A Pastor’s Ponderings: America’s Global Mission as Pilgrims, Patriots and Pioneers

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By Pastor Doug Stauffer

In the annals of world history, no nation since ancient Israel has borne a mission as profound as the United States of America. From the crucible of revolution to establishing a land of liberty, America was founded on principles echoing a divine intent. It was to be the beacon of hope and the spiritual light in a world darkened by sin and burdened by oppression. It is essential to recognize that as America goes, so goes the world.

This nation, under God, was painstakingly crafted by the Founding Fathers, whose wisdom and foresight set into motion a divine mandate. A mandate where liberty is not merely a buzzword but a call to transform the world through the action of missionary endeavors. The resonating words of the Declaration of Independence serve as a constant reminder that we are “endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable Rights,” namely “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.” This best conveys my sentiments:

Mountains to prairies, to oceans white with foam,
God, please bless America, our beloved home.
This Independence Day, let every American vow,
A return to righteousness for the time is now.
Consider one and all as the star-spangled banner does wave,
Over the land of the free, the home of the brave.
In God’s grand design, a choice remains,
To accept His influence or bear sin’s chains.

For centuries America has been the beacon of hope, a role emphasized in our national anthem, a tribute to resilience in the face of adversity. This land owes its birth to the seeds of religious freedom, sown and nurtured by the sweat and sacrifice of pilgrims, patriots, and pioneers who dared to dream of a land free from tyranny.

Beyond our borders, America’s mission spread, driven by churches sharing the Gospel’s light to remote villages and urban metropolises. This mission has a dual purpose: saving souls and discipling Christians. America’s role is crucial in an era marked by turbulence and challenges. We face a formidable adversary, Satan, who seeks to destroy our nation, knowing its demise would further plunge the world into darkness. Our greatest strength lies NOT in economic or military power but in our adherence to the principles that birthed our nation.

Remember, where the Spirit of the Lord resides,
There, indeed, true freedom abides.
Biblical freedom does not bind,
To political institutions, it isn’t confined.

Recognizing this spiritual threat is paramount. We face an enemy intent on sowing discord, stoking division, and causing us to deviate from our divine path. As we pay tribute to our nation’s founders, we must recommit ourselves to America’s divine mission. We are the torchbearers of their vision, tasked with preserving America’s blessings for future generations. As we navigate these trials, we hold steadfast to our faith, trusting in God, who has guided us since our nation’s birth.

Freedom to enjoy God’s blessings are vast,
In Spirit-led liberty, our souls remain steadfast.
True independence, in Christ we stand,
In this truth, we discover unity so grand.

Indeed, “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty” (2 Corinthians 3:17). Let this liberty echo from our mountains to our valleys, reaching every corner of the earth. Such is the calling, the blessing, and the destiny of the United States of America. We are “one nation under God,” and shall find refuge under His wings. God bless the U.S.A., and Happy Independence Day.

Dr. Doug Stauffer is pastor of Faith Independent Baptist Church. He was saved July 6, 1980, in Niceville, while stationed at the 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing at Eglin Air Force Base and has now been in the ministry for over 35 years. He has written 20 books including the best selling “One Book” trilogy (“One Book Rightly Divided, One Book Stands Alone, One Book One Authority”); along with several devotionals (“Daily Strength” series); and prophecy books (“Reviving the Blessed Hope, When the End Begins”).