The Sovereignty of God #6
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God is not a bystander watching a play. Nor is He a puppet master pulling the strings for man’s actions. God is not the author of sin, which man freely commits by his own choice. Yet, God decrees the actions of man to accomplish His purpose; such as Judas betraying Jesus and Pontius Pilot having Jesus crucified. The evil came from within them of their own free will.
Dan 4:17 "'The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of men.’ (NIV)
This has been a very unusual and unprecedented week for the United States of America. Is the Senate impeachment trial of former President Donald J. Trump, just political discord or does it extend into the realm of spiritual warfare? I think the answer would be/is obvious to anyone who watched the trial. It is the very basis of this week’s blog posting. Some may see this week’s posting as too political. It may seem that way, but I see it as 100% spiritual, with the “spiritual forces of evil” extending their influence into the political activities of the U.S. Congress.
While watching the impeachment trial, it became apparent to me that a level of moral corruption has crept into Congress. Deceit that was readily demonstrated by the House managers use of manipulated and deceitful material including edited-videos and deliberately misquoted tweets being offered as evidence against President Trump. So, is it just political discord or is it the powers of this dark world at work? (Eph. 6:12)
The spiritual realm is unseen but nevertheless, very real. Since God is sovereign, why is He allowing this to happen? Will it lead to blessing or punishment for these United States? The future of America is in His hands—with punishment or with blessings. All of which led me to this week’s blog posting. Though unseen the spiritual realm is intertwined in the affairs of man, even in the manipulation of important trial evidence. It can’t be any clearer than what Paul tells us in Ephesians 6 in reference to ”the powers of this dark world”.
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)
If this is spiritual warfare—and I believe it is—how do we respond to it? Two important defensive weapons for God’s people are prayer and God’s Word. In Ephesians 6 we are told to put on the full armor of God; in other words, we are not defenseless against Satan.
Eph 6:13, 16 … 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand….16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. (NIV)
With everything that has taken place in 2020, and the presidential and senatorial elections being rife with alleged voter fraud, and now Congress’ second attempt to impeach a president who is no longer in office, I can’t help but see Satan’s hand on America. Has God removed His restraint from Satan like He removed the protective hedge from Job? (Job 1:10). What will America’s response be going forward? In both good times and bad, Job trusted God. Will America turn to God as it had in WWII, and 9/11 world towers?
Job 1:9 "Does Job fear God for nothing?" Satan replied. 10 "Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. (NIV)
There is both good and evil in the world. God allows both good and evil for a purpose. God’s blessings encompass good, though undeserved and unmerited. Evil is man following his own unrestrained sinful desires, in defiance of God. Some may see this week’s posting as too political. It may seem that way, but I see it as 100% spiritual darkness being manifested in the political realm.
Looking at the current situation in American I can’t help but wonder, how did we get here? When my kids were young, on family car trips, their frequently asked question was: “Are we there yet?” I can’t help but reflect on the America I grew up in, which was still somewhat evident on January 1, 2020. Just one year later the America that emerged on January 1, 2021, is a very different America, which prompts that very same question: “Are we there yet?” …..
Nothing happening in our Nation is a surprise to God. Nevertheless, even the rise and potential fall of America have been decreed by God, even before it was founded as a nation. Are we seeing a prelude to the End times? God was aware of the End Times even from the Garden of Eden; He was sovereign in the Fall of Adam and Eve. There is no way created beings could have remained in a perfectly holy state forever of their own accord. Without the sovereignty of God, nothing would make sense and it would be a time of, not only uncertainty and concern, but of outright despair. So, Are we there yet? Are we in the biblical End Times? The entire history of man has been decreed by God, including the rise and fall of empires and nations. God will allow unabated sin to continue for just so long before His wrath is unleased.
The Bible refers to it as “the last days”, the “time of the end,” or “end times,” depending on the translation. In Daniel chap 8 and again in chap. 9, Daniel had a vision from the angel Gabriel of the end times—i.e., the final events in history.
Dan 8:19 "I am here," he said, "to tell you what is going to happen in the last days of the coming time of terror-for what you have seen pertains to that final event in history. (TLB)
After Jesus and His disciples left the temple, they went to the Mount of Olives overlooking the temple, where they asked Him about the signs of His Second Coming, which of course is in reference to what constitutes the End Times. Yes, that was more than 2,000 years ago, and we are still waiting. Will it be yet another 2,000 years, or 200 years, or perhaps 20 years, or even 2 years. God’s timing is perfect, nevertheless, the Church is to stay alert as if it was tomorrow.
Jesus’ words in Matthew 24, tells us that there will be wars and rumors of wars—e.g., WWI & WW II, and the decades-long cold war with the former Soviet Union including the threat of nuclear war. Perhaps the final signs are yet to come, with famines and earthquakes as well as war(s). We also see reference to it in Dan. 8:19 (below) and 2 Timothy 3:1 (next slides).
Dan 8:19 He said: "I am going to tell you what will happen later in the time of wrath, because the vision concerns the appointed time of the end. (NIV)
2 Timothy tells us that during the End Times sinful behavior will intensity to such a degree that it will be openly and undeniably evil. The evening news provides a daily glimpse of our society and its behavior. This behavior has always existed, but when it becomes the norm, it’s a warning that we are getting that much closer. So, what do we as the Church do about it? Paul explains in Ephesians 6
Eph 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 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)
We can be certain that the End Times will come, maybe not today or tomorrow, but it will come. What does all of this mean for us today? Are we at the threshold of the End Times or not? Throughout history, Christians have pondered that same question, especially during times of war and major disasters. Some may be asking that same question even now, with the covid-19 pandemic, civil unrest, and dramatic shift in national politics and policies. All of which raises that question once again: “Are we there yet?”
A word of caution. We need to be mindful that there have been many End Time predictions that never occurred. So, is that a valid reason to ignore today’s signs? I think not. The Church should always be on the alert. We are called to share the Gospel whenever the opportunity arises; not stick our heads in the sand.
U.S. military troops, capitol police, secret service, and other federal agencies, were called to protect Congress and the presidential inauguration of Joseph R. Biden. The first presidential inauguration that denied public’s participation, other than a select and limited number of invited guest.
“Land of the free and home of the brave.” Sound familiar? No more school trips to our National Capitol or Capitol tours for the foreseeable future. When in our history has the U.S. Capitol been closed to Americans? Not that I can remember. Barbwire fences and military troops are everywhere limiting access to the Capitol building and national monuments. Does God have a message for the Church or even individual Christians?
National Guard troops are still in Washington DC during the Senate impeachment trial. Does Congress have a legitimate fear of the American people? Or will it serve as political theater for the 2024 election?
As the Senate impeachment trial goes on, will the political vitriol, hatred and division be the end of America as we know it? Our hope as a Nation and as a people rest solely on the sovereignty of God. My hope is that the American people will be willing to take the time to understand the issues and what’s at stake when they go to the voting booth in 2022 and 2024; and may God help us, please.
Ps 34:17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. 18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (NIV)
The election of Donald J. Trump in 2016, as a political outsider, upset the Washington DC establishment. Everything possible has been done beginning on day one of his four years in office, focused on removing him from office; and continuing even now, to rescind his policies, tarnish his legacy, and destroy his personal life. Why is a sovereign God allowing it to happen? There is a spiritual battle raging in America. Without God’s restraint, sin will abound, which may be happening. What is the lesson for us? If Christians don’t take an interest and role in the establishment of national issues and policies, Satan has a whole cohort that will.
1 John 5:19 We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. 20 We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true — even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. (NIV)
When Christians do not take the time to know the issues, who’s running for office and what they stand for, this will inevitably be the end result.
Ps 34:4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. 6 This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. (NIV)
Ps 34:1-3 I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. 2 My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. 3 Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together. (NIV)
If Christians took an interest, One Nation Under God could look like this …
… And not like this.
1 Samuel 12 was for Israel. In the same way it should be a plea to God, that He doesn’t reject America as a Nation, and that the American people turn to Him with prayer and repentance.
1 Sam 12:22 For the sake of his great name the LORD will not reject his people, because the LORD was pleased to make you his own. 23 As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right. 24 But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. 25 Yet if you persist in doing evil, both you and your king will be swept away." (NIV)
Jonathan Cahn: A 13-minute Prophetic Message to Joe Biden! A very appropriate message for our Nation, its political leaders, the Church, and the people. What does it mean for us? Definitely a call to prayer.
https://youtu.be/hrCtoQUXnmc
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Pastor Adrian Rogers’ 40-minute sermon: Will God Impeach America? It couldn’t be more timely. Tough words, but true to where we are heading as a Nation and as a people. It hit a cord with me. Adrian dies in 2005, has it gotten better or worse? Does it help explain our current state of affairs? I think so.
https://youtu.be/XpETdHZ8AQc
(copy and paste into your web browser)
The only reason we pray is because we know God is sovereign over everything and can make it happen.
Pray for our nation, our church and our pastor. Pray also that the Church will use this time for evangelism, sorely needed in today’s America and world..
