The architects of our Constitution perceived that only the collective virtue of the American Colonies would enable the rise of the American Empire, and that the loss of virtue would be its setting sun if not preserved. Benjamin Franklin said, “Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters.”

America was not born in a day, and neither was the virtue necessary to establish her. God had big plans for the British colonies—whom society considered the backward lowlifes of the British Empire. On December 16, 1714, in Gloucester, England, George Whitefield was born. At 22 years of age, on June 20, 1736, George became a minister. Little did he know, but he would prepare the hearts of the American Colonies for liberty by calling them to be born again in Christ Jesus, their God.

God began cultivating virtue in the hearts of the subjects of Great Britain through George Whitefield 40 years before the colonies declared their independence from the King in 1776. This time period is referred to as the Great Awakening. The symbolism of 40 years is unmistakable. Clearly, this was a time of preparation. This tearing down of the shackles of tyranny and filling the hearts of the people with the liberating light of Jesus would not have happened without Reverend George Whitefield.

Since the birth of our country on July 4, 1776, in the little span of 250 years, by the providence of God, the United States has pioneered, invented, or led the practical development of many of the world’s most transformative technologies. The Father of Lights has illuminated the minds of the West to propel us into a technological and connected world, far surpassing the dreams of our ancestors.

Looking back, it's evident that this nation, the United States of America, was raised up by God to be a light to the world—a beacon of the blessed and happy state of those who keep the commandments of the Lord. To our great peril and surprise, America has turned its back on the very virtues that pleased the Creator to raise it up.

If we fail as Christians to stand for truth and righteousness and turn our people away from their path of darkness, then America will become a stark reminder of what happens to a covenant people when they forsake the source of their power and trample the God of Israel under their feet. America will become as the great empires of old: godless, conquered, destroyed, and reproached—bywords in the ashtray of human failure.

A virtuous people can self-govern because virtuous people seek for God to lead their lives. James Madison said, “If men were angels, no government would be necessary.”

Because the word of God was preached to the colonists for 40 years through George Whitefield and others, the words of Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence became a battle cry in the human heart: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” The word of God set them free, first in spirit, then in life.

Yet, we have brought bondage upon ourselves. It's evident that the American Empire rose on the virtue of the Word of God and a desire to align itself with its power. Our bleeding God purchased the liberty of all men on a cross of wood and then instilled that liberty in the hearts of men through the preaching of His servants. As blood is the cost of liberty, it is reasonable to expect the lost freedoms of our country will require the sacrifice of many patriots to redeem. But to sacrifice one’s life for the liberty of the body without first becoming virtuous in spirit through the blood of Jesus is vanity.

There are yet many patriots in the land, willing to lay down their lives for their country. But the Lord does not redeem the wicked in their sins but from their sins. For heaven to aid our fight, we must return to virtue. We need to become like George Whitefield and cultivate virtue in the hearts of the people. We must preach nothing but faith and repentance in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. We must return to the source of liberty, power, and all good things. Let us return to the feet of Jesus and learn to love our neighbor as ourselves. Let us lift up the standard of truth, demand justice, and not be ashamed of the word of Jesus. We can yet save our brethren and our country.

Let’s Be Christians!