I want to share some insights I’ve discovered through historical research, particularly about Thanksgiving in America, which holds a special place in the hearts of many Americans. Thanksgiving is not just a holiday but a time to honor God, and for nearly 400 years, it has been a tradition of gathering with friends and family, rooted in the Plymouth Colony. I’ve always had a passion for history, and I enjoy exploring the connections between historical events and biblical truths.

As I continued my research, some profound insights struck me. The pilgrims who sailed to America on the Mayflower were seeking religious freedom, a fact that most of us are familiar with. However, I’ve often been asked why I, as a pastor, am so driven by my work. Let me explain: I have a deep love for God’s Word, and I believe in fighting for righteousness, not out of a desire to argue but out of a conviction to protect what is right. I fight against any forces, especially those that seek to lead us away from God.

If I had to choose one thing to fight for, it would be religious freedom. This is because, at the heart of our faith, God raised figures like Moses to fight for freedom, and it’s a fundamental right that we must protect. The very foundation of America was built on the pursuit of religious freedom, and it’s important that we never forget this. The pilgrims came here seeking a new life for their families and the freedom to worship God.

Many people don’t know the full history of how America was founded, the Constitution, or the rights we hold dear. It’s essential to understand our history to fulfill our destiny. So, let’s take a few moments to reflect on the true meaning of Thanksgiving and why it’s so significant. It all goes back to the religious freedom our forefathers fought for, starting as early as 1534, when England broke ties with the Roman Catholic Church. The Protestant reformers, who would later be known as Puritans, saw this as an opportunity for change.

The Puritans wanted to purify themselves from the Catholic Church and its traditions, but after years of struggle, many felt they hadn’t made enough progress. They decided it was time to separate from the Church of England. This split created two groups: the Puritans, who stayed within the Church of England, and the separatists, who sought to worship freely. The pilgrims were part of the separatist group, sharing the same theological beliefs as the Puritans, but choosing to break away.

The church and the state were closely tied during this time, making it difficult for separatists to worship freely. They faced persecution and imprisonment, and in 1609, a small group of separatists fled to Holland to escape these dangers. The Church of England, which emerged from the Catholic Church, had become a state religion, meaning the government controlled religious practices. Separatists, then, were seen as traitors, and their fight for religious freedom was a dangerous one.

This history is a powerful reminder of the value of religious freedom, something we must continue to protect today.