As we watch our beloved country deteriorate into godlessness, a review of first President George Washington`s predictions is in order. Like Moses in his departure speech in Deuteronomy, he made similar dire predictions for the nation if it strayed from following God. Washington laid out the basics: "...it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor." This was spoken in relation to the first declared day of thanksgiving.

As we look back on the just-finished holidays, there is little evidence of "humbly" imploring "His protection and favor." Instead we arrogantly declare that it is our civil rights to God`s blessings we take for granted. We assume it is our own ingenuity that gives us the highest standard of living in the history of the world.

But Washington saw it otherwise: "Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, Religion and Morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of Patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of Men and Citizens. ...[R]eason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle."

Washington`s language testifies of a man of high education, and deep insight and wisdom. But modern scholars laugh it off as ignorant and obsolete. However, if we stop and ponder his words, he is talking about us —serious Bible believers. Without our "salt and light," he recognizes that "national morality" cannot be maintained.

In other places, he speaks of virtue: "It is substantially true that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government." Throughout his writings, it is clear that he understands that that virtue, or national morality, can only come through humble obedience to "Almighty God."

It is generally accepted that the only thing that can redeem America from our pervading sin is revival. History also shows that one of the most successful ways to wake the people to the danger of judgment for that sin is saturation with gospel tracts.

Some Christian leaders have claimed that we are in a post-Christian era, hostile to God, church and the Bible. They suggest that we are in the same position that the Christians were in the Book of Acts —speaking Truth to power in a hostile culture. We read of decadent Israel`s reaction to the prophets Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Jonah and wonder if we can hope to escape the same fate.

Persecution has already begun with judges demanding that Christian business people violate their "deeply held religious beliefs" to pay for abortions and serve wedding cakes at same-sex weddings. We are not yet in danger of being thrown into a dungeon like Jeremiah, but the situation is moving that direction without a nationwide repentance.

Unfortunately, persecution may have to escalate before the sports and entertainment-saturated church members get beyond just playing "ain`t it awful" and start working to turn back the tide of evil in this country. Please hold Chick Publications up in prayer for wisdom to produce the most effective ammunition possible for this war for men`s souls and freedom to witness.