NEW SET OF VALUES
INTRODUCTION
New set of values has embraced many a nation that once flourished under the instructive Word of God but due to advancement in the modern day setting of values has withdrawn from such influence.
There is a pathway that was foretold by the Prophet Isaiah: Woe to them that call evil good and good evil; that put darkness for light and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. Woe to them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight (Isaiah 5:20-21; which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him (Isaiah 5:23).
God did not let such having Isaiah pronounce judgment: As the fire devours the stubble, and the flames consume the chaff; so their root (growth) be as rottenness, and their blossom (ungodliness) shall go up as dust (be worthless); because they have cast away the law of the Lord, and despised the word of the Holy One (Isaiah 5:24). Why would God allow such to flourish again and not take action against it?
New Set of Values
Wise and Foolish Contrasted
A new set of values is not always a positive nature. Scripture reveals the contrast between the wise and the foolish: As the whirlwind passes, so is the wicked no more; but the righteous is an everlasting foundation (Proverbs 10:25). The fear of the Lord prolongs days; but the years of the wicked shall be shortened (10:27). The integrity of the upright shall guide them; but the perverseness (deceit) of transgressors shall destroy them (11:3).
The thoughts of the righteous are right; but the counsel of the wicked is deceit (12:5). The wicked shall be overthrown, and are no (no more); but the house of the righteous shall stand (12:7). He that walks in his unrighteousness fears (reverences) the Lord; but he that is perverse (wicked) in his ways despises him (14:2). There is a way which seems right to a man; but the end thereof is the way of death (14:12).
The new set of values being offered today could readily apply to the text “it may seem right to a man” yet may not be the best or righteous way. There is an embracement of new values being offered (even within the church) that may be appealing to the ear but not conducive to holy leaving.
Turning from the Truth
Apostle Paul mentioned a time that a new set of values would be ushered in. He instructed to Timothy, a young evangelist, to preach the word; be instant (ready) in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering, and doctrine (2 Timothy 4:2).
Paul noted why a new set of values would be consumed rather than the Unadulterated (Pure) Word of God: The time will come when they (the people) will not endure sound doctrine (preached and taught Word of God); but after their own lust (desires) shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and shall turn away their ears (hearing) from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables (that which is fictitious or false) (2 Timothy 4:3-4).
Paul encouraged Timothy, in such a time, to watch (be aware) in all things, endure afflictions (from preaching the Word), do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of your ministry (2 Timothy 4:5). A new set of values, through the progressive social gospel of today, does not alleviate one from the God-given responsibility of proclaiming the truth.
New Foundation Laid
We are witnessing a new set of values; new instructive ways that allow the ways of the ungodly to be manifested, and grow, by a progressive social gospel that does little to condemn the ungodliness of man. A new foundation is being laid with many rejoicing in its proclaimed merits rather than saddened at the advancement such. We have lost out, in many regards, towards a new generation (foundation) that is being rejoiced over rather than being identified for what it really is; a walking away from the Unadulterated (Pure) Word of God.
The Prophet Ezra gives a description of such a happening in regards to a new foundation being laid for a new temple with many rejoicing (those who had not seen the glory of the former temple); with only a few weeping due to its contrast in comparison to the former temple, that had been destroyed fifty years earlier (Ezra 3:10-13).
The Prophet Haggai asked: Who is left among you that saw this house (temple) in her first glory? How do you see it now? Is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing (Haggai 2:3)? It was noted that although the builders of the second temple prayed for the Shekinah glory to return; there is no record that it ever did.
Ungodly Influences
There is an influence rising from such names as Socialism and Marxism, cousins to Communism; Critical Race Theory (CRT), the Great Reset Plan, instituted by the World Economic Forum; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Transformation; to name but a few, that would upset the normality of life. Included in the spin-off of evil is a drive to maintain legalized abortion, homosexuality, same sex marriage, and transgenderism as a way of life.
Goals include: Discredit family as an institution; control of the schools to use as tools for promoting ungodly agenda; eliminate all laws governing obscenity by calling them violation of free speech and free press; break down cultural standards of morality by promoting pornography in books, magazines, motion pictures, and TV; gain control of key positions in government, radio, TV, and motion pictures; infiltrate the churches and replace revealed religion with social religion, and discredit the Bible.
Thank God for those who still stand for the truth; seeking to offset some of the advances already made in these areas; but they are far too few; with those who do not realized the significance of such an overthrow but are ignorantly embracing such activity. It was noted that the world suffers not because of the violence done by the wicked but because the righteous keep silence (Napoleon Bonaparte).
Cultural Drift
There are those who seek to instill poison (new set of values) into minds today; into those who are unlearned as to what is being presenting, which would captivate the mind rather than opposition towards its influence. The Prophet Amos revealed there will be a time that the fruit of righteousness will be turned into hemlock (Amos 6:12).
It is interesting to note that the word hemlock refers to a plant that poison is derived from. Poison infects or pollutes the body until injury, illness, or death results. It can be of a harmful influence such as will ruin, taint, inhibit, or embitter. We are witnessing this in the cultural drift through a progressive nature hiding its real intent of dominance and control.
Oftentimes the church unknowingly embraces worldly and secular ways rather than strict adherence to God’s Word. The tentacle of worldly allurement is far reaching, in a global setting, with many being deceived into believing “it is a better way” not realizing the implications of enslavement and freedom lost, when acceptance plays into the picture.
Moral Outrage
What once would have shocked Christians is now commonplace. It was noted that there is much that does not disturb the church like it once did. Many Christians have been lulled into believing that all is well. There may be small victories, a revival here, a church doing a good work there, but where is the moral outrage necessary to petition God for a new reformation or another great awakening?
Many of men of God who under God’s anointing were sounding the alarm, making the church aware of upcoming withdrawal of adhering to the Word of God, have now went on to receive their heavenly reward, with replacements, of a younger generation, seemingly not of the same caliber with a lost generation concept being ushered in. Thank God for those who are still ministering the truth, sounding the alarm, and have not given way to the new set of values being introduced and accepted.
Words of Condemnation
When a man of God stands for the truths of God’s Word, will not deviate away from that truth, or compromise, he often becomes as the Prophet Jeremiah. It was noted that it had to be difficult for Jeremiah always having to be the bearer of bad news, and always being rejected. Jeremiah was continually mocked by the people for bringing nothing but words of condemnation. Jeremiah's words enraged the people. He challenged their social and moral behavior. He held his ground and was not afraid to give them unpopular criticism.
Today there are those who are giving humanity's vilest nature what they want to hear, justification to do exactly as they please with no regard to a day of reckoning. It will take a mighty move of God to offset the new set of values being accepted as “a better way” by those who have folded in their former stand of adhering to guidance from on High, and have now allowed ungodly ways to be introduced and embraced.
A Victorious Church
The battle rages on. It was noted that the wicked continue to reject God’s sovereignty over the earth, the heathen continue to rage, and the powers of darkness are on the prowl. None of this is a threat to the rule of God. None of this is a threat to the flourishing of God’s people. God rules, the Son of God is our Mediator, and the Holy Spirit is our ever-present Helper. Salvation is to the believer in Christ. Victory is in Christ.
Jesus said, you are Peter (representative of the church), and upon this rock (foundation) I will build my church; and the gates of hell (any ungodly opposition) shall not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18). One is to be careful when new set of values are introduced that do not line up with God's Word; to stand upon God’s Word, and the Lord Jesus’ assurance. Scripture reveals: Whosoever shall all upon the Lord (Lord Jesus Christ) shall be saved (Romans 10:13). Jesus said: He that shall endure to the end, the same shall be saved (Matthew 24:13).
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