Messages with Meaning


Sermons delivered at Sanlando Springs by Pastor Jack Parrott

Lift Up America

Proverbs 14:34
Presented June 29, 2008, © Dr. Jack Parrott
I. Introduction
  1. Frederick Douglass (1852 Ithaca NY speech) said, "I have one great political idea. . . . That idea is an old one. It is widely and generally assented to; nevertheless, it is very generally trampled upon and disregarded. The best expression of it, I have found in the Bible. It is in substance, 'Righteousness exalteth a nation; but sin is a reproach to any people' [Proverbs 14:34]. This constitutes my politics - the negative and positive of my politics, and the whole of my politics. . . . I feel it my duty to do all in my power to infuse this idea into the public mind, that it may speedily be recognized and practiced upon by our people."
    Proverbs 14:34 (NLT) Godliness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.
  2. Godliness 'lifts up' a people, whereas sin impoverishes a nation, it robs us of our dignity.
    1. Righteousness refers to just principles and actions; integrity, virtue.
    2. A true patriot is someone who is loyal to the principles which have made our country great.
      1. In his book The Four Loves, C.S. Lewis says, "We all know now that [the love of one's country] becomes a demon when it becomes a god."
      2. Sin is a violation of our relationship to God; sin against humanity is a violation against another person or against God's creation. Sin destroys relationships. Sin destroys parts of God's creation.
  3. How can we stop those things which are destructive and lift up America by doing those things which will strengthen our nation? How can we lift up America?
II. We lift up America by living right personally. I am to practice righteousness in my personal life.
  1. God gives us freedom, but it comes at a price. It cost God His Son and it cost the lives of countless brave men and women.
    1. Someone has said: "There are two freedoms—the false, where a man is free to do what he likes; the true-where a man is free to do what he ought."
    2. Freedom requires responsibility and discipline. When mis-used freedom can be destructive.

      3.     John Stott: A fish out of water is free, but doomed.
  2. God gives us power and ability. It is to be used in humility and with the recognition that is given to us for a purpose.
    1. Peter Marshall prayed, Lord, when we are wrong, make us willing to change. And when we are right, make us easy to live with.
    2. Whatever our role in life we should receive it as being given by God, and live righteously in our 'divine assignment'.
III. We lift up America by living right publicly. There is to be righteousness shown in our public life.
  1. We care for one another. We work for the betterment of humanity.
    1. The Scripture says, "Love your neighbor as yourself."
          In 15 years of asking high school students throughout America whether, in an emergency situation, they would save their dog or a stranger first, most students have answered that they would save the dog. "Love your neighbor!"
    2. We have been sent to make a difference in the lives of hurting people. Notice what Jesus said in Luke 4:18.
  2. The Bible speaks of God transforming both "people" (the community of the redeemed) and "place" (the new Jerusalem). What are we doing that is transforming people and places toward God's plan?
  3. Sacrifice for the welfare of humanity.
        Love of country takes us outside of our self and helps to place the emphasis on others.
IV. We lift up America by living right politically. Our laws are to reflect righteousness.
  1. Our leaders are accountable to God first, and to the people who elected them.
        A young boy asked his congressman father, 'what does the chaplain of the senate do?' His father replied, "He stands, looks at the congress, then prays for the country!"
        The idea that 'politics is a dirty business' is a smear which should not be tolerated. We must demand more from those we employ to serve us in public office.
  2. Our people are to elect men and women who share our values, and then hold them accountable for supporting those values
        Voting is not only a privilege provided by a lot of sacrifice, but it is a spiritual duty. To note vote is to give away our influence to differing values. We support the freedom for all opinions to be voiced, but we must never give up our right to voice our beliefs.
        Christians must not retreat from the public square, and one way to make your voice heard is to cast your vote. If Christians do not speak up the voices of secularism and alien religions will fill the silence.
  3. There are values which build a strong nation. Among them are these:
    1. The sacredness of human life. What does it mean for us to have been 'created'? What does it mean for us to have been 'created equal'?
    2. The sacredness of family life. What does it mean to be family? Is everybody 'family'?
    3. The sacredness of freedom and justice for all.
V. Conclusion
  1. As Christian Americans, we lift up American when we recognize we are citizens of two worlds, and it is we are Christians first, and then Americans.

    2. Click here to return and select other messages



    Don't miss out! Joint us at our services to get ALL the Word!

    Click here for details about our Worship Services