This post is part 11 of the series:

The holidays of America and most of Western civilization are the result of Christian influence and origin.[1] As some of the most important holidays in America and throughout the world are celebrated at the end of the year, it is appropriate to rehearse the significance of their Christian beginnings. While secularists, atheists, agnostics, "free thinkers," and other forms of irreligion attempt to rob Christians of the heritage they have given to the world, followers of Christ must be more deeply resolved not to allow this group of antagonists to bully Christians and the world into submission.

As the calendar year draws to an end, many opportunities for meaningful Christian celebration should not be overlooked. In America, Christians should make every effort to capitalize on the Christian heritage bequeathed to the nation by our forefathers—especially Christian Heritage Week, Bible Sunday, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, not to mention lesser-known observances. Important historical and spiritual events should not be permitted to lapse without being duly noted an observed by Christians—whether in the home, business, or local congregation.

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Contents

Our Online Calendar

Christian Heritage Fellowship Calendar

In addition to the highlights of this month that are discussed below, additional subjects of interest regarding our Christian heritage are presented online, where they are arranged according to dates of occurrence—with particular attention being given to the influence Christianity has exercised upon the origin of America. The online calendar where these articles are arranged is under continual development with new articles appearing as they become available. By clicking the message box below, readers will navigate to the present month under consideration.

To navigate to our online calendar, please click this box.

How November Received Its Name

Chrysanthemum Flower

The last four months of our year, September, October, November and December, all receive their names from Latin numerical terms. Prior to the introduction of January and February into our calendar system, the old Roman calendar employed a calendar of only ten months. Latin numbers were given to these months: septem, (meaning seven) became September; octem, (meaning eight) became October; novem (meaning nine) became November; decem (meaning ten) became December. When January and February were added to the ten-month calendar to become our twelve-month calendar, these latter four months retained their Latin names.

In the Julian and Gregorian Calendars, November is the eleventh month of the year. November in the Northern Hemisphere is one of the months of autumn, but in the Southern Hemisphere it is the seasonal equivalent of May in the Northern Hemisphere and vice versa.

The official birth flowers of November are the chrysanthemum and peony. The chrysanthemum were first cultivated in China during the 15th century BC as a flowering herb and reached the Western world during the 17th century. Today, it is estimated that more than 20,000 varieties of chrysanthemums exist and because of their popularity are known as the “Queen of Fall Flowers”. They are believed to symbolize friendship and convey well-wishes.

Election-Day Sermons

Election-Day Sermon

Observance: Prior to Election Day

While the overwhelming majority of Americans are not pastors or church leaders, all Christians should be aware of the active role pastors played in early America to bring about the birth of the nation. America was founded on Christian biblical principles, but for many years, denominational leaders have failed to encourage the clergy and local churches to speak out on political issues. Fear of reprisal from the IRS has enslaved many denominational leaders to the notion that Christians should not speak out concerning the political direction of the nation. But early American ecclesiastical leaders were not timid about proclaiming the fact that Scripture teaches that the reign of Christ should be extended to the entire world, including politics.

Pastors are encouraged to invited local politicians to an Election-Day Service to remind them of their duties under God and their responsibility to the Christian legal foundation of America. King George III reigned over the British Empire at the time of the American Revolution. He realized what Americans have forgotten. King George called the Revolution in America a "Black-robe Rebellion" because many pastors wore black clerical attire into their pulpits and preached that if the King and the English Parliament would not abide by the Law of God, the citizens had a right to throw off the yoke of tyranny. Pastors laid the theological foundation for the greatest nation in the history of the world, and if America is to remain great, pastors and church leaders will have to take a stand as courageous as our spiritual forefathers.

Some Related Articles:

Congress “Purchases” and Endorses the Bible

Congress “Purchases” and Endorses the Bible

American Founding Fathers | Bible | Role of Pastors

After presenting more than eighty pieces of evidence of America's Christian origin, Supreme Court Justice, David Brewer—writing the majority decision for a unanimous court—arrived at this same conclusion in 1892: ". . . many other matters which might be noticed, add a volume of unofficial declarations to the mass of organic utterances that this is a Christian nation."[1] In his classic work, The Christian Life and Character of the Civil Institutions of the United States,[2] Benjamin F. Morris discusses the numerous rulings and studies of the Read more...

Leading Clergy of the American Revolution

Leading Clergy of the American Revolution

Historical | Products | Role of Pastors

It may be argued that the American colonial clergy were the leading influence for American independence. The Protestant Reformation of the authority of Scripture and the priesthood of all believers gave rise to republican governments in lands were the influence of the Reformers took firm hold. In America, the authority of Scripture was often unopposed by church councils or any single church authority. As the influence of the Reformers spread, the role of monarchs was diminished or replaced by republican forms of government, and in the AmericRead more...

Unsung Clergy of the American Revolution

Unsung Clergy of the American Revolution

Military Service | Role of Pastors

IntroductionUnsung Clergy of the American Revolution The role of clergy in the American Revolution has been grossly underreported by most historians. However, the influence of Christian pastors upon the rise and progress of the Revolution was perhaps the most fundamental force toward American independence and was memorialized by the great school-master of America, Noah Webster, who recounted this fact in a private letter dated October 25, 1836, in which he writes: The learned clergy . . . had great influence in founding the first genuineRead more...

The Christian Founding of Harvard

The Christian Founding of Harvard

American History | Christian History | Role of Pastors

Only eighteen years after the Pilgrims landed in the New World, Harvard College, the first of the Ivy League schools, was established for the sake of educating the clergy and raising up a Christian academic institution to meet the needs of perpetuating the Christian faith. All of the Ivy League schools were established by Christians for the sake of advancing Christianity and meeting the academic needs of the New World. No better summary of this effort can be offered than the one provided by the founders themselves: After God had carried us sRead more...

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Please click for more information:  Should Christians Always Submit to the Government?

Election Day

ChristianVoterGuide

The first Tuesday in November is "Election Day." Below are some valuable resources for Christians and church leaders with regard to this important opportunity to help Christianize our nation:

American Family Association: Voter Resources

Christian Coalition: Voter Guides

Eagle Forum: Election Central

Million Voices: Million Voices Voter Guide

WallBuilders: Election Resources and Information and Christian Voter Guide

Spiritual Proclamations of Congress

Remembrance: Congressional Spiritual Proclamations in March

Independence and Congress Halls

Among the thousands of documents and events that demonstrate America's Christian origin are the sixteen spiritual proclamations issues by Congress during the American Revolution. Following the pattern of fasting, praying, and offering of thanksgiving to God that was use in the New England Colonies, Congress asked the American states to fast and pray in the spring and offer prayer and thanksgiving in the fall of the year. States were asked to invite their citizens to cease their labors and observe the day as proscribed by Congress.

The first of the sixteen spiritual proclamations was issued in late spring on June 7, 1775 and was a fasting and prayer proclamation. The sixteenth and last spiritual proclamation to be issued by Congress on August 3, 1784 was a thanksgiving proclamation.

Congress issued two proclamations in the month of November during these years. The spiritual proclamation numbers, the dates they were issued, and the purpose for which they were issued are listed below:

Proclamation #4 – November 1, 1777: Thanksgiving

Proclamation #6 – November 16, 1778: Thanksgiving

Some Articles in This Series:

October 26, 1781 – Congress Thanks God for British Surrender

October 26, 1781 – Congress Thanks God for British Surrender

American History | Congressional Spiritual Proclamations | October Articles | Prayer

America's Christian heritage is interwoven with the birth and development of the nation. But, since the early part of the twentieth century, groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) have done everything within their power to deny Christianity's influence upon the nation. These groups have covered-up the historical facts that clearly relate the influence America's Founding Fathers accorded Christianity in the birth and development of the nation. However, the Journals of the Continental Congress record the influence Founders gave Read more...

November 1, 1777: Congress Begins Thanksgiving Cycle

November 1, 1777: Congress Begins Thanksgiving Cycle

American History | Christian Calendar (Holidays) | Christian History | Congressional Spiritual Proclamations | November Articles | Prayer

The degree to which Christianity influenced the birth and development of the nation is seldom understood by contemporary Americans. According to many current historians, Founding Fathers rejected the influence and observance of Christianity in American political life. But, nothing could be further from the truth. While eight of America's first thirteen states had established state churches, all of the states from the colonial charters to their first constitutions contained affirmations of the Christian faith. The evolving federal government—incRead more...

October 20, 1779: Congress Proclaims Thanksgiving Day

October 20, 1779: Congress Proclaims Thanksgiving Day

American History | Christian History | Congressional Spiritual Proclamations | Prayer

Most Americans are unaware of the rich Christian origin of their nation that is contained in original documents. One of the ways America's Founding Fathers expressed their Christian faith was through a series of sixteen spiritual proclamations issued by Congress over a period of nearly a decade. Congress developed a pattern of issuing humiliation, fasting, and prayer proclamations in the spring, and in the fall, it issued thanksgiving proclamations from 1775 to 1784. The original proclamation of Congress for October 20, 1779 had been presented Read more...

October 18, 1780: Congress Offers Thanksgiving for Divine Providence

October 18, 1780: Congress Offers Thanksgiving for Divine Providence

American History | Congressional Spiritual Proclamations | October Articles | Prayer

At the end of 1780, the endurance of American revolutionary forces had been severely tested by British military might. So dire was the situation that General George Washington pled for assistance from the Continental Congress. Undaunted by the looming prospect of defeat, Congress—following a pattern of fasting, prayer, and thanksgiving—once again called upon the states to establish a day of thanksgiving to be observed by their citizens. That year Congress asked the states to recognize December 7, 1780 as a day of thanksgiving for God's providenRead more...

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All sixteen proclamations:   When Congress Asked America to Fast Pray and Give Thanks to God

Veteran's Day

Alvin C. York

Observance: On or prior to November 11

In the United States, Veterans' Day is usually observed on November 11. If this date occurs on a Sunday, usually the following Monday is employed as the day of observance. If the eleventh should fall on a Saturday, it may be observed that day or the beginning of the following week.

One of America's most decorated veterans was Sgt. Alvin York of Pall Mall, Tennessee. He was a deeply committed Christian who sought to live a sanctified Christian life as a member of the Churches of Christ in Christian Union (Circleville, Ohio). He was America's most highly decorated veteran of World War I.

See our featured article:

The Long Irreligious War Against America

The Long Irreligious War Against America

American Founding Fathers | Marxism | Thomas Jefferson

The Afghanistan War lasted nineteen years and ten months and has been designated as America's longest war. But the war against the Christian principles that have made America an exceptional nation has been waged since the beginning of the Republic. Tyrants believe human rights are granted by human government, but the sentiment of America's Founding Fathers was aptly affirmed by Thomas Jefferson when he wrote, "And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people Read more...

October 18, 1783: Seventh Congressional Day of Thanksgiving

October 18, 1783: Seventh Congressional Day of Thanksgiving

American History | Congressional Spiritual Proclamations | October Articles | Prayer | Thomas Jefferson

From June 1775 to August 1784, the Continental Congress issued sixteen spiritual proclamations, calling all Thirteen States to fast, pray, and give thanks to God. During this period of time, Congress most commonly issued proclamations in the spring calling upon the states to fast and pray. And, in the fall of the year, Congress issued proclamations of thanksgiving. This alternating pattern was first observed in the New England colonies and later was brought into the Southern colonies. In Virginia, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, Richard Henry Read more...

George Bennard and The Old Rugged Cross

George Bennard and The Old Rugged Cross

April Articles | Biography | Christian Calendar (Holidays) | Christian History | Denominations & Sects of the Church | March Articles | Methodist churches

George Bennard passes away "] Toward the end of the twentieth century, song leaders, when soliciting requests for favorite songs from the congregation, would often receive at least one request for “The Old Rugged Cross.” Written by George Bennard in 1913, this gospel hymn has proven to be a sentimental favorite of Christians and unsaved alike. Like many other songs of this era (and genre), The Old Rugged Cross is replete with both the Christian truth found in the pages of God's Word, as well as the Christian experience it should produce. Read more...

John William Fletcher (1729-1785)

John William Fletcher (1729-1785)

Biography | Christian History | Christian Living | Denominations & Sects of the Church | Methodist churches

John William Fletcher is often referred to as the “First Theologian of Methodism.” He earned this popular title as a result of having vigorously defended John Wesley’s Arminianism against Calvinistic polemical rivals. In the early- and mid-1770s, Fletcher undertook the defense of Wesley against Calvinists who charged Wesley with Pelagianism or works righteousness. Fletcher insisted that Wesley affirmed the aphorism, “All salvation is of God in Christ through faith; all damnation is of self,” not the result of God or Satan. The following pages aRead more...

Bible Sunday and National Bible Week

The Gideons International

Observance: Sunday before to Saturday after Thanksgiving

National Bible Week begins the Sunday before Thanksgiving. That Sunday is designated as Bible Sunday. Because Bible Sunday immediately precedes Thanksgiving, it generally receives little if any attention. Therefore, it is suggested that pastors and local churches observe Bible Sunday one Sunday earlier to call attention to Bible week and yet make allowance for attention to be given to Thanksgiving the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Observing Bible Sunday one week earlier will also allow pastors sufficient opportunity to celebrate Thanksgiving the Sunday before this important holiday.

One of the most influential organizations used of the Lord to distribute Bibles around the world has been The Gideons International. Gideons are laymen and women who give sacrificially of themselves and their personal resources to advance the kingdom of Christ. It is safe to make the generalization that no other Bible-distributing organization contributes as much to the local churches throughout America and many parts of the world as does The Gideons International. Usually, local camps or organized groups of Gideons have speakers available to speak at local churches. In many cases, arrangements may be made with local Gideons for one of their speakers to address a congregation, speaking for a small portion or the entire speaking-portion of the service. A love offering will be deeply appreciated and used wisely to continue to place Bibles in hotels, hospitals, and other places where souls are in need of Jesus Christ. Please help the Gideons today!

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October 18, 1783: Seventh Congressional Day of Thanksgiving

October 18, 1783: Seventh Congressional Day of Thanksgiving

American History | Congressional Spiritual Proclamations | October Articles | Prayer | Thomas Jefferson

From June 1775 to August 1784, the Continental Congress issued sixteen spiritual proclamations, calling all Thirteen States to fast, pray, and give thanks to God. During this period of time, Congress most commonly issued proclamations in the spring calling upon the states to fast and pray. And, in the fall of the year, Congress issued proclamations of thanksgiving. This alternating pattern was first observed in the New England colonies and later was brought into the Southern colonies. In Virginia, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, Richard Henry Read more...

John William Fletcher (1729-1785)

John William Fletcher (1729-1785)

Biography | Christian History | Christian Living | Denominations & Sects of the Church | Methodist churches

John William Fletcher is often referred to as the “First Theologian of Methodism.” He earned this popular title as a result of having vigorously defended John Wesley’s Arminianism against Calvinistic polemical rivals. In the early- and mid-1770s, Fletcher undertook the defense of Wesley against Calvinists who charged Wesley with Pelagianism or works righteousness. Fletcher insisted that Wesley affirmed the aphorism, “All salvation is of God in Christ through faith; all damnation is of self,” not the result of God or Satan. The following pages aRead more...

George Bennard and The Old Rugged Cross

George Bennard and The Old Rugged Cross

April Articles | Biography | Christian Calendar (Holidays) | Christian History | Denominations & Sects of the Church | March Articles | Methodist churches

George Bennard passes away "] Toward the end of the twentieth century, song leaders, when soliciting requests for favorite songs from the congregation, would often receive at least one request for “The Old Rugged Cross.” Written by George Bennard in 1913, this gospel hymn has proven to be a sentimental favorite of Christians and unsaved alike. Like many other songs of this era (and genre), The Old Rugged Cross is replete with both the Christian truth found in the pages of God's Word, as well as the Christian experience it should produce. Read more...

The Long Irreligious War Against America

The Long Irreligious War Against America

American Founding Fathers | Marxism | Thomas Jefferson

The Afghanistan War lasted nineteen years and ten months and has been designated as America's longest war. But the war against the Christian principles that have made America an exceptional nation has been waged since the beginning of the Republic. Tyrants believe human rights are granted by human government, but the sentiment of America's Founding Fathers was aptly affirmed by Thomas Jefferson when he wrote, "And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people Read more...

America's Christian Heritage Week

Nick Joe Rahall II

Observance: Week of Thanksgiving

On August 11, 1992, U. S. Representative for West Virginia's third congressional district, Mr. Nick Joe Rahall II, rose to address his colleagues with an important request:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a House joint resolution calling for the designation of Thanksgiving week as "America's Christian Heritage Week." This year, the proclamation would cover the week of November 22 through November 28. It proclaims that America does, indeed, have a Christian heritage.

This Democratic Representative went on to lament the repression of the Christian Faith in the nation it had birthed, but through his efforts, Congress placed its stamp of approval upon Mr. Rahall's motion. For his sincere efforts, Representative Rahall is to be highly commended.

Tragically, Christians throughout America have failed to capitalize on what Congress did in 1992. Denominational leaders have failed to move the interests of Christ forward even on those very rare occasions when Congress hands them a gift such as this. For more than twenty years, this opportunity has lacked wide-scale support from Christians. It is no wonder that liberal main-line denominations have treated it with disdain, but it is inexcusable that Bible-believing denominations have failed to arm their members with the resources necessary to help stem the tide of spiritual and moral decay in our nation. Until Christian leaders begin to focus on the work to which Christ has called them, and not merely their own parochial passions, the Church in America will continue its decline.

God give us leaders who will undertake the cause of Jesus Christ!

Christians must become involved in the opportunity to remind the nation of our Christian heritage. Mr. Bruce Barilla has maintained a website encouraging pastors and the laity to become involved in this effort. Educational, political, and ecclesiastical leaders in every sphere of responsibility should be encouraged to participate. You may find Mr. Barilla at America's Christian Heritage Week and other resources by searching the web. At the request of Christian Heritage Fellowship (2012), Mr. Barilla wrote to encourage Christians to become involved in this important opportunity:

I encourage ministers, preachers, pastors/elders alike to participate in celebrating America's Christian Heritage Week at the local, state and national level with relevant Sunday school lessons, sermons, reading of proclamations, youth programs, patriotic song services and prayer meetings. Commemorating America's Christian heritage provides an opportunity for those choosing to participate to thank God for His 'Blessings of Liberty,' to ask His help to 'insure domestic Tranquility' and to recognize our national need and 'unalienable Rights' in reaffirming our 'reliance on the Protection of Divine Providence' for keeping our families secure, communities safe and America a 'Free and Independent' 'one Nation, under God.' As President Woodrow Wilson stated, "A nation which does not remember what it was yesterday, does not know what it is today, nor what it is trying to do. We are trying to do a futile thing if we do not know where we came from or what we have been about...."

See our featured article:

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Please click for more information:  America's Christian Heritage Week Resources

International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church

Observance: First or second Sunday of November

The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church is held in early November. In Western Christianity, the lives of Christians who have departed this world have been remembered in early November through "All Saints Day" and "All Souls Day." It is fitting that the modern Church set aside early November as a time to remember and pray for fellow believers who are being persecuted around the world. Many Christians support this effort through the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP).[2]

Riding upon the shoulders of Darwinism, irreligious and secular governments around the world seek increasingly to flex their tyrannical muscles. Secular irreligious governments, unfettered by divine law, always establish man's hateful, intolerant laws. The twentieth century alone clearly demonstrates how irreligious Darwinian governments have slaughtered millions around the world. Because America's Founding Fathers believed human rights originate with God, it is not possible to be a Darwinist or Marxist and be a true American.

See suggested resource:

Thanksgiving Day

Pilgrim Thanksgiving

Observance: Fourth Thursday of November

In America, the Thanksgiving tradition is commonly traced to 1621, the year after the Pilgrim Fathers arrived in the New World. After arriving in present-day Massachusetts, the Pilgrims experienced an extremely difficult first winter in their new home. With the assistance of the Wampanoag Natives Indians, the Pilgrims enjoyed a bountiful harvest in 1621, and to celebrate God's goodness, the Pilgrims joined with Natives to celebrate. Though an annual Thanksgiving feast was not observed until the 1660s, subsequent Thanksgivings to 1621 were observed. In addition to feasts, the Pilgrims and Puritans, who followed to the New World, also observed seasons of fasting. This latter practice was used by civil leaders in the American Colonies for many years. President George Washington issued the First Presidential Thanksgiving Proclamation on October 3, 1789, establishing November 26, 1789 as a day of thanksgiving and prayer to "Almighty God" for His providential care of our fledgling nation.

See our featured articles:

Washington's January 1, 1795 Thanksgiving Proclamation

Washington's January 1, 1795 Thanksgiving Proclamation

American History | Presidential Proclamations | Thanksgiving

Because nearly all American colonies under British control had established state churches,[1] America's Founding Fathers were not willing to raise issues that would unnecessarily divide them in their efforts to establish a stable government. For this reason, a promise was made not to establish a federal or national church when writing the Constitution and amended Bill of Rights. However, as the following proclamation demonstrates, America's Founders were not ashamed of their Christian Faith. The history behind the proclamation and its obserRead more...

December 7, 1941—When America Needed God

December 7, 1941—When America Needed God

Christian Calendar (Holidays) | December Articles | Thanksgiving

The reading of the Bible was abruptly interrupted over the NBC radio network in 1941 when world-changing events began to transpire. Seldom in the history of America was Scripture needed to comfort and bring hope as it was needed that day. Yet, at the beginning of the twenty-first century, the significance of the beginning of National Bible Week is almost, for many Americans, a matter of historical amnesia. Like so many, many other moments in American history, Christians were presented with a reason to be proud of their heritage.National Bible WRead more...

Thomas Jefferson Calls Virginia to Prayer and Thanksgiving

Thomas Jefferson Calls Virginia to Prayer and Thanksgiving

American Founding Fathers | American History | Prayer | Thanksgiving

On October 20, 1779, the Continental Congress asked the states to set “apart the second Thursday in December next, as a day of general thanksgiving.”[1] This request issued by Congress to the thirteen American states was the eighth spiritual proclamation of sixteen calling the states to fast, pray and give thanks to God. Beginning in 1775, the Continental Congress issued nearly two spiritual proclamations a year until 1783—throughout the years of the American Revolution. In the spring, usually a proclamation was issued by Congress asking theRead more...

Remember the Apostle Andrew

St. Andrew

Observance: On or before November 30

The Apostle Andrew, the brother of St. Peter, carried the Gospel to many Asiatic nations, beginning his missionary endeavors in the Provinces of Vithynia and Pontus on the southern shores of the Black Sea. It is believed that he subsequently traveled to the City of Byzantium where he established a church.

In one of his missionary tours to Achaia (Greece), Andrew visited the city of Patras where his preaching and miracles drew many to Christ, including Maximilla, the wife of the Roman Proconsul, Aegeates. The Proconsul's own brother, Stratoklis, followed the example of his sister-in-law, Maximilla, and became a Christian as well. Andrew, realizing the sincerity of his faith consecrated Stratoklis to the office of Bishop of Patras. What followed this experience resulted in Andrew's martyrdom.

See our featured article:

Remembering the Apostle Bartholomew

Remembering the Apostle Bartholomew

Apostles

Bartholomew, one of the twelve apostles of Christ (Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14; Acts 1:13) is generally believed to have been the same individual who is called Nathanael in John’s Gospel. The justification for this opinion is that in the first three gospels Philip and Bartholomew are constantly named together, but Nathanael is nowhere mentioned. In the fourth gospel Philip and Nathanael are mentioned in combination, but nothing is said of Bartholomew. Of the gospel writers, John uses Nathanael to describe this apostle while the other Read more...

Remembering the Apostle Matthew

Remembering the Apostle Matthew

Apostles | September Articles

Matthew was a common Jewish name after the Jewish exile. In the lists of the apostles, Matthew, who was also known as Levi (Mark 2:14; Luke v. 27), is coupled with Thomas (Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15). Matthew’s father’s name was Alphaeus (Mark 2:14), who should not be confused with the father of James the son of Mary, the wife of Cleophas, who was a “sister” of the mother of Jesus (John 19:25). Matthew was born at Nazareth in Galilee but resided primarily in Capernaum due to his occupation.Remembering the Apostle Matthew His Apostolic Call HisRead more...

Remembering the Apostle Peter

Remembering the Apostle Peter

Apostles

The original name of the Apostle Peter was Simeon or Simon. He received the name Cephas (Aramaic Kepa—"Rock") from Jesus; the Greek translation of Kepa was Petros, hence the translation Peter. His father's name was John (John 1:42), or Jonah (Matthew 16:17), and though he was born in Bethsaida, he lived at Capernaum following his marriage. With his younger brother Andrew, Peter carried on the trade of fisherman. He was a follower of the ministry of John the Baptist, and through Andrew was introduced to Jesus (John 1:41, 42). His home was a Read more...

Christianizing Your World in November

November

Our suggested resources for the month of October address several subjects of importance. In addition to suggested timely reading materials, our occasional Heritage Hallmarks remind our readers of significant moments in the life of the Christian Church and American life. They are designed to reflect upon the remarkable heritage bequeathed to America and the world by the Christian Faith and seek to visualize important moments in history. Secular influence has removed important monuments of Christian influence, but our Heritage Hallmarks allow parents and grandparents the opportunity to remind succeeding generations of the glorious heritage of Christianity. For a list of additional materials available at our site, please click the following link: Our Resources.

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Heritage Hallmark: Benjamin Franklin Calls for Prayer. Mr. Franklin’s request for prayer at the Constitutional Convention is taken from James Madison’s records of the Convention and is tastefully emblazoned upon this print with a cameo of Franklin. This work of art is among America’s heritage hallmarks and would make a beautiful addition to your home, church, business, or association center. Order your print today!    Purchase here...

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Stephen A. Flick, PhD, St. Nicholas—How a Christian Pastor Became Santa Claus. St. Nicholas—How a Christian Pastor Became Santa Claus sketches the transformation of the legacy of a Christian pastor—Nicholas of Myra—into the fictitious Santa Claus. Though his life was historically celebrated on December 6, the caricature of Santa Claus has come to supplant the real purpose of Christmas—the birth of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Following the historical transformation of Nicholas into Santa Claus, readers are invited to return to an appreciation of the true life of Nicholas and the Lord whom he served.    Purchase here...

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Charles Sheldon, In His Steps. In this time-honored novel, Charles Sheldon unfolds his ideas of Christian social action with the formative question, “What would Jesus do?” In His Steps vividly details various individuals’ responses to this all-important question. Like Robert Bateman, Sheldon believed that personal faith for the Christian must bear public fruit. Few literary works have so deeply impressed themselves upon the minds and hearts of Christians around the world as has In His Steps.    Purchase here...

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W. Cleon Skousen, The Naked Communist: Exposing Communism and Restoring Freedom. Step into the gripping world of The Naked Communist: Exposing Communism and Restoring Freedom by W. Cleon Skousen—a riveting exploration of one of the most influential ideologies of the 20th century. With its rich historical analysis and revelatory insights, this non-fiction masterpiece takes readers on an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Cold War era.    Purchase here...

Important Dates

To speak intelligently to a believing and unbelieving world, Christians must not only be able to defend the truth associated with the lives of the virtuous, but must also be prepared to expose the facts concerning the villainous. For this reason, individuals and events that are both beneficial and malignant are noted below. Knowledge of the virtuous provides insight into how the believer should live, while examples of the villainous prepare believers to "give an answer" to every individual of how life should not be lived (1 Peter 3:15).

Samuel Adams

November 1772: Samuel Adams initiated the formation of the Committees of Correspondence that was so vital to the development of American interests prior to and during the Revolutionary War. See our article: America's First Run-in with the Media

November 11, 1620: After more than two months at sea, the Pilgrims arrived at Cape Cod.[3]

November 14, 1915: Booker Taliaferro Washington (April 5, 1856 - November 14, 1915) was an African-American educator, author, orator, and advisor to presidents of the United States. Between 1890 and 1915, Washington was the dominant leader in the African-American community. For more information concerning his influence upon American education, see David Barton, Four Centuries of American Education, 41.

John Witherspoon

November 15, 1794: John Knox Witherspoon (February 5, 1723 - November 15, 1794) was a Scots Presbyterian minister and a signatory of the United States Declaration of Independence as a representative of New Jersey. As president of the College of New Jersey (1768-94; now Princeton University), he trained many leaders of the early nation and was the only active clergyman and the only college president to sign the Declaration.

November 22, 1963: Clive Staples Lewis (29 November 1898 - 22 November 1963), commonly called C. S. Lewis and known to his friends and family as "Jack", was a novelist, poet, academic, medievalist, literary critic, essayist, lay theologian, and Christian apologist. Born in Belfast, Ireland, he held academic positions at both Oxford University (Magdalen College), 1925-1954, and Cambridge University (Magdalene College), 1954-1963.[4]

November 25, 1748: Isaac Watts (17 July 1674 - 25 November 1748) was an English hymnwriter, theologian and logician. A prolific and popular hymnwriter, he was recognized as the "Father of English Hymnody", credited with some 750 hymns. Many of his hymns remain in use today, and have been translated into many languages.

November 30, 1864: The Battle of Franklin, TN was waged between Union and Confederate forces on this date. Confederate chaplain Edward McKendree Bounds was engaged in the conflict and taken captive. E. M. Bounds is widely known for his writings on prayer.

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One of the most deeply esteemed books on prayer:  Power Through Prayer

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Christian Living in July

Christian Living in July

Christian Calendar (Holidays) | Christian Living Articles | Christian Social Influence | Christian Witness | July | July Articles | July Now

Throughout the summer months, families are preoccupied with various activities that are often unique to this season of the year. Family vacations, church camp, and other activities provide materials from which family and personal memories are made. For those of us who are privileged to regularly share in a good, summer family church camp, meeting with the Lord and cherished friends for a few days of spiritual retreat is eagerly anticipated. Lamentably, too many times the ministry of the local church slows during the summer because the church Read more...

Christian Living in October

Christian Living in October

Christian Living Articles | October Articles | October Now

By the time October arrives, many plans for the end-of-the-year activities are well underway or soon will be. No other season of the year provides as much opportunity for creating spiritual impressions upon young and old alike as do the closing months of the year. In contemporary society, Christians must conceive of ways to convey the glory of the gospel to a suspicious and cynical world. Often this task is complicated by the fact that America and other parts of the world are increasingly biblically illiterate and many audiences do not readily Read more...

Christian Living in August

Christian Living in August

August | August Now | Christian Living Articles

Whereas the "dog days of summer" in the Northern Hemisphere begin in early July, they conclude prior to the end of the second week of August.-08-01">Please click to see additional events for August . . . Related Articles Article Notes and Sources Read more...

Christian Living in September

Christian Living in September

Christian Living Articles | September | September Now

September offers many exciting opportunities for the expression of Christian living, some of which our readers may seek to employ in their homes, local churches and where appropriate, in their businesses. Of all that may be anticipated in the expression of our Christian faith in the month of September, renewed interest in Christian education should be a prominent focus. For many of us careful planning for Thanksgiving and Christmas is delayed too long and hasty efforts produce lackluster results, though grandma and grandpa would never admit it.Read more...

Article Notes and Sources

[1] Though Dr. Schmidt's interest focuses upon the commercialization of American holidays, his book still reflects the Christian influence of American holidays: Leigh Eric Schmidt, Consumer Rites: The Buying and Selling of American Holidays (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1995).

[2] Usually this is observed the first or second Sundays of November and dates of observance vary among organizations supporting this effort. See idop.org and onewiththem.com.

[3] Bradford, Plymouth Settlement, 64.

[4] See John Woodbridge, More Than Conquerors: Portraits of Believers from All Walks of Life.

Christian Living in November

Christian Living in November

Christian Living in November

Christian Living in November

Christian Living in November

Christian Living in November

Christian Living in November

Christian Living in November

Christian Living in November

Christian Living in November

Christian Living in November

Christian Living in November

Christian Living in November

Christian Living in November

Christian Living in November

Christian Living in November

Christian Living in November

Christian Living in November

Christian Living in November

Christian Living in November

Christian Living in November

Christian Living in November

Christian Living in November

Christian Living in November

Christian Living in November

Christian Living in November

Christian Living in November

Christian Living in November

Christian Living in November

Christian Living in November

Christian Living in November

Christian Living in November

Christian Living in November

Christian Living in November

Christian Living in November

Christian Living in November

Christian Living in November

Christian Living in November

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