"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 NKJV)

 "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. "If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. "Remember the word that I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. (John 15:18-20 NKJV)

 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. (Romans 1:28-32 NKJV)

 Though no one can predict the future of our nation, we can say with confidence that God is in control, His cause will triumph, and He judges nations.  'The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God" (Psalm 9:17).  'Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people" (Proverbs 14:34).

 Gibbon's famous work, The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, lists five reasons for the fall of Rome.  There are several parallels between ancient Israel and Rome, and even more disturbing, between Rome and America. Edward Gibbon (1737–1794)

 The rapid increase of divorce; the undermining of the dignity and sanctity of the home, which is the basis of human society.  American families are under attack by humanists, homosexuals, and Hollywood. Some don't even know what a family is any more (Matthew 19:4-9).  Hebrews 13:4  Romans 1:25-27

 Higher and higher taxes: the spending of public monies for free bread and circuses for the populace.  America is on the greatest spending binge in history. Many have forgotten how to work; they expect the government to support them. ▪ 2 Thessalonians 3:10 ▪ I Timothy 5:8

 The mad craze for pleasure: sports becoming every year more exciting and more brutal.  Many Americans are so obsessed with sports that they have no time for worship or Bible studies. ▪ treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, (2 Timothy 3:4 RSV) ▪ Hebrews 11:25

 The building of gigantic armaments when the real enemy was within - the decadence of the people.  Babylon's wall, water, and wealth could not prevent the Persian invasion (Daniel 5). No armament can protect a nation that has rotted from within – not even America's. ▪ Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. (Psalms 127:1 RSV) ▪ Proverbs 14:34

 The decay of religion: faith fading into mere form; losing touch with life and becoming powerless to warn and guide the people.  Most churches have become social clubs, pursuing entertainment to attract bigger crowds.  Many audiences no longer expect to hear book, chapter, and verse (2 Timothy 4:1-4).  They have replaced the house of prayer with food, fun, and frolic (Matthew 21:12-14).

 Those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it.  Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people. (Proverbs 14:34 NKJV)  Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. (1 John 2:15-17 NKJV)

 Expect Persecution  2 Timothy 3:12; 1 Peter 4:12,13  Love The Lost  John 3:16; Romans 12:17 – 21  Live in the world, but don’t be of the world!  Matthew 5:13-15; Romans 12:2; 1 Corinthians 15:33

 Outline by Steve Higginbotham  Article by Rick Duggin