Many people are praying for America. If there ever was a time in the history of this nation when prayer was needed, it’s now. I love America and the freedom we once had to worship freely, work hard, and pursue happiness. But our Constitutional rights are being trampled on, and it seems we’re moving towards destruction.

America had its beginning when the Pilgrims fled their homes in order to enjoy religious freedom. Eventually, it became necessary to declare independence from the tyranny of England, a war was fought, and a Constitution was written which guarantees rights and limits government. Today, evil is strong, and Satan seems to be winning the battle for America. What’s causing this fall into destruction?

“Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34).

God is being rejected, and sin is being exalted; Godly values are laughed at, and sin is legalized.

I remember the United States from a more Christian time. When I was in 8^th grade, my class spent time before our Christmas break (not winter holiday) practicing songs like “Silent Night,” “Oh Come All Ye Faithful,” and “The First Noel.” On the final day of school before Christmas break, we went out into the community and sang these songs house to house. Today, we don’t want to offend anyone by saying Merry Christmas, schools teach evolution as fact, make it seem OK for Tommy to have two mommies, and ask transgender storytellers to read to our children, yet we ask God to stop the madness that’s gripping this nation.

God cannot be blamed for the evil that’s destroying this nation because His will is being rejected. Even professing Christians keep silent instead of demanding the government return to Biblical ways. This election was an IQ test, and America failed. Shame on us.

“And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God” (John 3:19-21).

Do you love the darkness of sin? We cannot live in both darkness and light at the same time. Christians must submit to God’s will and stand upon Biblical truth and moral values. If Christians don’t faithfully follow God’s will in these troubled times, then we can’t blame Him for the problems which are tearing America apart, as well as the entire world.

Nations rise and fall, and the history of America seems to be coming to an end. Why?

Whether you look to the Northern Kingdom of Israel which fell to the Assyrians, the Southern Kingdom of Judah which fell to the Babylonians, or America which is falling to the socialistic evil of the One-World Order, there’s a common thread: Rejection of God’s Laws. Worshipping false gods, practicing child sacrifice, and following man’s will instead of God’s will are sins that can only lead to destruction. The only thing that would have stopped the fall of Israel’s two kingdoms would have been a return to a right relationship with God. The same is true of America. There are many Christians who cry out to God for His mercy, but our voices are drowned out by many who just don’t care or who think this madness is normal.

“O LORD, how long, shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! Even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save! Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance? For spoiling and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and contention. Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth” (Habakkuk 1:2-4).

Can you feel Habakkuk’s anguish? Those words, written so long ago, seem fresh today.

God does listen. He hears our prayer and is willing to act, but we can’t have it both ways. We can’t have His blessings unless we repent and submit to Him. That’s what is missing today… repentance. How many Christians accept sin as a normal part of life? “One-night stands” are sin. Pornography is sin, even if it’s disguised as a movie or music. Abortion is sin. Homosexuality is sin. Why does it seem God isn’t listening? Our sin gets in the way.

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20).

Those words were written in a letter from Jesus to the congregation at Laodicea. They represent the final era of the “church age.” The people sitting in the pews are happy in their ignorance and are apathetic to God’s will. Jesus hasn’t stopped knocking on the door and waiting for each individual to invite Him in. That means turning away from the ways of the world. Will you answer His knock and submit your will to His?

There’s still time to repent before America completely falls. Many are praying for revival and for God to intervene, but it’s important to understand that prayer isn’t “magic words” where we tell Jesus what He will do. When we pray for God to make America great again, we need to repent of our sins, turn away from worldly ways, and submit to God’s will.

Those of us who study prophecy know that America isn’t a strong power at the end of days. God exists outside of time and has seen history in advance. He told us what will happen because He has seen it. What we do with that knowledge is up to us. By looking at the signs God gave us, we know that we are near the end of life as we know it. We can pray that God saves America, but unless we change our moral ways, we will be destroyed.

An example is found in the Book of Jonah. Nineveh was a city filled with wickedness. God notices things like that, but His desire is for repentance… even in a wicked Gentile city. He sent Jonah to preach to them.

“Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me” (Jonah 1:2). 

Likewise, God has seen the wickedness of America. Nineveh was the capital of Assyria, and the people were very brutal and sinful. Jonah was sent to preach repentance to Nineveh

“And Jonah began to enter into the city a day’s journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown” (Jonah 3:4).

What did they do? They repented and submitted their will to God’s will. Because they changed their ways, God spared them. There’s still time for America to reject the sin and wickedness that’s gripping this nation; there’s time to reject the evil leadership that will soon take office and lead us to destruction. Unless we submit our will to God’s, America will be destroyed. Brothers and sisters, don’t keep silent, but preach God’s. Unless our will is in line with God’s will, destruction will come very soon.

I have to admit that there are times that it feels as if God is far away and my prayers go out into space and aren’t heard. I’m not the first to feel that way, and I’m sure many Christians today feel the same.

“Why, standest thou afar off O LORD? Why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?” (Psalm 10:1).

The Psalmist goes on to describe how wicked people were behaving in a despicable way against people who were less fortunate and helpless to resist.

“Break thou the arm of the wicked and the evil man: seek out his wickedness till thou find none” (Psalm 10:15).

It’s tempting to pray that God will take vengeance against the people today who are leading America into destruction. On the other hand, that’s my will, not God’s. Jesus came into this world to give everyone the chance to repent and to find eternal life through His blood.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:16-17).

Salvation only comes through Jesus Christ, and only faith in Him can change the hearts of men… and women. That means politicians also have a chance to repent and change their ways. God doesn’t condemn anyone to Hell, but the unrepentant condemn themselves.

“He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:18).

Maybe instead of praying against the evil, we should pray for repentance and salvation of the evildoers. My will is that the wicked pay for their wickedness, but God’s will is that everyone comes to a saving faith in Jesus Christ.

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). 

The last election shows just how wicked and evil America has become. Christians know that this world isn’t our home, but while we live here, we need to witness to the lost and do what we can to share the Gospel. Only Jesus Christ can change hearts, but we need to speak His truth. It should be our will, as it is God’s will, that the lost should come to redemption the Jesus Christ.

We are rapidly moving towards the very end of time. Prophecy gives us the road map, and we are very close to the Rapture. Some of the events that God has foreseen are a little disturbing. For instance, America doesn’t seem to be named in the final years of history. Could it be that America is about to collapse? The destruction of Nineveh was avoided for a few years because they repented. God also gave Israel directions about avoiding judgment for their wickedness.

“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).

Can America avoid collapse?

America isn’t God’s chosen land; Israel is. Christian’s, though, are called by Christ’s name. We need to repent of our wicked ways, humble ourselves, seek God, and allow our will to be God’s will. Many people who claim Christ as their Saviour haven’t repented of their sin. Sexual immorality, abortion, choosing ungodly companions, etc., is not God’s will. Most people who are praying for America aren’t praying for repentance and forgiveness, and many don’t want to give up their own sin and wickedness. The end times are upon us, the Rapture is in the very near future, so don’t delay in repenting and turning from your own wickedness, and then share with others.

We know that God’s desire is for everyone to come to repentance, so praying “Thy will be done” is where we need to start. How can we expect God to bless America unless Americans turn from the wickedness of their own will and wicked intents? Stop living in opposition to God.

“The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD” (Proverbs 19:3). 

We tend to blame God for all problems, but it’s our own fault that sin abounds. My will or Thy will? Make sure you choose God’s will.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com

www.straitandnarrowministry.com

ron@straitandnarrowministry.com

Ron and Nathele Graham’s previous commentaries archived at https://www.raptureready.com/featured/graham/graham.html

All original scripture is “theopneustos,” God-breathed.

If you’d like to be on my mailing list to receive the commentaries, just drop me an email and let me know.

I often hear Christians say they hope there will be a revival soon. It would be great if there was, but if we don’t share the Gospel, there’s very little chance for revival. It’s easy to see that there are many people in this world who have no idea that they are in desperate need of salvation and who live in opposition to God. One day they will regret rejecting Christ’s free gift of salvation, but maybe they have never heard the Gospel. There are many Christians who go out on mission trips, but I’ve never heard any missionary who follows the example in the Bible. There are many examples in Scripture of how God’s truth is to be shared, and it might be a good idea to get back to the basics of evangelism. Share the Gospel.

“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

Paul is a good example of how missionary work should be done, but it seems modern missionaries haven’t studied Paul’s example. He shared the Gospel, and so must we. If you call yourself a missionary but spend your time helping to plant crops or build houses instead of preaching the Gospel, then you’re missing the point of missionary work. It’s good to help people live a more comfortable life, but that’s doing good works and not sharing the Good News with the lost.

One Thanksgiving Day many years ago, my father and grandfather were repairing the roof on my horse’s barn while the turkey cooked. Two young men stopped by and asked if they could help. Of course, their help was accepted and the young men were invited to share Thanksgiving dinner with us. These men were in training for the Peace Corp, and the tiny town I lived in was their training ground. Their help was appreciated, but their good works had nothing to do with serving God. Works should be a result of your faith in Jesus.

“If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?” (James 2:15-16).

Notice, James is talking about aiding a “brother or sister,” not non-believers. Mostly when Scripture speaks of doing good works, it speaks of helping fellow believers. As a widow on a very limited income, I can tell you that there are many things in my home that need repair, but I just cannot afford it. This past week, the congregation I attend heard of my need and helped me with some much-needed house repairs, and I am so thankful. I am a believer whose salvation is secure, but if I wasn’t a believer, having my handicapped ramp repaired and plumbing fixed would not bring me to salvation.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). 

Works might open a door to share the Gospel, but works alone are not sharing the Gospel. Only hearing the Gospel truth of salvation through Jesus Christ alone will bring salvation to a lost soul.

Scripture gives many examples of men called to share the Gospel. For instance, Peter was sent to an Italian centurion who was eager to hear the Gospel. It wasn’t easy for a Jewish man to associate with a Gentile, but Peter obeyed the Lord and found that God wanted the Gospel preached to everyone.

“The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

“And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be Judge of quick and dead. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins” (Acts 10:36-43).

Notice how Peter obeyed God and went to someone who he, by nature and tradition, would have avoided. He immediately began explaining who Christ was, gave a short testimony of what he had seen, confirmed Christ was risen from the dead, then told why Cornelius needed to come to Jesus… remission of sins. It was then that the Holy Ghost fell upon all who listened, and they gave their lives to Christ. What if Peter hadn’t boldly witnessed to them but had just started patching the room or hoeing the garden? Would Cornelius and his household ever have heard the Gospel? Maybe, but because Peter shared the Gospel, a group of people found salvation that day.

Another example of sharing the Gospel under unusual circumstances happened with Philip. He was directed by the angel of the Lord to go from Jerusalem to Gaza. Philip didn’t question this but immediately followed directions. There he found an Ethiopian eunuch who had been to Jerusalem to worship. This indicates he was Jewish by faith. This man was sitting in his chariot and studying Scripture. The eunuch was searching for God’s truth, but needed help in understanding what he read. There are many people today who have a bit of knowledge of Scripture, but need help in understanding.

“Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?” (Acts 8:29-30). That opened the door for Philip to explain. The eunuch was reading prophecy in Isaiah 53. “Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus” (Acts 8:35). 

Why don’t you turn there now and see if you can explain what it means. Because Philip had answers to this Ethiopian’s questions, a man found salvation that day.

“And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God” (Acts 8:36-37).

The eunuch believed in Jesus and was saved. The evidence of that belief was baptism. Praise God that Philip boldly shared the Gospel.

What is the Gospel? Pretend you’re witnessing to your neighbor. That neighbor is a nice person but very fearful of what they see happening all around. What would you say?

You might start by explaining that the events which are happening in the world today have all been prophesied in Scripture. Daniel has a lot to say about the end times, as do Isaiah, Ezekiel, Amos, and the other prophets. Prophecy confirms that God isn’t surprised by any event such as earthquakes, disease, or famine, war, etc. Explain what sin is and how it separates us from God, but God doesn’t want anyone to die without salvation. Prophets of old foretold the Messiah, and Jesus Christ fulfilled all of those prophecies. Only faith in His death, burial, and resurrection will bring remission of sin and allow eternal life with God. Your neighbor probably will claim to be “good enough,” but explain that even a little white lie is enough to disqualify a person from going to Heaven after death.

“Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus” (Romans 3:22-26).

Only faith in Jesus will take sin away. Admit you’re a sinner, believe the Gospel truth of Jesus, confess with your mouth, and give your life to Jesus. If you’ve sincerely done that, welcome to the family of God.

If you’re unsure of how to witness, you’re not alone. Very few pastors stress the importance of the Gospel. Sadly, there are some that teach false doctrine, saying that all roads lead to Heaven. If this is what you’re being taught, get out of that congregation and find a Christ-centered one that understands that every word of the Bible is God-breathed. Find one that understands that Scripture isn’t “politically correct,” but it is the highest authority we have.

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughtly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Your faith should show in your works, but only things done for Christ will last. Before you can share the Gospel with confidence, you need to be sure of what you believe. If your beliefs differ from what Scripture teaches, you need to change your view. Study Scripture in context, study all of it and don’t twist it’s meaning to fit your lifestyle. Then, share your faith.

Jesus told His disciples to “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:19-20).

Teach them what? The Gospel, of course… the Good News of salvation through Christ. Teach who He is and what He did. Tell them that His death, burial, and resurrection is the truth and must be believed in order to obtain salvation. Jesus Christ is the only way to the Father, period. Brothers and sisters, don’t be silent. Share the Gospel.

There are many questions today, and Christians hold the answer. Government regulations are attempting to silence us, but we need to speak boldly with confidence about Jesus and not stop fellowshipping with fellow Christians. All of the apostles faced prison and death because they shared their faith, but they wouldn’t be silenced.

“Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, who God hath given to them that obey him” (Acts 5:29-32).

This was in response to being told not to preach in Jesus’ name. Obey God, not man, and don’t be silenced. Share the Gospel with everyone you meet. The Holy Spirit gives you power, but you need to allow that power to flow through you.

People need to hear God’s truth before it’s too late. Don’t allow fear to silence you. Do good works in the name of Jesus, but mostly share the Gospel.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com

www.straitandnarrowministry.com

ron@straitandnarrowministry.com

Ron and Nathele Graham’s previous commentaries archived at https://www.raptureready.com/featured/graham/graham.html

All original scripture is “theopneustos,” God-breathed.

If you’d like to be on my mailing list to receive the commentaries, just drop me an email and let me know.