The Writing on America's Wall

For years I believed God for revival in this great land of America. There are certainly smatterings of revival here and there, An individual can definitely be revived any time they choose, for revival is a choice. But what about the nation? Have you noticed the condition of America lately? She's barely breathing. Still, I believe God could send a sweeping of His Holy Spirit through this country and meet with us once again. But will He?

God has taken my message of revival to another level - that of realizing that judgment may come before revival. America is dying on the vine and the only thing that will rescue her is a complete about-face to stare squarely into the eyes of her God. I have not given up hope, but I do not see that happening any time soon.

It may very likely take persecution and judgment to get America to take a second look. There is a good chance things will get worse before they get better - but hang in there. Better times are coming.

In 1947 Sociologist and Harvard professor Dr. Carle Zimmerman published his magnum opus Family and Civilization. His study of the decay of the Greece and Roman cultures led him to make several speculations regarding the death of a society. He listed the following 11 elements that would lead to a society’s ruin. They no doubt sound eerily familiar.

1. No-fault divorce

2. “Birth dearth”; increased disrespect for parenthood and parents

3. Meaningless marriage rites/ceremonies

4. Defamation of past national heroes

5. Acceptance of alternative marriage forms

6. Widespread attitudes of feminism, narcissism, hedonism

7. Propagation of antifamily sentiment

8. Acceptance of most forms of adultery

9. Rebellious children

10. Increased juvenile delinquency

11. Common acceptance of all forms of sexual perversion (Family and Civilization, Dr. Carle C. Zimmerman)

America’s time has arrived. We can safely check off all eleven. Brad Keena in his article, Ten Signs of a Culture’s End lists ten other areas of cultural decline. Again, America can be seen in each one.

The great civilizations of the past including Greece and Rome passed through these same waters prior to their demise. Allow me to summarize Mr. Keena’s points. (Ten Signs of a Culture’s End, Brad Keena)

1. A culture that no longer worships or acknowledges God

Since the 1980’s and the introduction of political correctness, America has systematically and routinely removed God from the culture. This includes symbols such as nativity scenes, and the removal of The Ten Commandments from public sight.

2. The decline of the family

Only 40 years ago solid families were the norm. Divorce is at an all time high. The ruined children from these relationships are the next adults. One cannot give what he does not have. We are now in the second generation. Where fathers are involved, the moral authority of the father is undermined by a society that no longer embraces the structure of the family.

3. A society's low view of life

Abortion is the most glaring example of our culture’s disrespect for life claiming it as a “right”. On the coattails of abortion rides euthanasia, assisted suicide, and scientific experimentation. No empire has ever succeeded without an exalted view of life. God’s Word is still true.

4. The prevalence of base and immoral entertainment

Mr. Keena says, “In its last days, Rome had become a society with an insatiable appetite for debauchery and immorality. We could easily replace Rome with America. The sentence would still ring true. Everything from television programming, to written material, to the airways is crowded with filth.

5. The increase of violent crime among young people

Gang violence is on the rise. It is spreading from the inner cities to small towns across the United States. Death has become a major topic of thought for young people. Recent surveys indicate that death is on the minds of teens more than thoughts of the opposite sex.

6. The declining middle class

The 21^st Century politicians have learned that one of the keys to reelection is to advocate more spending and government programs for the poor. The federal government redistributes wealth through taxation and programs run through the government. This has caused a shrinking number of middle class workers and an increase in women needing to join the work force.

This same scenario was seen by Russia shortly before they experienced a communist revolution.

7. An insolvent Government

Our national debt is now in the trillions and growing each day. The United States government has not been able to balance the annual budget in almost thirty years. History holds no secrets. An insolvent government cannot meet the needs of its people. Look to the French revolution.

8. A government that lives off of society's moral decay

Quoting from Mr. Keena, “The Roman civilization crumbled under the weight of an immoral and corrupt government. Over the years, our government has devised the creation of whole agencies that exist for no other reason than to manage some of the most immoral aspects of the culture. The National Endowment for the Arts and the Legal Services Corporation are examples of agencies that foster society's decline.

Within the judicial branch of government, judges accountable to no one have helped undermine the religious freedoms that were once the centerpiece of our society. Laws once protected children and families. Criminals were punished severely for rape. People were arrested for cohabitation and adultery. Sodomy, outlawed in every state, was listed in the newspaper as a ‘crime against nature.’ A couple having a child out of wedlock was ostracized, and homosexuality was as foreign to the world as walking on the moon.”

9. When the ruling class loses its will

For the most part, our elected officials do not seek the good of the country, but rather seek reelection for the purpose of extending a lucrative career. It has become about self service, not service to the people.

10. The failure of its people to see what is happening

The sad truth in the cases of failed societies is that the citizens saw the signs, but failed to act. My friend, your great nation is at the crossroads. Death is only a heartbeat away. “In the same hour came forth fingers of a man's hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaister of the wall of the king's palace. . . . And thou . . . hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this; But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven . . . And this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN. This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it. TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting. PERES; Thy kingdom is divided . . . ” (Daniel 5:5, 22-28).

America, what has happened? What does your future hold? America, What will you do? The past calls. The God of the Universe says in Joel 2:12-14, “Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him . . . .”

God is righteous. God is holy. Still God is merciful. The cup of His wrath is not yet filled. Might we repent of our sin! Might we cry out to Him for mercy! Might we seek Him while He can be found!

My Friend, America is at the crossroads. You are at the crossroads. What will you do?