Good Morning, My Friends. Every Sunday when I walk out of Grace Church – St. Louis, I say to Pam, “I wish everyone had the opportunity to sit in this congregation.” Grace Church is a nondenominational church that is committed to the Gospel of Grace and standing on the truth of God’s Word, even when it is unpopular to take such a stand. Pastor Ron Tucker is appointed and anointed to carry such a message, and he does so week after week in unwavering fashion. His message yesterday spoke boldly about where our culture is in relation to the famous passage found in 2Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land.” I don’t usually take this approach with my blog, but his message was so powerful, I would like to try to capture some of the highlights of his presentation in this limited space.
I believe we all would agree…we’re living in crazy times! Mark Twain, when referencing Dickins, A Tale of Two Cities, quoted, “It was the best of times and the worst of times.” Today’s best is the great spiritual awakening taking place across Africa, Latin America, in China, and even in the Muslim world. Today’s worst is global terrorism, the threat of nuclear war, and immorality and defiance of God’s Word, which is rampant in this country today.
To see how upside down our culture has become, within just two generations, consider this. What used to be honored, revered and considered sacred – even worshiped, is now ridiculed, marginalized, demonized and in some cases persecuted. And what used to be considered immoral, shameful, disgusting – even sinful, is center stage and basking in the spotlight. We have even witnessed audiences applauding such abominations.
Our culture is, and has been for a while, in the process of being both numbed down and dumbed down by a liberal, progressive agenda. Lying, cheating, stealing and corruption at all levels of government and business has become tolerated today as, “well…that’s just the way it is. Everyone’s doing it!” Our senses have become overloaded by such things as: the latest technological advances that keep us glued to the screen; the pornification of our culture, which is escalating at an alarming rate; drug and alcohol abuse, which is reaching epidemic proportions; the proliferation of violence, both on the street and in the abortion industry, and political agendas that are designed to chip, chip, chip away at traditional values – both family values and unalienable rights (God-given rights).
What I have just described is the condition of Israel when they turned away from God, and he spoke this warning through the prophet Isaiah in chapter 5, verse 20-24: “Destruction is certain for those who say that evil is good and good is evil; that dark is light and light is dark; that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter. Destruction is certain for those who think they are wise and consider themselves to be so clever. Destruction is certain for those who…take bribes to pervert justice. They let the wicked go free while punishing the innocent. Therefore, they will all disappear like burning straw because they have rejected the law of the Lord Almighty!” I believe the content of those verses describes the essence of today’s culture. And take note, it also describes the penalty to be paid…and why.
Let’s back up to the first verse referenced from 2Chronicles. “If my people, who are called by my name…” Who are “my people” today? In the Old Testament it was Israel because they were in covenant with God. Today it is still the people who are in covenant with God, but that means those of us who are “in Christ.” Because we are Christ-followers, we inherited all the promises in the Bible. We are the body of Christ. 1Peter 24: 4-5 makes this perfectly clear: “Come to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by the people, but he is precious to God who chose him. And now he is building you, as living stones, into his spiritual temple. What’s more you are God’s holy priests, who offer spiritual sacrifices (prayers) that please him because of Jesus Christ”
“Will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways…” It is time for the church to awaken from its slumber. The time is NOW for the body of Christ (the church) to claim the identity given to us in the verse above; “you are God’s holy priests who offer spiritual sacrifices that please him because of Jesus Christ.” We inherited the righteousness of Jesus Christ when we accepted him as our Lord and Savior. James tells us what that means in chapter 5, verse 16: “The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” The corporate Church has the power, Jesus Christ, to change our culture. Read on.
“I will hear from heaven…” As followers of Jesus Christ, we have the right to pray in his name. In John 14: 13-14, Jesus makes clear the importance of that right. “You can ask for anything in my name and I will do it, because the work of the Son brings glory to the Father. Yes, ask anything in my name, and I will do it! (For clarity sake, if you are at all familiar with the truth of the Bible, you know that implied in that statement is “ask anything in my name, that is in line with God’s will, and I will do it!” And what are we praying fervently for? The restoration of our country; a return to the Godly principles on which this country was founded. That is definitely in line with God’s will!
“and I will forgive their sins and heal their land.” The insanity that has become the norm in our culture reflects the state of our nation’s heart. It is a spiritual issue, not a political issue. No doubt it was political agendas that got us in this mess, but the answer now will not be found in the election of another Republican, Democrat, or even an Independent. This answer can only be found in returning to the proclamation that has been sounded over and over again throughout both the Old and the New Testament. Repent! Turn from your sin and turn to God! Refer back a few paragraphs to the verse from Isaiah 5:20-24. The penalty for turning away from the Lord clearly stated in these verses, and history has proven that to be correct. The fall of every person, or great empire, or nation has been the result of turning their backs to God.
I believe our culture is ready for a message of hope based on truth. I don’t think anyone would argue that we have been let down by people and institutions that have here-to-fore been our focus of faith, including Corporate American and it’s scandals, the government and it’s lies, and even the Church and it’s cover-ups. So where can we turn? Well…Where are they turning in Africa, in Latin America and in China. In fact, if the rate of conversions taking place today continues in China, it is predicted that by 2030 China will be the largest Christian country in the world. Can you even imagine that?
But what these people are hearing, and what they are longing for, is the hope that comes from the truth of the Gospel of Grace. I believe that if the Body of Christ will have the courage and conviction to take a concerted stand against evil and sin and call it for what it is, we can change the heart of our nation. Just as Luke Skywalker had the “force with him” in Star Wars, we have a very real force with us in our endeavor – the Holy Spirit. Two undeniable truths will close this segment. “Nothing is impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37) and James 4:10, “When you bow down before the Lord and admit your dependence on him, he will lift you up and give you honor.” I believe that as followers of Jesus Christ, we have our marching orders.
Grace Church-St. Louis is in the front lines, leading the charge to pray for our country. They are starting a church-wide prayer study based on the outstanding book, “Growing in Prayer” by Mike Bickle. It begins next weekend, and includes about 75 small group studies throughout the week (morning noon and night). If you would like to become involved in this all-important endeavor, call Grace Church-St. Louis at 314-292-8300 or call me at 314-799-7075.
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May God bless ya…
Dan Presgrave (a.k.a. Pastor Dan)
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