In the present context Webster defines ‘progressivism’ as ‘social improvements by governmental action.’
We’ll discuss three issues that are affecting America today. These three issues are also addressed in the Bible.
First is the drug problem. According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, “Drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the United States…”
Yet eight states have legalized marijuana, ranging from California to Maine, from Oregon to Massachusetts. And the opioid problem is racing out of control everywhere.
“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are…sorcery…selfish ambitions…and the like…those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-20
‘Sorcery’ in the above is from the Greek ‘pharmakeia’ which is defined as ‘curative or medicinal drugs and/or illicit pharmaceuticals.’
Likewise Webster defines ‘pharmacy’ (which is also from the Greek ‘pharmekeia’) as ‘the art or practice of preparing, preserving, compounding, and dispensing drugs.’
In the final book of the Bible, ‘pharmekeia’ is found several times.
After the sixth trumpet the majority of mankind would still not repent.
“But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent…of their murders or their sorceries…” Revelation 9:20-21
And in the final chapter of the Bible, those who will not be allowed to enter New Jerusalem are described.
“But outside are…sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.” Revelation 22:15
Let’s change the focus to same sex marriage. In 2010 a federal judge ruled that section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act was unconstitutional. Section 3 stated that marriage was defined as the union of a man and a woman.
After the judge’s ruling President Obama stated:
“You will see a time in which we as a nation finally recognize relationships between two men or two women are just as real and admirable as a relationship between a man and a woman. You will see a nation that’s valuing and cherishing these families as we build a more perfect union…”
And then in 2015 when the Supreme Court ruled to legalize same sex marriage, the president also had much to say.
He stated that peoples’ minds have to broaden to accept such change. In essence he was stating that Biblical teachings needed to be overruled.
His closing remarks in his statement after the high court’s decision:
“But today, we can say in no uncertain terms that we’ve made our union a little more perfect…America should be very proud.”
And then of course is the infamous Rowe vs. Wade ruling. Since its inception more than 61 million unborn children have been slaughtered, while capital punishment for murderers is considered by many to be ‘cruel and unusual punishment’ and needs to be struck from our legal system.
To put this all in perspective, consider that Israel was (and is and will be) God’s chosen nation that serves as an example for all nations in this current age.
Recall Paul’s words:
“Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.”
1 Corinthians 10:11-12
The sins of Judah and Jerusalem had reached the point of no return and Jeremiah was told not to pray for them. The time was approximately 600 BC when the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar was a puppet in the hands of Almighty God to deliver His wrath on His own people after they had been warned repeatedly.
“And the LORD God of their fathers sent warnings to them by His messengers… But they mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against His people, till there was no remedy.” 2 Chronicles 36:15-16 (emphasis added)
In the last several weeks Puerto Rico experienced the greatest catastrophe in their history, while the biggest mass murder in history happened within our own borders. Is God sending wake-up calls?
Everyone has the freedom to choose between progressivism and Biblical teachings; however, the Almighty has spoken, and is still speaking, to those who have ears to hear.
For more, see my latest book “Looking Backward from the Future: …Until Messiah the Prince”
