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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: QUESTION (S) (05/30/19)
IS GOD JUDGING AMERICA?
The question is posed: Are all the disasters we are experiencing in America a sign of God’s judgment on us? Or is the Lord God Almighty calling His people to repentance? Floods crossing multiple state lines, fires burning out of control for extended periods, tornadoes ripping across borders are only a few of the “natural” disasters plaguing our nation. Some say God has had enough and is inflicting well-deserved punishment on us. Others say a good and loving God would never do that. Still others say we are a good nation and don’t deserve punishment. How should we respond? How can we know?
First, let’s examine ourselves. Let’s compare ourselves only to His standard. Are we walking with God right now? Do we love Him with our whole hearts, minds, souls and strength? And do we love your neighbors as ourselves? Are we as good as God is? Recall that Jesus said, “None is good, save One, that is, God.” 1
Have we taken His Great Name in vain? Do we keep the Sabbath holy? Have we slandered our neighbor? Thought lustful thoughts? Been jealous of anyone lately? His standard is perfection. Are we perfect?
If we have determined that we are even slightly flawed, then we need to confess that as sins. He forgives any sin we confess to Him. He promised. He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. And then He saves us from the penalties of our sins, which is eternal life in hell.
Now let’s rejoice. Our names are written in heaven. We need to share the happy news of our salvation because more people need to know about this free gift. The more people who hear and believe this, the more people who stop sinning and start seeking after this loving forgiving merciful God, the more our nation will change into a nation that meets His standards, which means God may actually turn His wrath away from us—if that is what’s happening.
Finally, let’s pray for our nation. His Word is full of pleadings for us to return back to Him so that He may be released from His obligation of acting as the just and righteous judge. He wants to save us. How can we, His rebellious and self-willed creation, fail to respond to His hands outstretched to us yet again, possibly for the last time, to offer us His free grace, mercy and forgiveness? The Lord says He only delays His coming so that all may have the chance to obtain eternal life3. He desires to work with us when we pray and through our prayers. Therefore, let’s share our happy news and pray for our nation in case, just in case some of those folks who say the Lord God Almighty is trying to call us to repentance are correct. We need the Lord to forgive Americans and to save our nation.
Otherwise, how can He Who is absolutely righteous and sinless NOT punish those who rejected His Son’s sacrifice? After the Israelites rebelled against the very God Who visibly led them out of Egypt, Moses said, “Do ye thus requite (repay) the Lord, O foolish people and unwise? Is not He thy father that hath bought thee? Hath he not made thee, and established thee? He is the Rock, His work is perfect: for all His ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He (sic).”2
When the question is posed, Is God judging our nation, let’s not allow our objective to be to debate to prove our point. Allowing ourselves to become defensive is not a fruitful response. Let’s instead examine ourselves, repent, and pray for the salvation of our nation. How do we know that our very prayers may not give just a few more the opportunity to live forever with Him in heaven?
Oh, what love!
________
1 Luke 18:19, KJV.
2 Deuteronomy 32: 6,4, KJV.
3 II Peter 3:9, paraphrased.
(Note: “sic” means it was copied exactly as written.)
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This article has been read 578 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Barbara Culler 
06/09/19
You covered a lot of issues in this essay. It would have been easier for me to read and comprehend it all had you put extra spaces between the paragraphs. You are well informed and good at doing an essay
Marlene Custer 
06/10/19
Much food for thought. It does seem like an unusual amount of natural disasters happening all around the world.
I agree that space between the paragraphs would make it easier to read. Great job!
Terry R A Eissfeldt 
06/11/19
Poignant questions to be sure. Blessings
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
06/12/19
This is an interesting mini-sermon. You make some good points. I was afraid it might go into a political debate based on the title. You did a nice job of backing up your message with Bible verses. Good job.