Error-Proofing Your Life - II

Keep It Simple

"A child of five could understand this. Send someone to fetch a child of five!" (Groucho Marx)

Paul the Apostle must've been a Groucho Groupie: "But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ." (2 Corinthians 11:3) Or was it the other way around? Sometimes I get my chronologies mixed up. Fortunately for me, the Christian life is attainable to a five year-old.

"Seven Steps to…” “Seven Habits of …” “Ten Principles of …” “A Systematic Approach to …” “Thirteen Keys to …” “Twenty-One Surefire Shortcuts to …” Consider this paradoxical book title: The Simplicity Survival Handbook: 32 Ways To Do Less And Accomplish More. Are you kidding me?! I feel like taking a nap!

Complexity is a common characteristic of false teaching; be leery of any teaching or theological framework that complicates the Christian life. The truth of God will astound you, but not because of its erudition or complexity. If you are looking for a theology that will turn you into a sophisticate, then the teachings of Jesus’ will disappoint you. If our theology doesn't work in the barrio, then we, like Mary, need to spend more time at Jesus' feet.

"Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:38-42)

Second only to the authority with which He delivered them, Jesus’ teachings were distinguished by their simplicity. Consider the Savior’s subject matter: birds, bread, candles, farmers, fire, flowers, grain, light, meals, rain, salt, seeds, sheep, shepherds, sowers, virgins, water, weather, weeds, wheat, widows, wind; not very esoteric, but certainly accessible to children and adults possessing childlike faith.

Compiled in one volume, Jesus’ teachings could be titled, “The Complete Idiots Guide to Following Jesus.” Were today’s Christian children’s book publishers unaware that Jesus’ teachings are in the Bible, they might pass over them as too dull for today’s video-game generation. Seminary scholars might grow bored in Professor Jesus’ Systematic Theology class:

"In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight." (Luke 10:21)

Apart from the grace of God, the Christian life would be impossible, but is not “rocket science.” If a 500-page book is needed to validate an idea, it should raise a red flag. Essential truths have been made unmistakably clear in the Scriptures, so clear in fact that it is easier for a “child of 5” to grasp them than for a mind drenched in knowledge. Here are some additional biblical references about simplicity:

"And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified … And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." (1 Corinthians 2:1-2, 4-5)

"For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power." (1 Corinthians 4:20)

"Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned." (1 Timothy 1:5)

"The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails—given by one Shepherd. Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them. Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body. Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil." (Ecclesiastes 12:11-14)

How can a “brainiac” be content with the childlike “simplicity that is in Christ?” By striving to know the source of all knowledge, God Himself. Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." (John 10:27)

Do you love theology, or literally, the “study of God?” Good. Just don’t forget Jesus words, "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." (John 5:39) Paul wrote, "whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away." (1 Corinthians 13:8) No amount of knowledge can satisfy or thrill the soul like knowing Him, hearing his voice and following Him.

Complexity accompanies pride and leads to unhealthy dependence on the source. When someone begins to complicate the Christian life, steer clear. If you are going to err, err in favor of simplicity.

© 2008 Seeds for Good Soil. (Revised 16 July 2008)

Error-Proofing Your Life - I

Two Essential Ingredients
(By William Cook)

And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God? … Ye therefore do greatly err. (Mark 12:24, 27)

The Sadducees held that there was no resurrection. How could they believe something so absurd? What factors contributed to their deception? Jesus said, “… because ye know not …” Here we see that deception begins with not knowing certain things.

The Lord spoke through Hosea, “My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge …” (Hosea 4:6a) Clearly, knowledge is important. But what kind of knowledge? Baseball statistics? The weather report? Financial trends? God didn’t say, “My people are destroyed because they don’t know what the morning newspaper says.”

The first essential ingredient that protects us against error is knowledge of scripture. Jesus said, “… because ye know not the scriptures …” Paul wrote to Timothy, “… from a child thou has known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation ..." (2 Timothy 3:15) Paul also wrote, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15) By implication, wrongly dividing the “word of truth” leads to shame and God’s disapproval.

One of my first Christian mentors, now an 83-year old "father in the faith," wrote to me recently:

"Years ago, we didn't have computers, videos or TV and we spent time in the Word. When I hold meetings and quote part of a scripture verse, most people can't complete it. In the 1940’s and 50’s almost everyone in our church could quote hundreds of scriptures. Oftentimes I deliberately misquote a scripture and no one catches it."

How sad. How dangerous! We need to be diligent in our study of scripture. A thorough, accurate knowledge of scripture is essential if we are to avoid the tsunami of deception that is coming on the earth in these last days.

By itself, knowledge of scripture is not enough. The second essential ingredient Jesus emphasized is knowing the power of God, “… because … ye know not … the power of God …” [from Greek, ‘dunamis’] Many people know the Bible very well but do not know or do not believe in the power of God. They can quote scriptures, but they are still in error because they deny the power of God.

Paul did not mince words; he wrote that the last days would be perilous, featuring men who display an external “form of godliness” but who are practical atheists with respect to the power of God.

"Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof … ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." [‘power’ from Greek, ‘dunamis’] (2 Timothy 3:1-7)

If we deny the power of God, then we do not believe Hebrews 13:8, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever." We will tend to adjust our theology to accommodate our lack of power and supernatural experience. This is why some Christians deny that spiritual gifts, healing and miracles still happen today. Imagine Jesus telling his disciples "greater works than these shall [ye] do," (John 14:12) then in the next breath, "but make the most of it because after you guys go home to be with the Lord, miracles will cease" or, "After the canon of scripture is complete, miracles won't be needed anymore." How foolish. How heretical! We need the power of God more now than ever!

Error-proofing our lives requires two essential ingredients – knowing the scriptures and knowing the power of God. If either of these is missing or lacking, we are susceptible to error.

Prayer

Lord, create a deep hunger in me for your Word, for man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. Show me Your power and glory.

© 2008 Seeds for Good Soil (Last updated 05 July 2008)

The Lakeland Outpouring – I

The Gospel, Repentance and Holiness

(By William Cook)

To what, then, can I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to each other: 'We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not cry.' For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, 'He has a demon.' The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.' But wisdom is proved right by all her children. (Luke 7:31-33)

What is commonly referred to as “The Lakeland Outpouring” or “Lakeland Revival,” began on April 2, 2008, 93 days ago as of this writing. The meetings are being broadcast live every night on God TV to over 240 nations. The central figure in the revival is an unlikely character -- a 32-year old, tattoo-dipped, eighth grade-educated, Canadian evangelist named Todd Bentley who claims to have experienced angelic visitations, visions and “words from the Lord.” (http://www.freshfire.ca/)

In May 2008, my wife, Judy, and I spent four days in Lakeland. We have also been watching the meetings every night live on God TV. This is the first in a series of blog entries about what I have seen first-hand, not a YouTube clip or someone else’s limited second-hand account.

In less than three months, what initially began as a 5-day series of meetings rapidly outgrew the 700-seat Ignited Church in Lakeland and then the nearby 8,000-seat Lakeland Center Arena. On June 10, meetings were moved to a newly-constructed 10,000-seat tent erected at Lakeland's Linder Regional Airport. Thousands of hungry souls from around the nation and the world continue to stream into Lakeland to receive a fresh impartation of the Holy Spirit. Revival is spreading to several other nations and to cities in America.

In less than three months, many Christian theological "watchdogs" have already rejected Todd Bentley as an heretic and Lakeland as a counterfeit move of God. It is as if Lakeland offers a “cause célèbre," a "discernment ropes course" to foster team spirit among "false doctrine police." Since so many seem to have an opinion, tossing my “needle into the haystack” shouldn't poke any other tush in the scrum.

At a time when the Church is in such desperate need of revival and a fresh move of God’s Spirit, I am amazed at the level of "fluting" and "dirging" I am hearing in response to Lakeland. I wonder if Bentley's critics would respond as graciously as he has to the scrutiny, criticism (and death threats, I might add) that he has received?

Are the Gospel, repentance and holiness being preached?

Contrary to some reports, the unvarnished Gospel of Jesus Christ is being proclaimed and demonstrated in Lakeland. Repentance and the need for personal holiness are also being taught and countless numbers are dedicating or rededicating their lives to Jesus Christ. Some are openly confessing sin before a live international audience. Alcohol, drug and sexual addictions are being broken.

Consider Todd Bentley's words in his May 20, 2008 message on repentance:

But what brings you into mercy (and compassion) is repentance. So, when you see repentance, you see mercy. And what do you see when you see mercy? Healing! Repentance, mercy and healing!—which is why I believe that repentance is the most beautiful thing in the Bible—it always brings you into a miracle. The word repent means—to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one’s life; to change one’s mind, and to bring forth fruit worthy of repentance (Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary; Matt. 3:8). Genuine repentance is such a radical change in the life of a person that when you look at their character afterwards, you see fruit worthy of repentance. You can tell that something has happened!

Consider Todd Bentley's words in his May 26, 2008 message on repentance:

I believe today God wants us to return to Him. Before mercy and healing, I believe God is saying “I want repentance.” Maybe the Spirit of God has touched the attitude of your heart. Maybe you’ve seen something in your spirit, something that’s been there and God wants to just cleanse the core of your heart.

Does every message in Lakeland make explicit mention of the need for “repentance?” Did the Son of God mention the need for repentance in every one of His teachings? For those who advocate a "seeker friendly" paradigm, are sin and repentance preached in your church every Sunday? Should there be more emphasis on the need for repentance in Lakeland? Perhaps; but give it more time!

Oh Pharisee, Pharisee! The Church in America has needed revival for years. Lakeland began only three months ago. Maybe the Father doesn't want to emphasize sin right now as much as He wants to restore people’s faith that He's actually alive in the Church, not an "opiate of the masses," "God is dead," placebo, fairy tale character like Santa Clause or the Easter Bunny! Maybe he wants to convince the unconvinced of His great love for them by healing them -- even before they are believers!

Many in the Church have reacted "reflexively" to Lakeland, focusing mostly on apparent oddities and things they do not understand, largely ignoring the wonderful things God is doing there. If the American Church is not careful how we steward what God is doing in Lakeland, we could miss out on a visitation from God. Not possible? Jesus wept over Jerusalem because they missed the day of their visitation; they missed Him! (Luke 13:34-35)

How can we capriciously dismiss what God is doing when hundreds, if not thousands are making decisions to follow Jesus Christ? Instead of criticizing, why not find a way to encourage and nurture what God is doing? How can we pray, offer support or, if needed, correction? How can we encourage a shift in emphasis if it is needed? How did Priscilla and Aquila handle misguided Apollos? (Acts 18:26)

While the Church armchairs Lakeland, holding out for the “perfect revival," (How long have we been holding out?) the nation is burning to the ground. Endlessly parsing everything that is said or that happens in Lakeland is a convenient diversion. America is about to be shaken so hard that we may not recover.

If Lakeland is not a move of God, then we need to find the alternative and find it quickly. If repentance is Revival's historical distinctive and we aren’t doing it, let’s get to it. What is stopping us? If we know the word of God well enough to winnow goings on in Lakeland, then we know it well enough to winnow our personal lives.

© 2008 Seeds for Good Soil (Revised 03 July 2008)

John the Bamtist

I believe the Lord gave me the “parable” below in response to the skepticism and animosity that many in the Church have expressed toward Todd Bentley and the revival that is taking place in Lakeland, Florida. It is written from the perspective of skeptical onlookers offering their take on what is happening. For more information, go to http://www.freshfire.ca or http://www.revivallakeland.org.

A group of seven Jerusalemites were walking back to the city one day commenting on the ministry of John the Baptist. "Look," Adonijah the Priest said, "I know that large crowds are going out to hear that wild man. People claim to be getting saved and healed? But don’t let that fool you."

"Yea," Benaiah the Rabbi retorted, "It's a little strange that this guy lives out in the desert by himself. Even when no one is around, he stands out there and preaches into the sky. There’s a synagogue on every corner; if he wants to be heard, why doesn’t he just preach in the synagogues?"

Hanna couldn't resist, "I know God doesn't want us judging others by their outward appearance, but his outfit is shocking! Couldn’t he wear some decent clothes? Why he killed and skinned a camel and now he’s wearing the skin; no underwear I might add. He’s so unkempt. His mangy hair is down to his shoulders. Wouldn't a more clean-cut appearance make him more appealing to normal people? Whatever became of 'becoming all things to all men' to win them?"

"Don't forget his disgusting diet," Leah chimed in. "He eats bugs alive and robs beehives. I’ve seen him pick up a grasshopper, pop it in his mouth, and chomp down on the nasty thing. The thought of bug juice splattering in my mouth makes me gag. I’m surprised he hasn’t gotten some kind of stomach disease!"

"Everyone says he's preaching repentance and people are turning to God, but that's not enough for me," Adonijah said. "Have you noticed who is attracted to him? Ignorant and uneducated fundamentalists. You just wait. I’ve seen his kind before. He’s just baiting them. Once he wins everyone’s confidence, he’ll begin to introduce the false doctrine. When he does, I’ll be there to call him out."

"His message is over the top," Mered the Scribe asserted. "He claims to be the fulfillment of Isaiah 40. Says he’s the 'voice of one crying in the wilderness.' Isn’t that a role reserved for the forerunner of Messiah? I’ve read Isaiah 40 and this guy’s no forerunner. I’m concerned that he’s setting people up for disappointment."

Saul, the Ruler of the Synagogue, couldn't hold his peace, "When the senior pastors go to check him out, he becomes defensive and demeans them. Why he even called them a 'brood of vipers' and insulted their heritage. He insinuated that they needed to escape God’s wrath; they're pastors for heaven's sake! Then he embarrassed the hell out of the mayor by calling him out for commiting adultery with his brother’s wife, right there in front of everyone! Wouldn’t he catch more bees with honey? Each of those pastors has a Ph.D. and he doesn’t even have a high school diploma. What does he know?"

Naomi chirped, "He baptizes people in the polluted Jordan. Doesn't every synagogue in Jerusalem have a clean baptismal pool? People are going to get dysentery if they ingest any of that water."

Adonijah offered final comment, "I know I’m being a little picky, but every time someone comes up out of the water, he lays his hands on them and shouts, 'Bam!' and 'Sheeka Boom Bah!' I’m steering clear of this guy. This just isn’t for me."

Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are, that no flesh should glory in his presence. (1 Corinthians 1:25-29)

© 2008 Seeds for Good Soil (Last updated 30 June 2008)

The End of America - Part II

1962 – US Supreme Court (SC) ends prayer in public schools.
1965 – SC grants married couples the right to use contraception.
1972 – SC grants unmarried couples the right to use birth control.
1973 – SC, in Roe v. Wade, legalizes abortion on demand.
1977 – SC grants minors the right to use birth control.
2003 – SC strikes down a Texas law banning sodomy.
2003 – MA Supreme Judicial Court legalizes gay and lesbian marriage.
2008 – The CA SC rules that homosexual marriage is legal.

20?? – American economy enters second “great depression.”
20?? – Europe burns as Muslim riots break out in every major city.
20?? – France elects first devout Muslim Prime Minister.
20?? – France's Muslim PM declares France a Muslim country.
20?? – USA embraces Sharia as a basis for trying Muslims in court.
20?? – England embraces Sharia as a basis for trying Muslims in court.
20?? – Muslims take a majority of seats in British Parliament.
20?? – England is officially declared a Muslim country.
20?? – Germany is officially declared a Muslim country.
20?? – Russian government is overthrown in Islamic revolution.
20?? – Washington D.C. is obliterated by a terrorist nuclear weapon.

This is the second of two blog entries that culminate in a dire prediction about the future of America if the Church does not wake up and America does not turn back to God. As stated previously, America and the Church are in a spiritual and moral "state of emergency." Spiritual "air raid sirens" have been sounding for so long that they have become more "background noise." Our nation is decomposing from within. The glory has departed. Our national rebellion against the light and truth continues to increase and ferment and God has decreed destruction upon our land.

God has given America over to the lie of “multiculturalism” which energizes our rapid cultural transformation from a predominantly Christian society, to a melting pot of false, and in many cases, occult belief systems and religions, religions that import demonic influence and spiritual oppression, not to mention a divine curse (Galatians 1:8,9). A national landscape once dotted with neighborhood churches is increasingly dotted with Mosques and Hindu temples. According to a 2001 ARIS study, “The fastest growing religion (in terms of percentage) [in the United States] is Wicca, a religion that is sometimes referred to as Witchcraft. Numbers of adherents went from 8,000 in 1990 to 134,000 in 2001. Their numbers of adherents are doubling about every 30 months.”

God is giving America over to vile affections. (Romans 1: 28-32) At every level, our educational institutions have become indoctrination centers promoting every kind of deviant sexual behavior. Our courts have mounted a full assault on the traditional family, sanctioning sodomistic marriage, thus defecating on the seminal reflection of God’s glory on the earth, marriage union between one man and one woman. The night before their city became a "smoking hole," the men of Sodom surrounded Lot's home, demanding to sodomize his angelic visitors. In like manner, even in the so-called "Church," mainline denominations have trampled that which is holy by sacramentalizing homosexual marriage and ordaining practicing homosexuals. As the people of Sodom and Gomorrah discovered, this is a final flashpoint in a society's progression toward complete extermination.

Some will be offended when I say 9-11 was merely a warning shot. Americans watched in horror as people jumped hundreds of feet to their deaths in what became their "the end of the world." When the World Trade Center towers fell we should have known then that the hedge protecting our nation was seriously compromised. In His mercy, God allowed 9-11 to wake the Church and our nation; some are waking up, but for the most part the collective yawn smacks of Job's sons-in-law:

And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons in law, which married his daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for the LORD will destroy this city. But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law. (Genesis 19:14)

Like those who abandoned themselves to gravity on 9/11, will the Church take drastic steps to save our nation? Or, will America continue to abort her divine destiny and, like the WTC towers, crumble into an ash heap of history?

Unless widespread, pervasive revival comes to the Church and our nation, I believe America is finished. The years ahead will be characterized by a series of withering “birth pangs” that will grow in frequency and intensity. America will be hit by apocalyptic events from which we will not be able to recover. Even if America turns to God wholeheartedly, I am not optimistic that it will do more than delay the judgement of God to a later generation.

I know much of what I have written will be dismissed. Others will nit-pick or find fault with my emphasis. If our hope is in Jesus, then He will comfort our hearts. He has promised us a Kingdom that can’t be shaken.

Prayer

God wake us up!

© 2008 Seeds for Good Soil (Revised 13 June 2008)

Stop Dog Abuse!

Television, radio, editorials, the Blogosphere, from the barroom to the bistro, from the clubhouse to the corporate “watering hole,” the outcry is unanimous. The verdict is in. Michael Vick’s dog fighting cruelties are unforgivable. According to a Gallup Panel survey, 58% of NFL fans believe Michael Vick should never play professional football again. 86% believe he should spend time behind bars. (Source: http://www.galluppoll.com/)

As we armchair the NFL superstar’s case in the court of public opinion, however, we would do well to telestrate our own distemper over the matter. Allow me to offer my own color commentary.

If Michael Vick operated an abortion clinic for unwanted canine pregnancies, would there be more outrage than there is over the thousands of unborn human babies aborted in our society every day? And, what if some of the bitches got damaged by the abortion procedure? Would society take more notice than it does over the thousands of women’s lives that are physically and emotionally scarred as a result of sacrificing their babies to abortion?

Our society has become a literal “dogtopia.” We have dog resorts, dog salons, dog modeling, dog superstores, dog manicures, dog psychologists, dog whisperers, dog insurance, dog adoption services, dog hotels, and dog abuse police. We read, “Dog Fancy Magazine,” “Good Dog Magazine,” “Urban Dog,” “Dog World,” “Modern Dog Magazine,” “Show Dog Magazine,” “Lucky Dog Magazine,” to name a few. Who gets better treatment, dogs or unwanted unborn babies?

Stay with me; I’m not yanking your chain. If you are chasing your tail over the absurdity of abortion services for dogs you have completely missed my point. Heel! I have a few more bones to throw your way.

The aborted babies of this generation will rise up in the judgment against a society that incarcerates men for cruelty to animals but yawns over the slaughter of millions of innocents. Far-fetched? Hardly. Jesus said,

The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now one greater than Jonah is here. (Matthew 12:41)

I wonder if society’s growls against dog abuse will be rebroadcast at the judgment, self-recriminating evidence against a backdrop of deafening silence over abortion. Absurd? Jesus said,

For by YOUR WORDS [emphasis added] you will be acquitted, and by YOUR WORDS [emphasis added] you will be condemned. (Matthew 12:47)

When America’s response to dog abuse is measured against our national disposition toward abortion, our nation has been “weighed in the balance and found wanting.” (Daniel 5:27) There is little hope for the future of any society that howls against animal abuse, but is silent in defense of the defenseless. If we are not careful about what we condemn, we may end up as witnesses against ourselves on the final day.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, Help me speak in defense of those who can’t speak for themselves. Do not let me not grow cold regarding anything You treasure. Help me to measure injustice according to Your Kingdom priorities. Let Your Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.

© Copyright 2007, Seeds for Good Soil. (Created September 1, 2007)

The End of America - Part I

1962 – US Supreme Court (SC) ends prayer in public schools.
1965 – SC grants married couples the right to use contraception.
1972 – SC grants unmarried couples the right to use birth control.
1973 – SC, in Roe v. Wade, legalizes abortion on demand.
1977 – SC grants minors the right to use birth control.
2003 – SC strikes down a Texas law banning sodomy.
2003 – MA Supreme Judicial Court legalizes gay and lesbian marriage.
2008 – The CA SC rules that homosexual marriage is legal.

20?? – American economy enters second “great depression.”
20?? – Europe burns as Muslim riots break out in every major city.
20?? – France elects first devout Muslim Prime Minister.
20?? – France's Muslim PM declares France a Muslim country.
20?? – USA embraces Sharia as a basis for trying Muslims in court.
20?? – England embraces Sharia as a basis for trying Muslims in court.
20?? – Muslims take a majority of seats in British Parliament.
20?? – England is officially declared a Muslim country.
20?? – Germany is officially declared a Muslim country.
20?? – Russian government is overthrown in Islamic revolution.
20?? – Washington D.C. is obliterated by a terrorist nuclear weapon.

This is the first of two blog entries that culminate in a dire prediction about the future of America if the Church does not wake up and America does not turn back to God. America and the Church are in a spiritual and moral "state of emergency." Spiritual "air raid sirens" have been sounding for so long that they have become more "background noise." Our nation is decomposing from within. The glory has departed. Our national rebellion against the light and truth continues to increase and ferment and God has decreed destruction upon our land.

Over 40 million in utero American citizens have been murdered since January 22, 1973 as a direct result of the most self-immolating Supreme Court decision in our nation's history, Roe v. Wade. The blood of the innocents cries to God from the ground while their murdered souls cry out in heaven, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, doest thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth.” (Revelation 5:10) Lawmakers, political activists, educators and lobbyists demand the “right” to continue the slaughter. Our future has been euthanized and our nation is cursed with a curse.

The Church yawns in the face of the slaughter. Professing Christians vote, and in some cases even campaign, for political candidates who are committed to the prenatal holocaust. As the unborn are herded into abortion boxcars outside her doors, a disregardful Church implores God for a fresh outpouring of His manifest presence.

Abortion is rarely spoken of from Western pulpits except, perhaps, once each year on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade. In many cases, Church leaders resist those would marshal fellow church-goers to action. Parishoners who advocate speaking out are treated with passive disdain. Mainline Christian denominations have even joined the fight for a woman’s "right" to kill her baby at any time for any reason.

According to a 1994-1995 Alan Guttmacher Institute survey of 10,000 abortion patients, one in five women having abortions are “born-again” or evangelical Christians. If you think the date of the Guttmacher study weakens its findings, ask yourself, “Could it be much better fifteen years later?” How much better would be better enough? Worldwide, Muslims have lower abortion rates than Christians.

How can we expect God to pour “latter rain” upon our churches when we are ambivalent about the murder of His babies? If the Salt of the Earth does not speak prophetically into our culture, who will? If God calls us to seek the good of the nation He has placed us in, then we have a responsibility to speak out forcefully. In a society that protects freedom of speech, we are without excuse.

Instead of embracing God’s command to “be fruitful and multiply and subdue the earth,” (Genesis 1:28) our nation has opted for a convenient, undisrupted existence with two-designer-children-families. Sadly, large Christian families are often viewed as aberrant within the Christian community. I can’t begin to count the number of times I’ve heard Christian couples blithely pronounce, “We’ve had our two and we’re done.”

Abortion, devaluation of children, and a concomitant decline in birth rates have left America with an aging society that will soon collapse under the weight of the entitlements it demands from shrinking younger generations. To “quick fix” the looming demographic and economic crisis, we, like Western Europe, have flung open our borders without demanding that would-be “citizens” fully embrace our language, culture, history, political system, and yes, religious values – Christian values that define us and that have made us the great nation that we are.

If America does not repent of the sin of abortion, our future is bleak indeed.

Prayer

God wake us up!

© 2008 Seeds for Good Soil (Revised 13 June 2008)