A Message to the Church – The Reasons Why America Must Be Judged

A Message to the Church – The Reasons Why America Must Be Judged

Sections:

1. The Church in America is in need of repentance

2. Why America must be judged

3. The sins that America has committed against God

4. Why America cannot be restored, except on an individual level (Conclusion)

[This will take less than 20 minutes to read. But, it is arranged in sections for convenience.]

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1. The Church in America is in need of repentance

There are many people who say that the Church in America will experience a revival and that this country will become great again. They give evidence that Donald Trump is a man for the hour who is supposed to build up this country and restore it to greatness, and wealth, and influence on the world stage. But, will this country really become great again? And, can the Church experience a revival without having true repentance first?

A revival cannot come unless the Church repents, and repentance cannot come until there is conviction of sin and a realization that one must be restored to close fellowship with God. Sin separates us from having close fellowship with God and it keeps our prayers from being answered. Revival can only come where there is true repentance from sin, and recognition of how evil sin is.

Revival will come to the Church in America, but it will be in the form of persecution and distress. Through the distress and persecution that the Church will face, many Christians will humble themselves and turn to God and repent from their unconfessed sin, which God is convicting them about. I have to repent from sin many times a day, whenever I feel convicted of it. And, each time I repent, God forgives me. He will do the same for anyone who turns to him and repents.

If we repent, God will forgive, and God will restore us to close fellowship with Him. But, we Christians need to feed ourselves from His Word so that our spirit will not be tempted with sin, and so that our spirit’s needs will be met. Jesus said in John 6:63 these profound words: “[63] It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”

God’s words are spirit and life. They are life to our spirit. The body, a physical entity, needs physical food. And, the spirit, a spiritual entity, needs spiritual food. The food for our spirits is the word of God, the Bible.

In Matthew 4:4, Jesus said: “[4] But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”

2. Why America must be judged

Sadly, America must be judged for all its wickedness and rebellion. It once brought the Gospel to the nations and it once promoted God, but it has rejected God, and has rejected the Bible, and has rejected the Ten Commandments, God’s eternal laws of moral living. And, sadly, the Church has allowed sin into its midst, and has embraced worldly things, and has become lukewarm.

We Christians need to consider the words of Jesus when He spoke to His disciples about how one cannot love both God and worldly things (mammon). In Matthew 6:24, Jesus said: “[24] No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”

If we love the ways of the world, we cannot love God. If we serve our fleshly nature and refuse to seek God’s will, we would not love God or be serving God. Not loving God is a scary thought. It means that we would love the world and would love God very little. Eventually, our love toward God would grow so cold that we would become like the Church of Ephesus mentioned in Revelation 2:3-5.

Revelation 2:3-5

“[3] And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. [4] Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. [5] Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.”

For the Lord Jesus to remove “thy candlestick” means that he would be removing His light and life from a former Christian, and he would be spiritually dead, cut off from God. That is the case with people such as Judas Iscariot, who betrayed the Lord Jesus in order to have money.

His love was more toward money than toward God. And, even though Judas felt some remorse over his sin, he did not repent. Instead, he hung himself because he couldn’t face the guilt of his sin, which he was unwilling to truly repent from. If he had repented, he would have been forgiven, and he would not have desired to commit suicide.

When Judas became one of the 12 disciples, he was a believer in Jesus and a follower of Jesus. Jesus did not make any mistakes. He did not choose someone who never loved him. He chose a man who served and loved God. But, Judas later became covetous and stole money. Money became his pursuit. And, for the sake of having more money, Judas betrayed the Lord Jesus.

Likewise, Christians can pursue their own goals and plans, or harden their hearts through sin, and by doing so would reject Jesus Christ. Such people may still speak as if they loved God. But, God knows their hearts. Jesus spoke of such people in Matthew 15:8: “[8] This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.”

When the people who were Christians turn from God toward idols, their evil influences will affect the non-Christians around them. The people who claim to be Christians will become more and more wicked in their hearts and actions, and the world will follow with them. That is the main reason why God will have to judge this country of America.

3. The sins that America has committed against God

Sub-sections:

3.1. Taking land from the Native Americans.

3.2. Oppressing the Jewish people.

3.3. Abortion.

3.4. Removing the Ten Commandments.

3.5. Promoting Hollywood and promoting immorality around the world.

3.6. Having a form of godliness but denying the power of God.

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3.1. Taking land from the Native Americans.

The original 13 colonies, which later became the United States of America, did not use guns and force to take their land from the Native Americans, for the most part. Most purchased their land from the Indians, but many of the colonies did not do right by the Indians.

The colony of Pennsylvania tricked the Lenape (Delaware Indians) into giving them more land than the Indians originally agreed upon in a treaty known as the “Walking Purchase” (“Becoming American”). They agreed to purchase only the land that a man could walk in a day and a half. But, the land surveyors were told to run in order to acquire more land. Though the Lenape submitted a number of formal complaints, they were never given back their land or any compensation (“Becoming American”). So, the “Walking Purchase” was a form of land theft.

Land theft did not stop there. It continued in the form of going back on treaties, taking land which did not lawfully belong to the United States, and even using force to move Indians off their land. The Dawes Act of 1887 caused 90 million acres of Indian land to be snatched up by the U.S. (Newcomb). This was against the will of the Native Americans, whose ancestors had lived on that land for hundreds of years, and much longer than the lifetime of the British colonies in America.

We could speak more about the terrible treatment of the Indians, such as the trail of tears, the genocides of Indians, the “Indian Wars,” and the racist and poor treatment of the Indians by the U.S. government and its citizens in the 1890s and earlier, but we will have to move on to the next point.

One thing to mention, the Bible teaches us that it is wrong to steal, and it is wrong to take someone else’s land without their consent and without fair compensation.

Deuteronomy 19:14 says: "[14] Thou shalt not remove thy neighbour's landmark, which they of old time have set in thine inheritance, which thou shalt inherit in the land that the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it." [Note: The landmark was a stone which demarked property lines. Moving it was a way of stealing land.]

Exodus 20:15 says: “[15] Thou shalt not steal.”

The U.S. broke these laws when it acquired Native American land without their consent and without fair compensation. To this day, there are Native American tribes which are trying every legal way available to have their ancestral lands returned to them, which had been stolen from their ancestors.

3.2. Oppressing the Jewish people.

In June 1939, the St. Louis, a German ocean liner, was turned away from America’s shores. It was carrying 937 passengers -- most of whom were Jewish, but the ship was turned away from the port of Miami and sent back across the Atlantic to Europe. Tragically, more than a quarter of the passengers died in the Holocaust (Gross).

The main reason they were turned away was the fear that many of the passengers could have been Nazi spies. However, historians today believe that the fear officials had in the 1940s that many refugees could actually be spies was overblown (Gross).

The persecution of Jewish people did not stop with WW2. In the years since, the U.S. government and various people within the U.S. and other countries have applied pressure on the country of Israel to divide their land and give the Palestinians more and more control. This pressure has made it very difficult for Israel.

But, the anti-Israel rhetoric at college campuses has been increasing since Israel became a recognized nation in 1948. Recently (in 2016), Arielle Mokhtarzadeh, a Jewish-Iranian student at the University of California, Berkley was deeply hurt by statements made at an annual Students of Color Conference. People at this conference were trying to justify the murder of Israeli civilians (Berteaux).

Arielle Mokhtarzadeh said:

“Over the course of what was probably no longer than an hour, my history was denied, the murder of my people was justified, and a movement whose sole purpose is the destruction of the Jewish homeland was glorified. Statements were made justifying the ruthless murder of innocent Israeli civilians, blatantly denying Jewish indigeneity in the land, and denying the Holocaust in which six million Jews were murdered.” (Berteaux).

She also said: “Why anyone in their right mind would accept these slanders as truths baffles me. But they did. These statements, and others, were met with endless snaps and cheers. I was taken aback.” (Berteaux).

Her mistreatment and the mistreatment of Israel is not an isolated case. In fact, anti-Semitic speech and incidents are increasing in frequency on college campuses in America. A study conducted in 2016 by the AMCHA Initiative, an organization that is against anti-Semitism on college campuses, learned that the amount of incidents where there was a suppression of Jewish student’s rights to assemble and have freedom of speech increased two fold in one year (Garrett).

Over a dozen events for Jewish students were interrupted by violent disruptions from protestors in 2016. Some of the schools where the violent disruptions occurred were Boston University, the University of Florida, and the University of Maryland (Garrett). And, hateful, anti-Jewish graffiti appeared on the walls of buildings on the University of California campuses, reading “Zionists should be sent to the gas chamber” (Garrett).

There is a promise in God’s Holy Word for the Jewish people. In Genesis 12:3, God told Abraham, the father of the Jews: “[3] And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”

God repeated this promise to Jacob (who God later called Israel). God made the promise to Jacob by way of his father Isaac. Isaac said to Jacob these words in Genesis 27:29: “[29] Let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee: be lord over thy brethren, and let thy mother's sons bow down to thee: cursed be every one that curseth thee, and blessed be he that blesseth thee.”

Those who curse Israel cannot be blessed by God. God will judge them if they don’t repent.

3.3. Abortion.

At least 58 million (and counting) babies have been killed since 1973, following Roe Vs. Wade decision (“Abortion”). These 58 million people could have had families of their own. It is a great tragedy that innocent lives are being taken each day because they are unwanted. God forbids killing innocent lives in Exodus 20:13: “[13] Thou shalt not kill.”

3.4. Removing the Ten Commandments.

Monuments and plaques containing the Ten Commandments have been removed from court houses and other locations across America. Removing the Ten Commandments is a sign of how America has cast God out of its life. By casting aside God’s laws, America is crossing into a place of judgment, where God will have to judge it for its sins.

3.5. Promoting Hollywood and promoting immorality around the world.

Hollywood movies are seen by people in nearly every country of the world. They have been translated into many languages for a large audience. Ever since its beginning, Hollywood has promoted that which God’s Ten Commandments forbid. Adultery, idolatry, coveting, murder, violence, theft, pride, cheating, disrespect to parents and authority figures, taking God’s name in vain, profanity, and many other sins are depicted and even promoted in Hollywood movies.

God cannot let such sinful things be promoted for much longer. He will call this nation into judgment for all its sins and for watching and promoting such evil deeds and ungodly films.

3.6. Having a form of godliness but denying the power of God.

According to an ABCNEWS/Beliefnet poll, 83 percent of adults surveyed, in the United States, identify themselves as “Christians” (Langer). That percentage includes cults, such as Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses. It also includes Catholics (which incorrectly believe that penances, partaking of the mass, and other works are needed for true salvation, and that Jesus Christ’s atonement isn’t enough).

Nonetheless, America claims to be a Christian nation, but if Americans do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and are not trusting in Him alone for salvation, they are not truly God’s children, and they do not truly know God. They may do some good deeds or many good deeds, but God sees the hearts of all men and women. He knows those who are His children. And, those who profess to be following God and reading their Bibles, if they do not follow the teachings of Christ and the New Testament, they are having a form of godliness, but they are denying the power of God. That means, those people are not God’s children.

 ➠ If you would like to know Abba God the Father and Jesus Christ (God the Son), and be saved from sin, click here to read more.

4. Why America cannot be restored, except on an individual level (Conclusion)

4.1. America has hardened its heart greatly against God.

4.2. America has defied God every time God has warned it.

4.3. America has chosen to cast God out of its life completely.

4.4. Destruction shall happen because of rebellion.

4.1. America has hardened its heart greatly against God.

The process of hardening its heart has been gradual over the course of many generations, but America has become very hardened by the 1970s when abortion was legalized. From 1930 up to 1967, the Hays Code was a standard that guide most Hollywood movies. Before that, movies often promoted blatant immorality since there were no guidelines for what could be shown. 

During the era of the Hays Code, movies could not portray immorality or anything that was deemed to corrupt the morals of the audience. But, times have changed since then and movies have promoted much evil. Things that were unthinkable have been portrayed in R-rated and PG-13-rated movies. But, the truth is that Hollywood, even during the years of the Hays Code, did not truly promote what God desires. 

In the older films, actors and actresses, who were not married to each other, would kiss each other, which is a form of adultery. Movies during the Hays Code era also portrayed occult powers, immodesty, and things God forbids in His Word. And, entertainment itself became an idol for much of America. 

Of course, today movies are much worse than they were fifty years ago. But, that fact does not excuse the evil found in the movies from Hollywood’s supposed “Golden Era” of film.

4.2. America has defied God every time God has warned it.

God has been calling out to this country for a long time. I believe the Vietnam War, economic problems, the attacks on the World Trade Center, the 2008 financial collapse, storms, hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, severe weather, and many other events were allowed by God to happen in order to get America’s attention.

The Great American Eclipse of 2017 was followed by Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico being hit by powerful hurricanes. And, the eclipse was followed by record-breaking fires and flooding in California. Also, the largest shooting in U.S. history took place in Los Vegas. Months later, record-breaking cold weather has reached much of the mainland U.S. during the winter of 2017-2018. 

Further ominous signs have appeared. North Korea is threatening to nuke the U.S. and is preparing a nuclear missile which can reach the continental United States. Not long after North Korea’s threat to nuke the U.S., Hawaii experienced a strange “false” alarm of an incoming missile threat. To make matters worse, Russia and China are very unhappy with this country and have prepared for the possibility of war with America. But, have the majority of Americans turned back to God after all this?  They haven’t.

4.3. America has chosen to cast God out of its life completely.

Since America has chosen to reject God’s warnings and pleadings to turn back to Him, America will face destruction on a scale never seen before. North Korea has expressed their desire to turn the mainland of the United States into “ashes and darkness.” (McCurry).

In September 2017, the North Korean government issued a statement which included this threat: “Let’s reduce the US mainland into ashes and darkness. Let’s vent our spite with mobilisation of all retaliation means which have been prepared till now." (McCurry).

Will North Korea be able to carry out their threat? Or will other nations attack America and destroy it? Or, will North Korea and other nations destroy this country? God has shown many people that a host of nations will attack and destroy America because of its great wickedness and because it is rebelling against God.

4.4. Destruction shall happen because of rebellion.

Because America has forsaken God and His ways, God will allow America’s enemies to conquer and destroy it. That is sadly what shall have to happen. There are some scripture verses which reveal what shall happen to America.

Deuteronomy 28:15 says: "[15] But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee:"

Deuteronomy 28:18 says: "[18] Cursed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy land, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep."

Deuteronomy 28:20-25 says:

"[20] 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.

21. The LORD shall make the pestilence cleave unto thee, until he have consumed thee from off the land, whither thou goest to possess it. 22. The LORD shall smite thee with a consumption, and with a fever, and with an inflammation, and with an extreme burning, and with the sword, and with blasting, and with mildew; and they shall pursue thee until thou perish.

23. And thy heaven that is over thy head shall be brass, and the earth that is under thee shall be iron. 24. The LORD shall make the rain of thy land powder and dust: from heaven shall it come down upon thee, until thou be destroyed.

25. The LORD shall cause thee to be smitten before thine enemies: thou shalt go out one way against them, and flee seven ways before them: and shalt be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth. 26. And thy carcase shall be meat unto all fowls of the air, and unto the beasts of the earth, and no man shall fray them away." [End quote]

Friends, if we have sin in our lives, we need to repent from it and turn back to God. 1 John 1:9, and 1 John 1:7, and Matthew 4:17 give us the answer for how to deal with sin.

Matthew 4:17 -- “[17] From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

1 John 1:9-10 – “[9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. [10] If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”

 1 John 1:5-8 says:

“[5] This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. [6] If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: [7] But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. [8] If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” [End quote]

America as a whole won’t be restored, but individuals certainly can be. Turning to God, who is the Light, will bring us deliverance from the devil’s snares and freedom from the power of sin. God greatly desires to know us in a personal way and be our personal, best Friend. Let us seek to know Him and forsake the ways of this world. By depending on God’s Holy Spirit and on the Holy Scripture, we will overcome the devil’s snares.

 ➠ If you would like to know Abba God the Father and Jesus Christ (God the Son), and be saved from sin, click here to read more.

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Works Cited

(“Abortion”) "Ghost abortions: the untold cost of abortions since Roe v. Wade." texasrighttolife.com. Texas Right to Life Committee Inc. (10 Feb. 2016).

(“Becoming American”) “National Humanities Center Resource Toolbox - Becoming American: The British Atlantic Colonies, 1690-1763.” nationalhumanitiescenter.org. National Humanities Center.

Berteaux, Anthony. In the safe spaces on campus, no Jews allowed." washingtonpost.com. The Washington Post. (15 Sept. 2016).

Garrett, Brianne. "Jewish students battle rising anti-Semitism on campus." college.usatoday.com. The Gannett Company. (3 Nov. 2016).

Gross, Daniel A. "The U.S. Government Turned Away Thousands of Jewish Refugees, Fearing That They Were Nazi Spies." smithsonianmag.com. Smithsonian Institution.

Langer, Gary. "Poll: Most Americans Say They're Christian." abcnews.go.com. American Broadcasting Company.

Newcomb, Steven. "The 1887 Dawes Act: The U.S. Theft of 90 Million Acres of Indian Land." indiancountrymedianetwork.com. Indian Country Today Media Network.