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It has been said that the church grows the most during times of great persecution. I think we need look no further than the scriptures to verify the truth of that statement. Certainly the church was persecuted in the first century and beyond, yet from 120 people in an upper room, baptized in the Holyghost, during the time of evil Roman rule….Christianity became the largest religion in the world, even tho prosecution has never really stopped since then.Until America was founded. Don’t forget that the English king was simply trying to expand its empire and glut another country for England’s wealth but what really happened when the attempts to build cities owned by the Crown failed, some bible believing Christians dared said no to the Chuch of England and already fled from Holland before seeking out America as a place where they could freely express their religion.
To really understand all this, I recommend the book “Pilgrim’s Progress” by John Bunyan. There were pilgrims, Puritans and Separatists…..on those 3 ships that came to America. Each looking for something different, but mostly freedom of religion from the CoE as well as freedom to make and trade goods without the government getting too much of a hand in it.
Eventually, America was developed as a “land of the free and home of the brave” after a bloody war with England, and the rest is history.
What I believe is happening now;
I want to start off by saying I am NOT prophesying anything. I’m just going to tell you what God has shown me over the years and yes, some of the dreams I’ve had. Not details, but my conclusions from all the above.
I believe that America was indeed a very bright place for God’s children. Columbus (as you may know or not know) was actually looking for the Promised Land when he bumped into the Indies and eventually the Americas. God’s favor was on man. Divine Providence was with Christians as they spread out across this country. Some call it Manifest Destiny, but I believe there is a difference in the two. And btw, I am NOT going to touch on the atrocities committed by some ppl in this endeavor. That’s a different subject for a different time.
The children of Israel have been blessed many times and have also suffered great persecution at times. Each time they would really start becoming prosperous, they would forget about God. God would send His prophets (real ones) to warn the people to repent of bad things were going to happen. The prophets of God were always warning, not trying to tell the future for a certain individual that wanted to know how his investment would do. Like today. God warns a nation, mostly. Sometimes individuals. Sometimes kings. But mostly nations.
I believe that God has sent America several warnings. 9/11 was a strike at our monetary system. While I do not think He caused it, I do know that He could’ve stopped it bc He is Sovereign. Then, think about how quickly America changed after that. Oh, I know we were always changing, but not as fast as it is now. Same sex marriage is totally accepted these days. It’s on TV, teaching your kids that it’s normal. Young kids having sex, grown men and women having sex with kids and others that they don’t even know their names or families…..common place these days.
Folks, we are Nineveh. Except unlike them, we refused to repent. We just got more and more rebellious. And louder. And prouder of our sin against God and other humans. And so, here we are.
God is shutting down this comfortable christian lifestyle. You’re going to have to figure a way around your losses of freedom and your dedication to Christ. You might have to pick up your cross and DENY yourself all of the great luxuries we’ve enjoyed for so long here in America. Bc it ain’t the same. And you changing social media sites ain’t gonna change it. God is separating the wheat from the chaff. After that, He’ll separate the sheep from the goats. And neither political party can save us. Only Jesus can. And He won’t unless you submit to God. Only then can you resist the devil and he will flee. AFTER you humble yourself and submit to God.
But I say this in closing……in Matt 24 Jesus gave a very scary scenario of what the end days would be like. And then as I’m sure the disciples were thinking “whoa, that’s horrible” Jesus told them (us) “when you see these things happening, look up for your redemption draweth nigh!”
We’re going to go thru some stuff. Remember that our battles are fought in the spiritual realm. Read Eph 6. If you ever do have to suffer for Christ, remember that martyrs have honor in heaven! Cowards have no place in heaven, according to Jesus in Revelation.
So be anxious in nothing. God has not given us a spirit of fear, rather of power! Be prepared to defend the gospel above all. Don’t fear the one that can kill your body. Fear the one that can kill your soul. Jesus said that.
Most of all, don’t lose your relationship with Jesus and fellow Christians. Stop tearing each other to pieces! (Gal 5:15) Rather, show love to one another. I don’t know all the answers to everything but one thing I CAN tell you is that Jesus ain’t about hating ppl. He’s about loving people. Yes, He fashioned a whip to drive out the money changers. But do you believe that He died for them too? He even loved those Roman soldiers that killed Him enough to ask God to forgive them for they know not what they do.
Listen y’all….love never fails. Read 1 Cor 13:4-8. He who endures to the end shall be saved. Keep enduring. Trust God. Walk by faith and not by sight. God knows the plan He has for each of us. Trust Him. It’s called faith. Love y’all.
