Embracing Our Heritage: Faith, Freedom, and Responsibility

Summary

The passing of Dr. Greg Jance reminds us of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every day and every relationship. We are called to forgive, to reconcile, and to live without regret, knowing that tomorrow is never guaranteed. This truth sets the stage for a deeper reflection on the spiritual roots of our nation and the responsibility we carry as followers of Christ in America.

America’s foundation is unique in that it was established by people seeking religious freedom, not conquest or personal gain. The earliest settlers, as seen in the Mayflower Compact and the New Covenant Confederation, came with the express purpose of glorifying God and advancing the Christian faith. The first public buildings were churches, and worship was central to community life. However, as generations passed, the spiritual fervor waned, and the nation experienced moral and spiritual decline, culminating in periods of intolerance and even the infamous Salem witch trials.

Yet, God did not leave the nation in spiritual darkness. The Great Awakening, led by preachers like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield, swept through the colonies, transforming lives and communities. This revival was not just a religious event but a precursor to the American Revolution, shaping the hearts and minds of the leaders who would birth a new nation. The Founding Fathers, though imperfect, overwhelmingly acknowledged God’s sovereignty and drew heavily from Scripture in forming the Constitution and the nation’s laws.

Throughout America’s history, there have been undeniable moments of divine intervention and protection, such as the miraculous escape of Washington’s army and the “miraculous convergence” at Yorktown. The structure of government itself, with its three branches, was inspired by biblical principles. Despite the increasing secularization of society and the challenges to religious expression, the heritage of faith remains a powerful undercurrent in the nation’s story.

The call today is to remember and reclaim this heritage—not in triumphalism, but in humble gratitude and responsibility. Each believer is challenged to stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before, to share the gospel boldly, and to plant seeds of faith in a world that desperately needs hope. The liberties we enjoy are a gift from God, and it is our duty to steward them well, ensuring that the good news of Jesus Christ continues to be proclaimed for generations to come.

Key Takeaways

- Cherish Each Day and Mend Relationships: Life is unpredictable, and we are not promised tomorrow. It is vital to forgive, reconcile, and repair broken relationships while we have the opportunity, so we do not live with regret over what God has called us to do but left undone. This is a call to live intentionally, valuing every moment and every person God places in our lives. [02:19]

- America’s Spiritual Foundations Are Rooted in a Desire for Religious Freedom: The earliest settlers came to these shores seeking the liberty to worship God without fear. Their vision was not merely for personal gain but for the advancement of the Christian faith and the establishment of a society centered on God’s glory. This foundational purpose should inspire us to guard and cherish our own freedom to worship and witness. [07:14]

- Revival Precedes Renewal—The Power of the Great Awakening: When spiritual decline seemed irreversible, God raised up leaders who sparked a revival that transformed the nation. The Great Awakening not only brought people back to God but also laid the groundwork for the birth of a new nation. True change in society begins with personal and corporate revival, as hearts are turned back to God and His purposes. [14:03]

- God’s Providence in History and Our Personal Lives: The stories of miraculous deliverance during the Revolutionary War remind us that God is actively involved in the affairs of nations and individuals. What may appear as coincidence is often the hand of God at work, guiding, protecting, and fulfilling His purposes. We are called to trust in His providence, recognizing that our destinies are not accidents but part of His divine plan. [23:53]

- Our Responsibility to Proclaim the Gospel and Steward Our Heritage: The freedoms and blessings we enjoy are not to be taken for granted. Each believer has a responsibility to share the gospel, to be a living testimony, and to plant seeds of faith in others. Just as someone once shared Christ with us, we are called to do the same, ensuring that the legacy of faith continues and that every soul has the opportunity to hear the good news. [34:50]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:31] - Remembering Dr. Greg Jance
[01:36] - The Urgency of Forgiveness and Reconciliation
[02:45] - America’s Spiritual Heritage: Psalm 33:12
[03:19] - Historical Christian Foundations in Government
[06:10] - The Neglect of Spiritual Roots
[07:14] - Religious Freedom and the Early Settlers
[09:44] - Spiritual Decline and Its Consequences
[12:04] - The Great Awakening and National Revival
[14:39] - The Founders’ Faith and the Constitution
[17:26] - God’s Role in the Declaration of Independence
[19:37] - Divine Intervention in the Revolutionary War
[25:03] - Biblical Principles in American Government
[26:57] - The Changing Role of Faith in Public Life
[31:47] - America’s Global Impact and Missionary Legacy
[33:58] - The Call to Steward Liberty and Share the Gospel
[36:56] - Communion and Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

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### Bible Reading

Psalm 33:12 (ESV)
> Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!

Isaiah 33:22 (ESV)
> For the Lord is our judge; the Lord is our lawgiver; the Lord is our king; he will save us.

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Psalm 33:12, what is the blessing that comes to a nation whose God is the Lord?
2. In the sermon, what were some of the ways the early American settlers demonstrated their desire for religious freedom? [[07:14]]
3. How did the structure of the American government reflect biblical principles, as mentioned in Isaiah 33:22? [[25:03]]
4. What examples did the pastor give of God’s providence and intervention in American history? [[21:05]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why does the pastor emphasize the importance of cherishing each day and mending relationships in light of life’s fragility? [[02:19]]
2. What does it mean for a nation to be “blessed” because its God is the Lord, and how might this apply to individuals as well as nations? [[02:45]]
3. The sermon describes periods of spiritual decline and revival in America’s history. What factors contributed to both the decline and the revival? [[09:44]] [[12:04]]
4. How does recognizing God’s providence in history affect the way believers view their own personal lives and responsibilities? [[23:53]]

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### Application Questions

1. The pastor shared about the sudden passing of Dr. Greg Jance and urged the church to forgive and reconcile with others. Is there a relationship in your life that needs mending? What is one step you could take this week to move toward forgiveness or reconciliation? [[02:19]]
2. The early settlers came to America seeking religious freedom and to advance the Christian faith. How can you personally guard and cherish your freedom to worship and witness in today’s society? [[07:14]]
3. The Great Awakening began with a few people who were willing to be used by God. What would it look like for you to pray for and seek personal or community revival? Is there a specific area in your life where you need spiritual renewal? [[14:03]]
4. The pastor described moments in history that seemed like “miraculous coincidences.” Can you recall a time in your own life when you saw God’s providence at work? How did it impact your faith? [[21:05]]
5. The sermon calls believers to “stand on the shoulders” of those who have gone before and to share the gospel boldly. Who is one person in your life you feel called to share your faith with? What is a practical way you can do that in the next month? [[34:50]]
6. The freedoms we enjoy are described as a gift from God. What are some ways you can steward these freedoms well, both in your personal life and in your community? [[33:58]]
7. The pastor mentioned that someone took the time to share Christ with you. Who was that person, and how can you honor their legacy by doing the same for someone else? [[35:36]]

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Devotional

Day 1: Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord

A nation’s true blessing comes from acknowledging God as its Lord. The foundation of America’s spiritual heritage is rooted in the recognition of God’s sovereignty and the desire to seek His will. When a people collectively honor God, they invite His favor and guidance, as seen in the early days of America’s history. This principle remains true for any nation or community: when God is placed at the center, His blessings follow. As you reflect on your own life and community, consider how God’s presence and authority are acknowledged and honored. [02:45]

Psalm 33:12 (ESV)
"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!"

Reflection: In what specific ways can you honor God’s sovereignty in your home, workplace, or community this week?


Day 2: God’s providence and miraculous intervention in our lives

Throughout history, God has intervened in miraculous ways to protect and guide His people, even when circumstances seemed impossible. The story of America’s early battles, such as the escape of Washington’s army, reminds us that God’s hand can move through unexpected means—weather, timing, or even the hearts of people—to accomplish His purposes. In your own life, remember that God is able to work beyond what you can see or understand, orchestrating events for your good and His glory. Trust in His providence, especially when the odds seem stacked against you. [21:05]

Exodus 14:21-22 (ESV)
"Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the Lord drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. And the people of Israel went into the midst of the sea on dry ground, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left."

Reflection: Recall a time when God intervened in your life in an unexpected way—how can you share that testimony with someone who needs encouragement today?


Day 3: The biblical foundation for just and righteous government

The structure of just government is modeled after God’s own character, as seen in the three branches—judicial, legislative, and executive—mirrored in Scripture. When leaders seek God’s wisdom and pattern their governance after His Word, justice and righteousness are upheld. This principle challenges us to pray for our leaders and to seek God’s guidance in any position of influence we hold, ensuring that our actions reflect His justice and mercy. [25:03]

Isaiah 33:22 (ESV)
"For the Lord is our judge; the Lord is our lawgiver; the Lord is our king; he will save us."

Reflection: How can you pray for and support leaders in your community to seek God’s wisdom and justice in their decisions?


Day 4: The call to repair relationships and live without regret

Life is fragile and unpredictable, and we are called to make the most of every opportunity to reconcile and forgive. Broken relationships and unresolved conflicts can weigh heavily on our hearts, especially when we realize how quickly circumstances can change. God calls us to be peacemakers, to forgive as we have been forgiven, and to live each day without regret by obeying His promptings. Don’t wait for tomorrow to make things right—reach out today. [02:19]

Ephesians 4:32 (ESV)
"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."

Reflection: Who is one person you need to forgive or reconcile with today, and what step can you take to begin that process?


Day 5: Sharing the gospel—our responsibility and privilege

Each believer carries the responsibility and privilege of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with others. Just as someone once took the time to tell you about Jesus, you are called to be a bearer of hope and redemption to those around you. Every act of sharing, no matter how small, plants a seed that God can use to transform lives. Consider the legacy of faith you are building and the impact you can have on someone’s eternity by simply sharing your story or inviting them to know Jesus. [35:36]

Romans 10:14-15 (ESV)
"How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!'"

Reflection: Who is one person God is putting on your heart to share the gospel with this week, and how can you take a step toward that conversation?

Quotes

``We have to number our days because we never know what tomorrow's going to bring. We must never take a day for granted, not one day. And so let me just say this to you. If you have a broken relationship with somebody, repair it. Because you never know what is going to happen tomorrow. If you have somebody that you're at odds with, forgive them. Because you never know what tomorrow is going to bring. And you don't want to live with regrets because of something that the Lord told you to do that you didn't do. [00:01:59] (36 seconds)  #NumberYourDays Edit Clip

Could it be that God guided and protected the young nation not just in New York and Yorktown, but throughout their quest for Independence. Could it be that the fruit of the Great Awakening, a love for righteousness, sense for destiny, a moral courage, an unreserved dependence on God moved the heart and hand of God? Isn't that what God is calling for you and I to have a love for righteousness, a sense of destiny? [00:23:53] (33 seconds)  #DivineGuidanceInFreedom Edit Clip

The so called wall of separation and was never intended to insulate our government or our culture from Christian influence. It was originally and always intended to protect the church from governmental influence and interference. [00:26:39] (18 seconds)  #PurposeByDesign Edit Clip

Whatever the Supreme Court says, they cannot stop us from practicing and proclaiming our faith whenever and wherever we choose. Amen. So when somebody says to you, you can't do this, just smile and proclaim your faith. [00:30:59] (22 seconds)  #WallProtectsChurch Edit Clip

Can the liberties of our nation be secure when we've removed the conviction that these liberties are a gift from God? I leave that question for you to decide. He that has ears, let him hear. [00:34:03] (19 seconds)  #HeritageToProtect Edit Clip

Every time you do that, you're planting a seed that God can grow and harvest that will mean one more soul plucked from the enemy's grasp and translated into the kingdom of God. Just one more. Can you believe God for that one soul, whether it's your mother, your father, your brother, your sister, your cousin, your aunt, your uncle, your grandfather, your grandmother, your friend, your boss, your co worker, your neighbour, or somebody you just meet in a supermarket, everyone has the right to hear the gospel. And you have the privilege of being a bearer of good news. Good news of redemption to all and everyone. [00:34:34] (50 seconds)  #LibertyFromGod Edit Clip

You see, it takes one person to tell someone else about the gospel about Jesus Christ. Are you willing to do this? You've got about six months left in this year. Are you willing to understand your responsibility and stand on the shoulders and the foundations of our forefathers and be willing to share the gospel with somebody else? [00:35:24] (30 seconds)  #PlantingSoulSeeds Edit Clip

Somebody took the time to tell you about Jesus. Somebody had the courage to tell you that the way you're living is not the way you should be living. Somebody had the courage to pray for you so that you may come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. And you were translated out of the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light. Surely we as a congregation and us as individuals bear that responsibility. [00:35:58] (37 seconds)  #OnePersonOneGospel Edit Clip