Christian Faith and Values for the Coming Generations

Psalm 78

We should not want for our children and grandchildren a nation that is wealthy and morally bankrupt. We want one nation under God. How are we going to keep Christian America alive?

Proclaim Our Christian History

Psalm 78:2-4

I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old, which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, telling to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and His strength and His wonderful works that He has done.

One of the major responsibilities of fathers and grandfathers is to teach history. If we do not remember what God has done for us—and if we do not teach this to the younger generation—we are one generation away from paganism.

America Was Founded on Christian Values

The original colonies of America were founded because of the Christian religion. Americans believe in the separation of Church and State—if you mean that there should not be a state church. But Americans have never believed in the separation of God and government.

You think, “I really know very little of the history of America.” There are bookstores.

Not only should you teach our national history to your children, but Church history. Teach them the spiritual heritage of your family, too. It would be a great exercise for you to sit your young people down and say, “Here is what God has done for our family.”

Actively Remember God

Why do we teach them our Christian history?

Psalm 78:7-8

That they may set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments; and may not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation that did not set its heart aright, and whose spirit was not faithful to God.

You have to teach the history, but then they are not to forget it. (See Deuteronomy 6:12.)

The strong tribe of Ephraim was defeated in the day of battle because they forgot God. (Read Psalm 78:9-11.) America, strong as she is, can be destroyed if we forget Almighty God.

Psalm 78:40-41

How often they provoked Him in the wilderness, and grieved Him in the desert! Yes, again and again they tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.

That means they drew a circle around God and said, “Now stay in there. There are certain areas, God, where you are off-limits.” Does that remind you of America?

Be Intentional About Christian Legacy

What is our destiny?

Psalm 78:59-61

When God heard this, He was furious, and greatly abhorred Israel, so that He forsook the tabernacle of Shiloh, the tent He had placed among men, and delivered His strength into captivity, and His glory into the enemy’s hand.

We sing “God Bless America,” but are we asking God to bless indolence, greed, perversion, and blasphemy?

How Do We Preserve Christian Principles and Values?

1. Look Up. God is the only one strong enough to save us—but He is strong enough. God would rather forgive than judge.

2. Stand Up. Come from out under the rock and say some things. “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31b)

We do not know whether the republic that was born in 1776 will survive, because we cannot control the hearts of other people. But two things we know: one, Jesus is King of the universe; two, we can give our hearts to Christ Jesus and teach our children.