“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men,” Matthew 5:13, NKJV.

What is Happening in Europe?

I was considering some of the goings on in what is probably safe to refer to as two formerly Christian lands: England and France. For example, Mark Steyn has made some interesting observations about the current state of England and France. (The French condition is concisely stated by  Brenda Walker, if one considers that the crime that she speaks of is the transgressing of God’s Law.) For example, Mr. Steyn has observed (from an apparently purely secular point of view) how modern British socialism combined with a lack of will to procreate by “productive” members of society has lead to a degenerate society where laws are not enforced and the concept of human rights has been turned on its head.

David Pawson has also made some interesting observations about the state of “the church” in England that seem to authenticate what Yeshua said in Matthew 5:13-15 and Revelation 3:14-22. In a nutshell, the church has compromised, as Paul predicted (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

God said that when we do not heed His Word, that He gives us over to our own ways (e.g., Psalm 81:11-12 and Romans 1:18-32). If Pawson is correct, the church in England, in an attempt to “seem relevant,” has compromised much of the Word of God. That is, churches in England are now more concerned about the whims of their parishioners than the will of God, and this problem has grown to such an extent that false religions, like Islam, have become a better substitute for the Truth than the so called Christian Church.

As Solomon said, there is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9), and the Nation of Israel fell into a similar state, one of the many times when it walked away from God. Lawlessness and injustice abounded to such an extent that one of God’s prophets, Habakkuk, cried out to God, imploring Him to do something (Habakkuk 1:2-4). God’s response to Habakkuk was that He was raising up a mighty nation via which He would purify His people (Habakkuk 1:5-10,2:2-4).

God’s solution may seem unexpected, but when God’s people have compromised to such an extent that they have become no different than the people in the world around them, they are no good to God. Indeed, their claim to God’s title and simultaneous failure to walk in God’s ways caused God’s Name to be blasphemed (e.g., Romans 2:23-24).

What About the Rest of the World?

Thus, God raised up yet another enemy of Israel to purge the unrighteous from the nation. God appears to be preparing to utilize a similar approach, today. However, this time, God’s chastisement may be for the entire world.

One might think that in countries, like the U.S. and New Zealand, where Muslims currently make up less than one percent of the total population would be safe from the coming wrath of Islam. However, percentages can be deceiving, especially given differences in sub-population growth rates. (Population growth is exponential in nature, after all.) For example, if people in the U.S. and New Zealand only produce an average of about 2.1 children per household (the number required to sustain the current population size) and Muslims produce an average of about eight or so children per household (which is not uncommon, even in the U.S.), these countries could become Muslim states within two to three generations (or within a single generation if they choose not to procreate, as most of the countries in Europe have done).

What Does this Mean for You, Christian?

The fact that you are living in the world, today, means that you were made for such a time as this (e.g., Romans 13:11-14). Given the fact that God is only concerned about those who seek Him (e.g., Psalm 53:2), it might be safe to say that this entire existence is about us — that is, what we choose to and not to do.

For example, Yeshua did not pray for the world but for His people (that is, those who receive His Word — John 17:9,20). Also, the fate of a nation is determined by the actions of God’s people (e.g., 2 Chronicles 7:13-14). Finally, when the power of God’s people is completely broken, it is “game over” (Daniel 12:7).

So, the question is, if you are not happy about the state of the world and the nation in which you live, today, what are you doing about it? Are you living a righteous life, obedient to the Word of God, or are you blaspheming the name of God by living like the world? Are you salting the earth with your good works and, thus, bringing glory to God (Mathew 5:16), or are you about to be thrown out and trampled underfoot due to your ongoing disobedience to God (Matthew 5:13)?

The truth is that we are in an epic battle against the most sinister of forces (e.g., Ephesians 6:12). Each and every choice that we have to make and every action that we take is important and should be done for the glory of God (e.g., 1 Corinthians 10:31).

God’s Desire for You

Though I do not subscribe, at all, to the non-sense “prosperity gospel” that is going around, God clearly does only want good for His people. He wants to bless us, but we have to submit to and obey (that is, love) Him. For example, Psalm 81:13-16, NKJV:

Oh, that My people would listen to Me, that Israel would walk in My ways! I would soon subdue their enemies, and turn My hand against their adversaries. The haters of the LORD would pretend submission to Him, but their fate would endure forever. He would have fed them also with the finest of wheat; and with honey from the rock I would have satisfied you.

Thus, whatever you are doing that is not according to God’s will, set it aside and take up your Christian calling (e.g., Ephesians 4), and be blessed. Do not continue to claim God’s name and yet live in rebellion against God and, thus, require His continual chastisement. Study and do God’s Word and pray and give thanks to God, continually.

God bless, and Shabbat (Sukkot) shalom,

Darwin and Ani

P.S. 2 Chronicles 7:14, NKJV, “if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”