National Bible Week

Floor Speech

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Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of National Bible Week and thank Congressman Lamborn for the time tonight to recognize the importance of honoring God's Word.

As was said, 7 or 8 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 believed in John 3:16:

That God who gave us his Son, His begotten Son, that who shall ever believe in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

What an amazing gift.

And almost 20 years ago--and of course, there are many highs and lows during my time since then--but some 20 years ago, in one of those times of despair, I made a covenant with God. And that covenant was to put Him first.

And 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 I would be quoting His Word because of something I 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 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 is 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 created for God's purpose and 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. You know, 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, says, if 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 took the Scriptures and debated what the Scriptures say about those issues, that we would all come to agreement that God is correct and that his way is the only way.

In fact, his instruction 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 come to know and love Christ, the truth, so that the truth will set us free.

God bless America. God bless His great Word.

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