For Christ and Country

What does it mean to pledge allegiance—not just to a nation, but to Jesus Christ? America’s patriots boldly declared freedom, paid a high price, and reaped a great reward, founding a nation on Christian principles. Their courage mirrors the Christian’s call to live for Christ, proclaiming His lordship, enduring trials, and gaining eternal life. The New England Confederation of 1643 stated its aim: “to advance the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to enjoy the liberties of the gospel.” The Great Awakening (1734–1750) saw thousands dedicate their lives to Jesus, shaping the founders’ faith (Psalm 33:12). Patrick Henry declared, “This great nation was founded…by Christians…on the gospel of Jesus Christ.” George Washington and John Adams echoed this, tying America’s strength to faith. Today, as cultural pressures challenge that foundation, we’re called to live boldly for Christ, sparking revival in our hearts and nation. Let’s explore the parallels between the patriots’ pledge and our commitment to Jesus.

America’s birth required unwavering resolve. For 14 months after the Battle of Lexington and Concord (April 19, 1775), patriots fought for rights within the British Empire. As oppression grew, Patrick Henry’s 1775 cry, “Give me liberty or give me death!” rallied them to seek absolute freedom. On July 4, 1776, 56 delegates signed the Declaration of Independence, a bold stand against the world’s mightiest empire.

This declaration came at a steep cost. Signing branded them traitors, risking death. The Revolutionary War was brutal:

• 7,200 Americans died in battle.
• 8,200 were wounded.
• 10,000 died from disease.
• 6,500 perished in prison.

Signers faced personal losses: five were tortured to death, twelve had homes burned, Carter Braxton died in poverty, Thomas Nelson ordered his own home destroyed, and John Hart fled his dying wife’s side, losing his 13 children. Their sacrifice birthed a nation where freedom could thrive, with many reaping rewards—two became presidents, ten congressmen, nineteen judges, and sixteen governors. Their legacy challenges us to stand courageously for Christ, no matter the cost (2 Timothy 2:10; Isaiah 41:10). What sacrifices are you willing to make for your faith?

Like the patriots, Christians make a bold declaration. Confessing Jesus as Lord and Savior—perhaps publicly before a church—is a pledge of allegiance, proclaiming independence from sin’s bondage (Galatians 2:20). It’s as bold as Joshua’s call to Israel: “Choose this day whom you will serve…as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:14–15).

This requires:

• Fearing the Lord: Honoring Him above all.
• Serving the Lord: Rejecting worldly idols for His will (Ephesians 4:22–24).

Like a soldier swearing loyalty to a king, this confession aligns us with Christ, defying the world’s pull. It’s not just words—it’s a commitment to live for Him alone. Have you boldly declared your faith, and how do you show it daily?

Pledging allegiance to Christ is easy in church; living it on life’s battlefields is hard. Joshua’s pledge was echoed by Israel, but their resolve faded. In Judges 2, they chased other gods, falling into compromise and disobedience. Words alone don’t win wars. Paul warns of a fierce enemy: “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against…spiritual forces of evil” (Ephesians 6:12–14). Satan attacks as a lion (1 Peter 5:8) or an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14), tempting and deceiving. We’re called to resist (James 4:7), but Jesus demands total allegiance: “Take up your cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23–26). In His day, the cross meant death, not mere burdens.

Today’s godless culture, marked by self-centeredness, pride, and worldly desires, challenges our commitment (2 Timothy 3:2–5). Like the patriots who bled for freedom, we face:

• Self-Centeredness: Putting personal gain over God’s will.
• Pride: Seeking praise or control.
• Worldly Desires: Chasing fleeting pleasures.

These test our loyalty. Dying to self daily means surrendering comfort, ambitions, or approval to follow Christ. What’s hindering your allegiance, and how can you surrender it?

The patriots’ sacrifices birthed a free nation; our allegiance to Christ yields eternal rewards. Jesus promises, “If you abide in my word…you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31–32, 36). We gain:

• Freedom from sin, death, and condemnation.
• A role in building a church that preaches hope, healing, and forgiveness.
• The promise of a crown of life and Jesus’ words: “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).
• Eternal worship with multitudes around His throne (Revelation 5:12–13).

Like the patriots’ victory at Yorktown led to the 1783 Treaty of Paris, our faithfulness leads to eternal life. The cost is high, but the reward is worth it. How does this hope inspire you to endure?

America’s Christian foundation, sown by settlers and revived in the Great Awakening, calls us to stand unashamed of the Gospel (Romans 1:16). The founders’ bold declarations and sacrifices mirror our call to:

• Declare Christ: Proclaim Him as Lord, rejecting self or worldly idols.
• Pay the Price: Die to self daily, resisting Satan’s schemes.
• Reap the Reward: Gain freedom and eternal life through faithfulness.

This week, die to one selfish desire—pride, comfort, or worldly pursuits—by replacing it with an act of service or sharing your faith. Pray daily for revival in your heart and America, trusting God’s strength (Isaiah 41:10). Like the patriots, pledge your life to Jesus, living courageously for Christ and country.

This week, die to one selfish desire—pride, comfort, or worldly pursuits—by replacing it with an act of service or sharing your faith boldly with someone. Every day, pray for revival in this nation, asking God to make you a beacon of His gospel, trusting His strength to uphold you.

Memory Verse

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10, ESV)

For more on this topic, listen to our sermon Reviving America, Part 2: