One of the consequences of the Great Depression, was the rise of Dictators in several key countries. Germany, Russia, Japan, and Italy, all willingly gave total power to a man who promised to bring them back to greatness. These dictators were not content to control one country, and soon began taking over country after country. Adolf Hitler especially was successful with his campaign to recover all of the territory that had been lost to Germany in World War I. Hitler seemed unstoppable as he took Austria, Czechoslovakia, and finally Poland. Hitler then turned his attention to France. The French were totally unprepared for Hitler’s Blitzkrieg, and found themselves trapped at Dunkirk. Hitler’s troops were only about ten miles away, and stood poised for the complete destruction of the French army. Here we find the beginning of a series of events often referred to as “The miracle of Dunkirk.” Hitler ordered his Panzers to stop, and allow the German Air force to destroy the enemy as they attempted to cross the English channel to safety . As the German Air force arrived, a dense fog appeared and protected many of the boats as they made the crossing. During the ten days that troops were evacuated, seven of those days had the thick fog. Most of the time the Luftwaffe (German air force) had to return to Germany with their bombs still with them. Also, during this time the English channel was unusually calm. Many remarked that they never remembered the Channel being so placid for such a long period. After the evacuation was complete, large breakers rolled up on to the beach, almost as if a hand that had been holding them back, had released control of the waters.
When Hitler realized that the fog had rendered his Luftwaffe useless, he ordered his tanks to advance. However, a large storm caused the tanks to be delayed for several days. By the time they were able to move, all but about forty thousand troops had been able to flee to England. When the evacuation at Dunkirk had begun, it was estimated that the best they could hope for would be to have 40-50 thousand men rescued. When the evacuation was finished, there were over three Hundred and fifty thousand men saved. Had Hitler been able to cut off their escape, it is doubtful if France of England would have been able to carry out much more of a resistance.
Hitler then decided to attack Britain in what is known as the battle of Britain. Here again he made two incredible mistakes. First he decided to attack by air instead of by sea, Britain could have easily been invaded and taken. Instead he bombed England day after day with the intent to bomb them into submission. Hitler’s second mistake was the decision to abandon the research on radar. He felt it was not as important as developing missiles. The English did develop radar, and it helped the British air force to defeat the Germans.
How can we explain all of these incredible mistakes by a leader who up to this time had done no wrong in his ability to take one country after another? I believe that Proverbs 21:1 gives us the answer. “The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes.” God caused Hitler to do those things that would change the outcome of the war to His will. God works through fog, calm water, storms, and even in the decisions of evil men. Germany would never again have an opportunity to end the war in one great battle.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
America turns to government instead of God
Much has been written concerning the major causes of the Great Depression. Some blame tariffs, some point to over production of goods, and still others point to speculation in the stock market and easy credit. However, I believe that the ultimate cause of the Great Depression is found in America’s turning from God in the 1920s. The Bible clearly teaches that when and individual or a nation turns from God, then God removes His hand of Blessing. For hundreds of years America had enjoyed the mercy of God. We had great economic, educational, physical, and Spiritual blessings. God had delivered us from wars, recessions, and many natural disasters. In 1929, America experienced the total melt down of its economy. When this type of trouble had occurred in the past, many Americans turned to family, neighbors, and especially God and the Church. Instead of turning to these, we as a nation turned to Government for deliverance. Franklin Roosevelt promised that the government would provide a New Deal to bring our country back to prosperity. Roosevelt used deficit spending to put people back to work, and rebuild our economy. Ever since, whenever there has been any type of disaster, the majority of Americans have demanded that the government needs to do something to solve the problem. We have exchanged the God of Heaven for the God of Government.
Another example of God withdrawing His hand of blessing on America during the Great Depression, was the Dust Bowl. During the mid 1930s America experienced one of its greatest droughts. All told, during the 1930s, about 150,000 square miles of farmland in the heart of the country were stripped of their top soil, which was deposited hundreds of miles away. (Family Encyclopedia of American History) Psalm 104 tells of God’s control over nature. In verses 13 and 14, we read “He waters the hills from His upper chambers; The earth is satisfied with the fruit of His works. He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and vegetation for the service of man, that he may bring forth food from the earth.” These verses show God’s Providential control of nature. When America turned to government for their deliverance, God turned his had of blessing away from America.
Today there is much discussion concerning the role of Government in our lives. Many feel that Government can solve every problem we have. The truth is that the only real solution to our nations' problems is to return to the God of our fathers, and perhaps He will return His hand of blessing.
Another example of God withdrawing His hand of blessing on America during the Great Depression, was the Dust Bowl. During the mid 1930s America experienced one of its greatest droughts. All told, during the 1930s, about 150,000 square miles of farmland in the heart of the country were stripped of their top soil, which was deposited hundreds of miles away. (Family Encyclopedia of American History) Psalm 104 tells of God’s control over nature. In verses 13 and 14, we read “He waters the hills from His upper chambers; The earth is satisfied with the fruit of His works. He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and vegetation for the service of man, that he may bring forth food from the earth.” These verses show God’s Providential control of nature. When America turned to government for their deliverance, God turned his had of blessing away from America.
Today there is much discussion concerning the role of Government in our lives. Many feel that Government can solve every problem we have. The truth is that the only real solution to our nations' problems is to return to the God of our fathers, and perhaps He will return His hand of blessing.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
America's turning point
Many times over the years, students have asked; “If America was a Christian nation, why is it like it is today?” That is a good question. Today we have abortion on demand, homo-sexual marriage, prayer and Bible reading have been removed from our schools, and Evolution is taught as a fact. How could a nation whose foundations were so strong Spiritually, have become so Humanistic? The turning point for America’s turning away from God seems to have begun in the 1920s. American history books refer to this period as the Roaring Twenties. It was a time of great advancement and prosperity. However, it was also a time when many anti-Christian forces began their assault on America’s Christian values. There were at least five different forces that worked to turn American away from God during this period. The first was materialism. In the 1920s there was a great emphasis on fashions and fads. Flappers showed off their contempt for the conventional roles of woman with short hair and shorter skirts. People began spending time listening to entertainment on the radio, and going to Nickelodeons to watch the latest movies. There was a new interest in Marathon dancing and setting foolish records. The Bible warns about the dangers of loving the world and the things that are in the world. God tells us that if anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in them. Many Christians began spending time with sports as well. Instead of the heroes of the day being great political or Spiritual leaders, their heroes were Babe Ruth, Bobby Jones, and Jack Dempsey.
Another anti-Christian force in the Twenties, was the beginning of the Communist party in the United States. The Goal of Communism was to bring down Capitalism, but it was also anti-Christian. Marx said that religion was the enemy of the masses. Communism desired to remove Christianity from public life. Groups like the ACLU may not have been started by Communists, but they have certainly worked to accomplish their goals. Communists infiltrated our government, our colleges, our Churches, and just about every aspect of our nation. Even today there are many who embrace its philosophy of Government controlling the nations economy, and removing Christianity from every part of life.
Another Anti-Christian idea that took off in the twenties, was evolution. In 1925, there was a famous trial called the Scopes monkey trial. The major issue was the teaching of evolution in public schools. The law had made it illegal to teach evolution in public schools, and John Scopes had tested the law by teaching the forbidden subject. The trial found Scopes guilty, and he had to pay a 100 dollar fine. However, the real loser was fundamental Christianity. The press presented evolution as a Scientific fact, and Creation as just another myth. The result was that most public schools soon were teaching evolution and ignoring Creation. The Creation account today had been totally rejected by our academic society. The Bible tells us to “Remember now they Creator in the days of thy youth.” Our youth are no longer being taught about their Creator.
Psychoanalysis was also developed during this time. Sigmund Freud taught that the key to understanding people was to understand their past experience. He denied concepts like sin and the need to repent. This man centered way of thinking became the foundation of modern psychology. Before this time the major way people dealt with their problems was through the Church and the family. God’s Word was all they needed for mental, financial, marital, or Spiritual problems.
The last and probably the most serious, was the rise of Modernism. During the 1920s, many of the mainline Protestant Churches faces a crossroad. The Modernists were those who denied the Fundamentals of the Bible. They denied the Deity of Christ, the Trinity, the Virgin birth of Christ, the Bible being inerrant, and the literal bodily return of Christ. Those who believed these truths, were known as Fundamentalists. During the Twenties, almost every major denomination decided to go with the Modernist camp, and reject Fundamentalism. The Bible believers left the mainline Churches and started their own Churches and Colleges. Today most of America is under the Control of modernist theology. What a shame that the belief of most of our founding fathers has been rejected by most Americans in our society.
It is not hard to see that America began the slow retreat from being a Christian nation in the 1920s. Things changed gradually, but today the change is very evident. America is no longer a Christian nation. God still is working, and is still in control of history, but His hand is harder to see in later American history. America’s only hope is to have another turning point. We need Christians to turn their backs on the Humanism of today’s American culture, and return to the Truth of God’s Word.
Another anti-Christian force in the Twenties, was the beginning of the Communist party in the United States. The Goal of Communism was to bring down Capitalism, but it was also anti-Christian. Marx said that religion was the enemy of the masses. Communism desired to remove Christianity from public life. Groups like the ACLU may not have been started by Communists, but they have certainly worked to accomplish their goals. Communists infiltrated our government, our colleges, our Churches, and just about every aspect of our nation. Even today there are many who embrace its philosophy of Government controlling the nations economy, and removing Christianity from every part of life.
Another Anti-Christian idea that took off in the twenties, was evolution. In 1925, there was a famous trial called the Scopes monkey trial. The major issue was the teaching of evolution in public schools. The law had made it illegal to teach evolution in public schools, and John Scopes had tested the law by teaching the forbidden subject. The trial found Scopes guilty, and he had to pay a 100 dollar fine. However, the real loser was fundamental Christianity. The press presented evolution as a Scientific fact, and Creation as just another myth. The result was that most public schools soon were teaching evolution and ignoring Creation. The Creation account today had been totally rejected by our academic society. The Bible tells us to “Remember now they Creator in the days of thy youth.” Our youth are no longer being taught about their Creator.
Psychoanalysis was also developed during this time. Sigmund Freud taught that the key to understanding people was to understand their past experience. He denied concepts like sin and the need to repent. This man centered way of thinking became the foundation of modern psychology. Before this time the major way people dealt with their problems was through the Church and the family. God’s Word was all they needed for mental, financial, marital, or Spiritual problems.
The last and probably the most serious, was the rise of Modernism. During the 1920s, many of the mainline Protestant Churches faces a crossroad. The Modernists were those who denied the Fundamentals of the Bible. They denied the Deity of Christ, the Trinity, the Virgin birth of Christ, the Bible being inerrant, and the literal bodily return of Christ. Those who believed these truths, were known as Fundamentalists. During the Twenties, almost every major denomination decided to go with the Modernist camp, and reject Fundamentalism. The Bible believers left the mainline Churches and started their own Churches and Colleges. Today most of America is under the Control of modernist theology. What a shame that the belief of most of our founding fathers has been rejected by most Americans in our society.
It is not hard to see that America began the slow retreat from being a Christian nation in the 1920s. Things changed gradually, but today the change is very evident. America is no longer a Christian nation. God still is working, and is still in control of history, but His hand is harder to see in later American history. America’s only hope is to have another turning point. We need Christians to turn their backs on the Humanism of today’s American culture, and return to the Truth of God’s Word.
Monday, October 26, 2009
A Marksman and a Pigeon
World War I was known as the Great war, and the war to end all wars. This horrible conflict cost Billions of dollars and millions of lives. America was spared for over two years, but eventually was pulled into the awful conflict. Perhaps the most important battle that the United States was involved in was the Meuse-Argonne offensive. During this key battle God showed His hand of intervention in two different parts of the battle. The first was the amazing exploits of Sergeant Alvin York. He was a man who loved God and hated war. He found himself almost alone during the Argonne campaign and facing a machine gun nest. He was able to get into position to pick off many of the enemy, to the point that the Germans surrendered. When the Germans came out and gave themselves up,he realized that he had captured “a tolerable few” In reality he had killed twenty-five Germans, captured 132, and silenced thirty-five machine guns. When he was asked how he was able to accomplish such a feat, he replied , ”We know there were miracles, don’t we? Well this was one. It’s the only way I can figure it”
Another event in the same campaign was the rescue of the Lost Battalion. A group of several hundred American soldiers found themselves surrounded by the enemy. To make matters worse, the American who were in another area were shelling the area right where they were. They were being killed by the big guns of their own side. The only hope for the battalion was to send carrier pigeons to give their position to the other Americans to stop the friendly fire. As the Americans sent each pigeon into the air, the Germens simply shot each one down. Finally the lost battalion was down to its last pigeon. The pigeon named Cher Ami was sent into the air, and quickly shot down. However, she got back up and flew to the other American troops, and the battalion was saved. Cher Ami had one eye gone, her breastbone smashed, and one leg shot off, but God had allowed her to make it to her destination. The Bible says that God knows even when a sparrow falls to the ground. In this case, He reached down and picked up a pigeon. God saved hundred of men using one of our nations most unusual heroes. Many times we use the excuse “God could never use me, I just don’t have any ability. If God can use an uneducated marksman, and a pigeon, he can certainly use us.
Another event in the same campaign was the rescue of the Lost Battalion. A group of several hundred American soldiers found themselves surrounded by the enemy. To make matters worse, the American who were in another area were shelling the area right where they were. They were being killed by the big guns of their own side. The only hope for the battalion was to send carrier pigeons to give their position to the other Americans to stop the friendly fire. As the Americans sent each pigeon into the air, the Germens simply shot each one down. Finally the lost battalion was down to its last pigeon. The pigeon named Cher Ami was sent into the air, and quickly shot down. However, she got back up and flew to the other American troops, and the battalion was saved. Cher Ami had one eye gone, her breastbone smashed, and one leg shot off, but God had allowed her to make it to her destination. The Bible says that God knows even when a sparrow falls to the ground. In this case, He reached down and picked up a pigeon. God saved hundred of men using one of our nations most unusual heroes. Many times we use the excuse “God could never use me, I just don’t have any ability. If God can use an uneducated marksman, and a pigeon, he can certainly use us.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
God delivers the Goforths
The Boxer Rebellion took place in China in 1900. Even though the event happened on the other side of the world, God showed His power in the lives of two American missionaries. The Boxers were native Chinese who resented foreigners in their country, and especially foreign missionaries. They began to attack the missionaries, and killed several hundred Christians. In the midst of this tragedy God showed his hand of deliverance to Jonathan and Rosalind Goforth. The Goforths were forced to flee from the city of Hankow, and travel 750 miles over twenty four days. During this trip, they were repeatedly attacked by the Boxers. When an attacker tried to cut off Jonathan Goforth’s head with his sword, the sword struck him in the neck, but with the flat edge. Another man on horseback tried to trample him. Though they were on smooth ground, the horse fell, and his body formed a barrier around Goforth until he could regain his footing. The Goforths escaped each attack and finally made it to safety . Why did God choose to save this missionary family and not all the others? God only knows the time he had set for each of us to depart this life. “It is appointed unto men once to die, and then the judgement” God not only works in the nations and on the large scale of world events, God also deals with the details of individual lives.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Two men who stood in the Gap
Ezekiel 22:30 records these tragic words, “I sought for a man among them that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.” Throughout history, God has been looking for those who are willing to stand for truth and stay His hand of judgment. After the Civil war, God found such a leader in the person of Dwight L. Moody. D. L. Moody was brought to Christ by his Sunday school teacher Edward Kimbell in 1856. A short while later Moody was challenged by message that he heard where the speaker said that the world had never seen what God could do with a person who was totally sold out to the Lord. Moody resolved that with God’s help that he would be that man. Moody began his evangelistic ministry in 1865, and continued it until his death in 1899. He was one of the first Evangelists to recognize the importance of a great song director. He had Ira Sankey as his song leader, and together they influenced the lives of millions. At a time where our country was divided and decimated, Moody was used by God to bring Spiritual hope and healing to our land. Moody also started the Moody Bible institute which trained hundreds of missionaries that helped to make the 1800s the great century of missions.
Just as D.L. Moody’s ministry was coming to a close, God chose another man to “stand in the Gap”, and that man was Billy Sunday. Billy Sunday had been a very successful baseball player in the 1880s. One day while he was sitting outside of a bar, he was invited to the Pacific Garden Mission. He decided to go and receive Christ as his Lord and Savior. By 1895 he had dedicated his life the preaching of God’s word. Billy Sunday preached with a very powerful and athletic style of preaching. He teamed up with Homer Rodeheaver as his song leader and they were able to see at least one million people come to Christ. Billy Sunday also was known for speaking out against sin. One excerpt from one of his sermons that demonstrated this is the following; “I believe half of the professing Christians amount to nothing as a spiritual force. They go to Church, have a kindly regard for religion, but as for having a firm grip on God… and a willingness to strike hard, staggering blows against the devil, they are almost failures.” Billy Sunday definitely struck hard, staggering blows against satan throughout his ministry.
Between the preaching of Moody and Sunday, America experienced its last Great Awakening. We as a nation have not had nationwide revival since the 1920s. Today more than ever we need men to stand in the gap. Hopefully God will not have to say “I found none”.
Just as D.L. Moody’s ministry was coming to a close, God chose another man to “stand in the Gap”, and that man was Billy Sunday. Billy Sunday had been a very successful baseball player in the 1880s. One day while he was sitting outside of a bar, he was invited to the Pacific Garden Mission. He decided to go and receive Christ as his Lord and Savior. By 1895 he had dedicated his life the preaching of God’s word. Billy Sunday preached with a very powerful and athletic style of preaching. He teamed up with Homer Rodeheaver as his song leader and they were able to see at least one million people come to Christ. Billy Sunday also was known for speaking out against sin. One excerpt from one of his sermons that demonstrated this is the following; “I believe half of the professing Christians amount to nothing as a spiritual force. They go to Church, have a kindly regard for religion, but as for having a firm grip on God… and a willingness to strike hard, staggering blows against the devil, they are almost failures.” Billy Sunday definitely struck hard, staggering blows against satan throughout his ministry.
Between the preaching of Moody and Sunday, America experienced its last Great Awakening. We as a nation have not had nationwide revival since the 1920s. Today more than ever we need men to stand in the gap. Hopefully God will not have to say “I found none”.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
When good men stand in God's way
During the Civil war, there were Godly Christians fighting on both sides. When the North and South would pray for God’s guidance and for victory, how could God answer the prayers of both? Was God for the North, or was God for the South? The problem with that question is that it assumes that God takes sides. God was not a Northerner or Southerner. God has had a plan for men and nations since the beginning of time. God raised up America in order to have a nation of wealth, education, freedom, and Spiritual desire, in order to fulfill the Great commission to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every person. In the 1800s, America was in the process of fulfilling that command. The 1800s have been called the Great Century of missions. When men act in accordance with God’s will, then they can expect His aid. Therefore, the question is never whose side is God on, but rather are we doing that which is consistent with His will.
Thomas Stonewall Jackson was a Godly Christian General for the Southern army. He had led thousands of men in revival during the first several years of the war. He was also General Lee’s right hand man, who had helped Lee defeat the Northern army in almost every battle. During the battle of Chancellorsville, Jackson was out scouting the enemy lines when he was shot by one of his own men. Jackson died several days later from this unfortunate accident. General Lee was devastated by the loss of this great friend and leader. The next major battle in the Civil war was the Battle of Gettysburg. The first two days of the battle were basically a draw. The third day of Gettysburg featured the infamous Pickett’s charge. Lee ordered his men to go across an open field in order to drive the Union off Cemetery Ridge. The effort was a disaster and basically ended the South’s chances to win the war. Would Lee have decided to try the charge had Stonewall Jackson still been alive? This demonstrates a principle from Scripture, that God will remove those who stand in His way. Jackson needed to be taken home in order for the North to fulfill God’s will to keep the Union together and to end the wicked practice of slavery. Sincerity and good intentions are never enough to be sure of God’s blessing. We must constantly seek to do the Will of God by following the Word of God. Remember the Apostle Paul thought he was doing God’s will by killing Christians. God in His Grace reached down and showed him his will. If we stand in God’s way, God will remove the obstacle one way or another.
Thomas Stonewall Jackson was a Godly Christian General for the Southern army. He had led thousands of men in revival during the first several years of the war. He was also General Lee’s right hand man, who had helped Lee defeat the Northern army in almost every battle. During the battle of Chancellorsville, Jackson was out scouting the enemy lines when he was shot by one of his own men. Jackson died several days later from this unfortunate accident. General Lee was devastated by the loss of this great friend and leader. The next major battle in the Civil war was the Battle of Gettysburg. The first two days of the battle were basically a draw. The third day of Gettysburg featured the infamous Pickett’s charge. Lee ordered his men to go across an open field in order to drive the Union off Cemetery Ridge. The effort was a disaster and basically ended the South’s chances to win the war. Would Lee have decided to try the charge had Stonewall Jackson still been alive? This demonstrates a principle from Scripture, that God will remove those who stand in His way. Jackson needed to be taken home in order for the North to fulfill God’s will to keep the Union together and to end the wicked practice of slavery. Sincerity and good intentions are never enough to be sure of God’s blessing. We must constantly seek to do the Will of God by following the Word of God. Remember the Apostle Paul thought he was doing God’s will by killing Christians. God in His Grace reached down and showed him his will. If we stand in God’s way, God will remove the obstacle one way or another.
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