Pastor’s Thoughts – 11-08-2026

For the true Christian, because of the change that the Lord has made in his or her life, this world is an increasingly difficult place in which to live. None of those who are lovers of God and lovers of truth can simply ignore the wickedness and evil which increasingly prevails around us. Where do we turn for understanding and a sense of peace while viewing the gathering storm of trouble brewing around us? We turn to God’s Word and seek the knowledge of God and the wisdom that He provides. We know from Scripture that the foundational reality is that our world is a fallen world. We are told to expect evil to prevail, and not only to prevail but to grow worse, and particularly as we near the Day of the Lord and His second coming. We also know that God is in control, even when it appears things are out of control. God has a purpose in all that goes on, and in the midst of that purpose we know that He is working in such a way that He will bring glory to Himself, and work things for the good of His people. This does not mean that we are to embrace the evil, or be happy when wickedness prevails, but it does mean that by faith we do not lose heart or think that somehow God has forgotten His people. We know that our Lord will indeed conquer in His timing, and when all is settled, those in Him will live eternally in His glorious presence where no evil can exist.

The Bible is also clear as to what is occurring in our beloved nation. It should be no surprise to God’s people that our culture can only be said to be not only non-Christian, but largely antagonistic to righteous thinking. There is little pretense of seeking to do that which is right. People now relish their right to do evil. The majority of concern for right thinking exists mostly among the elderly, and this is a rapidly diminishing population that lived from a prior era. God addresses His judgment upon a nation that rejects Him. This is seen through Paul in Romans Chapter 1. “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them” (Rom. 1:18-19).

We are shown by this that mankind naturally rejects the sense of conscience that God has given by replacing it with evil. Paul goes into detail as to what then occurs. By rejecting God, a downward spiraling is marked by a repeated phrase, “God gave them over.” Those who reject what God declares from His Word do not of themselves finally come to their senses and turn from it but continue to plunge into deeper darkness. Perversion of every sort is named as each level of evil is embraced, “God gave them over,” until we read, “And although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also approve of those who practice them” (Rom. 1:32). These reach a level of perverted reasoning such that it says of them; “They are without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful” (Rom. 1:31). The word, “without understanding” means no longer capable of proper reasoning.

This is the judgment of God rendered to a people and a nation that rejects Him. The history recorded in the Bible reflects empires and nation upon nation that followed this same path, and God judged them just as He is now judging America. Those nations no longer exist, or if they do exist, they are in a different form or situation than at their peak. The judgment of God is the reason for our condition in America. So the good news is this – God is righteous and will not allow people to continue in wicked, God rejecting rebellion. There is not only the consequences of a temporary judgment in history, but a time when every person will stand before Christ and give an account of their lives. This judgment is so powerful that it reaches into eternity. The temporary judgment occurring around us is troubling in the present as it effects our lives, but if we consider what God is doing we know that it is righteous and best, for God must deal with the sin of man either through the blood of Christ His Son, or by His wrath upon those who reject Him, and continue to relish in their sin.

We must always be reminded that if we are in Christ our citizenship is in heaven, and our part of this sinful, Christ rejecting, world is not to engage in its vile attractions, or have an easy life, but instead to impact those who are lost in its embraces. No amount of technology, psychology, or imaginations of men can change the course of the human heart. Christ alone is the answer, and His kingdom is not of this world. Our responsibility is to point persons to Christ, and call as many as will listen out of darkness into the marvelous light of a new birth in Jesus Christ. For this we must be a people of prayer, and a people of the Word of God. We recently studied in 1 Timothy 2 the command of Paul to the church; “First of all, I urge that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made in behalf of all people, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” We all should continually be doing this and why? God is always in control, and He would not command us through Paul to be a people of prayer were it not part of His plan of faith for us.

Again, we must be in the Word of God growing in Him. The Word of God is powerful. It transforms our lives. It serves as what we need to combat doubts, fears, heartache, and trials that would otherwise be overwhelming. The lost world is so sad because it does not even know that it is lost. It has no hope, and no place to go. The realities of earthly trials and troubles are part of the Christian life, but with the infinite difference that we have Christ, know what is happening, and where we are going. One of the most wonderful and necessary verses found in the context of living by faith as many others have done before us is in Hebrews; “Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:1-3). Earlier the writer of Hebrews said this, “Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. For yet in a very little while. He who is coming will come, and will not delay. But My righteous one will live by faith, and if he shrinks back, My soul has no pleasure in him” (Heb. 10:35-38). Brethren, gird yourselves in the knowledge of God, and hope in Christ!