America Needs God
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America Needs God
By: Pastor David Grove
Dr. Billy Graham once said, “America is not at a crossroads, as some say. America is a long way down the road and needs to come back to the crossroads and take the right road.” It is evident that America for more than 50 years has drifted far from many of the principles upon which it was founded. The question before us is not merely political but spiritual: Will we return to the truths that made our nation strong, or will we continue down a path of destruction?
In the early years of our nation, pastors spoke openly about the issues of the day and the candidates seeking public office. Churches were involved in the community, and biblical truth provided a moral compass for society. However, in 1954 a bill was introduced by Senator Lyndon Baines Johnson, later known as the Johnson Amendment. While intended to address certain political concerns, it had a negative effect on churches and pastors who desired to speak on issues affecting the nation. The result has been a growing reluctance among many Christian leaders to address important cultural and moral issues from the pulpit.
Yet Scripture leaves no room for silence when truth is at stake. The Apostle Paul instructed Timothy, “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage with great patience and careful instruction” (2 Timothy 4:2). God’s people are not to retreat from the culture but to engage it with grace, wisdom, and biblical truth. Before we can effectively stand against the challenges facing our nation, we must first be equipped with the armor of God and grounded firmly in His Word.
During the Revolutionary War, there was an elite group of patriots known as the Minutemen. These men were prepared to respond at a moment’s notice. While ordinary militia units trained occasionally, the Minutemen trained consistently, ensuring they were ready whenever duty called. In much the same way, Christians must be spiritually prepared. We should be continually studying God’s Word, growing in prayer, and seeking His guidance so that when opportunities arise to serve Him, we are ready. Our weapon is not force or anger but the truth of God’s Word and the power of the Holy Spirit.
As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation, we must remember the sacrifices made by our Founding Fathers and countless others who risked everything for the cause of liberty. The Declaration of Independence speaks of three foundational principles: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. These are rooted in the belief that certain truths are self-evident because they come from God. Today, these principles are often debated and stomped upon. Yet their importance is vital as ever.
First, the principle of Life. Life is active and is a gift from God. Many people express concern about the direction of our nation, and some fear that destructive ideologies are gaining influence. While concerns may differ, Christians are called to respond not with hostility or fear but with truth and conviction. Jesus Himself demonstrated this when He was tempted by Satan in the wilderness. He did not respond with violence. Instead, He responded with the Word of God (Matthew 4:1-11). If we want to influence our culture for God, we must follow His example by standing firmly upon biblical truth.
Second, there is Liberty. Freedom is not a given, it is one of God’s greatest gifts. The freedoms we enjoy today came through tremendous sacrifice. Countless people gave their lives so future generations could live in liberty rather than tyranny. The Apostle Paul reminds us, “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Corinthians 3:17). Genuine liberty begins in the heart. It comes through a relationship with Jesus Christ and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.
The Bible also warns that evil will increase as the world moves further from God. The Apostle John wrote, “Every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world” (1 John 4:3). As believers, we must discern everything through the lens of Scripture, recognizing that truth comes from God alone.
Third, there is the Pursuit of Happiness. Modern culture often teaches that happiness is found in possessions, success, popularity, or personal achievement. Yet these things can never satisfy the deepest needs of the human heart. True happiness and contentment are found only in Christ. Happiness is not merely outward but is inward and rooted in our relationship with Jesus. Paul describes this in Galatians 5:22-23, the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities cannot be manufactured by human effort; they are produced by God’s Spirit working within us.
When the Founding Fathers declared that all people are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, they assumed future generations would recognize these truths and respect them. Sadly, many Americans today have forgotten the source of these blessings.
President Ronald Reagan warned, “If we ever forget that we’re one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under.” Those words serve as a reminder that America needs God. While many speak of Making America Great Again, and I believe this as well but, perhaps an even greater goal would be to Make America Godly Again. A transformation like this cannot begin with any one politician or party. It begins in our homes, our churches, and in our hearts.
Jesus said in Matthew 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” Christians are called to shine brightly in a dark and sinful world. Our lives should point others toward Christ. Rather than complaining we must be dedicated to being the light. (Ref. John 8:12)
As we celebrate 250 years of American history, may we rededicate ourselves to the principles of Faith, Truth, Liberty, and Righteousness. May we stand firmly upon God’s Word, serve faithfully where He has placed us, and without shame boldly proclaim the hope found only in Jesus Christ.
Keep serving the Lord. Keep faithful to the Lord. And above all, keep JESUS FIRST IN ALL THINGS.
With Joy in Jesus,
Pastor David