Can You Really Trust God’s People? Deut 4:32-40
“When God’s People are really God’s People”
Intro: How America
has changed: “Let us pray for the salvation of all of those who live in that
totalitarian darkness- pray that they will discover the joy of knowing God.” –
Ronald Reagan, 1983. VS. “Whatever we once were, we are no longer a Christian
nation.” – Barack Obama, 2007
Like Soviet Union’s change into
Today’s Russia: “The Devil’s on my side, he’s a good communist” – Joseph
Stalin, 1943. VS. “Without the values embedded in Christianity, without the
standards of morality that have taken shape over millennia, people will lose
their human dignity.” – Vladimir Putin, 2013
I.
Particular
Questions for God’s People (not America but the Body of Christ)
Not everyone living in Israel is
of Israel; not everyone living in America is Christian.
Historical PRECEDENCE
(32)
Q1: Has anything been heard like
this before?
ILL.
Declaration of Independence from tyranny was a Declaration of Our Dependence on
God
When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for
one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with
another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal
station to which the Laws of Nature and
of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind
requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the
separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain
unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of
Happiness.
We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of
America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing
to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do,
in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly
publish and declare,
National
SURVIVAL (33)
Q2: Has anyone encountered God &
survived?
Will America survive…? Will the world survive…? Scientists
are glad ozone layer is healing… My question isn’t about survival but revival.
Divine
INTERVENTION (34)
Q3: Has a nation been called out of a
nation?
American exceptionalism vs. Christian opportunity for world
evangelization. Called out, called to go.
II.
Particular
Actions toward God’s People
Exclusive RELATIONSHIP
(35)
To you – No Other But Him
Ill. This next election: Franklin Graham: In Christ alone-- I
have no hope in the Republican Party, the Democratic Party, or Tea Party to do
what is best for America. Unless more godly men and women get in this process
and change this wicked system, our country is in for trouble. I want to
challenge Christians, even pastors, across the country to pray about running
for office where they can have an impact. We need mayors, country
commissioners, city council members, school board members who will uphold
biblical values. My hope is found in Christ alone.
Take this country, give me Jesus.
Exclusive
REVELATION (36)
His Voice – His Fire – His Words
Take my pleasures, but don’t take His voice away. Mystery is
revelation revealed.
Exclusive
RECONCILIATION (37)
He loved – He chose – He delivered
ILL. What He has done for us to reconcile. 2 Cor 5:19: God was in Christ reconciling the world to
Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us
the word of reconciliation. Ministers of Reconciliation.
III.
Particular
Responses of God’s People
AFFECTIVE/Emotional (39) Take it to heart (ubiquity- in heaven, on earth & below) Feel it everywhere.
BEHAVIORAL (40) Keep (virality- wellness, children, length of life, territorial
expansion)
Conclusion: The Hope of America is in Missions and Thank God for the freedom we still have to evangelize.
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