July 1, 2008

Dear Friends,

What does it look like when a nation dies — when it turns from God?

July is a natural time for people to reflect on our nation. One should give thanks for the blessings and freedoms we enjoy. Many, however, will also share concern for our society.  Particularly the people, and dare I say churches, caught up in the self-centered, materialistic, pleasure-seeking culture. We may well think that our country has become godless.

The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals thoughtfully engages all areas of life. Specifically, Alliance broadcasts teach what it means to be a godly citizen of both our earthly and heavenly kingdoms. But we can’t do it without your help. Every penny you give counts, and every penny is carefully spent.

James Boice is the Bible teacher on The Bible Study Hour. In his message from Hosea chapter 13, he shows us what it looks like when a nation dies—when it turns from God.

As we know from Romans 6:23 “the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” While this refers foremost to individuals, we can also apply this scripture to groups of people, and nations, as well.

Like individuals, nations are born, they grow and develop, they deteriorate, and then they die. Hosea prophesied the death of Israel. Israel was once a powerful nation that honored God. But later it turned its back on God and was given over to the worship of idols.

At the time of Hosea’s prophesy, Israel, while not dead as a nation, was spiritually dead. What happens when a nation begins to die? God consciousness disappears or is deliberately removed. Next, the soul or character of a nation dies. Lastly, the nation dies—a slow declining death.

This same death happens to the individual. But there is hope for the individual. God does the work of new creation. Instead of a slow declining death, God gives us a new body and new soul. We are no longer slaves to sin but slaves to righteousness.

As a new creation we have a responsibility to live like Christ. We are to exercise spiritual maturity, insight, and integrity. These things should be in all of our dealings with our family, business, church, friends, and neighbors. God can use His people to bring grace, repentance, and revival to a nation that does not deserve it (but then, neither do we!).

The Alliance is an expanding source of blessing and encouragement to its hearers. Alliance broadcasts teach the truths that encourage and instruct believers to become godly citizens. We are heard from coast to coast, in Canada, and world wide on the web.  Please pray for our ministry together.

Through the strong teaching ministry of The Bible Study Hour, Every Last Word, God's Living Word, and Dr. Barnhouse & the Bible believers and non-believers alike are being regularly exposed to the truth of God’s Word applied to their lives. Please help us continue this important ministry. Remember, we can’t do it without your help.

In Christ,

Robert Brady
Executive Vice President

P.S. If you would like to help God's Word to be powerfully preached, give a gift to the Alliance today by clicking here.