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How often do you hear people in America quote this phrase ...
"In God We Trust"?
For many years it has been printed on our coins and money as well as on various government buildings and other places all over this nation. It has become a "catch phrase" that many people (often those you would least expect to reference God) will quote proudly and they seem puffed up about being a American citizen in doing it. We would like to ask the following questions:
What does it mean to trust in God biblically?
Is it wise for those of us who claim new life in Jesus Christ to cling to such "national pride/patriotic" ways? Let us explore that in depth.
There is no doubt the founders of this land had "some" reverence for a Creator God and that belief along with the freedoms and governmental systems they founded this nation upon; live on today though they are very stressed and tested to the breaking point indeed. If you do your research you will learn that many of the founding fathers had very unbiblical theologies and often they followed a god of their own making and NOT the biblical God at all. (That is a post topic for another time.)
Having said that, In God We Trust has still become a standard saying that many well meaning (but very uninformed people) seem to rest on for some comfort in these terrible times we live. Most people we speak with will tell us they think that God has some favor on America and if only we will say and loosely hold to believing we are under God (like the phrase) we will be just fine as a nation. Nothing could be further from the truth, we must tell you. God's Word tells us how we are to trust in Him and what a nation must do to find His favor. Here is what God told Israel about finding His favor in the book of 2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Today we don't see America seeking God's face at all or turning from its wicked ways even though so many still like to cling to and say; In God We Trust!
God won't be mocked and you must know that just quoting some feel good phrase will not get you God's favor or grace at all! (Jesus said repent or perish / Luke 13:3 which is a turning from your sinful ways.)
If you want the cold hard truth we must tell you that there is another area of scripture that better describes America's position with a Holy God today found in the book of Romans chapter 1:
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
We and many others believe God has already turned America over to her very sinful ways (disobedience to Him, sodomy, abortion, pornography, self-ism, greed, lust for carnality in entertainment/sports etc).
As a nation, God's truth has clearly been rejected here so America and the people will reap what they are sowing which is sin and then death. ( Romans 6:23 )
Now before we go to answer our questions, if you believe the God has some special favor on America you need to know that is not the case at all. In His Word (the bible) you will find that the nation Israel was His chosen people and today those born into Jesus Christ are His true people. He will again work with Israel in the last days but America is NOT Israel and it has no special place in God's heart or future that the Word reveals to us. Indeed it is true that He can bless a nation in various ways and we are thankful for this land of plenty and our many freedoms today. But please realize this; as fast as those blessings came to the land they can and will be removed when people turn to sin over the righteousness of God as we see today at every turn in our culture.
Note: this nation today is a far cry from what it once was when the Puritans came here in the 17th century to live spiritually free and to proclaim Christ's gospel.
Back to our questions. So how does the Word of God teach us we are to really trust in God?
Lets look at some verses shall we?
Proverbs 3:5-6Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Psalm 18:2
http://www.dontperish.com/john-424-radio-audio.html
How often do you hear people in America quote this phrase ...
"In God We Trust"?
For many years it has been printed on our coins and money as well as on various government buildings and other places all over this nation. It has become a "catch phrase" that many people (often those you would least expect to reference God) will quote proudly and they seem puffed up about being a American citizen in doing it. We would like to ask the following questions:
What does it mean to trust in God biblically?
Is it wise for those of us who claim new life in Jesus Christ to cling to such "national pride/patriotic" ways? Let us explore that in depth.
There is no doubt the founders of this land had "some" reverence for a Creator God and that belief along with the freedoms and governmental systems they founded this nation upon; live on today though they are very stressed and tested to the breaking point indeed. If you do your research you will learn that many of the founding fathers had very unbiblical theologies and often they followed a god of their own making and NOT the biblical God at all. (That is a post topic for another time.)
Having said that, In God We Trust has still become a standard saying that many well meaning (but very uninformed people) seem to rest on for some comfort in these terrible times we live. Most people we speak with will tell us they think that God has some favor on America and if only we will say and loosely hold to believing we are under God (like the phrase) we will be just fine as a nation. Nothing could be further from the truth, we must tell you. God's Word tells us how we are to trust in Him and what a nation must do to find His favor. Here is what God told Israel about finding His favor in the book of 2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Today we don't see America seeking God's face at all or turning from its wicked ways even though so many still like to cling to and say; In God We Trust!
God won't be mocked and you must know that just quoting some feel good phrase will not get you God's favor or grace at all! (Jesus said repent or perish / Luke 13:3 which is a turning from your sinful ways.)
If you want the cold hard truth we must tell you that there is another area of scripture that better describes America's position with a Holy God today found in the book of Romans chapter 1:
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
We and many others believe God has already turned America over to her very sinful ways (disobedience to Him, sodomy, abortion, pornography, self-ism, greed, lust for carnality in entertainment/sports etc).
As a nation, God's truth has clearly been rejected here so America and the people will reap what they are sowing which is sin and then death. ( Romans 6:23 )
Now before we go to answer our questions, if you believe the God has some special favor on America you need to know that is not the case at all. In His Word (the bible) you will find that the nation Israel was His chosen people and today those born into Jesus Christ are His true people. He will again work with Israel in the last days but America is NOT Israel and it has no special place in God's heart or future that the Word reveals to us. Indeed it is true that He can bless a nation in various ways and we are thankful for this land of plenty and our many freedoms today. But please realize this; as fast as those blessings came to the land they can and will be removed when people turn to sin over the righteousness of God as we see today at every turn in our culture.
Note: this nation today is a far cry from what it once was when the Puritans came here in the 17th century to live spiritually free and to proclaim Christ's gospel.
Back to our questions. So how does the Word of God teach us we are to really trust in God?
Lets look at some verses shall we?
Proverbs 3:5-6Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Psalm 18:2
The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
Psalm 20:7
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.
Psalm 32:10
Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about.
Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Proverbs 30:5
Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
Isaiah 50:10
Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God.
2 Corinthians 1:9
But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:
Ephesians 1:12
That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
Ephesians 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 that holy Spirit of promise,
1 Timothy 4:10
For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.
It is obvious by these many verses on trust that God requires our "entire being" to trust in Him which is then marked by our life actions (holiness and obedience) and not just the quoting of a phrase that sounds good to men who really love their stuff, rights and freedoms more than God.
For the record we do believe in opposing evil and doing what one could to proclaim what is good and right vs what is evil (sodomite marriage, murder, legalized drugs etc) but that is NOT the duty of the Christ follower at all. We are not here to change the culture but to call those to Christ who will hear.
So many today are saying "lets fight for our freedoms and a better way of life for our children". Why? People will still go to hell with a bigger widescreen TV and more money just as easy as if they were poor. Men need Christ's truth not more stuff or liberty to do as they please! Again His true people are called to do this: proclaim the gospel and make disciples......... not change the culture! The fact is God does not care about "America and men having more freedoms" nor do we. Did you know this earth will be burned up by fire in Gods judgment come come then He will re-make it? See 2 Peter 3:10
We know and understand that He is best honored and sought after when men are persecuted and history clearly shows us this. The early church was born and grew up in the cruel and heavy persecution of Rome. To believe or pray for luxury and ease means we just love our cushy easy lives today more then we desire Him to be glorified and people to be born in Him through hardship and persecution to come. While we ourselves do not pray for the nation to fall or to be persecuted we are ready to face whatever "God wills" in this land and we know He will be glorified in it all and that is enough for us as His people. (We are living for eternity not the USA.)
We know and understand that He is best honored and sought after when men are persecuted and history clearly shows us this. The early church was born and grew up in the cruel and heavy persecution of Rome. To believe or pray for luxury and ease means we just love our cushy easy lives today more then we desire Him to be glorified and people to be born in Him through hardship and persecution to come. While we ourselves do not pray for the nation to fall or to be persecuted we are ready to face whatever "God wills" in this land and we know He will be glorified in it all and that is enough for us as His people. (We are living for eternity not the USA.)
On to our other question:
Should believers cling to patriotic ways and phrases that are not rooted in His Word or Ways? The answer is no. Jesus Christ didn't die to make us Americans or flag wavers. He died to call a special people unto Himself for His glory, not for America's fame or for you to have more ease/liberty here.
Please see that Christ's people are not of this world; so why would we cling to it so dearly?
The bible tells us in Philippian's 3:
Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) 20 For our conversation(citizenship) is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
Jesus said this in John 18:36
My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
He also said this in John 17:14-16
I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
James 4:4 says this:
know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
So as you can see from the Holy Word, God has a special purpose for His true set apart (holy) people because we are not of this world system at all. Does that mean you can't vote or try to be a upright and decent person in this land? Of course not. Voting is your choice, we choose not to. Just realize that the system is very corrupt and so it is a vote for the lesser of evils. His true people don't vote for ANY evil at all. (Just a thought to consider.)
We are to walk holy and obedient to Him alone and NOT be caught up in the hope of politics, adoring a nation or clinging to our earthly freedoms that we must leave behind either at our death or His return for His bride one day soon. (Why cling to what you can't keep we would ask you?)
It is clear the nation is about to fall and our way of life and many freedoms will go with it.
We care about you so we need to tell you that carnal America and sinful you (unless your born in Christ already) need a lot more then "just a nice God saying" with no action/works behind it to have any hope for the future. It takes faith, repentance and obedience to Christ (as evidence of that faith) to be saved in the end. Nothing else will do for a Holy God. This nation and you will soon die and perish forever unless there is true repentance and a seeking after the Lord of Life (Jesus Christ) in spirit and truth worship that He spoke of and the Father desires. See John 4:24
Ask yourself...
Who and what are you trusting in and holding to most dearly in your life? The flag or the cross of Christ? Most people we talk with know it is their citizenship here in the USA and NOT the Lordship of Jesus Christ in their everyday lives. Does a meaningless patriotic phrase (In God We Trust) with no power to save you have much worth? Or.... does the cross and truth of Christ that has the power to bring you eternal life and true freedom to come if you obey Him to the end (Matthew 10 / Hebrews 5:9) mean everything to you with eternity in mind?
If you really do "trust in God" you will get into His Word, follow Him alone and shed your old life for a new one in Christ. See the gospel HERE.
We are called to proclaim the gospel and to make disciples before He returns! We cannot let a nation or our fleshly desire to have more rights and freedoms here keep us from the high calling of God. Repent and believe the biblical gospel to be saved in the end......
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18
www.dontperish.com
Jesus said this in John 18:36
My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
He also said this in John 17:14-16
I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
James 4:4 says this:
know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
So as you can see from the Holy Word, God has a special purpose for His true set apart (holy) people because we are not of this world system at all. Does that mean you can't vote or try to be a upright and decent person in this land? Of course not. Voting is your choice, we choose not to. Just realize that the system is very corrupt and so it is a vote for the lesser of evils. His true people don't vote for ANY evil at all. (Just a thought to consider.)
We are to walk holy and obedient to Him alone and NOT be caught up in the hope of politics, adoring a nation or clinging to our earthly freedoms that we must leave behind either at our death or His return for His bride one day soon. (Why cling to what you can't keep we would ask you?)
It is clear the nation is about to fall and our way of life and many freedoms will go with it.
We care about you so we need to tell you that carnal America and sinful you (unless your born in Christ already) need a lot more then "just a nice God saying" with no action/works behind it to have any hope for the future. It takes faith, repentance and obedience to Christ (as evidence of that faith) to be saved in the end. Nothing else will do for a Holy God. This nation and you will soon die and perish forever unless there is true repentance and a seeking after the Lord of Life (Jesus Christ) in spirit and truth worship that He spoke of and the Father desires. See John 4:24
Ask yourself...
Who and what are you trusting in and holding to most dearly in your life? The flag or the cross of Christ? Most people we talk with know it is their citizenship here in the USA and NOT the Lordship of Jesus Christ in their everyday lives. Does a meaningless patriotic phrase (In God We Trust) with no power to save you have much worth? Or.... does the cross and truth of Christ that has the power to bring you eternal life and true freedom to come if you obey Him to the end (Matthew 10 / Hebrews 5:9) mean everything to you with eternity in mind?
If you really do "trust in God" you will get into His Word, follow Him alone and shed your old life for a new one in Christ. See the gospel HERE.
We are called to proclaim the gospel and to make disciples before He returns! We cannot let a nation or our fleshly desire to have more rights and freedoms here keep us from the high calling of God. Repent and believe the biblical gospel to be saved in the end......
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18
www.dontperish.com