Without intending to, many Christian pastors and teachers are compromising the Word of Christ, leaving their congregations with the impression that even though they are living lukewarm lives they still are ready to go to Heaven in a "rapture." They are not pointing out the fiery Nature of the God of Israel. They are not bearing a true witness of His Person and ways. They are placating the disinterested, careless, pleasure-loving, lukewarm American armchair Christians. That is just what they are—armchair Christians.

If someone were to tell them they cannot be Christ's disciple (a genuine Christian) unless they deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Jesus on the thorny way that leads to life, enduring hardship as good soldiers, they would flee from the assembly. They would find a pastor who is willing to comfort them with the unscriptural idea that Jesus is accepting them no matter how they behave because they are saved by grace. They ought to do what is right, but if they don't, they are going up to Heaven by grace at any moment now.

This is false, destructive, unscriptural teaching.

We who are leaders have destroyed God's Church. Judgment hovers over the United States of America because of our worldliness, our yielding to the lusts of our flesh and soul, and our self-will.

Perhaps if we turn to God now and begin to keep His commandments, God will come and give us righteous government and heal our land.

But if we do not turn away from our wicked way, humbling ourselves under the mighty hand of God, our nation is going to suffer judgment until we are humbled completely in the sight of the other nations of the world.

I think we are going to have much trouble in the days to come. The purpose of the trouble, whatever form it takes, is to turn us to God.

But if we do not learn from the fiery judgments that come upon us, then the United States of America will be reduced to a fourth-class nation, that is, if we survive at all.

The Lord Jesus loves us but we are not keeping His commandments. We are showing Him by our actions that we do not love Him. As many as He loves He rebukes and chastens. Let's you and I turn now to the Lord and start obeying His commandments in the New Testament, as He gives us the grace to do so. In so doing we may save ourselves and our loved ones while the flames of judgment fall on the rebellious.

Now let's consider the subject of belief and righteousness in a slightly different manner, that is, in terms of belief in the promises and obedience to the commandments.

To be continued.