State of the World Address

AUDIO VERSION AT THE END OF THE BLOG. CLICK TO READ ALONG.

Mark 13:7 “When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.” (NIV)

          This evening, President Obama is going to deliver the State of the Union. He is going to tell the people of the United States how well he thinks the country is doing. The Democrats will clap in support of him for public display, and the Republicans will sit and act unresponsive as a sign of disapproval. Regardless of what party is in office, the same action is done in vice versa. The State of the Union is given every year to give the citizens hope even when there is economic despair. The promise is given that things will get better. The promise of working on world peace and its steps towards that progress is highlighted. The promise is made that energy-saving resources will and is helping the planet; the promise of a better life and opportunity for your family is made.

          The Bible offers a World of the Union address and here’s what it has to say. Mark 13:8 says, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.” (NIV) Regardless of what type of hope that is promised of a better world, there will be no such thing. The world will continue to get worse. There will not be improvement, but constant fighting and killing. There will not be a better world, but of war and confusion. Matthew 24:9 says, “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold…” (NIV)

          This is no longer just a prophecy, but is now a fulfillment. There is constant war in the Middle East. Christians are being persecuted DAILY because of what they believe. Churches are being bombed because they are not Islamic places of worship. Israel is being hand-twisted into giving up land that God said would always be theirs. Islamic nations are promising to do away with Israel at the first chance they get.

The United States is slowly taking God out of every aspect of society, while trying to be sensitive to those of the Islamic faith. We no longer have prayer in schools. The Ten Commandments is banned in government facilities. Christ is being taken out of Christmas, and cards mentioning the name cannot be given to some veterans in VA hospitals. The military is now allowing turbans and beards to be worn for those of certain religious faiths, while instructing soldiers of Christian beliefs that they cannot wear their uniform on a Church’s platform.

          Millions of abortions are taking place every year. Gay rights is being forced down people’s throats. Children are being taught about sex in preschool and gay acceptance. Satanic rituals are taking place on television programs. Music is alluring young people to the devil by endorsing sex, drugs, alcohol, murder and blaspheme against God. Big Brother is watching your every move. Microchips for humans is no longer Scifi, but quickly becoming a reality. The American dollar is quickly losing its value and is consumed by debt. Conservative Christians are now considered to be on the terrorist watch list and the list goes on. This is the World’s State of the Union.

          What are we to do as Christians? We must pray. We must pray for the world that we live in. It is not going to get better. It is only going to get worse. The Bible says that these things will happen before the end comes. 1 Thessalonians 5:3 says, “While people are saying, ‘Peace and safety,’ destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman and they will not escape.” (NIV) Watch out whenever you hear the word PEACE. The Bible says that there will be none. It doesn’t matter how many peace treaties that are signed, they will not last. This is a sign of the times.

          Are we to be afraid? No! However, regardless of where you stand with the “rapture” teaching, you must have faith that God will carry you through. There are Christians today who are dying for their faith. It just hasn’t come to that level YET in the United States. However, do not doubt that the day of Christian persecution in the United States is coming. We are not exempt because we are in the United States. God does not show favoritism and just as it is happening over in the Islamic nations, it can surely happen here. We are to watch and pray. Never fear, but be mindful that God will be our support and guide. God bless you until next time.