"It cannot be emphasized too clearly and too often that this nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians;  not on religion, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ!" (Patrick Henry in a speech to the House of Burgesses in 1765)

As I follow the primary campaigns in the U.S. I find myself more "American" than I would admit.

I wish a born again adherent of what Patrick Henry said 250 years ago would emerge like a prophet to stand up for what God says and not what mortal men like to hear or like us to hear.
Or a statesman like Daniel whose password well harmonized with that of his friends, "Our God whom we serve IS ABLE..."  (Dan. 3:27) contrary to what braggarts say, "Yes, we can!"  Or: "We can make this nation great!"

Or like Luther who trembled before the Catholic rulers with his, "Here I stand, I can do nothing otherwise!" filled with the Spirit of the gospel.

You may say to me, "You are a dreamer - you don´t know what´s going on, and your ideals lead to nothing!"  But you are not right.  There are hungry hearts even today who are unconsciously seeking an answer for time and eternity.  Among the youth in particular.
I would love to mingle again with your people in a spirit of love challenging them about the inheritance of the founding fathers, and I would  have rehearsed the words of Patrick Henry plus be ready to preach the shortest sermon ever preached, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand, repent ye, and believe the gospel!"  (Mk. 1:15)
I´ve referred to "the founding fathers".  So did the apostle Paul when he wrote about "our fathers" (1 Co. 10:1) blessed with  spiritual privileges that were not, however, appreciated.  That story has in a real way been repeated in America and other privileged nations.

And yet, mr. Spurgeon was right when he said, "Look around, gentlemen, there´s nothing the people like to hear as much as the gospel!" and we should add,  indeed with hearts sold on and set on fire by the gospel.

Febr. 10, 2016 - jn