Deteriorating family structure and values

Declining engagement with the Bible

Generational anxiety

From a high altitude, it’s easy to agree with those* who view America’s moral landscape as headed on a path through a self-locking door. It’s not just their opinion, though. Surveys over the past several years tell us that

s offered by

• are primarily responsible, either directly or by persuasion, for societal distress. Disheartening is that, in self-deceit, we tell ourselves that we are heading in a better direction in terms of social reform. Instead, we are leading ourselves out through a gate that latches on the inside, leaving us with no means of re-entry.

Indeed, some (Eric Metaxas - If You Can Keep It: The Forgotten Promise of American Liberty; Ross Douthat, New York Times, among others) question whether we have already completed our journey through that gate and completed that leg of our trip. 

My bend is towards their opinion. I believe that most of us, though, either don't know or don't care. Or, perhaps more likely, they would question why we would want to re-enter.

A dark thought this is, though there is Light illuminating the travel of the believer - the light of hope. Hope does not mean to wish, but to know. For the believer, the armory of God has been opened to us, with which we may withstand and overcome in darkness - 

Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. (Ephesians 6:13 NASB) 

For those who choose it, armor is protection. The protection of the shield (v. 16) is assurance of security though faith. The sword, "which is the word of God" (v. 17), makes one stronger and able to fight off evil. The sword also requires training, however, so that it may be used properly.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV)

To train in the Word of God requires familiarity and "working" knowledge. If anything contained in these pages is fruitful, in that regard, may it please Him.

With and through the Word of God, we may collectively defend our families, neighborhoods, and nation.

[A legitimate addition here would be that warriors, with whom we may join in battle, are also necessary. Communion among all believers is not only obedience to our Lord and Savior, but also a vital component in the life of a true disciple. I believe that to be a must, however it is not a subject specific to these pages.]