Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, a rising voice in the Republican presidential race, addressed a Liberty University convocation service on Wednesday, detailing his pursuit of his relationship with God throughout his career in politics and as a pastor.

I have not endorsed a presidential candidate, but it was certainly encouraging to hear a Christian brother, a man unwavering in his faith, talking about his quest for the highest office in the land.

Mr. Huckabee addressed several domestic and international issues in his speech.

He identified the “fanatic religious zealotry” of Islamo-fascism as a “real threat” that must be confronted to protect the American way of life.

The former Arkansas governor, who has recently ascended in the polls in Iowa, site of the first state caucuses (January 3), also addressed key cultural issues, saying that how the nation defines family and marriage “matters very much.”  He noted that when we redefine marriage as something other than what it has been, in historic terms, we perpetuate something beyond that which God has established.

And he weighed in on the rights of the unborn. To be pro-life, he said, means that we “value every human life regardless of who he or she may be.” This view of life makes America unique in the world, he stated.

Mr. Huckabee also said that Divine providence was responsible for his recent surge in the polls in Iowa, as he noted that he is the candidate with much less capital firepower than his rivals. Despite his fundraising shortfall, his message seems to be resonating with voters.

It’s a long road to Election Day 2008 and any number of things could happen between now and then, in terms of who gets the party nominations.

As that date approaches, it behooves Christians to begin examining the presidential candidates. We must ascertain which one best characterizes the values and ideals we have determined for our candidates since we discovered Ronald Reagan.

But there’s more to the Christian life than the dirty game of politics.

We continue to witness a growing moral divide in America. Neither politics nor politicians can halt this crisis. Only a change in the heart of our nation can halt our moral collapse. That is where the church of Jesus Christ — that is called to stand for biblical truth in this era of situational ethics and moral reasoning — must boldly and compassionately confront the culture as never before.

II Chronicles 7:14 tells us, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

That is the ultimate key for our nation. And Christians must embody this verse with passion and a true sense of expectation for God to once again pour out His blessings on America.

I love this nation. And I want to do my part to share Christ with as many people as possible. This truly is the only way we will see America return to its full greatness.