Monday 7 November 2016

Pray for the United States of America

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1–4).

Colossians 4:2-4 "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

When I was a boy growing up, the United States was a pillar of fortitude, Christian values and an impressive "go get it" attitude. They placed a man on the moon and he read from the Bible. The Christian preacher Billy Graham was honoured all over the world and in the White House. Despite Billy's Arminian methods, he definitely proclaimed a message of the gospel and the phrase "the Bible says ..." showed his authority was God's and not from man. Today, how do people view the United States?

Sadly, when we think of the USA today, Christianity does not come to mind. They are the champion of liberty on all fronts, including the champion of the LGBTQ agenda, of aggressive business tactics, of huge national debt, of political infighting and the legacy of foreign interventions which casts a shadow. Not to mention the radical feminism, the promotion of the abortion of human lives in the womb up to 9 months old, which Hilary Clinton even boasted of in the last presidential debate.

Who could have believed that these many changes would have happened so fast? Furthermore, on a spiritual front, the church is in desperate need of prayer. The USA exports two of the most poisonous messages by cults, namely the Mormons and the Jehovah Witnesses, nether of which preach or teach a biblical message of salvation. They deny the Trinity, they promote a works-based righteousness, one which makes the Roman Catholics appear lukewarm. In addition, the USA spreads the prosperity message through TV and other forms. Joel Osteen and many other Texas based people deceive the masses with a deceptive message of lies wrapped in a thin Christian veil.

What should we do? I love the United States and I pray for that nation and the church there like never before. It is always humbling when such run-away changes happen, but whatever can be shaken will be shaken, so that only that which cannot be shaken may remain (Hebrews chapter 12 teaches this). No matter who wins the race to the White House this week, things are being shaken. The Bible's message is clear: "It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes" Psalm 118:8-9.

There have been two Great Awakenings in the history of the USA and a third is needed urgently. Let me say as a British citizen that Europe is no better politically or spiritually. However, this blog post is intended to stir people to pray for he USA. Revelation 3:18-19 "I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent". I know of many godly churches and Christians, but in the big picture, they are becoming a minority.

Let us pray in faith, in love and hope as we call upon the name of the LORD, Amen.

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