Avoid the Road to Rome
Twenty centuries ago a commonly heard saying was, "All roads lead to Rome." Although it was essentially true, it was not necessarily appreciated. And neither should it be today.
In describing the decline of the Roman Empire, author Edward Gibbon cited five contributing factors.
1. Deterioration of the traditional home and escalating rates of divorce. Tragically, America is going down that same road. Not only do 50% of marriages end in divorce, millions of couples forgo marriage entirely, choosing instead to live in fornication.
2. Escalating taxes and the spending of public monies for free bread and circuses for the populace. Although Christians are morally obligated to pay taxes (Rom. 13:6-7), it is tragic that billions of our tax dollars subsidize abortions, the promotion of homosexuality, same-sex marriage, and pornographic media expression. Rome would be proud.
3. The mad craze for erotic pleasures, and sports becoming increasingly brutal. Millions of Americans regularly watch (and create) pornographic videos, patronize businesses specializing in exotic entertainment, consume alcoholic beverages, use illicit drugs or gamble. Millions more are hooked on savage cage fighting, featuring plenty of blood. Rome had nothing on us.
4. The building of gigantic armaments to protect from enemies without, while the real enemy was the decadence within. America spends more money on weapons and ammunition daily than it's annual expenditures on programs to support traditional families and Christian liberties. A world leader once predicted that America, like Rome, will fall without a single shot being fired from an outside enemy. He may be right.
5. The decay of religion—faith fading into tradition and form, becoming impotent to warn and guide the people. Paul spoke of the “last days”, in which people will possess a form of godliness but deny its power - 2 Tim. 3:4-5. Many religious groups currently specialize in fun and entertainment as opposed to the comprehensive study and application of God’s word.
America is increasingly following the road to Rome, while moving farther from God. Some of our leaders are trying to remove “In God We Trust” from our currency, and "under God" from the Pledge of Allegiance. As Christians, this is the time to fervently pray for our country, leaders and homes - 1 Tim. 2:1-2.
“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Prov. 14:34).
Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis
Twenty centuries ago a commonly heard saying was, "All roads lead to Rome." Although it was essentially true, it was not necessarily appreciated. And neither should it be today.
In describing the decline of the Roman Empire, author Edward Gibbon cited five contributing factors.
1. Deterioration of the traditional home and escalating rates of divorce. Tragically, America is going down that same road. Not only do 50% of marriages end in divorce, millions of couples forgo marriage entirely, choosing instead to live in fornication.
2. Escalating taxes and the spending of public monies for free bread and circuses for the populace. Although Christians are morally obligated to pay taxes (Rom. 13:6-7), it is tragic that billions of our tax dollars subsidize abortions, the promotion of homosexuality, same-sex marriage, and pornographic media expression. Rome would be proud.
3. The mad craze for erotic pleasures, and sports becoming increasingly brutal. Millions of Americans regularly watch (and create) pornographic videos, patronize businesses specializing in exotic entertainment, consume alcoholic beverages, use illicit drugs or gamble. Millions more are hooked on savage cage fighting, featuring plenty of blood. Rome had nothing on us.
4. The building of gigantic armaments to protect from enemies without, while the real enemy was the decadence within. America spends more money on weapons and ammunition daily than it's annual expenditures on programs to support traditional families and Christian liberties. A world leader once predicted that America, like Rome, will fall without a single shot being fired from an outside enemy. He may be right.
5. The decay of religion—faith fading into tradition and form, becoming impotent to warn and guide the people. Paul spoke of the “last days”, in which people will possess a form of godliness but deny its power - 2 Tim. 3:4-5. Many religious groups currently specialize in fun and entertainment as opposed to the comprehensive study and application of God’s word.
America is increasingly following the road to Rome, while moving farther from God. Some of our leaders are trying to remove “In God We Trust” from our currency, and "under God" from the Pledge of Allegiance. As Christians, this is the time to fervently pray for our country, leaders and homes - 1 Tim. 2:1-2.
“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Prov. 14:34).
Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis
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