Is America Waking Up?

Early in the 18th century, the United States experienced a “Great Awakening.” It was a religious awakening. And again, in the 19th century, a second great religious awakening occurred, causing a reinvigorated enthusiasm to reconnect with Jesus Christ. Now, some are asking, “Is the United States reawakening again, once more? And if so, what kind of ‘Great Awakening’ is this one?”

Thomas Paine once said, “It is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it.”

The words of Thomas Pain seem to be very fitting for our time. I say this due to the revival of a “political movement” that is gaining momentum in the United States; it’s called nationalism, or as some have alternately labeled it, populism, that is presently capturing the attention of the American populace.

However, it has caused a political polarization within the public square, and with such intensity that it’s palpable—you can cut it with a knife. Yet, some would prefer to deny it’s happening, but it is. Lines are being drawn and sides are being taken!

The Internet is boiling over with enormous varieties of speculation and conspiratorial jargon that is loaded with prodigious amounts of information and unfortunately, disinformation, too. We have a plethora of news outlets available over a vast network of different mediums to keep us all well informed, 24/7, all year. It’s rather overwhelming when considering the content of information we have at our fingertips.

Combine this with a President who is not shy about using social media, and you have a recipe for controversy, intrigue, plots, and speculation, which occasionally is constructed from classified disclosures never before available to Mr. & Mrs. Joe Public—and frankly, some are finding out they “can’t handle the truth!”

Part of this is due to the disclosures of Wikileaks, and former intelligence contractor, Edward Snowdon, of the National Security Agency, along with a variety of investigative reporters who all contribute to this new kind of “Great Awakening,” which is a political awakening, not religious, that has begun to reveal a level of corruption, subterfuge, and intrigue, lying, and spying within the United States government upon its own citizens and allies that is so large in size, that frankly, it’s just incredibly shocking and in so many ways hard to believe!

Yet, as Thomas Paine said, “We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth...” And it is painful to recognize leaders of the United States that held and still do hold top level positions of trust in government, law enforcement, security and justice roles, with high level security clearances, who are involved in such nefarious and in some cases, illegal activity!

When you begin to realize the government of your beloved country has for decades, under both Republican and Democratic administrations, have been betraying its citizens, allies, andeach others’ political efforts by accessing private phone records, computer search engines and/or wide-reaching intercepts and surveillance activity, or controlling and making up data, or dossiers to favor certain political parties and entities, along with spying on world leaders that are supposed to be your friendly allies, and meddling in foreign civil unrest—it becomes a stunningly disappointing reality check of abandoned honesty, integrity, and respect for the rule of law.

Right or wrong, regardless of our opinion, information has now been publicized, revealing just how the United States has been working over the last few decades. Many of us find ourselves incredulous over what and who appears to be involved, and seems to be building toward the unsealing of over 28,000 sealed indictments since the current administration has taken position. By the way, that represents an increase from an average of just 1000 to 1500 annually! This is mind numbing! And the mainstream media is M.I.A.!

However, we are now beginning to see some names coming into the public eye and arrests for crimes committed. Most recently, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, accused of sexual misconduct, resigned. Founder Keith Rainer and movie star Allison Mack, who plays Chloe in the Superman series Smallville, has also been arrested and charged for “recruiting” on behalf of the executive training company, NXIVM, for human sex trafficking, money laundering, and tax fraud with suspected ties to the Clinton Foundation—and this is just the beginning!

Sources close to the FBI and DOJ claim many of those under secret indictments are judges, current and former politicians, and business executives, all in line to be revealed, as the courts begin processing these indictments for prosecution and bring these charges forward, incrementally, over the coming months and years! It’s no wonder as to why approximately 50 senators and congressman have resigned or will not be seeking re-election. It’s fair to say some may not want to endure the public embarrassment, or maybe made deals to stand down.

But whatever the reason, stay tuned, because it’s going to become quite shocking for some of us when it’s revealed publicly as to just who is, and was, involved in so much of this corruption, graft, and immorality for so long—decades long—especially here in the United States. The names that have been leaked and the charges they will face will be shocking for some to comprehend, while others will probably not believe the magnitude, scope, and degree of subterfuge, treason, and sexual misconduct that has taken place by both elected and appointed officials of trust, at some of the highest levels of leadership, from both sides of the aisle!

What Is the Reawakening?

Thomas Paine said, “For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it.” Jesus said, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

Admittedly, this was meant to be in context to His Word, the Gospel, but the principle still stands, and it doesn’t dismiss this fact: “Truth” has a way of setting you free from the shackles of control, deceit, anxiety, danger, and harm. It can be empowering—this is undeniable, especially as a Christian!

There’s an old saying that “Honesty is the best policy.” When you have nothing to hide and you can live a life of openness and transparency, then no one or nothing can control your behavior in what you do, say, or think—that should be the aspiration of every Christian today. But, sadly, too many of our political leaders, educators, and those running our large corporations, along with some in law enforcement agencies, do not adhere to the Christian values so critical to the character necessary when serving the public trust. John Adams said it very plainly when he explained, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”

It would seem obvious, due to the liberty and freedom our U.S. constitution provides, that trust becomes a determining factor for the success of benefiting the greater citizenry. Otherwise, those of lesser character, untrustworthy, working self-serving agendas, can easily “game” the system and become very rich due to the access of power and influence, which comes with the positions of privilege while serving the public. That, unfortunately, is exactly what has been going on for the past 50–60 years. Far too many of our leaders, both Blue and Red, have been getting rich at the expense of the country’s well being and the people they’re supposed to serve!

The prophet Isaiah has a lot to say to the United States; and though he’s speaking to ancient Israel, the cultural parallels are dead on and stunning! “Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity [perversity, evil, mischief], a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, ...from the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it [they’re irrational, and void of judgment—moral relativism is now the rule]; the wounds and bruises, and putrefying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment [no accountability]. Your country is desolate, your cities are burned with fire [literally, and culturally]: your land, strangers [foreigners] devour it in your presence, and it is desolate, as over thrown by strangers [foreigners]” (Isaiah 1:4–7).

Jeremiah has a similar message for Judah some 120 years later, but prophetically speaking, is also very appropriate and cogent for our country today. You might as well consider him warning many presidents, congressman, senators and judges—prime ministers, ambassadors, and many political leaders throughout the land of North America and the British Commonwealth nations—that judgment is upon the land. Notice how Jeremiah’s message is so germane for us today:

“Declare this [this is a declaration] in the house of Jacob [which did not exist at this time—they had been conquered 120 years before. You can make the case that this actually is directed to us, for today] and publish it [make it known] in Judah [in Jeremiah’s time, as well as the future Israeli nation of the latter days], saying, Hear now foolish people, and without understanding [reprobates—void of judgment]; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not [you’re in denial and blind]: Fear you not me? saith the Lord: will you not tremble at my presence [Do you not respect God, His laws, power, and authority?].... But this people has a revolting and a rebellious heart; they are revolted and gone. Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear the Lord our God [They are an arrogant people that does not revere or submit to God’s instruction].... Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you [We are limiting God from providing and protecting us because we choose to disregard His laws]. For among my people are found wicked men: they lay wait, as he that sets snares; they set a trap, they catch men [They purposely set people up for blackmail and extortion, to control their actions]. As a cage is full of birds, so are their houses full of deceit [The houses of authority are full of leaders who deceive for self serving gain and are controlled for unethical and immoral purposes]: therefore they are become great, and waxen rich [They go into public service of trust and by exploits and subterfuge, blackmail, and extortion, become fat and rich]. They are waxen fat, they shine [They become prominent and popular]: yea they over pass the deeds of the wicked [They overlook lawlessness and ignore the rule of law for gain and power]: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless [The leaders don’t care about the orphan, but exploit children for gain, trafficking them into slavery and illicit sexual service], yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge [They don’t serve the needs of the poor; instead they take advantage of them for personal gain and power]. Shall I not visit for these things? says the Lord: shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this [God fully intends to deliver justice for this injustice]? An astonishment and horrible thing is committed in the land [There is much evil in this described society]; The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means [The religious leaders are misleading the people and not instructing them in truth. Why? To maintain their own gain, prominence, and control]; and my people love to have it so [The people prefer it this way because it makes them feel good]: and what will you do in the end thereof” (Jeremiah 5:20–31)? Yes, that is the question for all of us to answer upon realizing the evidentiary evil that clearly surrounds us.

We are living in some very remarkably parallel times. It is obvious the United States and the United Kingdom, along with many of its commonwealth nations, suffer from the same sycophant pathologies and activities. Things we used to trust in and felt secure with are now beginning to unravel and come unglued because of disclosures made public that reveal those in public service betrayed the trust of the office they were elected or appointed to serve in. And God is not amused at this kind of political graft, corruption, and betrayal. As Hosea said during the time of the Assyrian invasions of the 8th century against Israel (not Judah): “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because you have rejected knowledge, I [God] will also reject you [the nation], that you shall be no priest [figuratively, a moral religious standard] to me: seeing you have forgotten the law of your God, I [God] will also forget your children [future generations]” (Hosea 4:6). These are harsh statements from the God we embrace as a country!

God is fed up with a nation that does the things described above. And it has been His pattern to correct any nation that embraces His standards as the God of the land, which the United States has done since its inception. And though many of us would argue and have to admit the United States itself hasn’t been perfect with human rights, it still doesn’t dismiss this current fact: Its attraction is due to personal freedoms and liberties, compared to the rest of the world, that excel all other nations. Everyone wants to immigrate to the United States—even if it requires breaking the law to get in!

So What’s Coming Up Ahead—Around the Next Bend

The United States is positioning for a correction in its course of interaction with the world’s community of nations. It would appear by the actions of this President, that he fully intends to rebuild and reinforce the overall strength and posture of the United States on the world stage. His most recent passing of the Omnibus Budget Bill clearly indicates military spending is a top priority. The fact this $1.3 trillion bill has $720 billion earmarked for military expenditures plainly indicates he is refurbishing and expanding the military might of America, for whatever military action may be required. Actually, it appears he fully expects preparedness for war is justified, and that’s why more than half of this Omnibus Bill is devoted to military spending!

We are living in a time when at least four or five nations of the world are fully able to destroy all life on this planet. Mankind has achieved, without a doubt, the level of destructive capability that is now maximized. We are in the end times, just by knowing this “factoid” alone!

With that in mind, the words of Jesus Christ should echo in our minds to secure us during these evil and perilous times. Notice, “Take heed that you be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draws near: go you not after them. But when you shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not immediately. Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: And great earthquakes shall be in different places and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven” (Luke 21:8–11). This is what is up ahead, around the next bend!

In addition, “And when you see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is near” (Luke 21:20). It goes on to say that if you’re in that area, get out, and if you’re not in that area, stay out. Don’t go to the Middle East (verse 21)! Don’t believe and don’t be deceived by those claiming to know Christ and then advise you to go to the Middle East for safety and protection—that’s nonsense! Jesus says, “...and let not them that are in the countries [in and around the area] enter thereinto” (Luke 21:21). In other words, stay out of the area!

Remember, Jesus said that wars and commotions will occur, but the end is not immediately. There will be nations rising against each other and great signs happening in the heavens, but Jesus will still be delayed—He will not come yet.

It seems we need to be aware that preparing for wars and commotions up ahead is an appropriate worldview and mindset to have. There are a lot of tensions building with nations having the full capability of unleashing weapons of mass destruction, causing damage of biblical proportions. This is not hyperbole, but unfortunately, our current reality. We need to be mature about it and learn to embrace our current state of affairs with faith, confidence, and courage.

Those of us who understand God’s expectations know He is not amused at the leadership, or social and immoral conditions of those nations claiming allegiance to Him. So, it should be no surprise about what potentially is coming in the way of worldwide conflict—especially since Jesus warned us “nation shall rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom.”

The United States is relearning to express assertive leadership after decades of appeasement, apologies, and accommodation at the expense of its own national well being and security. The question is, Will the world’s community of nations, having been working an agenda of globalism, accept and adjust to this revived nationalistic approach the United States, United Kingdom, and a handful of others within the European Union are now adopting? That remains to be seen as to how it will all play out.

But we do know this: What’s up ahead and around the next bend is a globalist regime in the form of a “Beast Power” that will ultimately manifest for a short time (Revelation 17:11–14). And a major obstacle blocking the way for that to occur is nationalistic nations adhering to the ideology of sovereign states with borders. This is contrary to the globalist ideology and agenda of a One World Order. The clashing of these two geopolitical worldviews—Nationalism vs. Globalism—is what presents the potential for worldwide conflict between these nations that disagree about which is the better ideology for solving humanity’s global problems.

In the ensuing years, we will see how this comes together to fit the description of what our Bible explains as a “resurrected” end-time Babylon which will rule the vast majority of the world, and “mark” the people who are part of its neo-pagan religious socialist system. Until then, it’s important we recognize that enduring until the end is required, if we expect to be saved (Matthew 24:13; Revelation 2:26).