8 FEBRUARY 1, 2018 THE BANNER EVANGELIST MELVIN SISSON P.O.BOX 3145 WEST SOMERSET, KY 42564-3145 Phone (606)679-2512 ‘’CAN PRAYER SAVE AMERICA?’’ In the days of the Civil War, a friend of Abraham Lincoln was a visitor at the White House. “I had been spending three weeks with Mr. Lincoln as his guest. One night - it was just after the Battle of Bull Run - I was restless and could not sleep ...from the private room where the president slept, I heard low tones, for the door was partly open. Instinctively I wandered in, and there I saw a sight which I have never forgotten. It was the president, kneeling before an open Bible...his back was toward me. I shall never forget his prayer: ‘Oh, thou God, that heard Solomon in the night when he prayed and cried for wisdom, hear me. I cannot lead these people, I cannot guide the affairs of this nation without Thy help...O God, hear me, and save this nation.’ ” George Washington, our first president, who prayed in the snow at Valley Forge said “The event is in the hands of God.” When the tide of battle was unfavorable, Washington said, “How will it end? God will direct.” When the leaders of our country assembled to write the constitution, it was proposed by Benjamin Franklin that each session be opened with prayer. Franklin said “I have lived a long time, and the longer I live the more convincing proof I see of this truth - that God governs the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it possible that an empire can rise without His aid?” Our nation today is great because it was founded by men who feared God and men who believed in prayer. But in our generation, prayer has been replaced by political intrigue, materialism and a mistaken notion that our private and national affairs can be run without God. Today our American way of life is threatened from within and from all sides. The dangers facing our country and the entire world are so great that they cannot be taken lightly. Here and there throughout America, voices are heard as individuals and groups begin to call on God in prayer. Evangelists and pastors voices are heard as we call the nation and individuals to repentance, to faith in Christ and to prayer. But this whole nation must be moved to prayer. So great are the dangers, so grave the perils,- so tremendous the political problems, so important the election issues, that it is imperative that we lay hold upon the Lord God in prayer for His will. Yes, prayer can save America! But we cannot really lay hold upon a holy God until we have come to know Him as our Father. So that we might know Him, the loving Father sent His Son to be the Saviour: “For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life... As many as received him to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His Name.” John 3:16;1:12 Yes, prayer can save America! There is only one way out, and that is up! If we do not turn to God, we will be enveloped by godless Communism. It is either revival or ruin! It is now or never! The answer will not be found in the U.N. or NATO. The answer will be found only when we are spiritually awakened and call upon the Lord our God. Spiritual values must be restored. We must return to the faith of our fathers, to the God of our mothers - and to the family altar with its prayer. Let’s each one lay hold of this tremendous promise given by God: ”If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. II Chronicles 7:14 In times of danger nothing is more common and nothing more dangerous to the Republic than for men to Dress Fabrics Baby Knits Denim Specialty Fabric We do Alterations Shirtings Quilting Accessories Notions Baby Items Mon., Tue., Wed., Fri., Sat. Open 8:30 - 4:30 Closed on Thursday & Sunday 859 Slate Branch Rd. 606-355-2146 Yoder's General Store 87 KY Hwy 3246 (Fall Lick Rd) Crab Orchard KY, 40419 (606)-355-2674 ~Specializing in Discount Grocery~ Now Carrying Candy, Bulk Food, and Spices! •Cheese •Jams •Lunch Meat •And Much More Open 9-5 Closed Thursday and Sunday avoid condemning the criminals who are really public enemies by making their assault on the shortcomings of the good citizens who have been the victims or opponents of the criminals. -Theodore Roosevelt PASSING PATRIOTISM “Patrick Henry shouted, “Give me liberty or give me death.” The next generation shouted “Give me liberty.” The present generation shouts, “Give me!” That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. I Cor. 2:5 Fabrics & More Gloves Hosiery Hats Herbal Health Care
THE BANNER FEBRUARY 1, 2018 9