In many ways, America today is like Rome in her last days.

Is history repeating itself? Are we learning anything from past history?

Observe the business world. Consider the vast ecclesiastical religious, ungodly system, the professing church of Laodicea that John said was “rich, and increased with goods, (needing) nothing” (Revelation 3:17).

They were lukewarm or “Hyphenated in Commitment” with divided loyalties. The Laodicean church members were failing to hear and listen to the Holy Spirit.

We have grown rich in material things but are bankrupt in what matters with God.

The church of Laodicea was a wealthy church located in a wealthy city. She allowed her wealth to cause her to become complacent and satisfied in her self-efforts.

She was “wretched, miserable, poor blind and naked.” Jesus continued, “Buy gold purified by fire from me to become rich. Buy white garments from me so that you will not be shamed by your nakedness, as well as, ointment for your eyes so that you will be able to see.”

She was Christian in name only. Our country, our schools, our government and our churches have thought for a long time, “We are secure without God. A little dedication is sufficient. We are secure in our achievements.”

Are we?

We are endangered by our so-called security, prosperity, indifference and declining popularity. Things would change for the better in this country if we did the following:

–Return to glorying in the cross of Christ. We don’t need a new cross worn like an ornament around our neck that has been made a common place thing, a charm, or a holy horseshoe.

We need a cross of hope, forgiveness, holiness, love and sacrifice that will change us from our godless living. We need to be most excited about Jesus who died on that cross.

It is a God-given gift to know for sure that you are truly a Christian.

We need better Christians in love with the One who died and arose from the grave.

The way some Christians sing during worship, it sounds like a lullaby putting people to sleep rather than a reveille of “Onward Christian Soldiers.”

A true Christian has a spiritual patriotism to those things that Christ loved.

–Secondly, our government and churches in America will once again move toward greatness, if we return to the Bible.

May I be honest with you?

I know few so-called church-going Christians that make the Bible the rule of their lives.

Will you agree that the Holy Bible means nothing to the average politician?

This is the only book that is wired for our earthly and Heavenly journey. We have gotten away from the cross, from the truths of the Bible, but there is another corresponding sickness that needs the healing salve of God—our lack of dedication to our country.

Our country needs a spiritual and political healing.

–Thirdly, America would do well to once again get excited about “Old Glory,” and allow it to produce a lump in our throat and a tug at our hearts.

I pray that the flag will wave for many more generations over the free and the homes of the brave.

I listen to certain politicians and observe their actions while believing that they are un-American in their minds and anti-American in their conduct.

I pray that God deliver us from “Hyphenated Leadership.”

I regret to see a political leader or an America citizen that reveals a divided loyalty between America and some other country, or between the American citizen and an illegal immigrant.

–Americans need to return to believing the Constitution of the United States . Many of our school kids have been ignorant of it.

One of the good things that have immerged from these “God and Country” groups and the Tea Party moments is that it is a difficult and dangerous thing to be a responsible American.

People are now learning that our forefathers sacrificed their blood, tears and sweat to give us our freedom. We are learning about our American birthright and heritage.

God can use such efforts as salve to our blinded eyes to move us away from a low-grade love for our God and country.

In conclusion, indifference to Christ and divided loyalty are not accepted by God.

We sing, “Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.”

What do you love?

Who do you love?

Stop treating Jesus like he is a bargain on an auction block to the highest bidder.

Salvation and all that we have as Americans is not cheap.

Believe that Jesus paid it “all” and “all” to Him we owe.

Kaplan Baptist Church needs you and appreciates your devotion and love for Christ.

Call 337-643-7971 for the schedule of our worship services.