USA Today

Bro. Bob Alderman Pastor, First Baptist Church

I am amazed at what we consider to be “normal” in today’s world. From “reality based” Television shows that promote lust and greed to the pornography that assaults us as we enter convenience stores, surf the net or watch TV.

It is disturbing sight to think about the morals that our country exhibits in our America today. Ours is a country that began with a special emphasis on Christian ideals and values, a country that started as "one nation under God".

Now, as I look across our country and our community I see a people that are running from God into the arms of destruction.

I see a nation that ignores the Bible and Gods instructions to us. I see a society that allows lifestyles that are complete abominations to God become not only commonplace but labeled as normal and acceptable behavior.

Our youth are taught evolution in school as fact. Evolution is not fact, it is not even scientific. Evolution is a religion....a faith that has been taught as fact and science for many years.

We have become a society of relativism. Everything is relative. If it is ok for me then it is ok..regardless of the result to others. This is a sick lie that we are being taught as fact and it is 100% contrary to God’s plan for us.

The Bible is Gods Word for us...His plan for our lives...the operator’s manual for our lives here on earth. It is sad that so much of what we say, do and live today is in such stark contrast to God’s plan.

One place that is really placing a special emphasis on prayer and seeking people to bring in the Word of God is our prison system. They have realized that they have less internal discipline problems now and fewer inmates return later on if they know Jesus. It is sad that our children may have to be incarcerated before they hear about God.

When this nation was formed our congress started each daily session with prayer - today many of our governmental leaders live openly in sin and deception has become a necessary job skill.

What is the big issue facing our lives today? The federal budget? global warming? pollution? taxes? Medicare? NO! I think that the biggest problem facing us is that we are a nation that is quickly running away from God!

We are a nation that has forgotten God’s work and His sovereignty. We are a nation and a community that needs to turn our attention, our lives and our community over to Jesus Christ. A people filled with the love and joy that can come only from a deep relationship with God.

There are a few out there fighting the good fight. I praise God that our community is blessed with some Godly leaders.

What we fail to realize is that God’s Will shall be done and in the end we will have to answer for our works, for our families and for our sins. If the time of final judgment came now what would your answer be? Our community has much to answer for.

Drugs, alcohol, immorality, blasphemy, apathy, lust, indecision, busyness, and the other things of this world are simply the tools that satan uses to prevent us from coming into that precious love relationship with God.

We went from a nation of prayer that was blessed mightily by God to a nation that does not know how to pray and is being disciplined by our savior.

God, through his Grace and Mercy, gave us a free will to either accept or reject Him. Those who accept him are promised eternal life in a glorious Heaven while those who reject him will suffer an eternal damnation a very literal and real hell.

Our country is at a crossroads and we need to choose a path. Will we head towards or away from God? There is no middle ground. It is important to realize that God is our final judge no matter which way we go. I have chosen my path and I chose Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. Which path are you traveling? Please think about these issues and pray about them.

I will close this with a few questions for you to ponder:

• How long will God allow our nation to fall into immorality and sin before he destroys us like Sodom and Gomorrah?
• If we stay our current path of self destruction what type of county will our children and grandchildren inherit?
• How would you reply if Jesus asked you to explain what is going on in our society? In your home?
• Where do you stand with God?
• Are you being honest with God and yourself as you answer these questions?

Always remember that God loves you! And so do I.