So one would think judging from the fear, anxiety, terror, hatred, venom, bitterness, and doom and gloom being expressed by many elements of the American church. Every place I look online, and Christians in America that I talk to, are in an absolute panic over the election.
Lets say the very worst happens - on January 20th Sen Obama walks out for his inauguration in African tribal garb with black storm troopers and after his swearing in (on the Qaran) immediately declares martial law and the coming introduction of Sharia law. He orders the immediate closure of all Christian churches and the killing of all imperfect new borns. He follows that up by announcing that Osama Bin Laden is being called in as a special advisor on the transition to making America into a Muslim state.
Well, you get the idea.
The question is- 'Will God be dead?' "Will His church survive?'
God's children through the years have endured Pharaoh, Nero, Hitler, and many others.
What is it that people are so afraid of? Losing their comforts? Losing their prestige and status? Becoming hated and despised by the world? Isn't that where the church is told it will be in the New Testament? Do we ever read a single time in God's word where we are going to be controlling or even accepted by society around us?
Is the fear over what Peter writes in 1 Peter 3v14-18?
IF (and I am not so sure of the fact) persecution is coming, should the American church not be counting it as 'all joy?" (James 1v2) and be willing to take it patiently (1 Peter 2v20)? After all, when the church goes through persecution we are being blessed by the privilage of following in His steps (1 Peter 2v21). Has the church forgotten 2 Timothy 1v12 - 'For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day. '?
Did God die last week?
Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by NaasPreacher (C4K), Nov 13, 2008.
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Crabtownboy Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
I have been told that Christian churches in the Baltic States are in a crisis. Why? Because they are no longer being persecuted. They lived so long with persecution that now they feel they must be dong something wrong because there is no perseuction. -
I would add that for some reason, American Christianity, believes that the church rises and falls based on what happens in the US. But God does not need the United States of America. -
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Crabtownboy Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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From my vantage point, I would concur with 4His_glory also
Many believers here in the US have mixed/mingled US politics with the church----we bend & twist 2Chronicles 7:14 every which a-way to make it apply to the United States and there are "givens" in the church here in the US who worship the military as if King David himself were Commander-in-Chief---------some get the idea that the White House is New Jerusalem or something and that we just "gotta have" a Christian president who goes to church Sunday morning, evenings, and again for Wednesday Prayer time and Bible Study
I have to remind my church over and over again that the church exists even beyond "Sea to shinin' Sea"---and that the four corners of the earth stretch out beyond the city limits of New York City on the east, San Francisco on the west, Buffalo, NY on the North and Corpus Christi on the south
America is not in real big trouble because "we" believe we have the wrong President---------we are in trouble when "we"(the church) believe that the US is part of God's Paradise
Blackbird -
God has placed Obama in the White House for reasons known only to Him, and we are commanded to pray for our leaders. (I Timothy 2), but keep our eyes peeled, too (2 Peter 2:17-19, Psalms 28:4).
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Yea Yea Yea, God is still on the throne, and his kingdom will be established without help from PONTUS or any other king of this world.
What I am hearing is that persecution is good and we should all be happy.
Well forget that :{
My anxiety and sorrow over our political state has nothing to do with the state of my soul or of God’s kingdom.
But I still mourn the loss of what was not only a great country but a great voice for Christ in this world. How many around the world heard the gospel because of the United States? How many missionaries, C4K, were and are supported by American Dollars? And when the Dollar goes in the tank vs. the Euro how many missionaries on the field suffer today?
The seat of Christianity has moved before and will move again. A couple thousand years ago it was missionaries from Jerusalem and Antioch that took the gospel to Rome. Missionaries from Rome brought it to Europe. Missionaries from Europe once served on the field of the American Colonies. British missionaries carried the gospel to Africa, India, and China. I have no doubt that the day will come when missionaries from the Philippines or somewhere else will outnumber those supported by the United States.
But I still mourn the loss of what once was. Did Israel not mourn when Jerusalem fell? Do you think Daniel rejoiced when taken away?
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Thinkingstuff Active Member
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I didn't get any memo, saying that God had died, so I will assume He has not done so. :rolleyes:
Ed
P.S. Seriously, I would offer that it appears that God has allowed the United States, as a nation, and for His own reasons, to have the one we collectively wanted as our "king" just as He allowed this to Israel during the time of the Judges.
IMO, the only time one could reasonably make the argument that this did not happen during my own lifetime of more than 60 years occurred in 1948, with the election of President Harry S Truman, over Gov. Thomas E. Dewey. -
People are panicking because they bought into the "what God does for me" gospel and now they are seeing the visible Judgement of God on us and they have no idea what it is or how to react to it. It is all our fault, if the WHOLE word of God had been presented to the Church, we would have this and much more coming.
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What are people afraid of? I'm surprised it isn't obvious. Some of us see the destruction of our free society bearing down upon us and mourn for our children's sake. Everything our forefathers have fought and died for is now up for "interpretation" by liberals who want to stomp out our freedoms. I don't know about you, but I don't want to live in a country overrun by godless, vile persons who want to force homosexuality on us. It is heartbreaking to see what was once a "Christian" country so consumed with evil that even people claiming the name of Christ no longer mourn at sin.
I want to rip my clothes and scream and cry the way the prophets did in the old testament, when they saw the evil and destruction coming. I suppose some would also consider them paranoid and bitter, too.
Yes, God is still on the throne. But that doesn't mean we should just roll over and play dead when we see our nation going to heck in a handbasket!
Have we not learned anything from history? -
Crabtownboy Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
So you now see how I have felt, not the last 8 years, but the last 5 years.
I do think your comment on homesexuals is not supportable. -
So yes we should be happy. I appeal to Peter:
13 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” 15 But sanctify 5the Lord God in your hearts, and always vbe ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
BTW the idea of blessedness, if I am not mistaken is happiness. Their is joy in suffering for Christ.
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If you do not believe me about the homosexuals, take a look at Martin's thread in the new's forum "the wicked show their true colors." Then match what you see with Obama's own words about homosexuality and abortion. Remember, when he get's into office, both the House and Congress have a liberal majority and he is in agreement with the liberals. The stage is set for major damage. -
Crabtownboy Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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I do know that he believes abortion and homosexuality are ok, and he is currently seeking advice from a g@y clergyman. -
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