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 One
of those freedoms is what the Bill of Rights calls—FREEDOM OF
RELIGION. We can believe and worship God without punishment or
threat.
Many thousands of Christians around the world
die each and every year for their rights to worship God. Yet in
America—a country established for that very right—many will not give
God the time of day. It feels more like “Freedom from Religion”
than “Freedom of Religion”.
“Spiritualism” has taken the place of
Christianity. Spiritualism puts self on the throne and accepts any
view of God, regardless of how anti-biblical it may be.
Today, much of society ridicules and mocks
those who are serious about their Christian faith. America’s only
respectable form or bigotry is bigotry against Christianity.
To a great extent our society has gotten what
it wanted- A society without God.
In 1940, teachers identified the top problems
in America’s schools as: talking out of turn, chewing gum, making
noise and running in the hall. In the 1990’s, teachers listed
drugs, alcohol, concealed weapons, pregnancy, suicide, rape and
assault.
We have become immune to the cultural rot that
is setting in. People are losing their capacity for shock, disgust
and outrage. Themes for TV shows that would have infuriated our
grandparents are now widely accepted and talked about in Christian
circles within the churches own walls. I know because I have done
this many times myself. Where is the shock? Where is the outrage?
What does truly disgust me?
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Is there an answer? Today we must carry on a new struggle for our
country. We must accept the call to push hard against an age that
is pursing hard against Christ. There must be a way to take a stand,
confront evil, tighten our morality, and still honor God and not
offend Jesus. How can we turn our nation, our
citizens, people who have turned their backs on God; how can we turn
them around? Can it even be done? The answer is a resounding… Yes!
I know this was written at a specific time and
for specific people, however, I have to believe God would still
honor this promise today for us. The Bible says, “If my people
which are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray and
seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from
Heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (II
Chronicles 7:12)
Can America return to God? If America wants to
– YES. The bigger question is; do I want to turn back to God?
Christians need to take a stand for God and for God’s word. But
often it is the Christian who remains silent.
Thank goodness our forefathers didn’t choose
the same.
[Ron Otto - Preaching Minister,
Lincoln Christian Church]
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