The Foundations of present day America are no longer solid rock cemented in its Christian heritage: They have become brittle clay crumbling under the Judgment of God.

The landscape of history is strewn with the remains of nations, once great, who let moral decay from within bring them down to ruin.

As the Roman Empire rose to greatness, its populace no doubt assumed that it would be around for centuries to come; but, even as its citizens romped in apparent prosperity, its Foundations were crumbling underneath them. And so historians record “The Rise & The Fall Of The Roman Empire”.

Greece gave the world its first historical attempt at democracy, splendid architecture, and excellent culture. It produced such men as Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. Greek civilization rose to its “golden age”, until corruption set in its politics, business, personal life, even religion. There were more gods in Athens than men! Apostle Paul clearly identified that nation’s spiritual poverty when from Mars Hill he preached his famous sermon on their “unknown god”. In time Greece fell. And with it their democracy fell, because Greece did not have the moral fiber to under gird it.

Other great civilizations have come and gone. The ancient Mayan nation developed brain surgery, excelled in mathematics, and astronomy, and built an incredible network of irrigation canals. The corruption took hold. Today it is a ghost of the past.

 

Is America Next On The List?

Is God blind to the sin of our own nation? Will He continue to bless us as He looks on our idols of silver and gold, our pride of personal achievements, on our prevailing rebellion against Him? The Bible warns that without repentance, judgment is inevitable. “Righteous-ness exalteth a nation; but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34)  America is not so big that she can shake her fist in the Face of a Holy God and get away with it.

Does the black shadow of judgment already loom over our land? As America has permitted homosexuality to establish itself as an “alternate lifestyle”, it has also reeled from the frightening spread of sexually transmitted diseases. Sin begets its own consequences, both on individuals and on nations.

As America opened its doors to abortion, it found itself a party to wholesale murder and inherited a whole new set of social problems.

As it pulled the Judeo-Christian moral foundations from its schools, it invited an epidemic of drugs, rebellion and classroom assaults. America’s military respect continues to slide. The economy is crazy – in the tank and getting worse.            ?????

Continuing stories of crime, corruption, and sexual scandals fill the newspapers. Conservatives and Liberals alike agree that our beloved nation has some gaping wounds. Sadly, through the combined attempts of analysts, politicians, educators and sociologist are failing miserably to provide any lasting solutions.

 

Why?

We have failed to understand the cause of our problems. As a result, we are merely treating symptoms while ignoring the real roots.

 

The Root of the Problem

Sociologist worry about the escalating illegitimate birth rate and the alarming spread of venereal diseases. Scientist and doctors search for cures and for more effective means of birth control. Yet at the root of both these problems is sexual promiscuity. In public discussion of these subjects, seldom is chastity proposed as a solution. Man wants to live without restraints, but also avoid the consequences. Not Possible!

The American public expresses its outrage at the growing problem of child abuse and sexual molestation. But is such behavior really very surprising in a sex-crazed society that exalts moral perversion on TV, in movies, magazines, and when pornography is pumped wholesale into the living rooms of America?

The sin of a self centered lifestyle comes back on both individuals and society. The Scriptures declare that God will send confusion, rebuke, even ruin, upon the nation that forsakes Him. All the nations will ask, “Why has the Lord done this to our land? And the answer will be, “It is because this people abandoned the covenant of the Lord, the God of their Father”.

Civilizations do not just die. Their leaders and people are first deceived! Then they are destroyed by God (Ephesians 5:6 Read).  II Thessalonians 2:11 – The lie was first given to Eve in the Garden of Eden (Gen 3:5)

 

When A Nation Listens To The Lie

It dethrones God and defiles man achievements. It exalts human reason as supreme. It twists education and science to solve its problems. It believes that man is evolving into perfection. It replaces God’s moral standards with situational ethics. It promotes sensual pleasure and instant gratification. It strives for a world utopia of prosperity and peace. It makes the state of sovereign dictator over everyone.

 

Historical Sequence

1.      Strong Families: Rome was founded on high moral standards. Each father was respected as head of the family. The Father had legal authority to discipline rebellious members of the family.

2.      Home Education: The education of the children was the responsibility of the parents. This further strengthened the children’s honor and respect for their parents and also deepened the communication between parents and children.

3.      Prosperity: Strong Roman families produced a strong nation. The Roman armies were victorious in war. The wealth of conquered nations increased Roman prosperity and prestige.

4.      National Achievements: Great building programs began in Rome. A vast network of roads united the empire.

5.      Infiltration of the Lie: As Roman families prospered, it became fashionable to hire educated Greeks to care for their children. Greek philosophy, with it’s humanistic and godless base was soon passed on to the Roman families. Women demanded more rights and in order to accommodate them, new marriage contracts were designed, including open marriages.

6.      Big Government: By the 1^st Century A.D., the Father had lost his legal authority. It was delegated to the Village, then to the City, then to the State and finally to the Empire. In Rome citizens complained about housing shortages, soaring rent, congested traffic, and polluted air, crime in the streets and the high cost of living. Unemployment was a constant problem. To solve it, the government created a multitude of civil service jobs, including inspectors (Building and Health) and tax collectors.

7.      Decline and Persecution: The problem with big government only multiplied. Meanwhile a flourishing New Testament church was established in the Roman Empire through the preaching of Paul and others. The final act of the Roman Empire was to bring great persecution to these Christians.

Rome was quite tolerant of all religions, except Christianity. In fact, it was banned and Christians were persecuted, burned, and thrown to the lions – Why?!  Because the very nature of Christianity is intolerant of the lie of Satan, which is the basis of every other religion. By the 3^rd Century Christianity conquered pagan Rome.

 

Conclusion

 

TRIB - for Conquering

Rapture

We’re There!