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Tuesday, October 18, 2011 The Christian prophetic response to American "declinism"
There seems to be a great debate among some Christians that they are called by God to prepare the way for the Lord. Part of this doctrine includes setting up the kingdom of heaven here on earth. Some others believe that we are currently living in the millennial kingdom spoken of in Revelation. As it pertains to America, many others believe that patriotism for America is wrong because it places the emphasis on country rather than on God. Each of these concepts has scriptural problems that are self evident when these topics are studied in the context of the Bible, not just by picking a verse and building a doctrine around it. Point is, that the nation is made up of people, and as the people go, so goes the nation.
Throughout the Bible, even unto the end of the earth age, God judges not only individuals, but also nations. When the people of a nation collectively are in a state devoid of God, the nation declines. When the people of a nation collectively are obeying God, the nation is blessed. Look at history and see if it is not so. Look at the Bible and see if it is not so. Jesus told us on many occasions to preach the gospel to the ends of the earth. We are, as He said in Matthew 5:13, "the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men."
If you think about this deeply, you might come to the realization that if disciples of Christ are not salt and light where they are, they and their community/state/nation are good for nothing, and bad things are going to happen--such as being cast out and being trampled. Jesus said in Luke 19:13, "Occupy till I come." He said in Matthew 5:16, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Paul told us in Romans 12:21 to overcome evil with good. How self aggrandizing doctrines get started from these notions is only found in the heart of man. Notwithstanding, if we as Christians were doing our job as Christ prescribes, our nation would reflect it.
A column by Gideon Rachman in the London Financial Times suggests that America is in decline. Rachman says, "The failure to have a proper discussion of relative decline also risks leaving American public opinion unprepared for a new era." The decline in America is a direct result of its people turning away from God. Responsibility for the turning away from God is squarely on the people of God. The prophet Samuel said in 1 Samuel 15:22-23, "Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice...For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry." You see, our nation declines as Christians chase after doctrines of man and busy works rather than knowing and obeying the Word of God. This is the proper national discussion that needs to take place to prepare for a new era.
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com
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