Last night, Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) spoke during a special order on the House floor in honor of National Bible Week. Congressman Allen’s remarks can be found below.
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I rise today in honor of National Bible Week.
I thank Congressman Lamborn for taking the time tonight to recognize the importance of honoring God’s word.
78 years ago, FDR declared National Bible Week just before the start of World War II.
Just as it was then, the Bible is God’s gift to us, standing the test of time and serving as our guide during times of both joy and hardship.
It is the way that God speaks to us.
I was born in rural America, in Georgia, and as most youngsters I was baptized at an early age because I believe in John 3:16 – that God who gave us His son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
What an amazing gift.
20 years ago – and there were many highs and lows since then – but 20 years ago was one of those times of despair.
I made a covenant with God, and that covenant was to put Him first.
That meant an intense study of His word and He actually showed me how to change my priorities and put Him first because I had this thirst for His word as soon as I got up in the morning.
In fact, I would wake up and be quoting His word because of something I had thought of during the night.
I learned that my strength and abilities did not come from myself but through Him and Him alone.
In this great country we pride ourselves on freedom, and that freedom is knowing that God is our strength and His grace has no limits.
I often pray at night that thy kingdom come on earth as it is in Heaven, and the Bible reveals to us that we already have a glimpse of what that’s like.
Genesis 1:26 through 28 shows us that from creation, we were all made in God’s image and likeness.
Now wouldn’t the world be a much better place if we treated each other – our relationships – as if we were with God himself in those relationships?
Our country’s very foundation comes from Judeo-Christian values, and these principles are woven throughout our founding documents.
The Bible says we were all created for God’s purpose, in God’s image and in His likeness.
If we study His word and put it into action to value all people, even those we disagree with, I am certain that the division and hurt in this country would heal.
We are a divided nation, and we have a divided government.
Jesus prayed for us in John 17:21 that we would be one, just as He and the Father are one.
The enemy divides – God unites.
And if we trust God as His word says, and just above me – above the flag – it says that we put our trust in God.
It would unite all of us here, around those important issues that our Founders and the American people care about.
I believe that if we actually, in this chamber, debated what the scriptures say about the very issues that divide us – and they are very divisive issues that we deal with on this floor every day.
If we debated what the scripture says about these issues, we would all come to agreement that God is correct and that His way is the only way.
In fact, His instructions to Joshua in Joshua 1:8 was do not let this book of law depart from your lips, be careful to do what it says – meditate on it night and day – and we will be prosperous and successful.
America stands as a beacon of hope for the rest of the world and can truly be a Shining City upon a Hill that God described if we treat each other with the dignity and respect that God shows us how to do through His word.
I pray that God gives me the strength and humility to serve Georgia’s 12th District so that more people will come to know and love Christ – so that the truth will set us free.
God bless America. God bless His great word.
