“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-4a).
I chose to stop at “weep” since I’m going to discuss “major turning points” in the downfall of a once great nation. But first I want to mention a recent development concerning Israel that just occurred on Tisha B’Av, the saddest day in the Jewish calendar. As I’ve previously pointed out, the destruction of both temples occurred, and many calamitous edicts have been issued against the Jewish people on this very day in history. Yet another edict has now been added to the list.
On Tisha B’Av (July 16), the European Union announced that they have officially redrawn Israel’s Borders to 1949 Lines. For the first time, the EU has formally forbidden trade with Israelis and Jews living and doing business in the lands liberated in the 1967 Six Day War. Israel’s relationship with the EU has now reached unprecedently, strained levels.
After a hasty and urgent meeting at his bureau, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a statement blasting the European Union over its decision. He said, “Israel will not tolerate external edicts on our borders.” Deputy Foreign Minister Ze’ev Elkin said that the EU decision is “very worrisome.” A senior source in Israel’s Foreign Ministry said that the new EU decision is dramatic, and can be called “a true earthquake.”
TURN! TURN! TURN!
In 1958, several parents filed a lawsuit over the following simple and gentle prayer that was recited in New York public schools:
“Almighty God, we acknowledge our dependence upon Thee, and we beg Thy blessings upon us, our parents, our teachers and our country.”
They claimed that this prayer violated their religious beliefs and their First Amendment rights, since the government, in their opinion, was establishing and promoting religion.
The state courts ruled that, since the prayer was voluntary, it was constitutional.
On appeal, the state’s ruling was: overturned by the Supreme Court. On June 25, 1962 it ruled that prayer in schools was unconstitutional. This was an abomination to many religious individuals and free-speech advocates.
Associate Justice, Potter Stewart, was the only dissenter. He argued that the majority had “misapplied a great constitutional principle” and could not understand “how an ‘official religion’ is established by letting those who want to say a prayer say it…I think to deny the wish of these school children to join in reciting this prayer is to deny them the opportunity of sharing in the spiritual heritage of our Nation.” A majority of the American public agreed with Stewart.
Some of you may remember the song, which was recorded that same year (1962) by Pete Seeger, “Turn! Turn! Turn!” (To Everything There Is a Season). The words to this song were taken almost verbatim from the Bible, in Ecclesiastes. Others may best remember the late 1965 version recorded by the Byrds that became an international hit.
Judy Collins and Pete Seeger together in the 60s singing “Turn! Turn! Turn!” (To Everything There Is a Season) www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BPcpYLyQJs
The Byrd’s perform the song on “The Ed Sullivan Show” (1965) www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpugLrjWFhQ
What did our founding fathers have to say regarding government and religion? Here is a sample:
“We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Our Constitution was made for a moral and religious people… it is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” ─President John Adams
“Do not let anyone claim tribute of American patriotism if they even attempt to remove religion from politics.” ─President George Washington’s Farewell Address to the Nation
“The First Amendment has created a wall of separation between church and state, but that wall is a one directional wall; it keeps the government from running the church, but it
makes sure that Christian principles will always stay in government.” ─President Thomas Jefferson’s address to Danbury Baptists
“It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists but by Christians; not on religion but on the gospel of Jesus Christ.”
─Patrick Henry
“Does the Flag Still Wave?” (If you haven’t seen this Hal Lindsey Report yet that he shows every July 4th holiday, it is a must see!)
Does the Flag Still Wave? Hal Lindsey Report on July 5, 2013 http://www.hallindsey.com
MONKEY SEE: MONKEY DO
In 1963 a state law banning the teaching of evolution was overturned. The following is from Satan’s War against God and Man’s Dark History by Henry Morris:
The founding fathers of our nation were practically all creationists, and our country was founded upon creationist principles built around laws, which were the laws of that Creator. Our early schools – not only religious schools, but also public schools taught creation when they first came into existence. But it wasn’t long before Unitarians such as Horace Mann and others got control of the public school system. And it wasn’t too long after that until John Dewey came along and established evolutionary humanism as the religion of our public school system and, with others of like mind, established the American Humanist Association with its humanist tenets. Since that time our nation and its schools, its courts, its media, just about our whole society, have been taken over by the evolutionary worldview. But the creationist worldview was our foundation.
The official stamp on the removal of God from this vital part of our society began the gradual removal of God from everything in this country. Regardless of which side of the fence you’re on concerning the issue of prayer in schools, there are indisputable facts that speak of a dramatic increase in crime, venereal disease, premarital sex, illiteracy, suicide, drug use, public corruption, and other social ills since prayer was discontinued. The following link contains the statistics:
What Happened When the Praying Stopped? www.forerunner.com/forerunner/X0124_When_America_stopped.html
MISEDUCATION IN AMERICA
“If a nation expects to be ignorant and free in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.” ─Thomas Jefferson letter to Colonel Yancey, Jan. 6, 1816
I don’t want to depress anyone here, but we must have informed citizens. Don’t expect the biased news stations to tell you what’s really going on in these end times. They would have you believe that things are looking up. But here are the facts (sources listed at the end of this article):
· Is the economy really in recovery? No. The highest number of people in the history of America use on food stamps (49 million), disability (14 million) or Medicaid insurance for the poor (76 million), 90 million able-bodied working age Americans no longer work.
· Why is the stock market up? Because all the money is spent to push the stock market up – but you owe it all back in debt. Your children’s future is being mortgaged.
· Why is housing up? An article on Counterpunch.org says, “Why are housing prices rising when the homeownership rate has dropped to its lowest level in 18 years? Banks are keeping more than 7 million homes off the market to reduce listings, create the illusion of ‘scarcity,’ and push up prices. Things aren’t really getting better at all; it’s a complete hoax. In fact, it might be the biggest charade of all time.”
· 53% of college graduates under age 25 are either unemployed or underemployed. still living at home. There are just no jobs in a socialist economy.
· The unemployment rate has supposedly dropped. Do you know why? So many dropped off the unemployment list forever. If you stop getting unemployment benefits, you’re counted as no longer unemployed.
· Nationwide, nearly one in three U.S. high school students fails to graduate with a diploma. The numbers get worse in the 50 largest U.S. cities where the rate is almost 50%.
· In the 1950s, things were much better when only one parent worked and one stayed home with the children. The reason they could do this was because taxes were much lower. Taxes now are the highest in history. Now the average person has to work at least 3 ½ months just to pay their taxes.
· Many are single parents with the woman being the only person in charge of the household. Most of these single women voted for the current administration. The people in trouble are voting for more trouble.
· America is a massive welfare state. Over 40% of the nation is dependent on government handouts of some kind–not counting the government’s administrators.
· Give your children a firm foundation built on biblical values. Teach them God’s Word so that they’re not conformed to this world, but their minds are renewed in Christ. Pray with your children daily.
· Students in public schools are being indoctrinated in socialism starting in grade school. Teachers and administrators have no control over this. The government wants followers, not leaders.
SOCIALIST MANTRA HIDDEN IN GRADE SCHOOL CHANTS
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2011/03/02/socialist-mantra-hidden-in-grade-school-chants/
SUBTLE SOCIALISM OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS
www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2841355/posts
Textbooks also offer students a sugarcoated view of Islam:
www.americanexperiment.org/publications/commentaries/many-texts-offer-students-only-sugar-coated-view-of-islam
I expect to see homeschooling banned soon in this country:
THIS ADMINISTRATION WANTS TO DEPORT CHRISTIAN HOME SCHOOL FAMILY
http://radio.foxnews.com/toddstarnes/top-stories/obama-admin-wants-to-deport-christian-home-school-family.html
What does socialism mean for America? – Slavery.
IMMIGRANTS WHO ESCAPED SOCIALIST COUNTRIES WARN THE U.S.
www.businessinsider.com/immigrants-who-escaped-socialist-countries-warn-the-us-2012-8
SOCIALISM’S THREAT TO AMERICA www.thequietconservative.com/Threatofsocialism.html
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1).
MOCKING GOD: HONORING SATAN
At the state capital in Austin, Texas just recently, both pro-choice and pro-life advocates were out in force. While anti-abortion activists gave speeches, pro-abortion activists chanted, “Hail Satan!” They’d been chanting this all day, but it took awhile to catch it on video. They continued to mock God as the pro-life group sang the hymn “Amazing Grace.” View the video at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvStORQUBtM
Unborn Babies Can Feel Pain: www.mccl.org/unborn-babies-can-feel-pain.html
I’ve covered the abortion issue before, but this blasphemous group has made me feel the need to repeat what the Holy Scriptures have to say about the beginning of a human life!
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you” (Jeremiah 1:5a).
“For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb” (Psalm139:13).
“My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them” (Psalm 139:15-16).
The Lord knew you and had a plan for your life before you were born. View: “Father’s Scriptural Love Letter,” accompanied by the song “Faithful Father” by Brian Doerkssen at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ui4PBXaUrI
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF THE ANTICHRIST
This may not be a surprise to some of you, but I just found out about it. Since 1980 a huge granite monument has stood on a high hilltop near Athens, Georgia. This monument represents the occult hierarchy that dominates our world in this end-time generation.
Depending on one’s beliefs, the monument has been referred to as The Georgia Guidestones, The American Stonehenge, The New Age Golden Rules, or The Ten Commandments of the Antichrist. I believe the latter title describes it best.
What is the true significance of this monument, and why is its message important? Because it confirms that the covert group who commissioned it to be built is intent on the following goals:
(1) Maintaining humanity under 500 million in perpetual balance with nature (requires
elimination of nine-tenths of the world’s population).
(2) Promoting environmentalism (the false green movement with its socialist agenda).
(3) Establishing a world government (This shouldn’t be a shock – New World Order).
(4) Promoting a new spirituality (One-World Religion, New Age Mysticism; The Occult).
Its design reflects the builders’ obsession with the alignment of the sun, moon and stars. Occultists often worship the alignment and movement of heavenly bodies as part of their ceremonies.
Radio Liberty: The Georgia Guidestones: www.radioliberty.com/stones.htm
The Ten Commandments Of The Antichrist: www.wnd.com/2011/02/265265/
HELLO BIG BROTHER – GOODBYE FREEDOM
In 2009 the late Bible scholar, Grant Jeffrey, knew what he was talking about when he wrote, Shadow Government: How the Secret Global Elite Is Using Surveillance against You.” Here is a quote from an interview he did:
“I guarantee you in another ten years, people as young parents are going to have to explain to their children what privacy actually was. It will be an ancient concept like the horse and buggy.”
It’s only been four years since he made that statement, and look what’s happened. But it is going to get worse.
Here is the link to that interview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6Bxj1HEpMY
Video: Big Brother, Big Data: www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3I8WmOQ_wA
He also warned about the false green/global warming movement and its real intentions, which is to form a socialist government: www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6Bxj1HEpMY
A Christian Response to the Green Movement
http://reformedresource.net/index.php/enviroment/74-a-christian-response-to-the-green-movement.html
BETTER OFF HOW?
We should pray for our leaders and submit ourselves to their authority, but they are to respect us as well. However, what if those leaders are ungodly? We must not go against God, regardless of who tells us to do so. An example can be found in the book of Daniel. Daniel obeyed any ruler placed over him until that ruler ordered him to disobey God. At that moment, when a choice had to be made between the world and God, Daniel chose God.
In such cases, here’s a prayer from the book of Psalms. “Let his days be few; Let another take his office” (Psalm 109:8).
On June 26, 2013, the Defense of Marriage Act was overturned. The Supreme Court ruled that this Act, which defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman, is unconstitutional.
Court Overturns DOMA
www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2013/06/26/195857796/supreme-court-strikes-down-defense-of-marriage-act
Our president gave a statement hailing the Supreme Court’s decision. He said, “I applaud the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down the Defense of Marriage Act. This was discrimination enshrined in law. It treated loving, committed gay and lesbian couples as a separate and lesser class of people. The Supreme Court has righted that wrong, and our country is better off for it…”
Nothing is better when you go against God! History bears this out – and it will continue to do so. By the way, same-sex marriage was just approved in the U.K. this week.
“You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination” (Leviticus 18:22).
Homosexuality: Nature or Nurture?
www.str.org/Media/Default/Publications/2013%2007%20Enhanced%20Solid%20Ground%20Final%20Nature%20or%20Nurture-1.pdf
I’m sure that most of us in these last days know, love and pray for someone that is gay. The following Scripture shows clear evidence that homosexuals can change, and that there is forgiveness for this sin and others, if they turn their life over to Christ.
“Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:9b-11).
Show them the following verse in Ezekiel: “Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you” (Ezekiel 36:26a).
The leader of this Obama nation promises that he won’t “force” churches to perform same-sex marriage ceremonies. What he’s alluding to here is that he has the power to force churches to perform marriages they deem offensive to God, should he desire to enforce it.
In his July 12, 2013 report, Hal Lindsey warned:
If you are comforted by his promise (not to do so), you shouldn’t be. Remember, only five years ago Obama said he opposed gay marriage. He went on to say, “The president spoke of striking a balance between religious rights and what he calls gay rights. But when you’re falling downhill this fast, balance becomes impossible.”
PRIDE GOES BEFORE DESTRUCTION
A ceremony was held at the Pentagon, which publicly celebrated openly homosexual service members. The event was sponsored by a group called, DoD Pride. DoD stands for Department of Defense. This group also sponsored a similar celebration in Afghanistan.
Chuck Hagel Celebrates LGBT Pride Month at Pentagon Event
http://www.metroweekly.com/poliglot/2013/06/chuck-hagel-celebrates-lgbt-pride-month-at-pentago.html
In the Military: Dod Holds 1st LGBT Pride Event in Kandahar, Afghanistan
http://www.wnd.com/2013/07/dod-holds-1st-lgbt-pride-event-in-kandahar-afghanistan/
What does the Bible have to say about people or nations who are sinfully proud? Here are just a couple of examples:
“Pride goes before destruction” (Proverbs 16:18).
“The loftiness of a man will be humbled…For the LORD of Hosts will have a day of reckoning against everyone who is proud and lofty” (Isaiah 2:11b-12a).
ENEMIES OF THE HUMAN RACE?
The word “atheists” now has a “politically correct” name. They’re to be called “brights.”
Listen to Hal’s July 19th report to hear similar ridiculous “politically correct” terms for other groups. But guess what? All these other groups have been given a soft and fuzzy “politically correct” title, except Christians.
Now, those of us who speak out for biblical morality have a new hate title that has recently been bestowed upon us by Supreme Court Justice, Antonin Kennedy: “Enemies of the human race.”
To quote Hal Lindsey again, who said it so well:
When you pray for your country, pray fervently for its new military, and weep for the fall that’s coming unless it repents. And while you’re at prayer, remember to pray for yourself and your children, because this is only the beginning of a new wave of persecution.”
IN CONCLUSION
Excerpt from The Western Center for Journalism: “Informing and Equipping Americans Who Love Freedom”:
The Bible, the Constitution, and 6,000 years of human adherence to the laws of nature and common sense regarding marriage have been dumped…Our morality and conscience were all that ever mattered. It is what kept families sacred and children safe; but now…those things have plunged to the place of no return.
The path to a nation’s demise and doom has been well-catered…but a confetti-strewn floor and a few straggling balloons, once the party is over, will hardly be an answer for a nation whose greatness was the most remarkable accomplishment of civil government in the history of the world.”
Western Center for Journalism: A Brand of Evil
http://www.westernjournalism.com/obamas-change-a-brand-of-evil/
“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty” (2 Corinthians 3:17).
God knows the end from the beginning. He warns us in His Word what to expect in the last days. We knew it was coming, and we know how bad it’s going to get. We await His promise to save us from the wrath that is to come upon this wicked world. We’re seeing it now up to a point, but this is nothing compared to the wrath that is going to be released upon the world during the Tribulation, especially during the last half of it.
“For behold, the Lord is coming out from his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity, and the earth will disclose the blood shed on it, and will no more cover its slain” (Isaiah 26:21).
I’m so looking forward to the day when He gathers us unto Himself. Still, I’m sad for those I haven’t been able to reach with the gospel, and I’m sad when I think about my country. I remember what America once was─before it was overturned.
Click on the following link to watch the images. Listen to children singing “My Country ‘Tis of Thee.” Remember America — and weep for the fall.