As I am reading/studying in the Old Testament, I am finishing up the Book of 2 Kings. I marvel at the history of the Israelites as they go from one wicked king to another; and despite the many warnings and punishments from God, the nation as a whole did not repent from their wicked and evil ways. Their hearts were hardened against the commandments and laws of God. This was the ancient past, but I can't help but compare their history to our current present state of affairs. The United States has been one the most blessed nations in the world. "One Nation Under God" has been our motto since our nation's inception, but when you look at the country today, this is no longer a nation "under God". This nation has committed the exact same sins that the Hebrews committed so many years ago for which God utterly destroyed them.
How does the U.S. compare to the Israelites? There are three main areas in which the U.S. is guilty and I believe that the United States does not have not much time before God's mercy ends and His righteous judgement begins.
Number 1: "And also because of the innocent blood that he shed; for he had filled Jerusalem with innocent blood, with the Lord would not pardon." 2 Kings 24:4
According to the Guttmatcher Institute since the legalization of abortions in 1973:
Number 2: "And there were also homosexuals and prostitutes in the land. They did according to all the abominations of the nations which the Lord had cast out before the children of Israel." 1 Kings 14:24
No other area like sexual sin is the word of God so twisted to support any wicked and detestable lifestyle. Sex sells is a common advertising slogan. Pornography both child and adult is a billion dollar industry. Homosexual 'priests' & 'pastors', child molesters, pedophiles, homosexuals, bisexual, lesbians, individuals using social media technology for hooking up for quickie one night stands; it seems almost daily there is a news report of some teacher being arrested for inappropriate sexual conduct with a minor. The Bible is crystal clear on what God thinks about any kind of sex outside a adult male and female relationship. ALL other forms of sex are an abomination.
Number 3: "Then He said to me, "Go in, and see the wicked abominations they are doing there. So I went in and saw, and there-every sort of creeping thing, abominable beasts, and all the idols of the house of Israel, portrayed around the walls...Then He said to me, "Son of man, have you seen what the elders of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the room of his idols? For they say, "The Lord does not see us, the Lord has forsaken the land ." Ezekiel 8:9-12
The number one idols today are not an asherah poles or carven/graven images of animals/creatures, no the most common idol today is man. An article in the New Age publication Science of Mind states, “The significance of incarnation and resurrection is not that Jesus was a human like us but rather that we are gods like him—or at least have the potential to be." No where is this more apparent than in the entertainment business. To see fans at concerts and games, they cry and scream and literally bow down to their favorite artist, the adoration and devotion they show towards the famous is evident in how they follow their favorite team/celebrity relentlessly, giving their time, treasures, and talent to the service of either themselves or to another human being. "American Idol" is not just a t.v. show.
There is going to be a Day of Judgment, and God will judge everyone who has ever lived, His wrath is going to poured out on all the wicked and ungodly. The eyes of the unrepentant wicked need to be opened and the ears unplugged so they can see and hear the truth. The Good News is Salvation is a free gift from God, anyone who will believes will know and have a real relationship with the true God. You can't work for it or buy because the price has already been paid with the Blood of Jesus Christ and Believing in Jesus gets us into the Kingdom of God and saves us from the righteous wrath of God. But that is not all, He gives us a new heart and mind NOW, and we receive some of His blessing from heaven NOW and are equipped to be able to live a life that is holy and acceptable to Him NOW.
1. Believe in your heart that Jesus Christ is real, He lived and died and rose from the grave.
2. Believe that you are a sinner, repent-turn from your sins and realize and accept you need Jesus.
3. Confess that Jesus is your Lord and God
4. Find a local Bible preaching church that does obey the commandment for water baptism for the remission of your sins and to identify yourself with Christ.
This is just the first step to a lifelong journey of growing in truth and love with the God who created this earth and everything in it, including every human being that has ever lived.
Bible verses related to this post: 2 Kings 24:4; 1 Kings 14:24; Hebrews 13:4; Leviticus 20:13; Ezekiel 9:9; Ezekiel 8:7-12
References: http://www.christianliferesources.com/article/u-s-abortion-statistics-by-year-1973-current-1042; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Same-sex_marriage_in_the_United_States
http://www.allaboutworldview.org/new-age-theology.htm
http://www.allaboutworldview.org/new-age-theology.htm
