AMERICA ON HER KNEES

AMERICA ON HER KNEES

“Quality of Life Series”

4/28/05

LEADER: We had the privilege to go with Ike and Trisha and two other couples to spend a couple of hours with David Barton, Founder and President of Wallbuilders, his wife, Cheryl and two of his staff.

· Wallbuilders is a national pro-family organization which distributes historical, legal, and statistical information; and helps citizens become active in their local schools and communities.

· WallBuilders is a name taken from the Bible book of Nehemiah. And just as Nehemiah led a grassroots movement in Jerusalem to rebuild the walls of that city and restore its strength and honor; so, too,

· WallBuilders seeks to energize the grassroots today to rebuild that which makes America strong—its constitutional, moral, and religious foundations.

You can go to www.wallbuilders.com to learn more about his work and our nation’s spiritual heritage.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “EXPERTISE”

From “The Affidavit in Support of the Ten Commandments”: By David Barton EXCERPT

http://www.wallbuilders.com/resources/search/detail.php?ResourceID=41
David Barton:

· Is a recognized authority in American history, particularly concerning the Colonial, Revolutionary, and Federal Eras.

· Owns a vast collection of thousands of documents of American history predating 1812, including handwritten works of the signers of the Declaration and the Constitution.

· Works as a consultant to national history textbook publishers and have been appointed by the State Boards of Education in States such as California and Texas to help write the American history and government standards for students in those States. Additionally, he consults with Governors and State Boards of Education in several other States and have testified in numerous State Legislatures on American history.

· Is the recipient of several national and international awards

· Has written and published numbers of books and articles on American history and its related issues.

He travels most of the year and has approximately 170 engagements a year, gives spiritual history tours of the US Capitol and has numerous projects including working to defund the ACLU and getting spiritual history in all six new permanent displays in the Capitol entry.

LEADER: TOM…GIVE RELATED INFO HERE.

David is working tirelessly and successfully to reverse the trend in America to drop God and our Spiritual heritage from text books and government and our original founding documents.

We even heard on the radio Monday there is a movement to change BC and AD from the date system, because it is based on the birth and death of our Saviour… and to change the words “In the Year of Our Lord” in documents.

Christians have become complacent, and let the few radicals change our country.

What can be done?

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Ten Steps To Change America” #1

By David Barton EXCERPTS

http://www.wallbuilders.com/resources/search/detail.php?ResourceID=64

What can be done to halt the havoc loosed on the United States since the early 60s? There must be two reversals, the first and most obvious one must occur in our national public stance toward God: the Supreme Court's current ban on the acknowledgment of God and the use of His principles in public is a direct challenge to Him and has thus triggered the law of national accountability, subjecting the nation to severe consequences.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Ten Steps To Change America” #2

By David Barton EXCERPTS

http://www.wallbuilders.com/resources/search/detail.php?ResourceID=64

The second reversal must center on the restoration of the personal benefits derived from living by Godly principles. For example, when the Courts ruled that students might not use the Ten Commandments, nor study the Scriptures, nor learn about sexual abstinence, etc., the separation of these teachings caused personal, individual harm to those students, as forewarned in Deuteronomy 6:24 and 10:13:

The Lord commanded us to obey all these decrees so that we might always prosper. Observe the Lord's decrees for your own good.

Millions have been harmed by the mandated separation of His principles from specific arenas of their lives. The efforts at restoration and reversal must occur on both the national and on the individual levels.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Ten Steps To Change America” #3

By David Barton EXCERPTS

http://www.wallbuilders.com/resources/search/detail.php?ResourceID=64

In the decades immediately preceding the Court rulings (the 1920s, 30s, 40s, etc.), Christians en masse had voluntarily removed themselves from the political, social, and legal arenas. Whenever the Godly depart from any arena, their own Godly values depart with them. A person in office always legislates according to his own personal beliefs and convictions, and herein is the wisdom of Proverbs 29:2 made evident: "When the righteous rule, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan."

It was the plan and intent of the Founders that the Godly, and thereby Godly principles, remain intimately involved in the political, judicial, and educational realms. The Founders believed that only the Godly would understand the unalienable freedoms provided by God and thus protect them in our form of government; and they never intended that Christian principles be divorced from public affairs.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Ten Steps To Change America” #4

By David Barton EXCERPTS

http://www.wallbuilders.com/resources/search/detail.php?ResourceID=64

Christians, through bad doctrine, political inactivity, and apathy had handed the reins of the nation over to leaders who awarded potential lifelong appointments to Justices not only willing but also eager to uproot the Christian practices that had been the heart of this nation for centuries. Quite frankly, the Court's 1962 (and subsequent) religion-hostile decisions were merely an outgrowth of what the Christian community-at-large had permitted and encouraged in the decades preceding those rulings.

A Biblical description of this process is given by Jesus in Matthew 13:24-26. In that parable, good people had a good field growing good seed. However, an enemy came in and planted bad among the good, thus contaminating the entire field. What afforded the enemy such an opportunity? The stark answer is found in verse 24: "While the good men slept, the enemy came in." Jesus never faulted the enemy for doing what he did, for it was his task and purpose to destroy; Jesus placed the fault on the good men who went to sleep, thus allowing the enemy to do what he did. Very bluntly what has occurred in America happened first because the church went to sleep, and then because the enemy came in and caused the damage.

LEADER: “Ten Steps To Change America” #5

By David Barton EXCERPTS

http://www.wallbuilders.com/resources/search/detail.php?ResourceID=64

Reversing the current trends involves making changes in the two areas mentioned earlier:

(1) the official unfriendly stand taken against God must be corrected, and

(2) religious principles and moral teachings must be restored and made available to individuals in public arenas. There are at least ten specific activities suggested which can help realize these goals.

LET’S LOOK AT 10 STEPS:

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “FIRST STEP”

FROM: “Ten Steps To Change America” By David Barton EXCERPTS

http://www.wallbuilders.com/resources/search/detail.php?ResourceID=64

The first thing is to do first things first:

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men, for [leaders] and for all that are in authority. 1 Timothy 2:1

This is not an arbitrary, haphazard plan given by God; God wants every individual to pray for civic leaders first, because civic leaders and their policies affect every individual. Simply for our own benefit we should be praying regularly for our leaders at local, state, and federal levels in each branch of government. Prayer will be the first key to effecting significant and lasting change, for situations do not change on earth until they have been changed in the heavenlies. Additionally, we need to pray faithfully that God will root the wicked from office and will raise up righteous individuals to replace them. "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," and having the right individuals in office will prevent the enactment of many damaging policies.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #1

http://www.wallbuilders.com/resources/search/detail.php?ResourceID=64

Governments rather depend upon men than men upon governments. . . . Let men be good and the government cannot be bad. . . . Though good laws do well, good men do better; for good laws may want [lack] good men . . . but good men will never want [lack] good laws nor suffer [allow bad] ill ones.

William Penn 1644-1718 Founded the Colony of Pennsylvania

Thomas Jefferson called Penn "the greatest law-giver the world has produced."

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #2

http://www.wisdomquotes.com/cat_religious_freedom.html

“Whatever is Christian is legal; whatever is not is illegal.”

From William Penn's 1681 Pennsylvania Constitution:

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “STEP #2”

FROM: “Ten Steps To Change America” By David Barton EXCERPTS

http://www.wallbuilders.com/resources/search/detail.php?ResourceID=64

Voluntary prayer currently is greatly restricted in many schools, but that does not mean children should not be trained daily to pray. If you have children of school age, pray with them each day before they leave for school. Show them from the Scriptures the importance of prayer and petition, and help them begin each day by seeking God. Encourage them to pray specifically for students, families, schools, and the nation. God wants us to train our children in the importance of prayer.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: Proverbs 15:8

The prayer of the upright is His delight.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Pray without ceasing.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: Colossians 4:2

Continue in prayer.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “STEP #3”

FROM: “Ten Steps To Change America”

By David Barton EXCERPTS

http://www.wallbuilders.com/resources/search/detail.php?ResourceID=64

Children currently receive little accurate information from their schools or public institutions either about the historical role of Christians in the nation or about the importance of involving Godly principles in our public affairs. Nevertheless, you can help them obtain correct information.

If you have children, teach them the Christian history, heritage, and traditions of our nation. If you do not have children, then educate those around you (i.e., Sunday School class, civic club, etc.) to an accurate history of our nation.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “STEP #4”

FROM: “Ten Steps To Change America” By David Barton EXCERPTS

http://www.wallbuilders.com/resources/search/detail.php?ResourceID=64

A recent Gallup Poll shows that 84 percent of this nation firmly believe in Jesus Christ, and a separate poll indicates that 94 percent believe in God. Polls have shown that:

Over 80 percent approve of voluntary prayer in school.

81 percent of the nation opposes homosexual behavior.

89 percent opposes the use of abortion as a means of convenience birth control.

Imagine a hypothetical vote in the U. S. Senate where the final tally was 94 to 6. It would be untenable for the 6 to be declared the winner and to have their policy enacted over the votes of the 94; yet this is exactly what happened when the public acknowledgment of God was prohibited. Can such an act truly be appropriate either in a republic (to which we pledge our allegiance) or in a democracy (which we most often claim to be)?

While polls show that the overwhelming majority of our citizens seem ready to return Godly precepts to public affairs, it is clear that a vast number of our elected officials are not. Whose fault is that? Notice President James Garfield's answer to this question:

Now, more than ever before, the people are responsible for the character of their Congress. If that body be ignorant, reckless, and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness, and corruption. If it be intelligent, brave, and pure, it is because the people demand these high qualities to represent them in the national legislature.. . . If the next centennial does not find us a great nation . . . it will be because those who represent the enterprise, the culture, and the morality of the nation do not aid in controlling the political forces.

EXAMPLE: Proof that it is up to us, the citizens, not them, the leaders came in five separate U. S. Senate races in 1986. The five candidates who stood for returning Godly principles to public affairs were defeated by a collective total of only 57,000 votes-less than 12,000 votes per state. Yet in those five states, there were over 5 million Christians who did not even vote! If only 1 of every 100 nonvoting Christians-one percent-had voted for the candidate supporting Godly principles, those five would have been elected and would have created a ten-vote swing in the Senate; five unGodly men would have been retired and five Godly men would have taken their places.

LEADER: This means that we do have the power to make a difference. When Christians begin to believe that we can make a difference and begin to act like the majority we are, we will make a difference. The ability to change the current situation is in our hands.

FROM: “Ten Steps To Change America” By David Barton EXCERPTS

http://www.wallbuilders.com/resources/search/detail.php?ResourceID=64

It is so important that Christians exercise their freedom to vote.

There is local election early voting at the Court House through next Tuesday.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #3

http://www.wallbuilders.com/resources/search/detail.php?ResourceID=64

“All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.”

Edmund Burke 1729-1797 British Statesman/philosopher/Author

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #4

http://www.wallbuilders.com/resources/search/detail.php?ResourceID=64

“Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers. It is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest, of our Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.”

John Jay 1745-1929

America’s First Chief Justice of the Supreme Court

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #5

http://www.wallbuilders.com/resources/search/detail.php?ResourceID=64

‘The exercise of the elective franchise is a social duty of as solemn a nature as man can be called to perform; that a man may not innocently trifle with his vote; that every free elector is a trustee as well for others as himself; and that every man and every measure he supports has an important bearing on the interests of others as well as on his own.”

Daniel Webster 1782-1852 US Senator & Secretary of State

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #6

http://www.wallbuilders.com/resources/search/detail.php?ResourceID=64

“Let it be impressed on your mind that God commands you to choose for rulers just men who will rule in the fear of God [Exodus 18:21]. . . . If the citizens neglect their duty and place unprincipled men in office, the government will soon be corrupted . . . If [our] government fails to secure public prosperity and happiness, it must be because the citizens neglect the Divine commands, and elect bad men to make and administer the laws.

Noah Webster 1758-1843 Founding Father

Wrote the First American Dictionary

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #7

http://www.wallbuilders.com/resources/search/detail.php?ResourceID=64

“The time has come that Christians must vote for honest men and take consistent ground in politics or the Lord will curse them. . . . God cannot sustain this free and blessed country which we love and pray for unless the Church will take right ground.”

Charles Finney 1792-1875 Pastor/Author

LEADER: It is time to believe and to behave differently. We are not a minority; we are the majority! It is time to declare at the ballot box that we will no longer allow officials who embrace the values of the 6 percent who do not believe in God to abrogate the rights of the 94 percent who do.

FROM: “Ten Steps To Change America”

By David Barton EXCERPTS

http://www.wallbuilders.com/resources/search/detail.php?ResourceID=64

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “STEP #5”

FROM: “Ten Steps To Change America” By David Barton EXCERPTS

http://www.wallbuilders.com/resources/search/detail.php?ResourceID=64

· Many groups publish a voter's guide showing the voting records of incumbents and the position of challengers on moral and religious issues of concern to the God-fearing community. A listing of several of these groups may be found on our "Helpful Links" page. www.walbuilders.com

· Another way to obtain information on a candidate's stands on specific issues is simply to phone his or her office and ask. In addition to any questions which you might have concerning state or local issues, three additional questions you can pose will almost universally reveal the moral philosophy which guides that candidate. Specifically question each candidate on:

1. His view on the relationship between God and government.

2. His view on abortion.

3. His view on homosexual behavior.

LEADER: The answers to these questions will reveal whether the candidate perceives the importance of God's principles to government, whether he understands the value of life and of protecting the innocent, and finally whether he believes that there are behavioral absolutes based on fundamental rights and wrongs. How a candidate answers these three questions will identify the moral foundation from which all other political decisions will be made.

FROM: “Ten Steps To Change America” By David Barton EXCERPTS

http://www.wallbuilders.com/resources/search/detail.php?ResourceID=64

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #8

http://www.wallbuilders.com/resources/search/detail.php?ResourceID=64

“. . . be religiously careful in our choice of all public officers . . . and judge of the tree by its fruits.”

Elias Boudinot 1740-1821

Founding Father/President of the Continental Congress

HAVE SOMEONE READ: Exodus 18:21

²¹"Furthermore, you shall select out of all the people able men who fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain; and you shall place these over them as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens.

LEADER: (Note: It does not violate any tax-exempt provision of the IRS for a church to distribute voter's guides or candidate positions; a voter's guide is an educational publication and does not jeopardize a church's tax-exempt status. A church may educate its members on the beliefs of candidates concerning issues of concern to Christians. It is only as an official corporate body that the church may not endorse a specific candidate or party. However, a pastor may endorse a candidate or a party-even from the pulpit-as long as he makes it clear that he is simply delivering his own opinion and that he is not speaking on behalf of the church board or church corporation. A pastor does not forfeit his right to freedom of speech just because he is a pastor.)

FROM: “Ten Steps To Change America”

By David Barton EXCERPTS

http://www.wallbuilders.com/resources/search/detail.php?ResourceID=64

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “STEP #6”

FROM: “Ten Steps To Change America” By David Barton EXCERPTS

http://www.wallbuilders.com/resources/search/detail.php?ResourceID=64

Once you identify a candidate who can make a positive difference, get involved with him. Offer as much financial support as you can (whether little or much), and then call the office and volunteer some time to the campaign, even if it is only an hour or two. By volunteering to help a Godly candidate, you will, in fact, be helping yourself and your posterity; it is important to remember posterity and to leave them something better than we have.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #9

http://www.wallbuilders.com/resources/search/detail.php?ResourceID=64

Finally, ye . . . whose high prerogative it is to . . . invest with office and authority or to withhold them, [by voting] and in whose power it is to save or destroy your country, consider well the important trust . . which God . . . [has] put into your hands. To God and posterity you are accountable for them. . . . Let not your children have reason to curse you for giving up those rights and prostrating those institutions which your fathers delivered to you.

The Rev. Matthias Burnet, in a sermon delivered before the Connecticut legislature in 1803

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #10

http://www.wallbuilders.com/resources/search/detail.php?ResourceID=64

“I have been alternately called an aristocrat and a democrat. I am neither. I am a Christocrat. I believe all power . . . will always fail of producing order and happiness in the hands of man. He alone who created and redeemed man is qualified to govern him.”

Benjamin Rush 1745-1813 - Founding Father &

Father of Public Schools

LEADER: We need to be “Christocrats” and support Godly candidates.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “STEP #7” (THIS IS IMPORTANT)

FROM: “Ten Steps To Change America” By David Barton EXCERPTS

http://www.wallbuilders.com/resources/search/detail.php?ResourceID=64

Another mechanism for effective change is direct contact with your Congressman. A sincere, personal letter expressing your views and your concerns to your Congressman is effective.

To determine how many letters would be needed, we queried several: "Congressman, how do you know when you have a 'hot' issue?" Their answer was startling: "If we get as many as fifty letters on a bill, it's a very hot issue." They further indicated that, in their opinion, twenty letters would be sufficient pressure to cause the two Congressmen to reverse their position on the bottled-up bill. Amazed, we asked: "How many letters do you usually receive on a bill?" They responded, "Five to ten is normal."

Each Congressman represents at least 500,000 individuals,

and as few as 20 letters can cause him to reverse his stand!

In communicating with your Congressman, it is important that your contacts be personal. Congressmen openly acknowledge that mass-produced mailings, form letters, or petitions get no response and usually go into the trash.

LEADER: That means this Bible Study group could write 20 personal letters and make a huge difference. If we send enough letters on a single bill or issue, we can create a “crisis” for a Congressman.

Here are some guidelines:

HAVE SOMEONE READ “STEP #7” CONTINUED

FROM: “Ten Steps To Change America” By David Barton EXCERPTS

http://www.wallbuilders.com/resources/search/detail.php?ResourceID=64

1. Be personal in your letter. Use the name of your Congressman-don't address it to "Dear Congressman". You typically don't appreciate mail addressed to "Dear Occupant"; neither does he; call him/her by name.

2. Get to the point-don't be long-winded or wordy; three or four paragraphs is plenty.

3. Be specific in your requests.

4. Don't get preachy. Give practical, well-thought-out, logical reasons for your position and why you want him to take certain steps.

5. Don't threaten.

6. Be complimentary and appreciative.

7. Close with a statement of appreciation, and sincerely and genuinely thank him (for his service, for his consideration of your request, etc.), and then ask him for a response to your letter.

LEADER: Letters are more effective, but you can also call…the addresses and Capitol switchboard number are on your hand-outs.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “STEP #8”

FROM: “Ten Steps To Change America” By David Barton EXCERPTS

http://www.wallbuilders.com/resources/search/detail.php?ResourceID=64

Often, we seem to be overwhelmed with bad news and regular reports concerning the loss or compromise of yet another moral or Biblical principle. We receive a steady presentation of what the "liberal" media believes to be important and a suppression of what we believe to be important. You can be effective in communicating a different viewpoint to your friends and to others, and one way is through the "Letters to the Editor" section of your local newspaper. Utilize the opportunity to give sound, practical reasons for your opinions and to provide a basis for others to adopt your views.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: Song of Solomon 8:13

Your companions hearken to your voice, so speak!

HAVE SOMEONE READ: 1 Corinthians 9:19-22

To win as many as possible . . . I became like one under the law so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law . . . so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: I Peter 3:15

Be ready to give an answer to everyone.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “STEP #9”

FROM: “Ten Steps To Change America” By David Barton EXCERPTS

http://www.wallbuilders.com/resources/search/detail.php?ResourceID=64

As you become more active and involved, don't underestimate the effect of the experience you are gaining. Be willing to step into leadership, perhaps by stepping out to inform the community of important issues and consideration, perhaps by recruiting others to run for office, or perhaps even by running for local offices yourself.

Local offices are important-they influence the entire community.

Recognize that involvement in civil government is a legitimate ministry.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: Luke 19:17-19

¹⁷"And he said to him, 'Well done, good slave, because you have been faithful in a very little thing, you are to be in authority over ten cities.'

¹⁸"The second came, saying, 'Your mina, master, has made five minas.'

¹⁹"And he said to him also, 'And you are to be over five cities.'

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “STEP #10”

FROM: “Ten Steps To Change America” By David Barton EXCERPTS

http://www.wallbuilders.com/resources/search/detail.php?ResourceID=64

Finally, it is vital that we develop an attitude of unswervable duty coupled with an attitude of resolute steadfastness. For the most part, our culture has developed a short-term, microwave mentality. Television seems to teach us that a family or a national crisis can arise and be resolved completely within a 30- or 60-minute program; consequently, we have embraced impatience as a national characteristic.

That characteristic too often infects our attitude toward involvement in public affairs. For example, we may get involved in an election or two; but when we don't see a complete turnaround, we have a tendency to throw up our hands, declare that we tried and that it didn't make any difference, then scurry on to our next inspiration. It took nearly half-a-century to arrive at the situation in which we find ourselves today; that situation will not be reversed in one election, or two.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: Galatians 6:9

^9(A)Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: Exodus 23:29-30

²⁹"I will not drive them out before you in a single year, that the land may not become desolate and the beasts of the field become too numerous for you. ³⁰"I will drive them out before you little by little, until you become fruitful and take possession of the land.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: Matthew 25:21

²¹"His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful slave You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.'

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #11

http://www.wallbuilders.com/resources/search/detail.php?ResourceID=64

“The propitious [favorable] smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained.”

George Washington 1732-1799 Founding Father/1^st US President

HAVE SOMEONE READ: QUOTE #12

http://www.wallbuilders.com/resources/search/detail.php?ResourceID=64

"Those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord."

Abraham Lincoln 1809-1865 16^thUS President

LEADER: Our Founding Fathers’ God was the Lord.

Let’s look at some of America’s Spiritual Heritage

LEADER: “Forsaken Roots” #1

http://www.wtv-zone.com/Mary/forsakenroots.html

Did you know that 52 of the 55 signers of The Declaration of Independence were orthodox, deeply committed Christians? The other three all believed in the Bible as the divine truth, the God of scripture, and His personal intervention.

It is the same congress that formed the American Bible Society. Immediately after creating the Declaration of Independence, the Continental Congress voted to purchase and import 20,000 copies of scripture for the people of this nation.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Forsaken Roots” #2

http://www.wtv-zone.com/Mary/forsakenroots.html

Patrick Henry, (1736-1799) who is called the firebrand of the American Revolution, is still remembered for his words, "Give me liberty or give me death." But in current textbooks the context of these words is deleted. Here is what he said: "An appeal to arms and the God of hosts is all that is left us. But we shall not fight our battle alone. There is a just God that presides over the destinies of nations. The battle sir, is not of the strong alone. Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it almighty God. I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death."

These sentences have been erased from our textbooks.

Was Patrick Henry a Christian? The following year, 1776, he wrote this "It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religion, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For that reason alone, people of other faiths have been afforded freedom of worship here."

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Forsaken Roots” #3

http://www.wtv-zone.com/Mary/forsakenroots.html

Consider these words that Thomas Jefferson wrote on the front of his well- worn Bible: "I am a Christian, that is to say a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus. I have little doubt that our whole country will soon be rallied to the unity of our Creator and, I hope, to the pure doctrine of Jesus also."

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Forsaken Roots” #4

http://www.wtv-zone.com/Mary/forsakenroots.html

Consider these words from George Washington, the Father of our Nation, in his farewell speech on September 19, 1796:

"It is impossible to govern the world without God and the Bible. Of all the dispositions and habits that lead to political prosperity, our religion and morality are the indispensable supporters. Let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that our national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle."

Was George Washington a Christian? Consider these words from his personal prayer book: "Oh, eternal and everlasting God, direct my thoughts, words and work. Wash away my sins in the immaculate blood of the lamb and purge my heart by the Holy Spirit. Daily, frame me more and more in the likeness of thy son, Jesus Christ, that living in thy fear, and dying in thy favor, I may in thy appointed time obtain the resurrection of the justified unto eternal life. Bless, O Lord, the whole race of mankind and let the world be filled with the knowledge of thy son, Jesus Christ."

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Forsaken Roots” #5

http://www.wtv-zone.com/Mary/forsakenroots.html

How about our first Court Justice, John Jay?

He stated that when we select our national leaders, if we are to preserve our Nation, we must select Christians. "Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers and it is the duty as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian Nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers."

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Forsaken Roots” #6

http://www.wtv-zone.com/Mary/forsakenroots.html

John Quincy Adams, son of John Adams, was the sixth U.S. President.

He was also the chairman of the American Bible Society, which he considered his highest and most important role. On July 4, 1821, President Adams said, "The highest glory of the American Revolution was this: it connected in one indissoluble bond the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity."

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Forsaken Roots” #7

http://www.wtv-zone.com/Mary/forsakenroots.html

Calvin Coolidge, our 30th President of the United States reaffirmed this truth when he wrote, "The foundations of our society and our government rest so much on the teachings of the Bible that it would be difficult to support them if faith in these teachings would cease to be practically universal in our country."

LEADER: “Forsaken Roots” #8

http://www.wtv-zone.com/Mary/forsakenroots.html

In 1782, the United States Congress voted this resolution: "The congress of the United States recommends and approves the Holy Bible for use in all schools."

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Forsaken Roots” #9

http://www.wtv-zone.com/Mary/forsakenroots.html

William Holmes McGuffey is the author of the McGuffey Reader, which was used for over 100 years in our public schools with over 125 million copies sold until it was stopped in 1963. President Lincoln called him the "Schoolmaster of the Nation."

Listen to these words of Mr. McGuffey: "The Christian religion is the religion of our country. From it are derived our notions on character of God, on the great moral Governor of the universe. On its doctrines are founded the peculiarities of our free institutions. From no source has the author drawn more conspicuously than from the sacred Scriptures. From all these extracts from the Bible I make no apology."

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Forsaken Roots” #10

http://www.wtv-zone.com/Mary/forsakenroots.html

Of the first 108 universities founded in America, 106 were distinctly Christian, including the first.

Harvard University, chartered in 1636. In the original Harvard Student Handbook rule number 1 was that students seeking entrance must know Latin and Greek so that they could study the scriptures:

"Let every student be plainly instructed and earnestly pressed to consider well, the main end of his life and studies is, to know God and Jesus Christ, which is eternal life, John 17:3; and therefore to lay Jesus Christ as the only foundation of all sound knowledge and learning. And seeing the Lord only giveth wisdom, let everyone seriously set himself by prayer in secret to seek it of him (Proverbs 2:3)."

For over 100 years, more than 50% of all Harvard graduates were pastors!

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Forsaken Roots” #11

http://www.wtv-zone.com/Mary/forsakenroots.html

It is clear from history that the Bible and the Christian faith, were foundational in our educational and judicial system. However in 1947, there was a radical change of direction in the Supreme Court.

Here is the prayer that was banished:

"Almighty God, we acknowledge our dependence on Thee. We beg Thy blessings upon us and our parents and our teachers and our country.

Amen."

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Forsaken Roots” #12

http://www.wtv-zone.com/Mary/forsakenroots.html

In 1963, the Supreme Court ruled that Bible reading was outlawed as unconstitutional in the public school system. The court offered this justification: "If portions of the New Testament were read without explanation, they could and have been psychologically harmful to children."

Bible reading was now unconstitutional , though the Bible was quoted 94 percent of the time by those who wrote our constitution and shaped our Nation and its system of education and justice and government.

In 1965, the Courts denied as unconstitutional the rights of a student in the public school cafeteria to bow his head and pray audibly for his food.

HAVE SOMEONE READ: “Forsaken Roots” #13

http://www.wtv-zone.com/Mary/forsakenroots.html

In 1980, Stone vs. Graham outlawed the Ten Commandments in our public schools.

The Supreme Court said this: "If the posted copies of the Ten Commandments were to have any effect at all, it would be to induce school children to read them. And if they read them, meditated upon them, and perhaps venerated and observed them, this is not a permissible objective."

Is it not a permissible objective to allow our children to follow the moral principles of the Ten Commandments?

James Madison, the primary author of the Constitution of the United States, said this: "We have staked the whole future of our new nation, not upon the power of government; far from it. We have staked the future of all our political constitutions upon the capacity of each of ourselves to govern ourselves according to the moral principles of the Ten Commandments."

LEADER: “Forsaken Roots” #14

http://www.wtv-zone.com/Mary/forsakenroots.html

Most of what you have heard has been erased from our textbooks. Revisionists have rewritten history to remove the truth about our country's Christian roots.

It is time for the Christian majority to take action.

WE CAN PRAY. WE CAN VOTE.

WE CAN VOLUNTEER. WE CAN WRITE.

LEADER: “Freedom Five” EXCERPT (LEAVE OUT IF SHORT ON TIME)

http://www.nationaldayofprayer.org/whattopray.php

If you knew five minutes a day could impact and change America, would you be willing to set aside time in your car, during your coffee break or before bedtime to make that happen?
Freedom Five is an initiative that challenges you to commit to prayer for our country on a daily basis. It involves praying for five minutes a day about five centers of power:

· Government

· Media

· Education

· Church

· Family

By targeting these specific areas, America can experience the freedom that accompanies God's power.

LEADER: We are passing out the “Freedom Five” and the list of Government officials to pray for.

LEADER: The National Day of Prayer is next Thursday.

THE THEME IS “GOD SHED HIS GRACE ON THEE.”

¹⁶Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:16

We will not be meeting at the UpTop for Bible Study, but will go to the Gazebo at noon to pray for our Nation. You can eat before you come or come early and bring a sack lunch.

STOP AT 15 TILL FOR PRAYER

REQUESTS AND PRAISES

CUT AND DISTRIBUTE FOR READING:

“EXPERTISE”
David Barton:

· Is a recognized authority in American history, particularly concerning the Colonial, Revolutionary, and Federal Eras.

· Owns a vast collection of thousands of documents of American history predating 1812, including handwritten works of the signers of the Declaration and the Constitution.

· Is the recipient of several national and international awards

· Has written and published numbers of books and articles on American history and its related issues.

“Ten Steps To Change America” #1

“Ten Steps To Change America” #2

The Lord commanded us to obey all these decrees so that we might always prosper. Observe the Lord's decrees for your own good.

“Ten Steps To Change America” #3

“Ten Steps To Change America” #4

“FIRST STEP”

The first thing is to do first things first:

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men, for [leaders] and for all that are in authority. 1 Timothy 2:1

QUOTE #1

William Penn 1644-1718 Founded the Colony of Pennsylvania

Thomas Jefferson called Penn "the greatest law-giver the world has produced."

QUOTE #2

“Whatever is Christian is legal; whatever is not is illegal.”

From William Penn's 1681 Pennsylvania Constitution:

“STEP #2”

Proverbs 15:8

1 Thessalonians 5:17

Colossians 4:2

“STEP #3”

QUOTE #3

“All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.”

Edmund Burke 1729-1797 British Statesman/philosopher/Author

“STEP #4”

A recent Gallup Poll shows that 84 percent of this nation firmly believe in Jesus Christ, and a separate poll indicates that 94 percent believe in God. Polls have shown that:

Over 80 percent approve of voluntary prayer in school.

81 percent of the nation opposes homosexual behavior.

89 percent opposes the use of abortion as a means of convenience birth control.

QUOTE #4

“Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers. It is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest, of our Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.”

John Jay 1745-1929 America’s First Chief Justice of the Supreme Court

QUOTE #5

Daniel Webster 1782-1852 US Senator & Secretary of State

QUOTE #6

“Let it be impressed on your mind that God commands you to choose for rulers just men who will rule in the fear of God [Exodus 18:21]. . . If the citizens neglect their duty and place unprincipled men in office, the government will soon be corrupted . . . If [our] government fails to secure public prosperity and happiness, it must be because the citizens neglect the Divine commands, and elect bad men to make and administer the laws.

Noah Webster 1758-1843 Founding Father

Wrote the First American Dictionary

QUOTE #7

Charles Finney 1792-1875 Pastor/Author

“STEP #5”

1. His view on the relationship between God and government.

2. His view on abortion.

3. His view on homosexual behavior.

QUOTE #8

“. . . be religiously careful in our choice of all public officers . . . and judge of the tree by its fruits.”

Elias Boudinot 1740-1821 Founding Father/President of the Continental Congress

Exodus 18:21

“STEP #6”

QUOTE #9

The Rev. Matthias Burnet, in a sermon delivered before the

Connecticut legislature in 1803

QUOTE #10

Benjamin Rush 1745-1813 - Founding Father & Father of Public Schools

“STEP #7”

Another mechanism for effective change is direct contact with your Congressman. A sincere, personal letter expressing your views and your concerns to your Congressman is effective.

Each Congressman represents at least 500,000 individuals,

and as few as 20 letters can cause him to reverse his stand!

“STEP #7” CONTINUED

2. Get to the point-don't be long-winded or wordy; three or four paragraphs is plenty.

3. Be specific in your requests.

4. Don't get preachy. Give practical, well-thought-out, logical reasons for your position and why you want him to take certain steps.

5. Don't threaten.

6. Be complimentary and appreciative.

7. Close with a statement of appreciation, and sincerely and genuinely thank him (for his service, for his consideration of your request, etc.), and then ask him for a response to your letter.

“STEP #8”