I had a great-grandmother who emigrated to America from Germany at the age of 16. I lived with her and my grandparents one summer after my Dad was drafted into the army near the end of World War II. I have fond memories of her reading me Bible stories, and hearing her German coloquial sayings, such as, "allisis fercherten en der velt." (spelling uncertain)which meant,"everything is upside-down in the world." Truly it must have pained her that her Fatherland and her adopted country were locked in mortal combat, especially since she had known her country to be a "Christian" country, much as we liked to categorize the USA.
If Nana were living today, I don't know what her german words would be for the changes that have taken place in the world in terms of the devaluation of life, sexual "liberation",sexual perversions and all of the efforts of educators and governments to
dignify, legalize and protect them, contrary to nature and the laws of God. Just reading the new website of the Presidant of the United States as to the intentions of this administration makes my hair stand on end.
We now seem to be entering an era not unlike the one first century Christians experienced- except for our harnessing of cyberspace to enable us to learn everything about everything, good and bad. The question posed by Christian philosopher/theologian Francis Schaeffer,"How shall we then live?" is more appropriate than ever.
Those of us who love God, having experienced the Grace of redemption
have no less resources to "shine as lights" in such a world as the early Christians had. (Philippians 2:15) Indeed, the Apostle Paul was writing about this from a Roman Prison,where clues in his writings indicate that he effectively evangelized his rotation of guards. Take note of Philippians 4:22 where he passes on the greetings of the "saints"-"chiefly they that are of Ceasar's household."
Some of us recall the era of the 70's and early 80's when we thought that Bible believers had the "Moral Majority." I don't think Jerry Falwell thought we were about to bring on the Millenium,
but hopes seemed high that the nation's moral slide could be significantly slowed. If indeed it did, the downward slide has since picked up a lot of momentum, now greatly aided by governance that rules out the supremacy of God's Law.
The sixth chapter of Ephesians, also written by Paul from prison, gives us much food for thought as we contemplate the spiritual warfare which is heating up all around us, especially verses 11-18.
He had already spoken to the Philippian saints in the first chapter about the cost of his discipleship, and that unto them "it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake." Christians in many parts of the world are already living out this mandate,BIG TIME. Christ may come at any moment to snatch us out of this evil world. But our seeming immunity to the tribulations of our brethren may be lifted for a time before we experience the Rapture. What do you think? I'd really like to know your views.
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Hi, Ken. I thought I posted this, but apparently did not. Anyhow, you know my opinion of our current President differs from your own. I believe he is no worse than any other fallen human in a position of such immense power. Sure, as Christians we agree his position on abortion is unconscionalbe, but I happen to like his concern for the poor and dispossessed, which his predecessor lacked.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I agree the moral fiber of American society has been crumbling for many years. My own grandmother used to complain about it 50+ years ago. It's most likely going to get worse, but isn't that exactly what the Bible predicts - that lawlessness will increase continuously, despite the restraining influence of the Church? It seems as if it should not come as a surprise to us, nor should we attribute it to one political position or another. It is not liberal Democrats any more than it is conservative Republicans who are making a mess of things. The messes are just different, that's all.
I do have one suggesting for your blog. When you talk about another web site, like President Obama's, put the URL is your blog so those of us who read your blog can follow the link to see what you saw.
Good luck. I hope you become famous in the blogsphere!