As the U.S. national debt continues its climb past $14.5 trillion, Charismatic and evangelical Christian leaders are responding from various perspectives. Some take a prophetic look. Others take a pragmatic look. But all agree that something has to change.
International evangelist Perry Stone, known for his end-time prophetic ministry, addressed the economic collapse in his Aug. 8 “Prophecy Update.” In his update, he notes that the federal government couldn’t even begin to cover its debt—even if the richest of Americans were taxed 100 percent of their earnings.
“This is why it is important to understand that the Church of Jesus Christ—that is, all believers—are part of a Kingdom that does not operate on this world’s principles,” writes Stone. “Our kingdom is not of this world, although at this present time we are living in this world. We give our offerings, knowing it is up to God and not government to provide.”
Bishop T.D. Jakes, senior pastor at the Potter’s House in Dallas, took to Twitter to voice his perspective: “Can u believe that this political jockeying has lead according to the S&P has resulted in the USA loosing it’s credit standing????” Jakes later tweeted: “The whole system is out of control … esteeming party and power over country!”
As Stone sees it, Americans better get used to major changes and prepare accordingly. That, he said, is because the America we have known is changing.
“We were promised in the 2008 election that America would fundamentally change,” Stone says. “America is changing, although I am not convinced this is the fundamental change most people had in mind.”
Dave Ramsey, known for his biblical financial counsel and his recent push for “The Great Recovery,” compared the U.S. government to the average family household.
In a recent Facebook post Ramsey wrote, “If the US Government were a family & their household income was $55,000 per year, they’d actually be spending $96,500—$41,500 more than they made! That means they’re spending 175% of their annual income! So, in 2011 they’d add $41,500 of debt to their current credit card debt of $366,000!”
Ramsey’s mini math lesson resulted in more than 630 comments.
On his Twitter account, Pastor Andy Stanley of North Point Community Church in Georgia, quipped, “So, if I raise my own debt ceiling will it end my crisis?”
Stone ended his thoughts by suggesting that if the change isn’t working for you, there is a particular passage in Scripture, 1 Chronicles 7:14, that the nation and particularly the church must heed: “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
