Welcome to REACH America for Jesus! From a number of sources I have heard that we in the United States are now living in a post-Christian era, and that the influence of the body of Christ is diminishing, as people look to other sources than God for help in solving their day-to-day problems. It’s not just in the U.S.; the whole world seems to be drifting away from the Lord.

This is not the first time people have walked away from God. He chose the people of Israel to call His own. They were selected to be the instrument through whom God would eventually reconcile mankind to Himself, so that we might live the most fulfilling life possible. But when we read their history with all their kings and prophets, we see how they turned away from their unique relationship with Him to prostitute themselves to false, man-made gods. Not all the kings were enticed to the dark side; some were faithful to lead the people back to God and the people experienced a spiritual revival that led to greater prosperity and times of peace. Nevertheless, eventually both the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah found themselves overcome and enslaved by other nations, God’s judgment on His own people.

The reason I am most concerned about the U.S. wandering away from God is two-fold: first, I live here and have enjoyed so much peace and liberty, I do not want that to change–for myself, or my kids, or my grandkids. Secondly, the United States has been seen by many as a city on a hill, a light in the darkness. It is no wonder that from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century, it was called “the melting pot of the world.” Everyone who came here yearned to share in the liberty, the prosperity and the peace that our way of life provided. They desired to be called an “American.” Not everyone became rich, but they appreciated the opportunity to pursue their own dream of success.The country’s uniqueness is bound up in its founding. In his book, “Last Call for Liberty,” Os Guinness contrasted the American Revolution of 1776 with the French Revolution of 1789. The primary difference lay in their distinctly different definitions of “liberty.” The U.S. fought for the freedom to live the way they felt God wanted them to live, and the French fought for the liberty to live the way they wanted to live. The U.S. Constitution, in effect, became a covenant between its citizens: “I promise to pursue my happiness without infringing upon your rights given to you by God, as you pursue your happiness without infringing upon my rights, also given by God.”

As we become a post-Christian nation, more people are beginning to subscribe to the French definition of liberty: . . . “the freedom to live the way I want to live.” If God would send His own people into captivity because of their rejection of Him, why should we think that He would do no less to us when we abandon Him? Except it will not be to captivity we go. It will be to our destruction . . .

I don’t intend this blog to be completely negative for the sole purpose of seeking change through guilting those who read it. That has never really worked. Instead, my hope is that I can create some thoughtful dialogue with you that might in some way help you realize your place in seeking a spiritual re-awakening. If conviction of your soul is necessary, I will leave that to the Holy Spirit.

The United States has “enjoyed” at least two major spiritual re-awakenings in its history. I wrote the word enjoyed in quotes because the fruit of the revivals came after some incredible suffering. The first re-awakening came in the early to mid-18th century. The Church was losing its influence as men followed after pursuits of personal wealth. It climaxed with a crisis of servitude bearing down on the people of the 13 American colonies. It led eventually to the American Revolution, where the colonists fought for the right to be considered equal with the people of the homeland. They felt that their rights came directly from God, not from King George.The second re-awakening came in the early to mid-19th century, when the Church realized that not all people living under the banner of the American flag were free. As the Spirit of God blew across the land, He filled the people with the conviction that all men were covered under the Constitution. As a result, the Civil War ensued and 600,000 men paid the price to set all men free.

I believe God is calling us to another spiritual re-awakening. It won’t be easy, but I believe that if God’s people (we the people), who are called by His name, will humble ourselves, and pray and seek His face and turn from our wicked ways, He will hear from heaven and will forgive our sin and heal our land (2 Chronicles 7:14)! We, the people are not unbelievers, but those of us who claim to be children of God. If you are not a believer, I would invite you to examine the Word with me, and let me know what you think.

Another purpose for this blog is to invite you to fall in love with God’s Word like never before! God has been showing me some amazing truths that I would like to pass on, and perhaps even discuss with you. These truths are here for you, if you will dedicate a little more time to His Word, at the sacrifice of your other current interests (like binge watching “Murder, She Wrote,”–or whatever your addiction is). I guarantee that you will find the answers to your greatest questions. And if you can help me uncover even greater truth in His Word, I will consider that a bonus for me (I do not consider that I am or that I have the last word).

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