IS THERE TIME TO RESTORE AMERICA? ISN’T EVANGELISM MORE URGENT?
Computers for Christ – Chicago

First, let us say that there is no greater priority than world evangelism. Our Founders would agree with that statement and, in fact, many of them were fundamentally motivated by this goal as they
came to America. William Bradford, the Pilgrim historian and governor, clearly stated that the Pilgrims came with a desire to spread the gospel worldwide when they covenanted with God to found
their colony:

“…a great hope and inward zeal they had of laying some good foundation, or at least to make some way therunto, for ye propagating and advancing ye gospel of ye kingdom of Christ in those remote parts of ye world; yea, though they should be but even as steppingstones unto others for ye performing of so great a work.”

Presupposing the above priority to “disciple the nations” (Matt. 28:18-20) and to “preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15), it is important to keep in mind that God is glorified and people
reached not only through words but by His children showing the practical application of Christianity to all life. Nowhere has the balance between evangelism and the manifestation of Christianity in culture been so clearly illustrated as in America. Our nation came into being through the obedience of millions of Christians who took God’s gospel and its application into every sphere of life. When we were caring for our vineyard we were likened to a “city on a hill” and a “light to the nations” showing forth the power of Christ in the life of individuals manifest on a corporate scale.

IS THERE TIME TO OCCUPY?

Over the past 140 years or so there has been a growing trend among religious groups to speculate on the exact date of the end of the world and the second coming of Christ. Many people have been led to faith in Christ as a result of studying the coming of Christ in judgment at the end of time. But the setting of dates concerning His return and over-speculation as to the significance of current events in relation to this subject sometimes have caused many to lose hope of reformation of our government and society.

The purpose of this article is not to critique or take sides on eschatological issues. But one point should be clearly made concerning our attitude toward Christ’s return regardless of what
millennia view we have. We, as Christians, will not be judged on how well we guessed the exact time of Christ’s coming, but concerning the deeds we have done to build His Kingdom while He is not physically present (Luke 19, II Cor. 5:10). Regardless of when Jesus Christ comes again, and only the Father knows the time (Acts 1:7), Christians cannot ignore their stewardship to “occupy until I come” (Luke 19:13).  Who and what will occupy and thereby govern and control the quality and conduct of our nation and its administration as well as our homes, churches, and schools? The Christian or the unbeliever? Which group of people was given the commission to occupy? Who has taken leadership in our society – Christians or unbelievers? Will Biblical principles occupy only our Christian homes, churches, and missionary endeavors and not the civil, economic, or cultural spheres of life in America because there is no time? Or because there is no vision or
faith to labor? A knowledge of God’s hand in American history assures us that God gives his people time needed to accomplish what He has called them to do. “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Prov. 14:34)

“IF THE FOUNDATIONS BE DESTROYED”

Consider the consequences for the world if America should succumb to humanism and socialism. What would be the dreadful fate of other men and nations if this fountainhead of evangelical Christianity spurned God? For America is one nation with the liberty, property, and form of government capable of protecting, not crushing, the voluntary expression of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We need look no further than behind the Iron and Bamboo Curtains to find the answer.

GOD’S POWER IN BUILDING A NATION

Today many of our missionaries are scorned as they present the Gospel in foreign lands. Nationals from various countries rightly ask the question, “If your Christ is so powerful that He can save my soul, can He do nothing for my nation? What has He done for your nation, America?” Unfortunately many of our missionaries are not taught the the answer to that question. As a result the great scriptural principles of nation-building that could result in a national reformation in these lands are not imparted from the Word of God and our Christian history. But Christ and His Word do offer liberty, not only from the burden of personal sin, but also from EXTERNAL tyranny when His sovereignty is acknowledged by the people of a nation and His Word is heeded (Proverbs 29:2). The people of the world need to know that Communism cannot hold a candle to our world-changing God and His people in any field of human endeavor, and that history proves this
out. They also need to see again a model of a reformed America. We cannot cut the Gospel message way from its external manifestations.  Isaiah 58:12 is vital today. “THEY THAT SHALL BE OF THEE SHALL BUILD THE OLD WASTE PLACES: THOU SHALT RAISE UP THE FOUNDATIONS OF MANY GENERATIONS; AND THOU SHALT BE CALLED, THE REPAIRER OF THE BREECH, THE RESTORER OF THE PATHS TO DWELL IN.”

Computers for Christ – Chicago