Steve:
> It's like my soul weeps for the 
>moral condition of our nation. I don't know about anyone else on this 
>list, but I was one of the 2 million, or so, who last year went to D.C. 
>for Promise Keeper's Sacred Assembly. I have a feeling that what we are 
>going through is somehow related. But we must continue on in our zealous 
>praying and standing in the gap for this country. Otherwise, all of that 
>was just a good showing, but no real substance or application. 
>
I just attended a seminar/preaching by Peter Marshall Jr. He has had a 
real burden for this nation for over 20 years. He has co-authored 3 
books covering the period of time that is pre-colonial to just before
the Civil War. It is his contention that God brought this nation into
existence to be an example to the other nations. He has been the primary
researcher and his co-author primarily the writer. Evidence has been
collected from writings and speeches that people such as Columbus, the
Pilgrims, the Puritans, and most of the writers of the Constitution were
motivated by God for His pursuits, plans, and purposes.
Marshall places much emphasis on 2 Chronicles 7:14. Three things are 
needed:
1. Individual repentance of people of the church. This involves more
intimate relationship with God. Until individuals are willing to admit
that they are wrong there will be little repentance. It's the other
guy mentality - him/her not me.
2. Restoration of fellowship within the church.  He refers to Acts 2:41-47
as things that the body of Christ needs to do with one another. The
more intimate relationship in the church will then be an attraction to
the community at large. He doesn't see evangelism as part of the program
of the early church in Jerusalem. He also cites James 5:15-16 as practices
that need to be restored.
3. Until the church is restored what are you going to invite people to
come to?  Restoration/revival in the church is somewhat of a pre-condition
for impacting society as a whole.

Frank