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You make some very good points, I appreciate the observation these things are “judgements” themselves. You are of course correct.

The prophets also mentioned such behaviors as reasons for the Hebrews to be punished, too. (I am careful to read the Bible in context, and I do not want to make the error of assuming the USA or Christians have fully replaced Israel as God’s chosen people, especially when it comes to the exegisis of OT Scripture.)

I also believe we as Christians must stand against the wrongs in society...while also, as you say, “bathe” our culture in the Gospel. Many Christians do that already: stand against the sin while still loving the sinners.

I can tell you this: since last Tuesday, my prayer life has increased dramatically. Perhaps that is what God wanted all along. :) And I am certain that once time has past and we look back upon this history, we’ll see better how His Hand is working. Right now, we’re too close to see much right now.

Thanks. Of course the points are not "mine." I am quoting John Piper. His little video on youtube on the attitude of todays Christians toward the election is a great one. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGjGbZNyIBY I am reading RM McCheyne's daily bible calendar readings (it takes you thru the bible once and the NT and psalms twice in a year). I notice the stuff in Amos. God says that he is going to bring judgment on the pagan nations for their wickedness. This caught me up. I have so driven a wedge between America and the people of God (a wedge that needed driving, in my opinion) that I just "forgot" that God is active in the affairs of the heathen, pagan nations, and brings them to judgment IN THIS LIFE. Ripping open pregnant women, while much more sadistic, cruel, and vicious than abortion, is still in that genre. Piper asserts that we should "marry as if unmarried, have as though we did not possess" etc from Corinthians. That is, we hold this world and the political machinations at arms length, knowing that this world is both not our home and is corrupt. He argues that we need a huge dose of faith in the sovereignty of God, that He puts down and raises up leaders, and steers human history for the sake and the good of His people. He then states that we need a passion for the progress of the gospel, and that it may be that the gospel will spread and "run rapidly" better in an environment of economic turmoil and loss of personal liberty than in one of prosperity and freedom. That message was balm to my soul on Wednesday.