Building Up America

During the Revolutionary War, one of America's founding fathers said, "these are strange and troublesome times." The time in which you and I are living are in deed troubling. Troubling because we are at war. War time is the time which can "try men's souls."

Charles Dickens is famous for the words, "it was the best of times, and it was the worst of times." Though I would not say these are the "worst of times," I would agree that today America is certainly being challenged. How can we, as the church, build up America?

We can build up America through prayer.

Charlie Britnell said, "Prayer is the greatest contribution which Christians can make to our national security. Prayer moves the hand that rules the universe. The Christian's influence offers more national protection than all the military might, missiles, and nuclear arsenals of history's most powerful nation." Paul the apostle reminds us of the value of prayer for our nation and leaders when he says, "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty" (1 Tm. 2:1-2).

We can build up America through personal evangelism.

Until we truly believe that the world is lost, and appreciate the fact that we are the vessels that God must use to reach the lost, the world will stay lost. Charles Box said, "Indifference is the area of personal evangelism that is probably the chief weakness of Christianity as it faces times like these." Consider these words: "And when I think that God His Son not sparing,Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,He bled and died to take away my sins."

Jesus said, "Go ye...and teach all nations..." Brethren, "Go ye" means "Go ME."

We can build up America through Christian's.

One Christian can make a difference. We must keep in mind that "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people" (Prov. 14:34). Johnny Ramsey once said, "Let me tell you a secret, all the politicians in America put together, all the soldiers in uniform around the world, and all the bombs and missiles and bayonets and soldiers, don't compare with the power of one devoted Christian, and the blessing they can give to the kingdom of God and the world at large."

Though these may be "strange and troublesome times," we can help America overcome if we will recognize the power of prayer, reach people through evangelism, and realize that we, as individual Christian's can make a difference.