America In the Balance

2/18/04 | Vernon

[Vernon]

This just struck me this morning so thought I would share. Any thoughts or responses are welcome.

[Corin Stormhands]

The history of any nation can be traced by whether it follows or departs from respect and worship of God.

We had the pastor of a church we support in Slovakia speak at our church a couple of weeks ago. He spoke as his assitant pastor translated to English.

I told my wife that I realized the future of the Christian church does not lie within the American borders.

[xzins]

Excellent thoughts. Love the Dr Suess quote.

[Vernon]

While not designed to debate the Calvinist/Arminian issue(s), I thought you might be interested in the thread "America In the Balance."

[Vernon]

Suess is something I can understand without much trouble!

[HarleyD]

I have had people tell me this but I think the problem is far broader than we can picture. There are no Christian nations any longer. There is nowhere to go. There is no America in the balance because, IMHO, we are in the countdown phases of the end times.

Please consider: Homosexuality was the next to the last sin God tolerated. The last was a searing of the conscience, where everyone does what is right in their own eyes. We are just entering this phase.

[Vernon]

The point of no return!

At a desperate time in Israel's history, God spoke to them according to 2 Chron. 7:14, "...if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Perhaps the door of God's mercy is not quite closed...

[Ephesians210]

Re: I told my wife that I realized the future of the Christian church does not lie within the American borders.

The future of the Church of Christ has never, ever, ever been within America's borders.

The future of the Church has always been in the Will of God, from everlasting to everlasting.

[Corin Stormhands]

Well of course. But, as always, thanks for missing the point.

Have a good day.

[Ephesians210]

I got the point, that it took a pastor from Slovakia speaking here in America for you to realize that the future of the Church did not lie within America's borders.

I'm not surprised that you didn't realize that it never did, anthroprocentric notions just don't think that way.

Glad to see that you realize that Christ is the head of the Church and it's future has always been in God's hands, and not America's.

[Vernon]

With all due respect, I doubt anyone would deny the statement by Jesus that the gates of hell would not prevail against the Church. My point is that the nation is hanging in the balance and the Church has the power to impact society for good or ill.

[jboot]

"There is nowhere to go."

When I first realized this about ten years ago, it gripped my soul in an icy vise. It took years for the Spirit to convince me that God is in control, and that His will cannot be thwarted. I don't worry so much about it nowadays.

[Corin Stormhands]

The point, while I obviously didn't state it clearly enough for everyone's understanding, is that God is moving in His church other countries in ways that we are not seeing in America.

Anything else you misread into it.

Have a blessed day.

[HarleyD]

“The Lord, the God of their fathers, sent word to them again and again by His messengers, because He had compassion on His people and on His dwelling place; but they continually mocked the messengers of God, despised His words and scoffed at His prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against His people, until there was no remedy.” 2 Chronicles 36:15-16

This is one of the saddest verses in the Old Testament but so true today as of then. I'm not saying to don the white sheets but we are commanded to be watchful.

[Vernon]

Incredibly true.

[Dr. Eckleburg]

Thanks, Vern. Pinging for perusal this rainy afternoon.

[CCWoody]

As an Amillennialist, I don't expect things to improve. Does this mean I don't think we should fight. Nope!

Hope and fight for the best; expect the worst.

Woody.

[Vernon]

Hey, the sun is shining here, God is on His Throne...and all is well!

[Vernon]

Hey, bro, move over and we'll fight on together for what is right.