God's Freedom, America's Hope

What does it mean to truly love America? We cherish the freedoms that define our nation—life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—but are we building on the foundation that made her strong? The Declaration of Independence, signed by 56 men in 1776, boldly proclaimed these as God-given rights, rooted in “the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God.” Yet, today, as biblical principles fade from public life, America risks losing her way (Matthew 7:24–27). This message, Reviving America: Life, Liberty, and Happiness in Christ, calls us to rediscover true freedom—not apart from God, but anchored in His Word. Through Scripture, history, and practical steps, we’ll explore how to live as patriots of both country and Kingdom, praying for a revival that restores America as a nation under God.

America’s foundation is deeply Christian. The Declaration’s appeal to the Creator reflects a reliance on God. Early practices reinforced this: Delaware required officeholders to profess faith in Christ, and in 1782, Congress endorsed the Bible for schools, funding them with tax dollars. John Jay, the first Chief Justice, wrote, “It is the duty of our Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.” The Pledge of Allegiance still declares us “one nation under God” (Psalm 33:12). Yet, surveys show that while 70% of Americans identify as Christian (Gallup), biblical values are slipping from public life. Like a house built on sand, a nation unmoored from God risks collapse. The founders understood three inalienable rights—life, liberty, and happiness—as rooted in Christ. Let’s reclaim their spiritual meaning to bless America today.

The founders knew life without Christ lacks purpose. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6), promising abundant life (John 10:10). Early settlers, like those on the Mayflower in 1620, came for “the glory of God and the advancement of the Christian faith,” as stated in the Mayflower Compact. The New England Confederation (1643) aimed to “advance the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Churches were the first colonial buildings, centers of worship in plenty and sorrow.

By 1730, only 10% of colonists attended church, as wealth dulled faith. But the Great Awakening (1734–1750), led by Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield, sparked revival. Tens of thousands came to Christ, transforming society. Benjamin Franklin observed, “It seemed as if all the world were growing religious, so that one could not walk through the town…without hearing psalms sung.” George Washington’s diary reveals his faith: “Thou gavest Thy Son to die for me; and hast given me assurance of my salvation.” Like a plant wilting without water, we need Jesus, our living water, for purpose. How can you build your life on the Rock of Christ to reflect His abundant life?

True liberty transcends earthly freedom. Patrick Henry’s 1775 cry, “Give me liberty or give me death!” fueled a revolution, but the founders knew ultimate liberty comes from God. Jesus declared His mission to “proclaim liberty to the captives” (Luke 4:18-19; Isaiah 53:4–5). Through His death and resurrection, He freed us from sin and death’s power (Romans 8:1–2; Colossians 2:13–14). The Declaration’s trust in “divine Providence” reflects this spiritual freedom. Soldiers returning from war spoke of the Statue of Liberty’s “Torch of Freedom,” a symbol akin to the Cross—both representing true liberation.

Without Christ, seeking liberty leads to spiritual slavery. Like a rehabilitated prisoner avoiding chains, we must confess sin, seek accountability, and pray for freedom (Romans 8:2). The founders’ independence from England was a dependence on God. If sin, fear, or doubt holds you back, confess it, seek a trusted friend for accountability, and pray for Christ’s liberation. How can you walk in His freedom today?

The pursuit of happiness isn’t chasing fleeting pleasures. In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, “blessed” means happy (Matthew 5:3–11). Worldly pursuits—wealth, fame, pleasure—leave us empty, like chasing a mirage. True happiness, a wellspring of joy, meets three needs:

• Something to Do: Serve God’s purpose (John 14:12).
• Something to Love: Love Jesus with all your heart (John 14:23).
• Something to Look Forward To: Hope in eternal life (John 14:1–2).

A 2006 statement by Barack Obama, “Whatever we once were, we are no longer a Christian nation,” highlights a cultural drift. Yet, America’s Christian roots remain. The Great Awakening birthed a faith revolution, showing revival precedes renewal. Like a ship adrift without an anchor, America risks instability without God (Psalm 146:5). The song “God Bless America” is a prayer: “Stand beside her, and guide her, through the night, with the light from above.” To bless America, we must live it, not just sing it, aligning our lives with Christ.

America’s strength lies in her Christian heritage, rooted in the God-given rights of life, liberty, and happiness. The founders’ dependence on God, seen in the Declaration and early practices, is fading as freedoms detach from divine purpose. Jesus offers abundant life, liberation from sin, and lasting joy. To spark revival:

• Live Boldly for Christ: Share the Gospel, invite someone to church, or discuss His freedom.
• Replace Worldly Pursuits: Swap excessive entertainment for Scripture study or serving others.
• Pray for Revival: Seek a new birth of freedom rooted in God’s Word (Psalm 33:12).

Like the Great Awakening, our faith can transform society. Live as patriots of God’s Kingdom, showing Christ’s love in a diverse world. Your actions—rooted in dependence on Him—can steady America’s course.

Memory Verse

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!” (Psalm 33:12, ESV)

For more on this topic, listen to our sermon Reviving America, Part 1: