Patrick Henry, Bible Believer

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I went to the Tax Day Tea Party with my daughter Jennifer and her daughters Katie, 8, Beverly,10, and Haley ,12. This was a homeschool project for them.

We felt like we were participating in American History, instead of just reading about it. We were excited to be a part of the millions of Americans across America who want to preserve our God-given rights.

We saw several men carrying "Don't Tread on Me" flags. Others were wearing three-cornered hats. It reminded me of the song "Yankee Doodle."

"And there we saw the men and boys as thick as hasty pudding," I quoted. Then, I had to explain to the kids that this is a song about the gathering of troops under General George Washington.

We heard several local leaders and were inspired by what they said. It was a refreshing experience to hear good things about America, and to hear them spoken in the open air.

On the way home, we were talked about what we had heard. I remembered Patrick Henry's "Give me liberty or give me death" speech. I knew that it was one of the greatest speeches ever given. Like most other people in America, I had no idea what is in it.

When we got home, we read it and were amazed by what it says. It is not a political speech, it is a powerful sermon. Patrick Henry is assuring the others that God will help them to win the Revolutionary War. And what he said was true. God did help them and deliver them from slavery to the King of England.

This speech is such a treasure that I have to share it with you. Here are the two final paragraphs.

"Three millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battle alone. There is an just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. . . . The war is inevitable--and let it come. I repeat it sir, let it come.

It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentleman may cry, Peace, peace--but there is no peace. . . . Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!"

What makes this speech so great? It is the passion that the man conveys to us in expressing his faith in God. It comes through even on the printed page. Patrick Henry's voice still rings true and he still speaks to the true American patriot. He knew that God always intervenes on behalf of his people. And when God is helping us, we cannot lose.

We are facing some problems today with our government, but they are nothing compared to what the Founding Fathers went through. The same God who gave them victory in the American Revolution is available to help us today.

Where can we find the godly men and women of today? Are you one of them? Are you willing to do something to help preserve our liberty and freedom? Are you willing to humble yourself before God, and pray, and seek his face, and turn from your wicked ways?

God has promised us that if we, his people, who are called by his name, will do these things, he will hear us and he will heal our land. Every Christian in America ought to do these things right away.

Benjamin Franklin, Bible Believer

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Benjamin Franklin was eighty-one years old at the time of the Constitutional Convention. He knew that if it had not been for God, we could not have defeated the most powerful military force in the world, and won our independence from Great Britain.

The delegates were unable to agree on anything at first. Then, they adopted Franklin's motion to begin each session by praying together. With God's help, they put together the American Constitution, and created our government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

The following is part of what Benjamin Franklin said to the Founders of the United States of America.

"How has it happened, Sir, that we have not hitherto once thought of humbly applying to the Father of lights to illuminate our understandings? In the beginning of the contest with G. Britain, when we were sensible of danger we had daily prayer in this room for the Divine Protection. Our prayers, Sir, were heard, and they were graciously answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a Superintending providence in our favor. . . . And have we now forgotten that powerful friend? or do we imagine that we no longer need his assistance.

I have lived, Sir, a long time and the longer I live, 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 the house, they labor in vain that build it.' I firmly believe this; . . . "

There can be no disputing the fact that Benjamin Franklin believed in God. He trusted and depended on him. He prayed to him daily, and was, most definitely, a Bible believer.

What's In It For You?

When you become a Bible believer, God's loving-kindness toward you never ends. His mercy endures forever. He cannot lie, and in his word he has promised that he will hear your prayers. He will meet all your needs. He will give you the desires of your heart. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He will protect you and deliver you from trouble. He will help you, comfort you, and heal you. He will adopt you as his own dear child. And when you die, he will take you home to live with him forever.