"The mark of a decadent society is the exaltation and normalization of sin - which leads to death." This past Sunday, as many of you know, I preached a message that revolved around the words of our LORD in Luke 17 when He spoke of the end time conditions resembling those of the days of Lot in the Old Testament. Two of those similarities were: 1) They were distracted by the pursuits of life - Luke 17:28 2) They were deviant in their preference for lust - Genesis 19 Those similarities from "the days of Lot" unmistakably reveal to us that we are presently living in the perilous days which our LORD spoke of in 2 Timothy 3. The disheartening aspect of this reality is that we and our families are living in a day that is so ungodly that it can only be compared to those described in Genesis 19 when GOD destroyed those who were "past feeling" and hopelessly reprobate. Anyone of a decent mind and lifestyle would have to know that we are living in days which are so corrupt and vile that a holy God has to be grieved. Today is an unprecedented hour, at least in our lifetime, for deviancy and debauchery. Without question, it is disheartening to see such great enmity toward man's creator and redeemer. On a brighter note however, may I point out that for those of us who respect and believe the Bible to be the written infallible word of GOD, it is a day of great expectation. I say that because the LORD JESUS told us that prior to His return, we could expect a deterioration of society to occur. Prophetically speaking, conditions and conduct will get "worse and worse". But could I say that's not the only expectation we are told to anticipate. JESUS said when we see all these things begin to occur, we can also embrace the great expectation that we are on the verge of experiencing HIS imminent return. Concerning the spiritual conditions of Lot's day HE said, "Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed". Do we live in depraved times? Certainly!! But, the returning King of Righteousness who said "even thus shall it be" also said, when you look around and see these things don't forget to also look up .... "for your redemption draweth nigh"!!!!!!! It is permissible to be heartsick over the current cultural conditions. It is profitable to be hopeful over the Coming Conquering Christ!!!! Until then, Brother Gene