American Year of Jubilee | Could it be?

Preached July 6, 2025, at Dove Creek Assembly of God

 

Introduction:

On July 3^rd, 1776, John Adams penned a long letter to his wife Abigail of which he said, 

““The Second day of July 1776…I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival.” –John Adams (Cite 5).

As we consider how our founders marked freedom with reverence, Scripture offers us a deeper rhythm—the Year of Jubilee.

Today’s message is about American Independence and our National Holiday.  May I lead you briefly in a reflection about this milestone in our American History?  

I begin by sharing an article that first appeared in the July 1, 1984, edition of the Pentecostal Evangel.  Originally authored by Robert C. Cunningham who served as editor of the magazine from 1949—1984.  The article was revised and republished on July 3, 2025, by Darrin J. Rodgers, editor at Assemblies of God News (Cite 1).

“How Should We Celebrate Independence Day?

A moral appeal, not a rebuke but a respectful & weighty reminder meant to prompt reflection and spiritual realignment (admonishment) from one of America's founding fathers to remember God's faithfulness on Independence Day.

It is summertime and July 4 is a welcome holiday.  For many it is a time for picnics, fireworks, ball games, and family visits.  For others it is a time to assemble for prayer and fellowship at camp meetings, youth rallies, and other church functions.

A FOUNDER'S PROPHETIC INSIGHT

Back in 1776, John Adams wrote a letter about Independence Day that was both historic and prophetic.  Writing to his wife on the day independence was declared, he said: 

“This day will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival.  It ought to be commemorated as a day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.  It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from this time forevermore.” 

-John Adams

The parades, shows, games, etc. have been many but the “solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty” have become rather few.

We still “pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands ...,” but how many honor God by serving Him daily and obeying His Word?

Too few obey the Scripture that exhorts that 

“supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty” (1 Timothy 2:1,2).

A little boy, anxious to know how it feels to drive a car, kept asking his father to let him put his hands on the wheel.  Eventually the father let his little son sit on his lap and steer the car in a deserted area, but he said, “I'll place my hands over yours just to be sure nothing goes wrong.”

The boy was thrilled; and later, when he offered his bedtime prayers, he was heard to say: “Dear Lord, will You please put Your hands over the hands of our President as he steers our country, so nothing will go wrong.”

On Independence Days we should get on our knees and pray for all who are “steering” our country.  We should thank God for our freedom and pray He will preserve us a nation.”

We boast of “one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all,” but the fabric of community and national life is threatened by a spreading lawlessness.

Unity depends on laws, and the only laws that work are those founded on the Scriptures.

Those laws can show us solutions to the most complex problems of society-in government, business, industry, education, family life, and every other sphere-if we will accept them and apply them to modern life.

The gospel of Christ gives men self-respect, ambition, and love for their neighbors.  It moves the “haves” to share with the “have nots.”

Only by regaining a fear of God can America succeed.

The Bible says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Pro 1:7) This is the place to start.

The fear of the Lord provides the needed bond among men.  It holds people together by holding them to God.

The fear of God makes Christians concerned with the problems of the less fortunate.  It makes unselfish neighbors, considerate employers, and loyal employees.

It moves Christians to do something about the problems around them.

It breeds a compassion for the poor in every nation and a Christlike concern for disadvantaged children.

The Psalmist prayed, “Unite my heart to fear thy name.” (Ps 86:11) Here is the unity America needs if it is to enjoy God's help and fulfill the national purposes for which He raised it up.” (Cite 1).

Selah

JUBILEE IN SCRIPTURE

If we fail to acknowledge history, we are doomed to repeat the mistakes of our past.  I appreciate the land in which I was born, when at only 2 years old, Robert C. Cunningham first authored this article I now use as an opening for today’s message. 

We were not born into perfect equality, but we were born into the pursuit of it.  To deny history is to deny the miracle of progress.  Witnessed in our young nation of which, the motto “In God We Trust” (Note 2).

Considering this celebration, we reach the 249^th year of America.  If we were a Jewish Nation through and through this 250^th year of American redemption, progress, and purpose, this year would be considered a year of Jubilee.

ECHOES IN THE AMERICAN EXPERIENCE

  The trumpet of Jubilee once called for rest and release.  A profound biblical concept rooted in Leviticus 25:10 "Proclaim liberty throughout...", representing a sacred time of restoration, release, and renewal in ancient Israel.  

But we are not a Jewish nation.  Our faith is rooted in the Abrahamic faith and Mosaic Law but in view of the New Covenant only available through our Lord Jesus Christ.  

Could this year be an echo heard in the founding of our own republic?

Proclaim liberty throughout the land - Could it be our Jubilee?

What this Meant in Scripture

• Occurred every 50th year, following seven cycles of seven years (49 years).
• Announced on the Day of Atonement with the blowing of a ram’s horn.
• Marked by:
• Release of debts and freedom for slaves.
• Restoration of land to original family owners.
• Rest for the land — no sowing or harvesting.

This was a radical reset — a divine reminder that God owns everything, and His people were stewards, not possessors.  It emphasized equality, mercy, and trust in divine provision_1,2. (Cite 3).

But Jubilee was never just policy—it was prophecy.  And it speaks still.

The Bible influenced the American Founding Fathers, and biblical language and themes were liberally used in their rhetoric_1,2,3.  

While they did not have a common religious tradition or an established church, religion was often a family inheritance for many Americans₄.  

Constitutional scholar Daniel Dreisbach has discussed the influence of the Bible on the American founding₅ at great length.  (Cite & Note 4)

John Adams wrote to his wife, Abigail…

” The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable..." 

(Cite 5).  

What will you remember about this 250^th year of inherited American freedom?

"It ought to be commemorated as a day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty." - Paraphrase, John Adams to Abigal

INVITATION TO RELEASE, RESTORATION & RENEWAL

Pray 250 Year of Jubilee Release, Restoration & Renewal

Exhortation:

It is not a year of Jubilee in the most accurate definition of such a year.  But perhaps through prayer and supplication this can be a divinely orchestrated year of Jubilee for our country.  

Let us take some time to join our inherited mustard seeds of faith together and pray for America.  Let us pray this outline provided by the Assemblies of God U.S. Missions Executive Director Choco De Jesus.

Let us take time today and each day of July to pray for America.  [Cue: The usher is going to make sure each of you gets one before you leave today.  Cue prayer video. Readers follow link for FREE DOWNLOAD HERE]

And then we will take a moment to intercede together requesting supplication for our neighbor.

Discernment; Pro. 3:5-6; Development 1 Tim 4:15; Defense Isa. 1:17, Declaration 2 Co. 13:11; Discipleship Jn 13: 34-35 and Dedication Co. 2:6-7.

Call to Action:

If Jubilee begins in the heart, what are we releasing today?  What burden will we lay down and leave behind?  What if this Jubilee begins not with legislation but with liberation in the heart?

Benediction: The Jubilee Blessing

May the God of all mercy and justice who called forth liberty with trumpet’s sound, release every burden from your heart, restore what has been lost, and renew within you a spirit of thanksgiving.

As we remember the sacred echoes of Jubilee, may we go forth as a people of grace, proclaiming liberty not only with our voices, but with our lives — in love, in forgiveness, in truth.

Go in peace, and walk boldly in the freedom Christ has won.

Amen.

Sources, Citations & Notes:

1. Cite “How Should We Celebrate Independence Day?” by Robert C. Cunningham.  He served as editor of the Pentecostal Evangel magazine from 1949—1984.  Edited and republished July 3, 2025, by Darrin J. Rodgers. Darrin J. Rodgers has served as director of the Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center (FPHC) since 2005.  He earned a master's degree in theological studies from Assemblies of God Theological Seminary and a juris doctorate from the University of North Dakota School of Law.  He previously served at the David du Plessis Archive and the McAlister Library at Fuller Theological Seminary.  He is the author of Northern Harvest, a history of Pentecostalism in North Dakota.  His FPHC portfolio includes acquisitions, editing Assemblies of God Heritage magazine, and conducting oral history interviews.  His wife, Desiree, is an ordained AG minister.
2. Note.  Speaker Mike Johnson on ‘Big Beautiful Bill’: FULL SPEECH Fox 4 Dallas-Fort Worth News YouTube Channel Speaker Mike Johnson on 'Big Beautiful Bill': FULL SPEECH 21:00 - :21:25 – 22:00. 22:06 Motto “In God We Trust.”  “Built on the ultimate foundation, ‘The bold declaration, that we do hold these truths to be self-evident, what is this ‘self-evident truth’?  It is something that is obvious, will these truths be self-evident?  ‘That all men are created equal.’  It does not say all men are ‘born’ equal.  It is our Creator that gives us these rights.” —Representative Mike Johnson Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.  Some contrast to his remarks, the part I am referring to centers on the idea that “not everyone is born into equality, but that America offers the opportunity to pursue equality.”  The Speaker also remarked on the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ He touches on how the founding ideals weren’t perfectly lived out at birth for all Americans, but the system was designed to allow for growth toward justice and equality.  This rhetorical theme echoes both patriotic and biblical tones—highlighting redemption, progress, and purpose.  (Also, July 3, 2025) (Note 2) Further note the phrase “In God We Trust” has a layered history in American life, both in Congress and on currency.

💵 On U.S. Money

A.    First Appearance: It debuted on the two-cent coin in 1864, during the Civil War, after a minister urged the Treasury to acknowledge God on national currency_1,2.

B.    Legal Requirement: In 1955, Congress passed a law mandating the phrase on all U.S. currency, signed by President Eisenhower₁.

🏛️ In Congress and National Motto

C.    Official Motto Adoption: On July 30, 1956, Congress formally declared “In God We Trust” as the national motto, replacing “E Pluribus Unum”_1,3.

    Paper Currency: It wasn’t until 1957 that the motto appeared on paper money, starting with the one-dollar silver certificate_1,3.

D.   Cold War Context: This move was partly symbolic — a way to distinguish America from the atheist Soviet Union during the Cold War era₃.

So, while the phrase has roots in 19th-century coins, its full embrace as a national motto and across all currency came in the 1950s — a time of spiritual reaffirmation and patriotic clarity.

#	Source & Description	Citation Note
A	First appeared on U.S. coins during the Civil War — 2-cent coin, 1864	U.S. Mint Historical Records & 2
B	1955: Congress mandated the phrase on all U.S. currency	Public Law 84-140
C	1957: First appearance on paper money (Silver Certificate)	U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing
C	July 30, 1956: Officially adopted as the national motto	Public Law 84-851
D	Cold War motivation — used to contrast America with the Soviet Union	Congressional hearings and presidential speeches

1. In God We Trust - Wikipedia; 2. 'In God We Trust': Inside The History Of The Official U.S. Motto; 3. In God we trust | U.S. Motto, Placement on Currency, E Pluribus Unum, Cold War, & Facts | Britannica

 

3.    3. Cite.  Footnotes 1: What Was the Year of Jubilee? | Christianity.com and 2: Topical Bible: Understanding the Year of Jubilee

4.    4.Cite.  Bing Search results for further research & development in deeper dive to footnotes 1-5.  Note: Daniel Dreisbach is a leading scholar on constitutional law, church-state relations, and the religious influences on America’s founding.  He is a professor at American University’s School of Public Affairs and has authored or edited over ten books exploring how biblical principles shaped early American political thought_.  Cf. Faculty Profile: Daniel Dreisbach & Daniel Dreisbach - Wikipedia

Footnote	Source Title	Platform/Publisher	Citation Link
1	Political Sermons and the American Revolution	Online Library of Liberty	Liberty Fund Sermons
2	The Bible and the American Founders	C.S. Lewis Institute	CSLI Article
3	Faith of the Founders: Washington, Adams, and Jefferson Saw God’s Providence	The Washington Stand	Washington Stand Commentary
4	The Bible’s Significance for the American Founders	Juicy Ecumenism (Institute on Religion & Democracy)	Juicy Ecumenism Article
5	The Bible-Inspired Influences on the U.S. Constitution	American Heritage Education Foundation	American Heritage Article

 

5.    5.John Adams to Abigail Adams, 3 July 1776, Founders Online, National Archives (http://founders.archives.gove/documents/Adams/04-02-02-0016, ver. 2014-02-12) from the Adams Papers. Adams Family Correspondence, vol. 2, June 1776—March 1778, ed. L.H.Butterfield. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1963, pp. 29-33 also available in hard back print introduction in We The People Documents and Writings of the Founding Fathers.

Soli Deo Gloria | “Glory to God Alone”