There is an email circulating from a fairly well known pastor who is talking of coming judgment upon America. Recently, I was asked to share my thoughts concerning this email. Below you will find my response with a few added sentences at the end.
Click here to read his message.
I guess at this point I am still navigating through where I see myself concerning some of the things that he (this pastor) has come out and said. While I don’t completely want to dismiss the potential for such devastation – at the same time I am not quick to jump on the band wagon that some of these things will happen or are happening as a result of God’s judgment on America. America is not perfect and has never been perfect. Even in our supposed Christian beginnings we fled from the religious strong hold of England and came to the New Englands to establish a religious ideal of freedom and then in our freedom drove the Indians off their land in bloodshed. I say that to say that I don’t know that we as a nation have ever gotten it right. When does God say enough is enough? We have Biblical signs. On a global scale they are all around us.
Aren’t you thankful for the mercy and kindness of God? What about His patience? Because of these attributes we are given the opportunity to know Him and to make Him known. These are exciting times, where opportunities abound to be salt and light. This is definitely not a time to be neglecting matters of the kingdom or to be surprised with no oil in our lamps Matthew 25:1-13.
On a practical side, I do think though that it is a good idea to be prepared in the case of a local or national crisis. I am not there yet, but see the necessity.
I am interested in hearing your ideas. Your comments are welcome and thanks for being part of this conversation.
I also have a hard time reconciling what I know of God and this idea of “Judgment on America”. I understand the premise that many go on with the nation of Israel and other God not-fearing nations in the old testament being judged, but then I read when Jesus came for us as individuals and his sending his Holy Spirit to be a part of our every-day lives and I don’t really see where the place is for a nationwide judgment. I do know that bad things DO happen. I cannot reconcile that God makes them happen because we – as a nation – have been bad. As you said, we’ve always been bad in some form or another, really what makes us worse now? Abortion? No prayer in schools? (you certainly can pray!) No religious symbols on public land? Our hearts in general turning from God?
Is God really going to punish me for what ya’ll did? Is he going to punish YOU when I’ve turned my back on him?
I agree that bad stuff has and will continue to happen. I’m not convinced it’s because we’re bad and we’ve just stepped over the line.
I’m interested to hear what others have to say on this. (Or more accurately, read what others have to write!)
Amy
I agree that we have to always be prepared ( wise as a serpent and as harmless as a dove ) . We have to put on the armor of Christ. Even the most faithful can be deceived. Continue our walk in Christ and be faithful servants of our mighty Lord . And give in and give to God.
This link may help in putting the focus where it can do the most good: http://www.ndptf.org/press_room/Index.cfm?Entity=4&Department=4&Dept_Order=1&This_TopicOrder=2&This_SubtopicOrder=1#23
Maybe the Church can organize an event for that day? (National Day of Prayer website – if you chose not to click the link)
Billy Graham preached shortly prior to 9/11/2001 that “Unless America repents, God would have to apologize for Sodom and Gomorrah”. I think he is absolutely right. As Christians, I pray for the sake of the saved and unsaved, that God would have some further patience with Americans. We need to collectively ask Him for a revival in our land, as the Body of Christ. I believe, historically, He answers that request when the cry is sufficient to reach His ears. I also believe that He wants to revive America… before judging it or any other country or person. The question is: Is that what we want? Is it worth it? Yes, yes there is a problem. -and.. Yes, yes there is a solution!
SIN has been an issue from the begining of time….America is not set apart from this. However, we are not called to live in fear of the future. I am all for being prepared for emegerancy, but there is a point when we have to trust the Lord and live today. Thanks be to the Lord for his Son JESUS, whom made a way for us be forgiven. I think that that we as christians need be more concerned with sharing the gospel than stocking up our supplies… I have a hard time when people create fear it seems to cancel out faith. So, for every bottle of water you stock up, make an effort to share the Love and forgiveness of Jesus. I am believing for the harvest and I want to be a willing worker, (Lord teach me to be a willing worker.) Jesus, is the solution to this problem and all are in need of more of HIM.