Sliding Toward Gomorrah

It was a year ago when I learned of my cancer recurrence.  I chose to return to the Philippines and continue my ministry there for as long as I could.  Last June, symptoms appeared that made me think my cancer was growing rapidly.  Now I’m back in the U.S., those symptoms have subsided, it’s the first of November, and I’m still here.  I plan to have a follow-up PET scan in about a month to measure the cancer’s progression.  But for now I continue to find joy in each day and choose to rest contentedly in the Lord’s hands.  Also, being a bit of an opinionated news junky, I can’t help but have thoughts about the upcoming election. I know you are eager for it to be over, but may I share my 2 cents worth.

 I believe the United States is overdue for God’s judgment, regardless of who sits in the White House.  America has been sliding toward Gomorrah for the past 60 years.  With legalized sodomy, government-subsidized abortion, rampant pornography, increased lawlessness, and a culture bent on ignoring God, even ridiculing Christian beliefs, it is a testimony to God’s patience that He has stayed His wrath.

 Many passages of Scripture reveal that although God judges all individuals in eternity, He judges nations now.  If you read Abraham Lincoln’s second inaugural address, it’s obvious he saw the Civil War as God’s judgment upon the United States.  Part of God’s judgment is in who He allows to be leaders.  "Kingship belongs to the Lord, and He rules over the nations" (Psalm 28:8).  The Scriptures implore us to "bring forth justice", to "contend for the faith", and governing authorities "to punish those who do evil".  I see the Republican platform as much more in harmony with what God directs Christians to do.  Maybe such leadership could grant America a few more years of relative peace and strength.

But from what I see, the corrupt news media, the anti-Christian social media, the immoral entertainment industry, the left-leaning academic community, are all getting stronger with each passing year.  The secular culture of  Hollywood has spread world-wide and caused far more spiritual death than any pandemic.  I can easily see how a Democratic / Socialist U.S. government would usher in a measure of God's judgment on America.

But regardless of the election results, we proclaim that "our kingdom is not of this world."  We are "citizens of heaven", "aliens and strangers" in this world that is under God's curse and destined for His judgment.  Our work is to be His light-shiners, not in hopes of changing the world, but with the task of bringing people out of this world and into God's kingdom.  I am so excited for that day when I finally leave this ungodly world and enter God's glorious eternal kingdom, lovingly and beautifully prepared for those who trust in Him.