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This clear prophetic Insight, seen on secular tele-
vision, was a confirmation to thoughts I had been jot-
ting down in preparation for this newsletter. My
observation is that our nation is devolving on nearly
all fronts, gradually but relentlessly. Our military is in
shambles. We do not have sufficient soldiers to fight
on two fronts and few leaders have a stomach for
reinstating the draft. Meanwhile, our men and women
in uniform are denied necessary furloughs and are
being stretched to the breaking point (suicides are on
the rise).
Economically, we are skating on thin ice as finan-
cial conditions are now the worst since the 1929
stock market crash. Our nation is 9 trillion dollars in
debt with another trillion added due to the Iraq war.
The value of the dollar is steadily declining on the
world financial market. Like its people, the govern-
ment is refusing to live within its means. A day of
reckoning is at hand.
Governmentally, the nation is in great peril. Lou
Dobbs of CNN forever says, “Doesn’t anyone
deserve a government that works?” Bureaucratic in-
eptitude and political gridlock continue to paralyze
Washington as partisan wrangling and personal
ambition rule the day. Has no one thought of serving
the common good of the nation above all else? The
president’s approval rating is roughly 30% while the
congress languishes at 13%. Where are the
statesmen of the past who got things done? No won-
der that most Americans feel the country is going in
the wrong direction. (Contrast that with 84% of the
Chinese who feel their nation is going in the ngfl.t
direction!) And why doesn’t our leadership insist that
our borders be secured as a matter of national secu-
rity? Who, pray tell, is manning the store?
Culturally. as well, the nation is on the skids. For
the past 40 years the secular/liberal establishment
has dominated the land with its politically correct non-
sense and morally bankrupt philosophies. As a result,
family disintegration is rampant and white collar
crime is fashionable. Our prisons are crowded and
our judicial system soft on crime. Our educational
system is failing to prepare the next generation as
students harass teachers and often drop out of
school before graduating.
Spiritually, the nation is also in retreat. A recent
Pew Research poll found that 75% of the people con-
fess to be Christians and plan to go to heaven. If so,
why do we have such horrific moral problems such as
drug and alcohol abuse, sexual immorality, divorce, gay marriage, child abuse, abortion on demand,
witchcraft (ala Harry Potter), homicide, theft and
lying? If people “in Christ” are supposedly new crea-
tures, why is the sin nature fully in control of millions
of professing Christians? (Rom. 8:1-17, II Cor. 5:17,
Eph. 5:19-26). The Pew poll was correct in its con-
clusion: American Christianity is an inch deep and a
mile wide. George Barna would agree. He estimates
that only 10% of the population is truly born again
and on the way to heaven. He that hath ears to hear,
let him hear!
C. The spiritual reasons for America’s demise
1. The Christian salt has lost its savor
Jesus said of His true disciples, “You are the salt
of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how
can it be made salty again? It is no longer good
for anything except to be thrown out and be tram-
pled by men” (Matt. 5:13). It is a fact that America
was founded as a Christian nation. Our founding
fathers said that if true Christians did not comprise
the majority, this experiment with democracy would
fail. The late Dr. Francis Schaeffer echoed the same
conviction. He often spoke of the necessity of a
Christian consensus in the culture. Today, however,
unbelievers are in the majority which does not bode
well for our country’s future.
2. We hold the form of godliness but deny its
power (II Tim. 3:5)
The Christian emblems on our coins and currency,
the mention of God in our Pledge to the flag, the
Scriptures etched on our national buildings and our
patriotic songs are relics of a bygone day. We pay lip
service to them; even worse, we seek their removal
by court order.
3. We substitute the god of self for the God of the
Bible
In Judges 21:25 we read, “In those days there
was no king in Israel. Every one did what was
right in his own eyes.” Sadly, Jesus is no longer
King in our culture, except for a godly remnant. But
self-rule (moral anarchy) inevitably leads to civil anar-
chy. If one does not for conscience’ sake obey God’s
laws, why obey the law of the land? This is why crime
is on the rise and why we have a higher percentage
of citizens in prison than any other country. As God’s
Word says, “He who sows to his own flesh shall of
the flesh reap corruption” (Gal. 6:8). An apostate
nation can only reproduce after its kind. Of such a
society Jesus said, “It is good for nothing but to be
thrown out and be trampled by men.” Western
Europe is a good example with its empty churches
and its growing Muslim immigrant populations.
4. Concluding thoughts
Because America has redefined God as all love
and no judgment our leaders and people are for the
most part unable to connect the dots when God
brings upon us repetitive redemptive judgments. We
tend to attribute the destructive weather patterns to
“mother nature” rather than to Father God. And when
some brave pastors dare to tell us the truth, they are
immediately vilified by the news media and public
officials. Worse yet, many of these pastors cave
under pressure and apologize for making such “polit-
ically incorrect” statements.
What America needs today is about ten Elijahs in
every state of the union to speak in every church and
on every talk show and declare with biblical authority
and Holy Spirit conviction the correlation between severe

weather and the spiritual condition of the
nation. Let me ask you, “Does your pastor or priest
on any consistent basis sound like a modern day
Elijah or John the Baptist? If not, why not? The house
is burning and no one is sounding the alarm. Such
negligence is spiritually criminal! Is this not proof that
the salt has lost its savor even at the pastoral level?
And when was the last time your congregation
sang as a fervent prayer and a confession of faith the
great hymns of Christian patriotism such as God
Bless Our Native Land or America The Beautiful or
God Bless America? Wouldn’t this please God more
than cacophonous contemporary music? And what
about born again elected officials at all levels of gov-
ernment following the example of Washington and
Lincoln who publicly quoted Scripture and prayed for
God’s blessing on the country. The Christian remnant
may be small but that is no excuse for it not heeding
Jeremiah’s word, “He who has My Word let him
declare it faithfully” (Jer. 23:28).

II. GOD GIVES AND REMOVES LEADERS
ACCORDING TO HIS SOVEREIGN WILL
A. The scriptural basis for this assertion
Promotion comes neither from the east nor from
the west but God is the judge. He puts down one and
exalts another (Ps. 75:6.7).
The Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of
men and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets
over them the lowliest of men (Dan. 4:17).
God overthrows men long established. He
silences the lips of trusted advisers and takes away
the discernment of elders. He pours contempt on
nobles and disarms the mighty (Job 12:19-21).
The Lord Almighty is about to take from Jerusalem
and Judah the hero and the warrior, the judge and the
prophet, the captain of fifty and the man of rank. Lwlll
make boys their officials; mere children will govern
t!j.~rn (Is. 3:1,2,4).
The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts
the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord
stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through
all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is
the Lord (Ps. 33:10-12).
The Lord works out everything for his own ends -
even the wicked for a day of disaster (Prov. 16:4).
B. Commentary
Because God has given man dominion over the
earth and free will in decision making, one might con-
clude that the rise and fall of leaders and nations is
largely, if not exclusively, man’s doing. However,
Scripture teaches us that ultimately God is the Lord
of history and that His will prevails in every genera-
tion (Ps. 33:10-12). Paul expressed it like this:
“From one man God made every nation of men,
that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he
determined the times set for them and the exact
places they should live” (Acts 17:26). In Daniel,
chapter seven, the Lord in a vision showed the
prophet four world kingdoms that would emerge in
succession: the Babylonians, the Medo-Persians, the
Greeks and the Romans – and at the end of history,
the Antichrist kingdom.
As King of kings and Lord of lords, the Most High
God raises up and deposes world leaders at His own
pleasure, giving good or bad leaders as He deems
appropriate. As a judgment upon apostate nations He
may take away good leaders and replace them with

“the lowliest of men” or “boys and mere children”

-suggesting incompetence and

inexperience. In American history God has given us good and
not-so-good presidents. We like to think of
Washington, Lincoln, FDR and Reagan – men who

arose at critical junctures to save the nation.
The questions we are faced with this November

are these: Where is America in God’s sovereign

plan? Have we fulfilled our divine mission? Are we on
the upside or the downside of our national destiny? Is

America, the greatest nation in human history, at all
mentioned in Scripture? What kind of president dowe deserve given our present spiritual state – a greatsavior or a “little boy”, a blessing or a judgment? Irrespective of your political affiliation, how would you
answer these critical questions?
If indeed we are living in the days of Noah and Lot
and Jesus’ visible return is nigh at hand, all of us
must prepare for radical change that neither John
McCain nor Barack Obama have in mind!
Let us then not be unduly caught up in all the polit-
ical hoopla from now until November. Rather, let it be
a time for seeing beyond empty rhetoric and media
hype. May each of us seek God for His guidance
because neither candidate, however sincere and
well-intentioned, can fix America apart from a sover-
eign spiritual revival that touches every level of soci-
ety. Unless either of the two presidential candidates
has a “Saul of Tarsus” visitation, I cannot envision a
national restoration occurring!

III. ESCHATOLOGICAL REALITIES THAT UNDER-
SCORE THE HIGH STAKES IN THE UPCOMING
ELECTION
A. Could America’s demise result in the
Antichrist’s rise?
Many students of Bible prophecy have concluded
that America is nowhere to be found in the endtime
drama. However, I believe there is a mysterious but
important text that is commonly overlooked and that
is II Thessalonians 2:1-8. To make my point, allow
me to paraphrase Paul’s words using the RSV trans-
lation as my guide. You may wish to compare other
versions to get a fuller sense.
1. My paraphrase
Verse 3: Let no man deceive you in any way for
that day (the day of the Lord’s coming and our being
gathered together to meet him, vs 1,2) will not come
unless the falling away (apostasy, rebellion) comes
first and the man of lawlessness (Antichrist) is
revealed…
Verse 5: Do you not remember that when I was
still with you I told you this? (Paul is simply repeating
his standard teaching on the subject.)
Verse 6: And you know WHAT (?) is restraining
him (the Antichrist) now so that he may be revealed
in his time (God’s sovereign moment in world histo-
ry).
Verse 7: For the mystery of lawlessness(the spir-
it of Antichrist) is already at work; only HE (?) who
now restrains (the emergence of the Antichrist) will
continue to restrain until he (the restrainer) is taken
out of way.
Verse 8: And then the lawless one (the Antichrist)
will be revealed, and then the Lord Jesus will slay him
with the breath of his mouth and destroy him by the
glorious splendor of his coming (Jesus’ visible
return).

2. My interpretation
Two key issues need to be addressed to distill the
prophetic gist of Paul’s words. The first is the identi
ty of the restrainer. In verse 6 he is referred to with
the neuter “what” and in verse 7 with the masculine
“he”. In his NT Commentary, R. C. Lenski maintains
that the “what” and the “he” are a unit referring to a
certain power or person exercising this power. At
God’s appointed moment this restraining power will
be removed so as to allow the Antichrist to be
revealed. The popular dispensational view is that the
restrainer is the church which when raptured will pro-
vide a spiritual vacuum in the world that the Antichrist
will fill immediately.
However, such an interpretation flies in the face of
the order of endtime events that Paul clearly sets
forth in this text. The fj~t thing that must happen is a
worldwide apostasy, a falling away from God, (verse
3). I believe this can be observed right now, both in
America and throughout the world just as in the days
of Noah. The second thing to occur is the removal of
the restrainer (verses 6 and 7). Thirdly, the revelation
of the Antichrist breaks forth for all to see (verse 8).
Fourthly, the revelation of the Lord in glory takes
place at which time the Antichrist is destroyed (verse
8). And fifthly and finally, the church is raptured, taken
up to meet the Lord in the air. This is indisputable
because Paul’s reason for dealing with this issue was
the fear of the Thessalonians that the rapture had
already taken place and they were left behind. Paul
says, “No way. I never taught you such a doctrine.”
So he begins to set them straight with his intro-
ductory remarks in verses I and 2, “Now concern-
ing the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our
being gathered together to meet him (the rap-
ture), we beg you not to be shaken… as if the day
of the Lord has already come.” As I have stated,
four events must happen first: (1. rebellion, (2.
removal of the restrainer, (3. revelation of the
Antichrist, (4. revelation of Jesus Christ in the clouds
and then (5, the rapture of the church. How much
more clear can it be? As I have said on numerous
occasions, there is only one second coming of the
Lord Jesus, not two.
Since the Antichrist is going to be a political figure
and establish a global empire (the last world kingdom
according to Daniel, chapter 7) the best interpretation
of “the restrainer” is a political power that must be
taken out of the way by divine sovereignty so that the
world would welcome the Antichrist with all his
deceptions and promises(lI Thes. 2:9,10). Presently.
the United States of America could well represent
that restraining power. Its sovereignty and super
power status, both economically and militarily, would
have to be drastically diminished on the world stage
which in some measure is happening right now. If we
are this close to the end of the age, America is in the
crosshairs of history. He who has ears to hear, let him
hear!
B. Is the deceptive North American Union a
sign of the times?
in 2005 the presidents of Canada, America and
Mexico announced “The Security and Prosperity
Partnership of North America.”This seemingly benign
plan has no congressional approval and poses a seri-
ous threat to our Constitution and national sovereign-
ty. It is a brazen globalist scheme to create open bor-
ders for the free movement of cheap labor. It is being advocated by powerful forces, including the Council
on Foreign Relations, which desire North America to
be reshaped after the European Union. This eco-
nomic integration would in time result in a new cur-
rency called the “amero” like unto the European euro.
What is so disturbing about such a realignment is
the full support given it by the Bush Administration,
which explains why no sincere effort has been made
to secure our borders and stop the flow of illegals into
our country. Are John McCain and Barack Obama in
favor of this secretive plan? Have they been asked
about it on the campaign trail and in public debates?
I don’t think so. If either of them is in favor (and I sus-
pect they both are) the globalist elites have their foot
in the door, which would only contribute to the demise
of our beloved country.

IV. PRACTICAL COUNSEL AS THIS HISTORIC
ELECTION UNFOLDS
A. Don’t be deceived
Jesus warned that in the last days sophisticated
deceivers and deceptions would abound (Matt.
24:4,24). Barack Obama presents himself as the
change agent, promising “change we can believe in.”
As a professing Christian, he should be defining
change in biblical terms, namely, changing your mind
from unrighteousness to righteousness. This is the
root meaning of repentance (metanoia) as Paul told
King Agrippa:”… that men should repent and turn
to God and prove their repentance by their
deeds” (Acts 26:20).
What are Obama’s proposed changes regarding
abortion? As a senator he has already voted against
the ban on partial birth abortion, a barbaric procedure
that grieves the heart of the Heavenly Father. But
now he is co-sponsoring a bill that will annihilate
every state law regulating and restricting abortion.
This bill is called FOCA or Freedom of Choice Act. jfl
a July speech before abortion advocates he said his
first act as president would be to sign this piece of
legislation which would make abortion on demand a
fundamental right beyond legal chaUeng.~.
As an unbeliever he might get by with such views
on abortion but not as a professing Christian. Has he
ever read why Judah and Jerusalem were
destroyed? Here’s the answer: “God removed them
from his presence because of the sins of
Manasseh and all he had done, including shed-
ding innocent blood. For he had filled Jerusalem
with innocent blood, and the Lord was not willing
to forgive” (II Kings 24:3,4).
What is innocent blood? The Bible defines it as fol-
lows: “They shed innocent blood, the blood of
their sons and daughters whom they sacrificed to
the idols of Canaan, and the land was desecrated
by their blood” (Ps. 106:38-42). Senator Obama
needs to realize (and all those who vote for him) that
abortion is not a fundamental right but a terrible sin
which brings God’s severe judgment upon the land
and especially on nations with a Christian heritage.
How true then the saying: the nation that kills its chil-
dren is a nation without hope.
B. Remember to pray
Paul’s exhortation to pray for civil authorities, even
ungodly ones like the Romans of his day, applies to
us in the 21st century. He says: “I urge that prayers
be made for all men, for kings and for all who are
in authority that we may lead a quiet and peace-
able life, godly and respectful in every way” (I

Tim. 2:1,2). Since civil government is a divine institu-
tion it is incumbent upon all citizens to pray for good
leaders, good laws and national tranquility and bless-
ing. In this sense we get the government we deserve.
Prayer does change things for the better – even pres-
idents!
C. Remember to vote
As believers we ought to vote according to our
conscience informed by the Holy Spirit and the Word
of God – and not just along party lines. Two basic cri-
teria should guide us: (1. who will best serve the
common good, and (2. who will work for change that
is good and godly and resist every thing to the con-
trary. These two traits marked the great statesmen of
the past. I intend to vote for John McCain chiefly
because he is prolife and will put prolife justices on
the Supreme Court. I also favor him because he suf-
fered greatly in defense of his country, is a man of
experience and thus possesses wisdom born of
experience which brings restraint; something George
W. Bush lacked.
D. Don’t be discouraged if your candidate
loses
Remember that God exalts and deposes leaders
according to His sovereign will (Ps. 33:10,11, Prov.
19:21). Even if an ungodly leader is elected, the Lord
is able to convert such an one in the harness and
make him a great leader (Dan. 4:28-37). And if He
chooses not to, the Lord remains on the Throne as
our Savior, Friend and Brother as Paul reminds us:
“Our citizenship is in heaven from whence we
await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Phil. 3:20).
Nothing shall be able to separate us from God and
His love – not even the Antichrist system and the
great tribulation. As David Wilkerson says, “God’s got
everything under control!”

thought. And it makes no difference if such a condi-
tion is forced upon the people or is willingly accepted.
The end result is the same. When everybody accepts
what everybody else is doing or believing, a new
society appears and all reference points determining
right and wrong disappear … Only the true and dis-
cerning Christian refuses the herd mentality. This is
the way it was in the Roman Empire when the early
Christians were called idiots (after the word “idiotes”
which means private or one’s own) because they
would not assimilate or blend with the Roman way of
life. Paul was willing to be a fool for Christ, are we?

V. CONCLUSION

The American myth of perpetual economic superi-

ority and military invincibility is being challenged and
exposed like never before. It is my humble discern-

ment that we are on the downside of our national

destiny. Our best years are behind us barring a sov-

ereign restoration of extraordinary proportions. W~

~re in the early stages of the sinking of the Titanic.
Few realize there is a gaping hole in our hull which

threatens our “unsinkable” ship of state.

Most
Americans are mentally on the ~ decksinging,
dancing and laughing; totally oblivious to the impend-
ing danger. If they were to be told, they would not
believe it as was true in the days of Jeremiah (Jer.
36:1-3,23,24).
How then shall we live? With eyes wide open!
With faith towards God! And with hope that Jesus will
save and protect us no matter what comes for He is
our unsinkable lifeboat. His promise stands: “I will
never leave you nor forsake you” (Heb. 13:5,6).
Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus! Amen.

QUOTABLE QUOTES
When the government does not enforce the law
(immigration laws, for example) and does not itself
obey the law, we have a formula for anarchy and
social chaos. This is the reality in America today.

This article was written by Rodney G. Lensch, Director of Rod and Staff Ministries,2625 N. 100th Avenue, Omaha, Neb 68134 and was the lead article of the fall2008 Rod and Staff newsletter-used with permission

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The American church has had it easy for the last
sixty years compared to Christians living in Third World
countries where sickness, economic deprivation and
persecution are the order of the day. We need think
only of Russia, China, North Korea and Muslim
countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Why
should we think that we are going to be exempt from
tribulation if the end of the age is upon us when
everything that can be shaken will be shaken? (Heb.
12:26-28). This is already beginning to happen in the
international arena where political institutions and
military alliances, such as the United Nations and
NATO which have helped maintain order and security
for decades, are being tested and ruptured in
frightening and unprecedented ways. What will all of
this mean for America in the years immediately ahead?
And if indeed the end is at hand, what about the
Great Tribulation of which Jesus spoke? “For then
there will be a great tribulation such as has not been
since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor
ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened,
no flesh would be saved, but for the elect’s sake, those
days will be shortened” (Matt. 24:27). Although the Left
Behind books, authored by Tim LaHaye and Jerry
Jenkins, are extremely popular (50 million copies sold),
many believers including myself do not believe that the
church will be secretly and invisibly raptured out before
the Great Tribulation commences as the “pre-trib
rapturists” maintain. Jesus said that the elect (the
church) will live and survive through it all. (I will deal
with this subject in a future newsletter.)
Our most immediate concern, however, should be
the tribulation that will shake America once the war
with Iraq is over. By then the Muslim world of 1 .3 billion
people will be galvanized in a “jihad” to conduct acts of
terrorism against our homeland as well as our
institutions and interests abroad including our
peace-keeping troops in Iraq. This very real possibility
could have profound, adverse effects on our faltering
economy and our cherished way of life as we have

known it. In short, difficult days are on the horizon for
all Americans (Ps. 60:3).
Thus, the thrust of the Summer 2003 issue of Rod
& Staff is indeed timely, namely, Preparing The Church
For Tribulation: An Urgent Priority. But such preparation
presupposes that as believers in Christ, we have a
balanced, biblical theology concerning the place of
tribulation in the Christian life. Basically there are two
opposing schools of thought on the subject; both of
which we shall look at in some depth. Where do you
stand on the issue of tribulation? May the Holy Spirit,
who has been sent to lead and guide us into all the
truth, deliver us from false or faulty doctrines and
scripturally prepare us to face tribulation, whatever the
form or measure, in the victory of Jesus, who is Lord of
all and is coming for a bride “who has made herself
ready”! (Rev. 19:7).
I. AVOID THE TRAP OF UNBIBUCAL TRIUMPHALISM
WHICH ESPOUSES A CHRISTIANITY WITHOUT
TRIBULATION
Let me say at the outset that there are varying
degrees of triumphalism, some moderate and some
extreme. My purpose here is to give a general
overview rather than deal with all the variations.
A. A description of unbiblical triumphalism
1. It is a popular theology, widely taught and
professed over the past fifty years, primarily in
Pentecostal and Charismatic circles and especially on
Christian television.
2. It is an unbalanced view of the believer’s
victory in Christ which emphasizes the positive
aspects of the Christian life almost to the exclusion
of the negative.
3. In general, triumphalism tends to see all the
negatives as coming from the devil which should be
resisted (John 10:lOa), and all the positives as coming
from the Lord which should be received (John 10:lOb).
In this view, Christian maturity is measured by how
many positives you are experiencing and/or

( “r~~ (~` – -

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S 2625 N. 100th AVE. S OMAHA, NE 681 34-5509

1

confessing and by how many negatives you are
resisting and/or denying.
4. Triumphalism, in effect, pretends that heaven
has already come down to earth, that the Edenic curse
has been totally lifted and the devil bound. Scripture,
however, states that here we have only the
downpayment of the glory to come and so we groan
waiting for the redemption of our bodies at the coming
of the Lord (Rom. 8:18-25).
5. Triumphalism in actuality is an Americanization
of the gospel: “Be healthy, wealthy and happy all the
way to glory and pain-free besides!” See how this view
corresponds to the American dream: “Life, liberty and
the pursuit of happiness.”
6. Most triumphalists, therefore, are enamored
with a pre-tribulation rapture which provides a
supernatural escape from the Great Tribulation. To
have to endure such a painful experience would be an
utter contradiction of their entire belief system.
7. Lastly, triumphalism tends to produce
adherents who pridefully look down their noses at
those who have yet to discover their more excellent
brand of “tribulation-free” Christianity. This in large
measure accounts for the cocky swagger of so many
of the triumphalistic preachers on television. Billy
Graham presents himself quite differently – with
sobriety, humility and credibility! Typically, spiritual
pride and false doctrine are kissing cousins.
B. Analogies of triumphalism
1. Playing pinochle with half a deck
In the pinochle card game, there are four suits or
categories of cards; two of which are red (hearts and
diamonds) and two of which are black (spades and
clubs). Each suit has the same number of cards. To
play the game according to the rules, each player
receives both black and red cards in varying
combinations. Applied to the Christian life we could
say that, like pinochle, we are dealt both red and black
cards by the Lord who designed the game. The red
heart cards depict the love of God in all its positive
forms; the red diamond cards resemble the many
facets of divine truth. By contrast, the black spade
cards symbolize God’s negative dealings in our lives
(prunings, testings, chastisement) and the black club
cards exemplify the buffetings of the devil, the world
and our sinful flesh.
In the game of life we do not have the option of
playing only with the positive red cards as the
triumphalists believe. The normal Christian life is
played out with both black and red cards in a blend and
balance designed by our loving, all-wise Father who
does all things well.
2. Driving a car in near-perfect conditions
If you were to tell me that everytime you take a trip
by car that the road is always level, the wind always on
your back, the traffic always minimal, the weather
always clement and your vehicle never has problems,
I would say you are living in unreality! We all know that
road conditions can sometimes be dangerous, the
weather unpredictable, the traffic unbearable and the
car capable of breaking down. Again, traveling by car
is a mixed bag – sometimes ideal and sometimes
downright difficult. And the more one drives, the more
one realizes this. However, triumphalists would
strongly disagree – at least theoretically!
C. Examples of triumphalism
1. The NT Corinthian church
Paul’s strongest words against triumphalism were
addressed to the church in Corinth who “came behind
in no spiritual gift” (I Cor. 1:7). In both of his epistles to
this church he rebuked them sharply for being seduced

by counterfeit “super apostles” who had found fault
with his message and example – that he was too
negative and not sufficiently triumphalistic.
By way of self-defense Paul wrote:
You are already f~II1 You are already iichi You
have reigned as kings without us – and indeed I could
wish you did reign, that we might reign with you!
We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wi~ in
Christ! We are weak but you are strong! You are
distinguished, but we are dishonored! To the present
hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly
clothed, and beaten, and homeless.
And we labor, working with our own hands. Being
reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; being
defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth
of the world. I do not write these things to shame you,
but as my beloved children I warn you (I Cor.
4:8,10-14).
Without question, Paul was an anti-triumphalist.
He believed and demonstrated that the normal
Christian life contains red cards as well as black cards.
Ponder these contrasting dynamics in Paul’s
experience as an apostle:
We give no offense in anything, that our ministry
may not be blamed. But in all things we commend
ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in
tribulations, in needs, in distresses, in stripes, in
imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness,
in fastings; by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering,
by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love, by the
word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of
righteousness on the right hand and on the left, by
honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as
deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet well
known; as dying and behold we live; as chastened, and
yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as
poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet
possessing all things (II Cor. 6:3-10).
2. Contemporary examples
a. Dr. Robert Schuller
The longest-running Christian television program
in America is Dr. Schuller’s Hour of Power which is
publicly billed: “The Voice of Positive Christianity.” In
my view this is a deliberate effort to minimize or
exclude the negative aspects of Christianity to make
the gospel more palatable to the world and to the
carnal nature of professing Christians. Rarely does he
speak on themes such as original sin, repentance, the
realm of the demonic, spiritual warfare, temptation,
death to self, tribulation or eternal judgment. Such an
approach is inherently triumphalistic and may well
account for its seeming popularity, but it sadly
misrepresents God and His Word.
b. ICBM Conference Advertisement
In recent issues of Charisma magazine, the
International Charismatic Bible Ministries (ICBM) has
advertised its upcoming June conference in Tulsa with
pictures of Oral and Richard Roberts doubling up in
laughter endeavoring to depict the conference theme
which is Double Up. For those who attend there
promises to be “twice as much joy, wisdom, prosperity,
revelation, power, peace, anointing and healing.” Here
again we have all hearts and diamonds and not so
much as one spade or club! What about twice as much
repentance, fasting, self-denial and tribulation in light
of what’s coming upon this nation? But that would
probably be viewed as a “negative” confession!
D. Summary conclusions
Triumphalism is very appealing and to some
extent achievable for Christians who are
well-educated, in good health, have good jobs, own

2

nice homes, have retirement savings, enjoy a stable
marriage and family – and above all, live in free,
prosperous America during a bull stock market! But
such a social category represents a small percentage
of those who profess to be followers of Christ.
The real question is: does it work well in Third
World countries where pain, poverty and persecution
are rampant? Does it minister grace and hope to the
countless millions who have to daily deal more with
spades and clubs than with hearts and diamonds? And
if it doesn’t, it is a spiritual trap and a theological
aberration.
Whether we like it or not, negatives and positives
are built into the very fabric of the created order, both
in the natural realm and the spiritual. After the flood
God told Noah: “While the earth remains: seedtime
and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter and
day and night shall not cease” (Gen. 8:22). The best
cure for truimphalism is a good dose of inescapable
tribulation (cold, winter, night), and if I am hearing God
correctly it is not too far away!

II. EMBRACE THE TRUTH OF BIBLICAL TRIUMPH
WHICH ESPOUSES A CHRISTIANITY IN THE MIDST
OF TRIBULATION
Dr. Martin Luther maintained that a Christian is
simuijustus etpeccator, that is, “at the same time saint
and sinner.” This truth also illustrates the point of this
article, namely, that a true believer lives in triumph and
tribulation at the same time.
A. The true nature of the believer’s victory in
Christ
1. Key biblical references
Thanks be to God who gives us the victory
through our Lord Jesus Christ (I Cor. 15:57).
Thanks be to God who always leads us in
triumph in Christ (II Cor. 2:14).
But in all these things (all kinds of tribulation) we
overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved
us… For I am convinced that (nothing) shall be able to
separate us from the love of God which is in Jesus
Christ our Lord (Rom. 8:37-39).
For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the
world, and this is the victory that overcomes the world,
even our faith (I John 5:4).
2. Doctrinal conclusions
The believer’s triumph over sin, the world, the
devil, the flesh, death and tribulation in all of its forms
is the result of Christ’s finished work, namely, His
sinless life, His sacrificial suffering and death, His
glorious resurrection and His ascension into heaven.
This total victory over all our enemies is a gift of
God’s unmerited grace to the human race (John 3:16,
Eph. 2:8,9). This the essence of the gospel.
A person enters into this victory through the new
birth (John 3:3-7), that is, a personal conversion
experience involving repentance for sin and
acceptance of Christ by faith as Savior and Lord (John
1:12,13;3:16, Rev. 3:20).
Christians who participate in this life of victory are
called in Scripture: conquerors (Rom. 8:37) and
overcomers (I John 5:4, Rev. 2:26;21:7).
The Holy Spirit, who indwells true believers,
imparts power, faith and grace to remain faithful to
Jesus in the midst of tribulation and be fruitful in His
service (II Cor. 1:3-5;12:9,10, Phil. 4:12,13).
All Christian overcomers, irrespective of age,
race, culture, generation or social status have as their
goal: dying in faith and receiving the crown of eternal
life (Matt. 24:13, II Tim. 4:7,8, Rev,, 2:10).
This brief summation of Christ’s victory on our

behalf lays out the positive aspects of the Christian
faith, the red cards of hearts and diamonds, if you
please. Most people brought up in evangelical
churches would be familiar with these marvelous truths
and hopefully would embrace them to their dying
breath. However, they might not be as familiar with the
true nature of tribulation, that is, the negative side of
the Christian life (the black cards of spades and clubs)
which we shall now address.
B. The true nature of tribulation as it coexists
with triumph
1. A definition of tribulation
In New Testament Greek, the word translated
“tribulation” is thlibo which literally means “to press or
to squeeze as to cause pain, pressure or stress due to
negative circumstances and/or the antagonism of
persons (demonic or human)”. It can come in a variety
of combinations affecting one’s body, mind, emotions
or spirit. It can be short-lived or long-term depending
on God’s purposes and our response.
In biblical usage it can include the whole range of
terms that describe the negative aspects of the
Christian life such as trials, testings, prunings,
chastisements, persecution, suffering, temptation and
hardship – things infrequently mentioned in most
American pulpits except perhaps at funerals and
during times of national or personal crisis.
Tribulation can occur on two different levels. First,
on the personal level where the Lord tailors it to fit our
particular needs and circumstances. And secondly, on
a national level where the entire body of Christ is
affected due to repressive government, economic
depression, weather disturbances, famines, war,
epidemics and the like. In such cases the same
spiritual lessons are learned by all believers at the
same time. This may well be the experience of the
American church in the days ahead. A form of
tribulation that is not the will of God is what we might
call “self-induced tribulation” which happens when we
sin deliberately and bring upon ourselves pain, loss
and discomfort. Obvious examples would be divorce,
sickness, debt, bankruptcy and premature death. We
reap what we sow (Gal. 6:7,8).
2. The inevitability of tribulation
To say that tribulation is optional, unnecessary or
a sign of ignorance and immaturity is to teach contrary
to Scripture. Consider carefully these verses:
In the world you will have tribulation, but be of
good cheer, I have overcome the world (John 16:33).
It is with much tribulation that we enter the
kingdom of God (Acts 14:22).
Every branch in me that bears fruit (the Father)
prunes that it may bear more fruit (John 15:2).
You have forgotten the exhortation which speaks
to you as sons: My son, do not despise the chastening
of the Lord for whom the Lord loves he chastens and
scourges every son whom he receives … But if you
are without chastening of which all have become
partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons (Heb.
12:5,6,8).
Indeed all who desire to live a godly life in
Christ Jesus will be persecuted (II Tim. 3:12).
While cultural realities may temper the extent and
intensity of tribulation, God’s discipleship design calls
for every Christian in every generation to live out his
faith in the midst of tribulation. The Bible could not be
more clear on the issue. This includes those who
consider themselves spiritually mature as well as
senior citizens who may feel they deserve a free pass.
Think of Job in the Old Testament. He was the most
righteous man in the land and yet he was subjected to

3

a very painful tribulation (Job 1:6-12). Therefore,
tribulation will accompany us all the way to glory as a
friend in disguise. As Dottie Deschu, a friend of mine
from St. Louis, recently wrote: “Life in Jesus does not
mean freedom from difficulty. Not one test too many
will He lay on us but will be with us through everyone
of them.” This was her confession after overcoming a
bout with cancer.
3. The redemptive value of tribulation
One of the most quoted verses in Scripture is
Romans 8:28: “All things work together for good to
those who love God to those who are called according
to His purpose.. .to be conformed to the image of His
Son.”
God’s over all purpose in dealing us the black
cards of spades and clubs is to fashion us into the
image and character of Jesus who Himself learned
obedience through the things that He suffered (Eph.
4:15, II Cor. 3:18, Heb. 5:8). Jesus said, “A disciple is
not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly
trained will be like his teacher” (Luke 6:40).
If the Lord were to remove all the negative
aspects of the faith and give us only positive ones we
would all be consigned to an immature, pampered and
flabby spiritual state. Life on earth was never meant to
be a casual pursuit after material comforts and
temporal joys but rather a rigorous bootcamp that
would prepare us to rule and reign with Christ in the
glory to come. This is precisely what James had in
mind when he wrote: “Consider it all joy, my
brethren, when you encounter various trials
knowing that the testing of your faith produces
endurance. And let endurance have its perfect
result that you may be perfect and complete,
lacking in nothing” (James 1:2-4).
In previous generations where life in the natural
was very difficult, no doubt the message of redemptive
tribulation was more readily accepted. This, however,
is not the case with the post WWII generations who
have for the most part enjoyed a cushy, easy life by
comparison.
a. The potential benefits of spades which
speak of the painful dealings of God in our lives
(1. Prunings make us more fruitful in our
Christian service (John 15:2,5,8). When the Lord in
1968 abruptly uprooted me from the Lutheran ministry
and thrust me into a traveling faith ministry, I began to
reach many more people and in a much more effective
way. Did the move hurt? Yes! Was it worthwhile? Yes!
Did God make a mistake? No!
(2. Chastenings serve to crucify the sinful nature
and produce a more godly, submissive life as Scripture
teaches: “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but
painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of
righteousness and peace for those who have been
trained by it” (Heb. 12:11). Here the patriarch Joseph
serves as a good example (Ps. 105:11-22).
(3. Testings make our faith grow stronger as we
read in I Peter 1:6,7, “In this you greatly rejoice, though
now for a little while you may have suffered grief in all
kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith – of
greater worth than gold, which perishes even though
refined by fire – may prove genuine and may result in
praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
(4. Persecution serves as a laboratory for
growing forgiveness, patience and fervent prayer. Here
Stephen, the first martyr, is Exhibit A. We read in Acts
7:59, “And as they were stoning Stephen, he prayed,
`Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ And he knelt down and
cried with a loud voice, `Lord, do not hold this sin
against them.’ And when he had said this, he fell

asleep.”
(5. Hardship teaches us contentment and
gratitude in circumstances of leanness and want even
as Paul wrote of himself, “Not that I complain of want,
for I have learned in whatever state I am to be
content… In any and all circumstances I have learned
the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and
want. I can do all things through Christ who
strengthens me” (Phil. 4:11-1 3).
b. The potential benefits of clubs which speak
of the buffetings (clubbings) of the devil, the world
and the flesh
Would to God that upon receiving Jesus as our
Savior all these forces would disappear like clouds
after a storm but such is not the case. The normal
Christian life is like swimming upstream against the
current of a river. You always feel the pressure that
would push you back if you did not resist.
Spiritually speaking, this current represents three
forces of evil that we must contend with on a daily
basis, even though they have been defeated by Jesus
on the cross. This struggle is called “the good fight of
faith” whereby we lay hold of eternal life (I Tim. 6:12).
It is a good fight because we have the resources to win
and have a noble goal. It is a fight because it involves
a deliberate struggle in order to win (I Cor. 9:25-27).
And it is a fight that requires faith in Jesus and His
victory on our behalf (Gal. 2:20).
The value of this ongoing struggle is not to be
minimized for it develops in us strong spiritual muscles.
It makes us watchful and discerning. It deepens our
appreciation for the authority and veracity of the Word
of God which is “the sword of the Spirit” (Eph. 6:17).
And it strengthens our faith as we daily exercise it in
daily combat (I John 5:4).
Here are some scripture references for each
enemy:
(1. The flesh (also called the old man) refers to
our carnal nature which is the enemy within. Even after
conversion this subtle foe has a beachhead in our
hearts. So the battle rages to obliterate its influence as
Paul says, “If by the Spirit you put to death the deeds
of the body, you will live” (Rom. 8:13). (See also Rom.
6:6;13:14, Gal. 5:16,17 and Eph. 4:22).
(2. The world has been defined as “man
organizing himself apart from God by the influence of
the devil who is called the god of this world” (II Cor.
4:4). John warns us to “love not the world” (I John
2:15-17). Jesus says “Be in the world but not of it”
(John 17:14-16). And Paul exhorts, “Do not be
conformed to this world but be transformed by the
renewal of your mind” (Rom. 12:2).
(3. The devil, although defeated (Col. 2:15, I John
3:8), prowls around like a roaring lion seeking whom he
may devour. Peter tells us to “resist him steadfast in
the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are
experienced by your brotherhood in the world” (I Pet.
5:8,9). (See also Eph. 4:27;6:10-17 and James 4:7).
Because the devil knows there is some truth in the
slogan “no pain, no gain” he seeks to convince the
church that “spades and clubs” are unnecessary for
spiritual growth and should be rejected or ignored, But
God’s Word is definitely not triumphalistic as we have
clearly shown.
4. A godly response to tribulation
An ungodly response might include being angry,
resentful, uncooperative, discouraged or perplexed.
Even Spirit-filled believers could manifest such
attitudes if they did not understand God’s good
purposes in tribulation. A good theology of tribulation
should serve to produce the following godly response.

4

a. Don’t go AWOL from God’s bootcamp of
tribulation due to the unbalanced teaching of
triumphalism. Instead, enroll in the Holy Spirit’s “school
of hard knocks” and determine to graduate with honors
(II Tim. 2:3).
b. Don’t regard all tribulation as a work of the devil
to be rejected at all costs. Because the devil is God’s
devil and under His control, He may use the enemy to
test His saints as was true of Job (1:lff), Peter (Luke
22:31,32) and even Jesus (Matt. 4:lff).
c. Don’t be surprised or perplexed when
tribulation comes as if something abnormal or
unscriptural were happening (I Cor. 10:11-13, I Pet.
4:12,13).
d. Be good stewards of tribulation by prayerfully
discerning God’s good purposes and submitting in
faith. This will make the affliction seem light and
momentary (II Cor. 4:16,17, Rom. 8:28,29).
e. Rejoice and give thanks when tribulation
comes knowing that it is a sign of sonship, and will help
us mature in Christ (Rom. 5:3,4, Jas. 1:2, I Thess.
5:18).
f. Be patient in tribulation since it may linger for
some time (Rom. 12:12). Think of the Russian
Christians who lived under communism for seventy
years.
g. Claim by faith the “hearts and diamonds”
promises of God’s Word and gain strength, comfort
and grace to endure tribulation and distil its blessings
(II Cor. 1:4, II Cor. 12:7-10, Phil. 4:13).
h. If we falter in tribulation, and we will at times,
remember to repent, receive forgiveness and press on
in victory as Psalm 37:23,24 says, “The steps of a
good man are ordered by the Lord and He delights in
his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast
down for the Lord upholds him with His hand.”
i. Persevere in faith to the end and receive the
blessing of tribulation as Peter prayed, “May the God
of all grace … after you have suffered a while, perfect,
establish, strengthen and settle you” (I Pet. 5:10).
j. Give God the glory for all the growth in
sanctification, maturity and service as a result of
tribulation (II Cor. 2:14, I Pet. 5:11).
The following words of Paul are a fitting summary
of this section on the true nature of tribulation:
Therefore, we do not lose heart. Even though
our outward man is perishing (gradually decaying,
wasting away), yet the inward man is being
renewed day by day. For our light affliction
(tribulation), which is but for a moment, is working
for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of
glory. While we do not look at the things which are
seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the
things that are seen are temporal but the things
that are not seen are eternal (II Cor. 4:16-1 8).
Ill. CONCLUDING EXHORTATIONS
A. A word for pastors
1. Faithfully preach and teach the whole counsel
of God including the subject of triumph in the midst of
tribulation – a message which is traditionally and
sometimes deliberately neglected because it is a hard
saying. I would humbly suggest that you preach a
sermon series on spades and clubs and also duplicate
this newsletter for use in Bible classes and home
groups. It is high time that God’s people in this country
be prepared to face the coming tribulation. Yes, you
may well receive some flak and even pay a price but
that’s what it means to lay down your life for Jesus and
His flock (John 10:11-1 3).

2. Teach your people to appreciate the great old
hymns of the church which contain a rich, biblical
theology on triumph in tribulation. So much of the con-
temporary music, which is replacing the hymns of the
past, is a giant leap backwards as a far as I am
concerned. It is often theologically shallow and
musically fluffy, subjective and difficult to sing. I thank
God for the worship heritage I received in the Lutheran
church. Why should all of this be thrown overboard in
the interest of being “relevant” to the culture? I say:
what a loss!
Here are samples of the great hymns that need to
be taught and sung as declarations of triumph in the
midst of tribulation:
God Moves In A Mysterious Way
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take. The clouds
ye so much dread are big with mercy and shall break
in blessings on your head.
Be Still My Soul
Be still my soul, the Lord is on thy side. Bear
patiently the cross of grief or pain. Leave to thy God to
order and provide. In every change He faithful will
remain. Be still my soul, thy best, thy heavenly Friend,
through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
It Is Well With My Soul
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should
come. Let this blest assurance control, that Christ has
regarded my helpless estate and has shed His own
blood for my soul.
Abide With Me
I need Thy presence every passing hour. What
but Thy grace can foil the Tempter’s power? Who like
Thyself my guide and strength can be? Through cloud
and sunshine, Oh, abide with me.
For all the people my age who groan over the
trashing of the old hymns and for the sake of the
younger generation who view hymns as “antediluvian”,
we need frequent “hymn sings” with organ
accompaniment. Why should the anointed hymnody of
the past, often produced by saints in great spiritual
suffering, not be regarded as a precious treasure as
the church heads into tribulation? To this day hymns
I memorized in confirmation class continue to bless my
spirit.
B. A word for triumphalists
Remember that all the texts I have used to show
that tribulation and triumph coexist in the Christian life
were originally written to Spirit-filled believers in the
apostolic church. This means that they apply equally to
all Christians today and especially to those who would
identify themselves as Charismatics or Pentecostals.
When triumphalists ignore tribulation texts as if they do
not apply today, they are acting no differently than the
liberal theologians who deny the authority of the Bible.
In either case, the Word of God is nullified and the
church robbed of truth necessary to bring it to maturity
(Eph. 4:15, John 8:31,32, Acts 20:20,27).
Instead of getting most or all of your instruction
from triumphalistic teachers, you would do well to read
books by authors who have a more balanced view of
tribulation. In this regard, I would recommend two
classics written by Paul Biliheimer, both of which are
still in print. They are entitled: Don’t Waste Your Sorrow
and Destined For The Throne. I am pleased to report
that Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) is offering one
of these as a gift to their supporters.
In calling attention to the deficiencies of
triumphalism regarding the role of tribulation in the
Christian life, I in no way wish to suggest that its
emphasis on hearts and diamonds is unbiblical or

5

exaggerated. All I’m saying is that all four suits should
be presented in balance. For in the end, a theology of
only spades and clubs would be worse than a theology
of only hearts and diamonds!
C. A word for those who have faced tribulation
triumphantly
The more we triumph in the midst of tribulation,
the better prepared we are to minister to others in like
circumstances who have yet to get the victory. Such
people abound on every hand both in the church and
in society at large. They need to hear our testimonies
and we ought to be eager to share even as Paul
exhorts us: “God comforts us in all our tribulation so
that we may be able to comfort those in any tribulation
with the comfort with which we ourselves are
comforted by God” (II Cor. 1:3,4). As “wounded
healers” we have a compassion, an empathy and a
rapport which uniquely equips us to minister to those
who are suffering.
D. A word for American Christians
I began this article with a warning that increased
tribulation may well be on the horizon – even the Great
Tribulation, if you have ears to hear! This immediately
raises the question of our readiness to face, endure
and overcome whatever may await us. My
discernment is that we are very much unprepared
having had it too good and too easy for too long and an
unbalanced diet of God’s Word besides. Jeremiah
would say to us, “If you have run with footmen and they
have wearied you, how then can you contend with
horses?” (Jer. 12:5). The writer of Hebrews would say,
“You have need of endurance so that after you have
done the will of God you may receive the promise: for
yet a little while and the coming one (Christ) will come
and not delay” (Heb. 10:36,37).
In any kind of race what matters most is not how
well we start but how well we finish. In the midst of
apostasy and hard times Jesus wants us to remain
faithful and finish strong. That’s why Scripture exhorts
us to look to Him as “the author and finisher of our
faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured
the cross, despising the same, and sat down at the
right hand of the throne of God” (Heb. 12:2,3). Paul
was a finisher, too. As he anticipated death by
martyrdom he wrote, “I have fought a good fight. I have
finished the course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth,
there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness,
which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me on
that day, and not to me only but also to all those who
love his appearing” (II Tim. 4:7,8).
Both Jesus and Paul finished their respective
races in the midst of great tribulation and so shall it be
for the church in the last days. Now is the time to
decide in our hearts that we are going to be finishers,
that is, to overcome whatever tribulation may arise,
endure to the end and so be saved (Matt. 24:13).
Come Lord Jesus and give the American church a
spirit of endurance so that having done all, she may
stand triumphant until the day of Your coming. Amen
and amen!

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