America Is Not Prepared For What's Coming

by Paul Procter

There's certainly a lot of fear, uncertainty, and confusion in our world today, isn't there? Many of us are just downright scared; but few are prepared for what surely lies ahead.

Recognizing storm clouds on the horizon really requires no discernment. Anyone with a TV can tell we're in big trouble.

Oh, we can sit around and complain about all the bad news being reported and crave a more positive spin on it all - but really, that would just be living in denial, wouldn't it? And,I don't believe that's the answer.

It seems to me that the vast majority of us find our solace these days in all the amusements our world has to offer as a means to evade and alleviate those fears and concerns - distractions and diversions, if you will - those who don't just surrender themselves over to drink or drugs to manage the stress of it all.

Sadly, those amusements have become a staple in the Christian life too, as evidenced by all of the coffee shops, recreation centers, celebrity concerts and high-tech venues required now just to gather crowds and hold their attention at church. What does this say about the power of God to draw all men unto Himself (John 12:32)?

It says to me that today's church no longer believes that Jesus is enough - that the Living Word of God can't really compete in a sensory-driven world and that the Holy Spirit needs our help.

It's not even enough to "tickle our ears" anymore. Now we need our eyes tickled, our noses tickled, our taste buds tickled, and our funny bones tickled just to keep them coming back for more!

Is this what Jesus hung on a cross for - to see that His church could one day have the best evangetainment and facilities that money can buy?

Could this be what the Apostle Paul was referring to when he wrote to Timothy about those who had a form of godliness but denied the power thereof (2nd Timothy 3:5)?

Has the love of money so perverted the minds of Christians today that they can't evangelize without it? Who needs the power of God when you've got the power of money (1st Timothy 6:10)?

Maybe this is why the economy is crashing to the ground - to remind us, yet again, that man cannot live by bread and circus alone - that he needs the power of God in Jesus Christ to put his fears to rest, find forgiveness and peace with Him, and have eternal life in a kingdom not of this world.

Preparation for what's coming begins on one's knees in humility, confession, and prayer.

"And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever" - 1st John 2:17.