We are living in one of the most dangerous periods in history. Every day we see more crime and corruption, and the effects of a growing hatred toward the things of God. But because of our Lord’s faithful promises, there is always hope.
Dr. Stanley reminds us that it is only when we seek God, turn from our sin, and submit to His will that our nation—and our world—will be free. As we spend time with the Lord each day, we must remember to pray with passion and perseverance for our churches, our country’s leaders, and the challenges facing our nation. And let’s remember to thank our heavenly Father for His love and His willingness to heal our land.
This sermon was recorded before COVID-19. For the protection of our staff members and the community, we are currently following safety guidelines by practicing social distancing. We appreciate your understanding.
Sermon Outline
A CALL TO PRAYER
KEY PASSAGE: 2 Chronicles 7:11-15
SUPPORTING SCRIPTURE: Psalm 34:4 | Psalm 17:1-15 | Psalm 19:1-14 | Proverbs 16:18 | Isaiah 40:8
SUMMARY
We are in living in one of the most dangerous periods in history.
We see it every day. All around the world, crime is on the rise, corruption goes unchecked, and hatred for the things of God swells. With each passing year, entertainment grows more disturbing while sexual immorality runs rampant. In many places, believers are persecuted and even face the possibility of death for their faith. The nation of Israel is opposed on all sides. And here at home, a battle rages for the soul of our country.
Thankfully, God gives us this promise in His Word: “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. ...and My eyes and heart will be there perpetually.” (2 Chron. 7:14, 16 NKJV).
Therefore, let’s join together in prayer and seek the Lord’s help during this time of spiritual crisis.
SERMON POINTS
Personal Preparation
As we ask the Lord to change the hearts of men and women across our country and across our world, let’s start with us:
- Confess and repent of any known sin.
- Ask for the strength to obey Him, no matter what it might cost.
- Pray for opportunities to reach out to others in love and kindness.
- Thank God for answering the prayers of His people.
Leaders and Elected Officials
Ask God to open the eyes of our fellow citizens, and especially those of our leaders, that they might recognize their need of Him. Pray that those in positions of influence would:
- Look to the Lord for wisdom, knowledge, and courage.
- Readily forsake their own personal ambitions when their motivations are not aligned with that which is in the best interest of our country.
- Reverse the destructive trends of humanism and atheism, which attempt to place humanity on the throne that rightfully belongs to God.
- Establish the kind of leadership that makes this nation a light to the world—where people enjoy prosperity and security, and where almighty God is recognized as the Source of our blessings.
The Church
Pray that God would move powerfully within our churches, igniting a revival in the worldwide body of Christ. Pray specifically that Christians in all our local churches would:
- Take every opportunity to reach the lost in their communities.
- Make disciples of those who accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
- Cultivate their spiritual gifts that they might build up their brothers and sisters in Christ.
- Continue to fund missionary efforts so that the gospel is proclaimed near and far.
National Challenges
Ask the Lord to turn the tide of our nation’s current economic, cultural, and moral challenges. Pray that the United States would become a place where:
- Children would be safeguarded from false teaching, ungodly influences, and those who would abuse them.
- The unborn are protected and those who have been deceived by the lie of abortion discover the forgiveness available in Christ Jesus.
- Biblical marriage is upheld and families are strengthened.
- Unemployment is neither long-term nor generational, and local churches are empowered to minister to the poor in their communities.
RESPONSE
- It is only as we seek God, submit to His will, and turn from our sin that our nation—and our world—will be free. As you spend time with the Lord each day, remember to pray for our nation with passion, purpose, and perseverance. And don’t forget to praise our heavenly Father for His love and His willingness to heal this land on which we live. Because of God’s good promises, there is hope for us yet.
