Do you see and feel increased animosity and even anger being expressed towards many of your Christian views in entertainment and in the politically correct world in which we live today? Do you sometimes feel intimidated and unwelcomed to express your Biblical belief about certain topics at work or among certain social gatherings? Knowing how they are in stark contrast to the accepted norm of society? Is there a very real and growing push by society for the church to change their stance on many current issues today? Are many of our very own churches caving to the desires of the masses in their beliefs and condemning us for not following suite? Have we crossed a new threshold of literal, physical, hate-filled aggression and intimidation towards unwanted beliefs and opinions in our country? Have you seen legal action taken against people as a direct result of their choice to live by their Biblical beliefs in our culture? Is there a very real trend to distinctly single out of Christian beliefs (over other religions) in our culture as the target for much condemnation and attack? With the current Representatives and Judges we have in place at this very moment, do you feel it is very possible for more restrictive laws to appear in our society towards our beliefs and convictions in the near future? Many Christians are wondering and asking whether we will experience serious discrimination and even outright persecution in our lives. I want to take a moment to give you a solid, evidence-based answer to set your minds at ease once and for all—absolutely, yes! Think that answer is biased? Paranoid? Opinionated? Let's take a few moments to get beyond our personal comforts, opinions and hopes—to see the big picture—from the standpoint of history, current blatant evidence, and Scripture.

With all of the evidence we have discussed in previous sermons... Including the alignment of countries, modern technology, world events and fulfilled prophecies. Which are descriptive of the Last Days...Added to the world changing events of 2020...Including the global pandemic...And the severe, rapid decline in the moral and spiritual attitude of multitudes across the nation and the world...Many Christians are pondering whether we truly are nearing the end of the world as we know it... And are about to see...

We are in Part 5 of a series designed to address current issues facing our world today—all of the chaos, fear and rapid changes. What we are to make of it all from a Christian Worldview and how we are to respond to these issues as believers in Christ. So far, we have addressed the apathy and lack of passion in the Church today. The Christian principles to guide us through living in a pandemic, the foundation and purpose of the Black Lives Matter organization, and taken a deep and honest look at the roots of racism prevalent today. Now we will turn our eyes towards one of the biggest battles Christians have begun to fight in recent days—one which will undoubtedly cause us much increasing struggle and persecution in the days to come and mislead many good-hearted, but unlearned and self-focused believers. That threat is the false teachings that have arisen from within our own ranks.

Our Country is on the verge of IMPLODING on itself in every way. As we have become a spectacle to the rest of the world...Some countries looking on in hope and joy while we devour one another...
In the midst of external threats... And complete political division and unrest…And the biggest pandemic to strike our generation...
Now...we find ourselves caught in the biggest racial division our generation has ever faced...With everyone wondering how to respond to this nation-wide need for reconciliation...Well... With the selfish attitudes shown on all sides... And the denial that racism is even a problem by many...And the impossible demands being given before change will occur by others... Reconciliation seems almost beyond hope in this world's wisdom and attitude!

You have seen it and heard it over and over—in social media, on the news, at work, in conversations...You have seen and felt every reaction possible from both sides; from agreement, to distaste and anger, frustration and impatience, denial, hate, vengeance, hostility and chaos. You have been told to get behind it or you are racist; get behind it or feel guilty; repentant and make atonement for your sins. Our world is being torn apart around us as everyone screams for us to follow their plan, think as they think, do what is right according to their beliefs. And once again, the reaction you and I should have on this subject—as Christians—before we are black, white, red or brown; before we are Democrat or Republican—should be simple, unbending, unapologetic, undebated, and uninfluenced by anything around us. Our reactions should be the Light for others to follow—the Salt to stop the rot and decay; the example of the Untainted Love of Christ in a world gone mad. But once again, most of us simply reflect the world from which we are so influenced rather than walking in the Spirit of Truth.
What would God—and His Word—have us to do with the hate, racism, and violence around us? What would He have us to do with the movements and protests? Let's go back to a blank slate and start over once again. Ask yourself this single, all-important question in the end: "Was what I heard in line with God's Word?" If so, stop the debate, and align yourself with Him: Galatians 1:10.

We are in week THREE of a very relevant study about our current situation in America, and the world...
And WHAT OUR RESPONSE AS CHRISTIANS SHOULD BE!
I have personally seen and heard comments and opinions from friends, at work, and especially on Social Media...Concerning what our attitudes and actions should be in response to the MANY CURRENT EVENTS which surround us in this crazy year in which we are living! And what I have noticed...
What is MOST frustrating and disheartening...Is the vast majority of the comments and opinions about our role as Christians in all of this... ARE EXACTLY THAT... PERSONAL OPINIONS!!! Opinions based upon very fragmented knowledge of Scriptures and God's Character... Opinions based upon INDIVIDUAL WANTS, BELIEFS AND THOUGHTS... I have seen just about every angle of view and argument being justified by God and His Word...  Much of the time... Selfishly and inappropriately!

After last week's call to be strong and vigilant for Christ in these crazy times, I knew even then, God would have me to follow such a lesson with what we will discuss today. I can tell many of you truly feel the urgency of our times; genuinely accepting the call God has placed on our generation. You are ready to change, ready to step up, ready to act. The next thing for us to consider together is simply—how? What does God practically want us to do next? What is our mission in these times? How do we respond to the chaos or the Karios around us? Literally and specifically?

We are living in unprecedented times in this country. Times where everyone has their own version of truth. Times where freedom has become an abused word to mask hatred, selfishness and sometimes even anarchy in many ways. Times when many, even in God's Name, are calling good bad and bad good. Times when everyone is pursuing their own way, their own wants, at any cost, and if you dare to even disagree you are to be quickly labeled and silenced at best.

I've had this lesson on my mind for three weeks! Today we will glean from a story about one of the greatest kings in Judah, other than David... Josiah! Because his story reveals a powerful, relevant message to the time and place in which we find ourselves today!

Memorial Day is best known for being the unofficial first day of Summer! And many often miss reflecting on the whole reason for the National Holiday! Some are not even exactly aware of what this Day stands for! Memorial Day is NOT the day we honor our Veterans around us... Though there is never a wrong day to do so! Memorial Day, is the Day we set aside to remember and honor those men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice... Given their lives... Dying in protection of their loved ones and this Country's Freedom! An estimated 1,320,000 in our Country's History thus far! It's a time to be mindful of their lives never lived out...Of their families' lives lived with a hollow place in their hearts...
Mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, children...So we could stand here today...  Free, happy and comfortable!