Tag Archives: the Continental Congress

Enlisting in God’s Army

Posted on July 4, 2021 by expressyourself4him

During the Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress established different oaths for the enlisted men and officers of the Continental Army. The oath of enlistment is administered by commissioned officers to any person enlisting or re-enlisting for a term of service into any branch of the military. From 1917-1973, the United States instituted a draft when enlistment numbers weren’t enough to field enough soldiers to build a competitive military.

As they talked, behold, Goliath, the champion, the Philistine of Gath, came forth from the Philistine ranks and spoke the same words as before, and David heard him. 24 And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him, terrified, 1 Samuel 17:23-24.

David was a teenage shepherd when his older brothers became members of Israel’s army. According to Samuel, David’s father sent David to visit his brothers, bringing care packages from home. Based upon Samuel’s details in chapter 17, David was curious and eager to find out how the war with the Philistines was going. As Goliath stood up to make his daily challenge, David was offended while everyone else ran away in fear.

And the Israelites said, Have you seen this man who has come out? Surely he has come out to defy Israel; and the man who kills him the king will enrich with great riches, and will give him his daughter and make his father’s house free [from taxes and service] in Israel. 26 And David said to the men standing by him, What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God? – 1 Samuel 17:25-26

Initially, David’s brothers were convinced that their little bro was pulling a publicity stunt. While his brothers thought he was merely seeking attention after being surrounded by sheep daily, David was serious about volunteering. This decision to enlist in God’s army transformed David’s life from a shepherd boy to a war hero. The apostle Paul explains what modern day Christians need before they enter the battlefield called life, Ephesians 6:10-18. This is the spiritual armor necessary to be a successful soldier in God’s army.

by Jay Mankus

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The Sermons of John Wise

Posted on November 28, 2014 by expressyourself4him

John Wise is one of those individuals who has been forgotten by history.  A reverend at the Congregational Church in Ipswich, Massachusetts, Wise blazed a trial which the founding fathers of America emulated.  Until yesterday, I never realized that the Declaration of Independence was based upon by a sermon series John Wise preached in 1687.  These messages were inspired by a tax levied by royal Governor Andros without the representation of a legislative body.  Wise was one of the first civil rights leader, going to jail for his opposition, a pioneer who used his pulpit to preach liberty and justice for all.

John Wise devoted his entire life to the ministry, serving from the time of his ordination to his death in 1725.  Prior to his passing, Wise completed his most famous work,   A Vindication of the Government of New England Churches in 1717.  This compilation became a blue print that was adopted in 1776 during the Continental Congress, known as the Declaration of Independence.  When reverend Wise spoke to his community, he didn’t see black, red or white skin.  Rather, Wise developed an expression saying, “there are only 2 kinds of races, those who believe in God and those who don’t!”  This is just a glimpse of the sermons of John Wise.  These inspired words are simply Supernatural as DC Talk once sang.

There is much to learn from this second generation Pilgrim leader.  First, a preacher should not be muzzled by the government.  Church should be a place of refuge where worshipers can experience heaven on earth before going back into the world like disciples for the next 6 days.  Second, the Bible is a blue print for life, liberty and the American way.   Allowing atheists to silence the spiritual foundation of this country is like spitting the reverend Wise in the face.  Finally, history is like a true National Treasure, full of mentors, stars and visionaries who have made America a great nation.  Go to a local library today to examine diamonds in the rough, lost over the course of time, by a media ashamed of God.  If you want to know more about John Wise, David Barton has written books about his impact on American History.

by Jay Mankus

 

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