AMERICA: IS THERE ANY HOPE?

II Chronicles 7:11-22

On this past July 4th, our thoughts turned to the freedom that we enjoy in this great country. Patriotic celebrations were being conducted in many places with the American flag being proudly displayed in homes, businesses, and churches. But, in spite of all the celebrations, there is an uneasy feeling among most Americans that something is definitely wrong with our country.

In the Bible we learn that the Nation of Israel was also warned about what could happen if they did not fulfill their God-given role and responsibilities in this world. The instruction came to Solomon after the dedication ceremonies for the newly-completed Temple. Please take a moment to read the passage in II Chronicles 7.

WHAT IS WRONG?

1A. WE HAVE FORSAKEN THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD! - II Chron. 7:19
(Lack of OBEDIENCE)

2A. WE HAVE FOLLOWED OTHER BELIEFS INSTEAD OF THE LORD AND HIS WORD! - II Chron. 7:22; Heb. 11:6
(Lack of FAITH)

3A. WE HAVE FOUGHT AGAINST THE LORD HIMSELF! II Chron. 36:12-13; Prov. 28:9; 29:1; Heb. 3:7-13
(Lack of SUBMISSION)

4A. WE HAVE FOUND TEMPORARY SATISFACTION IN IMMORAL PRACTICES! - “wicked ways” II Chron. 36:14 - “all the abominations of the heathen” - cf. Lev. 18:24-30; Deut. 18:9-14
(Lack of HOLINESS)

5A. WE HAVE FORGOTTEN THE SANCTITY OF LIFE! II Kings 21:1-16 - “innocent blood”
(Lack of VALUES)

6A. WE HAVE FAILED TO RESPOND TO GOD’S WARNINGS! II Chron. 36:15-16
(Lack of REPENTANCE)

IS THERE ANY HOPE?

1A. SUBMIT TO GOD! - “humble themselves” - cf. James 4:7-10 - The problem is PRIDE in one’s ability to function without God and His help.

2A. SPEND TIME IN PRAYER! - “pray” - The problem is PRIORITIES - other things seem more important or needful at the moment - cf. Colossians 4:2-6

3A. SEEK THE LORD AND HIS WILL! - “seek My face” - The problem is PLANNING our lives without God in mind - trying to operate without Him and His wisdom - cf. James 1:3-8

4A. SEPARATE FROM SINFUL PRACTICES! - “turn from their wicked ways” - The problem is PLEASURES of sin that we refuse to give up - that have been tolerated and accepted for so long! - cf. I Thess. 4:3; 5:22

Yes, there is hope for America! We need to repent and to seek the Lord with all of our hearts! Would it not be wonderful to see a moral and spiritual awakening in our country? God is able to do “exceeding abundantly above all we ask or think” - Philippians 3:20.

Copyright © 2005 Dr. David Hocking - Hope For Today Ministries

So then, we should not sleep, as the rest also do, but we should watch and be sober. 1 Thessalonians 5:6