We are like Rome

I've been reading A Voice in the Wind, a book by Francine Rivers. As I read it, she describes Rome which has become a den of immorality. They tolerate nearly everything. Homosexuality, Beastiality, bloodsport slavery, and all kinds of degredation, believing in a multitude of gods, or no belief at all. 

Jews and Christians are the exception who are either enslaved, crucified or sent to the arena to be fed to the lions or enslaved as gladiators. As a contrast to the degredation of Roman society a Christian, Jewish, slave girl serves her masters as she would serve Christ with not only obedience, but joy. Her character speaks for her as she never criticises and only shares about her faith when asked. The story has many more layers but this part of it has stood out to me as I ponder what is happening in our country. 

Like Rome, our government is exerting more control and many have become critical of any who do not fall in line with liberal views. We as Christians, however, are missing the mark. I would encourage people to read this book as it will speak to you about where we as a country are headed and how as Christians we should handle our response to the coming persecution. 

There are pockets of places in the U.S. that are more tolerant of Christianity, however, there are more places that tout lawlessness, immorality, tolerance of blood sport, and riotous living. Our cities are experiencing murderous activity like never before. I live in a city that a few years ago saw maybe one murder per year and now we are seeing at least one a week if not more. Nothing will change these trends but a spirit of revival as we as Christians repent of our own lawlessness and wicked ways and embrace the love of Christ. We must exude HIS love to others. Only HIS love and mercy coupled with a people who portray morality without judgment will bring the world to a place of acceptance of a loving God who has sent HIS son as a sacrifice to take our place in the judgment of humankind. Every knee will bow and every tongue confesses that Jesus is Lord. 

This is a long quote, but it spells out what we must do. 

Unity Through Humility
Philippians 2

Therefore if there is any [a]consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests but also for the interests of others.

The Humbled and Exalted Christ
5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it [b]robbery to be equal with God, 7 but [c]made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Light Bearers
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
14 Do all things without [d]complaining and disputing,[e] 15 that you may become blameless and [f]harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.
17 Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.

END TIME PROPHESY

Many years ago I had a very real spiritual dream about end times. I have never forgotten it. It was a picture of generalities about why things were happening as they are. This was probably 38 years ago. It is still very relevant.

In my dream, great mounds of the earth were heaving up and rolling over. It looked like a massive field that was being prepared for planting. It was ominous and dark. There were no actual plows or tractors. It just heaved up and folded over on its own. God told me, "These are the trials and troubles of the world, ordained to soften the hearts of men." The earth and the fields represented this process. 

I believe the fires, the earthquakes, the hurricanes, the many problems in our society, the terrorism, division, and unrest are all a part of this process. Thirty-eight years ago the question in my mind for me personally had more to do about the struggle to just make ends meet. I am equally troubled now but for different reasons. 

After a time of the ground being furrowed in order to make it fallow, the rain began to fall. The sky was black with rain which fell in such torrents a person could not see more than 6 feet in front of themselves. God told me, "This is my spirit, I will pour out on all flesh." During this time it seemed millions were coming to the Lord.

Also during this time, I felt a nudging from behind me. I felt like the devil was anxious to get us out of the way. He wasn't able to yet but he was there putting on pressure. Persecution was happening but during this outpouring, no one seemed to notice or care. People were put in jail only to find new prospects to witness to. The Christian's entire focus was on sharing the love of God and the salvation he provides for those who trust in his sacrifice for our sins once and for all. 

As this dream began to draw to a close, in a very sad voice, he said, "If they don't come now they probably never will."

I don't know what is yet for us to expect. I suspect it will get much worse before it gets better. If you have loved ones or friends who haven't come to know and trust Jesus as Savior, pray for them in earnest that God will soften their hearts. Be prepared for the trials and tribulations that we all must endure so that many hearts will be

softened and souls saved as a result. Let people know that God has everything under control and these times are ordained by God himself. 

The day will come when we will be expected to forsake our everyday lives and spend our time and energy bringing others to Him who loves us most. We are drawing closer to the day of His glorious return. Be ready.