Every time there is an incident concerning Israel, we begin to talk about the “end times”. Rightfully so.
Israel…Jerusalem…the Middle East…are central and instrumental to the second coming of our Lord,
Jesus Christ. The prophecies of things that must happen before Jesus returns all focus on the area of His
life and ministry.
What about the United States, then? Where do we fit in to the prophecies of the second coming of
Christ? Some Biblical scholars say that the United States is one of the un-named countries or areas
mentioned in Revelation. I listened as a panel of “experts” declared that because America isn’t
mentioned specifically, it must be because something disastrous is going to happen to our nation before
the Lord comes back.
Both of these theories are based on what I call an “America-centric” view of the church. I believe that to
be a mistake. I understand that in the geo-political world in which we live…America is a pretty big deal.
We are the rich and powerful. The United States is a major player worldwide. But God has chewed up
and spit out powerful nations many times. He is not concerned with worldly power and authority. God
is concerned with His church. And not just with His church in our nation, but His church worldwide.
God can…and will…remove His hand from America if we continue down the road we are traveling. He
can cast us aside as He has done with nations before us. But does that point to the second coming?
Does that mean the end times are upon us? Not necessarily. Yes, we should be trying to return to a
nation that recognizes and honors God. But that won’t happen until His church returns to Him and
there are an awful lot of churches (individual as well as denominations) far removed from Biblical
authority. I believe if we focus on the church…God will handle the rest.
We have misinterpreted signs before and we will do it again. Our job is to remain faithful and spread
the Gospel. Let’s work on that.
Say good things about your Savior and His church on this mountain!
Bro. Tony
Israel…Jerusalem…the Middle East…are central and instrumental to the second coming of our Lord,
Jesus Christ. The prophecies of things that must happen before Jesus returns all focus on the area of His
life and ministry.
What about the United States, then? Where do we fit in to the prophecies of the second coming of
Christ? Some Biblical scholars say that the United States is one of the un-named countries or areas
mentioned in Revelation. I listened as a panel of “experts” declared that because America isn’t
mentioned specifically, it must be because something disastrous is going to happen to our nation before
the Lord comes back.
Both of these theories are based on what I call an “America-centric” view of the church. I believe that to
be a mistake. I understand that in the geo-political world in which we live…America is a pretty big deal.
We are the rich and powerful. The United States is a major player worldwide. But God has chewed up
and spit out powerful nations many times. He is not concerned with worldly power and authority. God
is concerned with His church. And not just with His church in our nation, but His church worldwide.
God can…and will…remove His hand from America if we continue down the road we are traveling. He
can cast us aside as He has done with nations before us. But does that point to the second coming?
Does that mean the end times are upon us? Not necessarily. Yes, we should be trying to return to a
nation that recognizes and honors God. But that won’t happen until His church returns to Him and
there are an awful lot of churches (individual as well as denominations) far removed from Biblical
authority. I believe if we focus on the church…God will handle the rest.
We have misinterpreted signs before and we will do it again. Our job is to remain faithful and spread
the Gospel. Let’s work on that.
Say good things about your Savior and His church on this mountain!
Bro. Tony