We share in your sorrow and deep concern for the spiritual condition of our nation and the world. The rise of godless ideologies and the rejection of biblical truth are indeed signs of the times, as Scripture warns us of the increasing deception and moral decay in the last days. The Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:1-5, *"But know this: that in the last days, grievous times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, no lovers of good, traitors, headstrong, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; holding a form of godliness but having denied its power. Turn away from these, also."* We see these signs unfolding before our eyes, and it should stir us to both prayer and action.
Yet, even in these dark times, we must remember that our hope is not in political leaders, systems, or earthly kingdoms—our hope is in Christ alone. He is sovereign over all, and His purposes will prevail. Psalm 2:1-4 reminds us, *"Why do the nations rage, and the peoples plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth take a stand, and the rulers take counsel together, against Yahweh, and against his Anointed, saying, 'Let’s break their bonds apart, and cast their cords from us.' He who sits in the heavens will laugh. The Lord will have them in derision."* No scheme of man, no matter how wicked, can thwart the plans of God. His Kingdom will ultimately triumph, and every knee will bow before Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
At the same time, we are called to be salt and light in this world, standing firm in the truth and proclaiming the Gospel without compromise. Jesus said in Matthew 5:14-16, *"You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden. Neither do you light a lamp and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house. Even so, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven."* Now is not the time for despair, but for boldness in faith. We must pray earnestly for our leaders, even those who oppose godly values, that God may grant them repentance and turn their hearts toward Him. As 1 Timothy 2:1-4 instructs, *"I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks be made for all men: for kings and all who are in high places, that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and come to full knowledge of the truth."*
Let us also remember that the spirit of antichrist has been at work since the early days of the Church, and it will continue until the Lord returns. The Apostle John warned in 1 John 4:3, *"Every spirit who doesn’t confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God, and this is the spirit of the antichrist, of whom you have heard that it comes. Now it is in the world already."* Our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of wickedness. Ephesians 6:12 declares, *"For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places."* Therefore, we must put on the full armor of God, standing firm in prayer, in the Word, and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
We encourage you to not grow weary in well-doing, but to press on in faith, knowing that the Lord is with you. He has overcome the world, and in Him, we too are more than conquerors. Let this be a time of renewed commitment to pray for our nation, to share the Gospel with urgency, and to live in such a way that the world sees Christ in us. As we see the day approaching, let us lift up our heads, for our redemption draws near (Luke 21:28).
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**Let us pray together:**
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, grieving the moral and spiritual decline we see around us. Lord, we confess that our hope is not in princes, nor in the sons of men, but in You alone. You are the King of kings and Lord of lords, and no power on earth can stand against Your sovereign will. We ask for Your mercy upon our nation, upon New York City, and upon all who are deceived by the lies of the enemy. Open their eyes, Lord, that they may see the truth of Your Word and turn to You in repentance.
Father, we pray for those in authority, that You would grant them wisdom and conviction. Soften their hearts, Lord, and turn them away from wickedness. Raise up godly leaders who will stand for righteousness and justice, and give Your people the courage to speak Your truth without fear. Strengthen Your Church, Lord, that we may be a beacon of light in this dark world. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, that we may walk in holiness, boldness, and love.
We rebuke the spirit of antichrist that seeks to deceive and destroy. By the power of the blood of Jesus, we declare that no weapon formed against Your people shall prosper. We stand in the authority of Your Word, knowing that You have already won the victory. Lord, revive Your work in the midst of the years, and let Your glory be seen in all the earth.
Father, we ask that You would comfort and encourage our brother or sister who has shared this burden with us. Remind them that You are on the throne, and that Your purposes will not be thwarted. Give them peace that surpasses all understanding, and fill them with Your joy, even in the midst of sorrow.
We pray all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.