A Nation Tested

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I think most of us are very aware that yesterday was September 11th. I don't enjoy reliving the memories of that day from 20 years ago, but also - I don't want to forget the lives lost; the heroes of that day; the sacrifices made by so many. And in the days following - do you remember the unity that we experienced as a nation? We came together to mourn, to comfort one another and to stand united against those who attacked us. Our Churches were full every Sunday as we acknowledged our reliance on God and sought His guidance.

And now nationally, our attention has been drawn overseas once again as we see yet another crisis unfolding with more troops lost and American citizens in danger from some of the same forces from 20 years ago. But things today are very different than in those days following 9/11. We're greatly divided and attendance in many of our Churches has withered.

The Kingdom of God is so much larger than America - but America has been a blessed nation because of our faith in God. America has been blessed in the past because we have valued what God values. Now, those things that the Bible deems sacred are rejected and maligned.

Woodrow Wilson, our 28th president, in his famous address, "The Bible and Progress", said, "America was born a Christian nation. America was born to exemplify that devotion to the elements of righteousness which are derived from the revelations of Holy Scripture. The Bible is the one supreme source of revelation of the meaning of life, the nature of God, and the spiritual nature and needs of men. It is the only guide of life which leads the spirit in the way of peace and salvation."

As a nation, we've strayed far from that Christian worldview. As we reflect on September 11th- we need to acknowledge both the tragedy of that day, but more importantly the God who sustained us through that tragedy. God - who will continue to hold us up, and bless us - if we will put our trust in Him. In difficult times, it is important that...

I. We remember

God has a very long memory and he has given us various memorials to help us remember. We need those memorials because we tend to forget things rather quickly - even very important things. As humans, we haven't quite figured out how to effectively pass on vital truths to the next generation. And that's been a part of the human experience since creation as each generation chooses to accept or reject the values of the previous generation.

I heard a reporter reflecting on the events of 9/11. He said that 'it really comes down to faith; faith in the American Spirit'. I agree it's about faith, but not in ourselves. And that's the mistake that we've made. Jesus said in John 15:5 (NIV)...

I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

In this passage, Jesus is referring to the actions of an individual follower here - but I believe the same principle applies in a larger sense to our country as well. As a nation - we need to once again acknowledge and rely on God's presence and strength.

Video: "A 9/11 Tribute: We Will Never Forget"

https://skitguys.com/videos/a-9-11-tribute-we-will-never-forget

Our nation continues to hurt because of the events of 9/11. But the only hope our nation has for continued healing and comfort comes through Jesus. But people outside of the Church probably won't seek answers in God - so it's our job to graciously point them to Him. It's our job to remind them that our hope is not in ourselves. Our true hope is not in any politician or government. Our hope is only found in God, our Creator. And the only hope of a relationship with God is through His Son, Jesus.

Our nation has seen its share of difficult times. And God has led us through those times in the past. But it has always been the responsibility of the Church to point us towards God's truths. You may have noticed a recurring theme of 'division' in my preaching the last few weeks. I've heard it said that, as a nation, we've never been more divided than we are right now. But anyone who knows history knows that we were at one time, truly...

A. A nation divided

Back in the 1860's, our nation fought The Civil War. One of the major issues of division at that time was the subject of slavery. But despite the fact that slavery was a political issue - the Church had a responsibility to speak against the evils of slavery.

Preachers in different Churches had to take a stand based on what scripture taught. And despite the clarity that we now enjoy through the luxury of hindsight - even many Churches were divided. Some preachers took the stand that all men were created equal by God and that they all should be free - that no man had the right to own another man. They rightly saw the 'image of God' in all men and women - slave and free.

But there were also many preachers of that time who would not stand against slavery - either out of personal convictions, economic reasons, or even fear. Again - in hindsight - today, we in the Church clearly see the evil that slavery is and rightly condemn it. Back when the New Testament was written, the Roman Government was the occupying authority and the subject of slavery was not up for debate.

In our nation - we are in very different circumstances. We are governed by a representative Republic - a government established, as Abraham Lincoln said, 'of the people, by the people, and for the people'. We have been granted the freedom to choose our leaders and our laws. And as such - the Church must have a voice on those issues where the Bible clearly stands.

Despite division in our nation, for our nation to continue to receive God's blessings, we need to acknowledge that...

B. The Bible is God's Word

For those who claim an allegiance to Jesus Christ, the Bible must be our foundation and our final authority. We can never base our opinions on cultural trends or view them through the lens of popular thought. Our beliefs must be based on a clear understanding and acceptance of God's Word. Paul tells us this in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)...

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, (17) so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

And just as our nation was divided on the issue of slavery, our nation is again divided. Many important issues are at stake - but not all of them have a clear basis in scripture. But that doesn't mean that the Church should remain silent.

It's my goal to draw all of us closer in unity behind Jesus and His teachings. I want to strengthen and encourage the Church. I want to bring as many people as possible to a saving knowledge of Jesus. But just as Christians during the Civil War were called to take a stand against slavery based on their religious convictions - we must take a stand as well.

Back in Jesus' day, the teachers of the law tried to trick Jesus into taking a stand on a potentially divisive political position.

Matthew 22:16-22 (NIV)

They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. "Teacher," they said, "we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren't swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are. (17) Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" (18) But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, "You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me?

(19) Show me the coin used for paying the tax." They brought him a denarius, (20) and he asked them, "Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?" (21) "Caesar's," they replied. Then he said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." (22) When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away.

Jesus didn't necessarily 'take sides', but He did take a stand. He spoke to God's authority. His 'position' went above the political issue of taxes to recognizing the higher point that God is The Authority no matter what! And ignoring that vital truth is how we've gotten ourselves caught up in divisions and arguments - because many simply reject that authority. But just because people reject God's authority doesn't change the fact that God is in charge and His ways are always best!

Never forget - the Bible says that God loves you! That is undeniable no matter who you are or what you've done. He proved that fact on the cross! When God explains reality, when He gives us instructions in His Word - it's not to restrict us, but for our own benefit, out of a love greater than we could ever comprehend!

The word 'sanctity' means that which is holy or sacred - established by God. If you do a search through the major translations of the Bible - you won't find the word 'sanctity', but you will find the concept. There are major issues that have become political that are first and foremost Biblical concerns. We see this passage in Genesis 1:27 (NIV)...

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

That simple statement of truth says a lot. God is explaining the fact of how He created us - out of love. But even that simple statement of fact has become controversial based on how many view human life and relationships and even gender.

I don't believe that it was God's intention that something as sacred as a human life - a creation and gift from God - should ever be treated as just a political issue. And human life is sacred. And it's not 'mean' to desire and work to protect human life. Politicians will do whatever they are going to do, I will support those who protect life, and the laws of this land will be what they will be - but whatever happens - no one can ever change the Sanctity of Human life - because it is God who creates life.

Many things become an 'issue' of extremely divided opinion - but my main concern must be focused on what God has established as truth. We do not have the authority to tear down or 'redefine' anything that God has established as sacred. That being said - I can't expect non-Christians to respond like Christians. But I must still stand for all that is sacred - in love - as established in God's Word - even if it is inaccurately labeled as intolerant or bigoted or extreme or misogynistic or small minded or old fashioned or thrown in with any number of labels of various 'phobias'. I must stand firm because it is truth.

Standing for the beauty of Biblical marriage, the beauty of God's design for men and women, the sacredness of human life, the sacredness in all relationships - that's not a hateful thing. It's honoring God's unwavering truth above man's changing opinions.

And as we deal with these difficult decisions that we have to make individually and as a nation, among our Churches, there must be...

II. A call to prayer

And this is not a matter of, 'There's nothing else we can do! All is lost! We've got no other option but prayer!' No - this is not a last ditch effort in the face of insurmountable odds. It's a necessary acknowledgment that without God's power we can do nothing! It says this in a passage we've read many times...

1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NIV)

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - (2) for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. (3) This is good, and pleases God our Savior, (4) who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

And how will they hear the truth if we don't speak the truth...?

Our nation is going through an extended period of testing. And if our Churches fail to hold fast to God's Word - we have no real, genuine, steadfast hope to offer those around us. We sang the song, "Ancient Words" this morning. It is in those words of the Bible where we find the truth of our Creator and His deep love for His creation! It is in those words where we are called to pray!

I know there are many who might be bothered by some of the stands I take that come 'a bit close' to politics. I can give to Caesar what is his, but I cannot give over to him what belongs to God! If I do so, I'm doing a great disservice to those who need to hear the truth.

We need to pray for God's guidance in these difficult times. The United States is clearly a nation in distress. We're struggling with wounds from a 20 year anniversary that have been intensified by recent losses to those who took so much from us that day. We're struggling with an economy battered by a worldwide pandemic, culture wars, continued racial tension, and a divided Church being told to sit on the sidelines and stay silent.

What we need is revival in our Churches! We need to pray for a standard of righteousness to be raised once again over this nation! Not as a weapon with which to judge sinners but as a beacon of hope to call the lost and hurting! We need to pray for wisdom and direction for our nation's leaders! We need to pray for conviction for those in leadership who deny God's authority!

In times of past crisis, our nation needed believers to stand up for truth and demonstrate the deep love and forgiveness of God - even at a great cost to themselves! And today, we are in desperate need of those who will again stand for truth and love.

So What?

I urge you to stand firm; to stand in love. I urge you to pray. You have a responsibility to stand in every area of your life for the things that God values, no matter what others do in their lives. You can choose to remain silent on those things that are controversial, or go against modern thought or morals - but our nation needs truth demonstrated through love.

A nation that ignores or rejects God will not stand. I thank God for this nation's past leaders who have acknowledged God's power - and I earnestly pray for many more who do so as well. But the only hope of any nation is God and God alone. Stand firm and pray!