A Call to Repentance - 39

REPENTANCE FOR SIN IN THE CHURCH:

NOT FEARING GOD

"RECAPTURING A PROPER UNDERSTANDING OF THE FEAR OF GOD"

By John Franklin

(Excerpted from his teaching series, "Problems We Face in America," June 20, 2007)

To read this article in its entirety, go here.

Prior to the 20th century our forefathers both in the culture and the church understood the fear of God. As a consequence they often interpreted national calamities to be God's expression of His displeasure at their sin. In times of pestilence or war the Puritans always responded by searching their soul.

Unfortunately, the awareness of our accountability for sin has been lost from modern culture and as a consequence America does not fear God. The Bible has been barred from the formation of our children's character. Judges have torn down the Ten Commandments from courtroom walls. Prayer has been banned from public arenas. The role of Christian influence has been painstakingly blotted from the pages of our history books. In days past ministers commanded respect because of who they represented, but now the United States seems to disparage anything Christian, unless of course it's a reinterpreted Christianity that panders to their version of tolerance. In place of respect exists a proactive course of disregarding and despising God - and that in light of all that He has done for us. No, America no longer fears God. . . . the most critical need in our churches and culture today is to recapture a proper understanding of what it means to fear God.

So, what exactly does the fear of God mean? Why do I contend that the fear of God is the most important issue facing the nation and Christians today? Is it an abstract concept or does it radically impact the whole future of our America?

I studied every time the word "fear" appeared in the Bible and discovered that at least two types of fearing God exist. The first type of fear produces a physical, bodily sensation of quaking, trembling or a death-like state when God manifests His presence. John fell at his feet as though dead. (Rev 1:17) Daniel couldn't even speak because no strength or breath remained in him (Dan 10:18). When the disciples heard the voice on the Mount of Transfiguration they fell on their faces greatly afraid (Mt. 17:6). When God came to make a covenant with Abraham, horror and great darkness fell upon him (Gen. 15:12).

The second type of fear, oddly enough, is the opposite of the first. Whereas the first is a bodily, physical emotion reacting to the manifest presence of God, the second is a rational, thought out, calculated conclusion based on facts about God regarding accountability to Him for sin. Let me illustrate with a verse in the Bible where both appear simultaneously. In Exodus 20:18-20 we find that God has come down on Mt. Sinai; the mountain was smoking, while thunder and lightening engulfed the top of it. In verse 19 the people begged Moses to talk with God and not them "lest we die." Moses makes a very interesting statement in verse 20, "Do not fear; for God has come to test you, and that His fear may be before you, so that you may not sin." Did you notice the irony? Moses said in effect, "Don't be afraid, because God has come to make you afraid!" How can this paradox be? Precisely because the first commandment not to fear addresses the emotional fear that they have at the presence of God. In the second case, however, Moses notes that the whole reason that God has manifested Himself in such a terrible display of power is so that they might understand His greatness, be aware of their accountability to Him, and learn not to sin.

I believe that we have emphasized the love, mercy, forgiveness, and grace of God to the exclusion of His holiness, our accountability to Him, and the fear due His name. I don't disagree with anything taught in our churches about the tender side of God, but we've said it so long without the other that many people today live with a cream puff concept of God. They can sin when they want to, confess it, and God is obligated to not only forgive, but let them suffer no consequences. How do we know this is true? By statistical data. The Barna surveys reveal no significant statistical difference in the lifestyles of Christians in the church with those of pagans. In other words, the divorce rate, gambling, horoscope reading, getting even, discounting standards of absolute truth, and other lifestyle habits show no significant difference. In fact the divorce rate among Christians is higher! How can this be except grace has become a license to sin? . . . it requires an understanding of both God's love and holiness for a healthy relationship with Him.

Prayer of Repentance:

Father God, we ask You to forgive us for not understanding the full counsel of Your Word, and for substituting "grace" for a "free license to sin." We ask You to help us to come to know Your holiness, and the fear that goes with it, that we might receive the fullness of your love for us. Thank You, Father, for your eternal patience with us, Your Children, and for hearing our prayer in Jesus' precious and holy Name, amen.

"Oh, that You would rend the heavens and come down,
That the mountains might uake at Your presence--
As fire kindles the brushwood, as fire causes water to boil--
To make Your name known to Your adversaries,
that the nations may tremble at Your presence!
When You did awesome things which we did not expect,
You came down, the mountains quaked at Your presence." (Isaiah 64:1-3)

REPENTANCE FOR THE SINS OF THE NATION: POLITICAL CORRECTNESS

"Political Correctness and Intimidation:
The Erosion of our Freedoms!"(Engage in the Fight, for the Sake of Your Children.)

· "Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, great and awesome, and fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses." (Neh 4:14)

By Harry Valentine, Founder
Capitol Hill Prayer Alert
June 19, 2008

There is an assault on free speech, but you may not have noticed. Perhaps you, like many, have been so immersed in the "politically correct" dialog that saturates the landscape, the "diversity training" offered (or sometimes required) at work and school, and the permeating message of "tolerance" that you've missed what's really happening. If that's where you find yourself, it is essential that you realize what is at stake. Consider the America your children and grandchildren will inherit.

"For the first time in our history, Americans have to be fearful of what they say, of what they write, and of what they think. They have to be afraid of using the wrong word, a word denounced as offensive or insensitive, or racist, sexist, or homophobic." (Excerpt from "The Origins of Political Correctness" by Bill Lind)

Robert Spencer, in his column "The Jihad Against Free Speech" addresses this issue:

"Freedom of speech is in imminent danger. Concerted attacks on it by the jihadist movement are increasing in number . . . Spurious charges of "Islamophobia"' and false claims that hate crimes are being committed because of it, are being used to advance an anti-free speech agenda. Americans need to be aware of what's happening, and resist it at every turn."

These same concepts: political correctness, hate crimes and anti-free speech are prevalent in many of society's causes [e.g., multiculturalism, environmentalism (think global warming), gay rights, pro-choice abortion activists, animal rights groups, etc., etc.]

Islamic Jihad

As discussed in previous alerts (see our archives), jihadists will stop at nothing to see a world where Islam reigns and sharia law is the law of the land. Our government is reluctant to identify the enemy, and has established a "speech code" so as not to offend Muslims.

The Supreme Court recently ruled that those captured in the War on Terror will have the same rights to habeas corpus as U.S. citizens. Schools and businesses are increasingly bending over backward to satisfy Islamic requests and demands.

For many Americans, jihad, as they've come to understand it, involves terrorist attacks such as 9/11, the bombings in London and Madrid, and so on; yet less familiar is the "soft jihad" which is being waged through the culture.

"Be it the hard jihad which uses terror and violence or the soft jihad which uses pressure and the legal system, both rely on the same element for victory: intimidation. In the case of soft jihad, the intimidation comes through lawsuits charging 'Islamophobia', racism, hate speech or hate crime."

"Our political correctness . . . is making the soft jihad much easier"

Homosexual Movement

The recent California ruling of the Supreme Court to legalize gay marriage is another front on this same battle. Homosexual activists and supporters want to redefine marriage and silence any notion that homosexual behavior is morally wrong. People who voice opposing views will be silenced or become criminals.

Gary Bauer comments regarding this development:

"Astonishingly, there's been little talk about the long- term effects of the California Supreme Court's legalization of same-sex marriage . . . the decision foreshadows a nation in which all citizens will not only be asked to tolerate same-sex marriage, but be required to promote it."

"Consider our schools. If same-sex marriage is approved across America, schools would be required to teach that homosexual and heterosexual behavior are morally equivalent"

"What about churches that preach against the homosexual lifestyle? Could ministers be prosecuted and thrown in jail . . . for preaching from the pulpit that homosexual acts are sinful?"

These things are already occurring. Christians are threatened, arrested and charged with hate crimes; California public schools are now homosexual indoctrination centers; and the battle will continue.

"America today is in the throws of the greatest and direst transformation in its history. In 'hate crimes' we now have people serving jail sentences for political thoughts -- we call it Political Correctness. It seeks to destroy everything that we have ever defined as our freedom and our culture."

Join our Prayer:

1. LORD, grant Your people COURAGE; may they be BOLD in action, both in prayer and in deed; and free them from the fear of man (Zech 8:16; 2 Sam 10:12; Prov 29:25);

2. ENLIGHTEN and EQUIP Your pastors and leaders. May they be as the sons of Issachar, who understood the times and knew what should be done (1 Chron 12:32).

"Arise, cry out . . . pour out your heart like water before the face of the Lord. Lift your hands toward Him for the life of your young children." (Lam 2:19)

[To read this article in its entirety, go here. Original text includes links to other sources cited here.]

PRAYERS FOR ISRAEL:

WORLDWIDE ANTISEMITISM

Part One: Global Economic Crisis Causes an Increase in Worldwide Antisemitism

The global economic crisis is causing severe anti- Semitism to spew forth from on the internet and in many other places. Most likely, this is just the beginning of what will be revealed concerning the heart of man towards God and His people. Anti- Semitism is not something that the Church can bind. We see it as a world ruler, a principality of Satanic strength that the Lord Himself must deal with. Yet we can ask God, who is allowing it to raise it's ungodly head at this time to use it for His glory. How? Aliyah - the return of the Jews to the Land of Israel.

- Lord, use this uncovering of blatant anti-Semitism to wake up Your people still in exile.

- Help them to come home this new year of 5769 on the Jewish calendar because in Isaiah 60, You said Your people would come home with their wealth. Therefore the time must be short for that to happen. "Surely the islamds shall wait for Me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring your sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, unto the name of LORD your God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because He has glorified you." (Isaiah 60:9)

- As You are releasing the hunters (Jeremiah 16:16), aid many of Your people to escape.

- Since the Jewish people are called according to Your purpose, we ask that this word would apply to them at this time in history: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)

- May many Messianic Jews who will be saying "Next year in Jerusalem," during this next week, mean it and come home. "And the ransomed of LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away." (Isaiah 35:10; see 51:11)

Part Two: Praying for the worldwide Body of Messiah to have an understanding of the times

We next interceded for the Body of Messiah to have spiritual understanding of the days that we are living in.

- Thank You for those in the Body who do see and stand with what You are doing in Israel - for Your holy names' sake (Ezekiel 36:21-23).

- Aid Your Body to take a strong, public stance against anti-Semitism.

- Strip all hidden anti-Semitism from Your Church - especially that which hides under the disguise of anti- Zionism.

- Increase the separation in the Body between those who stand for truth and those who just want to be "politically correct." Make Your Body "biblically correct."

- Arise, scatter the enemies in Your Body, especially the anti-God doctrine of Replacement Theology. "Arise, LORD; let not man prevail: let the gentiles be judged in Your sight. Put them in fear, LORD: that the gentiles may know themselves to be but men. Selah." (Psalms 9:19-20; see 68:1)

- From this week's prophetic portion: "Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? Prudent, and he shall know them? For the ways of LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein." (Hosea 14:9)

(Source: Intercessors for Israel)

In Brief: The Second Great Awakening

The largest town in Kentucky had less than 2,000 people, yet 25,000 came to Cane Ridge, Kentucky, AUGUST 7, 1801, from as far away as Ohio and Tennessee, to hear Barton W. Stone and other Baptist, Methodist and Presbyterian ministers.

Part of the Second Great Awakening, these "camp meetings" were described by Rev. Moses Hodge:

"Nothing that imagination can paint can make a stronger impression. Sinners dropping down on every hand, professors praying, others in raptures of joy!

There can be no question but it is of God, as the subjects can give a clear and rational account of their conversion."

The revival began in the lawless Kentucky frontier in 1797 when James McGready and his small church agreed to:

"bind ourselves to observe the 3rd Saturday of each month for one year as a day of fasting and prayer for the conversion of sinners in Logan County and throughout the world . . . pleading with God to revive His work."

Previously, in June of 1800, 500 gathered at the Red River and later 8,000 met at the Gaspar River, some from 100 miles away.

Reports stated:

"The power of God seemed to shake the whole assembly . . . the cries of the distressed arose. No person seemed to wish to go home."

(Source: The American Minute, with Bill Federer)

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY

"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty." (Isaiah 6:3)

Words: : Re­gi­nald He­ber (1826)
Music: John B. Dykes (1861)

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessèd Trinity!

Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
Who was, and is, and evermore shall be.

Holy, holy, holy! though the darkness hide Thee,
Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see;
Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,
Perfect in power, in love, and purity.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All Thy works shall praise Thy Name, in earth, and sky, and sea;
Holy, holy, holy; merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessèd Trinity!

[To listen to this wonderful hymn, go here. May the Name of our Lord evermore be praised!]

Prayer for National Elections

The following guide to prayer for the 40 DAYS leading up to our presidential election on Tuesday, November 4th, has been prepared by Intercessors for America and is endorsed by the National Prayer Committee.

We thank YOU for the thousands out there who have already partnered in prayers, fastings, and repentance since we introduced our 40 WEEK plan early this year. Week after week, we have quietly taken note as the headlines have trumpeted the answers to our hidden work of prayer -- both in the church and in the nation.

As we shortly come to the end of these wonderful 40 WEEKS of seeking Him in earnest repentance, the Executive Board of Capitol Hill Prayer Partners is pleased to share the prayer guide, below, with all those who are part of our own network of intercession.

God bless you!

Sara C. Ballenger, Founder and President

Capitol Hill Prayer Partners

40-DAY PRE-ELECTION REPENTANCE, PRAYER AND FASTING

September 26 - November 4, 2008

"Return, America, to the Lord your God." - Hosea 14:1

A repentance and prayer guide has been compiled as a courtesy by Intercessors for America for you and may be freely copied, posted, and distributed.

Click he re for IFA's prayer guide and to find additional information on prayer and fasting.

All of the past issues of the Call to Repentance are now available on a special blog, developed by Capitol Hill Prayer Partners.

You can visit our blog by going here.

Or, if you prefer, you can copy this site into your browser and visit the blog here:

http://acalltorepentance1.blogspot.com/

Thank you all for your own prayers of agreement as we continue to work through 40 WEEKS of Prayer and Fasting, before our Lord, for our sin as a church and as a nation. Amen.