Americans live in a nation that is kind to religion in many, many ways. We can attribute this to the historical framers of our First Amendment, but our appreciation actually points back farther than that. To our faithful God.

Notes And Next Steps

Psalm 146  + Part 3 of the series “Dear God..."

We live in a nation that is kind to religion in many, many ways.

“Be it enacted by the General Assembly, that no man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever, nor shall … otherwise suffer on account of his religious opinion or belief; but that all men shall be free … to maintain their opinion in matters of religion, and that the same shall in no wise … affect their civil capacities.”

I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live … He is the Maker of heaven and earth … he remains faithful forever. (Psalm 146:2,6)

The Lord reigns forever … Praise the Lord. (Psalm 146:10)

He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous. The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked. (Psalm 146:7-9)

FOR DISCUSSION

1. 1. Word Search: Open your Bible to Psalm 146. In which words do you see the saving work of the Triune God?
   2. Rejoice! List at least 3 religious freedoms you enjoy in a typical week. Write them down, post them where you will notice them this week, and thank God for them!
   3. Print out the Pledge of Allegiance. Say it in your home this week.
   4. Read Romans 13:1-7. What is God’s purpose for government and how is it different from his purpose for the church (Matthew 28:18-20)?