For the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 2 Cor 3:17

Jonathan Cahn, noted author and prophetic voice of the Christian faith, along with many other notable Christian leaders have planned a live, hopeful, and vital event on the National Mall in Washington on Saturday, September 26, 2020 called The Return.  In the midst of celebrating the Jewish Yom Kippur and the historical significance of the 400 year anniversary of the band of Christian Pilgrims landing on the famous Rock in Plymouth, MA, the gathering is in recognition and response to the all-out war Judeo-Christianity is now facing from cultural forces determined to diminish God’s purpose and presence from the public square.  It will also be offered as a simulcast throughout America and the World, and individuals and groups are encouraged to participate by gathering in their homes, church, or city locations. 

Friends, any one of us, relying on an ounce of honesty, must admit we have lost our way.  The call for us to Return to our Judeo-Christian heritage is a divine alarm.  As did the devout pilgrims before us, we must reject the world’s deceptive grip and believe that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, as He said.  In the spirit of this timely revelation, we’re being called to gather to Return to our Godly roots, Repent of our sins, and Revive our personal lives and land to glorify the God of our Creation and Redemption.  2 Chron 7:14 is the scripture of promise being referenced that says: “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

Historian Joseph Carvalho III, native of New Bedford and retired Director of Springfield Museums and Libraries, tells me the Spanish were in the New World since 1492… and the French were in North America in the 1590s, settling Quebec in 1608.  The Cavaliers of Jamestown were here for commercial reasons on behalf of the King… He goes on to focus on us.  He describes our area as the “Cradle of New England and of Religious Freedom in the New World.” In other words, the original settlers’ core intention was to separate from old England and provide freedom and a new hope in a new world for their families.  That local historical description includes us! If Mesopotamia can be called the cradle of civilization that covers 8,000 square miles, then being bike-ride distance from New Bedford to Plymouth or to Providence sheds direct light on our legitimate claim.

There is no doubt that Washington is our Nation’s Capital and a wonderful spot for people to gather.  The Return also speaks on a personal level to those of us who live in the Providence – South Coast – Plymouth geography.  It’s not difficult to be fully persuaded that God’s hand is still firmly upon the area in which we reside, and it’s not too late for us to repent and cooperate with His call for us to return.  At the end of the day, it’s God’s side we must be on.  So, as for my wife Cynthia and me, we will participate and celebrate the day of the Return on Saturday, September 26th by gathering to pray at the National Monument to the Forefathers in Plymouth, MA. Yes, from the Cradle of Religious Liberty in the New World – the one That Still Rocks!