News Alert: Freedom from Religion

Discussing current events and how they relate to Biblical prophesy. What are some critical signs are pointing to the imminent Rapture of the Church?

Christian nationalism is the belief that the American nation is defined by Christianity and that the government must act actively to keep it that way. Christian patriots say that America should and must remain a “Christian country” – not just by observing American history, but as a normative program of what must continue.

Scholars like Samuel Huntington have put forward a similar argument: that America is defined by its “Anglo-Protestant” past and that if we do not preserve our cultural heritage, we will lose our identity and freedom.

At the heart of Christian Nationalism is the notion that America is a unique instrument of God in the world, having been raised up in God’s providence to accomplish his purposes of establishing Christianity around the world. Many evangelical interpreters of the Book of Revelation have stated that America is the good guy in the story of God and the nations, and so the means by which God is working to spread his rule.

This is connected in the founding narrative of America that she is the shining city on a hill, an elect nation God has chosen to utilize for his purposes. As long as America remains moored to her Christian heritage and values, she will be blessed by God with economic and military power, and so be able to carry out his mission of spreading freedom across the world.

In contrast to the other six churches, the Laodicean church has nothing to commend it.

Jesus begins the message with condemnation: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I’m rich; I have become wealthy and need nothing,’ and you don’t know that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked” (Revelation 3:15-17).

Jesus emphasizes their “lukewarm,” apathetic nature three times. As a result of their ambivalence to spiritual things, Jesus would have nothing to do with them. He would “vomit them out,” as the people of Laodicea would spit out the tepid water that flowed from the underground aqueducts to their city. With their apathy came a spiritual blindness; they claimed to be rich, blessed and self-sufficient. Perhaps they were rich in material things. But, spiritually, the Laodiceans were in a wretched, pitiful condition, made all the worse in that they could not see their need. This was a church filled with self-deceived hypocrites.

Jesus calls the Laodicean church to repent of its sin: “I advise you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire so that you may be rich, white clothes so that you may be dressed and your shameful nakedness not be exposed, and ointment to spread on your eyes so that you may see” (Revelation 3:18). Their material wealth had no eternal benefit, so Jesus commands them to come to Him for true, spiritual riches (see Isaiah 55:1-2). Only Christ can supply an everlasting inheritance, clothe us in righteousness, and heal our spiritual blindness.

Jesus then notes His concern for His church in Laodicea: “As many as I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be committed and repent. Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and have dinner with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:19-20).

His rebuke is not born of animosity but of love. “the Lord disciplines the one He loves” (Hebrews 12:6). The desired response to God’s reproof was zealous change and true repentance.

Verse 20 is often used as an evangelistic appeal, yet its original context communicates Christ’s desire for fellowship with His lukewarm church in Laodicea. The church is nominally Christian, but Christ Himself has been locked out. Rather than turn His back on them, He knocks, seeking someone to acknowledge the church’s need and open the door. If they would repent, Jesus would come in and take His rightful place in the church. He would share a meal with them, a Middle Eastern word picture speaking of closeness of relationship.

Jesus then makes a promise to the believers in Laodicea: “The victor: I will give him the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I also won the victory and sat down with My Father on His throne” (Revelation 3:21). The “victor” refers to any believer, and the promise is that he will share Christ’s future kingdom.

In summary, the church at Laodicea, much like us, had become apathetic in their love for Christ. They were allowing “the seduction of wealth, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.” (Mark 4:19). Christ called them to repent and live zealously for Him, to “choose for yourselves today the one you will worship” (Joshua 24:15).

The Lord Jesus issues the same call to those who say they follow Him today. How can we be made pure?

Through giving our hearts to Jesus the Messiah, we can wash our robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. We approach the throne through praise, worship, and giving thanks.

Praise and Worship

I praise and worship you, Father God, Jehovah, My Lord, Yahweh

You are Almighty God, Father of Lights, the Ancient of Days.

You have known me since the foundations of the World.

You know my thoughts, feelings and my heart’s desire.

Your promises, Abba Father, never fail. You never change.

You are the All Sufficient One and the Self Existent One.

You are the I AM! You are love! I praise and worship you, Heavenly Father!

I praise and worship you Jesus, the Son of God, Yeshu‘a Mashiach

You are my Savior, my Christ, my Shepherd, and the Lord of All.

You are my Faithful Intercessor before the Father.

You gave yourself willingly on the cross for my sins and

for those who will accept you as Lord and Savior.

You are the Anointed One, the Lord of Lords, and the King of Kings.

You are the I AM! You are love! I praise and worship you, Jesus my Savior!

I praise and worship you Holy Spirit, my Counselor and Guide, Ruach HaKodesh

You are the All Powerful Spirit of the Living God.

You are my teacher, opening the Word of God to me.

You are my Wisdom, directing me in every decision I ask.

You give me knowledge from beyond the Holy of Holies.

You are Mighty and train me in the Fear of the Lord.

You are the I AM! You are love! I praise and worship you, Holy Spirit my helper!

Giving Thanks

• Thank you, Lord, for my salvation.
• Thank you for my health, my physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
• Thank you for being my shield and the hedge of protection all around me.
• Thank you for my family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, the Church, and for all the people in your world. You gave us all to each other, to love each other, and to love, obey, and worship you.
• Thank you for depositing your Holy Spirit in me, and for the gifts of the Spirit. Thank you for giving me wisdom and knowledge to serve you better. Thank you for giving me reverence and trust in you.
• Thank you for your provision, Lord. All that I need flows from your throne to me.
• Thank you for giving me a worthy purpose and direction for my life, and guiding me in my daily thoughts, words, and actions. Let my life be a “living sacrifice” to you.
• Thank you, Lord, you are good. Your gracious love to me endures forever!

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If you are not sure that you are saved, you can accept Christ into your life right now, by praying:

“Lord Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins.  Please forgive my sins and give me the gift of eternal life.  I ask you in to my life and heart to be my Lord and Savior.”

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Current events are aligning with Biblical prophecy

Source: https://raptureandendtimes.com/2024/06/22/news-alert-freedom-from-religion/