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For years, some Christians have held out hope that America would experience another wave of spiritual regeneration. But midway through 2020, anarchists and agitators, culture-drivers and even some politicians, are openly advocating for Socialism, racial division, and the wholesale rejection of Judeo-Christian values.
So which is it? Are we poised for revival or revolution? This was our discussion on this week's episode of "Christ in Prophecy".
It is very unlikely that America will experience another national revival. That is not to minimize the power of the Holy Spirit, but merely to state the obvious. Much, if not most, of the Church is preoccupied with the Social Gospel and has long abandoned a zeal for the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. In the age of "woke" relativism, evangelism is passé.
Prophecy Fulfilled
This reality could be disheartening, but it is exactly what Bible prophecy says will happen in the end-times. Jesus told us that as the end draws near, lawlessness will increase and the love of many will grow cold (Matthew 24:12). Paul outlined the steady decline of any society that rejects God; He gives them over to increasing debauchery and inevitable destruction (Romans 1:18-32). Paul also foretold the rise of apostasy in the latter times, as some fall away from the faith handed down to the saints (2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 and 1 Timothy 4:1).
Perhaps even more disheartening to American patriots — including Christians — is our society's trend toward revolution. In just the last 20 years, we've seen a dramatic rise in lawlessness and increased polarization — politically, racially, ethnically, economically and socially.
In recent months, chaos has engulfed many American cities. Even now, polls claim that an increasing number of Americans are ready to reject Capitalism in favor of Socialism. At the core of movements like Progressivism and Black Lives Matter is a rejection of Judeo-Christian morality, worldview and societal norms.
But in that regard, we've been in the midst of a revolution since the mid-1960s. The sexual revolution that cast off "fetters" of restraint has already resulted in rampant adultery and fornication, an explosion of pornography and divorce and an embrace of every abomination of the LGBTQ+ lifestyle. In every arena, we witness the rise of the satanic religion of Humanism with its idolization of individual autonomy.
So what hope remains if revival is unrealistic and revolution is underway?
Reliance on God's Word
For the individual believer, the same Word of God that revealed these inevitable end-time realities must ground our faith. Like David, we can boldly proclaim (Psalm 56:9-11):
This I know, that God is for me. In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise, in God I have put my trust. I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?
The Bible offers us many examples of people who determined to put their trust in God — even in the midst of catastrophe. Jeremiah offered a testimony of hope in spite of national disaster (Lamentations 3:19-24). Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego proclaimed their reliance on God in the face of a fiery furnace (Daniel 3:16-17). And Habakkuk, who calmed his own heart with a prayer requesting mercy in the midst of wrath (Habakkuk 3:1-2).
Christians can demonstrate that kind of tough faith because we have the revelation of God. He has told us what to expect as the Day of the Lord draws near. And, He has promised never to leave us or forsake us.
Guidelines for End-Time Living
God reveals Himself and His overarching plan for Mankind throughout the entire Word of God. Here are some practical ways Christians can overcome the fear and the apostasy of the present age:
- Study the Word of God (hide it in your heart, glean its promises, become "well-versed").
- Pray (without ceasing).
- Determine not to quench or grieve the Holy Spirit.
- Keep your eyes on Jesus, not only to receive a blessing, but also to:
- Motivate urgent evangelism.
- Ensure holy living.
- Inspire a vibrant expectancy of His soon return (which guarantees a blessing in and of itself).
Our Only Hope
Our hope is not in national revival. It is not in dodging revolution and national self-destruction through one more election cycle — even as we must stay engaged as salt and light in the gathering darkness. Our blessed hope is in the Person and the promises of Jesus Christ. As believers, we cling to the truth God shared with Habakkuk after revealing ominous news: "the righteous shall live by faith" (Habakkuk 2:4).
If you are not yet a Christian, please understand that national revival is unrealistically optimistic and revolution offers only hopelessness. Christians are not mere optimists or realists — we are people of Hope.
By placing your trust in Jesus Christ — our Blessed Hope — you can overcome the chaos that is leading the world toward inevitable destruction. When you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, the Holy Spirit will mold you and "guide you into all the truth" (John 16:13).
Revival still happens — one person at a time. And the transformation that every believer in Jesus Christ undergoes is truly revolutionary (Romans 8:29-30).
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