With the educational system currently in place in America, ignoring and omitting the basic tenets of Christianity to teach our children the Word of God we are in direct violation of God’s commandments…
“And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.”—Exodus 18:20 (KJV)
“. . . but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons;”—Deuteronomy 4:9 (KJV)
“Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it:”—Deuteronomy 6:1 (KJV)
In a recent survey of America’s knowledge of religion, it was found atheists (yes this is a religion), agnostics, Jews and Mormons knew more about their religion than Catholics and Christians. This is a frightening declaration. It is the duty of all Christians to reach out and teach the Word of God to non-believers. How can we teach if we don’t know the basic tenants of our own belief?
It is because of the lack of teaching the Christian philosophy in our schools over the last 50 years that has led us to this alarming place in our history. Only by turning back to God can we hope to gain the glory that God once bestowed on us. If we continue on this course of self-destruction we will surely see the wrath of God. Just as Israel turned their back on God and was punished, so shall we be punished? The Lord is quite clear about that.
“The LORD shall send upon thee cursing, vexation, and rebuke, in all that thou settest thine hand unto for to do, until thou be destroyed, and until thou perish quickly; because of the wickedness of thy doings, whereby thou hast forsaken me.”—Deuteronomy 28:20 (KJV)
Pray for America
As Christians, it is our responsibility to pray for America. Not just in time of national crisis, but always. With due respect for the Supreme Court, the Congress, and the president, they are not the source of our future or our hope. Only God and the power of the Holy Spirit can sustain the strength and future of this nation.
“ . . . The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”—James 5:16 (KJV)
Throughout the Bible we see how prayers moved the hand of God and changes came to nations, leaders, laws, and individuals.
First, as God’s people, we must humble ourselves and confess to God the sins of our nation as well as our own lives—our self-centeredness, lusts, addictions, the love of the world, and any area in which we are disobeying His Word. God has said:
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall 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.”—2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV)
Second, we must pray for our leaders and authorities. Ask the Lord to give godly wisdom, protection, and direction to the president, Congress, state and local officials, judges, and others who God had raised up to lead His people. The Bible says:
“That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.”—Ezra 6:10 (KJV)
“1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.”—Romans 13:1-5 (KJV)
If we see nonbelievers taking control of the government, passing laws that violate the laws of God, and jeopardizing our God-given freedoms, our mandate is to intervene and trust God to restore godliness to our nation and communities. We can only do this at the ballot box. We must look for godly people and elect them to lead us. We, as Christians, have the moral obligation to try to defeat any ungodly person running for office, no matter what the cost or consequence.
“But the eyes of the wicked shall fail, and they shall not escape, and their hope shall be as the giving up of the ghost.”—Job 11:20 (KJV)
Third, we must pray that the Lord will work in a powerful way in the hearts of Christians and people from all walks of life.
“Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.”—Hosea 6:1 (KJV)
Only God has the power to free people from the sins that destroy their lives as well as the foundations of righteousness. Only God has the power to save our nation.
Fourth, we must pray for families, for schools systems, for the military, for the economy, and for the vital aspects of our society. Be aware of what is going on, and pray. Only God can save us through His Glory and Mercy.
“ exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”—1 Timothy 2:1-2 (KJV)
A Prayer for America
By Dr. David Jeremiah
Heavenly Father, Almighty God,
In all history, there has been only one nation like America–founded by Pilgrims seeking freedom to worship, established on a vast continent between two oceans, dedicated to the proposition that we are created equal and endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights: One nation under God.
You have delivered us in war, prospered us in peace, and raised up generations willing to offer their devotion for the preservation of liberty at home and abroad.
We have been a light for the world. From our shores has gone the greatest missionary force in history.
But now, Lord, America has fallen into darkness, disobedience, and indifference. We have sinned; and we Your people, Lord, humble ourselves, and pray and seek Your face, and turn from our wicked ways. Please forgive our sin and heal our land. Give us leaders who understand the times and know what we should do.
May the torch of liberty burn brightly, inflamed by the goodness of Your people.
God bless America.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
Preview of part Eight:
Prepare for Battle
The survival of our nation is dependent on the Grace of God. We must as Christians be prepared to battle all evil influences in our government and in our society in general. The existence of the power of Satan is evident in all aspects of our lives. We have let it grow. As a cancer grows in our body, the evil in our culture grows unabated. Just as we would seek medical treatment for our body, we must seek spiritual treatment for our nation. We can only achieve this through prayer and repentance. We must be prepared to combat the forces of the ungodly influences in our lives and ask God for the wisdom and courage to go forward in our spiritual warfare with Satan and his minions.
LIFE FROM A CHAPLAIN'S POINT OF VIEW 