I believe 2017-2018 will go down in history as “turning point years” for America. Certainly, there have been other crossroad seasons in our nation’s 240 years of existence: but these two years have been epochal. The exposing of the Deep State, certainly not complete but at least begun; the confrontation and interruption under the leadership of President Trump of the left’s mad dash to globalism, secularism and amoralism; halting the suicidal weakening of our military; the determination of millions of Americans to recapture our roots and our destiny; and the beginning of shifting control of America from government back to the people starting with the courts. All these events have made this season pivotal.
A Prophetic Warning From Jefferson
America’s judicial system has long been its Achilles heel. This shift alone could be instrumental in saving America. Thomas Jefferson warned of the dangers of an out-of-control judicial branch 200 years ago!
“The Constitution is a mere thing of wax in the hands judiciary, which they may twist and shape into any form they please. It should be remembered, as an axiom of eternal truth in politics, that whatever power in any government is independent, is absolute also” (A letter to Judge Spencer Roane, 1819).
“You seem to consider the judges as ultimate arbiters of all constitutional questions, a very dangerous doctrine indeed, and one which would place us under the despotism of an oligarchy. … The Constitution has erected no such single tribunal, knowing that to whatever hands confided, with the corruptions of time and party, its members would become despots. It has more wisely made all the departments co-equal and co-sovereign within themselves” (A letter to Mr. Jarris, 2810).
Jefferson’s warnings proved to be prophetic. A despot is a tyrant or oppressor with absolute, unlimited power. This certainly describes what has happened in our judiciary. Many left-leaning judges in America are trying to rule over and change our nation with their usurping and unconstitutional decrees.
Mercifully, the turning of the judiciary has begun. Thank God for the tenacity of President Trump and the Republican led Senate in this regard. The curse is being reversed.
Awakening and Reformation
America also entered a “new era” of spiritual awakening and reformation in 2017-2018. When speaking of these two spiritual breakthroughs, I always make a distinction between them; it is possible to have one without the other. When the Great Commission of Mark 16:15-18 is being fulfilled with great momentum—salvations, deliverances, healings, Holy Spirit baptisms, etc., we consider this an awakening or revival, as this saves, transforms and restores individuals.
Can’t You Talk Louder, God?
On the other hand, when Matthew’s Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20) is accomplished, discipling nations according to the teachings of Christ—this is reformation which saves, transforms and restores regions and nations.
In the Charismatic Movement of the ’60s and ’70s, millions were saved, healed and baptized in the Holy Spirit (awakening). Yet there was no discipling of our society and nation (reformation). The result of this failure, ironically, was a gain in salvations but a loss in kingdom influence (the honoring of God and His ways declined in society). We actually regressed spiritually in every aspect of American life. It has always amazed me that a nation could experience one of the greatest outpourings of Holy Spirit in history, yet when all was said and done, we lost ground spiritually!
Thankfully, another great awakening has begun in America. And I have great hope that the coming season of revival will produce far different results. There are a growing number of Christians who believe the church is Christ’s kingdom government (Ekklesia) on Earth and, as such, has both the assignment and ability to disciple nations according to His commission in Matthew’s Gospel.
Influencing the 7 Mountains
This current emphasis by Holy Spirit on influencing the seven mountains of society (Family, Religion, Arts and Entertainment, Government, Business, Education and Media) is an example. This teaching, first taught in the ’70s by Bill Bright of Campus Crusade For Christ and Loren Cunningham of Youth With A Mission, did not gain any real momentum at the time. Believers simply did not have the faith or frankly, the theology necessary to embrace such a radical concept. Thankfully, this has changed and many now embrace the teaching.
The importance of this understanding cannot be exaggerated. It will fully restore America’s purpose and destiny, not only as an international voice of the gospel (Mark’s commission), but also as a discipling light to the nations (Matthew’s commission).
As 2019 continues, prepare yourself for an even greater surge of spiritual power and momentum. The best days of the church and of America are not in our past—they are in our future.
Be encouraged and prepare for victory! {eoa}
Dutch Sheets is an internationally recognized author, gifted teacher and conference speaker. He travels extensively, challenging Believers for passionate prayer and societal reformation. Seeing America experience a sweeping revival and return to its Godly heritage is Dutch’s greatest passion. He is a messenger of hope for America, encouraging Believers to contend for awakening. Dutch has written over 23 books, many of which have been translated into over 30 languages. His international bestseller, Intercessory Prayer, has sold over 1 million copies worldwide. Dutch has pastored, taught in several colleges and seminaries, and served on the board of directors of numerous organizations. He is fondly known to many as Papa Dutch. Treasuring time spent with their family and grandchildren. Dutch and Ceci, his wife of over 39 years, enjoy quiet walks in the woods, reading, and playing a little golf. They reside at the base of the beautiful Rocky Mountains.
This article originally appeared at elijahlist.com.
