Things That Will Help America
By Senior Pastor Dr. Bill Rains | July 6, 2025
Open your Bibles to Psalm 11. If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? Let’s pray: Father, thank You for this day and for each family gathered at Mission Baptist Church. Thank You for our guests and the worship today. Make our church a place people are drawn to supernaturally. Help us glorify You and receive help for our lives. Save those without assurance of salvation today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
On July 6, 2025, following Independence Day, Senior Pastor Bill Rains preaches from Psalm 11, addressing the erosion of America’s Judeo-Christian foundations. Reflecting on the Declaration of Independence, signed July 4, 1776, after the Continental Congress voted for independence on July 2, he notes the sacrifices made for freedom. Yet, America faces attacks on its biblical values. Quoting If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? (Psalm 11:3), Pastor Rains offers three actions to help America: keep doing right, depend on God, and declare His Word. Through personal stories and biblical truth, he urges believers to strengthen the nation by living out their faith.
Keep Doing Right
Despite attacks on America’s foundations, the righteous can keep doing right. Pastor Rains shares a hospital room encounter, witnessing to a nurse about being born again (John 3:7, Ye must be born again), emphasizing that salvation is still right, regardless of societal rejection. Baptism by immersion clears the conscience (1 Peter 3:21), and joining a local church is biblical (1 Corinthians 12:13-27, we are members one of another). Parents must raise children in the Lord’s nurture (Ephesians 6:4), not relying on secular schools. Believers are the salt of the earth and light of the world (Matthew 5:14-16), called to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20, Go ye therefore, and teach all nations). Pastor Rains recalls telling his sons, “Everybody’s not doing it because you ain’t,” urging steadfastness because the Lord’s eyes behold (Psalm 11:4). Deuteronomy 6:18, Thou shalt do that which is right and good in the sight of the Lord, and Bob Jones Sr.’s words, “Do right till the stars fall,” inspire action.
Keep Depending on God
In a world that mocks faith, believers must depend on God. Psalm 11:1 says, In the Lord put I my trust, despite the wicked’s schemes (For, lo, the wicked bend their bow…to shoot at the upright in heart, Psalm 11:2). Pastor Rains notes the world’s mockery, as when Jesus was taunted on the cross: He trusted on God; let him deliver him (Matthew 27:43). Yet, dependence on God is vital in triumph and trial. In good times, don’t forget God, as by my God have I leaped over a wall (Psalm 18:29). In trials, like those Pastor Rains faces with his son Tim, dependence sustains. A woman complained, “Every time I try to do right, the devil attacks,” but Pastor Rains advised, “Keep doing right.” 1 Peter 1:7, The trial of your faith…might be found unto praise and honour, assures that clinging to God glorifies Him, even when answers are unclear.
Keep Declaring God’s Word
Pastor Rains commits to declaring God’s Word, as the psalmist boldly confesses faith (The Lord is in his holy temple, Psalm 11:4). Despite personal trials over eight years, he resolves to proclaim truths: all are sinners (Romans 3:23, All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God), death is certain (Hebrews 9:27, It is appointed unto men once to die), hell is real (Luke 16:19-31), and Jesus is the only way (John 14:6, I am the way, the truth, and the life; Acts 4:12, Neither is there salvation in any other). Referencing a tragic Texas event, he cites Ecclesiastes 9:12, Man also knoweth not his time, urging preparation for eternity. Declaring God’s Word, as Isaiah 55:11, My word…shall not return unto me void, promises impact. He calls those without salvation to pray, “God, I realize I’m lost. Forgive my sins and save my soul,” ensuring heaven through faith in Christ.