The Concept of God-Given Rights
Steadfastness is the quality that instantly springs to my mind when posting Wayne Edward’s sermons from the Heritage Baptist Church, Perry. Georgia, USA. Todays begins immediately by clicking the above image. The essential “Watchmen’s Report” follows after this preamble.
Gibber! Gibber!
Chugley
PASTOR WAYNE WRITES:
May 16, 2026
No, America was NOT founded to be a Christian nation. However, reading the thousands of documents and articles written by those men who forged the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, one cannot deny that our beloved nation was founded on “biblical principles,” and that both documents were heavily shaped and influenced by the religious fervour of the 18th century, including the Great Awakening.
· The Concept of God-Given Rights: The Declaration of Independence asserts that human rights (like life and liberty) are inalienable and granted by a “Creator”. This reflects the biblical idea that all human beings are made in the image of God (Imago Dei) and possess intrinsic dignity, rather than rights granted simply by the state.
· A Base for Human Imperfection: The Founders held a historically Christian view of human nature, believing that humans are inherently flawed and sinful. James Madison famously captured this in Federalist No. 51: “If men were angels, no government would be necessary.” This principle led to the creation of a constitutional system with checks and balances, the separation of powers, and limited government.
· Moral Law and Justice: Many Founders believed that civic laws should reflect the moral standards outlined in the Bible, such as fairness, truth, and justice, and that these moral laws take precedence over flawed human legislation.
It is widely accepted that the Founders were not attempting to create a theocracy. In fact, their goal was to create a religion-neutral government designed to protect religious freedom. Key figures like Thomas Jefferson and John Adams were often deists who emphasized rational morality rather than strict, orthodox biblical doctrine.
Tomorrow morning, we will join with hundreds of thousands of Americans from all across the nation, who have gathered at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., to “rededicate America as one nation under God” ahead of the nation’s 250th birthday. The sermon will reflect that desire.
We encourage you to review the attached study guide and share it with others who may benefit.
· The sermon will be available on our website and YouTube.
· The YouTube URL: ttps://www.youtube.com@heritagebaptistchurchperry
Thank you for your continued support. Please share these guides with anyone who may find them helpful.
Wayne J. and Linda J. Edwards
PO Box 766
Perry, GA 31069
706-599-3966
wnledwards@gmail.com
THE WATCHMEN’S REPORT
News Stories that Connect with Biblical Prophecy
By Wayne J. Edwards, May 16, 2026
My Fellow Watchmen,
Without question, the most transformative event in human history was the revelation of the Word of God to the Israelites at the foot of Mount Sinai. Next Thursday at Sundown, the Jewish people will pause to celebrate the anniversary of the day God gave them the “Torah,” and the day their forefathers assured God, “All that the Lord has spoken we shall do!”
Sadly, because the evangelical churches abandoned the annual observance of the Jewish Feasts and celebration on the altar of “church growth,” the overwhelming majority of those who claim to be Christians do not comprehend the relevant significance of that event that happened 3500 years ago. They see the Ten Commandments as a set of rules God expects His people to live by, when, in fact, for the first time in human history, God was laying down the LAW as the standard (objective truth) by which man’s behavior would be judged. He who had created the universe and fashioned mankind in His image had SPOKEN – He had revealed His WILL, and contrary to contemporary thought, all of the laws of the land have their roots in those Ten Commandments.
Now it becomes obvious as to why the secularists want to remove God from the lexicon of life, for when God is abandoned, so is OBJECTIVE TRUTH, for God is the very foundation of all truth, and the Ten Commandments establish the moral base of that truth.
According to one of the enclosed articles, several years ago, a professor at Princeton University gave a lecture on religion and free speech. Realizing he was losing his students’ attention, he paused to find out why. To his amazement, he had made references to the Ten Commandments, and the students did not know them. Princeton Theological Seminary was established in 1812, making it the second-oldest seminary in the United States.
In John 8:32, the Apostle said that whether one is seeking biblical knowledge or spiritual wisdom, the starting point is to “know the truth,” which means “Know God!” In John 17:3, the Apostle wrote, “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” Beloved, there is no such thing as “my truth,” or “your truth,” or “relative truth.” At the base of Mt. Sinai, amidst the thick clouds, the flashes of lightning, and the fire from the mountain, “God Spoke,” and TRUTH was established.
Oh, and by the way, God established the CHURCH as the PILLAR AND GROUND (depository and proclaimer) of that truth! (1 Timothy 3:15)
Please forward these news stories to those you think may be interested!
Pastor Wayne
Wayne J. and Linda J. Edwards
PO Box 766
Perry, GA 31069
706-599-3966
wnledwards@gmail.com