The story of America's founding is marked by the Puritans' attempt to establish a utopian society in the wilderness, where they sought to practice their own religion without interference. However, individuals like Ann Hutchinson and Roger Williams challenged the orthodoxy of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, advocating for religious freedom and the separation of church and state. Meanwhile, other colonies like Pennsylvania and Georgia were founded on different principles, such as the Quakers' rejection of formal services and the British humanitarians' goal of creating a colony for debtors. Despite the failure of these utopian experiments, they contributed to the development of the American character, which is characterized by adaptability, idealism, and a commitment to self-rule. [... more]

The story of the Pilgrims' journey to the New World and their first Thanksgiving is a testament to their courage, faith, and resilience in the face of struggle and sacrifice. Meanwhile, in the present day, experts discuss the implications of new laws and regulations on digital currency, stable coins, and the management of inherited IRAs, while also exploring the role of nonprofit organizations and the importance of living with an eternal perspective as stewards of God's resources. [... more]

The Pilgrims' journey to America was motivated by their desire to escape religious persecution in England, where the Church of England was heavily influenced by the government. They sought to establish a new colony in North America, where they could worship freely and create a distinct culture. The Mayflower Compact, signed by the Pilgrims before landing in Plymouth, was a precursor to the US Constitution and established the principle of self-government by the people. The Pilgrims' first winter in America was difficult, but they were aided by the Native American Squanto, who taught them how to plant crops and survive in the new environment. The harvest festival they celebrated in the fall was a secular event, but it was later combined with the day of Thanksgiving, which was a religious expression of gratitude to God for their survival. [... more]

In John Bunyan's classic allegory, The Pilgrim's Progress, the Lord's Day is depicted as a time of spiritual growth and renewal, a 'market day of the soul' where Christians can acquire spiritual blessings and draw closer to God. The Puritans saw the Lord's Day as a time to gather together under the oversight of godly shepherds, who feed and care for the flock, and to catch glimpses of heaven through the scriptures. [... more]

John Eliot, a Christian missionary, traveled to America in the 1600s to spread the word of God to Native Americans. He learned the Algonquin language and translated the Bible into it, establishing 14 praying villages and planting churches throughout the region. Eliot's remarkable life and achievements have left a lasting impact on American history. [... more]

John Winthrop's vision of America as a 'City Upon a Hill' has been a powerful symbol of American freedom and faith. This concept, rooted in the Bible, has been referenced by Presidents and Americans alike, representing a shining example of a nation built on principles of justice, mercy, and community. [... more]

The Puritans were a group of people who sought to reform all of life under the supreme authority of the Bible, valuing it as the most valuable thing in the world. They were a diverse bunch, with some being quite glum, but they shared a passionate love for the Bible and a desire to apply reformation to everything, including themselves, the church, and the country. [... more]

Queen Elizabeth's reign marked a significant chapter in the English Reformation, as she established the Church of England with a unique Protestantism that was neither Lutheran nor Calvinist. However, this compromise was not enough for the Puritans, who sought further reform and eventually found themselves at odds with the government, leading to a crackdown on their movement. [... more]

The English Reformation was a pivotal moment in history, marked by the rise of Protestantism and the decline of Catholicism. Queen Mary's attempts to restore Catholicism were met with fierce resistance, leading to the execution of hundreds of Protestants, including Archbishop Cranmer and Hugh Latimer. Despite Mary's efforts, the Reformation continued to gain momentum, paving the way for the rise of the Puritans and a new era of Protestantism in England. [... more]

Two years after William Tyndale cried Lord open the King of England's eyes Henry VIII decreed that English Bibles be placed in every church Today Michael Reeves recounts the story of this troubled king whom God used to further church reform Request The English Reformation and the Puritans Michael Reeves' teaching series on DVD with your donation of any amount You'll also get lifetime digital access to all video messages and the study guide https gift renewingyourmind org donate Live outside the U S and Canada Request the digital teaching series and study guide for The English Reformation and the [... more]

The story of William Tyndale, a young linguist who defied the Pope and translated the Bible from Greek and Hebrew into English, sparking the English Reformation and bringing the message of justification by faith to the masses. [... more]

The New England Puritans formed a government and carved a society in the howling wilderness of New England, establishing Harvard University and a classical education system. However, their reputation was marred by the Salem Witch Trials, where 200 people were arrested and 20 were executed for alleged witchcraft. Dr. Stephen Nichols explores the complexities of Puritanism and the Salem Witch Trials, highlighting the importance of understanding the historical context and the role of figures like Increase Mather and Samuel Sewell in bringing an end to the trials. [... more]

The foundation of America's success is rooted in Judeo-Christian principles, as established by the Founding Fathers, who operated from a Protestant worldview. However, the nation has become increasingly distant from this foundation, with the influence of immigration and multiculturalism contributing to a shift away from biblical values and a sense of national identity. [... more]

The story of the pilgrims, who were early English settlers, is a pivotal moment in American history. Led by Pastor John Robinson, they sailed to the New World on the Mayflower in 1620, seeking freedom and the opportunity to establish a colony based on Judeo-Christian values. Their journey paved the way for the values that were later incorporated into the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States. [... more]

John Winthrop's vision of America as a city on a hill, a shining beacon of freedom and faith, has been a powerful symbol of American identity for centuries. This idea was first coined by Jesus Christ in the Sermon on the Mount, but Winthrop's sermon in 1630 helped to shape the concept and make it a defining moment in American history. [... more]

The Puritans were a group of Christians who sought to reform the Church of England in the 16th and 17th centuries. They were known for their emphasis on personal holiness, their commitment to the authority of the Bible, and their desire to establish a new society based on Christian principles. The Puritans played a significant role in the development of American Christianity, and their legacy can still be seen in many aspects of American culture and society. [... more]

The fear of God is a fundamental aspect of the Christian experience, both in this life and in eternity. Jonathan Edwards described heaven as a world of love, but also as a world of fear, where the saints tremble with delight at the presence of God. This fear is not a negative emotion, but rather a joyful and ecstatic response to God's glory, which will be a central aspect of the heavenly experience. [... more]

The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge, leading to a heart-level indicator of communion with God. It brings believers to adore God, loathe sin, and long to be truly like Him, resulting in happiness, large-heartedness, humility, and strength, especially in the face of anxieties and the fear of man. [... more]

The fear of God is a matter of the heart's inclinations, driving behavior and manifesting itself in righteous actions. It's a transformation of our affections, where we begin to despise sin and treasure God. The cross is the hour when the Son of Man is glorified, revealing the fearfulness of God in all his great justice and mercy, and it's the most fertile soil for the fear of God. [... more]

The fear of the Lord is a filial fear that dreads sin itself, not just God's punishment, and is rooted in a deep knowledge of God's character as a merciful redeemer and compassionate father. This fear is not a trembling slavish terror, but rather an overwhelmed devotion of a child marveling at the kindness and glory of their father. [... more]