THE HOPE OF AMERICA |
The World, the Word & You!
Broadcast
Commentary by Dennis L. Finnan
IT HAS FINALLY ARRIVED! THE 21st
CENTURY NOW MARCHES ON FOR ALL THE WORLD. WILL IT BRING PEACE, HOPE, LOVE,
PROSPERITY, HEALTH TO ITS RESIDENTS? I CAN’T ANSWER FOR THE REST OF THE WORLD,
BUT FOR THE NATION I LIVE IN, I CAN…
I’m Dennis Finnan, host and speaker on the World, the Word & You! Broadcast and in a moment we’ll talk about the HOPE OF AMERICA!
Greetings my friend, and welcome to the very first broadcast of the World the Word & You in this new millennium and year. It still boggles my mind to think we are living in the year 2001. Yet our program which has been aired around the nation for over twenty years still broadcasts to a watching and needy world, the Good News gospel of Jesus Christ.
Yes, our programs air with the hope and anticipation that each week as we bring you timely talks on the events and happenings of our world from a biblical perspective, coupled with some beautiful music, that you will be encouraged, and energized to seek afresh your God and Creator and His Son our Lord Jesus Christ.
Well as a the very first broadcast for this new year, I want to talk about the future of the nation I live in, the United States of America. However, I want to do it from a biblical perspective. So buckle your seatbelt and settle back first to listen to this lovely musical moment after which I’ll return with my message entitled: THE HOPE OF AMERICA...
… Do you ever wonder about the direction in which the United States is heading? For those who live in this nation, the past few months have been hectic as we witnessed for the first time, a real battle of ideology as has been forged in the two major political parties, the Republican and the Democrats. In my opinion, the worst has come out of them and displayed for the American public to see. Yet this month of January, we will swear in the one who finally saw victory. Now not everyone wants him as president. In fact one half of the nation literally wanted their candidate to win, and sadly in this last election, at all costs, which it may have cost! But now we must move forward. So the question is does the future hold anticipation of “PEACE, HOPE, LOVE, PROSPERITY, AND HEALTH?” Well after we pause for another song of refreshment, I’ll share with you from God’s Word what I believe is the answer to a happy and prosperous future for our nation. Stay tuned…
… If you’re like me, as you’ve witnessed the antics of politics in its worst light these past months, you then are worried to say the least as to what’s ahead for the nation of America. However to go forward, one must look back to get one’s bearings. History is important for if we do not know our past, we have no bearing to chart the future for our good and prosperity. So let’s begin by looking back and being reminded of an important fact half the nation wishes to forget.
AMERICA’S FOUNDATION WAS BASED ON THE FAITH &
PHILOSOPHY OF CHRISTIANITY – You see if you take an honest look at our past, no
one, absolutely no one will be able to deny that our foundation was squarely on
the teachings of the Judeo-Christian Bible and its faith brought forth in the
New Testament, called CHRISTIANITY! The very first settlers, the Pilgrims came
to North America for the express reason to establish a Christian nation. To
assure everyone of this fact before they even stepped ashore they drew up the
MAYFLOWER COMPACT, America’s first national document that clearly states and I
quote from it, “having undertaken for the glory of God and the advancement of
the Christian faith…”Then if you move forward in history you come to our
Founding Fathers of the United States of America, who framed the famous
Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. If one just reads it, it
is evident that was written with the express purpose of recognizing submission
to a higher and greater authority and power, that being the Creator God of the
Bible. Moreover, we find that the book most quoted from in our Found
Fathers national writings was the Christian Bible. Most amazing, perhaps
shocking compared to our secularized no let’s be honest, our atheistic courts
today, stated in 1892 that this nation is nothing less a “Christian nation.” I
dare anyone to try and tell today’s generation anything else or less! America
was founded upon Jesus Christ, His Word and His will for a people organized to
glorify Him.
But if we are honest we have all discovered that this
foundation is under SIEGE by those who wish to change history, vilify it, and
wipe it from the memories of today’s young American. I must say they have
already done a good job! Today, we’ve removed the Bible and prayers from all
societal life and living and replaced it with the “broken cisterns,” of atheism
and godless secular religions of little to no value. John Quincy Adams one of
our found fathers said it well,
“The Highest
glory of the American Revolution was this: that it connected in one
indissoluble bond the principles of government with the principles of
Christianity.”
THE GREATNESS OF AMERICA’S PAST WAS A RESULT OF OUR OBEDIENCE TO FORM AND OPERATE OUR NATION BASED UPON GOOD & GODLY GOVERNMENT - Paul the apostle writes in the New Testament these words about establishing a government for any nation…
Rom 13:1-5 (NIV) “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4 For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.”
Now I’m sure all of us wonder, if this is true, and it is, that ALL governing authority over nations and groups of people is only by God’s express permission and will ¾ we find it hard to believe that God has established many governments we see today. But the Bible says emphatically that everyone must “submit” to them as much as possible in every area of our lives. That is God’s express command and will!
However to establish such a good and godly government,
our founding fathers realized three biblical truths concerning it. The first is
(1) GOVERNMENT IS UNDER GOD AND SEPARATE FROM THE ESTABLISHED CHURCH . Our
early fathers knew nothing about a secular state that we have legislated from
the Judicial Bench these days. They knew only a government that was submissive
to and operated under the principles of the Judeo-Christian philosophy found in
the Bible. God was real, ruling and above the nation It was He who granted
rights that the American government was to respect and honor. They saw that any
and all government they established was expressly for the purpose of
legislating and administrating laws that were in alignment with what was taught
about man, society and relationships.
The second purpose of government our found fathers saw as: (2) GOVERNMENT UNDER GOD WAS ESTABLISHED EXPRESSLY FOR BIBLICAL JUSTICE – For the “good” of the people, any and all governing authorities were to exist to establish and maintain fairness among the people.
Rom 13:4
(NIV) “For he [government] is God’s servant to do you good…”
Today America has left this foundation and attempts to
practice secular benevolence. Robbing the rich and prosperous to give to the
poor and indolent. Today government benevolence is corrupt, wasteful,
ineffectual and in troth, actually harmful. Witness our welfare programs,
affirmative action rulings, and social security robbery and pillage program
that is no virtually bankrupt. Indeed, it’s time we return to the Bible upon
which our nation was founded and follow its teachings and truth concerning such
issues and relationships among our citizens. One would be surprised to see how
far we’ve strayed from our founding fathers principles of establishing fairness
and justice.
Now, let’s review one more thing about our nation’s,
purpose. God’s Word said that Government, all government was to be established
to be (3) GOVERNMENT UNDER GOD WAS ESTABLISHED TO ADMINISTER LAW & ORDER.
Rom 13:4 (NIV) "… if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer."
Indeed as the Scripture calls it a “fearful Master.” Our
government was given the power and authority, under God, to “bear the sword,”
an expression that meant the power to execute wrongdoers who commit capital
crimes against God and man. God has ordained our government to punish all evil
deeds, even unto death. Today Capital Punishment is considered cruel and
barbaric punishment. State like Texas are vilified for executing violent high
crimes committed by godless, lawless depraved individuals. Why? Because we as a
nation now openly reject God’s right to rule us as a nation, and also rule us
individually. As we look back on our nation of recent we see we’ve gone the
opposite way. Rather than p[punishing the evildoer, we not punish and or
persecute those who stand for God and His righteousness. Now as we enter the
21ste millennium we see government and its agencies punishing righteousness.
The Boy Scouts is an example. Local and City governments now reject them, take
away their societal privileges because they took a stand to say no to having
leaders who were sexually depraved individuals, or godless in philosophy and
faith. Look at our schools that now viciously punish any students who dare to
even write reports about their faith in Christ. Indeed the government is to be
a “fearful master,” but only to that which is evil and not good, according to GOD,
not man! George Washing our first president and founding father said,
“Government
is a dangerous servant, and a fearful master.”
We need to return our nation to godly justices, legislators, and public administrators who first fear God and then justly administer God’s laws to men. And for today I believe the fourth principle of Government that our founding fathers sought for us was, (4) GOVERNMENT UNDER GOD WAS ESTABLISHED TO LEGISLATE BIBLICAL MORALITY – Have you ever hear the foolish statement, “ You cannot legislate morality,” or more precisely, Christian’s shouldn’t impose their morality on the rest of us?” This is a ridiculous argument and statement. Why? Because, all life and living is operated under some type of “morality,” or philosophy. We saw this come out in the post-election debacle in the State of Florida’s vote counting scandal. The Democratic party revealed its ugliness and un-American actions by trying to “fix” the rejected undercounted votes of people who had not clearly chosen a presidential candidate. According to the Democratic party, election workers were to be given the final choice of deciding who these undecided votes would go to. Of course with Democratic decision makers deciding, it was obviously to go to Al Gore. What kind of morality was this? The kind that anything goes if the majority can rule and have its way through the court or legislative systems of government. Today the morality of truth, justice, fairness, and godliness are laughed at and ridiculed. Whenever an issue arises where the Bible’s morality is ruling, godless atheistic legislators and judicial authorities strike it down and replace it with their immoral brand of law. The most outrageous is the Supreme Court’s ruling that says an unborn child is not a human being and therefore has no rights. The end result is anyone can kill them and ruthlessly as they devise. The Democratic Party and their henchman Al Gore brazenly rejected the Partial Birth Abortion legislation, effectively continuing the brutal murders and live dismemberment of tiny human beings at the moment of birth. Many have lost sight of the fact that God is still on the Throne of the Universe and as He has stated in the Bible,
Prov 8:15 (NIV) “By me kings reign and rulers make laws that are just;”
Our nation has moved away from Biblical morality so far that it’s a wonder that God hasn’t struck our nation down! Yet, the future holds such a promise, if we do not turn around. Yes friend I believe in no uncertain terms that America will one day cease to exist as it is a blessed nation, the greatest in the world. Why? Because God in judgment will strike us down as He has done historically to all nations that as the Bible says,
Job 8:11-13 (NIV) “Can papyrus grow tall where there is no marsh? Can reeds thrive without water? 12 While still growing and uncut, they wither more quickly than grass. 13 Such is the destiny of all who forget God; so perishes the hope of the godless.”
Psa 50:16-22 (NIV) “But to the wicked, God says: “What right have you to recite my laws or take my covenant on your lips? 17 You hate my instruction and cast my words behind you. 18 When you see a thief, you join with him; you throw in your lot with adulterers. 19 You use your mouth for evil and harness your tongue to deceit. 20 You speak continually against your brother and slander your own mother’s son. 21 These things you have done and I kept silent; you thought I was altogether like you. But I will rebuke you and accuse you to your face. 22 “Consider this, you who forget God, or I will tear you to pieces, with none to rescue:”
Psa 9:17 (NIV) “The wicked return to the grave, all the nations that forget God.”
These are not idle words of wishful thinkers. It is the WORD OF GOD! God promises all nations and individuals who turn away from the light and truth of His Word, and turn to the darkness of our depraved souls, that although God “is silent,” for a time that many would repent and turn back to God, if they do not and continue on a path of moral destruction ¾ HE WILL STEP IN WITH JUDGMENT.
I predict that America is already living on borrowed time of God’s grace. Therefore I appeal to every righteous, godly citizen rise up and be counted in this new year and millennium. No longer be silent to the godlessness that is ruling and reigning in so many places. Begin with the schools your children are taught in. Demand to see the curriculums used. Examine the lifestyles of those who teach our children. If you find them unacceptable by biblical standards, then demand a change. Be vocal, attend school board meetings, run for board and local, state and federal legislative positions and DO SOMETHING TO CHANGE the downward slide into the cesspool of moral filth and godless living advocated today. And, if you cannot change thigns beginning with your children, TAKE THEM OUT OF THE SCHOOLS that mock God and teach unrighteousness and establish your own to the glory of God. Can you imagine what would happen to our secular schools if every Christian took their children out in defiance of their godless and immoral curriculums taught these days? The answer is they would virtually collapse! Edmond Burke said it rightly,
“All that
is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
As we enter this New Year this is the charge that falls heavily upon most Christians today. We have been silent too long. It is time to draw a line in the sand and say ¾ no more! We want our nation returned to its founding principles. We want the Judeo-Christian God of the Bible back on the throne of America’s law and societal life….
Well, remember this my friend, it’s your call! It’s our call and if we do not sound it, surely maybe even this year, we will begin to se the din of God’s judgments begin to fall upon us and take away our place.
What can we do? The very first thing is we as Christians must change the hearts of those in authority within before we can do this without. This can only be accomplished by preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Man is a sinner, he cannot save himself! God loves this lost and sinful world, and His delays of judgment are not His denial, but His grace that more might be saved before He steps in to judge our nation and the world. God has justly found a way to forgive us all our sins. He came to earth, became a man Himself so He could be our substitutionary sacrifice for our sin penalty. Yes CHRIST DIED FOR YOU AND ME. And, friend the Good News we must trumpet is all who turn to Christ, and receive Him into their lives and hearts are freed from God’s judgments and penalties for sin now and in eternity.
Have you received Christ? If not I beg you today call upon the Lord Jesus Christ to save you, and He will! He will grant you forgiveness and life eternal. The Bible declares,
Rom 10:12-13 (NIV) “For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.””
That is the HOPE, the only HOPE OF AMERICA. My friend will you, are you a part of the solution, or are you a part of that which one day will be judged by God and destroyed from the face of the earth. That day is coming, may all of us be found faithful to Him who created us and died for our sins. Even so we cry COME LORD JESUS…
CLOSING SONG ¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾¾
…Do you long for our nation to once again submit to God’s authority and morality? If so, then let’s make this the year of prayer, were God’s people pray for restoration of our land as “one nation under God.” It can happen, but only if we together make it so…
…Well friends, you’ve been listening to the first edition in this New Year of the World, the Word & You! Broadcast. I’m so glad you stayed with me for these thirty minutes. To say thank you we’d like to offer you a free cassette copy of today broadcast or a printed booklet of the message. It’s absolutely free. All you need to do si write to me and I’ll send it along free of charge any where in the world for that matter. Also be aware of our interactive Internet website. There you can access every message in audio or printed form as well as other good information for your life and living. Just point your c0omptuer browsers to <http://www.bibleradio.org>
Well time is gone, but our God is not. Please worship Him in the bible believing church of your choice this weekend, and then tune us in again nest week for another look at our world, God’s Word and its relationship to busy thinking people like you and me. Thanks again for listening. My prayer for you is that God will bless you and keep you and that He will energize you to respond fully to my thoughts to your heart today. Have a good week ahead see you next week a the same time and station, the Lord willing. This is Dennis Finnan, your host and commentator saying goodbye and God bless you
· Radio talk #0101
· Broadcast date: January 07, 2001
· Speaker: Dennis L. Finnan, Commentator
· Program: The World, the Word & You! Radio Broadcast
· Address: P.O. Box 40133 Grand Junction, CO 81504
The World, the Word & You! Broadcast is a non-denominational ministry based on the historic fundamental evangelical interpretation of the Scriptures. A copy of our doctrinal statement is available upon request. These weekly radio commentaries are not exhaustive studies of any particular subject due to the time limit of broadcasting. Actual broadcasts can be heard in selected areas around the nation, as funding provides. Dennis Finnan has been the speaker for over 20 years, and serves as General Director.
These transcripts are available free of charge to all who desire them. Also available are actual radio cassette tapes and printed booklets of each message. A free listing of recent messages is available upon request also.
For further information, reprints, or a listing of all topics, please write to our speaker, Dennis L. Finnan(dennis@wwy.org),or visit our webpage at http://www.wwy.org/