Grave Danger Part 3: Marching Orders for the People of God

“When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him” (Isaiah 59:19).

Two weeks ago I warned about the grave danger of organized evil in out time. Last week I discussed the weakness of our culture that makes this growth of evil possible: a deficit of character in the American people.

Francis Schaeffer warned us a generation ago that if America turned away from its biblical, faith-based, and virtuous roots, it was only a matter of time before a tsunami of evil would sweep us away. He titled his famous book on the subject, “How Should We Then Live?”

It’s one of my favorite books of all time. Read it.

It’s the question of the hour. As the forces of evil converge to tear down the United States and the rest of Western civilization, what must be our response?

Here are some marching orders for the people of God.

We were reminded this week via the Las Vegas massacre that evil comes in many forms–both personal and corporate. The deranged individual that killed nearly sixty innocent people at a country western concert  serves as an example of Lucifer-inspired personal evil.

The Bible is clear that murder–taking a human life, made in the image of God–comes straight from a spiritual being named Satan, commonly known as the devil. He and his demons are the true inciters of all murders on earth, from abortion to mass killing.

Jesus himself shares these sobering words:

“For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

Note that murder forms a normal expression of satanic activity. When you listen to Satan’s voice in your inner ear long enough, you may become motivated to kill. The Los Vegas gunman followed demonic thoughts and put them into action.

Jesus also tells us that Satan is a liar–“that there is no truth in him.” Remember that next time when you’re listening to “Fake News.” It may not be as bad as killing a human being, but it is the first step in deception that leads to the other.

Corporate organized evil is also based on lies and deception–leading to the death of many people. The Nazis give us a most-recent example (though there are many).  They lied to the masses. Most Germans didn’t possess the necessary understanding and character to resist them. So, Hitler’s forces rose up in tyranny and murdered millions.

In our day, the same deficit of character makes us extremely susceptible to organized evil coming from a demonicly inspired coalition:

• The secular progressive movement with its God-hating roots and tendencies.
• All the bastions of anarchy including Antifa and other protest groups.
• The Democratic Party which has been hijacked.
• Establishment Republicans who desire to maintain the status quo.
• The mainstream media which pushes and celebrates tearing down biblical values.

How should we then live?

Let’s cooperate with the Spirit to raise up his victory banner over evil (Isaiah 59:19). Jesus called it “occupying until He comes” (Luke 19:13).

Here are some marching orders.

1. We must seek personal revival and an awakening of God’s Church.

The Holy Spirit in us, beaming from an awakened and revitalized people of God, is the main source of “light” that overcomes darkness. I’m personally teaching a series on revival at my home church this fall (Wednesday evenings at First Christian Church in Port Orchard, WA at 6:30 pm). The series is being video-taped for posterity and broader use.

We need a heaven sent revival.

If you’re on the east coast this week, make a bee-line for Awaken the Dawn, October 6-9, where fifty tents for worship and prayer will be stationed on the Washington, D.C. Mall to usher in a new Jesus Revolution in our nation.

One American pastor believes that revival is already underway. Michael Anthony, the lead pastor of Grace Fellowship  in York, Pennsylvania, says Christians “who want an awakening, revival or reformation can’t get any of those without a serious season of repenting first.”

He says, “I think our nation is in the midst of a national humility crises. And the only thing that’s going to turn it around is a genuine movement of real repentance. I think in many instances, many Christians are trying to get other people to follow a Jesus we’re not following ourselves.”

God is speaking clearly about national renewal. We need it.

2. Tune out the secular media and grow in wisdom.

My wife and I changed our listening/watching habits this year–even for the news. We became premium members at billoreilly.com. This site offers a daily thirty-minute podcast by the former Fox anchor through which he shares a clear picture of what is happening in America and around the world.

Bill O’Reilly rose to number one in cable ratings for fifteen years for a reason: He was the best analyzer of cultural trends in the nation. Even humbled by his firing from Fox, we sense a depth and passion in him to give people common-sense truth (with no commercials and hype).

Sean Hannity recently rocketed to number one in cable news because of his love of America, detailed mind, energy and passionate, and solid conservative credentials. He’s the other source of news we sometimes watch.

We’re also reading more books. I just started Bill O’Reilly’s Killing England which gives great insights as to the character necessary to defeat evil.

I’ve said for years that you need to read to lead.

3. Become an active participant in today’s issues.

We’ve also turned off National Football League because of the player protests that disrespect the American flag and those fighting for it. We aren’t the only ones. Ratings for NFL games are plummeting and corporate sponsors are pulling their advertizing dollars. Bringing politics and social justice into football is a travesty. It’s time to resist the tide.

I encourage all the protesting players to take their cause outside of the ninety seconds of unity around the American flag. Give your millions to helping those in the inner city. Use other forums to share your concerns and ideas.

But don’t diss the nation that gives you the freedom to become millionaires. Thank God for that privilege and honor the red, white and blue.

There are many other pressing issues in our day.

Say something and act.

4. Throw out bad politicians, and vote for courageous leaders.

Former White House strategist Steve Bannon called Judge Roy Moore’s victory in Alabama last month “the beginning of a ‘revolution’ against incumbents in Washington.”

I agree. We need many more.

One of the greatest tragedies of the last eight months has been the inept and cowardly leadership of the Republican Party. President Trump (despite his weaknesses) has done well to renew traditional values in this nation. But the Republican establishment shot down repealing and replacing Obamacare and is waffling on tax reform. Sen John McCain switched from national hero to petty rebel (sad). The U.S. Senate has piled up 300 bills from the House of Representatives that they won’t consider because of self-serving senators.

We need more people like Judge Roy Moore voted into office in 2018, 2020, and beyond to serve a transformation of the American government. It can happen if the Church cares, acts, and votes.

5. Pray for a widespread transformation of education.

Abraham Lincoln rightly said that the philosophy of education in one generation will be the philosophy of government in the next. The secularization of education in America over the past forty years is a primary reason for snowflake students, rejection of free speech, teen suicides, and Marxism on college campuses today. We must re-capture these critical institutions with parental involvement, encourage biblically-based teachers to invade them (with character!) see high schools and universities to reverse their course, and support godly education (home-schooling) and Christian universities.

That’s why I’m teaching fourteen different classes at Faith International University (Tacoma, WA) this quarter. We are one of many Christian campuses exploding with growth.

Education is a long term project–but it must be “saved.”

6. Start the renewal with yourself.

You can’t choose for others, but you can choose for yourself. Will you live a repentant and holy life, putting Jesus first and seeking His priorities? Will you grab onto his His global vision and do your part at home and abroad?

Organized evil can only be defeated by a superiorly virtuous and united people of God, clothed with his full armor, and using His gifts and grace to change hearts and lives.

Join this Spirit-led army and let’s march together to change a nation.

Where can you begin?