What Makes a Great Nation? Proverbs 14:34

A nation where people want to live. A Great Nation by the World’s Standard A nation where people want to live. A. A nation where people want to live. 1. Since the beginning of our nation people have left their homelands to move to America; to live & work. 2. From the time of its beginning, the nation has been blessed by God.

What about other characteristics A Great Nation by the World’s Standard What about other characteristics of our nation? 1. It’s natural resources are worth close to 45 trillion, second to only Russia. 2. It’s military power, was once great. Even now our military is very capable of defense. 3. Great leaders? Franklin, Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, FDR? 4. Is it its declarations & laws?

A Nation whose God is the Lord A Nation on Godly Principles 1. The “founding fathers” were not all “New Testament” Christians. Some were unruly. 2. Some only had a slight interest in Christianity. 3. However, the majority were: church-going, Bible-quoting believers in God. 4. It is hard to deny that when verses, a depiction of Moses, and the Ten Commandments are engraved on capital buildings.

A Nation whose God is the Lord Notice the words of Patrick Henry; “It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the Gospels of Jesus Christ.” Notice the words of Patrick Henry; “It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the Gospels of Jesus Christ.”

A popular American Revolutionary slogan 1. “No King but King Jesus” was a popular American Revolutionary slogan. 2. Was America a nation that once could say “Our God is the Lord” 1. “No King but King Jesus” was a popular American Revolutionary slogan. 2. Was America a nation that once could say “Our God is the Lord”

Franklin’s address to the convention on Thursday, June 28, 1787

“…And have we now forgotten that powerful friend “…And have we now forgotten that powerful friend? Or do we imagine that we no longer need His assistance. I have lived, Sire, a long time and the longer I love, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth-that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid?

We have been assured, Sir, in the sacred writings that “except the Lord build they labor in vain that build it.” I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without his concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better than the Builders of Babel:

… And what is worse, mankind may hereafter this unfortunate instance, despair of establishing Governments by Human Wisdom, and leave it to chance, war and conquest. I therefore beg leave to move-that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessings on our deliberations, be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business…”

A nation who follows the standards set forth by God. As owner and ruler of earth, God makes the rules. 1. Scripture addresses or mentions “the nations” 175 times A. As owner and ruler of earth, God makes the rules. 1. Scripture addresses or mentions “the nations” 175 times

A nation who follows the standards set forth by God. The wicked shall be turned into hell, And all the nations that forget God. Psalm 9:17

A nation who follows the standards set forth by God. Put them in fear, O Lord, That the nations may know themselves to be but men. Selah Psalm 9:20

A nation who follows the standards set forth by God. For the kingdom is the Lord's, And He rules over the nations. Psalm 22:28

A nation who follows the standards set forth by God. He rules by His power forever; His eyes observe the nations; Do not let the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah Psalm 66:7

A nation who follows the standards set forth by God. Oh, let the nations be glad and sing for joy! For You shall judge the people righteously, And govern the nations on earth. Selah Psalm 67:4

A nation who follows the standards set forth by God. Many determine their own standards. for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, Romans 2:14 Societies are not a “law unto themselves” (Rom 2:14) Next slide

A nation who follows the standards set forth by God. Many determine their own standards. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. Romans 10:3 1. Societies are not a “law unto themselves” (Rom 2:14) a. They cannot “go about to establish their own righteousness” (Rom 10:3) Next slide b. “O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the Lord” (Jer 22:29) 2. God has a plan to maintain righteousness on earth (Duet 4:6-9).

A nation who follows the standards set forth by God. Many determine their own standards. O earth, earth, earth, Hear the word of the Lord! Jeremiah 22:29 1. Societies are not a “law unto themselves” (Rom 2:14) a. They cannot “go about to establish their own righteousness” (Rom 10:3) b. “O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the Lord” (Jer 22:29) Next slide 2. God has a plan to maintain righteousness on earth (Duet 4:6-9).

A nation who follows the standards set forth by God. Many determine their own standards. Therefore be careful to observe them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes, and say, 'Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. 1. Societies are not a “law unto themselves” (Rom 2:14) a. They cannot “go about to establish their own righteousness” (Rom 10:3) b. “O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the Lord” (Jer 22:29) 2. God has a plan to maintain righteousness on earth (Duet 4:6-9).

A nation who follows the standards set forth by God. Many determine their own standards. "For what great nation is there that has God so near to it, as the Lord our God is to us, for whatever reason we may call upon Him? 1. Societies are not a “law unto themselves” (Rom 2:14) a. They cannot “go about to establish their own righteousness” (Rom 10:3) b. “O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the Lord” (Jer 22:29) 2. God has a plan to maintain righteousness on earth (Duet 4:6-9).

A nation who follows the standards set forth by God. Many determine their own standards. And what great nation is there that has such statutes and righteous judgments as are in all this law which I set before you this day? 1. Societies are not a “law unto themselves” (Rom 2:14) a. They cannot “go about to establish their own righteousness” (Rom 10:3) b. “O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the Lord” (Jer 22:29) 2. God has a plan to maintain righteousness on earth (Duet 4:6-9).

A nation who follows the standards set forth by God. Many determine their own standards. Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren, Deuteronomy 4:6-9 1. Societies are not a “law unto themselves” (Rom 2:14) a. They cannot “go about to establish their own righteousness” (Rom 10:3) b. “O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the Lord” (Jer 22:29) 2. God has a plan to maintain righteousness on earth (Duet 4:6-9).

A nation who follows the standards set forth by God. He ordained three institutions to carry out this purpose The Home The Government The Church 3. He ordained three institutions to carry out this purpose a. The home (Gen 2:22-24) which trains in righteousness (Pro 22:6; 2 Tim 3:16-17) b. The government (Gen 9; Rom 13:1-5), which enforces righteousness. c. The church (Acts 2; 1 Tim 3:15), which promotes righteousness.

Conclusion 1. We must remember that while selecting our leaders is important, we must remember God is in control. 2. It is him, that we must please. It is God who we should allow to guide our nation and not man.