The Sovereignty of God #3

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Our focus is on the sovereignty of God over the affairs of man. God does not cause evil, but because of free will, man willingly and deliberately commits evil, for which there are both corporal and eternal consequences. Again, the only way to eliminate evil, is for God to eliminate the root cause of sin, people, which He did once before in the Noahic flood (Genesis 6-8). Something He proclaimed He would not do again and gave us the rainbow as a sign of that pledge (Gen. 9:16). 

Everything was and is carefully planned and decreed by God, even the flood was a mix of God’s wrath and future blessings for mankind. Genesis tells us that God’s tolerance and forbearance of a corrupt and violent world ran out, and just at the right time, the flood came and the one family He chose to spare. God’s reasons for the flood could probably fill a volume. 

Even in His wrath against a corrupt and violent people, the result was a blessing for distant future generations. Here’s a brief look at a couple of big ones: dinosaurs roomed the earth and were buried by the flood, becoming today’s fossil fuels needed for energy in a civilized society. Coal also. Nothing is a random occurrence with God; everything has a purpose as He decrees. 

I think fossil fuels are evidence of the global flood in Genesis. It’s also evident that there are intended blessings, even when God unleashes His wrath for man’s corruption and ungodliness. 

Coal also provides evidence of the biblical flood, and even a glimpse of what much of the earth may have looked like before the food—wetlands and tropical forests. How many generations from Adam did it take for man to reach total corruption and violence sufficient to incur God’s wrath? Some biblical scholars believe that just ten generations spanned the 1656 years between the day God made Adam and the day Noah entered the ark and the flood.

Ages are based on Genesis 5. Noah lived 950 years and was 600 years old at the time of the flood. Mankind’s lifespan dropped after the flood, to about 120 years. 

Gen 7:6 Noah was six hundred years old when the floodwaters came on the earth. 7 And Noah and his sons and his wife and his sons' wives entered the ark to escape the waters of the flood.  (NIV)

We can take comfort in knowing that God is sovereign. The Holy Spirit is our refuge, and prayer is our lifeline to God the Father through His Son, Jesus Christ. The Lord will accomplish His purposes in all things, even the Covid-19 pandemic, and yes, even today’s political climate—for reasons, only He knows. The basic message is that sin has after-effects, and a corrupt world, even individual nations, will reap the consequences of their actions. 

We live in uncertain times with the Covid-19 pandemic and political uncertainty. A pastor made a comment on his radio show—recorded about 8 months ago—when he described Covid-19, as being “just life”, something the world has gone through before and will go through again. Hmmm. Let me put my Sherlock Holmes’ hat on by looking at the big picture, at everything happening now verses 8 months ago. What’s happening is quite different in many regards than “just life”. I believe the Covid-19 pandemic is the root cause of much of it, including restrictions on worship which never occurred before in American history, even opening the door for voter fraud with ballot distribution and counting, but that’s another story. 

Rom 15:4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.  (NIV)

If we don’t learn from history, we are bound to repeat its mistakes. What influence did Christians have on their respective culture? All of history, yesterday, today and tomorrow is laid out before God. Nothing is a surprise. Everything is laid out before Him in ”real time”. Even the rise and fall of empires throughout history are as He decreed. Life is not a puppet show with God pulling the strings. Nor is He just an observer and bystander, as deist believed. They saw a Creator that does not intervene in the universe; which certainly is not the God of the Bible. So, are today’s events “just life”? Yes, there were pandemics before, but none of them involved a lockdown of churches, shutdown of the entire economy, and seclusion of an entire nation of people; all of which delights Satan very much. 

January 18th-20th 2021, between 25,000 to 26,000 National Guard troops from several states occupied the Nation’s Capitol for inauguration security. Who were the suspected domestic-terrorists? American citizens who supported and voted for Donald J. Trump as president. 

On Monday, January 18, 2021, Virginia National Guard soldiers were issued M4 rifles and live ammunition on the east front of the US Capitol. In addition to the military, there were federal officers, secret service and D.C. police. There were more troops in D.C. for the inauguration than protected Washington D.C. during the Civil War. The National Guard soldiers were trained/instructed to screen their colleagues to identify potential threats from within their ranks to then President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration. 

After watching hours of coverage and TV comments on different channels, let me interpret what was being said. Anybody in D.C. who voted for Trump is a suspected domestic-terrorist; and can be identified by their political party registration. Just like the Jews wore a star of David in Nazi Germany. Is it evil? Yes, and exactly the path for the Antichrist’s rise to power, which, as I see it, goes way beyond “just life”. Satan can't designate a particular moment for the Antichrist, without God's permission, but he’s certainly looking for the right opportunity to empower one of his own followers as THE Antichrist. As stated in 1 John 2:18 there are many antichrists, one of whom will be empowered by Satan to be THE Antichrist. What else is needed for that to occur? Is God opening the door for evangelism? I think so. 

Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NIV)

Here’s one of the reasons for my previous comments: Don Lemon’s statement on CNN. He isn’t the only one condemning Trump voters. You vote their way or you’re in trouble, both politically and culturally. I have followed politics closely ever since the early 60s, with the assassination of John F. Kennedy, who I voted for. Even President Trump can’t just leave town without a barrage of insults and threats, even from certain members of Congress and the media. They are doing everything possible to destroy him even another impeachment attempt. They have called Trump voters part of a cult and are advocating reprograming of Trump voters. When all of this comes together, I fail to see it as “just life”. Does this sound like the America you grew up in? Will God intervene and rescue us as a Nation and as a people? He is sovereign and could do so, but will He? 

Taken in 2007 at the Nixon Library in Yorba Linda, celebrating my inauguration as President of the Orange County Division of the League of California Cities. Having served in the U.S. Army, and as a Mayor and City Council member, yes, politics runs deep. Why? Because I love America and not only embraced, but strongly believed in the words “One Nation Under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance, added in 1954 under President Dwight D. Eisenhower, former commander of the Allied forces in Europe in WWII that defeated the Nazis. Why do I feel so strongly about it? Because politics can change the course of a nation, just as the Nazis gained political power that changed the course of Germany, and the Communist changed the course of Russia and Cuba, and many more. It is not something “out there”. It is something very much “in here”. 

“God in schools” was declared unconstitutional by a 1962 Supreme Court decision. Where then do our children get their values? They don’t, unless their family attends church. Sixty years later we are reaping the consequences of that decision. If we, the Church don’t bring God back to America, who will? Nobody. And our path away from God will only accelerate.  

In a troubled world, a sovereign God is our only hope. As stated by Charles Spurgeon, there’s comfort and reassurance in knowing that God is sovereign, and that we are not alone in our trials and tribulations. Think back over your life, when God was there for you. He hasn’t left. 

The sovereignty and power of God is not all gloom and doom. He blessed Israel when it remained faithful. The O.T. isn’t just a history of Israel, it’s also a lesson for us on how to live faithful and obedient to God. 

Christianity is more than a religion. It’s a relationship with a holy and awesome God. We are not alone, just as the early church wasn’t alone. Our relationship with God, in Christ Jesus, is empowered by the Holy Spirit. 

Eph 5:17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.  (NIV)

John 14:26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.  (NIV)

Our understanding of God’s sovereignty is generally too small. The next slides explain. 

One way of putting the sovereignty of God in perspective is this photo from outer space. He not only created everything but sustains everything, including the entire universe, the size and position of each and every star. The arrow points to the solar system and world situated within the Milky Way galaxy. It’s only one galaxy within billions that are spread across the expanse of the universe. NASA estimates that there are potentially 500 billion milky ways in the universe, each consisting of 100 – 400 billion stars. 

The universe is the physical side of God’s creation. There is also a spiritual side that is invisible to us, which God is also sovereign over, and just as real as everything we can see and touch. That spiritual side includes heaven and angels, and sadly, even Satan and the demons who rebelled. Why didn’t God prevent them from rebelling? If He prevented them from sinning, their love would have been contrived and not free as it was with the 2/3 of angels that stayed true to God. 

The Book of Revelation lays out all the events of the seven year Tribulation, revealing God’s sovereignty over the affairs of sinful man, over Satan, his fallen angels, the Antichrist and False Prophet, who will be cast into hell-the fiery lake of burning sulfur… So, the story does have a happy ending.

Rev 19:20 But the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who had performed the miraculous signs on his behalf. With these signs he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped his image. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. (NIV)

We looked at the Tribulation before in a previous 2020 study, lesson #6 dated 07/05-07/12. As shown it lays out the End Times and Tribulation. At the end of the Tribulation, Christ returns in glory, and Satan is bound for the 1,000-year Millennium (Rev. 20:2)

Rev 20:1 And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain. 2 He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. 3 He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time. (NIV)

Satan and the Antichrist will wreak havoc and chaos on the world during the Tribulation.  At the end of the Tribulation, Satan will be cast into the abyss. Raising the question, where is the abyss? Is it in the core of the earth? Is it fixated somewhere else in the universe? Scripture doesn’t tell us, but some—like me—can’t just let it lie without trying to sort it out. 

Rev 20:1 And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain. 2 He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. 3 He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time.  (NIV)

There are a few hints regarding where the abyss may be. Just enough to pique my interest. Rev. 9:2 may give us more than just a hint. The abyss is “opened,” and “smoke rose from it, like a giant furnace, enough to darken the sky.” So, my best guess is it's deep within the earth, since the earth has a molten core. As noted, the word “abyss” is translated from a Greek word meaning “bottomless pit”, which I find hard to associate with someplace in space. 

Rev 9:2 When he opened the Abyss, smoke rose from it like the smoke from a gigantic furnace. The sun and sky were darkened by the smoke from the Abyss. (NIV)

We rarely think of what the earth looks like in its interior. We think in terms of oceans, mountains, green grass, trees and birds chirping, This cross section of the earth, shows its fiery center core.  The planet Mercury has a similar molten core, which may give cause to wonder, if Satan was exiled to another planet. Possible? Except that scripture tells us he was cast down to earth when driven out of heaven; nor is there any indication elsewhere in the Bible that he was later exiled to outer space or any other planet or star. It states clearly that he was cast down to the earth when thrown out of heaven (Rev. 12:9).

Rev 12:9 The great dragon was hurled down — that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.  (NIV)

Do volcanos provide an example of the abyss described in Rev. 20:3? If I had to venture a guess, I think its highly probable, including smoke like from a fiery furnace (Rev. 9:2). 

Rev 20:3 He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time.  (NIV)

What some envision, without the fiery part, that the entrance to the abyss may look like—a deep bottomless hole. But I don’t see how you could cover it over (Rev. 3). We know volcanos can and do get covered over—Mount St. Helens for example—yet the entrance to their core remains undisturbed. It would not be possible to seal or cover over a bottomless pit like this—everything would fall into it and not cover it. 

Rev 20:3a He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him….. (NIV)

The best example I could find regarding what I envision the abyss described in Revelation 9:2 could look like. A volcano’s larva originates within the earth’s fiery core. 

We can apply our imagination to what the abyss may look like, but I think this may be a fair representation of Satan bound and chained in the abyss. We can be certain, he never imagined what faith lay ahead for him when he rebelled against God (Rev. 12:7), actually believing he could overthrow God. Everything leads me to believe that heaven itself was created for the angels, as earth was created for man. At the very end God creates a new heaven and new earth for all His faithful, both angels and man. We can only imagine what it will look like (Rev. 21:1)

Rev 12:7 And there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. 8 But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. 9 The great dragon was hurled down — that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.  (NIV)

Satan isn’t out of the game just yet. Revelation 20:7-9 tells us that being released from the abyss, Satan leads mankind’s final revolt against God. If angels in heaven can revolt, man certainly can. Imagine millennial-mankind, under Satan’s leadership, revolting against Jesus’ kingdom in Jerusalem. The enemy armies are called Gog and Magog (v.8), which we will look at next week. Everything about Satan embodies hatred, rebellion and destruction. It reminds me of Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany. Before committing suicide, Hitler’s last orders to his commanders, was to totally destroy all of Germany’s infrastructure to punish the German people for failing him. Fortunately for the German people, those orders were only carried out in a limited way and ignored by most. 

Rev 1:7 Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him.  (NIV)

Dr. John MacArthur’s 1 hour sermon on “The Inescapable Corruption of Sin”. MacArthur’s sermons are hard hitting against a world of sin. But something every Christian needs to be aware of just as when the Apostle Paul preached—it wasn’t a prosperity gospel. Today’s church is dozing when it should be preparing for spiritual warfare. The purpose of the Church isn’t to share Jesus for people to be happy, healthy, and have material success, but to repent of their sins in order to be saved from an eternal separation from God and an eternity in hell. In spite of all the evil in the world, the Lord Jesus wins the final battle as we are told in Revelation. 

https://youtu.be/5YYVAdVpWvc

(copy and paste in your web browser)

Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich recently expressed a concern that America is more stressful and divided now than at any time going back to the pre-Civil War period. Pray for America, that we may not abandon the biblical values this nation was built on. That evil may be restrained and not fully let loose. Pray for our church, our pastor and for sharing the Gospel with a world sorely in need of God’s Word.

End of the Sovereignty of God #3

There is so much at stake in our nation and so much in current events that is applicable to God’s sovereignty, which is the basis for this week's reflections. In today's uncertain times, it’s difficult to put a limit on how much information gets included, but I do try. 

Ps 73:28 But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds. (NIV)

Scripture is clear that everything will come together in accordance with God’s sovereign decree—both good and evil. God doesn’t cause evil but allows evil people to do evil things. Jesus Christ is our hope and strength in all things, who guides and leads us, and even provides a shield around us—more than we realize or will ever know until we meet Him face to face. 

Dan 7:27 Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be handed over to the saints, the people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey him.’  (NIV)

Scripture is clear that God is sovereign over all things, yet Christians wonder why God allows so much evil to exist in the world. This is a question that seems especially relevant for 2021, with the pending inauguration of a new president amid accusations of voter fraud that were never fully investigated by the Justice Department or FBI. Where will it lead our Nation over the course of this year, the next four years or even the next ten years? Where is the Church? Did God open the door for evangelism, or did Satan close it? A time of challenge rarely seen in modern history—with a pandemic and extreme political discord as never before in our lifetime.

Rom 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.  (NIV)

1 Peter 5:8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. (NIV)

We will look at the question of good vs. evil more than once: “Why does God allow evil to exist?” He does not take pleasure in evil (Psalm 5) but He has a plan for the human race, for those who will be saved and for those who will perish due to their unrepentant and sinful hearts (Rev. 20:13-15).  

Psalm 5:4 You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil; with you the wicked cannot dwell. 5 The arrogant cannot stand in your presence; you hate all who do wrong.  

Rev 20:15 If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.  (NIV)

Evil started with Satan, when he was Lucifer described as the morning star (Isa. 14:12), and 1/3 of the angels that followed him in rebellion against God. Nevertheless, evil is restrained by the Holy Spirit. When the Church fails to be the Church, evil will grow in intensity and expand throughout the culture. Something we are beginning to see; John MacArthur’s sermon at the end of this week’s reflections explains why. 

Isa 14:12 How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations!  (NIV)

Why did the Nazis embrace Hitler’s hatred of the Jews? Hitler stirred what was already deep within the German culture and gave them a reason to unleash that hatred. Why did God allow the Holocaust? God doesn’t cause evil, nor did He cause the Holocaust, but without it the Jews never would have emigrated from Europe, a culture they were very much a part of. As victims of the Holocaust and facing widespread persecution in Europe, they emigrated to Palestine after WWII. Few nations allowed the Jews who had tried to escape from Nazi Germany, to immigrate to their country. Even after WWII, there were few options for them other than their ancient homeland. God did not cause evil but used the evil that had already existed and inspired by Satan, to achieve good. 

Ezek 37:14 I will put my Spirit in you [Israel] and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the LORD have spoken, and I have done it, declares the LORD.’”  (NIV)

All of creation is in God’s hands—metaphorically speaking. We can only guess what may lie ahead as 2021 begins to unfold under very questionable circumstances. Nevertheless, nothing in this world is free of God’s presence. He is not the author of evil but does allow sinful people to willfully perform evil deeds that originate from within, just as Lucifer’s rebellion began from within, and not because of unfavorable circumstances in heaven. There is and will be consequences for sin as Paul tells us in Romans. God is perfect love, perfect mercy and perfect justice in every situation. 

Rom 1:18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness. (NIV)

Tradition says the Apostle Peter was crucified upside down, not feeling worthy to suffer in the same manner as Jesus Christ. Why did God let it happen? 

Downloaded (edited) from Psychology Today Magazine: We are prone to ask regarding personal tragedies: “Why did this happen?” and “Why me?”, which are natural and common questions asked by many people when faced with a sudden adverse event, such as a diagnosis of cancer. “What did I do to deserve this? Did I do something to cause it?” Many people are inclined to wonder if they are being punished by God for some past transgressions, or to ponder if there is some intended mysterious plan or higher reason for their misfortune, perhaps some intended lesson in their suffering. Since these tragedies are common to humanity; nevertheless, the flip side is “Why not me?” 

1 Peter 4:12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 

1 Peter 5:8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. (NIV)

The apostle Paul was a Roman citizen and could not under Roman law be crucified, as Peter was. His death was by beheading, as we are told by Eusebius (263-339 AD) a church historian, who claimed that Paul was beheaded at the order of the Roman emperor Nero or one of his subordinates. Looking back on Peter and Paul, why would we expect to be exempt from suffering? Without getting too theological, a simple answer is, we live in a fallen world, and as such are not immune to the circumstances or sicknesses around us, just as Paul tells us in his second letter to the Corinthians.  

2 Cor 11:23 Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. (NIV)

Christians have never been exempted from persecution and were targeted in many countries and centuries, even today. The Romans, who believed in many gods, were an advanced civilization and yet they took pleasure in these events (images). But God had something special—an eternal joy beyond anything we could imagine—waiting for Peter and Paul and those martyred Christians. This life is but a blink compared to eternity. We too have to trust in God, just as they did. What does God want of me? Is something I ask frequently. Maybe part of the answer is that we are to seek God in all things. 

2 Cor 4:7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay [our body] to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11 For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. (NIV)

God is sovereign, but how exactly would God eliminate evil? To eliminate all evil, He would have to eliminate the root cause of evil, the entire human race. Why doesn’t He just eliminate evil people? Even Hitler’s mother was described as a gentle, saintly woman, but she gave birth to a child who was the embodiment of evil—an example of how good and evil are intertwined. God does restrain evil. We can only imagine what the world would be like if God didn’t restrain evil and evil was totally let loose. Satan would unleash his full fury on the world if God didn’t restrain him—he will be let loose during the Tribulation along with the Antichrist. It’s also a time when God’s wrath is poured out on a sinful and unrepentant generation. At the end of the Tribulation, the Antichrist and False Prophet will be cast into the lake of fire (Rev.19:20-21), and the Devil will be locked away in the abyss for a 1,000 years (Rev. 20:1-3). People born during the Millennium are born with Adam’s DNA and propensity to sin, just as Adam and Eve had sinned in a perfect Garden paradise. So as people have always sinned, people will sin even during the Millennium. 

Rev 20:3 He threw him [the Devil] into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time.  (NIV)

Why didn’t God the Father spare His Son from the crucifixion? Without Jesus’ crucifixion, His death and burial; no sin could have been forgiven by a Holy God. Sin is a permanent stain that could only be washed clean by the blood of the Lamb. To do otherwise and just forgive people, would be a violation of God’s own nature. Perfect justice is an integral part of who God is. Within that context, there are no good people, because all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. The bottom line is we don’t take sin as seriously as God does. So, He had to do something we are incapable of doing for ourselves, earning salvation on our own merits. We could devote our entire life in a monastery on our knees and it wouldn’t suffice as was once believed in the medieval church. 

Eph 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.  (NIV)

What would you think of a judge that never convicted a criminal for his crimes no matter how heinous, and just forgave every criminal without any consequences? What would you think of a justice system that never locked away habitual child molesters or rapists or even murderers? 

What would you think of a judge whose every sentence perfectly matched the crime? What would you think of a justice system that was 100% fair in making the punishment fit the crime? 

Now compare the two and ponder that God’s perfect justice is a reflection of Who He is—perfectly just and perfectly holy, there is no middle ground. For every repentant sinner who puts their faith in Jesus Christ, He paid the debt, and washed it clean with His blood, so we didn’t have to. 

Lets look back on 2020 and now 2021. What’s happening in today’s America? Before we answer that, lets look at a couple of the world’s great empires. Every great empire down through history has fallen. The United States is not an empire, as such, but it is a global influence and world power. 

Map shows the full extend of the Roman Empire before its collapse, stretching across southern and central Europe, north Africa, Asia minor, and into the Middle East. Could any Roman have ever imagined it would ever cease to exist? 

Ruins of the Roman coliseum (photo on right), stands as a symbol of a once mighty empire (shown on left). Rome’s collapse was caused by a lack of resolve from within, that eventually led to military defeat. 

The Roman Empire covered more than 1 million square miles. It was founded in 27 BC and ended in 476 AD, although the Eastern Empire, later known as Byzantium, lasted until 1453 AD being defeated by the Islamic Ottoman Empire. After centuries of persecuting Christians, in AD 313, Christianity was made legal in Rome under Emperor Constantine. In AD 380, Emperor Flavius Theodosius made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire, yet it fell less than 100 years later. Why? Not everyone in the Church was of the Church, just as seen in certain churches today—Jesus calls them wolves in sheep’s clothing in Matt. 7:15. Many pagans proclaimed to be Christian to earn and maintain the Emperor’s favor. Even within the Church, some pagan ceremonies were shrouded and professed to be Christian, but retained certain elements of a pagan culture to maintain popularity and appeal--not everyone in the Empire accepted Christ as Savior though they wore the title of Christian as deemed by the Emperor. 

Pagan temples were converted to Christian churches, and pagan gods given the name of a Christian martyr/saint. Nevertheless, Christianity spread into and across the parts of Europe that had been under Roman influence without which most, if not all of Europe, would have remained pagan. 

Map shows the full extend of what had once been the British Empire (shown in red). It held sway to more than 412 million people, 23% of the world’s population at the time. At its height it was the largest empire in history and covered 24% of the earth’s total land surface. It was referred to as “the empire where the sun never sets”. Today it is an Island nation of the United Kingdom, consisting of Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) and Northern Ireland. It was followed by what was called the Commonwealth, initially formed at the beginning of the twentieth century following the decolonization of the British Empire, which began in 1945 and fully dismantled by 1997. What’s the message? Even great kingdoms collapse from within. Great Britain was one of the victors of WWII, yet, they could not sustain their global empire. Its end was not from external defeat, but internal factors and differences; they were no longer a united people.  Why is this relevant? The following slides explain. 

Luke 11:17 Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them: "Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall..."  (NIV)

If you wonder about God’s sovereignty over history and man’s affairs, we now turn to Britain, who unintentionally played a pivotable role in the rebirth of Israel. British involvement in the Middle East long predated World War I, but Britain's "moment" in the Middle East, as it has been called—the period in which it was the dominant power in much of the area—lasted from 1914 to 1956. The axis of Britain's Middle Eastern empire stretched from the Suez Canal to the Persian Gulf. At its height between the two world wars, Britain's supremacy was almost unchallenged either by other powers or by indigenous forces. 

After 1945, British dominance began to weaken, making Jewish immigration possible, ultimately leading to creation of the State of Israel in 1948; the hand of God, and His perfect timing. The European Jews never could have gained a toehold anywhere in the Middle East at Britain’s peak of power or after its total loss of power, giving sway to Arab dominance. We can attribute everything to the sovereignty, wisdom and perfect timing of God in the affairs of man, even great empires. 

Ps 33:9-11 – 9 For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. 10 The LORD foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. 11 But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. (NIV)

So, what about the USA? I don’t see how anyone can deny that January 2021 is a very different United States of America than it was in January 2020. So, where is God? Did He abandon America? It’s important to note once again that God is sovereign, and Satan can only accomplish what God allows him to accomplish, and it’s up to us to implore God to restrain Satan. God does listen to the prayers of His people. Jesus, Himself, tells us to pray.  

Matt 6:5 "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.  

2 Chron 7:14 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 will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.  (NIV)

The photo represents the America most of us grew up in—with thanks to the Greatest Generation for securing our freedom. But doubts have now arisen with the 2020 presidential and GA senate elections. Who exactly are we? Are we sill One Nation Under God? This is something that few doubted or ever gave any serious thought to. So, is it still who we are? If not, what happened? Alteration of wording of the Pledge of Allegiance came on Flag Day in 1954, when the words "under God" were added, under President Dwight Eisenhower. Ike served as Supreme Commander of all Allied forces in the European theatre and defeat of Nazi Germany. Ike was a practicing Christian, who attended Palm Springs Presbyterian Church. What would he think of today’s events and today's America?

Arlington National Cemetery, located in Arlington, VA, was established in 1864 for Civil War military deaths, as well as reinterned dead from earlier wars. It is truly a hallowed ground. You can’t appreciate the extent of it and the sacrifices it represents in American lives lost in defense of these United States, until you see the full scope and extent of it…

Arlington National Cemetery covers 639 acres. How many school children today can even name the National Cemetery or who it’s for? Has our national heritage quietly slipped away over the last few decades? In 1963, a 6 to 1 landmark decision by the Supreme Court declared religious activities in public schools unconstitutional, such as reading from the Bible, displaying the Ten Commandments, The Lord’s Prayer, etc., which opened the door to exactly the situation we’re witnessing today, when Satan quietly crept in, when all remnants of Christian thought was removed. 

So, what happened on January 6th at the Capitol building? Why did protesters storm the Capitol building? Who were they? The slide tells the tale as to what happened, but not why it happened. 

Photo shows some of the protestors that entered the Capitol. The American flag may not really describe who they are. Just one example of a new level of evil being released in America. 

Is Satan behind Voter Fraud? Is this a political battle or spiritual warfare? If anyone were to lay out a road map for the Antichrist’s rise to power, this is exactly how it would begin. So where is God? Why is He letting this happen? Dr. John MacArthur’s sermon at the end of this week’s reflections, explains why. But, don’t jump ahead just yet. There’s still a few slides to go. 

More than one U.S. Post Office worker were seen dumping Trump ballots into a dumpster. Oh my! Did anyone in the Justice Department investigate this? Apparently not. What about the FBI? Neither the Department of Justice or FBI conducted an investigation of what appeared to Fox, Newsmax and OAN viewers as apparent voter fraud in key battleground states, especially Georgia and Pennsylvania. Are we beginning to see a road map for the rise of the Antichrist? Keep in mind, a strong America, both militarily and economically, stand as a deterrent to the rise of the Antichrist and world domination. Has Satan unleased his fury against America? Why isn’t God restraining him? 

Pictures show some of the incidents at the Capitol building. What’s behind it? The bottom line in all this is “political power” at any cost and by any tactic. The crowd of a million pro-Trump Americas was mostly peaceful. Lead protestors that broke into the Capitol building causing destruction, were identified as Antifa posing as Trump supporters. Have you heard any of that on the mainstream media? Keep in mind that withholding the truth constitutes a lie. And Satan is the father of lies. 

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)

Is this something Christians should care about? Why should I even post it here? Let’s begin with an important question that affects all of us. Why would the House of Representatives vote to impeach President Trump with only a few days left in office? Are their accusations even factual? I think not. So, why is this happening? The goal is to prevent Donald J. Trump from running for reelection in 2024, AND to prevent him from being a political influence in the 2022 elections. Why? Is this an honest above-board effort or a behind the screen effort shrouded in darkness?  Is it rooted in political differences or does it go deeper? Are we seeing spiritual warfare as Paul warned us in his letter to the Ephesians (Eph. 6:12). For the Antichrist to rise to power, America’s economic strength and global influence would have to be neutralized, just as we’re seeing with the Covid-19 lockdowns and voter fraud. Is all of this a matter of reality or imagination? You'll have to decide for yourself. 

An American president who stood up for the people, fulfilling every political promise, is now called a threat. By whom? The swamp of corruption and personal power feels threatened. Are we seeing political differences or spiritual warfare? I think the answer is obvious. 

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. 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. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  (NIV)

Much of what’s happening in Washington DC, begins here. Political power and economic power go hand-in-hand. Political power not only equals economic power but leads to personal wealth as well. One can only wonder why there are so many millionaires in Congress. The Antichrist will not have any trouble getting the world power brokers to cooperate, believing it will further enhance their own wealth and power. Ill-gained worldly power and wealth are short lived. There will be a day of reckoning before a holy God (Rev. 20:11-15).        

Prov 10:2 Ill-gotten treasures are of no value, but righteousness delivers from death.  (NIV)

Communist Christ is an “atheistic” world power. It Satan was to award a “favored nation” title to any nation, Communist China certainly would merit that award and title. So, what does this mean for the USA? 

Chart shows China’s projected growth and the U.S.’ decline. Why is that? Other than Wuhan where the Covid-19 virus originated, China did not go into a total lock down as did the U.S. governors. Those actions by governors literally stopped economic growth and put the economy into a tailspin. Was it science or politics? Was it a plan to destroy the Trump legacy? A yes, is highly probable, all of which plays into the hands of Satan and the Antichrist. Setting the stage? It sure looks like it. Bottom line? Pray for America, knowing God is sovereign. Will He uplift us or let us fall?  God is sovereign over the affairs of nations, He is also sovereign over our salvation, which we will look at in next week's reflections. 

John MacArthur’s 60-minute sermon, When God Abandons a Nation (Romans 1:18-32), [oh my! Dr. MacArthur's sermon is not for the faint of heart.]

https://youtu.be/Cz8AA_Oa0EU

(copy and paste into your web browser)

Prayer is the remedy for evil as we are told in Eph. 6:12-18, especially in these uncertain times. 

Eph 6:11 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)

End of the Sovereignty of God #2