Composing articles about Bible truth is itself a great way to study and share the treasure that one has mined out of the mountain of truth, and the Bible is truly THE mother lode. However, for this article it wasn’t a prayer influenced observation or any insight on a scripture verse that supplied the inspiration, but something less noble. This “less noble” disturbance was causing me some concern, but through His Word, as always, the good Lord came to my rescue.

Specifically, this annoying disturbance is the excessive thoughts and mutterings, and that of a negative and even bitter tone, that seemed to bubble up into my mind and out of my mouth of their own accord (old age?). Christians are aware of the biblically defined ongoing battle of the mind (IICor. 10:5 “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”) and mouth; (Jam. 3:1-12, v. 8 “But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.”); much biblical exhortation addresses these fronts in the fight.

The cause of my aggravation however hadn’t been drawn from any of the commonplace workaday situations that we all share in or are otherwise familiar with- from stubbing one’s toe to the sometimes-challenging people, places, things and events that populate and animate a fallen world. No, but it is the enhanced version of the latter, and the upsurge and flourishing of unprecedented levels of evil openly manifesting in unspeakable ways that are historically characteristic of doomed societies (not an overstatement).

So, growing impatient with myself I prayed, and the answer, a Bible statement, was almost instant, “Abhor that which is evil” (Rom. 12:9), then with this adjunct, -because there is much more evil in the world, I am doing much more abhorring. There it was, I had been OD’ing on abhorring.

Abhor is a word that describes an intense passion. The following are some of its synonyms: hate, despise, abominate, detest, loathe, etc. Here’s a definition: to regard with extreme repugnance. The Greek word for Abhor (as used in Rom. 12:9) is “apostugeo”: “to utterly detest”. Though admonished to redress evil with a fully justified contempt, a praying Christian who is encouraged to walk in the Spirit, manifesting His fruit (Gal. 5:22-23), is not suitably equipped or called to abide in abhorrence.

Though there may be disputes concerning details and specifics, Bible students are almost unanimous (there are always outliers)- we are in the “last days”. Christians also know “…that in the last days perilous times shall come.” IITim. 3:1, and “…evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse…” IITim. 3:13 and never in America has there been a clearer, more obvious representation of this scripture, “The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted.” Psa. 12:8. than right now.

I have a new empathy for my elders, that Apostolic church holding the line at the onset of the “revolutionary” 1960’s, which compared to today looks like the good ol’ days. Not only was the church of that era required to endure the onslaught of the so-called sex, drugs, and rock ‘n roll revolution, but also that of the relatively new invention, the television conveniently piping the decadent bilge directly into America’s living rooms. I have been critical of the well-meaning, but extra-biblical and reactionary requisites and exaggerations that were introduced, hyper-emphasized, and insisted upon as a buffer against the ever-devolving landfill of that depraved secular society by the Jesus-name/Spirit-filled church then, as admonitions became rules became edicts became doctrine. Depending on one’s personal spiritual development, these “standards”, embraced legalistically and insisted upon as extensions of biblical holiness teaching, could (did/does) become a facade of a false confidence, “denominational” identity, and religious pride, but worst of all, they can become a postulate for religious judgementalism and division by the holiness “concision”, being not unlike the Jewish circumcision of old.

However, with my newfound understanding, and with old-school television being replaced with today’s anything-goes internet and yesterday’s sexual revolution being replaced with today’s unspeakable sexual perversion and depravity that would make the residents of Sodom blush, I am ready to accept new laws! Bring On The laws!: Under no circumstances are men to behave with female mannerisms (ICor. 6:9), or wear female wigs, make-up, or clothing (Deut. 22:5), or attempt to change their gender, even surgically, 🤡 Wow! Abominable homosexuality (Lev. 20:13) seems tame compared to what the devil is vomiting out into today’s society, and you know what’s coming next as a larger social movement don’t you? 🐕 (Lev. 20:15).

Among the murders, rapists, gangsters and drug dealers, etc. in America’s prisons, there has been a certain class of criminal that is so reprehensible and is so detested, that even among that prison population he is unwelcome, to the point of being beaten mercilessly and even killed; this would be the vile demon-controlled pedophile. However, as American society circles the drain, grotesque transvestism and child-trafficking pedophilia appears to be flourishing under the rainbow umbrella of the demonic LGBTQ+ movement. Concerning those who traffic in the unspeakable depravity of transgenderism, pedophilia and the sexual predation and destruction of children, “It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.” (Luke 17:2). And, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Heb. 10:31. God’s got your number! Repent while you still have time!

Ambushed!

We know what the Bible says about the Last Days condition of the world, and though called to be separate and not overly preoccupied with its maleficence, there is much written in the scriptures concerning these times, and we are admonished to be aware, to watch (and pray) (Lk. ch. 21, etc.). However, in what can only be described as a text-book example of Psalm 12:8 (above), vile and Godless men have seized control of the levers of government and society (national and global) unleashing an unprecedented and grotesque level of evil that, among other things, left me reeling like a frigate having been blasted by a pirate’s ball out of the fog. With my “flesh and blood” cannons decommissioned and my ballast filling of abhorrence, I made for Prayer Bay.

I know this uncomfortable reactionary condition (of excessive abhorrence) is not unique to myself, and I like other Bible readers already knew what corrective measures to take, as God’s reminding came with understanding and comfort… and it works! Apparently, I had been doing too much watching, but not enough praying.

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (8) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Php. 4: 6-8.

The above scripture selection is thematic; it’s just one of many that address, directly or indirectly, what the true Christian should be preoccupied with. And like with practically everything else, the answer is found in prayer, with the following scripture a continual reminder for vigilance.

Matt. 24:12 “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.”

GS