It has been widely taught that the Pilgrims came to America in 1620 to escape persecution. Yet The Mayflower Compact of 1620 states that the Pilgrims’ voyage to the New World was “undertaken for the glory of God and for the advancement of the Christian faith.”
That’s right! The Pilgrims actually came as missionaries! They did not come to escape persecution. They left England because of persecution and went to Holland. They were free in Holland, but left Holland to come to America “for the advancement of the Christian faith.”
The late Rev. Peter Marshall, author of The Light and the Glory stated, “No, again when you do the research, when you look into what these people say, what you find out is that they were missionaries. All you have to do is read the most famous quote from the pen of William Bradford who was the great chronicler and perennially re-elected governor. He said, ‘They had a great hope and an inward zeal of advancing the cause of the Gospel of the Kingdom of Christ in those remote parts of the earth. Yet, even though they should be but stepping-stones unto others for the performing of so great a work.’”
Peter Marshall continues, “So, they were missionaries. They weren’t running away from anything, but coming in the response to the call of Jesus on their lives to implement the Gospel and create this just society. Because, as adherence of the reformed faith of the Calvinist wing of the Protestant Reformation, they understood that what Scripture teaches is that we Christian believers are to take the Gospel of Christ into every area of society in whatever nation we find ourselves, wherever we are located.”
- Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20
- SONG: I KNOW HIM – by Kathleen
This life is temporary. This life is short. When this life is over, our bodies will die and become empty shells, but our souls will continue to live forever. Where will the “real you” live? Will you live for all eternity separated from God? Or will you spend eternity in the presence of God in heaven? Learn more so you can make your most important decision: http://www.godlife.com/gospel/ and http://www.godlife.com/en/about-christianity
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Thank you, Kathleen, for this timely reminder. Our family gathers every Thanksgiving to remember this forgotten truth. It is important to remember that our country was founded on the Gospel of Jesus Christ and because of that it is a blessed nation. But ever since we took God out of our of educational system, today’s generation is growing without spiritual accountability. Thank God that there is a remnant that has not “bowed down to Baal” and is still proclaiming the truth locally and abroad.
Thank you, Joe. Yes there is a remnant that has not bowed to Baal, and it’s a small remnant. Jesus did say of the two roads in life, the road well traveled leads to destruction and the road less traveled leads to life. Then He said, “Only a few find it.” Matthew 7:14
I love this, Kathleen. I read from “Voices from the Past”, a compilations of Puritan writings every day. So deep! If you’d like to have a website where you can read some wonderful Puritan prayers for every need and occasion, here is one I love. And bless you! http://www.oldlandmarks.com/puritan.htm By the way, I got married. My new name is Heidi Fleisch He is a wonderful Christian man.
Thank you, Heidi, for the link to Puritan Prayers. Couldn’t be more timely! God bless you both on your recent marriage! God is good!