Yesterday - 2000+ years ago, Jesus came NOT to condemn the world, but to SAVE it - (John 3:17). Why then if He is the same today, do we believe that America is being condemned or judged through terrorism, natural disaster or war? The Heart of Jesus is to save us from all these and more: yesterday, today and forever.
Unfortunately, many preachers and teachers today - especially very well-known ones - say that God is judging America. They say that God has been judging America since 9-11. And that all terrorism, war - and even the natural disasters the country is facing more and more, are all a result of God's judgement.
They say the world is being judged for abortion or for people turning away from God. Odd, they never say these tragedies are a result of God judging America for racism, or hate crimes or judicial crimes against minorities! If you were to actually apply this reasoning, it's as if they believe God picks and chooses which of the heinous acts of Americans he wants to punish then sacrifices the lives and safety of other Americans by way of many various devastations that He also chooses to inflict.
I know that sounds ridiculous when stated like that, but unfortunately, those who say that America is being judged just don't know what they are really saying. These respected, renowned and honorable men and women of God don't realize that many of the people they may be speaking to are Christians who are still hurting and grieving the loss of loved ones during 9-11. How then do they justify or find comfort in a God who would use the lives of their friends and family to punish they country we all love, live in and were working for?
Even though I don't know anyone personally who was a victim of 9-11, I find no comfort in thinking God is judging America - no matter what her many crimes may be. They are crimes that are instigated through ignorance, or through the manipulation of the devil himself. And God has most certainly already brought judgment against the devil through Jesus Christ by way of the cross.
And Jesus came to save.
However, God, who sent Jesus to save the world from sin by way of the cross, has also made Jesus the Judge of all mankind.
Acts 10:42
"And he [Jesus] commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead."
Jesus is the Judge, but He didn't come to judge or to condemn but to save. So how does this reconcile - especially when there is biblical proof that God has judged nations, and He continuously judged Israel and allowed them to be oppressed by pagan, heathen kings and countries for their crimes against God?
Yes, He did - but all before Jesus. All of God's judgement was before the Holy Spirit came into the Earth through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Now, the Holy Spirit convicts men of sin - and if men will not be convicted of their sin and receive Jesus Christ - our God who gives all mankind free will, also gives men and women the free will to serve the enemy if they so choose.
Terrorists judge America. Sinners pass laws that go against the Word. Racists, bigots and people influenced by the devil perpetuate racism and hate. And they will be judged as individuals, and nations will be judged and separated. But not not today. And not yesterday up to 2000+ years ago.
And God will not judge tomorrow either. But there will be a day when Jesus will finally be that righteous Judge God has ordained Him to be.
Acts 17:31
"Because he [God] hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead."
And in that day God will judge according to who accepted His son and who did not. Those who did not will receive the wages of their sin and their decision - eternal death. And those who have accepted Jesus, will not be judged for sin (our sin is forever dealt with the instant we accept Jesus). Instead we will be rewarded for all that we did for Christ, whether great or small. Jesus came not to condemn and in that day He will still not condemn those who believe in Him.
But until that day, God will continue to bless America - but only as Americans walk more and more in the blessings of our Father God and the freedom of serving Jesus.
America is blessed by the blessing of the Believers who are blessed. As we pray for sinners, as we serve our country, as we love our neighbors, as we heal the sick, prosper the poor, teach against abortion and hatred, bring Jesus to the lost and share the truth of the Kingdom of God we are being a blessing to all peoples of our country.
But it's not our job to be the judge of sin, especially if Jesus isn't. It's not my job as a true Christian or a Godly Pastor to determine what anyone's sin is - and so who am I then to judge what is the sin of this country?
Either way, I am called to love and to be a blessing. And so, when I say "God Bless America" I know that will only be fulfilled when I do what I'm called to and "true" Christians in America do too.
Power, love and peace to all, and may God continue to bless America
~Pastor D
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