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Releases Releases
to the National Press | 9/30/05  By:
Pastor Gary G. Dull, NCC Executive Member
Faith
Baptist Church
Altoona, PA Nahum 1:1-8 "The
burden of Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite. God is
jealous, and the Lord revengeth; and is furious; the Lord will take vengeance
on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies. The Lord is
slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the
Lord hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust
of his feet. He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the
rivers: Bashan languisheth, and Carmel, and the flower of Lebanon languisheth. The
mountains quake at him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at his presence,
yea, the world, and all that dwell therein. Who can stand before his indignation?
and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like
fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him. The Lord is good, a strong hold
in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that
trust in him. But with
an overrunning flood he will make an utter end of the place thereof, and darkness
shall pursue his enemies." ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Recently
the southern part of the United States of America was hit by two major hurricanes
within the period of one month. Both hurricanes were at one point in their history
category 5 storms, but by the time they hit land they had been reduced to a category
4. However, both of them caused immense damage to Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana,
and Texas. Katrina, the first hurricane, practically destroyed New Orleans and
many of the smaller towns and cities in the region. Rita, the second hurricane,
came along a few weeks later and the winds and the rains associated with her caused
further damage to the New Orleans area, as well as other areas that were not affected
by Katrina. Because of the storms, many people have lost their lives, many businesses
have been closed, many dwellings have been destroyed, many families have been
separated, and it may be months and even years until the south central region
of the United States will be rebuilt and back to normal. In fact, there may be
certain businesses that will never open again. There may be homes that will never
be rebuilt. There may be families that will never function as they did in the
past. Beyond that, there may be certain municipalities that will never develop
to the point they were before the storms hit. But what is even greater to consider
is that there are hundreds of lives that will never live again. And that is very
sad! There is no doubt but that Hurricanes Katrina and Rita have captured the
attention of the people of America, as well as the rest of the world. One
question that has been asked by many is, "why did these storms become so
powerful and hit so close together upon the same region of the country?"
Indeed that is a very good question to consider. And, it is a question that we
must answer. However, we must seek the answer from the viewpoint of the Word of
God if we expect to come to the proper conclusions. It is very interesting
to hear what some people have said in the attempt to answer the above question.
There have been those who have blamed the space shuttle program of the United
States for the hurricanes. They attempt to explain this by saying the force of
the thrust it takes to get the shuttle in space contributes to shifting the earth
on its axis, which creates adverse weather conditions. There have also been those
who have blamed other countries for the hurricanes saying that they are using
climatic terrorism against the United States by putting certain chemicals in the
atmosphere that eventually produce great storms and hurricanes. Though these are
interesting theories, I am not sure how much merit either of them maintains. So,
why did Katrina and Rita hit the United States with such devastation? I believe
that answer can be found in the Word of God, the Bible. In fact, we must search
for the answer in the scriptures if we are going to find any truth for the reason
for these events. First, let me say that it is very important that we, who
are believers in Christ, develop a Biblical World View of life. To keep it simple,
a Biblical World View is basically "VIEWING EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE OF LIFE THROUGH
THE EYES OF THE SCRIPTURE." Considering that definition, it is also critical
to recognize that God is sovereign and either causes, allows, or directs all things
to take place in the universe. Now, some may disagree with that statement, but
it has to be true, because if God is not in control, then someone or something
else is, and that would take away from the fact that God is omnipotent and the
Providential Authority over all of creation. Isaiah 40:12-31 and 45:12,13, 20-24
are solid biblical texts which teach this concept. Second, let me emphasize
that according to scripture, a biblical reason for storms is to bring the judgment
of God upon a sinful people. The very first time this is seen in the Bible is
in Genesis 6 and 7 where the account of the flood in the days of Noah is given.
We all know that God caused this great flood because of the sins of the people.
Genesis 6:5 says, "AND GOD SAW THAT THE WICKEDNESS OF MAN WAS GREAT IN THE
EARTH, AND THAT EVERY IMAGINAION OF THE THOUGHTS OF HIS HEART WAS ONLY EVIL CONTINUALLY."
When that flood came, there was obviously a great series of storms with wind and
rain. This can be surmised from Genesis 7:11 which says, "…THE SAME
DAY WERE ALL THE FOUNDATINS OF THE DEEP BROKEN UP, AND THE WINDOWS OF HEAVEN WERE
OPENED." The result is that everyone on the face of the earth died with the
exception of Noah and his immediate family. God judged the whole world because
they had turned against Him, and He did it through the means of a storm and a
flood. The fact that God brings judgment upon sinful people through adverse
weather is observed in other biblical passages as well. Take a look at Nahum 1:1-8
for a tremendous lesson on this subject. In that passage, we find God is dealing
with the wickedness of the city of Nineveh and it indicates that His judgment
was going to be poured out upon the Ninevites through the means of the whirlwind,
a storm, and a flood. Does that not sound like a modern day hurricane and the
floods that follow? Indeed it does. Now, before I go any further into the
text of Nahum 1:1-8, please allow me to compare the cities of New Orleans and
Nineveh with you. There is no doubt that New Orleans, and the region around it,
is a very sinful place. Practically every sin imaginable including gambling, prostitution,
pornography, abortion, drug and alcohol abuse, just to name a few, is found to
a great degree in New Orleans. In fact, I have learned that the same week Katrina
hit the region, thousands of homosexuals were going to march through the streets
of that city in what was to be called the Southern Decadence. A pastor friend
of mine warned the mayor about this, but he was told that the city needed the
homosexuals to come in order to boost the local economy. Needless to say, the
Southern Decadence never occurred because Katrina hit, and now, the local economy
really needs a fix! Nineveh was a very wicked city as well. In Nahum 3:1,
it is referred to as "the bloody city" because of all of the lies, robberies,
whoredoms, witchcrafts, and murders that occurred there. In fact, Nineveh was
known for its many cruel atrocities committed on those she conquered including
the amputating of body parts, impaling, beheading, and piling up corpses. One
hundred years before Nahum, Jonah preached repentance in Nineveh, and the city
indeed did repent. However, their repentance was short lived, and within just
a few years, they were back to their wicked ways. Eventually the city was judged
and destroyed by God because of all of the unrighteousness that dwelt therein. As
God destroyed ancient cities like Nineveh, he also has the right to destroy modern
cities today like New Orleans and others in the Gulf coastal region. And, I believe
that is just why Katrina and Rita have hit the United States. Taking a closer
look at Nahum 1:1-8 there are certain attributes of God revealed, which indicates
His judgment. The first attribute we see is GOD'S CHARACTER in verses 1:1-3a.
There His character is revealed as One Who is jealous, vengeful, furious, wrathful,
slow to anger, and great in power. That part of God's character is revealed because
He was angry with the people of Nineveh due to their sin. You see, God is righteous
and holy in character, and cannot tolerate sin. Therefore when sin becomes the
standard for a people, a person, or a nation, God becomes angry and sets out to
warn them of their sin, and even to destroy them if they do not repent. Remember
the righteous character of God will not let sin go unpunished! The second
attribute we see is GOD'S CONDUCT in verses 3b-6. There His conduct is revealed
as One Who has His way in the whirlwind, and in the storm. Without a doubt, the
"whirlwind" could be comparable to a hurricane or a tornado, and the
storm is, well, it is a storm. But the point to catch here is that God will use
the whirlwinds, the hurricanes, and the storms to bring forth His judgment upon
a sinful people. And when God decides to send His judgment, no one can stand in
His way. No one can stop Him. As verse 6 asks, "WHO CAN STAND BEFORE HIS
INDIGNATION? AND WHO CAN ABIDE IN THE FIERCENESS OF HIS ANGER?" The answer
is very clearly and unconditionally, NO ONE CAN! The pastor friend of mine
I mentioned earlier said that he has told the people of New Orleans that all God
needed to do was to send a 4 or 5-category hurricane to break down the levees
and flood the city if the people did not repent of their sin. The response to
that was, "well, we will just build stronger levee's." The fact of the
matter is, God is stronger than any levee mankind can make. When He is ready to
send judgment, it will surely come. And, in my opinion, it came to New Orleans
and the surrounding area. The third attribute we see is GOD'S COMFORT in
verse 7. This is a very precious verse! It clearly indicates that in the midst
of the storm, God will always be there as THE GOOD GOD to provide strength and
comfort for those who trust in Him. I have indeed seen this in the testimonies
of those who have gone through Katrina and Rita. Again, I refer to my pastor friend
in New Orleans. Even though his church building was greatly damaged, and his congregation
was scattered, when he is spoken to, the spirit of strength and courage is certainly
manifested in his response. In fact, because of the strength of the Lord in his
life, he is laboring daily to provide for others who have great needs. That is
all because of God! How we can rejoice that in the midst of the storm, and
even in the midst of judgment, God is there to comfort His own. Without a doubt,
He gives that GREAT PEACE that passes all understanding to those who trust in
Him. The fourth attribute we see is GOD'S CHASTISEMENT in verse 8. You will
note the text says that "with an overrunning flood He (God) will make an
utter end of the place thereof.." Does that not again sound like the New
Orleans region? I believe it does! Weeks after Katrina hit, there are still areas
along the Gulf coast that are under water. God has sent the flood of judgment! Have
you gathered that I believe the hurricanes and floods in the south central states
of America are all a part of God's judgment upon the nation? I am sure you do.
Indeed, I firmly believe the reason for both hurricanes is because God is saying,
"YOU HAVE GONE TOO FAR IN YOUR SIN. IT IS NOW TIME TO REPENT." At
the point of this writing, I am not sure the people of New Orleans and the surrounding
area have gotten the message. Why? Because within a few days of Katrina, certain
people were talking about rebuilding the casinos where the devastating sin of
gambling can start up again. Not only that, but about a week and a half after
Katrina hit, some of the shops owners in the French Quarter of New Orleans were
stating on the national news that they were getting ready to re-open for Mardi
gras in February 2006, which is truly a time when sin runs wild in the streets
of New Orleans. And yet further, about a week before Hurricane Rita hit the area,
the mayor of New Orleans said something like this, "it is time our people
move back into town. I am tired of seeing the destruction and the ruination. I
am looking forward to the parties and hearing the jazz music being played once
again in our streets." What was he saying? Well, at least in my opinion,
he was looking forward to the rejuvenating of sin in the city. So, did he learn
his lesson from God? Did the shop owners and the casino owners learn the lesson
from God? May I say, I think not! And do you know what? After everybody made announcements
that they were going to rebuild so they could continue their sinful practices,
Rita hit. And it was water and floods all over again! I believe God said, "SINCE
THEY DID NOT LEARN THE FIRST TIME, I WILL JUST SEND ANOTHER STORM." My question
is simply what will God do now if repentance does not occur? Will it yet be another
storm? Will it yet be another national disaster? Only God knows! I do believe
that God sent the hurricanes to our southern states in order to judge the area
for the sinful practices that are very prevalent there. But, I also believe God
desires the rest of America to get the message as well. Without a doubt, we have
seen how vulnerable we are as a nation. In just a period of a few hours, towns,
cities, homes, families, lives, and dreams were destroyed. And, at this point,
we have no idea how all of this will effect the economy of the entire nation in
the long run. What do we need to do? Well, those of us who are sensitive
to God's dealings, must repent of our personal and our national sins. Then, we
must proclaim the message of truth and righteousness to our countrymen and call
for their repentance as well. Only then, ONLY WHEN WE REPENT, will God bring blessing
to America. Certainly God has given us His remedy for blessing in 2 Chronicles
7:14 which says, "IF MY PEOPLE, WHICH ARE CALLED BY MY NAME, SHALL HUMBLE
THEMSELVES, AND PRAY, AND SEEK MY FACE, AND TURN FROM THEIR WICKED WAYS; THEN
WILL I HEAR FROM HEAVEN, AND WILL FORGIVE THEIR SIN, AND WILL HEAL THEIR LAND." 9/11
has come and gone. And what lasting lessons have we learned? Hurricanes Katrina
and Rita have come and gone. And what lasting lessons are we learning? What more
must God do to get our attention America? Personally, I am afraid to wait and
see! That is why I have the desire to see national repentance NOW! Remember that
God's judgment is really an act of His mercy. But, if we do not learn the appropriate
lessons through His judgment, then His judgments will become more severe! We
must wake up and turn back to the God of the Bible. We must repent of our sins
of devaluing the sanctity of life by rejecting abortion, euthanasia and infanticide.
We must repent of our sin of devaluing the sanctity of marriage and the family
by rejecting same sex unions and marriages. And we must repent of removing God's
Name from public expression in America by rejecting those who would say that we
cannot mention Him in an open forum. Without a doubt, it is crucial for us to
practice the principle of Isaiah 55:7 which says, "LET THE WICKED FORSAKE
HIS WAY, AND THE UNRIGHTEOUS MAN HIS THOUGHTS: AND LET HIM RETURN TO THE LORD,
AND HE WILL HAVE MERCY UPON HIM; AND TO OUR GOD, AND HE WILL ABUNDANTLY PARDON." Let's
not wait for God to send another hurricane, terrorist attack, or some other form
of national disaster. Let's turn back to him today! There is NO time to delay! Before
I close this sermon, there is one more point I believe I need to make. In Ezekiel
33:1-11 God tells Ezekiel that he was a watchmen set over the House of Israel.
In that text, God tells Ezekiel that if he warned Israel of their sin and they
did not repent, then their blood was not on his hands before God when judgment
and destruction occurred. However, God also says that if Ezekiel did not warn
Israel of their sin and they did not repent, then their blood was on his hands
before God when judgment and destruction occurred. What a responsibility that
was for Ezekiel! But you know, that passage has a very critical application
for us today. We, who know the truth of God, are His ambassadors according to
2 Corinthians 5:20. Therefore, we have the responsibility to be watchmen over
our country. The Bible teaches that as believers in Christ, we the "SALT
OF THE EARTH" (Matthew 5:13), and the "PILLAR AND GROUND OF THE TRUTH"
(1 Timothy 3:15). We are, therefore, under an obligation to God to preach against
sin, to call for repentance, and to proclaim God's truth. Let us not neglect this
privilege and responsibility. Let us not go AWOL! Let us obediently be God's mouthpiece
on earth and then WATCH GOD WORK in dealing with the lives others. If we do not
proclaim the truth of God, who will? The answer is simple. NO ONE! Indeed,
we will answer to God for how we have proclaimed His Word to a nation going away
from the truth. Let us be faithful, so that we will hear those precious words
from our Lord when we see Him, "WELL DONE THOU GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT."
May God give us all the strength and boldness to stand for Him and His
truth in these days of sin and compromise. Let us pray. Our Father
in heaven, we thank you for showing us your way through your Word. We certainly
do believe that our nation has committed many sins that cause us to deserve your
judgment. On behalf of our nation, we personally confess these sins to you and
repent as we turn back to your way of living. Help us to herald your truth to
others so that there may be a national repentance and a full dependence upon you
for the days to come. Have mercy upon us, oh Father, and we will give you thanks.
In the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord we pray. Amen!
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