Future of the USA???

Jer. 18:1-10 - written for the people of Israel.   BUT - God's dealing with nations of the world is still happening.
Are you - Optimistic?  Pessimistic?

Pessimist says:  headed for doom
failing education system
aging population
immigration crisis; "melting pot" is now patchwork quilt
corrupt corporate leadership
inefficient government - only 19% of the American people show optimism about our future based on how our government is working!

Continued/growing racism
radical Muslims among us
school shootings

Changing views of morality - no common consensus for right & wrong
breakdown of family life - 60% of kids spend some time in single parent home

redefinition of marriage
confusion over gender

national debt/out of control spending
entitlement attitude - growing welfare state
consumer mentality - "consume!  don't produce!"
personal rights take precedent over the "greater good"
failing moral leadership @ ALL levels of government   - quote:  "Stupidity and power makes a bad combo"

rising medical costs
polarized political system (50/50) - key factor in why 80% of American people = pessimistic about our future.  Those on right see us leaning left, & that's bad direction!
On the other hand, those on the left see us leaning right and that's bad direction!
So, all tend toward Pessimism!!!


The Optimist says:
Look where we've gone/come in 400 years  (1600)
We're now the wealthiest, most powerful nation in history!!

We survived:
- a war of Independence - against a major world power
- a devastating Civil War (with post war healing and reconstruction)
- 2 world Wars as well as Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan
- the Great Depression (&multiple recessions)
- the Cold War

Still have a wealth of natural resources
USA - world's largest exporter of foods
and spend smaller % of household income for food than any other country!!!

We have a chosen government (therefore theoretically fixable government!)
                 few nearby enemies / powerful military
and a national pride!!  (example:  see tears at the singing of the National Anthem)
AND always had a polarized political system!

Seen recent drops in violent crime, teen pregnancy, domestic violence, divorce, AND unemployment rates!

We are blessed with --- abundant energy supplies
                                     entrepreneurial spirit (can do attitude!)
                                     investment capital  (individual opportunities)
                                     access to higher education/technical training
                                     unrivaled technological genius and creativity
                                     political stability (compared to much of the world)

USA is still the model for liberty around the world.
People want IN, not OUT!

"There is not better time or place to live than in America today!!"

On one hand, there are good arguments on both sides.
However, are secular arguments don't factor in God (as does Jeremiah, as should we.)
Is a huge difference in what the Christian view should be.

Question:  What would your assessment of Israel be IF had no knowledge of God's part? - in Egypt? the Exodus?  the Wilderness?  the conquest?  the Exile?  the Diaspora?

Bible teaches - God is.... (1) Sovereign (Ruler)
                                      (2) Concerned - (with His creation/people)
                                      (3)  Active  (interactive) - doing something

Therefore:  brief overview...

(1).  God (ultimately, finally) forms, directs, preserves, destroys nations!  example:  Jeremiah text
Example:  Gen. 17:20 - Ishmael
Deut. 28:49-51 - (curses for disobedience)

But on the other hand,
(2)  Man's actions contribute to God's decisions  - (Jeremiah text)  Jer. 18:11-13

So ..... Psalm 33:12,  Prov. 14:34

Our Part??????????  More exactly ------ Your Part??????

#1 Seek God - example:  a _________ nation is made up of ________ people.  (fill in the blanks)
You find Him in Jesus Christ.   John 14:6   Not sufficient to just have a vague notion of God.

#2.  Seek the good of your nation
This = your ministry field.  your responsibility  (example = Daniel.  He faithfully served Babylon without compromising his faith)
Includes:  (1)  prayer - note here .... Psalm 119:126
               (2) support - (broad subject ..... includes taxes!!)
               (3)  criticism  (Jeremiah)
               (4)  praise

#3.  (seek to) Be salt and Light - (Matt. 5:13-16)
Salt and Light = minority substance that goes a long way!!!
On one hand, only God can bring revival/reversal
However, we're called to be part of that

#4.  Follow god even if your nation turns away.   Christians often called to minister to hostile society
Example:  Christianity and Roman Empire in 300 years!!!
(our nation is not our Sovereign - not our Savior)

#5.  Don't give up on your nation.
"God does not quickly abandon His people" - Lamentations 3:19-26

#6.  (while doing all the above....)
Keep in mind your true nation. - Phil. 3:20,

So,  1 Pet. 2:9-10

Deut. 4:5-9, Deut. 30:19