There is a mystery going on these days. Strange things are happening without any rhyme or reason. Common sense isn’t half as common as it used to be. Wrong is becoming right and right is becoming wrong. Many are unaware, but some are asking; what is happening to America today?
America Under Attack
There are no foreign guns, no tanks, no fighter jets, no cannons, no torpedoes, and no foreign soldiers on our soil. Yet, we are under attack. This attack is much more insidious than the usual weapons of war and that is what makes it so effective. This war is not carnal but spiritual (2 Cor. 10:4). What we need to understand is that what happens in the natural, first occurs in the spiritual.
This attack is hitting the nation at the very core, the foundation of its existence, chipping away at the foundation of the structure. In addition, if the powers that be don’t soon recognize what is happening, there is going to be a mighty shaking and crumbling.
The Evidence
What went on at the Capitol on January 6th
is merely a symptom of what is really taking place in the United States.
Let’s look at the manifestation of this attack.
Crime and violence – Gun violence is on the rise precipitously with no end in sight, and the government cannot reach a consensus on how to curb it. We are literally shooting each other in the streets. We do not need a foreign army to kill us we are doing it ourselves!
The Spirit of rebellion is running rampant among us to the point that we no longer respect authority and rebel at the consequences. We simply want to have our own way.
Immorality – We have drifted away from the standards commanded by God and have set our own standards chipping away at the principle of moral right and wrong. Mankind has become a god unto himself and set his own standard for righteousness, right and wrong, morality, and convinced himself that there is no God.
This standard has manifested itself in the following ways:
- God’s law no longer applies
- God’s Commandments have been abolished
- God’s Commandments are no longer relevant
- God’s standing of righteousness is no longer binding
- God’s Law has been amended.
- God’s Word has been abridged
Now, what do the Scriptures say about this mindset? Prov. 28:26 reads:
26 He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
Here we have the contrast between the wisdom of those that trust in the Lord and those that trust the folly of self-trust.
First, we have the character of a fool: He trusts to his “own heart,” to his own wisdom and counsels, his own strength and sufficiency, his own merit and righteousness, and the good opinion he has of himself; he that does this is a fool because he who exercise this kind of trust, not only trust in that which “is deceitful above all things”—his heart (Jer. 17:9) but that has often deceived him. This implies that it is the nature of a wise man to put his trust in the Lord, and in his power and promise, and to follow his guidance (Prov. 3:5, 6. 2). The comfort of a wise man: that is he that walks wisely and does not trust in his own heart, but is humble and self-diffident, and goes on in the strength of the Lord God, shall be delivered; when the fool on the other hand, who trusts in his own heart, shall ultimately be destroyed.
This is because man’s heart, which is deceitful and desperately wicked (Jer. 17:9), will without fail deceive him.
This spirit of self-trust and denial of God has permeated into the upper echelons of leadership in the government causing a huge problem for the entire nation.
Let’s look at the Scriptural confirmation of this phenomenon. Rom 1:18-32
18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities — his eternal power and divine nature — have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.
24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25 They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator — who is forever praised. Amen.
26 Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. 27 In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion. 28 Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. 29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31 they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32 Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them. NIV
This passage contains the last half of chapter one and depicts a picture of the human predicament before a holy God. Further, it contains God’s wrath against mankind and the consequences have been disastrous as sin continues to increase.
Verses 19-20 – These verses make the point that God shows His anger against sinful and wicked individuals who cover up the truth of God through their wickedness, even though they are fully aware of the truth about God because He has made it evident to them. It is obvious through the creation of the world which demonstrates His eternal power and divine nature. Therefore, there is no excuse to not know God.
Verse 21 – We see and live in God’s creation every day. For this reason, how can we deny God? Scripture further answers that in Ps 14:1, “The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.” NIV
Although they knew God, they refused to glorify Him or give thanks for His blessings (i.e. food, clothing, shelter, salvation, life). This is simply the failure to recognize God. When He is removed from the equation that only opens the door to evil.
When we eliminate God, we lose our standard or reference point from which to work. When anything goes, everything becomes useless.
To neglect what is good unavoidably leads to perpetuating what is evil. Lack of appreciation may appear to be a small thing, but it commences a downward spiral into depravity. To forget to thank God for all He is and all He has done reveals dangerous self-centeredness. The effect of this is darkness, pride, futile thinking and planning, blindness, and lastly total removal from God that erupts into a deluge of sin.
When God is removed from human thought, much more is lost than gained. Truth and absolutes are quickly abandoned and everything is subjective to opinions and feelings, including God Himself.
God created mankind with a void that needs to be filled. Therefore, something or someone must be at the center of life. This void is to be filled with God but without Him, we make ourselves central. Subsequently, everything we try is futile in giving satisfaction. As with Solomon, we find out that everything is “meaningless! Meaningless! … Utterly meaningless!” (Eccl 1:1-2 NIV). Living for oneself or some other idol is utterly futile (see Daniel 5:23 ff.). When God is removed from the equation, anything goes and everything becomes futile.
The “heart” is the center of intelligence, feelings, and moral choice. Hearts become foolish when they refuse to recognize God (more on this in verse 22). Useless thinking is followed by useless living. At this point, both mind and heart become completely lacking of light. When confused thinking becomes a lasting mindset, individuals are unable to turn to God.
Verse 22 – In this verse, we have the word “fool” (s) again. Without God, individuals become so caught up in their own professing wisdom that they are actually fools.
Acknowledging self instead of God is seen as a sign of sophistication and intelligence. However, by Biblical definition, any individual saying he or she cannot consider there is a God, or refusing to accept God, is acknowledging being a fool (Ps 14:1). The proof that God exists is so plain and clear that to ignore it is simply foolish.
Verse 23 – Mentioned earlier was the void that God placed in mankind. This verse elaborates on what is used to fill this void intended for God. Instead of worshipping God, man creates images of his own to worship.
Whether the images were created out of stone, metal, wood, or are humans elevated to the status of gods, they lack the glory that belongs only to God. These artificial gods might inspire fear or reverence, but they undoubtedly do not deserve worship. Only God is to be worshipped.
Verse 24 – In this verse, we get a glimpse of what is in the “deceitful” and “desperately wicked” (Jer. 17:9) heart. Go turns over a heart that has turned against Him. One of these manifestations is sexual immorality. Sinful desires, then, cover a multitude of lusts. More on this to follow.
Verse 25 – Just as people exchange the glory of God for lackluster images (vs.23), they additionally trade what is known about God for a deliberate distortion. This falsehood is the belief that something or someone is to be worshipped in place of the one true God. Instead of worshipping the creator, the creation is worshipped—the things God made rather than God Himself.
Verses 26 & 27- More sexual immorality. The downward spiral continues to the point that God’s gift of sex becomes utterly depraved.
Verse 28 – People may start with some knowledge of God, but somewhere along the line, they chose not to glorify him nor thank him any longer. This generally leads to questions and doubts that led them to no longer recognize God as God. At that point, they refuse “to retain the knowledge of God.” Moreover, when they make the choice to reject God, He allows them to do it. As a result, their minds become depraved, and the ability to distinguish between right and wrong is lost. Once the conscience is tainted, there is little hope. “To do what ought not to be done”
is a sign that the people were not just doing things that were offensive to God, but additionally offensive by human standards.
God does not generally halt mankind from making choices against his will. He has granted free will to mankind and allows the declaration of the so-called independence from him, even though He knows that in time we will become victims to our rebellious choices. In other words, we will lose our freedom not to sin. There is no worse slavery than to be enslaved by sin.
Verses 29-31, Paul carries on to name the shocking consequences of human desire operating without godly control.
The Takeaway
A nation without God is a nation in chaos. The Scripture reads in Prov. 14:34, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” NIV
Iniquity, abiding in a nation, places disgrace upon it: Sin is a condemnation to any nation or kingdom and leaves them disgraceful among their neighbors. For example, the citizens of Israel were often instances of both parts of this equation; when they were good, they were great but when they forsook God all the nations about them insulted them and trampled upon them. It is therefore the interest and duty of leaders to use their power for the suppression of iniquity and support of virtue.
The fact of the matter is, America is under Spiritual attack and is in the midst of losing the battle of spiritual warfare.
Life Application
A sinful nation will eventually come to shame (this is the future of our land in the US). This is a slow burn.
Unfortunately, Paul’s discussion in our text is not out of date. The same rebellion against God is alive and well in the human hearts of our nation. We fail to realize that we can be trampled upon just as ancient Israel was. History does indeed repeat itself; especially when lessons aren’t learned from it.
The United States has been on a downward spiral for some time as it heads toward becoming a secular nation. As mentioned earlier, what happens in the natural first happens in the Spiritual. America is losing its battle of spiritual warfare. Nevertheless “our struggle is not against flesh and blood” (Eph 6:12 NIV). For more on spiritual warfare, please see the article, All about Spiritual Warfare, on this website.
The capitulation of the battle began with the removal of prayer from our schools and has progressed steadily from there. America has embraced social behaviors that grossly transgress God’s laws. A few are mentioned below
Abortion – Abortion is the termination of human life and the Bible is clear about murder as well as the sacrificing of children. Yet, it is legal in this country. Statistics show that from the year 2005 to 2018, 10,121,000 legal abortions were performed in the US.
Homosexuality – Homosexuality is regarded d an acceptable practice by many in our nation today — even by some churches! Many homosexuals feel that their desires are normal and taunt they have a right to express them. However, society does not set the standard for God’s law and this is a clear violation. Despite this, according to a survey conducted by UCLA’s Williams Institute, there are 10,338,000 homosexuals (LGBT) in the US.
Same-Sex Marriage – Further condoning of homosexuality to the point of marriage between individuals of the same sex even though the Scripture never confirmed acceptance of this practice. However, according to a 2019 population survey, there are 543,000 same-sex married couple households and 469,000 households with same-sex unmarried partners living together in the US.
Transgenderism
– A branch of homosexuality that involves the altering of one’s behavior concerning their natural gender. God has created us in His image as male or female and we are to conduct ourselves as such. Yet, according to a 2019 survey conducted by UCLA’s Williams Institute, 1,397, 150 individuals are transgender.
These are some of the major manifestations of the disregard for God and His laws.
How can we tout, God bless America when we flagrantly shake our fists in God’s face and transgress His laws? The question becomes, why should God bless America?
This is the result of what is made clear in our main Scripture text (vss. 21-22); disregarding God and professing ourselves to be wise we are becoming fools.
We are so wise that:
- We can’t pass common-sense laws for gun control to help fight gun violence
- We cannot make common-sense decisions about taking a vaccine against a life-threatening disease.
- We rebel against common-sense methods of protecting ourselves (e.g. wearing masks).
- We rebel against authority, bringing disenchantment upon ourselves, and rebel further against the consequences.
- We place every issue on the stage of political theater and politicize everything instead of seeking God’s wisdom.
- We are depending solely on the government to answer our problems instead of God
- The government is in constant conflict about how to help the citizens by failing to implement common-sense solutions.
- We want to decriminalize practically everything, including illicit drugs
- Our form of government, democracy, is under threat through insurrection, voter suppression, etc.
- We have made our own idols to worship (careers, homes, jewelry, cars, money, children, education, etc). Who needs God?
We are so wise that we have become divided to the point of chronic dysfunctionality.
The Solution
Not all is lost for America if we come to our senses. The prescription is in the Scriptures.
2 Chron. 7:14 reads:
If my people, who are called by my name, will 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. NIV
God has provided provisions for sin.
- – We must humble ourselves and admit to our sins
- – We must pray to God and ask for forgiveness
- – We must seek God on a continual basis
- – We must repent, turning from our sinful behavior
Real repentance is more than talk—it is a change in behavior. Whether we sin independently, collectively, or as a nation, following these steps will lead to forgiveness. God will answer our sincere prayers.
We need a national day of repentance that commences an earnest effort to seek God for forgiveness so that He can heal our land.
He is willing but we must make the choice to seek Him. If we cannot do it collectively as a nation, we are ultimately responsible for ourselves. Therefore, we must strive to become part of the remnant that will be saved.
Amen
Questions, comments, and concerns may be left below. You will receive a response.
Blessings!
Hello –
Thank you for some aspiring intentions. There is a lot here that supports the intention of the site, so that’s good. But I would ask that you please lighten up on the Pride-In-America as if it is auto-joined at the hip with Christianity. This is completely false.
Best wishes with the site –
Steve
Greetings Steve – You are correct. There is nothing divisive, subjugative, fear-mongering, hate-mongering, or any other form of unloving intention in the Bible, but instead is filled with loving objectives. Also, I would like to add that this article does not contain any of that either. The piece straightforwardly illustrates how far America has strayed from the loving principles of the Bible. After all, out of love, God provided the Scriptures to us for our “own good” (Deut. 10:13 NIV).
The fact is, in case you haven’t noticed, there is plenty of subjugation, fear-mongering, hate-mongering, division, and loads of unloving intentions going on as a result of this straying; that is the very point of the article.
The Bible is truth, and unfortunately, that divides people, not because the Bible or the truth is divisive but because people won’t accept it. Jesus was the truth, and He was divisive only because the religious leaders wouldn’t accept Him; instead, they killed Him.
But understand that reality and truth can only be subverted for so long before they work their way back with a consequence for their denial. Beware!
As for mental health issues and sexual identity, if we accepted what God created us to be and acted accordingly, there wouldn’t be any mental health issues in that area of awareness. It is only when we unfortunately profess to be wise in our own eyes, we create havoc (Romans 1:22). As for those individuals you mentioned who may be living in perpetual fright about the possibility that their personal inner secret might be exposed, if that is accurate, I suggest they pray about it.
To be clear, this sexual identity and sexual preference you mention is no clearer today than in the times of Sodom and Gomorrah, which God, in His wrath, destroyed.
Remember, “there is no new thing under the sun.”
Eccl. 1:9-10.
Noted humans are humans around the world. However, what brings America into focus on these issues is that it is traveling the identical path as Biblical Israel: highly blessed and favored by God, yet turned away from Him through disobedience. As a result, we are living out what the Scriptures state happens to a nation that has turned from God. It has nothing to do with pride. This article only brings to light what the passage of Scripture is communicating. Besides, what is there to be proud of?
Remember Steve; people originally came to America seeking Christian religious freedom. So in a sense, America was joined at the hip with Christianity. However, America has been separating itself from the hip, and the walk is stumbling. Wrath is the result, according to the passage of Scripture expounded in the article. If that presents a problem for you, I suggest you talk to God about it.
Thank you for commenting and presenting this opportunity to me.
Blessings
Hi Nathaniel. Thank you for very interesting article. Its good to read something not focused on earning money and commerce. I couldn’t agree more that we are living in weird, complicated times full of violence and misery. People are focused only on themselves, forgetting what is really important and conflicts are more common then ever. But there is always hope in God, we need to prey for mercy and restoration of peace. Maybe these are times of trial and we have to have faith !
Indeed Cogito – as the Scripture says in 2 Chron 7:14
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.
We must continue to pray for our land!
Thanks for commenting!