THE GROWING TREND
TODAY
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INTRODUCTION
The growing trend today is to walk away from previous traits of the past with little recognition given towards their continued value. We are witnessing an ongoing battle between evil and good as prophesied by the Prophet Isaiah, in saying: Woe to them that call evil good and good; 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).
Isaiah, in speaking the words of the Lord, proclaimed judgment, in saying: As the fire devours the stubble, and the flame consumes the chaff (that which remains), so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust; because they have cast away the word of the Lord (Isaiah 5:24). The growing trend today, interlocked in a similar manner, unless reckoned with, could lead to judgment as well.
The Growing Trend Today
Walking Away from God's Word
The growing trend today is walking away from the Unadulterated (Pure) Word of God; allowing the intermixing of the world to usher in a progressive social gospel that does little to identify with the Word of God; if so, only enough to gain acceptance of lifestyles being promoted.
Apostle Paul had to deal with a similar problem in the early church, in writing: I marvel that you are so soon removed (turning away) from him that called you into the grace of Christ to another gospel; which is not another, but there be some that trouble you, and would (want to) pervert the gospel of Christ (Galatians 1:6-7). He did not allow such to continue but rather condemned it, in writing: If any man preach any other gospel to you, than that you have received, let him be accursed (Galatians 1:9).
Struggle for Freedom
The growing tend today is to devour and control other lands in an effort towards global domination. There is a power struggle in swallowing up lesser forces of opposition that would threaten freedom enjoyed. A biblical example was in the days of King Saul when the Philistines sought to conquer and enslave the people of Israel. The force to control was placed on the giant Goliath winning in battle over Israel’s man of the hour.
The unlikely candidate was David, a mere shepherd boy. No one else, in all Israel, would volunteer to stand in the gap for the land, except David. The king questioned as to David, a young youth, ability to do so. David responded with: Your servant slew both the lion and the bear (while protecting sheep he was watching over); and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God (1 Samuel 17:36).
David, through the help of the Lord, was victorious over the giant and slew him thus saving Israel from coming into bondage under the Philistines (1 Samuel 17:49). The struggle to maintain the freedom was won through God’s providence and caring for His people; the same can happen to any nation who will put their trust in the Lord.
Political Disarray
The growing trend today is political disarray within many nations; with unity having dissipated, rather than being strengthened. Jesus said: If a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand (Mark 3:24-25). There is a growing trend towards power and control that does little to reveal unity but rather division.
The Psalmist David wrote of the joy of unity, in saying: Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity (Psalm 133:1). Apostle Paul warned against unity not prevailing, in writing: If you bite and devour one another, take heed that you are not consumed one of another (Galatians 5:15). Political disarray accomplishes nothing but chaos and possible loss of a desired goal; unity enhances and strengthens.
Answer to Political Disarray
On June 18, 1787, the Constitutional Convention was deadlocked and in bitter controversy. Benjamin Franklin rose and made the following plea to the delegates: I have lived a long time and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall on the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire cannot rise without His aid?
We have been assured in the Sacred Writings that “except the Lord build the House, they labor in vain that build it.” I firmly believe this; I therefore beg leave to move that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessing in our deliberations, be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed in business. When such is done in sincerity it will break any yoke or bondage that would attempt to alleviate unity and gain.
Are we witnessing this today; with the growing trend today to forsake the wisdom of the past, too enhance one’s own political gain or ambition, rather than for the good for the country?
Upset Normality of Life
The growing trend today is towards acceptance of 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); to name but a few, that would upset the normative 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; break down cultural standards of morality by promoting pornography in books, magazines, motion pictures, and TV; infiltrate the press, gain control of key positions in government, radio, TV, and motion pictures. Thank God for opposition that is ongoing to prevent continuation or growth of such activity.
Capture Mind of the
Youth
The growing trend today is to capture the mind of our youth. One person declared: Give me four years to teach the children and the seed I have sown will never be uprooted (Vladimir R Lenin, Founder of the Soviet Union). We are seeing steps taken to exploit the youth, starting at a very tender age, which are being targeted towards indoctrination. We have seen this in countries that are implanting their ideology into the minds of the youth; even hated towards those of a certain sect.
We are witnessing such activity that at one time would not have allowed such to infiltrate the land; but are allowing promotion due to a cultural change engulfing the inhabitants. We are witnessing a minority paving the way for the majority. There is a progressive cultural change that is attempting to uproot previously established ways, beginning with the youth as the main target.
Voices of the Past
The growing trend today is walking away from voices of the past that gave warning of what would happen if certain events unfold. Some of those voices: Every thinking man realizes that the teachings of the Bible are interwoven with our whole civic and social life that it would be literally impossible for us to figure what life would be if those teachings were removed. We would lose almost all the standards by which we now judge both public and private morals; all the standards towards which we strive to raise ourselves (Theodore Roosevelt).
If the citizens neglect their duty and place unprincipled men in office, the government will soon be corrupted; laws will be made, not for the public good so much as for selfish or local purposes; corrupt or incompetent men will be appointed to execute the Laws; the public revenues will be squandered on unworthy men; and the rights of the citizen will be violated or disregarded (Noah Webster). This is only a couple of such warnings, of which there are many, unless buried by those who do not wish the truth exposed.
Let Freedom Reign
The growing trend today is fighting for existence, freedoms that are cherished, with people willing to fight and die to maintain them. When one loses those freedoms, it makes them realize how valuable they are. Freedom is valuable, needs to be appreciated and nourished, not allowed to be undone by some.
If the fires of freedom and civil liberties burn low in other lands, they must be made brighter in our own (Franklin D. Roosevelt). We are witnessing the growing trend today to take away basic freedoms that have existed for centuries. Let us return to the repairer of the breach (that which was lost), the repairer of paths to dwell in (righteousness), whom the Prophet Isaiah spoke of (Isaiah 58:12).
Inner Peace
The growing trend today is rejection of the true source of peace and comfort. Jesus said: Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you, not as the world give, give I to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid (John 14:27).
There are many today that have never tasted of such peace, of an inner contentment, offered through Christ. Jesus invitation is extended to all, who said: Come to me, all you that labor and are heaven laden, and I will give you rest (peace); take my yoke upon you and learn of (from) me; for I am meek and lowly (gentle and humble) in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls (Matthew 11:28-29).
Invitation
Scripture reveals: If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14). While this promise was originally given to King Solomon, regarding the people of Israel, it is applicable to all who will call on the Lord in repentance and faith.
Jesus in speaking to the Laodicean church extended an invitation: I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup (dine) with him, and he with me (Revelation 3:20). This invitation that can extend to the unsaved as well; opening the door of salvation to the repentant in heart.
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