{First published May 1998}
Take away the Bible and prayer. Make it illegal to even display the Ten Commandments. Teach your children that they are a product of evolution, God is dead, and there are no absolutes. Elevate the worth of plants and animals over man; not to mention the creature above the creator, (Romans 1:25). Fund and legislate the murder of the unborn. Subsidize perverted professors and college programs while they indoctrinate impressionable minds with the most disgustingly vile curriculum. Stand back and do nothing while the wicked wallow like a hog in mire, and "What else could we expect?"
It's no wonder that children are gunning down their schoolmates. It's no wonder it appears the whole world has gone mad. It's no wonder the U.S. government is more occupied with scandals and cover-ups than governing. "What else could we expect?"
However, let's be reminded that "God is still on the throne" (1 Samuel 2:6-10, Psalm 11:4, Psalm 45:6); "we are more than conquerors" (Romans 8:37); and the "gates of hell shall not prevail" (Matthew 16:18). THE KING OF KINGS "holds the heart of the king in His hand" (Proverbs 21:1). Our families, marriages, and children need not raise the flag of surrender. Our churches don't have to hunker down in survival mode only to dry up into nothingness. We serve the living and true God (Jeremiah 10:10, 1 Thessalonians 1:9); the One Who conquered death, hell and the grave giving life to all who believe. Just as in the days of Elijah, there are many who have not bowed the knee (1 Kings 19:18).
Dear Pastors, churches, brothers, and sisters, faint not (Luke 18:1, Galatians 6:9). Here is the positive in this old negative world.
"Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound (Romans 5:20). This week I gave a tract to a business man, and he responded with the story of a buddy who had just gotten SAVED. Yes, he used the "5" word, SAVED. Indeed, it sounded like this man (who by the way admitted he himself was not right with God) had seen the transforming power of God in the life of a friend. God is still in the soul-saving business.
Debbie phoned us Friday morning to tell how grandfather rushed back into a pitch-black, smoke-filled basement not knowing his grandson was fearfully hiding from the flames threatening the small boy's life. The electrical power was out, but miraculously a bright light shown down on the little boy just long enough for a rescue. Recovering in the hospital, the family was giving praise to the Lord.
God is still in the miracle-working business.
A child commits suicide at school in North Carolina, and two boys gun down schoolmates in an Arkansas school yard. OK, Ronnie, find something positive here. Well, think about it. When men get desperate and can't find hope or answers from this world, maybe they will look above "from whence cometh help" (Psalm 121:1). One news commentator even stated that events like this may prompt more parents to consider home schooling their children. Personally, the thoughts of putting my child in a public school would be horrifying. More and more parents are realizing - no Bible, no prayer, no discipline means no hope. Yet, God is still in the HOPE business.
Then, could anything good come out of Un-Holywood? At the time of writing this article, the block-buster film “Titanic" has grossed $516 million. That's good? Well, that brings me to good news. Of course YOU know what the theme of this movie is - DEATH. "The wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). Men are appointed once to die and after this the judgment (Hebrews 9:27). Are YOU prepared?
Let me tell you about One Who gives life - life abundant, life eternal. Maybe that $516 million caused a few to think a serious thought. What will happen if I die? Is there life after death? Will I face God after death?
Yes, these are the LAST DAYS, BUT NOT THE LOST DAYS. Sin abounds, and it is not easy to win the lost. But remember: Our God "ain't dead; He ain't even been sick!" For crying out loud! Have we, of all people, forgotten our God is on His throne and is fully able to keep every promise and every word He has spoken? What else could we expect of our Lord!
—Ronnie L. Williamson
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