Memoirs from the Birthplace of a Nation

Chapter One America the Beautiful America is not an accident. America – and the saving of America – were the intentional design and intent of Almighty God. America was born in the wake of what many have called the “First Great Awakening.” The “Second Great Awakening” took place on the heels of the showdown of one of the greatest conflicts in American history – the American Civil War. This awakening helped paved the way for the abolition of slavery and the ultimate salvation of America as we know it today. Many believe another Great Awakening is taking place today in our nation and the nations of the world. Some would even argue that given the current culture and climate of our nation that it is well overdue. However, I argue that the Lord is never late nor His promises untrue. His mercies are always new. If the First and Second Awakenings brought about such change, upheaval and revival that the results were great conflicts like the American Revolution and the Civil War what national conflict or great battle is looming on the other side of this Great Awakening that many have argued will be the greatest of all the awakenings? The Lord may be the only One who knows for sure but given the fact that “we have an unction from the Holy One and we know all things” (1 John 2:20) we can dive deeper because we have been given clues. We can begin by looking into the First Great Awakening and digging deeply into this Colonial Revival that changed the world. So what exactly was the First Great Awakening and when did it take place? The First Great Awakening is widely considered to have taken place from the 1720’s to the 1740’s and it was a Christian, Protestant Revival that brought about reformation and lasting change not only to the colonial churches but to the entire culture of the colonies at that time. This revival changed the hearts and minds of the people and shifted perspective. Passionate, fiery preachers helped lead this awakening and preached in open fields to large crowds or wherever they could evangelize. The American Colonies would never be the same. It would be this awakening that challenged the religious establishment and the status quo. It would stir up new vision, hope and passion. The Great Awakening brought masses into a real, intimate relationship with Jesus Christ and it caused many to question the formal, religious institution of church “as usual.” This new found freedom help spark an independent, free thinking society and culture that would ultimately help birth the American Revolution and what we now know to be The United States of America. It begs to argue that for there to have been a “Great Awakening” there first had to be a “great falling away.” What happened? For us to truly examine this we have to go back to beginning – the very beginning of America. In 1607 the first English settlers landed on what would be named Cape Henry, Virginia. This is now Virginia Beach, Virginia. After fasting and praying for three days a group of men left their ships in a small boat with the intention of exploring the new land. But first there was important business to conduct. Lead by Chaplain Robert Hunt, the group immediately upon arrival set up a cross on the beach and solemnly dedicated the land and their lives to Jesus Christ. They entered into a covenant with God that day and that covenant is still in effect. The following petition was prayed by Robert Hunt on April the 26th, 1607, dedicating the land that would one day become America to God Almighty. “Father, we come to you in the mighty Name of Jesus Christ our Savior to dedicate this land to the glory of God…Father in Heaven, we consecrate this Cross. We consecrate ourselves to the Great Commission, making disciples of all the people of this new land. We consecrate and thus bless future generations that join us here in this land of abundance and godly opportunity to spread His Gospel to the ends of the earth for the greater glory of God. May others who ponder this cross remember our sacrifice, remaining dedicated to this lasting covenant we beseech You for today; for others and those yet to follow. May this Covenant of Dedication remain to all generations, for as long as this earth remains, and may this Land, along with England, be Evangelist to the World. Father in Heaven, we are here to be sent. May our lives be your instrument in setting captives free. We do hereby dedicate this Land, and ourselves, to reach the people within these shores with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to raise up future Godly generations, and with these forthcoming generations take the Kingdom of God to all the earth. May all who see this Cross, remember our covenant with Almighty God, and may those who come here to inhabit this land, join us in this Covenant and in this most noble work that the Holy Scriptures may be fulfilled as it has been declared.” – Robert Hunt, April 26th,1607 Shortly after this covenant was entered into the men explored what is now Virginia Beach, Virginia, before heading up river about 40 miles where they established Jamestown. It would become the first successful English settlement in North America and they named it after their king, King James I. In Jamestown the first protestant church would be planted where the Reverend Robert Hunt (1568-1608) lead regular services. Captain John Smith help lead and found the colony and wrote about the church services and the Reverend Hunt. It is recorded that Smith was baptized in England on January 6, 1580, and his many writings reflect his beliefs in the providential hand of God on the settlers and the Colony. "He concluded that God, who had thwarted Spanish attempts to settle North America, had reserved that Region for the Protestant English."