Jesus said, “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”* But haven’t the gates of hell overcome our voice for righteousness in America?
ARE we Jesus’ Church as much as we like to think we are?
Where WAS our influence in that sequence of court cases and moral decline? I’m not speaking of political action, protests, or lawsuits, but of infusing the righteous spirit of the Kingdom of God into American society through our humble obedience to Lord Jesus.
THE HUB
From our beginning and until recently, “church” was central to American life and culture. It was like a hub whose spokes extended to the rims of wheels that carried Biblical and moral values across our land.
We no longer have that influence, and America could only get to this dark place because we have loved the opportunities of the American Dream too much to be Mt. 5:13-16 preserving salt and guiding light. God is not mocked and we will reap what we have sown.
We are moving toward hardships that we’re not prepared for. Many feel entitled to escape them, but Jesus might not return in time to rescue us.** Our only good option is to humble ourselves before Him, confess our sin, receive His hope and strength, and pray for America as godly patriots would.
FAITH?
It will take Heb. 10:32-11:40 faith to sustain us in the coming Day. Faith that assures us that God will be with us and help us honor Him and remain faithful to Him regardless of circumstances. But don’t we often think of faith as “believing God” for something earthly to make life better for ourselves here and now, like healing, or a better car, job, house or whatever? Often something selfish? Consider the difference.
NINEVEH?
This repentance might not save America but at least we would be empowered to suffer well and to become salt and light to others. Then too, maybe America could become another Nineveh. Jesus knows, and that’s good enough for Hebrews 11 saints!
* Mt 16:18
**I’m not saying we’ll be here for the tribulation, just for suffering like so many others through history – – and today.
Ken Stoltzfus
Kidron, Ohio USA
September 25, 2021
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