NRBC Blog

In Lincoln’s Gettysburg address, he said, “…we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain; that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom; and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the Earth.”

Yet, last week, as the stock market was rocked and the news of billion dollar bailouts was being announced, it became obvious that this nation is in crisis. What on earth is happening to us?

It’s not really all that complicated. Just listen again to Lincoln! We are a nation “of the people.” We are the government. We only elect people to represent us in Washington. Yet, when we acquiesce our rights and responsibilities to others… when we fail to guard our nation’s direction… when we don’t hold our representatives accountable, we find that position becomes power, appointment becomes ambition, and service become self-serving. That’s why we find so many politicians in Washington and so few statesmen! We “the people” have set a system in motion that we have failed to control and we are now paying the price! And, we have done the same thing with every governmental agency; the public schools, welfare, etc!

Lincoln reminded us that we are a nation “of the people”, and we are also a nation “by the people.” Like union bosses who can use the power of membership to attain their own ambitions goals, government has used the people to sustain political ambition. Just look at the recent bailouts. How much money does congress have to spend? None! Congress has no money! When they give money away, they give our money away. All spending comes out of our pockets! But, we have been hoodwinked into thinking that it’s all coming from somewhere else. No! The piper will be paid, and you and I will pay him!

And, Lincoln reminded us of something else. America is a nation “for the people.” Public officials are to work for the public good. They are not to be self-propagating and self-accommodating. They work for us and it is our interests that they must protect. Yet, we see graphically portrayed in the present presidential race that there are promises for everyone. “Elect me and I will give you…” I will give you? Again, Congress has no money! It’s all a ruse, a ploy to gain selfish ends. If ever there was a need to judge where someone is going by looking at where they have been, it is now!

But, sadly, there is a greater failing in America. I am convinced that it is the real source of our problems. From it have sprung all the ills that now beset us. Did you notice how Lincoln carefully began his statement? “That this nation, under God, shall have…” We have departed from the Source of our blessing. We have ignored the Supreme Authority under which we stand. We have thumbed our noses at the Great Judge Who sees all and Who holds this nation… who hold us accountable. He is giving us what we deserve. We “want it our way” and we are getting it. Unfortunately, we are finding that what we wanted is not what we need. If there are cracks in America’s foundation, we have put them there for we are a government “of the people!”

Is there any hope? Ask Lincoln! He said it long ago. “That this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom.” America needs a new birth! Freedom must be born again. We must lay selfish interests aside and realize afresh that America exist for more than what I want. America was born out of purpose, and that purpose is freedom that ensures both liberty and justice for all. It is the lamp in the hand of Lady Liberty; it is the stars that brighten the corner of the flag that waves over our land; and, I believe it is the opportunity to live for and bring glory to the God Who has made it all possible.

As we go to the polls this year, may all of us be reminded that liberty and morality go hand in hand. May we never forget that “we the people” are the government, and we are responsible for how it is run. And, may we remember that when someone promises us health and wealth and happiness, those things can never and will never be supplied by government. It is only God Who can “supply all our needs!”

Well, the election in on the road. Both the Republicans and the Democrats will be vying for our votes for the next two months, and before it’s all over with, we’ll just be glad when it’s over!

So, now that the decision is in our court, how do you decide who will get your vote? Well, I like to be biblical, so I wondered if there might be some biblical precedent for choosing a leader. As I gave it some thought, I remembered how Paul always had to gain respect as an Apostle. He wanted to lead the churches with credibility, and he knew that meant gaining the confidence of those he was leading. How did he do it?

In Philippians 3, he began by pointing to his past record. There was tangible evidence in the way he had lived his life to show his sincerity even before he became a believer. After he met Jesus, that sincerity became a fervent desire to serve the Lord no matter the cost. And, cost him it did! He paid dearly for the privilege of knowing Christ and being His follower.

Next, he shared his personal goal of setting aside the past with a firm resolve to sacrificially fulfill the mission to which he had been called. With that, he could say, follow me.

Now, if I use the biblical model, what do I discover when I examine the track record and resolve of the candidates running for the U.S. presidency? For me, it’s a no-brainer!

If ever there was a time when we needed to set rhetoric and stage presence aside and examine both the lives and the convictions of the candidates, it is now. So much is at stake. We must take our responsibilities seriously and seriously examine how we will cast our vote. Of course, that means vote, and that, too, is a no-brainer!

So, Michael Moore has decided there is a God! Speaking on MSNBC, the director of "Fahrenheit 911" said, "I was just thinking, this Gustav is proof that there is a God in heaven… To just have it planned at the same time, that it would actually be on its way to New Orleans for Day One of the Republican convention, up in the Twin Cities, at the top of the Mississippi River."

What a surprise! But, whose candidate advocates the freedom of choice to terminate the life of unborn, even partial birth abortion? And, who advocates the legitimacy of homosexual marriage as an acceptable lifestyle? Who is it that mocks the very Book which reveals why God casted out the previous inhabitants of Canaan; that infanticide, idolatry, and sexual perversion are an abomination to Him? (Deu 9:4-5, 12:31-32; Lev 18)

Mr. Moore, I fear there is a storm coming, but its course is not just towards Louisiana! Ring the bell; blow the horn; sound the alarm! God is alive, and He has not changed. He will not forever endure the obstinance of a people who ignore Him.

The liberal cries of liberal politicians are just another indicator that man is slipping to the lowest depths of sin. “Who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.” (Ro 1:32)