Every time we access the NET or watch the evening news we hear striking proof that ours is a lawless, rebellious age where sin and rebellion has practically become an accepted mode of life. Immorality and vice, lying, stealing, murder are typical sins which familiarize American life and life almost everywhere else in the world today. Crime, Violence, Illicit Sex, Pornography, Drugs are all too familiar trademarks of our society. Why? How can this be in so-called Christian America.
Some believe we are in the midst of a spiritual Revival in America – With movements such as Promise Keepers and the Christian Right asserting moral values.
And recent polls show that Americans are more interested in spiritual things than ever. In fact recent polls indicate that about 75% or ¾ of adults surveyed are concerned about the moral condition in the U.S. 92% of Evangelical Christians and over 40% of atheists surveyed were worried about the moral condition of the nation. But does this interest translate into righteousness.
No, sadly – this concern has not translated into better behavior. Pollster George Gallup says:
The United States is facing "a moral and ethical crises of the first dimension" and needs spiritual answers to deal with the situation. He said it was shocking to discover that church attendance makes little difference in a people's ethical views and behavior.
According to some statistics America should be the kingdom of God on earth. We have over 1 Million churches around this country. America has more ordained ministers, Christian radio and television programs, and students in Bible colleges than the rest of the world combined. Americans spend Billions on Bibles and religious books. Again, more than the rest of the world combined. On the average Sunday about half, 50 percent of the country is in church. Compared to less than 10% in England and 5% in Scandinavian countries.
More Americans claim to be more interested in religion than ever before. A large percent say they rely more on God than a few years ago. In fact, about 95% of the American population claim to believe in God with over 100 million claiming to be born again. The list contains all our recent presidents from Jimmy Carter to Reagan and Bush as well as Bill Clinton and George W Bush. With two-thirds of America's population belonging to a religious body, and 94 percent of our citizens professing a belief in God, the vast Judeo-Christian bloc should be the most influential moral force in the country.
Frankly and sadly, when it comes to morality it is not? Now these are old statistics but the reality is the same.
Each year at least a million teenagers become pregnant, one-fourth of them under 15. 300,000 boys under 16 are male prostitutes. About 10,000 Americans die from gunshot wounds each year, compared to 4 in Great Britain (where less than 10% attend church). In Houston more kids murder each other in 2 months than adults in Stockholm, Sweden, for the whole year. America has the highest divorce rate in the world. In New York City, there are almost 1000 reported abortions for 1000 live births.
Despite all the churches, preachers, Bibles, gospel programs, Christian schools, seminaries, religious books – even Christians – "American society seems as unaffected by Christians values, as the National Football League is by Sunday services." Writes Haddon Robinson in Christianity Today Jan. 17, 1986. Author Chuck Colson writes "By almost every measure moral values are in retreat."
Pollster George Gallup says the United States is facing, "a moral and ethical crises of the first dimension" and needs to find spiritual answers to deal with the situation. He said it was shocking to discover that church attendance makes little difference in a people's ethical views and behavior. The Wanderer, May 7, 1987 (Catholic)
You have heard of Dr Laura – Radio Host and Author appeared on "Meet the Press" Recent AP Article in Newspaper – Dr. Laura Schlessinger asserted that the United States is in the midst of a morality crises. Prompted her to write her book "The Ten Commandments" – The Significance of God's Laws in Everyday Life.
Another Author – Nichols Fox in a Newsweek Article asks "What Are Our Real Values?" What are the real American values? We complain about the moral decadence of our young and the high incidence of teen pregnancies but our young have been carefully taught, by example, that responsibility is old-fashioned. We'd like to do something about pornography and violence but we buy it and we tolerate it and that makes our protests pretty empty.
Who makes the rules these days that determine how our society is going to work – the code of ethics behind the laws that determines our values and decides how we are going to live together in community?
It isn't the churches. It's not so much that their moral leadership is being ignored as that, to a great extent, they've abdicated the role. Collectively they seem to exude the same relativism and insecurity about right and wrong as the rest of us… We just can't seem to find a good enough explanation for why we should do one thing and not do another. Simply saying "Because God says so" doesn't work very well anymore. Now are these people merely "Out of Touch" alarmists?
Newsweek ran this on the front cover a few years back for the feature article. "Shame – How Do We Bring Back a Sense of Right and Wrong?" I suggest that we must find the answers to the disturbing trends. And take accountability for ourselves and be honest enough to discover the real reasons.
So, dear folk, is it possible that the soaring rise in crime among our young people and other chaos invading our society is the ugly product of some of the erroneous teachings current in our schools and churches. We constantly hear about what is being taught in public schools – and it is scary.
But what about the church? Should we share part of the blame? Are we willing to be honest? Here is something quite alarming, which I believe relates very much to the heart of the issue.
Dr. Joseph Fletcher who wrote book, "Situation Ethics" which became required reading in many leading seminaries that train ministers says he would rewrite the Ten Commandments with an extra word - "ordinarily". An article in Newsweek some years back reported on his teachings which reflected a disturbing trend. Veteran News Journalist Cal Thomas reported a few years back where Ted Turner spoke to newspaper executives in Atlanta. Turner told them that "the Ten Commandments are out of date, kaput, expired. He said they need updating. Turner wants to replace the Ten Commandments with his own version, which he calls the "The Ten Voluntary Initiatives."
Are you beginning to see the problem? That's kind of the way people have thought for quite some time. Book "Day America Told the Truth" – Authors claim to have made the most intense survey of American values. They say that only 13% believe in 10 Commandments. Only one in ten people believe in all the 10 Commandments, We have become our own moral authority.
Another Book – "Right from Wrong" Josh McDowell says: Author, Theologian David Wells in his book Our Dying Culture says:
Joseph M. Stowell President of the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago writes in a recent Book "Following Christ" The much beloved Christian Author James Dobson says in an article in Christianity Today, March 1, 1999 The fact is – We have lost our moral compass!
Reinhold Neibuhr says: "The real problem is presented by the prophetic recognition that all history is involved in a perennial defiance of the law of God." He is precisely right even if he doesn't realize how much this relates to the great cosmic issues of Bible prophecy and the book of Revelation.
Now of course, there is an ongoing debate over the public display of the Ten Commandments. People want them to be displayed in public venues, have them on signs in people yards, etc. God doesn't care about where we display them – He is interested in whether or not we really intend to obey them.
This lawlessness is leading some to try and propose legislated morality, put prayer back in schools and so forth. I say lets get prayer back into the homes and not depend on the Government to promote our religious values.
History reveals that when church and state unite the rights of religious minorities are trampled on. I believe must begin by putting certain truth back into Christianity. Tonight we are going to find the Biblical answer to this desperate situation and see clearly God's great remedy for this terrible plague of sin.
By the way, do you remember - What is sin? - Bible's contains the best definition I know of in: I John 3:4 Sin – Is breaking God's holy law.
But what law are we talking about? How do we know for sure that we are talking about the 10 Commandments - God's great standard? Want to be certain - Romans 7:7 Here Paul quotes one of 10 Commandments written by finger of God - given by God's own hand to Moses. Same one thrown out by religious scholars and leaders today - saying they are old fashioned outdated. Some misinformed – perhaps don't understand what they are actually saying tell us: We are New Testament Christians – That we don't need Old Law.
Paul knew nothing of the sorts. He said, "Not know sin except for the law." Law is still most relevant today – why? Points out our sins – That's its real purpose. Great moral standard for the universe. Law cannot save, pardon or justify us. – Ephesians. 2:8,9
"For by grace are you saved through faith and that not of yourselves, not of works lest any man should boast. This is a gift of God. There is nothing we can ever do that will earn us mileage points for a flight to Heaven. Christ paid the ticket in full at Calvary and now offers to give it to us as a free gift – A token of His love and mercy. We are absolutely not saved by our works in keeping the law.
Romans 3:20, "By the Law is the knowledge of sin." By it we can know if we go off the right path. Young people need 5th Commandment – "Honor your father and mother"
Bible says God's law is like a mirror – James 1:23-25 Look to see if you are a sinner - but can't remove spots off face. Only shows us them. Law points out defects - points to the Cross. Ask question - "Can man justify himself?" - guilty of stealing. If Sentence is 10 years in prison – yes – serve time. But if Sentence is death – no, never serve enough time.
Bible says: Wages of sin - death - Romans 6:23 So that's what Romans 3:20 means - "By deed of the law no flesh be justified." Now, some others say, Today we are "under grace, not law." Under dispensation of New Covenant. In Old Testament – people saved by works. Now under new – people saved by grace. Please listen to me tonight! – Greatest deception ever! Let me tell you why – people were never, ever saved by works.
Titus 2:11- "Grace that brings salvation has appeared to all men."
In the Bible – all men – all time – saved by grace through faith in Christ. 2 Timothy 3:15
What scriptures? When child - only Old Testament - New being written. Old Testament looked forward to Christ. Imagine heaven divided! Some saved in Old Testament and some during New Test. Noah – Good example of God's saving grace. Genesis 6:8 - "Grace in eyes of Lord" In fact, great Apostle Paul - great teacher of salvation of faith uses experiences in OT. Romans 4:2,3,6,9,13 Verses 9-13 – Both David and Abraham justified by faith –
Not through their own obedience to law.
Romans 3:21,22 says: this great truth is witnessed by law and prophets. The great man of faith who taught the great truth of Righteousness by Faith in the New Testament actually uses the OT for his theology.
Romans 1:17 Paul is quoting OT in Habakkuk 2:4 But they did not see this as a license to disobey God's holy law. Paul states unequivocally in: Hebrews 10: 38,39
Concerning old Abraham the Bible says: Genesis 26:5 "Abraham obeyed my voice and kept my Commandments and laws."
Another thing hear today – "Didn't Jesus teach all need is love." - "Christ gave New Commandment." "Love" - one or two commandments today. I want you to see how easy it is to conceive a whole idea based upon an isolated passage of scripture that has been taken out of context from the rest of the Bible. And so confusion results from a distorted application of only one verse.
Must look at all that the scripture really says: Mark 12:29-31 Now first let me say, you cannot build a house with only one brick. Nor can you build a whole doctrinal teaching based upon an interpretation of one text. Some want us to believe based on this passage that there are just two new commandments for today! Love God and Love man.
Let me ask you a question – Was it really new in the sense that they never heard before? No - something forgotten - new to them. New concept of what real law keeping involved. Actually nothing new though - Jesus quoting Old Testament here! Deuteronomy 6:4,5,6 New to them - forgotten love - legalistic. Attached more importance to doing a bunch of man-made restrictions. You see what Jesus taught was that Ten Commandments - based on two great principles of love
Let's go to Matthew's version of these passages. Matthew 22:36-40, "On these two principles hang all the law and prophets! 10 Commandments based on 2 divine principles – Love God and love man. The whole word of God as well as the law is based on this concept of love to god and our fellow man.
First four - relationship to God.
Last six - man - if love neighbor - will keep these. Let's go back to the passages in Mark again and continue reading. Mark 12:31-34 Okay – What about this concept about not being under the law – but under grace? There is a verse often used. Romans 6:14 "Not under law - grace" – What does this mean? Does it mean not have to obey law? No –Paul says, absolutely not! Romans 6:15 Remember what sin is now – "transgression of the law."
Strong term – "Certainly not" KJV says "God forbid" What then does it really mean to be under law? Romans 3:19,20
Under law - guilty before God - under condemnation of law. Christians are not under law because not willfully breaking it. Have accepted God's saving grave providing salvation from sin and are seeking to obey God. Illustrate: - prisoner - murder - sentenced to death - governor pardons. Under grace - can he go and murder again? – certainly not! Under obligation to begin to begin keeping now –
Romans 3:31
Billy Graham – Question: "Which of the Ten Commandments still apply today? I know they were written thousands of years ago and times have changed, but are some of them still useful?" – K.L.
Answer: "The Ten Commandments are never out-of-date. They express the unchanging will of God of our lives, regardless of changes in human society. If you look at them closely, you will see that the first few commandments deal with our relationship with God. The other commandments deal with our relationship with other people and with things. Our lives would be much happier if we followed God's prescription for sound living."
Let's look at what other Great Teachers have written:
Martin Luther, in his "Shorter Catechism," says, "Question – How many kinds of law are given in the in the Old Testament?"
"Answer – Three (1) the Ceremonial, or the church law which God gave to the Jews for the regulation of their worship, sacrifices, festivals, and other ceremonies; (2) The Civil Law or that which regulated their political affairs; (3) The Moral Law, or that which related to their duties to God and men, which is summarily comprehended in the Ten Commandments."
"Question – Are we under obligation to keep the ceremonial, or church law of the Jews? "Answer - NO, the ordinances which is enjoined were only types and shadows of Christ; and when they were fulfilled by his death, and the distinction between Jew and Gentile was removed, THE CEREMONIAL LAW WAS ABOLISHED, because it was no longer necessary."
Question - Are we under obligation to keep the Moral Law?
nswer - Yes, because that is founded on the nature of God and cannot be changed, it is of universal application, which was impossible with respect to the ceremonial and civil laws. Christ demands obedience to His law."
Martin Luther said, "He who pulls down the law, pulls down at once the whole framework of human polity and society. I never rejected the law."
John Wesley, in his "Sermons", Vol. 1, pp. 221, 222, says:
"The moral law contained in the Ten Commandments and enforced by the prophets, He (Christ) did not take away. It was not the design of His coming to revoke any part of this... The moral law stands on an entirely different foundation from the ceremonial or ritual law… Every part of this law must remain in force upon all mankind and in all ages."
John Calvin wrote: "We must not imagine that the coming of Christ has freed us from the authority of the law: for it is the eternal rule of a devout and holy life, and must, therefore, be as unchangeable as the justice of God." Commentaries on the Gospel Vol.1, p.227
Dietrich Bonhoeffer - "The two can never be separated. There can be no preaching of the law without the gospel, and no preaching of the gospel without the law … Whatever the Church's word to the world may be, it must always be both law and gospel."'
But what man says is not important – What does Jesus say?
Matthew 5:17-19 But we must never forget - purpose of law. Points to Christ - Savior from sin - shows our need. Do we need it anymore? Need a standard - ever show what right or wrong. Law points out sin - gospel saves from sin. Law is the will of God - gospel is forgiveness and power to do. And we can only have peace and happiness by obeying God.
Isaiah 48:18 Law and grace – Book of Revelation teaches great fact - cannot be separated in genuine Christian experience.
Let's put this into prophetic perspective. Revelation 14:12
Separate and be lost - both manifested in true believer.
Notice relationship to 3 Angel's warnings against beast and his mark.
These messages from God produce faithful, obedient children.
In last great book - shows people keep law through grace.
But some think works of obedience not necessary in Christian life.
True Christian works are so misunderstood.
True believer - not to try to work - gain heaven. Fruits - obedience of faith.
Proof of Christian experience -Natural result of genuine salvation - proof of love for Jesus who died on that cruel cross.
Works not save - but faith which has works of love.
Galatians 5:6
There it is folks - faith that works. True faith has some substance. Obedience - because of love.
Works are the proof of love.
Now what is love anyway - Webster lists many definitions. We can give many. We only interested in 1 - Bible's
The world offers many cheap surface versions.
Love is a word that we often use like a lump of Play-Doh, shaping it into anything we want it to be and still calling it love.
We need to know what this book says. Without a knowledge of the great truths of this book we are headed for ruin.
Romans 13:10
Love is what Love Does!
Love - keeping Commandments - I John 5:3
John 14:15, 15:10 - "If love me keep my Commandments."
Although obedience will not always produce a love for Christ, a love for Christ will always result in the keeping of the Commandments.
John 15:10 - "If keep Commandments abide in My love."
Illus: Parents - child - rather you love than obey - No! I John 2:4 - Must read - strong words - dare not if not in Bible.
I John 2:3,4
Friends, I must remind you - Profession is worthless - "Words can mean anything - deeds show everything," Humpty Dumpty said this.
Humpty Dumpty - He was pushed - too smart - People didn't like this concept.
James 2:20,22,26 says it so plain
Dead faith - not save - must have living faith of Jesus mentioned in Revelation 14:12
Didn't Jesus warn us - Not every claim to be Christian.
Matthew 7:21 "Does the will of God." This is the issue that challenges our world, society.
Are we willing to follow Christ and do what God says or rationalize away the moral principles of the law and Word?
We must never forget that all of life suffers when we fail to follow God's will.
In the very beginning, God created us in His image so that we could connect with Him as our transcendent guide who would lead us to the reality of the life He desires for us.
His will for us is expressed in His Holy Law. Psalms 40:8 - "Delight to do will - law in my heart"
New Covenant - law in heart power to obey - Hebrews 8:10 Some today say under new covenant - don't have to obey. Leads to "radical individualism" some call "liberty"
If saved - law in heart - love to obey - Cannot obey in own strength - but can obey - Romans 8:3,4 "For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh - God sending His own son in the likeness of sinful flesh and on account of sin, condemned sin in the flesh that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us who walk after the Spirit and not after the flesh."
Some also say well, I just try to do what I think is best and that all God expects.
No, actually God wants us to realize that He wants us to know what His will is. That's what this Book is for!
God knew that our instincts needed a scheme in which they could be managed toward success.
Even before sin raised its problematic challenge to life, God instituted a basic set of directives and warnings to shield that first couple in Eden from the treachery of urges without guidance.
It is instructive for us to remember that life didn't go south for Adam and Eve until they chose not to submit their instincts to God's clear directions.
Proverbs 14:12, 16:25 speaks on this. - "Way seems right to man - but end is death."
Man's wisdom without God's perspective and principles only adds to his madness.
Through sin - conscience darkened - not safe guide
Isaiah 8:20, "To law and testimony - speak according…"
Proverbs 28:9 - must read - not dare tell you this.
We cannot afford to turn our backs on the will of God and then expect Him to honor us.
Isaiah 5:20-21,24
Must also remember - judged by the law James 2:12
Verses 10,11
If break one - break all. Like a chain - break one link whole chain is broken.
In Revelation – brings this reality of the law as the great standard of the judgment into focus in Revelation 11:18
John sees the Ark of the Covenant – Remember what it contained – The law of God.
Speaks of the time for Judgment here.
Also, remember in Daniel chapter 7 – When dealing with the Antichrist or Little Horn power – one of the 10 Identifying marks is found in verse 25, "And He shall intend to change times and law."
We also discovered that while the Antichrist is seeking to trample Gods law Jesus is involved in Judgment.
Seeking to restore His Kingdom of righteousness and truth in the hearts of His people.
Daniel 7:21, 22 says: "I was watching; and the same horn was making war against the saints, and prevailing against them, 22 until the Ancient of Days came, and a judgment was made in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for the saints to possess the kingdom.
So remember – not saved by the law – But grace – Grace that leads and empowers us to obey out of love for Jesus.
Those who Jesus saves in the end keep the Commandments of God and faith of Jesus.
Revelation 14:12
Want work - set free - serve you forever.
Jesus paid the price - set you free from sin - do you want to serve and love and obey him by keeping all His Commandments tonight?
Stand for Jesus – He will stand for you in the End-times.