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Well, simply defined it is "organized humanity." Now people can organize in any way they please as history has shown. For instance, early records of man's existence show that people generally organized as "extended family" units. That is, as families grew in size, they tended to stay together, often with more than two generations living and working together. Usually the oldest male or patriarch was given the place of rulership, along with the elders of the family who gave counsel and input into the patriarch's decisions. Such extended families as they grew soon became tribes, and when the tribes increased in numbers, the groups were known as "a people."
This is in line with the early patterns of Hebrew government found in the Bible. Abraham and his sons became the patriarchs of the people known as Israel. The Jewish people were composed of twelve tribes of Abraham, and by the time of the Exodus from Egypt, they numbered more than 2-3 million people! Rulership of Israel after its zenith under David and Solomon, was finally centered in what became known as the Priests and Elders. The elders, who ministered to social life, sat at the city gates, and judged the people. As necessary, they at times made covenants and dispensed justice. We read in,
2 Samuel 5:3 When all the elders of Israel had come to King
David at Hebron, the king made a compact with them at Hebron
before the LORD, and they anointed David king over Israel.
Deuteronomy 21:19 " a man shall take hold of his son, and
bring him to the elders at the gate of his town, for trial."
Yes, government and law especially what we have today can actually be traced back to these early Bible days, for the laws they followed, came from a higher source than themselves. They came from their Creator and God, and are found to this day in the Bible, God's holy Word.
When people first began to live in groups, we have seen that Tribal laws generated by time and custom became the standard by which people agreed to live together. Such laws became known as COMMON LAW. However, as one studies the Bible, we find that in addition to Common law which was observed for the good and welfare of the people, we learn that God has given all men His DIVINE LAW, by which to organize and live. In fact, the Bible commands people to follow His laws as the basis of building all common and statue laws as we know them today. Listen to God's command to generate a governing authority. We read in,
Genesis 9:1-6 Then God blessed Noah and his sons, saying to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth. {2} The fear and dread of you will fall upon all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air, upon every creature that moves along the ground, and upon all the fish of the sea; they are given into your hands. {3} Everything that lives and moves will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything. {4} "But you must not eat meat that has its lifeblood still in it. {5} And for your lifeblood I will surely demand an accounting. I will demand an accounting from every animal. And from each man, too, I will demand an accounting for the life of his fellow man. {6} "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made man.
Here God established the power for men to gather together and form a governing authority, greater than an individuals rights to personal life, liberty and freedom. The very first law, mind you, was the law of retribution and punishment for murder. God said, a life for a life, that was His first command. Of course, later on as men continued to follow God, He further revealed His plans for law, order and justice among men. In time, God gave what we now know are the LAWS of MOSES, which are summed up in what is called the TEN COMMANDMENTS.
In these laws, God orders the rights of individuals and reveals their duties before the greatest governor of the Universe, God Himself. To date, God's DIVINE LAW found in the Bible is the basis of all societal law that brings mankind the greatest happiness, peace and tranquillity. Of course, as Alexis de Tocqueville observed, it was the source of America's greatness. But say friend is this still true today?
As we celebrate our country's Independence at this time of the year, we all reflect on the struggle our forefathers had to build a new and independent nation. The 13 original American colonies we learn from history, came to a time and place where they felt constrained to revolt against the governing authority over them. The British, under the rulership of their King, imposed absolute control of the lives and livelihood of the people of America. Yet, one year before we signed the Declaration of Independence, war began when the British regulars fired on the Minutemen of Lexington, Mass.
At first, our forefathers fought only for their inalienable rights under God, but after a year of war they soon learned it was time to fight for complete independence instead. However, it wasn't until 1783, that Great Britain was forced to signed a formal treaty recognizing the full independence of the colonies. Yes, America, a land of freedom became a reality for all the peoples who since have come to its shores.
Now today history in our nation's world of education, is being terribly distorted. Our impressionable children are generally being fed a twisted and outrageous view of American history that actually never existed. We all can testify about the battle today for the continued remembrance of our nation's Christian heritage. Why, secular textbooks edited today, are deleting every reference to the founding of this nation under the DIVINE LAWS of God, and for people of faith.
Yet history still declares, our nation was great because its people worshipped and adored the God of Christianity. Now after we take another pause for a moment of patriotic music, I'll give you some quotes from our history, that affirms the Christian heritage now lost to a growing generation of children. When the Continental Congress met on June 28, 1787, Benjamin Franklin stood and spoke these words,
Isn't it time we mark such alien voices for what they are? They are the voices of alien takeover, of rebellion and revolution. And, the goal of these secularists, is to destroy the greatness of America, by removing God's hand of control and blessing that has been upon us by our permission and call. Such voices are seen almost everywhere these days, but nowhere greater than in the secular godless peoples of this nation, who vilify and stand against the Christian heritage of America.
I tell you it's not too late to stand up and be heard. The next time you see or hear of the "so-called Political Correctness," of removing God from our society and state - you must publicly challenge those voices, with the truth of history! Also, we must be careful and sure we never again vote for anybody running for public office, who does not confirm and affirm the conservative historic emphasis of the Judeo-Christian morality and law America was founded upon.
All such voices of rebellion to God and country that work in our public trust, in areas such as our public schools, our local government offices and court systems -- when any who occupy these places of public life take a stand against the historic heritage of our nation - we must expose them, and seek to remove them from office, position or place. Do you realize to date, more than 90% of America's people still claim to be people of faith? If that is true, the people of faith can still keep America great, by keeping her godly.
Well in light of all this it's time for God's people to pray, time for all people of faith who want America returned to its historic greatness, goodness and purpose -- to rise up, speak up and be counted. No, I'm not talking in any way about an armed revolt, rather by the American way by using the laws of the land to combat these alien forces seeking a takeover of this nation. We can do this first by entering the political process, from voting regularly to running for local governing positions, to even the highest position in the land, the presidency of the nation. But, if we continue to do nothing, the words of Edmund Burke will surely apply to our nation and our future. Burke said,
May all of us bow in recognition and remembrance of this as we remember, America's Noble Heritage this Independence Day celebration.
ENDNOTES:
1 Quote from, "AMERICA'S GOD & COUNTRY" by William J. Federer -
Encyclopedia of Quotations; Fame Publishing, Coppell, Texas.
2
June 28, 1787 Address before Continental Congress, Benjamin
Franklin
3 Inaugural Address, George Washington, 1789
4
America's God & Country, 1994 William Federer, Encyclopedia of
Quotations, Fame Publishing, Coppell, Texas
5 Speech March 30,
1863, by Abraham Lincoln
6 "The Writings and Speeches of Grover
Cleveland," by George F Parker, pp 182-183 7 Speech by Daniel
Webster June 17,1843 Bunker Hill Monument,
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 can be heard in selected areas around the nation. Dennis Finnan has been the speaker for 16 years, and serves as General Director. These transcripts are available free of charge to all who desire them. Also available are radio cassette tapes and printed booklets of each message. A free listing of all messages is available upon request also.
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