God's Word #2

We concluded last week with John MacArthur’s sermon on a “post-truth world”. We witnessed congressional-contrived-conspiracies for three straight years; “fake news” by most of the mainstream media; and even churches catering to the culture in lieu of preaching the Bible. All of which raises the question, is truth no longer relevant in today’s America? We are reminded in Proverbs 1, that fools despise wisdom. Is that a message for today’s world? 

Prov 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.  (NKJV)  

Are we living in the last days? Many believe we are. So, let’s take a journey and see for ourselves. Keep in mind that I see the church, history and current events, all intertwined, because God is in every aspect of life, and His Word is foundational in and through it all. But the question has to be asked, is the groundwork for the Antichrist being laid out right now? 

The Book of Revelation focuses on the End Times (a.k.a. last days). If I were to write a novel it would be about the End Times because there’s so much that’s relevant to the topic. The pandemic and its impact would certainly fill the early chapters. 2 Peter reminds us that there will be last days, but, of course, the question is “not if” but “when”? With availability of the covid-vaccine, can we expect that things will return to a semblance of normal some time soon? Or is it just the beginning of the End? 

2 Peter 3:3-4 – 3 First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4 They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." (NIV)

The Church’s role is to preach the Gospel. Paul explains the Gospel in Romans 1:16-17. When Christians refer to the “Gospel” they are referring to the “good news” that Jesus Christ died to pay the penalty for our sins so that we might become children of God through grace alone, by faith alone, in Christ alone. With this thought, prayer should also be a time of praise, glorifying Almighty God in mind and heart. 

Rom 1:16-17 – 16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith." (NIV)

"In God We Trust" is the official motto of the United States. It was adopted by Congress in 1956, supplanting “E Pluribus Unum” (out of many, one), which had been used since the initial 1776 design of the Great Seal of the United States. Every American president was sworn in with their hand on the Bible, from George Washington to Donald J. Trump. America had always considered itself a Christian nation—until now. Are we now a post-Christian nation? Is God’s Word no longer relevant? Courts no longer use a Bible when administering the witness oath and even stopped using “so help me God” with the oath. We seemed to be turning away from Him more and more with each passing day. Will God, at some point, abandon America totally? 

Isaiah 14:26-27 – 26 This is the plan determined for the whole world; this is the hand stretched out over all nations. 27 For the LORD Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?  (NIV)

E Pluribus Unum: Latin for “Out of Many One” – from the original 13 colonies to the 50 states joining together to form the United States. Yet in 2020, ideological differences seem to be undermining the strength and integrity of that union. What will the United States look like in the End Times? Will America forfeit its influence and leadership role on the world stage? Was the 2020 election a turning point for America? In 2 Thessalonians, Paul tells us that the Lord is faithful and will strengthen and protect us from the evil one. 

2 Thess. 3:3-5 – 3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 4 We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance.  (NIV)

Was the Civil War God’s judgment on America for slavery? When Abraham Lincoln became president, he faced a divided America like no other president before or after. Some will claim the Civil War was over states’ rights, others, that it was over slavery. They’re both right. Many in the North opposed slavery on biblical values, whereas the economy in the South rested on slave labor to work the large cotton plantations that their economy was based on. As Lincoln prophetically stated, if America is destroyed it will be from within. Let’s explore that further with a question: Does the WWII generation and today’s generation share similar values?  When we say “generation” it doesn’t mean every person, but it does reflect a majority. Scripture tells us that every nation will be judged. Is the Covid-19 pandemic, God’s judgment on a sinful world?

Ps 9:19-20 – 19 Arise, O LORD, let not man triumph; let the nations be judged in your presence. 20 Strike them with terror, O LORD; let the nations know they are but men. (NIV)

The Civil War almost irreparably tore our nation apart. Even though the war ended, its repercussions carried over for generations. Yet both sides believed in and prayed to the same God. Both read the same Bible. Yet both fought for different causes. At the time of the Civil War if the South had successfully succeeded from the Union, other nations may very well have formed from the unincorporated territories (map on next slide). There would have been no United States of America to rescue Europe and Asia during WWII. Tyranny most likely would have prevailed and still rule in those regions today. Not only are there consequences to sin, but God even uses man’s evil to accomplish good. Will the same be true of the events of 2020? 

Many scholars believe the North American continent would have fragmented into at least three nations, and potentially more. The cost of preserving the Union was great with between 620,000 and 850,000 soldiers who died from combat, disease and starvation, plus civilian casualties. 

Isa 59:2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.  (NIV)

The Civil War officially ended with a gentlemanly handshake between two generals, Ulysses  S. Grant for the Union Army of the North, and Robert E. Lee for the Confederate Army of the South. Both generals had graduated from West Point Military Academy. But ill will and animosity ran deeper and lasted longer. One thing is certain, that even professing the same God and reading the same Bible, mankind can still justify its opinions and actions. Paul explains in Romans 7.

Rom 7:18-20 – 18 I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do — this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. (NIV)

The 2020 election is clear evidence of a divided America, further amplified by the mainstream media and in the Halls of Congress. If the U.S.A. loses it position and prestige on the world stage, the president will lose all influence on world events, all of which opens the door for someone to assume that leadership role. That someone may very well be the Antichrist with the full power of Satan (Rev. 13). The question isn’t “if” but “when”.

Rev 13:13b …The dragon [Satan] gave the beast [Antichrist] his power and his throne and great authority. (NIV)

Will Joe Biden be officially sworn in on January 20, 2021? If so—like it or not—God decreed it as such. Sin has consequences—it has personal consequences; national consequences; and global consequences. Whatever we sow as a nation, we will reap as a nation. God will not overrule the law of sowing and reaping. In other words, we get what we deserve. 

Gal 6:7-9 – 7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (NIV)

The evidence is clear that the America is locked in a spiritual battle—some will see it as one distinguished by red vs. blue—in reference to political policies, like abortion on demand, gender-equality (when people pick their own gender), banning the law by defunding the police, and much more. This is not just about political views, but very much about biblical views. I am not trying to offend anyone’s political choice, just stating the facts. If you’re offended, you’ll have to work it out with God. 

Eph 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  (NIV)

James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  (NIV)

Political or biblical? The biblical differences are flagged on the chart. Of course, this doesn’t tell the whole story regarding differences between the two major political parties. For a Christian, political values are not a substitute for moral, biblical values. 

Isa 59:3 For your hands are stained with blood, your fingers with guilt. Your lips have spoken lies, and your tongue mutters wicked things. (NIV)

There were other times in our history when good and evil clashed. Even active Christians’ good intentions can have the wrong consequences. In a desire to do good, God-fearing Christians promoted and supported the 18th Amendment of the Constitution prohibiting the sale of alcohol. As well intentioned as it was, man’s desire for alcohol and willingness to break the law, gave us the “Roaring 20s”. As shown on the poster, it was referred to as “The Era of Change.” Except the change opened the door for Al Capone and organized crime, giving us the speakeasy for sale of alcohol behind close doors. It was also a time when almost everyone played the stock market like a roulette game. Instead of a long-term investment it became a short-term game of chance—with dire consequences… As bad as those times were, these times are different for different reasons. But in both cases, sin has consequences. 

Job 42:1-2 Then Job answered the LORD and said: 2 "I know that You can do everything, And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You. (NKJV)

Pictures are for those not familiar with speakeasies, which were the results of the 18th Amendment. In 1933, the 21st Amendment repealed the 18th Amendment, ending Prohibition and with it, the end of the speakeasy. 

All of America was hard hit by the Great Depression that brought devastation on both the Nation and the entire Western world. Rural America suffered even more with the “Dust Bowl”, a period of severe dust storms that damaged the ecology and agriculture in the prairies in the 1930s—accompanied by a severe drought. It resulted in an upheaval of the population seeking relief and work elsewhere, mostly in California. Did God have a lesson for America? Does He have a lesson for American and the Church, with the Covid-19 pandemic? 

Eccl 7:13-14 – 13 Consider the work of God; For who can make straight what He has made crooked?  14 In the day of prosperity be joyful, But in the day of adversity consider: Surely God has appointed the one as well as the other, So that man can find out nothing that will come after him.  (NKJV)

In Germany the Great Depression, coupled with WWI reparations, led to the rise of Adolf Hitler. Joseph Goebbels was Hitler’s propaganda minister who helped convince the German people that Hitler was their savior—in essence, Goebbels was Hitler’s false prophet, similar to the Antichrist’s false prophet (Rev. 16:13). Goebbels’ carefully crafted false news that gave Hitler prominence that led to political power, and total control of Germany. At first the German people saw Hitler as a savior, until it was too late to do anything about it, then he was their dictator. Something that the Antichrist will accomplish on an even larger scale. The Antichrist will come in peace (the White Horse in Rev. 6:2). Hitler’s scapegoat for Germany’s woes—were the Jewish bankers. The Antichrist will reign destruction on Israel and the Jews as God’s Chosen People. Hitler was only a dress rehearsal for the Antichrist’s rise to power. 

When the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941; along with the draft, many young men volunteered for the military. Most didn’t know where Pearl Harbor was, yet it was an attack on America, and that was good enough to stir their patriotism. We saw ourselves as “Americans”. They are rightly called the “Greatest Generation”. At that time in our history, the church was at the center of most towns and villages across America, which was largely rural. Back then the term “Christian Nation” did apply for most areas of the country. Of course, sin existed, just as it did in every generation all the way back to Adam and Eve. 

Post WWII generations—from 1945 to 2020—saw changing values and less church-influence. 2020 is a whole new world for different reasons, especially the corona-virus lockdowns, even church closures. The most recent decree by CA Governor Newsom (1967--age 53: baby bust generation) is that churches will also be shutdown for at least the next three weeks. My particular generation is called the Silent Generation—those born between two world wars—having experienced good and bad, with saving and rationing in their blood. A perfect description of our life and times back then.

There was a time when generational differences in the workplace was routine and beneficial, where older more experienced workers passed their knowledge onto the next generation. A practice that created a more efficient work environment for all. When I first started out in engineering, an older and more experienced supervisor gladly shared his knowledge and expertise with me, making me more effective and beneficial to the company and its success, as well as my own career over the years. I have never forgotten him. The same can be said of the church as noted in Titus 2. America as a nation will only survive as such, as long as we pass our values unto the next generation. Without it, the nation will cease as we know it. 

Titus 2:6-8 – 6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. 7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.  (NIV)

World War II ended in 1945. Returning vets and their sweethearts began families that resulted in a baby boom beginning in 1946. Some Baby Boomers (ages 56-74) who served as president or aspired to be president: Bill Clinton, age 74; Hillary Clinton, age 73; Barack Obama, age 59; George W. Bush, age 74; Donald J. Trump, age 74)—most of whom helped shape today’s America, for worse and for better. 

The returning WWII veterans also changed the face of America. They needed jobs and housing for their new families. Abraham Levitt (1880-1962), son of Polish immigrants—and his two sons, met the housing needs of many returning vets by building large tracts of affordable homes, including Levittown, NY, on Long Island. Noted as America’s first suburb consisting of more than 17,000 single family homes, built between 1947 and 1951. Most of the veterans who bought those homes came from urban NY. The face of America was changing. 

A brief description of Levittown in 1947: “Nation’s 1st Planned Community Transformed Suburbia.” Most of the veterans who bought those homes, had grown up on NYC’s streets, were now able to give their own children a green lawn and secure and safe neighborhood. 

Prov 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.  (NKJV)

Levittown was the beginning of the American dream for many, including me. Levittown was my first house, purchased on the G.I. Bill with no down payment, which made it possible.

St. Bernard’s Roman Catholic Church (top left) was built, as part of the housing development, providing not only homes but a sense of community for the new families. Churches are not built as part of any housing tract in today’s America, signaling the cultural changes that separate the generations. There were large Catholic populations in N.Y. at the time. 

Have you ever heard the phrase “Going to hell in a handbasket”? It was very common back in the day. Today, few have even heard of a handbasket. Merriam Webster’s definition—is related more to an expression than as an actual basket: a small portable basket—usually used in the phrase “to hell in a handbasket” denoting rapid and utter ruination.  

“Going to hell in a handbasket” raises the question regarding the USA with reports of widespread election fraud and members of Congress or family members, having financially rewarding ties with Communist China. Even social media and the mainstream media including Google, all of which are censoring/banning conservative views that differ from their liberal-progressive ideology. How did we get to this point as a Nation and as a people? Is Satan possibly laying the groundwork for the Antichrist? Anyone paying attention will soon realize their intent and goal is to destroy anything even remotely resembling “One Nation Under God!

The expression—common when I was growing up—implies that everything was about as bad as it could get. Is that why it’s beginning to resurface on the world-wide-web, especially with the Covid-19 lockdowns? Even in regard to the United States. Are they right, are we as a nation, going to hell in a handbasket, which is probably as close to hell as we can get in this world. Of course, they haven’t taken the Tribulation into account—which will be a literal “hell in a hand basket”.  

Matt 24:29 "Immediately after the distress of those days "'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’ (NIV)

As the End Times draws near, people will be blinded to the Word of God, and the day of darkness will come (Rev. 6 & 8), just like the flood in Noah’s day (Gen. 7:6). No one will escape the wrath of God. 

2 Cor 4:4 The god of this age [Satan] has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.  (NIV)

A Nation’s changing sense of identity begins within its institutions of learning. About 115 colleges got monetary gifts, contracts or both from sources in mainland China in the six and a half years through June 2020, according to a Bloomberg analysis of U.S. government data. The leader is Harvard, receiving $93.7 million, the majority as gifts, leads U.S. colleges that received $1 billion from China. The University of Southern California and University of Pennsylvania were second and third. Anyone watching Newsmax or OAN, will be aware that young minds are not getting what had been considered a classic liberal education, being taught to think, reason, and evaluate ideas, but are instead being indoctrinated by progressive-liberal professors. It was noted that there was close to a 50 to 1 ration of progressive to conservative professors and administrators. Many if not most of American universities and colleges have censored, or prevented, conservative speakers on campus. 

Many joyful faces, but according to Barna Research (2019) nearly two-thirds of U.S. young adults, ages 18-29, who grew up in church say they have withdrawn from church involvement as an adult after having been active as a child or teen. So goes our youth, so goes our Nation. Apparently, America’s youth are more influenced by political ideology in college, than by church programs and sermons, all of which makes getting into the Word very important. 

It’s easy to envision increased government control over the nation and people, with the help of the mainstream news media (indoctrination), ultimately a path to dictatorship, the biblical dictator being the Antichrist. A carefully laid out takeover plan that God is allowing in response to sinful disobedience and prideful rebellion. 

Rom 1:18-20 – 18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.  (NIV)

Besides Newsmax and OAN, there are only so many places you can get the truth in today’s media. Dennis Prager is one of them. Most of what he says is aligned with biblical values and is worthwhile sharing. The following slides include just a few of the 11 points made by Dennis in regard to the liberal media, published on worldtribune.com (link posted below)

https://worldtribune.com/life/state-of-the-nation-nov-10-2020-disturbing-unprecedented-indisputable/  (has to be copied and pasted into your web browser)

Political? Yes. But corruption in any form is evil, even media fake news. There is no such thing as truth for them. Fake news are lies and their weapon against righteousness from the depths of their dark hearts as we are told in Romans. 

Rom 1:21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. (NIV)

Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44). 

John 8:44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.  (NIV)

Even certain mainline denominations have not only ignored but rejected Bible verses that inhibit their chosen lifestyle (Rom. 1:18-26); as we saw last week.

Rom 1:18-19 – 18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.  (NIV)

Members of Congress, the clergy, and universities professors, who are responsible for shaping the minds of the next generation—will be held accountable before God, just as the religious leaders of Jesus’ day were accountable. 

Luke 16:14-15 – 14 The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus. 15 He said to them, "You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight. (NIV)

We are told in 2 John that there will be many antichrists. People of power doing Satan’s bidding to implement his plans of destruction at every level. So, we shouldn’t be surprised at evil, even at the highest levels of government; where else would you expect to find the Antichrist if not at the very highest seats of power? [*Material for an End Times novel? What do you think? Who would be the Antichrist?]

2 John 7 Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. (NIV)

Pastor Adrian Rogers’ 35-minute sermon on "The Nature of the Beast" (Rev. 13). Even though Pastor Rogers died 15 years ago, he could see signs of the End Times beginning to unfold. He warned of big government’s control, which we are seeing now with the shutdowns. The Antichrist may very well be on the scene, rather behind the scene in today’s world. Will there be a Church rapture? 

https://youtu.be/tAF8ZhfvmtY

(copy and paste into your web browser) 

Pray for America, including truth in the election results, for our president and his family, for our church, our pastor and his family. 

END OF GOD'S WORD #2

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