Welcome to the
Pioneer and Bell Church of Christ

COUNTING OUR NATIONAL BLESSINGS

    Historically the United States was established as a Christian nation. This country was uniquely blessed by the God of Creation in every way. We welcomed immigrants from every continent. In the past these divers peoples were homogenized and not polarized. As it should be, they became Americans. Their religion became Christian based on the Bible. Their language became English. However it was American English, as Carl Sandburg pointed out, rather than the King’s English.
Non-Christians became Christianized. This was true of the slaves from Africa as well as the native Indian tribes or nations conquered by the European settlers. Those that immigrated from the old country brought their own brand of Christianity and we became the melting pot of the world and the beacon of freedom everywhere. 

     We are especially blessed as a nation that our constitution guarantees our freedom of religion. Although some seem to feel this means a freedom from religion. The first amendment states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;. . .” The historical context obviously had reference to Christianity rather than the contemporary application to polytheism, etc. by the left. 

     We are blessed because the founders established a republic rather than a monarchy such as we were when a colony. They avoided a democracy, popular among the ancient Greeks, which usually is little better than mob rul. The founders’ division of power between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches is unique. As Will Rodgers put it, "Congress is in recess and Democracy is safe.” 

     We are blessed because our forefathers had a vision of "Manifest Destiny” that expanded our nation from sea to shining sea. We can thank Providence that He has taken our "rag-tag” nation of 1776 and made us the "superpower” we are today. We must thank God for this freedom we have. Although abused by so many, it is envied everywhere.

     Some "well meaning” among us consider our nation nothing but a selfish, greedy, empire. The Bible speaks of ancient empires, such as David’s and Solomon’s, receiving tremendous amounts of tribute each year from satellite or client nations. If we are an empire, where is our tribute money, oil, etc.? Counter wise, we send them our "foreign aid.”

    Yes, thank God we live in a "Christian nation” where we can worship God without fear or persecution. Thank God we live in a republic, where we can throw the rascals out with ballots rather than bullets. Thank God He has blessed us above all the nations of the earth. With the Psalmist David, "Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name” (Psalms 18:49)

Dale I. Royal, Elk City OK