Can God Bless America? ***

2 Chronicles 7:14; Joshua 1:8; Nehemiah 8-9

1. God's Pattern for Blessing: Return to His Word

Nehemiah 8–9

A. They brought the Book.

• Revival began with Scripture.

• God's people gathered around His Word.

B. They understood the Book.

• The Word was explained.

• Truth produced conviction.

C. They obeyed the Book.

• Repentance followed revelation.

• Worship followed repentance.

2. God's Blessing Always Requires Repentance

2 Chronicles 7:14; Nehemiah 9

Israel acknowledged:

• We sinned.

• God was righteous.

• Judgment was deserved.

They stopped blaming circumstances and confessed their rebellion.

“Repentance/Confession is agreeing with God about our sin.”

3. The Conditions for Blessing Never Change

Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1

God promised success through obedience.

The progression:

• Know God's Word.

• Meditate on God's Word.

• Obey God's Word.

• Experience God's blessing.

4. The Greatest Danger Is Rejecting God

Romans 1

When people reject God:

• Truth is suppressed.

• Worship is corrupted.

• Morality collapses.

• Conscience grows dull.

• God gives people over to their choices.

National decline is ultimately a spiritual problem before it becomes a political, economic, or cultural one.

5. God's Blessing Comes Only Through Christ

2 Corinthians 1:20

National reform cannot replace personal salvation.

A nation changes only as individuals are transformed by the gospel.

*** Lots of ideas originally from Can God Bless America by John MacArthur