Why Does God Allow Accidents and Suffering? Part 2

Why does God allow accidents? Why does He allow tragedies that cause deep pain? Why does he allow suffering? Does God enjoy causing pain? Does he enjoy the plight of humanity? No. In this part of our series we will continue to address these questions.

Because God allows suffering doesn’t mean He enjoys suffering. God takes no joy in the suffering of people. Through Jeremiah the Lord's feelings are stated:

• Lamentations 3:31-33 – “For the Lord will not cast off forever.32 Though He causes grief, Yet He will show compassion According to the multitude of His mercies.33 For He does not afflict willingly, Nor grieve the children of men.”

The Living Bible translates verse 33, "For He does not enjoy afflicting men and causing sorrow."

If God doesn’t enjoy suffering, then why does He allow it? If God dislikes suffering, why does He allow it, even will it? To answer that question we need to understand the root and result of suffering.

First, the root of suffering is sin. Sin in its most basic form is PLANETARY and PERSONAL. Personal sin is disobeying God. This is the sin that leads a person to hell and eternal separation from God in isolation and darkness. Personal sin is what we need to repent of and seek forgiveness for from God. But sin is also planetary meaning it impacted the creation itself. Suffering entered the Creation when Adam took Satan's alternative advice and disobeyed God (Genesis 3; Romans 5). Humankind became separated relationally, spiritually, from God by willful sin. But the material aspects of God's Creation were impacted too.

Secondly, the result of suffering is death. The Bible says the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). There is a temporal and eternal aspect of death. Humanity dies once and then is judged as to their eternal salvation or eternal damnation (Hebrews 9:27). But there is an aspect of death that we see all around us in nature, in our bodies right now. It is a kind of eroding of the physical. It involves a breakdown an out of kilter out of sync aspect of the world. The material Creation of God literally groans under the weight of sin's infection (Rom. 8:18-25).

Because our bodies are a part of God's Creation wracked by planetary sin, they groan too. From the time you are born and throughout your life, cells die in your body. From the point of birth to approximately age 25, your body produces more cells than are dying and so you grow and develop in a good way. But at age 25 your body turns a corner and no longer produces enough cells to replace the dying cells. At age 25, for all intents and purposes, you begin the slow process of death. Your rate of cell replenishing is in the deficit from that point on. Those of you who have reached middle age and experience the creeks and cramps of rising each day know exactly what I am talking about.

Understanding this helps us understanding why accidents like car accidents occur. Planetary sin extends to the natural world. The world is breaking down. The Second Law of Thermodynamics tells us that energy exhausts itself over time. Nature under the influence of sin is breaking down. Bodies decay and become diseased. The natural order is not what God originally created it to be. Since the Fall nature is no longer “good’ or “very good” as originally assessed by God (Genesis 1:25, 31). We can still the residue of the beauty of the nature as originally created by God. Anyone who has gone to the Grand Canyon or seen a beautiful sunset can attest to this. But nothing we see now comes close to what God originally created. (Kind of makes you hungry for a New Heaven and New Earth doesn’t it?)

Our human bodies and their senses are greatly affected by the planetary influence of sin. Our minds are not adamically perfect, nor are our senses. This leads to unintentional misjudgments that lead to accidents, even car accidents. You may misjudge your speed or another car’s speed while driving. You may take a turn too wide or too short. You may think you can get through an opening but you can’t. You may be the victim of someone else’s miscalculation. An accident occurs. And all of it can be unintentional and due to the planetary effects of sin. Add intentional and willful sin acts to this equation like speeding or the disregard to traffic laws and you can see how accidents happen.

All of this and the victim’s left in its wake grieves the Lord. But it won’t always be this way. God has a plan that is out of this world.

God promises something new. The good news is that in Christ, a glorious provision has been given! In chapter 15 of Paul's first letter to the Corinthians Paul explains that sin and death have been dealt a fatal blow at the cross and resurrection of Christ.

• 1 Corinthians 15:54 – “So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”

But it is important to recognize that Paul is speaking in terms of the future in regards to receiving our "immortal bodies" (15:54). We can be saved now by faith, but we will not receive our heavenly immortal perfect bodies until later. While the outcome is secure, there still remains time in the game to play. In Christ we have an insurmountable lead, but the game is not yet over. The victory is as good as ours, but we still have a few minutes to play out. And while we play, we need to keep these soiled uniforms on, our bodies that are wracked by planetary sin and breaking down.

And God’s end game plan involves the casting away of the present earth and heaven and establishing new ones. Just read the last two chapters of the book of Revelation and you’ll see God’s plan of total renewal. In Revelation 21:1 it states, "Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.” (Revelation 21:1a). It is then that God will “wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. Then He who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ And He said to me, ‘Write, for these words are true and faithful.’” (Revelation 21:4-5). Those are sweet words and a blessed hope for those who have felt the sharp edge of this fallen world. Cling to those words if you’ve suffered.

We Suffer Because God Loves Us. We suffer because God loves us? "What?!" some of you are saying. You may even be adding, "That's ridiculous! You've lost me now." Well, hear me out. When a game ends, the statistics go into the books and the result is permanent. In the same way, when death is literally "swallowed up in victory" and thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15) there will be no more opportunity for salvation. Once a person dies, there is no longer an opportunity to make a decision to accept Jesus and be saved (Hebrews 9:27). God's love for humankind is such that He desires none to perish. This is what Peter states in response to mockers who haughtily chide, “Where is the promise of His coming?” (2 Peter 3:4). To those who accuse God of inactivity and blame Him as uncaring and unloving for allowing evil to go on in the world; to those who call on God to stop all evil now; Peter states:

• 2 Peter 3:9 – “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”

God offers salvation to all (John 3:16) and His love for us is unmatched (Romans 5:8; 8:32). The price of God's loving, patient prolonging of the final judgment is the temporary continuation of a world, as is, wracked with the painful planetary and personal effects of sin. This is not an easy choice. It is a choice only God in His omnipotent sovereign just authority can make. If we have to encounter suffering temporarily because God is waiting on the eternal salvation of others, then that is the price that must be paid. The eternal salvation of souls is of greater priority and import than the temporary discomfort due to evil and suffering.

The presence of suffering in the world is actually then proof of God’s love in that He patiently waits for the sinner to repent and be saved while pain and suffering continue on. God is love and truly in this sense, “Love suffers long” (1 Corinthians 13:4a).

Yes, sometimes God will heal the afflicted, but sometimes He will not. In both cases He will always pour out His love and grace on the trusting soul. Why does God protect some and not others? Why are there survivors and mortalities? Only God knows the answer to that. His ways are higher than our ways. From His perspective He has a good reason for what happens. When we come to what we don’t understand we need to fall on what we do understand. We can’t always answer the “why?” question, but we can answer the “Who?” question. God is good, just, faithful, compassionate, longsuffering and loving. We will just have to trust His judgment in the things He does.

Whatever God chooses we need to understand something very important about Him. If you have ever suffered or are suffering or know someone who is suffering you need to listen very closely now. The truth is that even when we suffer, God is for us. This is what Paul was inspired to write in Romans where it states:

• Romans 8:31-39 – “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?36 As it is written: 1 “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Though we continue on in a world that necessarily includes the presence of evil and suffering, nothing can separate us form the love of God.

Remember, if you are suffering as the result of objective or planetary effects of sin or because of the personal effects of sin, I encourage you to look to Jesus. Remember what God tells us in Psalms. In psalms it states, “I will lift up my eyes to the hills – from whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth” (Ps. 121:1-2). Turn to the Lord in whatever state you are. He is your Source of help.

Why Does God Allow Accidents and Suffering? Part 1

Accidents and suffering happen all around us and all the time. Why does God allow accidents? Why does He allow tragedies that cause deep pain? Why does he allow suffering? The answer to these questions can be found in the Bible and particularly the first epistle of Peter. Peter’s first epistle was written during a time of intensely evil persecution that led to a great deal of suffering for God’s people. The first epistle of Peter is believed to have been written around 65 A.D. at the height of the first period of persecution of Christians by a Roman Emperor.

During a time of intense evil persecution and resultant suffering we might expect the apostle Peter to speak of the hardships and hindrances persecution. But what we find is quite to the contrary. Peter is inspired by God to point out that blessing can come from times of trials and suffering. He says:

• 1 Peter 3:14 – “But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.”

Peter states that the one who is persecuted and suffers from evil is “blessed.” There is a blessing in suffering. The word “blessed” is translated from the Greek term MAKARIOS which is an adjective that occurs 50 times in the New Testament. It conveys the meaning of, “blessed; happy; happier.” This word is derived from a root word of MAK which means, “large, lengthy,” and lending to the idea of being happy because one’s has been enlarged bountifully in some way. What blessing can there be in such tragic accidents that the Laurie family experienced? We have to remember that God looks at things from a much greater position than we do (Isaiah 55:8-9). We see things from a temporal perspective. God sees things from the perspective of eternity. We need to try and see things from a more eternal perspective, a more godly perspective if we are to discover the blessing promised to us in suffering. What Peter is inspired to tell us is that the blessing that comes through suffering is the direct result of being spiritually enlarged or matured in one’s faith so we can see things from God’s perspective.

What is suffering? The word “suffer” in its various forms occurs 40 times in the New Testament, 12 times in the book of 1 Peter (2:19,20,21,23; 3:14,17,18; 4:1,15,16,19; 5:10). The word “suffer” is a translation of the Greek term PASCHO and means, “to experience a sensation or impression that is usually painful,” therefore suffering is closely linked to the emotions experienced when loss, injury, harm, damage, or disease occur.

Why does God allow suffering? Why does God allow suffering? And why does God allow the righteous to suffer? Sir Isaac Newton, (you remember, the man who discovered gravity when an apple fell on his head), wrote the following about trials and suffering:

“Trials are medicines which our gracious and wise Physician prescribes

because we need them; . . . . Let us trust his skill and thank him for his

prescription.” - Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1727).

Was Isaac Newton a masochist? Or worse, is God a sadist? Does God enjoy suffering? Why does God allow suffering? Let’s see why God allows evil and suffering and if any good can come from it.

Suffering does not mean God has forsaken the sufferer. Some people say, "God has abandoned you, that's why you're suffering." Or, "It's because you don't have enough faith that God hasn't healed you." Such comments are usually packaged in an authoritative tone such as, "The Lord gave me a word about you." But God does not contradict Himself. The Bible tells us that God will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). Furthermore, it is the faith that Jesus gives us that enables healing to occur (Mark 9:24; Acts 3:16). Faith is not something we manufacture from within, but a gift from God (Romans 10:17; 12:3, 6; Ephesians 2:8-9). The witness of Scripture is that sometimes it is God's will for you to suffer, and in such cases God is still for you.

The issue of suffering and how it relates to the will of God is often misinterpreted. When such misinterpretations are applied to real life the result is compounded pain and suffering for the recipients. At the very least such careless counsel leads to frustrated faith and confusion about the nature of God. Such counselors should take note of God's reaction to those who misrepresent Him. Remember Moses? He misrepresented God to the people, and he was barred from the Promised Land (Numbers 20). It's important that we rightly divide the word as it was given by God (II Timothy 2:15).

The apostle Paul was a victim of such accusations. His detractors used his trials to attack his apostolic authority. When you read Paul's second letter to the Corinthians Paul is likely addressing such catcalls as, "Hey Paul, God is against you, that's why He's letting all these trials come to you. He's beating you through the whips and stoning you through the stones of men! If God is for you, why hasn't He healed your thorn?!" (II Corinthians 11-12).

Sometimes suffering is God’s will. To interpret suffering as a rejection by God compounds pain and robs one of a possible blessing. God never guarantees a believer will be free from suffering. Quite the contrary, Jesus said we could expect trouble in this world:

• John 16:33 - “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

The apostle Peter stated there is a suffering that is according to the will of God:

• 1 Peter 4:19 – “Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.”

Paul said those who desire to live godly lives would be persecuted and persecution is suffering:

• 2 Timothy 3:12 – “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”

Paul wrote personally of a "thorn in the flesh" that God chose to leave in place (II Corinthians 12:7-10). Trophimus was "left in Miletus sick" (II Timothy 4:20, emphasis mine). Whose faith was not enough in these situations? Was God judging people in these situations? These are only a few of the proof texts that indicate believers will suffer, either at the hands of men or even in physical illness.

We live in a fallen world. Sin has introduced degeneration into God’s creation. This degeneration has put everything out of kilter. This degeneration occurs as a part of the planetary effect of sin. Sin has infected nature. Nature “groans and labors with birth pangs” (Rom. 8:22). Disease, disruptions in nature, and accidents are all the consequence of the objective nature of sin’s effects. We don’t choose these things; we are simply the victims of the effects of sin in these situations.

But there is also a degeneration that comes from personal sin. People reject God and His word. They rebel against God and choose to live in sin. And often such rebellious sinful behavior leads to great pain. People can be infected with diseases because of sinful choices. Such is the case with sexually transmitted diseases, cancers due to smoking or scerosis of the liver due to consumption of alcohol to name a few. Accidents are often the product of drunk drivers, shoddy workmanship, or disregard of law or instruction. In such cases there is a guilty offender and a victim. This too is a part of sin.

God takes pleasure in none of these difficulties. And a day is coming when God will put an end to this fallen state of being for us. But God is waiting for the redemption of as many as possible (2 Peter 3:9). Until God’s final redemption and restoration of all things, we join in nature’s lament as expressed by Paul who was inspired to write:

· Romans 8:18-25 - For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. ¹⁹ For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. ²⁰ For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; ²¹ because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. ²² For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. ²³ Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. ²⁴ For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? ²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.

If you are suffering as the result of objective or planetary effects of sin or because of your’s or someone else’s personal effects of sin, I encourage you to look to Jesus. The psalms are a great source of comfort and it is there that we find good instruction for whatever ails us. In psalms it states, “I will lift up my eyes to the hills – from whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth” (Ps. 121:1-2). Turn to the Lord in whatever state you are. He is your Source of help.

The Need for Modern Day Prophets - A.W. Tozer

If Christianity is to receive a rejuvenation, it must be by other means than any now being used. If the Church in the second half of this century is to recover from the injuries she suffered in the first half, there must appear a new type of preacher. The proper, ruler-of-the-synagogue type will never do. Neither will the priestly type of man who carries out his duties, takes his pay and asks no questions, nor the smooth-talking pastoral type who knows how to make the Christian religion acceptable to everyone. All these have been tried and found wanting.

Another kind of religious leader must arise among us. He must be of the old prophet type, a man who has seen visions of God and has heard a voice from the Throne. When he comes (and I pray God there will be not one but many), he will stand in flat contradiction to everything our smirking, smooth civilization holds dear. He will contradict, denounce and protest in the name of God and will earn the hatred and opposition of a large segment of Christendom. Such a man is likely to be lean, rugged, blunt-spoken and a little bit angry with the world. He will love Christ and the souls of men to the point of willingness to die for the glory of the One and the salvation of the other. But he will fear nothing that breathes with mortal breath.

- A.W. Tozer from The Size of the Soul, pgs. 128-129.

The United States in Prophecy - Part 5

Where is the United States in Bible prophecy? The answer to that question is the United States is nowhere particularly mentioned in prophecy. There have been some speculations about the United States being referred to in various parts of scripture but the theories references to the United States are for the most part vague.

For instance some believe that the United States is Babylon the Great mentioned in Revelation 17 and 18. While the United States certainly does have similarities to Babylon the Great, it is not specifically mentioned while Babylon is (Rev. 14:8; 16:19; 17:5; 18:2, 10). Babylon as a city is mentioned 690 times in the Bible; second only to Jerusalem. The river Euphrates is also mentioned in relation to Babylon (Rev. 9:14; 16:12). The City of Babylon is specifically described in scripture and this makes it more probable that Babylon is not the United States but a literally rebuilt Babylon (e.g. Isaiah 13; Jer. 50-51).

Some contend that the nation described in Isaiah 18:1-2 is America because a nation divided by a river is mentioned. But this takes the verse out of its context in which Isaiah 18-20 is referring to the nations of Cush and Egypt.

Still others hold that the United States is referred to in Ezekiel 38:13 and the phrase, “Tarshish, with all the young lions” (KJV). Tarshish in scripture points us to the west (Ps. 72:10). Jonah fled to Tarshish and it is believed this is a reference to the extreme west of the known world at that time which was Spain (Jonah 1:1-3). While it is possible that the United States could be included in this “west” location because it is west of the Middle East, it is still vague. We can’t be dogmatic on whether or not the young lions of the west is in fact a reference to the United States. Even if it is such a reference, it is a very brief reference for a country that today is so powerful and influential.

Many nations, especially modern nations of today, are not mentioned in prophecy. But what about the Untied States? The United States is the most powerful nation on earth, and arguably in all history, and yet it is not clearly mentioned. Why? There are a number of possible reasons.

It may be that God did not see it necessary to mention the United States in prophecy. One commentator states:

The United States of America is never explicitly mentioned in the Bible. In regards to the end times, the only nation the Bible seems to be concerned with, specifically, is Israel. Revelation does not mention any countries or nations, other than Israel (Revelation 7:4; 21:12). It mentions Babylon (Revelation 14:8; 16:19; 17:5; 18:2, 10, 21), but beyond that, it does not name specific places. Bible scholars debate whether this refers to a literal city of Babylon or whether Babylon is being used symbolically. Again, Israel is the focus of end times Bible prophesy.[1]

At some point the United States may become so insignificant that it is irrelevant to the prophetic scene. This may be due to the Rapture of the saints which could possibly deplete the nation of much of its human resources. Some who look at the country today wonder if that is likely given the increased decadence, godlessness and sin that are growing at an alarming rate. Close to 80% of Americans claim to be Christian. It is clear by the condition of our country that not everyone’s definition of “Christian” is the same. But even if 25% of America is genuine born again Christians, if 25% of the population of this country was in a moment removed, it would be a devastating blow to the country. If 75 million people disappeared in an instant, it would be difficult to see the United States recovering from that.

Another possibility is that the United States at some point is destroyed. This could be the result of an implosion from within if our country continues on a sinful road away from the Lord. Growing immorality and fiscal irresponsibility could very conceivably bring down this great nation. The United States could also be destroyed by outside forces. This is becoming more of a possibility with the rise of the European Union, China, and Islam. As long as the United States remains an ally of Israel God’s promise shields and protects us (Genesis 12:3). But if at some point the United States betrays Israel, God’s protection would be removed and either scenario would become feasible. And sad to say, the United States is showing every indication in recent times of distancing itself from support for Israel. If we betray Israel, it will seal our doom.

Still another scenario and explanation is that the United States ceases to be a nation and is absorbed into a larger union of nations or world body under the control of Antichrist. In the End Times there will be a one world government. There is evidence that this one world government will be divided into ten parts, regions or nation states (Dan. 2:40-43; 7:7-8). We see at present a move away from national sovereignty and toward global unity. Recent administrations have been eroding the constitution and laws of this land and introducing the idea of bringing our nation and even its military under the authority of the World Court in The Hague, Netherlands. This is being resisted, but we see a persistent move to this end. This could lead to the sovereign United States being absorbed into a broader more global community region.

The most likely reason for the absence of clear mention of the United States in Bible prophecy is that “the United States is included with all the other nations that reject God in the end times (Revelation 10:11; 11:18; 12:5; 14:8; 15:4; 16:19; 17:15; 18:3,23; 19:15).” [2] The United States will likely go down the road of Sodom and other nations who have forsaken the Lord.

All of this is speculation and we simply do not know where the United States is in prophecy and why it is not clearly mentioned. But since we live in this nation it behooves us to keep an eye on the direction of our nation. We need to pray and turn to the Lord. By God’s grace we may still see a revival in this land. Revivals, true revivals, bring societal change for the better. That is what we need. That is our only hope. That is the only hope of the United States of America. And there is always hope in the Lord. Because of that we need to keep praying for our nation and not be overcome with evil but overcome evil with good. God help us.

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[1] http://www.gotquestions.org/united-states-Bible.html

[2] http://www.gotquestions.org/united-states-Bible.html

The United States in Prophecy - Part 4

It is one thing to point out problems, but unless we offer solutions we degenerate into negative Nellies whose words only add to the problem. There is hope. There is always hope with the Lord. It will require God’s people to do some soul searching. It will cost us time and effort as we implement what the Lord leads us to do. But there is hope.

What Can We Do for our Nation?

John Wycliffe (1330-1384) was a professor at Oxford University, England. Historically he is referred to as The Morning Star of the Reformation. He was used by God to lay the ground work for the Reformation of a church that became grossly corrupted. God put it on his heart to translate the Bible into English so that people could read it for themselves and know the truth of God. In the General Prologue of his 1384 translation of the Bible he wrote:

The Bible is for the Government of the People, by the People, and for the People.¹⁰ ^[1]

The first thing we can do for our nation is to get back to the word of God. That doesn’t mean we start a movement to enforce Levitical dietary laws on the populace. What it does mean is that we return to the truths, (that were very much based on God’s word) we once held as being self evident as stated in the constitution. We need to go to God on the basis of His word and repent and seek His mercy. We need to live by and proclaim God’s truth in love. We need to assess our national situation on the basis of God’s word and then take action based on God’s word. We need to get back to God’s word.

As Christians our heavenly citizenship is higher than our earthly one (Phil. 3:20). This does not however absolve us from involvement in our temporal earthly citizenship. We are to be good earthly citizens complying with the laws of the land and cooperating with local and federal government in good conscience before the Lord (Romans 13). But nations are ruled by governments made up of fallen sinful human beings. The consequence of nations and governments led by fallen humanity is sinful situations. What does the citizen of heaven do when the temporal earthly nation in which God has sovereignly placed them goes astray? What do we do when the nation in which we live and which we love, falls into sin, even gross sin?

In Ezekiel it states God looked for someone to stand in the gap on behalf of His people but found no one (Ezek. 22:30). Under Solomon God gave a provision for the repair of Israel and in principle it can be applied to all nations. The provision is found in 2 Chronicles 7:14. The context is Solomon’s dedication of the Temple. The verse states:

· 2 Chronicles 7:14 - ¹⁴ if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

While this pertains primarily to Israel, there can be little doubt that God will intervene in the affairs of nations when His people within those nations humbly pray to Him and seek His face in repentance. If we want our nation to experience revival and change we, God’s people, need to pray to the Lord. We need to come humbly before the Lord and seek the presence and face of the Lord. If we want God to intervene in our nation God’s people need to get serious about their relationship with the Lord. We need to “turn from” or repent of our wicked ways. If you don’t know what wicked ways there are in your life or what you need to repent of, seek the face of the Lord. He will reveal and expose anything in your life that requires repentance. Then we need to take action in the Spirit of the Lord.

Once we’ve prayed and repented we need to not take vengeance ourselves but give all our circumstances and the circumstances of our nation to the Lord. We need to not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good. This is the testimony of scripture which states:

· Romans 12:17-21 - ¹⁷ Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. ¹⁸ If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. ¹⁹ Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. ²⁰ Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” ²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

That is what we must do if we want change to come to the United States of America; we must overcome evil with God. When we do good as the Lord leads it actually binds the enemy. The enemy Satan wants chaos, rebellion, anarchy, hatred, revenge seeking, and a host of other sinful attitudes. God’s people must overcome those sinful inclinations and temptations with God’s good. That is the key to victory. The principle at work when we do that is uncovered as we understand the phrase, “For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” One commentator explains, “The coals on the head may refer to a ritual in Egypt in which a person showed his repentance by carrying a pan of burning charcoal on his head. Helping rather than cursing an enemy may cause him to be ashamed and penitent.”^[2] Another commentator explains, “In Paul’s day, when a fire went out in a home, it was difficult to reignite it. Therefore, if someone’s fire went out, the women would carry live coals in clay jars upon their heads to share with the person who had no fire. Thus, the implication here was not of burning one’s enemy, but of warming him in order to ultimately win him to the kingdom.” ^[3] Jesus taught us to love our enemies (Mat. 5:44-48). This is the most effective way to deal with our enemies.

Returning good for evil and overcoming evil with good is not pacifism. There is a time when we must obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29). There is a time when the just must stand up for the persecuted victims, the weak. And there are scriptural grounds for just war between nations. But what we are speaking of here is what must precede all of that. Any more serious action by God’s people against unjust sinful godless government must be the product of intense prayer and clear leading by the Lord. A close examination of America’s founding fathers and their process of revolution is a good example of godly men acting against government in a God ordained revolutionary way.

The internal and spiritual struggle which resulted in the American Revolution is encapsulated in the famous Give me liberty or give me death speech of Patrick Henry. On March 23, 1775 Patrick Henry, a godly patriot, gave a response in the debate over whether or not to go to war with England in order to secure liberty. It is not a long speech but it is powerful. Below are some excerpts from Patrick Henry’s historic words. When we read it we can see the spiritual process embedded in it. It will serve us well to keep these words in mind when responding to unjust situations in government. In part this is what Patrick Henry said:

The question before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings. . . .

Let us not, I beseech you, sir, deceive ourselves. Sir, we have done everything that could be done to avert the storm which is now coming on. . . . If we wish to be free-- if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending--if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained--we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of hosts is all that is left us!

. . . Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. The millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable--and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.

It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace-- but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”[4]

As a nation the United States still has a measure of righteousness for the most part due to the Christian element within it. We are a nation who is first to send help to those suffering from natural disasters or human created disasters. There is still much that is good with this country. However, there is a rotting part that has infected this land. One bad apple can ruin an entire basket of apples.

This country is being polluted by many small groups seeking to alleviate their guilt of sin by establishing legal legitimacy in our nation’s laws, e.g. pornographers, pedophiles, and the homosexual/lesbian/transgender lobby to name a few. Then there is the influx of enemies invading the land attempting to take it over by infiltration and progressive (or should I say digressive) change from within such as those seeking to impose Sharia Law in enclaves of our nation. There is an element of this in illegal immigration as well. This country is infected with numerous cancers of sin. This sin is causing a lot of pain in our nation, in the sinners themselves, and in the innocent victims of the sin. Unless those sins are dealt with, our country will die.

What’s the bottom line solution? More laws, stronger laws? There are plenty of laws on the books but it is apparent there is little will to enforce them. The apostle Paul warned the Church, “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ” (Col. 2:8). Our nation is not a church but it was founded on Christian biblical principles. For some time now through revisionist history an insidious movement has all too successfully wiped away the rich treasure of our nation’s Christian heritage. We have become a secular humanist nation. And we see all around us the evidence of being cheated of what was once “America the Beautiful.” America has become ugly in many ways. Our nation has not aged gracefully. I encourage you to read the lyrics to that Katharine Lee Bates national hymn. It will bring a tear to your eye when you contrast the poetic national imagery of what we once were with what we have become due to sin.

What’s the solution? The solution is the sinful need to hear and see the good of the Gospel of God’s grace in Christ. We need to speak and apply God’s truth in love (Eph. 4:15). Jesus said sin is enslaving and that is what we see in our nation. Jesus said the only way to be truly free and liberated from sin is through the truth of His word (John 8:31-36). We need to shake off the shackles of political correctness and worldly philosophies and say with Paul, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes . . .” (Rom. 1:16). We need to be disciples of Jesus. That is the solution.

In our final part of The United States in Prophecy we will answer the question where is the United States in prophecy? Until then, keep praying for our nation. Don’t be overcome with evil but overcome evil with good. Hope in the Lord.

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¹⁰ Wycliffe, John. General Prologue of the Wycliffe Translation of the Bible, 1384. John Bartlett, Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations (Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 1863, 1955), p. 1021.

^[1]Federer, W. J. (2001). Great Quotations : A Collection of Passages, Phrases, and Quotations Influencing Early and Modern World History Referenced according to their Sources in Literature, Memoirs, Letters, Governmental Documents, Speeches, Charters, Court Decisions and Constitutions. St. Louis, MO: AmeriSearch.

^[2]Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1983-c1985). The Bible knowledge commentary : An exposition of the scriptures (2:490). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

^[3]Courson, J. (2003). Jon Courson's Application Commentary (975). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson.

[4] http://libertyonline.hypermall.com/henry-liberty.html

The United States in Prophecy - Part 3

We have seen that the destiny of nations is determined by how they respond to God and the gospel light He graciously shines on them. We have also seen that the future Tribulation presents some trying times for nations and the people in those nations. An early church father said You have to know the poison before you can prescribe the antidote. In order to know what can be done for our nation to spare it a trying future, we need to see how nations fall, how nations decline and ultimately are destroyed.

Sodom: An Example of How a Nation Falls

Sodom was a city-state that was notorious for its homosexual promiscuity (Gen. 18-19). Sodom was ultimately destroyed by God. But Sodom was not judged by God simply because of its immorality. Sodom’s immoral homosexual conduct was a symptom of a deeper problem. Through the prophet Ezekiel God tells us of the root problems that led to Sodom’s downfall. In Ezekiel it states:

· Ezekiel 16:49 - ⁴⁹ Look, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughter had pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness; neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.

In this passage God is comparing the degradation of His people with that of Sodom. In the process He notes four root problems that led to the downfall of Sodom. God used Sodom as a measuring rod for nations that would be judged by Him. He did this with Israel and it can also be applied to any and all nations. What were these four characteristics of Sodom that led to God’s judgment?

First, national pride. Pride in the presence of God was Satan’s sin (Is. 14; Ezek. 28). There is nothing wrong with patriotism. But when a nation becomes proud, forgetting that all that they have comes from God, that is a major problem. The Bible states that pride goes before destruction and haughtiness before a fall (Proverbs 16:18).

In America today a debate is going on in the courts as to whether a National Day of Prayer is constitutional or not. We are a nation where there is less and less prayer. Prayerlessness is a symptom of pride. Pride is defined by its middle letter “I.” The sense of it is I can do it. I don’t need any help. I’ll do it my way. If prayer is a declaration of dependence upon God, prayerlessness is a declaration of independence from God. But all a nation has comes from God (Deut. 8:18; Ps. 127:1; Prov. 8:18; 10:22). Failing to recognize that makes a nation ungrateful and proud before the Lord. On its own, without the Lord, a nation will fall. National pride is the first and most significant step in the downfall of a nation.

Second, self satisfaction. Sodom had “fullness of bread.” She was self satisfied with her lush surroundings and fruitfulness. Bible teacher Jon Courson makes the following comment: “Like Sodom, we have fullness of bread but leanness of soul. Patrick Henry said, “Give me liberty or give me death.” Now, however, our country says simply, “Give me.” We want more and more and more. With our money, we have done mighty things. But the more we have, the less happy we have become, as evidenced, among other places, by our drug and alcohol consumption, song lyrics, and the subjects of our movies and literature.”^[1]

Third, idleness. With its fruitfulness established Sodom slacked off and became a country of recreation. The Sodomite’s idleness and lack of purpose led to immorality and perversity such as homosexuality. The United States, like Sodom, is a nation that has become more obsessed with sports, entertainment, and recreation than industry and focus on the Lord. We have also become a nation that is more and more sympathetic to the homosexual agenda. Someone has said that idle time is the devil’s workshop. We are a nation that spends more and more time in front of our TVs, computers, and other electronic devices rather than spending time with the Lord.

Fourth, neglect of the needy. Sodom had become so self-absorbed that it neglected the needy around them. It wasn’t that Sodom didn’t give to the needy. It was that they didn’t “strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.” They didn’t invest in and help the needy to find practical ways out of their situations. They didn’t have time for the needy. They were too busy with their idle recreational activities.

Later in the book of Ezekiel the LORD enumerates the sins of Israel that led to her captivity. These sins give further characteristics of a nation that will fall. In Ezekiel 22 the following list of sins of Israel are given:

1. Shedding blood – a devaluation of the sanctity of life (Ezek. 22:1-5). Israel had forsaken God and adopted the pagan gods of the surrounding peoples. These pagan gods such as Moloch incorporated human sacrifice and often child sacrifice. For this God judged His people. Today our nation murders 1.5 to 2 million babies a year through abortion. Can we be surprised if God’s judgment falls on us?

2. Corrupt politicians (Ezek. 22:6, 12, 27). The leaders of Israel were guilty of shedding innocent blood and taking bribes. In the United States we see a myriad of scandals amongst the ranks and file of our politicians. Financial abuses, misuse of position, personal profiteering, immorality aplenty, and disregard for constituencies is commonly found in the leaders of our government. From presidents on down scandal is found. This is s symptom of a departure from the Lord.

3. Devaluing family (Ezek. 22:7a). Fathers and mothers were mocked. Traditional marriage is being assailed. Daily and persistent efforts are being forced to expand the definition of marriage to include same sex marriage. Divorce is rampant. Family breakups and breakdowns are more common than ever in the United States.

4. Oppression and mistreatment of the stranger (alien), fatherless and widow (Ezek. 22:7b). The United States has always been a haven for foreigners. There is a serious immigration problem in our country today. It needs to be solved justly but also with an eye of mercy toward the stranger in the land.

5. Profaning God’s holy things – irreligiousity (Ezek. 22:8). In Israel people lost an appreciation for the holy things of God. In the United States anyone who believes in Jesus and the Bible is caricatured and mocked in the media as buffoons. Bible believing Christians are being more and more marginalized and verbally persecuted. Secularism and false religion is prevalent. There is little to no sense of the holiness of God in the land.

6. Lewdness, perversion, immorality (Ezek 22:9-11). Pornographic images taken from pagan cultures were adopted by God’s people. Pornography and every form of perversity are rampant in the United States today. Gay Pride parades where homosexuals, transvestites, transgender and other perverse groups parade themselves haughtily and seek acceptability in society today.

7. Corrupt religious leaders (Ezek. 22:23-26, 28). The Roman Catholic Church reels from its epidemic of pedophile and homosexual priests. Many TV preachers fleece the flock of God. Occult, cult and outright demonic groups are on the rise today and attaining legitimacy in our country.

8. A populace that is oppressive and steals (Ezek. 22:29). Israel became a nation of thieves. The United States government can’t account for a large proportion of its cash flow in this country. We are a country that is bending and near breaking under the burden of taxes.

9. A people that is unavailable and uninterested in being used by God (Ezek. 22:30). Israel was not interested in seeking the Lord for its problems. Today in the United States church prayer meetings are the worst attended of all church meetings; if you can find a church that has them.

10. A nation that is judged by God (Ezek. 22:31). Israel was sent into captivity by the Lord. If the United States continues down this present road away from the Lord, its future is bleak.

Certainly when we look at Sodom and Israel and the characteristics they had before their fall we can unfortunately see that the United States is just as guilty of sin as these fallen countries were. Like the Babylonian king Belshazzar, the finger of God has written an indictment against our nation (Dan. 5). If God judged Israel for their sin, we can expect God, with whom there is no partiality (Rom. 2:11), to judge all nations for their sin, including the United States of America.

But there is hope. With God there is always hope. The scriptures were written to give us hope and to lead us to the God of hope (Rom. 15:4, 13). In the next part of our study on The United States in Prophecy we will answer the question what can we do for our nation? Keep praying for our country and don’t be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.

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^[1]Courson, J. (2006). Jon Courson's application commentary : Volume two : Psalms-Malachi (635). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson.