IT’S JUST NORMAL

Mark 6:45
And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.

When the Lord instructed the disciples to get into the ship he gave them a simple word or a command. What was the word? “Let us go to the other side”.

Throughout the day, he taught and impressed upon his disciples the importance of his word and how it would impact their lives. That very evening, he was to test them to see what, if anything, they had learned. The test was not to be a simple test, but one which would take them to the very end of themselves. He told them to cast off and then proceeded to lie down and go to sleep. Everything was pleasant when they began their journey, but in short order everything went sour. A severe storm arose upon the lake and everything turned chaotic. Great fear gripped the hearts of every single disciple. They thought they were surely doomed because of the severity of the storm; totally disregarding the fact that it was Jesus himself in the boat with them. Obviously, they hadn’t learned a thing.

Finally, out of desperation, they rushed to Jesus and woke him from his sleep. They probably wondered to themselves, “How can he possibly be sleeping at such a desperate time as this”. You might even say from their communication, that they were more than a bit perturbed that Jesus was still fast asleep during this event. Master do something, don’t you care that we perish?

Please note…
This is exactly the same response that many of God’s children have in the middle of their crisis.

1) God don’t you care?

2) Help us!

3) Do something!

Many become offended or even upset with God. As a result, some become embittered with their faith.

Know this…
When you become rooted and grounded in the word of God and understand his great love for you, you’ll never utter these kinds of accusations or challenges to God.

People who make such proclamations are not rooted and grounded in their faith. They don’t know the God they profess to know; nor are they steadfast or grounded in his word, which brings forth all life and godliness.

Illustration…
How silly it would be for a tree not to know that when it is truly grounded in soil, that it is from this source that it draws all substance for life; to thrive and grow. It exists because of the soil.
Personal reflection…
When I became aware of these very issues in my life, I made a conscience decision to trust God only, in all circumstances of my life. That was over 12 years ago. I have never regretted my decision or looked back.

Ps 119:163-164

I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.
Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.
vs 165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.

Other great scriptures…
2 Tim 2:10-13
Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:
If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

Rom 3:3
For what if some did not believe? Shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?

The majority of us have a debilitating problem. We interpret the word of God by our fleshly experiences instead of through God’s precious word.

That’s precisely what the disciples did. The storm, or calamity they were in, was interpreted by what was taking place in their lives at that very moment, not by the truths Christ had been trying to teach them throughout the day.

In the midst of the great storm, the disciples were overwhelmed with panic. They saw the danger, because the tempest was severe; in fact it appeared to them as a hopeless situation. They didn’t see the “author and finisher of their faith”, who was resting peacefully in the same boat.

To them, his sleeping peacefully represented a person who was seemingly unconcerned about the welfare of his friends. In desperation, they cried out to him saying, “don’t you care that we perish”.

Example…
A wonderful example of looking beyond the terrible situation brewing around her, we see how the widow woman of Zarepath reacted, when the “word” was given by the Prophet Elijah. In the very midst of her storm, and in desperation, she received the word as a promise. It became life to her in a bad situation. The promise sustained her, her child and Elijah for the duration of the great famine.

This is the true testimony of a word spoken. She received it with gladness, but the Disciples of Christ did not – they panicked. Their test resulted in failure.

Do you want a reality check?
Anytime there is anxiety, panic, fear, worry, or stress in your life, you’ve not received or embraced the word the Lord has given you.

John 14:1
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

In the context of this scripture, Christ is giving the Disciples another “word”. This word was given them the night before Jesus was to be crucified. They didn’t do well with this word either.

The disciples were about to witness some terrible things, culminating with the very death of Christ at Calvary.

1) The disciples would witness him horribly beaten and scourged.
2) They would see the crown of thorns being placed upon his head.
3) They would see brutalized and nailed to a cross.
4) They would see their Lord as the spear was thrust into his side.
5) They would see his life ebb away as he died before their very eyes.

Just think about it for a moment. Everything they had believed and witnessed over the last three years was going to be tested, and tried, in ways they never imagined. They were under extreme stress and fear, and yet he had given them a “word”.

The word…
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

Three days later - Resurrection Day…
Mary Magdalene sees the Lord of Glory and tells the disciples the things the Christ had spoken to her, but they doubted.

John 20:18-19
Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.
Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
When the doors were shut and the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, Jesus appears to them in their midst, giving them yet another word - Peace be unto you.

Just imagine with me what their minds must have been thinking – “You greet us with peace, but don’t you know what’s going on outside these doors? . We’re afraid for our lives”

It’s difficult to understand how the early church ever got off the ground with people like these. They couldn’t seem to get anything right.

Now, let’s return to the ship…
The disciple’s wake up Jesus because of their fear, but Christ does something quite amazing. He rebukes the very thing that brought fear and confusion to his disciples, concerning the word that he had given – the storm.

Then he questions them…
Mark 4:40
And he said unto them, why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?

This is what always takes place when the word has been given you, but you refuse to receive it.

Instances where we can see…
1) It took place in the ship, when Christ was asleep.
2) It took place in the room where they were gathered after Christ’s death, with the doors shut because of fear for the Jews.
3) It took place when Peter denied the Lord three times.
4) It took place in the midst of the ship when they did not consider the miracle of the loaves.
5) It took place when the remaining 11 disciples stayed in the ship instead of walking on the water with Peter.

In this last instance, only one responded when he received the word from Christ – come. Only Peter would walk on the water with Christ, while all the others remained fearful and exhibited no faith. These disciples were with the word – Jesus, yet they didn’t receive his word, which would have calmed every storm and doubt. Though they were in the presence of the Creator of all things, they couldn’t believe the very sea he had created had no power over him.

John 16:33
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. [insert: I have triumphed over everything that would rise up to destroy you]

So why do we fall apart when the doctor gives us a negative word? Why do we fall apart when everything seems to be going in a bad direction for us?

Most of God’s people feel that it’s normal to have those feelings.

Then consider these things.
1) It might be normal if God didn’t live inside of each of us in the new man he created in when we were born again.
2) It might be normal if God would have never said to those belonging to him that by his stripes we are healed.
3) It might be normal if he wasn’t our hope.
4) It might be normal if he didn’t say, “let not your heart be troubled”.
5) It might be normal if he wasn’t our buckler and shield.
6) It might even be normal if the word of God wouldn’t have said, “trust in the Lord and to lean not upon our own understanding”.

But, he did say those things friends, and he does live within each of us. As he was in the boat with the disciples, so he is now within each of us, strengthening us with his “words”. Fear not; only believe.

Things which aren’t normal for the child of God…
1) It’s not normal to be a child of God and be in panic.
2) It’s not normal to be a child of God to fear anything.
3) It’s not normal for a child of the King to be filled with anxiety and worry, when we’re to sit in heavenly places with Christ, with everything under our feet.
4) It’s not normal for the child of God to murmur and complain in the midst of such great riches.
5) It’s not normal to have been given the very word of God, with every promise, according to his covenant, then live as though he has never done anything for us.

With all the promises of God in our lives, through Christ, everything that would exalt itself above the knowledge of God should cease to exist in our lives.

We should not live as the heathen or ungodly live, full of doubts, fears, anxieties, and without hope. We should be as Christ, above only, in all things. It isn’t time for the church to be waking up Jesus, crying out for him to do something, when he has already done all things. It’s time for the church to wake up and to finally realize that Jesus has already made every provision, for everything that you will ever need.

2 Pet 1:3
According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

Conclusion…
We saw for ourselves that the disciples didn’t do very well with the “words” that Jesus gave them, but thankfully they would learn and finally get their spiritual acts together, and we can too.

Fear not; only believe!

THE CONFLICT WITH BEING SALT AND LIGHT

According to the word of God, you and I, the children of God, are responsible for salting the earth and bringing forth the light of the gospel.

Matt 5:13-17
Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Matt 5:11-13
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

In my previous blog “GOOD FOR NOTHING”, I said that being salt and light is God’s only plan for humanity. There is no plan B or C. We’re it!
Therefore, it’s our responsibility and distinct honor I might add to serve him in this manner; reaching out and making a difference in the lives of people.

Every one of us, from the pastor on down, needs to understand God’s chosen method, or plan for changing this world. As salt and light, we start salting and giving light to this world the moment we’re saved. The quicker we come into truth and revelation, the more valuable we are to the peoples of the earth, and the Kingdom of God at large. In order to give the right message, we must know the right message, as it is revealed to us by his Holy Spirit. Learning to rightly divide the word of God makes us effective. So, our message must be clear, correct, and concise.

Most people don’t realize the conflicts involved with being salt and light in a world like ours, especially at this time in history.


1 John 2:18-23
Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.

Inserted… Do you understand what the word of God is saying here? Over two thousand years ago, the Apostle John wrote this passage of scripture. If it was impressed upon him by God concerning the terrible condition of the world during his lifetime, then it shouldn’t take a Christian long to figure out that our situation is far more precarious today.

Scripture cont’d…
19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.
22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.

Who’s the liar spoken of in verse 22? It’s anyone that denies Jesus is the Christ. Our world is full of such people / antichrists.

1 John 2:23
Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.

Please turn to…
John 5:22
For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.

These are powerful scriptures, and they convey a powerful message.

This passage of scripture tells us something that is crucial to our faith, but rejected by so many religions. It emphatically states that Jesus Christ is equal to the Father; equal in honor, tribute, respect, and distinction. Why is that important to us? The most important thing is that it affirms our faith in God according to scripture. It also confirms our relationship with Christ as both Savior and Lord; the only true and legitimate source for redemption, relationship, and intimacy with God.

In other words we’re to honor Christ, the true son of God; in the same fashion we honor the Father / God – equal terms. If we disavow Christ, we must disavow God, because you cannot separate the two. Such people are liars. We have multitudes of people claiming to be Christians today who simply are not what they profess. As a result, they have this demonic spirit of antichrist.

Please let me clarify something…
I do not hate these people, nor do I have any issues with any of them, apart from what is stated in the word of God. I only desire to be salt and light to them; to bring forth the same truths I learned, so they too might be made free. I love them, because he loved me first. Our love for them should be the same love Christ had for all of humanity when he came to the earth - Rom 5:8 KJV But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Love brings freedom.

Examples…
There is a religious group called Jehovah’s Witness, who enthusiastically minister door to door, proclaiming to be the mouthpiece of God, heralding truth. Their doctrine proclaims that Jesus Christ is none other than Michael the archangel incarnate, exalted, and manifested in the flesh. They do not believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God, thoroughly rejecting his deity.

Though I have no personal malice against these people, I cannot sit idly by while they promote their false gospel. Scripture says that you and I are the salt and light that’s needed to combat the errors of antichrist. Their doctrine is the spirit of antichrist, and they do not know the truth.

Let me make myself abundantly clear. The deity of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is an absolute, and it’s non negotiable. There’s no compromise concerning that absolute. Either you believe it entirely, or you have the spirit of antichrist.

The religion of the Mormons states that Jesus Christ came from another planet. Because he lived so holy, he was exalted to the place of godhood. They claim that all of us can live holy and then be exalted to the place of godhood ourselves and thus bring life to other planets.

Catholicism gives credence and status to the worship of human “Saints” and further proclaims that Mary is in fact the mother of God, equal with Jesus.

These are only three religions, representative of countless others. Their errors are obvious, and the word of God says that they are the spirit of Antichrist.

Let me say it one more time. The deity of Christ is non negotiable. He and he alone is equal with God.

We have religions, churches, and organizations across the globe that desires all people to be brought together in the spirit of love and unity. It’s been tried countless times, but I assure you, it will never ever happen.

1 John 2:19
They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

More scriptural proof…
1 John 4:2
Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

2 John 7
For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

Being salt and light is not very popular in the world you and I find ourselves in. I struggle with how to bring this revelation to you, so that you will have proper understanding.
The conflicts facing our world today are not about liberal or conservative views, or political persuasions. The conflict is far deeper. It’s about the spirit of Christ, which is the gospel; the power of God unto salvation and the spirit of antichrist which is against that gospel.

There is a current political party here in the United States which is antichrist.
It is both anti-gospel and anti-Christian. Yet their members have no problem offering up prayers, or even evoking the name of God for convenience sake.
Such people are clearly antichrist as defined by scripture. Their thinking is antichrist; their actions are antichrist, and their agenda is antichrist.

These people are certainly not anti-religion. In fact they embrace religion. Their religion serves only one purpose, which is the cause that suits the enemy of God – Satan himself. They are antichrist.

It takes salt and light to destroy the lie.

Though truth telling can be hazardous, be salt and light anyway.

GOOD FOR NOTHING

Today I am troubled and angry. The Heart Thoughts you typically receive from me are not what you’ll find in today’s blog. I typically like bringing you blogs that teach hope, peace, joy, and other spiritual attributes, but the things I’ve witnessed recently have made me very angry. Perhaps no less so than what Christ must have felt on the Temple grounds, which caused him such great anger and response. Righteous anger over the destruction of the church of God is quite acceptable and biblically called for when so much is at stake. When Christianity is negatively impacted, we have a duty and responsibility to take a stand against such matters and even the people perpetrating or further enabling that destruction.

The condition of the Christian church suffers enough by the man external influences today, without adding to that destruction by high profile, or “celebrity” pastors, who gladly participate in media events that seek to bring down or destroy Christianity.

Many of God’s children are mesmerized by these mega sized churches with their superstar preachers, though they deliver more fantasies and candy from their pulpits than the truths of God. The result is an exponential deterioration of a once sacred institution. These pastors bring spiritual death and damnation to the members of their own congregations and to countless other ministries with their personal and public proclamations on secular television.

The word of God, (below) proclaims that we (the church of the Living God) are the salt and light of the earth. As born again, spirit filled children of God, we have an obligation to reveal the truths of God and his gospel to a lost and dying world.

As the light of the world, we’re to be a city set on a hill which cannot be hid. As men and women of faith, we do not light a candle (our message) and place it beneath a basket to hide it from view. Rather, we display it so the whole world might know who we are and what we believe. Sadly, such is not the case today.

Matt 5:13-16
Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
The phrase (wherewith shall it be salted), refers to the world. If the world is not salted with the salt of the gospel, it becomes good for nothing, except to be cast out and trodden under the foot of men.

Jer 1:9
Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.

A similar experience happened to me in 2001, at 5:30 in the morning, as I was preparing for a crusade in Baltimore, Maryland. As a result, I have never been the same since.

I do not seek the favor of men, but of God, the author and finisher of my faith; he who judges both the living and the dead.

Jer 5:14
Wherefore thus saith the LORD God of hosts, Because ye speak this word, behold, I will make my words in thy mouth fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them.
Please read and understand what God is saying.

Because you speak this word (his word), I will make my words in your mouth fire and I will make people wood and it shall devour them.

Now look at it again in these verses.

Jer 1:9
Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth . And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.
Verse 10
See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.
There is something very significant being stated here. Don’t miss it. What is God telling us to do?
#1 …to root out.
#2 …to pull down.
#3 …to destroy.
#4 …to throw down.
#5 …to build and to plant.

Please understand what the Lord is saying concerning his word. You cannot accomplish planting and building in your ministry without the other four things taking place at the very same time.

You can’t expect to be a blessing and an encouragement to people only, nor can you plant or build on top of something that has already been planted and built by others. It’ll never work.

The field must be properly prepared. No garden is worth anything unless you toil hard and long to properly prepare it to receive the precious seed. You must destroy anything which prevents or hinders the seed from producing a 100% harvest.

So, where does salt come in? What’s its purpose?
#1 …salt kills.
#2 …salt preserves.
#3 …salt adds flavor.

The problem is rather obvious. The church has chosen the wide path. Instead of being salt, as Christ instructs, they’re involved with the touchy feely part of ministry, which they think is far more important. They don’t wish to offend, but desire only to help these poor people. Because salt isn’t introduced, the old man doesn’t die. His condition remains unchanged. Nothing is gained; nothing won.

The church no longer has the killing effect on sin. It no longer destroys the works of the flesh, nor adds the flavor of a changed life in Christ. It strengthens the flesh only, because of its absence.

Our society is not being preserved, though it longs for the salt.

Illustration…
When babies were born many years ago, they were first rubbed down with salt. Why, because salt killed infections.

We’re the salt of the earth that God has ordained to kill the infection of sin throughout the world, by the preaching of his gospel. The words of truth we speak are the chosen weapon that brings freedom to the weary soul. We must therefore be faithful to the task, with all boldness; allowing the spoken truths to become a spiritual fire that devours the people. In this devouring, they will cry out to Christ for forgiveness and restoration.

What’s in store for us; the truth bearers / the salt and light of God?
Matt 5:10-12
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

The reason that the church has stopped being outspoken and bold is because of persecution.

What does persecution bring? It brings discrimination, harassment, mistreatment and lastly, it scatters those being persecuted

God has chosen for the world to be salted through the body of Christ and if we don’t do it, the world won’t get salted, and it becomes good for nothing.

Matt 5:13
Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

More truth…
There isn’t another way for the earth to be salted. Period! There isn’t a plan B or C, there’s only plan A. No angel has been appointed by God to salt the earth, or to preach the gospel.

Everywhere I travel, I always hear the same thing; children of God asking him to send revival. They’re also asking for God to put a godly man in the White House, as president, who will turn things around and get this country back on course for God, who’ll get rid of the laws that are contrary to the word of God. It won’t happen.

The laws that are passed by our legislature and the decisions made by our president are nothing more than a reflection of the job that the body of Christ are doing as salt and light.

I don’t wish to get into a political discussion here, but let’s be clear about one thing. Our original system of government was created for moral, God fearing, people. What we have today, though called a democracy, is vastly different.

When a nation stops being moral, its elected government rapidly deteriorates. Democracy, as we once knew it, ceases to exist. The “new” democracy wields power to change statutes and redefine laws, or even the Constitution to meet its own needs or purposes. When this is allowed by us, because of the ways we vote, then God can do nothing. The message of the gospel is greatly restricted; lawlessness and ungodliness rule the land. What happens when that occurs? Exactly what you see taking place today in America.

The church is losing the spiritual battle, though people languish in prayer, hoping for Godly intervention. Let’s be honest with ourselves, evangelicals are losing their influence and impact in the United States at an alarming rate and we think a simple prayer is going to fix it. It will not. As a result of our complacency, our salt and light are far less effective than ever before, and the earth and America are becoming good for nothing.

We are rapidly losing the spiritual battle for our land and the system of government we’ve permitted is killing our society spiritually. This has occurred because men and women of faith have been passive about their faith. No longer do the evangelicals dominate our government and the rulings of this country. Our influence has been crippled. Those who profess to be Christians know little or nothing about being salt and light, as it’s clearly defined in the word of God. The results are obvious.

The strength of this great country use to be in the church. This same moral compass is what is needed for our nation today
Our forefathers were very effective people of faith who knew their spiritual heritage and what was required by God to be salt and light. They didn’t sit idly by while elected officials did their own thing. No sir. They challenged everything and were rewarded when men and women of faith were eventually elected to office. These elected officials were representatives of heaven and ambassadors of the living God.


The Christianity you and I’ve read about was mightily blessed of God to set the proper standard of righteous and moral living for America. We were commanded of God to be “above only”, “the head and not the tail”. We’ve relinquished that right and our standards. Shame on us! As a result, the America our forefathers instituted was a far cry from what we’ve become today.

Examples…
1) As we know, gay marriage and alternative lifestyles are a sweeping reform that is taking place from one end of our country to the other, which should be a foul stench in the nostrils of every evangelical in America. Major parades openly display their perversion.

Many people and even church denominations believe that homosexuality is not really a moral issue at all, but an alternative lifestyle which a freedom loving nation should be embraced. In fact, many denominations have embraced it to the point of ordaining gays as pastors. Even the government has even removed the “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy from the military – a tragic mistake.

2) The majority of our youth and young adults embrace fornication and gladly commit abortions to eliminate the inconvenience of raising unwanted children. To support these new founded beliefs, they’ll also support any other deviant behavior they come across as simply lifestyle alternatives, which should be tolerated by all.

- Marriage? It’s a waste of time and way too restrictive and debilitating.
- Right and wrong? It’s discretionary and acceptable as long as it doesn’t impede a person’s pursuit of happiness.
- Prosperity / getting ahead? It’s the right for everyone to have what they want, when they want it, regardless of the consequences, or who it affects.
- Social justice? They abhor rules and regulations or any laws which demand accountability.

The battle being fought and lost in the United States is about morality. Read what the word of God says.

Isa 5:20
Woe unto 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 unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
This is clearly one of the signs of the end times. The corrupt conditions that take place in any land, or country, where its citizens call evil good and good evil, will quickly fall. America is not exempt from the failures of past civilizations. We are becoming what they became. And the fall will be great.

Why has this happened? I has happened, because the church is not being salt.

For hundreds of years the salt (the true church of God) salted this country. The salt killed; it preserved and the salt added favor. But now, the love of many has waxed cold.

Matt 24:8
All these are the beginning of sorrows.
Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.
And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

The words “he that shall endure”, in the Greek is hoop-en-mio which means to carry on upward. In other words it means, “to persevere through”, or “to abide in and to endure”, “to carry on upward”. By doing what? By being salt, and then salting the earth.

Today, Christians are more hated and despised than even terrorists. We have been targeted by every degenerate organization and person who hates God. Our country has strengthened their position by enacted “hate crimes” laws which forbid even light opposition or criticism to gays, Muslims, etc.

The salt has stopped being salt.

2 Tim 3:12
Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

If the salt is going to be salt then persecution is going to follow. It’s a foregone conclusion.

Be salt and light anyway!