There is a lot of buzz in Christendom in the USA for us to fall to our knees so this nation can be turned around. Favorite quote, which in reality is for the nation of Israel, is 2 Chronicals 7:14.
Without being a traitor or a heretic, I can’t help but ponder, “Are we past the point of no return? Will things continue to decline morally and is the Anti-Christ soon to take control?” Historically we have had spiritual revivals in this great nation that have had altering impacts on our course through history. But because of prophecy to be fulfilled and judgment to come, is the God who rules set in His ways that cannot be altered just like it was in the days of Jeremiah?
I remember about 36 years ago I listened to a Bible teacher who made a statement that intrigued me. He said that before the Anti-Christ comes on the scene, the United States must be greatly weakened from its Christian roots and its sovereign power. But instead of seeing a weakening in the next two decades, I watched the United States usurp its power as the world’s guardian of what was good. I watched the Iron Curtain come down in the former Soviet kingdom and the unprecedented growth of wealth in our mighty nation. All seemed splendid. But then as we entered the next millennium, I watched as the tide turned and we began selling our souls to the ways of the Anti-Christ. We formed Homeland Security to trump the Constitution and we became fed-up with any mention of religion or God on the social front. The sacredness of life and the family unit were attacked viciously. Traditional values have become scoffed at causing many to become totally silent. We are becoming very quickly a welfare nation where people do not want to work and are relying on the Government as their ‘god’. As each day goes by, Washington is figuring out new ways to re-distribute wealth. At the same time they are setting up FEMA concertina wire camps in discrete locations on our military bases for when civil unrest occurs. To ensure enforcement they have amassed huge amounts of armored vehicles with plenty of firepower. To guarantee that the vehicles will be manned they have trained foreign troops within the confines of our military bases. I am not an alarmist. All I do is carefully stay in-tune with the buzz around me and realistically see the storms that are coming.
So, could it be that we truly are at the point of no return like it was with Israel destined to fulfill 70 years of captivity in Jeremiah’s time? Jeremiah was considered a traitor when he made the following three declarations:
1. The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord when King Zedekiah sent to him Pashhur the son of Melchiah, and Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah, the priest, saying, “Please inquire of the Lord for us, for Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon makes war against us. Perhaps the Lord will deal with us according to all His wonderful works, that the king may go away from us.” Then Jeremiah said to them, “Thus you shall say to Zedekiah, ‘Thus says the Lord God of Israel: “Behold, I will turn back the weapons of war that are in your hands, with which you fight against the king of Babylon and the Chaldeans who besiege you outside the walls; and I will assemble them in the midst of this city. I Myself will fight against you with an outstretched hand and with a strong arm, even in anger and fury and great wrath. I will strike the inhabitants of this city, both man and beast; they shall die of a great pestilence. And afterward,” says the Lord, “I will deliver Zedekiah king of Judah, his servants and the people, and such as are left in this city from the pestilence and the sword and the famine, into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of those who seek their life; and he shall strike them with the edge of the sword. He shall not spare them, or have pity or mercy.” ’ “Now you shall say to this people, ‘Thus says the Lord : “Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death. He who remains in this city shall die by the sword, by famine, and by pestilence; but he who goes out and defects to the Chaldeans who besiege you, he shall live, and his life shall be as a prize to him. For I have set My face against this city for adversity and not for good,” says the Lord. “It shall be given into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall burn it with fire.” ’ (Jeremiah 21:1-10 NKJV)
2. Also I spoke to the priests and to all this people, saying, “Thus says the Lord : ‘Do not listen to the words of your prophets who prophesy to you, saying, “Behold, the vessels of the Lord ’s house will now shortly be brought back from Babylon”; for they prophesy a lie to you. Do not listen to them; serve the king of Babylon, and live! Why should this city be laid waste? (Jeremiah 27:16, 17 NKJV)
3. Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “Thus says the Lord, the God of hosts, the God of Israel: ‘If you surely surrender to the king of Babylon’s princes, then your soul shall live; this city shall not be burned with fire, and you and your house shall live. But if you do not surrender to the king of Babylon’s princes, then this city shall be given into the hand of the Chaldeans; they shall burn it with fire, and you shall not escape from their hand.’ ” (Jeremiah 38:17, 18 NKJV)
I look at the early church and see that they did not concentrate on changing the evil society they lived in as a whole. They concentrated on changing individuals, one at a time. Many gave their lives as martyrs at the hands of a wicked society they lived in. Could it be that that is where it is with America right now? Is it that we must concentrate on winning individuals to The Lord Jesus Christ and not be sidetracked or in despair with what is taking place on the political scene? Is it that we are to pray for one last spiritual revival that will transform multitudes of individual lives despite the fact our government and leaders become more and more wicked?
Yes, continue to vote! Yes, continue to speak out on important issues! Yes, continue to pray for our leaders! But most of all pray for spiritual revival and do not despair if we watch our nation decay before our eyes. Despair is much different than depression. Despair is lack of hope, which is something we should never be as true Christians! Jesus nailed it to the cross!
We as Christians are not to despair no matter what the world throws at us. Look what Paul says:
We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. (2 Corinthians 4:8, 9 NLT)
Jesus tells us when we see the signs of the end times taking place that we are to look up:
Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near. (Luke 21:28 NKJV)
Smile brothers and sisters! Our Lord’s return is that close:
Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words. (I Thessalonians 4:17, 18 NKJV)
Annointing 
Back in the early 1990’s I read a modern day prophesy ( that has stayed in my thoughts ever since.
The world was portrayed as an island near the ocean & a big storm was churning up the ocean & wind. Soon the island it began to be inundated with the wind & rain & the many churches on the island began to be damaged & crumble. Then, one or two lights began to rise up from each church & then join together to form “The True Church”.
This is happening today.
Ever since I made my commitment to Christ on 7 October 1990, I have noticed “errors” happening in churches. As a young Christian I thought, “I am a new Christian, I’m supposed to be learning from the church leaders!” When I raised it with the Pastors, & backed it up with Scripture (I was an avid reader of the Word from day one), they adopted or changed SOME practices & teaching but continued with many “man made rules & doctrines”.
As I moved to “new” churches, I would find the same thing. Often I met with refusal to change or even prayerfully consider the points I raised (“We have been doing it this way for hundreds of years … what do you know?”)
In May this year, as I awoke I was prompted to attend a church where some friends still attend (where there are many sick & elderly & there has been no church growth). I was met with a “cool” reception by the Pastor & “elders”. However, during the service in a reading prior to Communion, reference was made to the Hebrew meaning of Covenant. (to cut). I immediately related that to one of my favourite Scriptures – John 15:5 (Father cutting us from the old worldly vine attaching us to the True Vine after He was cut). At an appropriate time soon after I sought permission from the Pastor to share with the church the revelation given to me. He would not allow me. My friends were shocked – we are all part of the Body of Christ. I simply sat down.
After the service, the Pastor & his wife came to me very defensively, “Why did you come back?, etc, etc” I advised them of my “prompting” early that morning & I then I simply told them I forgive them.
Fortunately some came to me and asked what I was going to share. They shared in my blessing.
For almost two years 1 John 4:6 has been a powerful warning as to what is happening. Many (or most) churches are being wrongfully taught or seeking the people to have faith in man (See Ps 118:8 (which is “just so it happens” the very central verse in your Bible – there are as many verses before this as after it).
The result, more & more people are being deceived, but some are saying, “I don’t want to go to church anymore?”
A very, very good read (& a lesson for those who say those words) is to key them into your internet browser – the read or download the book by Jake Colsen (a pen name) – downloaded it in late 2005 when a friend ‘phoned me late one night & recommended it – I too recommend it.
Scripture reminds us of one thing: Jesus Christ loves His Church even though there are tremendous flaws in it (yes even the organized church). You remind me so much of me. I can give you a thousand things wrong with the Church at the drop of a pin. But The Lord stopped me dead in my tracks. The finger was pointed at me. I am to make a difference no matter what the situation is. Paul is my example in the book of Acts and in his epistles. He was continuously dealing with problems in the Churches. Read my PDF at https://annointing.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/church-no-more1.pdf
Focus on self and how you can make a difference. Believe me, for you can have a tremendous impact!
I read your story on “church no more” (I couldn’t access it via the link above, but located it via the search function).
I learnt many years ago to forgive & not carry the hurts inflicted on me – the Lord has blessed me in that for 23 years I have had no sickness, medication, etc.
Like you, I am saddened at the “drift away” from sound teaching, good fellowship, etc that seems to be rapidly on the increase in today’s churches & quite often the lack of awareness by so many that it is even happening – even many of the church leaders seem content with situation.
My calling seems to be more of an evangelist (rather than a pastor or a teacher) as over the past few years I have been invited by friends & associates to visit their churches.
If I detect concerning issues in a church or the leaders I usually say to myself “I will not say anything Lord unless You make the way.” Usually things like this will happen – after discerning un-scriptural songs/worship, the music leader will approach me after the service with “What did you think of the music/songs?” or the main speaker/pastor who had just delivered mis-interpreted lessons from the Word, “What did you think of the message?” I simply & honestly advise them what I thought – usually with a “realisation from them” & a thanks.
I seek the Lord before I talk to others or share something that has been on my mind. I frequently remind myself of Gal 2:20 & my desire to have Father mould me & make me into what He wants me to be & have Christ Jesus work through me, as Father worked through Jesus. See 1 John 4:17. He took our place on the cross & He still wants to take our place on earth … today, so just be a branch grafted into Christ by Father, so you can receive all from Christ Jesus …. even the fruit He wants to grow on you … which is not for our benefit, but others.
Today there is to much of focus on self & trying to do God’s job for Him (apart from Him we can do nothing – or anything we do apart from Him is worth nothing – John 15:5)
It seems that what must happen is already happening – 2 Thess 2:3 Let no one deceive {or} beguile you in any way, for that day will not come except the apostasy comes first [unless the predicted great falling away of those who have professed to be Christians has come], and the man of lawlessness (sin) is revealed, who is the son of doom (of perdition),
Even many of Jesus’ followers left when he “put the pressure on them”.
As far as false teaching – Matt 18:6 But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in {and} acknowledge {and} cleave to Me to stumble and sin [that is, who entices him or hinders him in right conduct or thought], it would be better (more expedient and profitable or advantageous) for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be sunk in the depth of the sea.
Jesus came to give (spiritual) sight to the blind & free the captives (Luke 4:18) – but they have to look to the Light.
Even Paul chastised many “churches” – “you silly Galatians!” – when they listened to false teaching.
Matt 7:26 And everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not do them will be like a stupid (foolish) man who built his house upon the sand.
Matt 11:15 He who has ears to hear, let him be listening {and} let him consider {and} perceive {and} comprehend by hearing.
Yes, God loves us all, but He will not force people to turn to Him, it is their choice & if they are hungry enough …. too many are looking to men, not our Lord!
As you say, Mark 6:11 And if any community will not receive {and} accept {and} welcome you, and they refuse to listen to you, when you depart, shake off the dust that is on your feet, for a testimony against them. {Truly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the judgment day than for that town.}
Your fellow servant in Christ.
Brian McMichan
Thank you for sharing your background and calling. May The Lord continue to bless you.
I would also like to thank you for bringing the book by Jake Colsen to my attention. I did a lot of digging and research on it and felt compelled to warn others of its content. I wrote the post:
https://annointing.wordpress.com/2013/07/15/book-by-jake-colsen-errancy/
It gives a detailed description of my findings.