The Supreme Court's ruling on gay marriage, along with other troubling developments in our country, can be discouraging for believers. In his message “America in Prophecy”, David Virkler spoke about the possibilities for the future of the United States. We hope this excerpt from the print version will offer a positive outlook and be an encouragement to those who are citizens of both the US and God’s Kingdom.
I would suggest that God Almighty is looking down at what we as a nation are doing in several areas. It’s as though He folds His arms and waits and asks, “Well, what are you going to do about it? Where do you stand?” Perhaps, as some believe, we have already passed the point of no return and are now reaping the effects and fruit of not going God’s way.
God’s withdrawal of blessing is not based solely on people’s behavior. It is based on the approval of the majority! Romans 1:32 indicates that those who take part in sin are “deserving of death,” but so are those who approve of it. The Greek word translated “approve” also means “to consent.” One does not have to take part in sinful behavior but merely approve of it to feel its consequences. Society says that, in the interest of freedom and tolerance, people can do whatever they want to. Saying nothing is tacit approval. Tragically, this is the perfect way to receive God’s judgment.
But the good news is that all is not necessarily lost.
The most influential and strategic people in this country are God’s people. In that regard, there are several factors that can make a difference in the future of the United States:
Presence – Our nation hasn’t completely fallen apart because the Church is still here. I believe that America is somehow held together by the presence of God’s people. Believers are salt and light, and God has a plan and a program to use us to reach people for Christ and complete His church.
Prayer – Joel 2:12-17 announces a call to God’s people to repentance and prayer. The result would be refreshed land and a pouring out of God’s spirit. Prayer is not only a spiritual duty, it is also a civic duty. God’s Word commands that we pray “for all men, for kings, and for all that are in authority” (I Timothy 2:1 & 2). “All men” is the electorate, and “all that are in authority” includes any elected or appointed official.
Performance – 2 Chronicles 34 tells the account of King Josiah. Unlike his father, he did what was right in the Lord’s eyes. He cleaned up the country and broke down the altars to the foreign gods. In the course of cleaning out and repairing the Temple, the Book of the Law was found. Josiah knew they hadn’t kept God’s Word as they should have and that great judgment would result. Josiah made a covenant to follow the Lord and keep His commandments, and he restored proper worship throughout Judah. Great national revival resulted, and God gave them a respite.
Preaching – Jonah 3:1-10 describes the greatest revival in world history. After trying to run from God’s assignment, Jonah preached to the great but sinful city of Ninevah. As a result, the entire city repented, and God’s judgment was averted. Perhaps it is not too late for America’s preachers to speak out against sin and urge people to come to repentance and salvation and bring about revival.
Revival either prevents disaster or prepares for it. We are in a most critical time here at the end of the Church Age, and God is counting on each one of us to make the difference!
Click here to listen to Dave’s message or here for information on ordering the full article.
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