The Refuge

		“In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as chief among the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and people will stream to it. Many nations will come and say, “come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of God of Jacob.” Micah 4:1-2

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November 24, 2002

“GOD BLESS AMERICA”

TEXT: I Peter 2: 13-17

THESIS: God blessed America so that we might bless the world.

I. “America! America! God shed his grace on thee,”

A. Countries are controlled by God. (vs 13)

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities,

for there is no authority except that which God has established.

The authorities that exist have been established by God.

Romans 13:1

1. America has a Godly heritage. (see hand out)

2. It is amazing the amount of success, wealth and power America possesses for being such a young nation.

a) July, 1776 – the United States of America declares her independence.

B. It is God’s will that we do good deeds. (vs 15)

1. The U.S. leads the world in charity.

2. The U.S. has protected the rights of other people groups.

3. The U.S. grants her people the right to worship according to the dictates of their own conscience.

II. “America! America! God mend thine every flaw”

A. God help America to not violate our Constitutional Rights.

1. “Freedom is the liberty to do what is right not the liberty to do whatever I please.”

a) Freedom of speech is priceless.

Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil;

live as servants of God. (vs 16)

B. We do not have the right to take innocent life.

Show proper respect to everyone. (vs 17)

III. “America! America! May God thy gold refine. Till all success be

nobleness, and every gain divine.”

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.

(vss 14 –15)

A. “Love the Brotherhood”

B. “Fear God”

C. “Honor the King”

About Pike's Peak and the cog railroad