Billboards announce, “The Bible Guarantees It”—vans emblazoned with “Christ Returns as Judge” roam highways—missionaries hold placards reading, “The Trumpet is Sounding”—a shaky voice on a radio program proclaims, “Judgment Day is coming.”

The movement spreads. The following grows. Gradually, the world takes notice. Have you?

For several years, a former civil engineer based in California, Harold Camping, has proclaimed that the world will face “Judgment Day” on May 21, 2011.

He has convinced thousands of followers that a “worldwide earthquake” will occur on this day, beginning a hellish period that will culminate with God Himself destroying the planet five months later. Mr. Camping claims that these ideas are all found in the Bible. According to his website:

“On May 21, 2011 two events will occur. These events could not be more opposite in nature, the one more wonderful than can be imagined; the other more horrific than can be imagined.

“A great earthquake will occur…This earthquake will be so powerful it will throw open all graves. The remains of all the believers…will be…glorified…the bodies of all unsaved people will be thrown out upon the ground to be shamed.

“The inhabitants who survive this terrible earthquake will exist in a world of horror and chaos beyond description. Each day people will die until October 21, 2011 when God will completely destroy this earth and its surviving inhabitants.”

Should you be alarmed at Mr. Camping’s dire prophecies? Is there any truth to his claims? Does the Bible validate these sensational ideas?

After reading this article, you will know with absolute certainty whether “the end of the world” will arrive this year!

No Man Knows the Hour

Most who write about the Bible, including Mr. Camping, do not realize that this Book interprets itself. The Author of this greatest of books would not leave the most crucial questions, those involving all humanity, subject to human interpretation. He would provide clues—necessaryvital keys!—to understanding the large portions of His Word devoted to future events.

God would provide proof of all the things He says!

The Bible commands its readers: “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good” (I Thes. 5:21). This certainly applies to prophecy. You need not accept the opinion of one more ill-informed, self-appointed “expert.”

Tragically, most who read the Bible remain in near total ignorance of its meaning, including being completely unable to recognize the sequence and timing of its prophecies. And this is on top of not truly comprehending what any of them actually means!

So many just cannot untangle the maze of what happens when, as well as where and to whom—and why.

The idea of the end of the world has been a subject of great speculation, ridicule, general discussion, fascination and fancy for 2,000 years—ever since Jesus Christ announced He would return to Earth. With opinions everywhere, there has been an explosion of literature presenting popular scenarios, ideas, theories, suppositions and interpretations of what will occur just before Christ’s Return.

For Christians, the “Judgment Day” question begins with what Jesus said about His Return: “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man comes” (Matt. 25:13).

If people were reading even such basic verses, they would never worry about May 21, 2011, because no man knows the day of Christ’s Return: “But of that day and that hour knows no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father” (Mark 13:32). This verse alone precludes any man who sets a date for Christ’s Return from being an authority on Scripture—even one who claims to be “a tireless student” and who has spent “tens of thousands of hours…analyzing the Bible.”

What a tragic commentary on the state of people who profess to be Christians—but cannot logically compute such rudimentary understanding. But then, most who profess to follow Christ study little or nothing of what He said.

Get this! Mark 13:32, and other similar passages, rule out this date—or any specific date—that might be suggested for Christ’s Return, or a supposed “Judgment Day.”

Next read a section of Jesus’ Olivet prophecy: “The disciples came unto Him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the world [age]?” (Matt. 24:3). His long answer begins with: “Take heed that no man deceive you” (vs. 4).

Jesus goes straight to the biggest problem that would exist at the end. There is an unending and growing number of deceivers at work today. Are their followers taking heed? How many are doing their own research regarding men postulating prophetic scenarios? Mr. Camping’s is only one. There are many others, and more appearing all the time.

The 2011 Impossibility

Based on Mr. Camping’s thinking, mankind is now very deep into what the Bible calls the Great Tribulation—the worst period of human history, which includes the destruction of Jerusalem.

Notice how Christ described this time in the Olivet Prophecy: “For there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people. And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down…” (Luke 21:23-24).

Any thinking person can see this has not yet occurred!

For those who wish to learn what the Bible actually states, David C. Pack, author of The Bible’s Greatest Prophecies Unlocked! – A Voice Cries Out and the foremost authority on Bible prophecy, presents conclusive proof that the world will not end this year:

“Let’s examine whether it is even possible—prophetically—for 2011 to be the end. Follow carefully. We have to establish the timing of certain events.

“Many are familiar with the term ‘Tribulation’ or ‘Great Tribulation.’ The Bible speaks of this event as one of terrible trouble and indescribable horror. Jesus referred to this time as unparalleled in history: ‘For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be’ (Matt. 24:21). The prophet Daniel also speaks of this period in chapter 12, verse 1. Jeremiah references it in a similar way in chapter 30, verse 7.

“The Bible reveals that a certain very specific amount of time must elapse between the start of the Great Tribulation and the Return of Jesus Christ—or ‘the end of the age.’ So understand. If it can be proven that there are not enough years in God’s plainly revealed timeline for 2011 to be the end, then all the hysteria is for nothing!

“Numerous passages explain that the Tribulation lasts 2½ years, followed by the year-long Day of the Lord. Together, these events last 3½ years, fulfilling 1,260 days before Christ’s Return.

“Let’s understand the implications! If the Great Tribulation were to begin today there is not enough time for May 21, 2011 to be the ‘beginning of the end.’ But it is also important to realize that certain biblically described pre-conditions that must lead up to the Tribulation are not, however close they now are, yet here.

“So then, just the 1,260 days—again, were it to begin today—would greatly overshoot May 21, 2011. It is therefore absolutely impossible for this date to be the end of the world! All fear of it can disappear! None need be afraid of this fictional doomsday!

“It is possible, however, that something of significance could happen on or around this date because the demon world has a general idea of prophecy, and these fallen spirits do everything in their power to thwart God’s Master Purpose for mankind. They could pull some trick or stunt to confuse the gullible.”

Will the World End?

Mr. Pack continues: “But what about the Return of Christ? Will this usher in the end of planet Earth in October 2011? In other words, will all people alive today die in the fulfillment of end-time prophecies—as so many seem to almost assume? The answer is a resounding NO! And here is proof.

“When Jesus described world conditions leading to His Return, He stated, ‘Except those days should be shortened [cut short], there should no flesh be saved’ (Matt. 24:22).

“Some religionists believe the phrase ‘no flesh be saved’ refers to spiritual salvation. But that isnot what Jesus is talking about. Rather, that unless God cuts the Tribulation short, no human beings—‘no flesh’—would survive. The human race would become extinct if Christ did not return. The implication is that He will return before this happens. For those who believe God, this is further proof that 2011 could not possibly end human existence.

“Other prophecy writers speak of the ‘end of the world’—that the earth itself will supposedly be destroyed. This could not be further from the truth. This idea often stems from a misunderstanding of Christ’s disciples asking Him for a sign of the ‘end of the world.’ The Greek word (aion) translated world means ‘age.’ The disciples were asking when the period of man’s rule would end—and the kingdom of God would be established. They well understood the many Old Testament prophecies that speak of the Messiah setting up the kingdom of God on Earth.

“God’s servants understand the basic framework of His overall prophetic timetable and plan. They are not confused about ‘what happens next,’ once certain prophecies begin to take place. Many prophecies involve a tremendous amount of understanding that God makes available, and with all necessary details. They understand exactly what lies ahead for all mankind, and for themselves—if they are faithful.

“May 21, 2011, is NOT the end! Do not fear this date! Human beings will never be wiped out. All the hysteria is for nothing!

“Countless verses could have been cited to disprove the 2011 deception. Scripture makes plain that 2011 does not mark the ‘end of the world,’ and that such ideas are preposterous to the point of almost humorous—were it not for the fear and confusion they spawn.”

Plain Warnings

Make no mistake: Harold Camping is a prophet—a false prophet. Every scripture he cites—without exception—is twisted, mangled and butchered. The Bible warns of such “evil men and seducers” (II Tim. 3:13) in our time, but like all of its other warnings, most do not heed.

False prophets prey on people’s natural fascination with the future. The apostle John warned of them: “Believe not every spirit, but try [test] the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (I John 4:1). Jesus added this warning: “And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many” (Matt. 24:11). Now ask again: How many worry about being deceived? Most ignore these passages. But this comes with a price.

Understand. God calls such possessors of “enlightened” knowledge “angels of light” (II Cor. 11:13-14). Such “angels” are only too willing to share their “knowledge.”

Jesus also warned, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves” (Matt. 7:15).

It is not always easy to detect these deceivers. None of them wear signs exposing who they are. They are smooth operators, but their teachings tear people’s understanding as wolves rip prey.

How can you tell a false prophet? Let Jesus answer: “You shall know them by their fruits…” (Matt. 7:16). And four verses later, “By their fruits you shall know them” (vs. 20).

Many are aware that Mr. Camping falsely predicted “Judgment Day” would occur in 1994. This could not occur with a prophet of God. Notice: “We have also a more sure word of prophecy…” (II Pet. 1:19). God’s prophecies are sure. They never miss. Not one!

Here is God’s command regarding prophets: “And if you [ask] in your heart, How shall we knowthe word which the Lord has not spoken?” (Deut. 18:21). God’s answer is, “When a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken, but the prophet has spoken it presumptuously: you shall not be afraid of him” (vs. 22).

This passage reveals that men can presume to speak for God. This is very serious to the God of the Bible. It should also be serious to you. You must know if God sent a man—or if the man sent himself.

The true prophet Ezekiel recorded, “Son of man [Ezekiel], prophesy against the prophets of Israel…and say you unto them that prophesy out of their own hearts, Hear you the word of theLord; thus says the Lord God; woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing” (Ezek. 13:2-3).

Think of the confusion and fear that Mr. Camping’s presumptuous prophecies have engendered. But God declares, “you shall not be afraid of him” (Deut. 18:22).

Again, this is serious to God—and it should be to you!

Easy to Disprove!

Elijah, a true prophet of God, was not afraid to mock the prophets of Baal (I Kings 18). Modern false prophets are deserving of the same. Mr. Camping’s ignorant blather contains so many blatant errors and ridiculous ideas that to debunk them one by one would require a very lengthy article—or even a book. However, his ideas are so obviously false and so easy to disprove that most readers will be able to do this for themselves. As false prophets go, he is a rank amateur, and not very effective at his craft.

Here is just one example. Harold Camping suggests that the “Great Multitude” of Revelation 7:9are those who agree with his Judgment Day teaching: “A multitude of faithful Bible students—that no man can number—agree: the end of this world, beginning on May 21 2011 is established by God’s Word The Holy Bible and God will shortly bring it to pass.”

No serious Bible student could believe this. While Mr. Camping may be sincere, he is deceived and utterly false!

But recognize that Mr. Camping represents the front edge of a coming wave of false prophets who will “wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived” (II Tim. 3:13)—becoming more cunning, persuasive and charismatic. Such men will eventually perform false miracles through the power of the devil who guides them (II Thes. 2:9; Matt. 24:24). But beforehand, the frontrunners will cause many to become jaded to the truth of Bible prophecy—history written in advance.

(Another self-appointed prophet, Ronald Weinland—who believes he and his wife are the Two Witnesses of Revelation 11—also claims the world is deep into the Great Tribulation. Remarkably, he has deluded a growing number of followers with this and other bizarre ideas. This false prophet has set May 27, 2012 as the date of Christ’s Return. Of course, this “computation” is no less ignorant and tragically wrong!)

Let’s look ahead to May 22. There will have been no rapture. No great earthquake. No graves opened. No Judgment Day. Mr. Camping will have only two options: (1) admit that he is a false prophet (highly unlikely), or (2) spin it in some way—claim that his prophecy was fulfilled in some mysterious fashion. Perhaps he will attempt to portray the hundreds of minor earthquakes that normally occur around the world on any given day as a fulfillment of his “worldwide earthquake” prediction. However, he will have a most difficult time trying to explain how other elements of his false prophecy were “fulfilled.” Nevertheless, prepare for the spin!

Source of Real Answers

World events are worsening, leading many to look for answers from the Bible—seeking a source of clarity and authority on God’s Word. Religious entrepreneurs, taking advantage of the situation, seize the opportunity to spew prophetic nonsense. Preying upon people’s ignorance of the Bible, these usually gain a following and material reward besides.

But their wrong motives and lack of knowledge do not negate the very real prophecy contained in the Scriptures—prophecies you can know and understand!

In the Introduction to The Bible’s Greatest Prophecies Unlocked! David C. Pack writes: “Suppose you could know the direction and conclusion of world events—world history—in advance of the outcome. What if you could know the courses of nations before they happen? What if the future of great nations—indeed the greatest nations—could be known? Imagine knowing tomorrow’s biggest headlines before they come to pass, and how events will affect you, and every human being, personally.

“Approximately one-third of the Bible is prophecy—history written in advance. Over four-fifths of this future history is yet to be fulfilled. Tragically, most Bible readers are completely unaware of awesome, impending world events, soon to involve all nations. Vast sections of Scripture are hidden, and remain outside their understanding—completely lost to them. The result is that most simply have no idea what the future holds.

“Many have opinions, but few recognize how to find the answers. Others think they already understand the prophecies of the Bible. The result? They remain ignorant of fascinating, incredible—vital!—knowledge, life-changing knowledge.

“No book you have read, or ever will, on prophecy is like this one. Different from all others on the subject, it is destined to be read by vast numbers—and probably soon.”

If you are serious about learning the truth of the end time, read the most comprehensive book ever written on the subject.

Before May 21 arrives, you can know it is not Judgment Day!

The news felt surreal: “Tonight, I can report to the American people and to the world that the United States has conducted an operation that killed Osama bin Laden,” President Barack Obama announced during a late-night televised statement on May 1, 2011.

For many who lost family and friends on September 11, 2001, or the resultant “War on Terror,” the news brought closure.

Mr. Obama stated that “Americans understand the costs of war. Yet as a country, we will never tolerate our security being threatened, nor stand idly by when our people have been killed. We will be relentless in defense of our citizens and our friends and allies. We will be true to the values that make us who we are. And on nights like this one, we can say to those families who have lost loved ones to al Qaeda’s terror: Justice has been done.”

It seemed the nation could now press forward.

The president continued, “The cause of securing our country is not complete. But tonight, we are once again reminded that America can do whatever we set our mind to. That is the story of our history, whether it’s the pursuit of prosperity for our people, or the struggle for equality for all our citizens; our commitment to stand up for our values abroad, and our sacrifices to make the world a safer place.”

Above all, the news brought the country together.

“Let us remember that we can do these things not just because of wealth or power, but because of who we are: one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all,” he said at the conclusion of his speech.

After nearly 10 years, it seemed America could breathe a sigh of relief. It had been a long 3,159 days, but now Osama bin Laden lay dead.

The celebrations following the announcement offered a glimpse of what America was before the 9/11 terror attacks—a proud nation, sure of its place in the world. And despite a gnawing feeling the euphoria would fade, just for a moment, the nation appeared to put aside its leaden troubles and dare to think, “Is America back on top?”

Solidarity

For the first time in nearly a decade, the U.S. public near-unanimously demonstrated American pride.

“Crowds gathered at the Lower Manhattan site where the World Trade Center towers were destroyed by terrorist-hijacked airplanes on Sept. 11, 2001, in an attack at the nerve center of the nation’s financial institutions and networks,” USA Today reported.

In Washington, people gathered in front of the president’s home “chanted ‘USA, USA,’ and waved American flags as one man climbed a light pole to place a flag directly in front of the presidential residence. Students, Marines, young Capitol Hill staffers and Washington office workers mingled, hugged, chanted and danced together” (ibid.).

President Obama later remarked at a White House dinner, “You know, I think we experienced the same sense of unity that prevailed on 9/11. We were reminded again that there is a pride in what this nation stands for, and what we can achieve, that runs far deeper than party, far deeper than politics.”

In some of the most telling celebrations after bin Laden was pronounced dead, crowds spontaneously burst into song: God bless America, land that I love. Stand beside her, and guide her through the night with a light from above. From the mountains, to the prairies, to the oceans, white with foam. God bless America, my home sweet home.

For just a moment, all troubles seemed to fade away for the nation, and America was reminded of its historical resilience. No matter the troubles that had beset its people, it had always faced them head on.

For two centuries, the United States, along with Britain, has had the greatest army, been the world leader in agriculture, manufacturing, production, technology and trade, and held crucial strategic sea gates and defensive strongholds throughout the world. The nation has repeatedly been given challenges—the Civil War, World War I and World War II, the Great Depression—and has almost always emerged victorious.

God certainly has blessed America.

With the death of bin Laden, the nation once again experienced old-style American patriotism—for just a moment. It had a sense of working toward a “greater good.” A sense of “justice.” A seemingly God-ordained sense of purpose.

Yet as the immediate elation at bin Laden’s death fades, the country’s current problems have come back into full view: $14 trillion federal debt, rampant unemployment, $4-per-gallon gas prices, two wars abroad, bickering politicians, bloated government budgets.

With this crashing reality, can the U.S. tap into that real “American” resilience permanently—and pull itself out of its current problems?

Flawed Logic

America sincerely wants God’s blessings. Politicians say it. Preachers preach it. People sing it.

Yet think of how this statement is used: Osama bin Laden was shot in the head, and the nation asks God to bless it? In addition, four other people died in the raid that killed the al-Qaida mastermind, and still America asks God to “stand beside her” and “guide her.” Does this make any sense?

Because of his terrorist tactics and history of violence, people naturally assume God wanted bin Laden dead. But there is no need to guess what He desires. Putting together a number of related passages in the Bible, which are God’s words, reveals His thinking on this matter.

“Rejoice not when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles: lest theLord see it, and it displease Him, and He turn away His wrath from him” (Prov. 24:17-18).

This is plain: “Rejoice not when your enemy falls.”

Thousands died because of the actions of Osama bin Laden, but should the U.S. have sought revenge? Romans 12:19 answers: “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”

God says revenge is His alone to administer. In effect, if a person takes revenge into his own hands, he is stealing something God has defined as His.

In light of these verses, how can America expect God’s blessings?

Look at Jeremiah 17:5: “Thus says the Lord; Cursed be the man that trusts in man, and makes flesh his arm [strength], and whose heart departs from the Lord.” Any person (or country) that trusts in himself for protection is under a curse—the diametric opposite of a blessing. These are strong words—but they are God’s words!

If God is not blessing America now, how did it receive such abundant blessings throughout its history?

Founding Fathers

Most look to the founding fathers as the source of this nation’s greatness, citing the unique political ideology set down in the Constitution as the backbone of the country’s success. Others believe the nation was founded on strong Judeo-Christian roots, and this strong faith in God has guided the nation to preeminence.

The answer does in fact come from the lives of the fathers of the American people—but not in the way most think.

Abraham, the father of the descendants of the ancient nation of Israel, was given a promise from God for his obedience: “That in blessing I will bless you, and in multiplying I will multiply your seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and your seed shall possess the gate [sea gates] of his enemies; and in your seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because you have obeyed My voice” (Gen. 22:17-18).

The same promise was passed to Abraham’s son Isaac and later to Jacob: “Therefore God give you of the dew of heaven, and the [fertile places] of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine” (Gen. 27:28).

Jacob was later renamed Israel, and the promise was expounded on by God: “…be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of you” (Gen. 35:11).

Who fits this description? Certainly not the tiny slave nation of ancient Israel or the modern state of Israel on the Mediterranean! When these specific details align, only two countries emerge: America (a nation) and the United Kingdom (a company of nations).

Because of the obedience of these true “founding fathers,” America has enjoyed abundance during its meteoric rise to prominence.

Make this clear in your mind. The United States descends from the nation of Israel. While most assume Israel is synonymous with those of Jewish descent, these people actually come from Judah alone, just one of the 12 tribes of Israel. Abraham’s “birthright blessings” were eventually passed on to Joseph’s sons, who became the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh (Gen. 48).

God has fulfilled His promise to Abraham. America (Manasseh) and Britain (Ephraim) have both risen to be the two greatest nations of all time. But these blessings are now waning: Britain’s empire is shattered, and America no longer remains unchallenged on the world stage.

Scattered Nation

Americans still desire to retain the blessings—the high standard of living, the abundance of food, the unmatched economic might—they have so long enjoyed. God’s blessings, however, require the same action today as in Abraham’s time: obedience.

This has been God’s desire for Israel since day one. Notice: “For in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, I did not speak to your fathers or command them concerning burnt offerings and sacrifices. But this command I gave them, ‘Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be My people; and walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you’” (Jer. 7:22-23, Revised Standard Version).

Simply put, God states, “Obey, and you will be blessed.”

The next verse continues, “But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward” (vs. 24).

God has been working with the peoples of Israel for thousands of years. He knows their tendency to flag in obedience. Thus, He states, “From the day that your fathers came out of the land of Egypt to this day, I have persistently sent all My servants the prophets to them, day after day” (vs. 25, RSV).

Despite these constant reminders, “they hearkened not unto me, nor inclined their ear, but hardened their neck: they did worse than their fathers” (Jer. 7:26).

The example of ancient Israel is meant to be a lesson for their modern-day descendants.

What are the consequences for persistent disobedience? National captivity. God warns repeatedly of this punishment:

· “And the Lord shall scatter you among the nations, and you shall be left few in numberamong the heathen, whither the Lord shall lead you” (Deut. 4:27).

· “And the Lord shall scatter you among all people, from the one end of the earth even unto the other…” (Deut. 28:64).

· “I will scatter them also among the heathen…” (Jer. 9:16).

· “Therefore will I cast you out of this land into a land that you know not, neither you nor your fathers…” (Jer. 16:13).

· “…and I will scatter into all winds them that are in the utmost corners; and I will bring their calamity from all sides thereof, says the Lord” (Jer. 49:32).

· “And they shall know that I am the Lord, when I shall scatter them among the nations, anddisperse them in the countries” (Ezek. 12:15).

· “…I would scatter them among the heathen, and disperse them through the countries” (Ezek. 20:23).

This is where the modern identity of Israelite nations is key to understanding much of the Old Testament. It is also where the identity of these nations can be a hard pill to swallow. These verses are not directed at the people of Jeremiah’s time, nor Ezekiel’s—they refer to the modern-day nations descended from Israel.

While Jeremiah was in the land of Israel when he wrote the book named after him, the prophet Ezekiel could not be speaking of impending captivity on ancient Israel. When Ezekiel was written, Israel was already in captivity. This means one thing: Ezekiel recorded an impending captivity to fall on modern Israelitish nations, including America and Britain.

Throughout the Old Testament, God speaks directly to these modern nations, pleading with them to return to obedience so He may continue blessing them.

Do not lightly dismiss national enslavement as an impossibility. Ancient Israel also ignored similar warnings, only to be captured and nearly disappear from history.

Neither Do They Blush

Return to Jeremiah 7. The chapter details America’s national character—its national sins—that block it from receiving blessings.

Read verses 9-10. God says, “Will you steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom you know not; and come and stand before Me in this house, which is called by My name, and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations?”

The Revised Standard version makes this verse plain: while leading lives brimming with sin, themodern people of Israel “then come and stand before Me in this house, which is called by My name, and say, ‘We are delivered!’—only to go on doing all these abominations” (vs. 10).

In other words: “What I do in my personal life does not matter—God should bless me anyway.”

America thinks it deserves blessings. This is why its citizens cavalierly sing “God Bless America,” and why politicians often end speeches with the same words. The U.S. feels it is righteous. Most pastors believe the same, stating that America was founded on good “Christian values.”

Ask: Can God bless a nation where divorce is standard, sex before marriage is accepted, and theft is often understandable?

Does God approve of a nation with cities rife with murder? “With 10 homicides this week, Baltimore had more murders than days in the week for the first time this year,” Baltimore City Paper reported. “As of Monday, April 25, there are 12 more murders than at the same time in 2010.”

Does this behavior deserve blessings?

“Increasingly, consumers are pumping gas and driving off without paying, stealing from other motorists and ripping off large quantities from municipalities and businesses,” USA Today stated. “Gasoline thefts cost convenience store operators, which sell about 80% of the fuel sold in the USA, more than $90 million in 2009.”

Should God bless the 44 percent of adults, according to Pew Research Center data, who have cohabited at some point? What about if the politically correct word “cohabitate” were replaced with the phrase: “living together to make it easier to fornicate”?

All this without a hint of shame. Americans live debauched lives and unabashedly expect God to bless them. Notice: “Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? No, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, says the Lord.”

“For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness” (Jer. 6:13).

Think of the endless malls, grocery superstores and restaurants with everything a person can imagine. Then think of everything available on the Internet—all with the click of a computer mouse. Americans think they deserve to “have it all.”

Most will dismiss the notion that everyone—including themselves—are given to covetousness. People do not naturally like to think they are wrong. Due to human nature, individuals love to point out the flaws of others, but loathe examining their own lives.

Chapter 6 continues, “…and from the prophet even unto the priest every one deals falsely. They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of My people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace” (vs. 13-14).

God is blunt. Mainstream Christian churches will not teach national punishment for nationalsins. They likely even scoff at the thought, instead declaring America will continue to live peaceably.

Consider. The words of these prophetic warnings have been in the Bible on your coffee table. They have been on bookshelves across America, and in the hands of preachers for hundreds of years. Yet hardly anyone has heard these words—even though God has repeatedly warned that slavery will come as punishment!

Why? People do not want to receive God’s instruction: “To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear? Behold, their ear is uncircumcised [closed off], and they cannot hear: behold, the word of the Lord is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it” (Jer. 6:10).

Without the nation turning to God, disobedient America (along with its brother nations) will go into captivity.

Seek the Old Paths

America seeks continued blessing. And God seeks what He always has since the beginning of mankind: “Thus says the Lord, Stand you in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and you shall find rest for your souls” (Jer. 6:16).

The most common response to God’s plea has always been the same, “But they said, We will not walk therein” (vs. 16).

Yet to the individual God declares: “Seek you the Lord while He may be found, call you upon Him while He is near” (Isa. 55:6).

Such a person must admit he is wrong and diligently follow God’s instruction. Verse 7 continues: “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.”

Just as God makes clear the consequences for disobedience, He expounds the blessings for those who follow His instructions, as detailed in Leviticus 26: “If you walk in My statutes, and keep My commandments, and do them” (vs. 3), then…

· “I will give you rain in due season” (vs. 4).

· “I will give peace in the land…and I will rid evil beasts out of the land, neither shall the sword go through your land” (vs. 6).

· “I will have respect unto you, and make you fruitful, and multiply you” (vs. 9).

If America would walk in God’s statutes and keep His commands and DO them, He would “bless America”—He would “stand beside her”—He would “guide her through the night with a light from above.”

With continued national obedience, America could boldly sing: “God bless America, my home sweet home”—and God would answer.