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History and why it is important

History and why it is important

Last updated on: May 16, 2023 at 12:00 pm by Dr. Andy McDaniel

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History and why it is important 2023-05-16T12:00:10-04:00 Dr. Andy McDaniel

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History

We see the turmoil in our nation right now. I want us to look back at some meaningful quotes and notes from the past. Understanding history and its real meaning can give us great insight into the reason for current conditions.

Greatness

In 1831 Alexis de Tocqueville, visited America. He would later state, “I sought her greatness in her harbors, her ample rivers, fertile fields, and boundless forest, but it was not there. I searched for greatness in her rich mines, vast world commerce, the public school system, and institutions of higher learning, but again, it was not there. I looked for greatness in Congress and America’s matchless Constitution but did not find what I sought. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard the pulpit aflame with righteousness did I understand the secret of this nation’s genius and power. America is great because America is good. If America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.”

I have read this account many times, but it struck me right in the heart today. It is sad to see where things are headed in our nation right now. I speak not toward any particular side. To be honest, I have grown to truly despise politics and the harm it brings to our country. However, if we take a little time and read through history we see things differently. We quickly find that those before us could see the issues we are having right now long before they happened.

Remembrance (what history teaches us)

Abraham Lincoln said, “We have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious Hand that preserved us in peace and multiplied, enriched, and strengthened us. In the deceitfulness of our hearts, we have vainly imagined that all these blessings came by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us.”

Wow! What powerful words, indeed.

Freedom

Our first President, George Washington, stated these most inspiring words. He said, “It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible.”

Foundation

James Madison said, “We have staked the whole future of American civilization not on the government’s power, far from it. We have staked the whole of our political institutions upon the capacity of mankind for self-government, upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves according to the commandments of God. The future and success of America are not in this Constitution, but in the laws of God upon which this Constitution is founded.”

Power of Faith

Lastly, I want us to consider the words of President Coolidge. He said, “The foundations of our society and our government rest so much on the teachings of the Bible that it would be difficult to support them if faith in these teachings would cease to be practically universal in our country.”

Prayer

Friends, pray for our nation. Pray that rather than being “woke,” we can be “awakened” to the truth.

You can follow my daily video teaching series on my Youtube channel.

You can catch up on all my articles and thoughts on my page.

God bless you all

Pastor Andy

Contemplative

Relationships and Religion

History and Religion

About Dr. Andy McDaniel

Dr. Andy McDaniel has served in ministry now for over twenty years. He serves as Sr. Pastor of West Fayetteville Baptist Church in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Pastor Andy and his wife Melissa have three daughters and two grandsons. His passion for those who have yet to meet Christ is deep. In addition to teaching and preaching, he loves to write and produces a daily video lesson called "Making it Simple." You can read more about the author here.

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