail. fail. So we want to get God's blessing. So we want to get God's blessing. So we want to get God's blessing. So, people like George Washington and So, people like George Washington and So, people like George Washington and others sternly enjoined their officers others sternly enjoined their officers others sternly enjoined their officers to be lead godly lives. No swearing. to be lead godly lives. No swearing. to be lead godly lives. No swearing. Imagine, George Washington, you know, Imagine, George Washington, you know, Imagine, George Washington, you know, they say, "Oh, he's a deist." He's not a they say, "Oh, he's a deist." He's not a they say, "Oh, he's a deist." He's not a deist. He's not even close to to a deist. He's not even close to to a deist. He's not even close to to a deist, okay? deist, okay? deist, okay? I think I think Ben Young is closer to a I think I think Ben Young is closer to a I think I think Ben Young is closer to a deist than George Washington. I'm just deist than George Washington. I'm just deist than George Washington. I'm just telling you. I'm glad he's not here to telling you. I'm glad he's not here to telling you. I'm glad he's not here to hear that, but it's a fact of history. hear that, but it's a fact of history. hear that, but it's a fact of history. George Washington was no deist, and he George Washington was no deist, and he George Washington was no deist, and he he's tell Imagine him telling his he's tell Imagine him telling his he's tell Imagine him telling his officers, officers, officers, "I don't want any swearing in the "I don't want any swearing in the "I don't want any swearing in the ranks." ranks." ranks." I don't want any swearing. What swearing I don't want any swearing. What swearing I don't want any swearing. What swearing What difference would that make to What difference would that make to What difference would that make to whether you win the war? whether you win the war? whether you win the war? Unless you believe that we need God's Unless you believe that we need God's Unless you believe that we need God's blessing.

blessing. blessing. "I don't want gambling. I don't want "I don't want gambling. I don't want "I don't want gambling. I don't want swearing, and we will not fight the way swearing, and we will not fight the way swearing, and we will not fight the way the British fight." The British fought the British fight." The British fought the British fight." The British fought in the way you would guess in the way you would guess in the way you would guess from people who were from people who were from people who were godless and mocking of God. They fought godless and mocking of God. They fought godless and mocking of God. They fought the way the Japanese or the Nazis fought the way the Japanese or the Nazis fought the way the Japanese or the Nazis fought in World War II. in World War II. in World War II. When when we would surrender to the When when we would surrender to the When when we would surrender to the British, British, British, they would often bayonet us to death they would often bayonet us to death they would often bayonet us to death when we surrendered. That's we call that when we surrendered. That's we call that when we surrendered. That's we call that war crimes. war crimes. war crimes. They treated their prisoners abominably. They treated their prisoners abominably. They treated their prisoners abominably. I I don't even want to talk about it. I I don't even want to talk about it. I I don't even want to talk about it. It's It's all in my book, obviously, but It's It's all in my book, obviously, but It's It's all in my book, obviously, but 10,000 American prisoners died in the 10,000 American prisoners died in the 10,000 American prisoners died in the prisons prisons prisons because they were so horrible. because they were so horrible. because they were so horrible. And George Washington sternly spoke to And George Washington sternly spoke to And George Washington sternly spoke to his officers, "We will never stoop to his officers, "We will never stoop to his officers, "We will never stoop to that." that." that." Now, why wouldn't you stoop to that to Now, why wouldn't you stoop to that to Now, why wouldn't you stoop to that to win? Unless you believed win? Unless you believed win? Unless you believed that if we obey God, God will bless us. that if we obey God, God will bless us. that if we obey God, God will bless us. So, we will fight God's way. We will So, we will fight God's way. We will So, we will fight God's way. We will make a covenant with God. This is make a covenant with God. This is make a covenant with God. This is covenant theology. This is Protestant covenant theology. This is Protestant covenant theology. This is Protestant Reformation Puritan covenant theology Reformation Puritan covenant theology Reformation Puritan covenant theology that we get from looking at the Old that we get from looking at the Old that we get from looking at the Old Testament, that they got from looking at Testament, that they got from looking at Testament, that they got from looking at the Old Testament. This is how you the Old Testament. This is how you the Old Testament. This is how you fight. This is how you win. And if you fight. This is how you win. And if you fight. This is how you win. And if you don't win, you praise the Lord anyway.

don't win, you praise the Lord anyway. don't win, you praise the Lord anyway. That fo- folks, that is faith. That fo- folks, that is faith. That fo- folks, that is faith. That is faith. That is faith. That is faith. They didn't have that in the French They didn't have that in the French They didn't have that in the French Revolution. The British didn't have Revolution. The British didn't have Revolution. The British didn't have that. The Americans have that and that. The Americans have that and that. The Americans have that and everywhere I looked in my research, I everywhere I looked in my research, I everywhere I looked in my research, I was so astonished. I've said this 10 was so astonished. I've said this 10 was so astonished. I've said this 10 times. I I couldn't believe it. How come times. I I couldn't believe it. How come times. I I couldn't believe it. How come we don't know this? And and this is true we don't know this? And and this is true we don't know this? And and this is true on 100 other levels, 100 other examples on 100 other levels, 100 other examples on 100 other levels, 100 other examples I don't have time to get into right now. I don't have time to get into right now. I don't have time to get into right now. But I said, they clearly believed But I said, they clearly believed But I said, they clearly believed this is a sacred cause this is a sacred cause this is a sacred cause and either the Lord and either the Lord and either the Lord honors us as we honor him or we're not honors us as we honor him or we're not honors us as we honor him or we're not going to prevail. going to prevail. going to prevail. And in case you didn't know, they And in case you didn't know, they And in case you didn't know, they prevailed. prevailed. prevailed. So, So, So, I think actually I think actually I think actually Samuel Adams, he gives a speech the day Samuel Adams, he gives a speech the day Samuel Adams, he gives a speech the day before they sign the Declaration of before they sign the Declaration of before they sign the Declaration of Independence. It was actually August Independence. It was actually August Independence. It was actually August 1st, 1776, before they sign or do the 1st, 1776, before they sign or do the 1st, 1776, before they sign or do the big signing on August 2nd. And he says, big signing on August 2nd. And he says, big signing on August 2nd. And he says, we have restored the sovereign. we have restored the sovereign. we have restored the sovereign. They all got the memo. They all got the memo. They all got the memo. We've gotten rid of King George III. We We've gotten rid of King George III. We We've gotten rid of King George III. We got rid of the earthly sovereign. We're got rid of the earthly sovereign. We're got rid of the earthly sovereign. We're doing the opposite of what they did in doing the opposite of what they did in doing the opposite of what they did in Israel in in in in Samuel where they Israel in in in in Samuel where they Israel in in in in Samuel where they say, you know, give us a king, give us a say, you know, give us a king, give us a say, you know, give us a king, give us a king. And Samuel says, you had a king.

king. And Samuel says, you had a king. king. And Samuel says, you had a king. The Lord God was your king. The Lord God was your king. The Lord God was your king. In America, we said, no, we we got rid In America, we said, no, we we got rid In America, we said, no, we we got rid of an earthly king and we're looking to of an earthly king and we're looking to of an earthly king and we're looking to the Lord. the Lord. the Lord. And if we obey the Lord in this covenant And if we obey the Lord in this covenant And if we obey the Lord in this covenant relationship, relationship, relationship, the Lord will be with us. That's all we the Lord will be with us. That's all we the Lord will be with us. That's all we want. want. want. So, when things went really bad in 1777, So, when things went really bad in 1777, So, when things went really bad in 1777, right? right? right? Um, you know, this is before right Um, you know, this is before right Um, you know, this is before right before Valley Forge. This is uh before Valley Forge. This is uh before Valley Forge. This is uh really the British had taken really the British had taken really the British had taken Philadelphia. Things were not going Philadelphia. Things were not going Philadelphia. Things were not going well. And and Congress is cowering. They well. And and Congress is cowering. They well. And and Congress is cowering. They have they left Philadelphia cuz the have they left Philadelphia cuz the have they left Philadelphia cuz the British take Philadelphia. And Samuel British take Philadelphia. And Samuel British take Philadelphia. And Samuel Adams gives a speech Adams gives a speech Adams gives a speech really a sermon. Now, he's a member of really a sermon. Now, he's a member of really a sermon. Now, he's a member of Congress speaking to Congress. He's not Congress speaking to Congress. He's not Congress speaking to Congress. He's not speaking to a Bible study or church. speaking to a Bible study or church. speaking to a Bible study or church. He's speaking to Congress. He's speaking to Congress. He's speaking to Congress. And he basically says to them, "Because And he basically says to them, "Because And he basically says to them, "Because we have obeyed God, because we're we have obeyed God, because we're we have obeyed God, because we're engaged in a a godly enterprise, good engaged in a a godly enterprise, good engaged in a a godly enterprise, good tidings will soon arise." tidings will soon arise." tidings will soon arise." How did he know that? How did he know that? How did he know that? If you're speaking out of the scripture, If you're speaking out of the scripture, If you're speaking out of the scripture, you can't go wrong.

you can't go wrong. you can't go wrong. You say, "This is what the scripture You say, "This is what the scripture You say, "This is what the scripture says." We're we're not alone in the says." We're we're not alone in the says." We're we're not alone in the world. We have the word of God. And the world. We have the word of God. And the world. We have the word of God. And the word of God says, "If we obey him and word of God says, "If we obey him and word of God says, "If we obey him and honor him, he will be with us, no matter honor him, he will be with us, no matter honor him, he will be with us, no matter what that means." We can trust him. what that means." We can trust him. what that means." We can trust him. Folks, that's faith. Do you have that Folks, that's faith. Do you have that Folks, that's faith. Do you have that kind of faith in your life? kind of faith in your life? kind of faith in your life? When you're going through hard times, do When you're going through hard times, do When you're going through hard times, do you say, "I trust in the Lord?" you say, "I trust in the Lord?" you say, "I trust in the Lord?" Do you do you understand that if you sin Do you do you understand that if you sin Do you do you understand that if you sin and don't repent, you know, if if you and don't repent, you know, if if you and don't repent, you know, if if you commit adultery and you don't repent, commit adultery and you don't repent, commit adultery and you don't repent, you think, "Well, that doesn't apply to you think, "Well, that doesn't apply to you think, "Well, that doesn't apply to me. I'm a good Christian." You me. I'm a good Christian." You me. I'm a good Christian." You understand you take yourself away from understand you take yourself away from understand you take yourself away from the protection of God. the protection of God. the protection of God. And the enemy can come in like the And the enemy can come in like the And the enemy can come in like the Assyrians. Assyrians. Assyrians. They understood, They understood, They understood, "We have to be sinless before God. We "We have to be sinless before God. We "We have to be sinless before God. We have to humble ourselves before God. We have to humble ourselves before God. We have to humble ourselves before God. We have to pray and humble ourselves and have to pray and humble ourselves and have to pray and humble ourselves and fast. And only then can we have the fast. And only then can we have the fast. And only then can we have the victory." victory." victory." But if we do that, good tidings will But if we do that, good tidings will But if we do that, good tidings will soon arise. In the summer 1777, he soon arise. In the summer 1777, he soon arise. In the summer 1777, he preaches this and a couple weeks later preaches this and a couple weeks later preaches this and a couple weeks later they get the news of the outrageous they get the news of the outrageous they get the news of the outrageous victory at Saratoga. victory at Saratoga. victory at Saratoga. Everything changed. Good tidings Everything changed. Good tidings Everything changed. Good tidings actually did arise.

actually did arise. actually did arise. That is speaking prophetically, right? That is speaking prophetically, right? That is speaking prophetically, right? But if you speak what the word of God But if you speak what the word of God But if you speak what the word of God says, says, says, you are speaking prophetically because you are speaking prophetically because you are speaking prophetically because you have a source of wisdom that comes you have a source of wisdom that comes you have a source of wisdom that comes from outside of time and space, that from outside of time and space, that from outside of time and space, that comes from eternity. God's truth is comes from eternity. God's truth is comes from eternity. God's truth is eternal. eternal. eternal. So, the fact of the matter is that So, the fact of the matter is that So, the fact of the matter is that that's how they saw it and we need to that's how they saw it and we need to that's how they saw it and we need to know that's how they saw it. And and we know that's how they saw it. And and we know that's how they saw it. And and we have to understand that have to understand that have to understand that the Lord looks to us in the church. the Lord looks to us in the church. the Lord looks to us in the church. He looks to us in the church to live He looks to us in the church to live He looks to us in the church to live this out and to teach this. And I want this out and to teach this. And I want this out and to teach this. And I want to be clear, I didn't write my book for to be clear, I didn't write my book for to be clear, I didn't write my book for Christians. I wrote my book for anybody. Christians. I wrote my book for anybody. Christians. I wrote my book for anybody. It's a story of American history. So, It's a story of American history. So, It's a story of American history. So, you can give it to anybody who's not on you can give it to anybody who's not on you can give it to anybody who's not on this page. You can give it to anybody this page. You can give it to anybody this page. You can give it to anybody who's not on this page and it's not who's not on this page and it's not who's not on this page and it's not going to make a hard argument for what going to make a hard argument for what going to make a hard argument for what I've just said. It's just the story of I've just said. It's just the story of I've just said. It's just the story of the birth of America and they're the birth of America and they're the birth of America and they're beautiful stories. But, when you read beautiful stories. But, when you read beautiful stories. But, when you read those stories honestly, told honestly, those stories honestly, told honestly, those stories honestly, told honestly, and you read them honestly with an open and you read them honestly with an open and you read them honestly with an open mind and open heart, you cannot escape mind and open heart, you cannot escape mind and open heart, you cannot escape from the idea that this nation was the from the idea that this nation was the from the idea that this nation was the Lord's idea.

Lord's idea. Lord's idea. And if this nation was the Lord's idea, And if this nation was the Lord's idea, And if this nation was the Lord's idea, it puts a heavy burden on us, my it puts a heavy burden on us, my it puts a heavy burden on us, my brothers and sisters. brothers and sisters. brothers and sisters. We are blessed to be a blessing. We're We are blessed to be a blessing. We're We are blessed to be a blessing. We're not blessed just so we can have a nice not blessed just so we can have a nice not blessed just so we can have a nice life and get another bass boat. I'm not saying there's anything wrong I'm not saying there's anything wrong with getting another bass boat, you with getting another bass boat, you with getting another bass boat, you understand? Just want to be real clear. understand? Just want to be real clear. understand? Just want to be real clear. But, what I'm saying is the Lord blesses But, what I'm saying is the Lord blesses But, what I'm saying is the Lord blesses you you you and me to be a blessing. You get to live and me to be a blessing. You get to live and me to be a blessing. You get to live in this country that everybody wants to in this country that everybody wants to in this country that everybody wants to live in to be a blessing. So, we need to live in to be a blessing. So, we need to live in to be a blessing. So, we need to live out our faith. We cannot take it live out our faith. We cannot take it live out our faith. We cannot take it for granted. We need to live godly for granted. We need to live godly for granted. We need to live godly lives. If there is sin in your life, lives. If there is sin in your life, lives. If there is sin in your life, don't be surprised if you suffer. God's don't be surprised if you suffer. God's don't be surprised if you suffer. God's hand is not on you. If you're suffering hand is not on you. If you're suffering hand is not on you. If you're suffering with God, you praise the Lord even in with God, you praise the Lord even in with God, you praise the Lord even in your suffering. That's covenant your suffering. That's covenant your suffering. That's covenant theology. That's looking to the Lord. theology. That's looking to the Lord. theology. That's looking to the Lord. The founders looked to the Lord. They The founders looked to the Lord. They The founders looked to the Lord. They said, "Without him, said, "Without him, said, "Without him, it cannot work." it cannot work." it cannot work." But, we today need to understand that But, we today need to understand that But, we today need to understand that this is true. We need to spread this this is true. We need to spread this this is true. We need to spread this idea. And again, I just I hope my book idea. And again, I just I hope my book idea. And again, I just I hope my book because my book is was because my book is was because my book is was on every best-seller list and is still on every best-seller list and is still on every best-seller list and is still on all these best-seller lists, praise on all these best-seller lists, praise on all these best-seller lists, praise Jesus, all kinds of non-believers and Jesus, all kinds of non-believers and Jesus, all kinds of non-believers and people who don't get this stuff are people who don't get this stuff are people who don't get this stuff are going to read my book and they're going going to read my book and they're going going to read my book and they're going to go, "Where did this come from? How to go, "Where did this come from? How to go, "Where did this come from? How come I never heard this?"

come I never heard this?" come I never heard this?" Well, cuz we live in a sin-sick world Well, cuz we live in a sin-sick world Well, cuz we live in a sin-sick world that wants to push God out. that wants to push God out. that wants to push God out. But this is a season in America where we But this is a season in America where we But this is a season in America where we we have to be honest. We have to say, we have to be honest. We have to say, we have to be honest. We have to say, "No, this is our history. "No, this is our history. "No, this is our history. If you can find a mistake, tell me. I'll If you can find a mistake, tell me. I'll If you can find a mistake, tell me. I'll take it out of the book. take it out of the book. take it out of the book. This this is not a fire-breathing This this is not a fire-breathing This this is not a fire-breathing Christian book, but when you tell the Christian book, but when you tell the Christian book, but when you tell the truth about America, truth about America, truth about America, it's as it's as Christian as the service it's as it's as Christian as the service it's as it's as Christian as the service was this morning. All this stuff that was this morning. All this stuff that was this morning. All this stuff that was up here on the screen, this is true. was up here on the screen, this is true. was up here on the screen, this is true. And we used to be that people and we've And we used to be that people and we've And we used to be that people and we've drifted away. drifted away. drifted away. So, America's future is up to us. So, America's future is up to us. So, America's future is up to us. It's up to us. We, the church, have to It's up to us. We, the church, have to It's up to us. We, the church, have to be the church. We have to live this out. be the church. We have to live this out. be the church. We have to live this out. We have to lead the way so that we'd be We have to lead the way so that we'd be We have to lead the way so that we'd be a shining city on a hill. So, if there's a shining city on a hill. So, if there's a shining city on a hill. So, if there's anything in your life life that's not anything in your life life that's not anything in your life life that's not right, right, right, I beg you to repent. I beg you to put I beg you to repent. I beg you to put I beg you to repent. I beg you to put your life before God so that we would your life before God so that we would your life before God so that we would ourselves live this way. That we say, ourselves live this way. That we say, ourselves live this way. That we say, "Lord, we are under you. We humble "Lord, we are under you. We humble "Lord, we are under you. We humble ourselves before you. We know we cannot ourselves before you. We know we cannot ourselves before you. We know we cannot succeed without you." succeed without you." succeed without you." We need to know we cannot succeed We need to know we cannot succeed We need to know we cannot succeed without the blessing of God. And what without the blessing of God. And what without the blessing of God. And what can we do to get your blessing, Lord?

can we do to get your blessing, Lord? can we do to get your blessing, Lord? What can we do, Lord, to get your What can we do, Lord, to get your What can we do, Lord, to get your blessing that we don't deserve? What can blessing that we don't deserve? What can blessing that we don't deserve? What can we do? That was the the point of view of we do? That was the the point of view of we do? That was the the point of view of the men who brought about the American the men who brought about the American the men who brought about the American Revolution. Revolution. Revolution. And I think the Lord has called us in And I think the Lord has called us in And I think the Lord has called us in this season this season this season um um um to be a part of the ongoing revolution. to be a part of the ongoing revolution. to be a part of the ongoing revolution. We're in the third existential crisis of We're in the third existential crisis of We're in the third existential crisis of our history. You know we're going our history. You know we're going our history. You know we're going through a hard time in this nation. The through a hard time in this nation. The through a hard time in this nation. The Lord needs his people uh to know what Lord needs his people uh to know what Lord needs his people uh to know what I've been talking about and to know I've been talking about and to know I've been talking about and to know more. more. more. What a privilege. What a privilege we What a privilege. What a privilege we What a privilege. What a privilege we get to live in this nation and to be get to live in this nation and to be get to live in this nation and to be God's people in a free nation.