The Why and the What “Sealed to Serve” Revelation 7:1-8 FBC Canton, Sunday AM, January 17, 2021: To encourage each of us to engage in God’s work!

Introduction: As we open Ch. 7 of Revelation: The Lord will end the time of the Church, but He never ends the work of the Church! Matthew 28:16-20 We have a specific and limited time frame to accomplish the mission. But the mission is bigger than us! It will last long after we are no longer here! Chapter 7 is a break from the opening of the 7 seals. This is a pattern throughout Revelation; here it will be a whole chapter, later, the gap is smaller. It is the same gap evidenced between Daniel’s 69th and 70th week. These gaps are times of great work, not idleness.

Here we see God seal 144k of the tribes of Israel to be his evangelists during Daniel’s 70th week. They are not the church. They are not angels. They are . There are no 10 lost tribes. In these days when nothing seems certain, nothing seems secure: Here is an undeniable truth for the believer: God never misplaces His people! Let’s stand and pray and ask the Lord to remind us He will never misplace us either! I. God will Stop Judgment to Seal His Servants. v. 1-8 Sealed used 27x(NT) a. The Seal of God is the seal of life! John 10:10 b. The Seal of God means: Ephesians 1:13-14 1. Security. 2. Approval. 3. Authenticity. 4. Personal identity. 5. Authority. Eph 1:13 - In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with G4972 that holy Spirit of promise, Eph 4:30 - And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed G4972 unto the day of redemption. KJV Translation Count — Total: 27x The KJV translates Strong's G4972 in the following manner: seal (22x), set to (one's) seal (1x), stop (1x), seal up (1x), set a seal (1x), variations of 'seal' (1x). Outline of Biblical Usage 1. to set a seal upon, mark with a seal, to seal 1. for security: from Satan 2. since things sealed up are concealed (as the contents of a letter), to hide, keep in silence, keep secret 3. in order to mark a person or a thing 1. to set a mark upon by the impress of a seal or a stamp 2. angels are said to be sealed by God 4. in order to prove, confirm, or attest a thing 1. to confirm authenticate, place beyond doubt 1. of a written document 2. to prove one's testimony to a person that he is what he professes to be Strong’s Definitions (Strong’s Definitions Legend) σφραγίζω sphragízō, sfrag-id'-zo; from G4973; to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation (literally or figuratively); by implication, to keep secret, to attest:—(set a, set to) seal up, stop. ii. God will hold back the Rapture until all are saved. Romans 11:25 II. God’s Sealed are to Serve. Revelation 14:1-5 a. Their past is redeemed. Romans 8:1 i. Sing a new song, no one else can sing. Ephesians 5:18-20 ii. Redeemed from among men. iii. First Fruits to God and to the Lamb. b. Their present is dedicated to purity. Romans 13:11-14 i. Not defiled: no stains. ii. No Deceit. Specifically, as it relates to speech: no crafty tongue. iii. Without fault before God: without blame. c. Their purpose is defined. Mark 4:19 ‘fishers of men.’ i. Follow the Lamb. Engagement You joyfully seek ways to serve through the ministries of the church. You give generously of your resources for God’s Kingdom advancement. You spread the word about what God is doing at FBC Canton. You volunteer to help develop new ministries. You find ways to send grace forward. Conclusion: Not one of them was misplaced, neither are you!

"Lost Tribe" Returns to Israel

from the September 11, 2007 eNews issue

An Indian tribe called the , which means "children of Manasseh," have for many years claimed to be one of the "lost tribes" of Israel. They say they are the descendants of the , who fled Israel on trade routes to after the destruction of the Northern Kingdom. Earlier this month a group of 230 Bnei Menashe arrived in Israel – they came with tourist visas, but plan to seek Israeli citizenship. Approximately 1,000 Bnei Menashe have moved to the Holy Land since 1994, and there are about 7,000 who still live in India, who could eventually immigrate to Israel.

In March of 2005 the Israeli Supreme Court ruled that all conversions performed outside of Israel would be recognized by the authorities under the Law of Return. Two months after the Supreme Court's decision, Israeli Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar publicly recognized the Bnei Menashe as part of the lost tribe of Manasseh. Since then, hundreds of members of India's Bnei Menashe community have formally converted to Orthodox . By converting, the Bnei Menashe will then be able to immigrate to Israel and obtain citizenship under the Law of Return. The Law of Return was passed five years after the end of World War II to facilitate the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Israel.

There are many groups that believe the northern tribes, separated during the rift between Rehoboam and Jeroboam after the death of Solomon (and subsequently taken captive by in 722 BC), later migrated to Europe and elsewhere. The myth of the is the basis for British- Israelism and other colorful legends, but these stories have no real Biblical basis. They are based upon misconceptions derived from the misreading of various Bible passages (2 Kings 17:7-23, 2 Chronicles 6:6-11).

The "" (2 Kings 17:18) is used idiomatically for the Southern Kingdom. When encountering the tribal designations, it is important to distinguish between the territories allocated to the tribes and the people themselves. Before the Assyrian captivity, substantial numbers from the northern tribes had identified themselves with the house of David. The rebellion of Jeroboam and subsequent crises caused many to repudiate the Northern Kingdom and unite with the Southern Kingdom in a common alliance to the house of David and a desire to worship the Lord in Jerusalem.

Ezekiel 36 and 37 declares that Judah and Israel shall be joined as one in the regathering. This is true today. Ezekiel's famed vision of the Valley of the Dry Bones is unquestionably the monumental Biblical fulfillment of the 20th century. Beginning in the last half of the 19th century, the regathering, which climaxed in the establishment of the State of Israel, is one of the most irrefutable evidences that we are on threshold of God's climax for the nations.

For more information on this subject read the article titled "Mystery of the Myth: The Ten Lost Tribes" on our website (link below). Also our Expositional Commentary on contains a detailed exploration of this common misconception.

Related Links

- Mystery of the Myth: The Ten Lost Tribes - K-House Archives - Joshua and The Twelve Tribes - MP3 Download - Koinonia House - Joshua and The Twelve Tribes - CD-ROM - Koinonia House - Over 200 Manipuris Migrate to Israel - IANS - Bnei Menashe Immigrants Visit Western Wall - INN

Mystery of the Myth: The Ten Lost Tribes by Chuck Missler

This month (June 1995) we celebrate the Feast of Shavout, or Pentecost. In Peter's famous speech on this day in Acts Chapter 2, he referred to both "" and "Israel", which brings up an ubiquitous myth concerning the "Ten Lost Tribes" of Israel.

There are many groups that believe the northern tribes, separated during the rift between Rehoboam and Jeroboam after the death of Solomon (and subsequently taken captive by Assyria in 722 b.c.), later migrated to Europe and elsewhere.

The myth of the "Ten Lost Tribes" is the basis for "British- Israelism" and other colorful legends, but these stories have no real Biblical basis. They are based upon misconceptions derived from the misreading of various Bible passages.1

The Faithful Voted With Their Feet

Before the Assyrian captivity, substantial numbers from the northern tribes had identified themselves with the house of David.2 The rebellion of Jeroboam and subsequent crises caused many to repudiate the Northern Kingdom and unite with the Southern Kingdom in a common alliance to the house of David and a desire to worship the Lord in Jerusalem.3

In 930 b.c., Jeroboam ruled the Northern Kingdom from his capital in .4 When Jeroboam turned the Northern Kingdom to idolatry, the Levites (and others who desired to remain faithful) migrated south to Rehoboam.5

Horrified that Jeroboam had set up a rival religion with golden calf worship at Bethel and Dan, many Northerners moved south, knowing that the only place acceptable to God was the Temple on Mt. Moriah.6 Those who favored idolatry migrated north to Jeroboam.

Later, when Asa reigned as king in the south, another great company came from the north.7

Years after the deportation by Assyria, King Hezekiah of Judah issued a call to all Israel to come and worship in Jerusalem and celebrate the Passover.8 Eighty years later King Josiah of Judah also issued a call, and an offering for the Temple was received from "Manasseh and and all the remnant of Israel...."9

Eventually, all 12 tribes were represented in the south. God even addresses the 12 tribes in the south: "Speak unto Rehoboam the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all Israel in Judah and ...."10

The "tribe of Judah" (2 Kings 17:18, et al.) is used idiomatically for the Southern Kingdom.11 When encountering the tribal designations, it is important to distinguish between the territories allocated to the tribes and the people themselves.

The Northern Kingdom Falls

In 724 b.c. Shalmaneser V besieged Samaria for three years. King Hoshea of Israel attempted to revolt against paying Assyrians annual tribute money--a treaty with Pharaoh of Egypt did not help 12--and Samaria, Jeroboam's capital, fell in 722 b.c. with Sargon II seizing power in 721 b.c.

The Assyrians implemented their infamous policy of mixing conquered peoples to keep them from organizing a revolt. Israelite captives were mixed with Persians and others, and strangers from far-off lands were resettled in Samaria. The resulting mixed, quasi-Jewish populations became the "."13 (You can read about this "fall" in 2 Kings 17.)

Not all from the Northern Kingdom were deported. Archaeologists have uncovered annals of the Assyrian Sargon, in which he tells that he carried away only 27,290 people and 50 chariots.14

Population estimates of the Northern Kingdom at that time range from 400,000 to 500,000; less than 1/20th were deported-- mostly the leadership from the capital, Samaria. The rest of the Northern Kingdom were taken by Assyria as slaves, which were a valuable commodity. (It is difficult to view the Assyrians as careless enough to let their captives wander off to Europe.)

When the Babylonians take over Assyria, the descendants of the "ten tribes" were probably again commingled with the captives of Judah.

The Babylonians Take Over

When the Northern Kingdom went into captivity (722 b.c.), all 12 tribes were also represented in the south. When the Babylonians took the Southern Kingdom into captivity (586 b.c.), members of all 12 tribes of Israel were involved. Isaiah, prophesying to Judah, refers to them as the "House of , which are called by the name of Israel..." (Isaiah 48:1; cf. vv. 12-14).

Post-Captivity Terminology

After the Babylonian captivity, the terms "Jew" and "Israelite" are used interchangeably. Ezra calls the returning remnant "Jews" 8 times and "Israel" 40 times. (Ezra also speaks of "all Israel": Ezra 2:70; 3:11; 8:35; 10:25, et al.) Nehemiah uses the term "Jew" 11 times and "Israel" 22 times. Nehemiah too speaks of "all Israel" being back in the land (Nehemiah 12:47). The remnant who returned from Babylon is represented as "the nation" (Malachi 1:1, et al.).

The same is true in the New Testament. Our Lord is said to have offered Himself to the nation, "the lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Matthew 10:5-6; 15:24). Tribes other than Judah are mentioned specifically in the New Testament as being represented in the land.15

Anna knew her tribal identity was of the (Luke 2:36). Paul knew he was of the , a "Jew" and an "Israelite" (Romans 11:1). The New Testament speaks of "Israel" 75 times and uses the word "Jew" 174 times.16

At the Feast of Pentecost Peter cries, "Ye men of " (Acts 2:14), "ye men of Israel..." (Acts 2:22), and "All the house of Israel" (Acts 2:36).

Regathered as One

Ezekiel 36 and 37, the Dry Bones Vision, declares that Judah (Jews) and Israel (10 tribes) shall be joined as one in the regathering.17 This is true today. (The total physical descendants were not the people to whom the promises were made [Romans 9:4-7].)

Anti-Semitism

Accompanying some of the legends of the so-called "Ten Lost Tribes" are aspersions on the present State of Israel and the people being regathered in the Land. These various theories such as "British Israelism" are by their nature anti-Semitic because they deny the Jewish people their proper place in the plan of God. Let's remember that Genesis 12:3 has never been repealed!

Israel is being regathered in the land just as God has announced.18 There is yet to come an event which will awaken them to realize that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob once again has His hand upon them (Ezekiel 38, 39). I believe this event could happen at any moment. 19 The Throne of David was promised to the Son of Mary (Luke 1:32). I believe His taking possession of it is on the near horizon. Maranatha!

Sources:

1. Lewis, David Allen, Can Israel Survive in a Hostile World?, New Leaf Press, 1993. 2. Scofield, C.I., The New Scofield Study Bible, notes on 2 Kings 17:23.

This article was originally published in the June 1995 Personal Update NewsJournal. For a FREE 1-Year Subscription, click here.

Slides from Chuck Missler Revelation Session 14

David Guzik: Study Guide for Revelation 7

References for Rev 7:1 — 1 2

THE 144,000 AND THE GREAT MULTITUDE A. The 144,000.

1. (Rev 7:1-3) Holding back judgment until the servants of God are sealed.

After these things I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree. Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, saying, “Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.” a. Four angels standing at the four corners of the earth: The phrase four corners of the earth is an ancient (and sometimes modern) equivalent to the idea of “the four points of the compass.” The idea is that these angels effect the entire earth. b. Holding the four winds of the earth: These winds were a destructive force of God’s judgment, as they often are in the . i. Hosea 13:15 gives an example: Though he is fruitful among his brethren, an east wind shall come; the wind of the Lord shall come from the wilderness. Then his spring will become dry, and his fountain shall be dried up. ii. The four winds of the earth may refer back to the four horsemen of Revelation 6:1-8, after the pattern of Zechariah 6:1-8. In that passage, four chariots with horses of the same colors of Revelation 6:1-8 go out to all the earth, and are called the four spirits of heaven. Spirits in that passage translates the Hebrew word ruach, which can also be translated winds. c. Another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: Another angel had a seal, and he sealed the people of God. In the ancient world, such seals were familiar. A king or a property owner could use a seal to show ownership or authenticity. d. Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads: These servants of God will receive a protective seal on their forehead, containing God’s name in some manner (Revelation 14:1). i. In Ezekiel 9:4, a similar protective seal was given to the righteous before Jerusalem was judged. e. The servants of our God: We are not told what exactly their service is, but the 144,000 are sealed for a specific and unique purpose. However, the general idea of being sealed is not limited to them. i. Jesus was sealed; God the Father has set His seal on Him. (John 6:27) ii. We are sealed with the Holy Spirit as a down payment of our eventual total redemption. Paul wrote: God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. (2 Corinthians 1:21-22) iii. This sealing of the Holy Spirit belongs to every believer when they are saved: having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. (Ephesians 1:13) iv. The sealing of the Holy Spirit is meant to be both a comfort and a challenge to us. We are comforted in that it assures us that we belong to Him. We are challenged by it to depart from all evil and identify ourselves with the One we belong to: Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” (2 Timothy 2:19) And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (Ephesians 4:30)

2. (Rev 7:4-8) The number of those sealed.

And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed: of the tribe of Judah twelve thousand were sealed; of the twelve thousand were sealed; of the twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Asher twelve thousand were sealed; of the twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand were sealed; of the twelve thousand were sealed; of the twelve thousand were sealed; of the twelve thousand were sealed; of the twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Benjamin twelve thousand were sealed. a. One hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed: This is their general identification. They are of all the tribes of the children of Israel. Ethnically, they are Jewish, and there are 144,000 of these chosen ones. b. Of the tribe of Judah twelve thousand were sealed: This is their specific identification. The 144,000 are divided among the 12 tribes of Israel. Though only God may know their tribal ancestry, there are 12,000 from each tribe. c. Of the tribe of: In this listing of the tribes, the is left out. Some think this is because Dan is the tribe of the Antichrist, based on Daniel 11:37 and Jeremiah 8:16. This may or may not be the case, but without doubt, Dan was the tribe that introduced idolatry into the nation of Israel (Genesis 49:17; Judges 18:30). i. There is a wonderful redemption for the tribe of Dan. Dan is the first tribe listed in Ezekiel’s millennial role call of the tribes (). d. Of the tribe of: This list is also interesting in the way that the is referred to, but only indirectly. The tribe of Joseph is mentioned, but Joseph was represented by two tribes: Ephraim and Manasseh. Since the tribe of Manasseh is mentioned, by elimination, the tribe of Joseph must mean the tribe of Ephraim – who is listed, but not by name. i. Perhaps Ephraim was slighted because the tribe of Ephraim was also associated with great idolatry (Hosea 4:17). e. Of the tribe of: It is sometimes claimed that this list must be purely symbolic because it is “irregular,” but what is a regular listing of the tribes? i. There are not less than 20 different ways of listing the tribes of Israel in the Old Testament, including one that omits the tribe of Dan (1 Chronicles 4-7). ii. Just because a list is different doesn’t mean it is fanciful symbolism. It is proper to regard each of these lists as legitimate, and to consider that each specific variation serves a purpose, meaning to emphasize something.

3. Who are these 144,000? a. Many different groups have claimed to be the 144,000. For example, the Jehovah’s Witnesses once said their entire group was, until they surpassed 144,000 in number. Now they say that the 144,000 are only a select group of Witnesses who go to heaven. i. Most Bible scholars either regard the 144,000 as the church or as converted Jews, who are still identified as Israelites in some manner. ii. It is an important issue. If they are a symbol of the church, then the church is definitely in the Great Tribulation, but sealed for survival through the Great Tribulation. b. Some facts about the 144,000 from Revelation 7 and Revelation 14 give us insight regarding their identity. i. They are called the children of Israel (Revelation 7:4). ii. Their tribal affiliation is specific (Revelation 7:4-8). iii. They seem to be protected and triumphant through the period of God’s wrath, meeting with Jesus at Mount Zion at His return (Revelation 14:1). iv. They are celibate (Revelation 14:4). v. They are the beginning of a greater harvest (Revelation 14:4). vi. They are marked by integrity and faithfulness (Revelation 14:5). c. Taken together, these facts make it difficult to say that the 144,000 are a symbolic picture of the church. i. Israel is a term never specifically applied to the church in the New Testament, and never by any Christian until a.d. 160 ii. Their tribal affiliation is emphatic and known to God. Even if God only knows it, there is absolutely no reason to regard their tribal affiliation as symbolic, not literal. iii. It is difficult to imagine the entire church surviving through the tribulation without martyrdom and remaining celibate through the period, something that was never required for the church as a whole (1 Corinthians 7:1-6). iv. If the 144,000 are a symbol of the entire church, what greater harvest are they the beginning of? d. It is best to see the 144,000 as specifically chosen Jewish people who come to faith in Jesus, protectively sealed throughout the tribulation as a sign. i. They are the beginning harvest of the salvation of Israel (Romans 11:1, Romans 11:26, Matthew 23:37-39). ii. “They are not a part of the Church proper; for their repentance comes too late for that. They are a super addition to the Church – a supplementary body – near and precious to Christ, but made up after the proper Church has finished its course.” (Seiss)

Chuck Smith: Sermon Notes for Revelation 7:1- 3 "THE SEAL OF GOD." I. THE SEAL, THE MARK OF OWNERSHIP. A. Each merchant had his own seal. 1. In Ephesus, he would purchase goods from the caravans coming from the east. a. They would be crated for shipment then sealed with a seal with the owner's imprint. 2. When the goods arrived at Puteoli, the port city, for goods headed for Rome. a. Agents for merchants recognized and claimed goods by seal, a mark of ownership. II. IN REVELATION WE SEE THE PROTECTIVE CAPACITIES OF SEAL. A. Four angels about to release violent winds of destructive force upon the earth. 1. Hold them back till servants of God sealed. B. In chapter 9, when demon hordes are released from abbusso. 1. Power to inflict torment. 2. Not to hurt those with seal of God in their foreheads. III. IN REVELATION THOSE WHO HAVE THE SEAL OF GOD ARE JEWS. A. Of all the tribes of Israel - 144,OOO. B. 12,000 from each tribe. C. The imprint on the seal is "Yahweh." 1. Many cult groups have tried to identify their group as the 144,000. IV. ANOTHER GROUP SEALED OF GOD (Eph. 1:13). A. Eph. 1 declares our spiritual blessings in Christ. 1. We have been chosen, predestined, adopted. 2. We are accepted by God, redeemed by the blood of Christ, now heirs of God. B. "Sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise." 1. "Earnest of our inheritance." a. Greek word "Arrobon" deposit. b. We have today the term, "earnest money." c. That which indicates full intent. 2. "Until redemption of purchased possession." a. You are God's purchased possession. 1. "What, know ye not your body is the..." b. The redemption is not yet consummated. 1. God has not picked up His goods. 2. We with all creation wait for that day. 3. Some day soon, He is coming to claim that which is His. Either by death or rapture, I will be standing before Him in my new body, my redemption complete. 3. In the meantime, He has placed His mark of ownership on me. a. How do you know God is sincere in His promise to redeem you? 1. He made the deposit. 2. His seal of ownership is on me. 3. I'm just waiting to arrive in port so He can claim His goods.

Our Nation Is a Mess—What Does the Bible Say? by Ken Ham on January 7, 2021 Featured in Ken Ham’s Blog

America is in a mess spiritually, morally, and politically. How should we understand what is happening? Should our emphasis be one of trying to save America? First, how does God view America or any nation? Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, and are accounted as the dust on the scales. (Isaiah

40:15) Should we look to man to solve the problems in this nation? It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. (Psalm 118:8). Stop regarding man in whose nostrils is breath, for of what account is he? (Isaiah 2:22) Oh, grant us help against the foe, for vain is the salvation of man! With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes. (Psalm 60:11–12) Thus says the LORD: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the LORD. He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land. Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. (Jeremiah

17:5–7) Should we look to politicians to solve the problems? Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that

very day his plans perish. (Psalm 146:3–4) Should we look to an army to solve the problems? The king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength. The war horse is a false hope for salvation, and by its great might it cannot rescue. Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine. Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. (Psalm 33:16–20) What is wrong with the nation? To quote my good

friend Ray Comfort, this nation could be summed up this way: The nation forgot the Lord their God who had blessed

them abundantly, and had instead given itself to lawlessness and slaughtering their own offspring in the womb.

Therefore, the judgment of God fell upon them. In many ways, this fits with what God was saying to the people at

the time of Hosea. The LORD has a controversy with the inhabitants of the land. There is no

faithfulness or steadfast love, and no knowledge of God in the land. (Hosea 4:1) How then should we deal with these problems? America or any nation is not going to last forever, but the souls of people will live forever. Surely our emphasis should be on seeing souls saved for eternity through salvation in Christ. This Jesus . . . And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven

given among men by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:11–12) The same God who spoke to Solomon

about the people of Israel is the same God who is watching over everything today: If my people who are called by my name 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. (2

Chronicles 7:14) Yes, so many people in this nation, including many rulers (politicians, judges, etc.), have turned their backs on God. Yes, so many people in this nation, including many rulers (politicians, judges, etc.), have turned their backs on God. They have rejected God and his Word in the education systems. They have sacrificed millions of children to the god of self. They have rejected God in many ways through rejecting prayer, rejecting nativity scenes and crosses, and replacing the truth of God as Creator for the lie of evolution. (Even many church leaders and Christian academics have compromised God’s Word with evolutionary ideas). For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. (Romans 1:21–23) How does God view the plans of rulers who reject him? Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying, “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.” He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision. Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, “As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.” (Psalm 2:1–6) Is America under judgment? This description in Romans 1 certainly fits with what we are experiencing. And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them. (Romans 1:28–32) What can we do?

We need to tell the nations about the one true God and about the message of salvation that only he provides: Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth! Sing to the LORD, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the LORD made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. (Psalm 96:1–6) And we should “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) for the souls of those who have rejected him. And remember—there’s a raging spiritual war, but we know this: For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. (2

Corinthians 10:4) Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying, Ken