“Why do the nations rage? Why do the people waste their time with futile plans?
The kings of the earth prepare for battle; the rulers plot together against the Lord and against his anointed one.
‘Let us break their chains,’ they cry, ‘and free ourselves from this slavery.” Psalm 2:1-3
“The earth suffers for the sins of its people, for they have twisted the instructions of God, violated his laws and broken his everlasting covenant. Therefore, a curse consumes the earth and its people.” Isaiah 24:5
“First, I want to remind you that in the last days there will be scoffers who will laugh at the truth and do every evil thing they desire.” 2Peter 3:3
“Destruction is certain for those who say that evil is good and good is evil; that dark is light and light is dark; that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter. Destruction is certain for those who think they are wise and consider themselves to be clever; who take bribes to pervert justice. They let the wicked go free while punishing the innocent.” Isaiah 5: 20-21,23
These Scriptures and Prophecies were spoken thousands of years ago. Do they seem applicable to today’s world? While there may be a plethora of history books from which to choose, the Holy Bible has a corner on the market when it comes to the hundreds of prophecies contained therein. Many have been fulfilled; many will be fulfilled again.
Mike Bickle, author of “Growing in Prayer” – when speaking of a growing world crisis – makes this statement: “ The nations are increasing in lawlessness and moral confusion, and engaging in escalating conflicts, including those inspired by racism, terrorism, and sexual immorality. In addition we are facing the threat of devastating global economic crisis; the breakdown of marriage and the family; the rapid, wholesale acceptance of the “gay agenda”; and a full-blown assault on Christian values and teaching. The prevailing sentiment worldwide is one of growing fear, unbelief, and mistrust, as the earth shudders under the weight of man’s escalating sin.”
Now let’s look now at our own culture and see how we measure-up when it comes to the application of the opening Scriptural truths.
The Bible is an awesome collection of history, all of which is substantiated by secular writings, and with even a cursory glance, the cause of the rise and fall of empires is clear and always remains the same. Secular writings explain the process in “natural terms” (greed – the desire for wealth, power and control) and the Bible presents the process in “spiritual terms” (turning from God and exalting the desires and teaching of man). That exact process is at the heart of world events today, and at the heart of our own cultural malaise. It is wrapped in what I will refer to as The Liberal Progressive Agenda (LPA).
The LPA is an agenda wrapped in wealth, power and control. “It” seems to be under the umbrella of a huge, bureaucratic government that believes the more “it” can make the populace dependent on government, the more “it” can control the populace. “It” presents its case by assuring us, “this will make things better”, ie. Obamacare or Common Core”; “It” believes in the distribution of wealth, ie. those who have earned wealth and status should be mandated to share it with those who have not; “it” believes in high taxation to keep the “gravy train” coming in; “it” believes in chip, chip, chipping away at traditional values on which this country was founded, ie. the Constitution, traditional family values, religious freedom; “it” professes freedom of speech, yet vilifies anyone who expresses a different opinion, hence…political correctness; “it” professes a disdain for “Wall Street”, yet allows those who furthers the LPA to become billionaires at taxpayer expense, ie. the “green energy industry”, the “abortion industry”; “it” keeps people divided rather than unified, ie. today’s racial tension, fanned by such radical groups as “Black Lives Matter; and last, but not least on my list… “it” never lets a crisis go by without making political gain. (This list is by no means complete, but it serves my purpose for this article.)
This agenda is propagated by an intelligentsia that believes the more gray area it can create around traditional values (traditional family unit, religious freedom, tolerance, etc.) the more it has wiggle-room to redefine and advance its agenda. If this effort is supported by collaborating forces such as government, the press, and wealthy backers, they can keep this “new way of thinking” in the spotlight, and the effect is a numbed-down and dumbed-down society. Therefore, what used to be valued and thought of as “right” slowly slips away and a new norm takes its place. That is exactly what happens when the teachings of man are exalted over the teachings of Jesus.
So do the above prophecies and Scriptures describe what is happening today? No doubt there is persecution of Christians and Christian teaching throughout the world. No doubt our culture has twisted and violated the teachings of God. No doubt there are scoffers, and no doubt there is an attempt to redefine “right” and “wrong”. The Bible is clear about what happens when people and nations continue to turn away from God. There is calamity and destruction. But if we repent and turn back to him, he is faithful to hear our cries. “Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land.” (2Chronicles, 7:14) Christ-followers…if there were ever a time for fervent prayer for our country, the time is NOW!
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May God Bless Ya…
Dan Presgrave (a.k.a. Pastor Dan)
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