America, A Pleasant Place
By Dr. Bill Rains, Senior Pastor | July 5, 2026
Father, our hearts are so grateful, so thankful for so many things, Lord, for this wonderful, wonderful Independence Day service... Thank you for the land of America.
On July 5, 2026, Dr. Bill Rains preaches America, A Pleasant Place from Psalms 16:5-7. As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation, he reminds us of God’s providential hand in drawing America’s lines in pleasant places and calls us back to the Lord as our true portion.
1. America Is a Pleasant Place Because of God’s Providence
The psalmist declared, “The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.” Dr. Rains rejoiced that we did not draw these lines—God in His providence did. He placed our nation between the vast Atlantic and Pacific oceans, creating unmatched natural defenses that have protected us since the War of 1812. Our fertile 900 million acres make us the breadbasket of the world. We enjoy diverse climates, abundant resources, extensive navigable waterways like the mighty Mississippi, and a goodly heritage of liberty. These are not accidents but blessings from the hand of God for a people who sought freedom to worship Him.
2. When We Refuse God’s Leadership, We Create Huge Problems
Psalm 16:4 warns, “Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god.” Dr. Rains powerfully illustrated how turning from the Bible and the one true God has brought chaos. Since God was removed from our schools, we have seen moral confusion, ungodly educators, socialism, and even elected officials who cannot distinguish basic truths like the two sexes God created. He quoted our founding presidents—Washington, Adams, and Lincoln—who affirmed the necessity of God and the Bible for righteous government and true freedom. Rejecting God’s leadership always multiplies sorrows.
3. The Solution Is to Receive the Lord as Our Portion
The heart of the text declares, “The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.” No amount of personal goodness can save us or secure a better country. As Psalm 16:2 reminds us, “My goodness extendeth not to thee.” Salvation comes only by receiving Jesus Christ. Dr. Rains urged hearts to confess with the mouth and believe in the heart that God raised Him from the dead. Like the wedding vow he shared from his own marriage, we must say “I do” to Jesus as our Savior. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
America is a pleasant place because God drew its lines. Let us thank Him for our heritage, repent where we have turned from Him, and receive the Lord as our eternal portion.
Dr. Rains closed with a clear gospel invitation: open the door of your heart to Jesus today. He stands knocking, ready to come in and fellowship with you. May we as a nation and as individuals return to the God who has so richly blessed us.