MY OPEN BIBLE MIXED WITH PRAYER

by CHARLES ROBEY
(MOODY AL USA)

"Why do the heathen rage, and the peoples imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against His anointed, saying, let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that sits in the heavens shall laugh: the LORD shall have them in derision. Then shall He speak unto them in His wrath and vex them in His sore displeasure." (Psalm 2:1-5)

Unless you have been hidden under that proverbial rock, you are probably aware of the struggles of our great Republic in today’s evil world. We are faced with a fight for good versus evil, and for our providential Constitutional freedom, as well as the Biblical dictates, as opposed to the power of socialistic control.

Do you remember the Will Rogers’s quote, “All I know is what I read in the papers, and that’s my alibi”? Well, if you don’t remember, ask your Papaw, he’ll be more than glad to brag a bit. What would Will Rogers think, how would he feel, if he were to read today’s newspapers? A good question for discussion, don't you think?

In some respects, America’s culture has progressed with great positive strides. In other ways, not so much. What has been left behind? Our faith-based culture, as well as patriotism, has all but been forgotten.

With our backsliding of culture in mind, what is America’s future? By history, and by fact of life, a civilization cannot go against our living Creator God’s divine dictates and survive.

I read somewhere that no civilization has survived beyond about 250 years. America is now getting close to that deadline.

I ask you, is America moving swiftly to divine justice, or have we already arrived? It surely seems that way. Let us look at two recent governmental developments, contrary to the laws of God for man.

The US Congress recently passed into law a bill addressing the approval of same-sex unions, which was signed by the President. We see in the Bible book of (Romans 1:24-32) the Scripture condemns people swapping out their usual partners for one of the same genders. Both men and women were created in the very image of God, to be fruitful and multiply. (Genesis 1:26-28) (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)

The various government powers are now fighting the recent US Supreme Court decision declaring the past Roe v Wide abortion decision to be unconstitutional. If an act stops a pulsing heart from beating, a growing body from forming, and a person from feeling, isn't this murder? (Exodus 20:13) (Psalm 139:13-15)

America’s governmental authorities now seem to lean more toward evil intentions than good. There’s no doubt about it. America is now in a very difficult struggle of good versus evil. Americans have rarely been as polarized as they are today. Studies at Pew Research Center over the past few years illustrate the increasingly stark disagreement between Democrats and Republicans on the economy, racial justice, climate change, law enforcement, international engagement, and a long list of other issues. But you rarely see any comment about going back to the Bible for wisdom on how to resolve these issues.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (II Timothy 3:16-17)

Yes, America is moving swiftly toward divine justice. We see in (Genesis 12:3) that Abraham’s relation to God was so close that to bless or curse him was in effect to bless or curse God. And now, according to Scripture, we are considered Abraham’s seed. (Galatians 3:29) Should I rest my case, or move on? I prefer moving on. As for me. it's now my open Bible mixed with prayer. (James 5:13-16)

I’ve always been one for keeping up with America’s current events. That is, until recent times. When I find myself taking a big dose of nerve relaxer to recover from today’s mainstream media shuffle, it’s time to move back to the Bible.

The Scripture has always played an important part within our little family. We always held to the sanctity of God’s holy Word. We were never allowed to place anything on top of the Bible for fear of a trip to the old woodshed altar. I remember when he was just a mere lad, our grandson requested a Bible. Not any Bible, it had to be a black Bible with the inscription of the Holy Bible etched in gold lettering. Those were the “good ole days” as my old, retired preacher Dad often said.

What about today? How does America’s culture of today figure into this discussion of being under divine judgment? Simply put, divine judgment may just be a cultural preliminary of the last days of history.

In (I Timothy 4:1-2) we see the start of hypocrisy. In (I Timothy 6:3-5) we see heretical teachings. In (II Timothy 3:1-9) we see a long laundry list of today’s perils of apostasy among the masses. In (II Timothy 4:3-4) we have a description of those no longer content to teach the truth of the Gospel. And in (II Peter 2: 1:3) we see the conduct of today’s false teachers.

As we move onward through today’s world, we see a view of today's restless derision, concerning the future, in today’s culture. (II Peter 3:3-4) We also see a false religious spirit. (I John 4:1-6)

So, are we now, or in the near future moving towards our living Creator, God’s divine judgment? I have my own private opinion of today, and I’m sure you have yours, as well.

Now, how may we sum up this brief Bible study of today’s America? Please read (I Peter 3:8-12)

We will conclude this blog with a Benediction. (Jude 24-25) Amen!

AUTHOR’S POSTSCRIPT

So, what is Divine Judgement? Look around you, America! According to Bible history (Amos 3:15) (Colossians 1:28), judgments do not come about as a matter of necessity. Not necessarily solely due to governmental evil. They come because of sin. The sin of a nation's people will invariably draw judgment.

Nonetheless, our living Creator, God, was, is, and will always be in control. Including our great Republic of America.

“During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven and said: “Praise be to the name of God forever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him. I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors: You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king.” (Daniel2:19-23)

We serve an all-powerful, all-knowing, just God. Nonetheless, we are now living in an unjust world. America is no exception to this divine rule. America will not escape judgment until it gets rid of sin. So, I ask you again, is America now under divine judgment? Consider any number of intended or even unintended events such as an economic collapse, a weather emergency, chaotic insurrections, division within God’s church, and divisions within governments. It basically comes from disobeying the ordinances of God.

“Furthermore, I have seen under the sun that in the place of justice, there is wickedness and in the place of righteousness there is wickedness.” (Ecclesiastes (3:16)

However, our all-powerful, all-knowing living Creator, God, has provided a way of escape, along with a task and promise.

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (I Corinthians 10:13)

“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 I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (II Chronicles 7:14)

May Divine Judgement be reversed? Yes, it surely may! Let’s all go to work, America! Amen! Amen!

“I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.”(John 9:4)