NEW SET OF VALUES
INTRODUCTION
New set of values has been reported by sociologists, cultural historians, and researchers who generally agree that we are experiencing a significant change, driven by rapid technological advancements, generational turnover, and global economic changes. While core human desires for connection, security, and purpose remain constant, the ways these values are prioritized and expressed have transformed dramatically in recent years.
Trust in traditional institutions, of government, organized religion, and established standards of the past have steadily declined. Previous values have shifted over the last few decades, showing a decline in traditional pillars with a growing emphasis on financial security and personal fulfillment.
New Set of Values
Wise and Foolish
A new set of values is not always of a positive nature. Scripture reveals the need for righteousness and the fate of the foolish: As the whirlwind passes, so is the wicked no more; but the righteous is an everlasting foundation (Proverbs 10:25). The fear of the Lord prolongs days; but the years of the wicked shall be shortened (Proverbs 10:27).
The thoughts of the righteous are right; but the counsel of the wicked is deceit (Proverbs 12:5). The wicked shall be overthrown, and are no more; but the house of the righteous shall stand (Proverbs 12:7). He that walks in his uprightness fears (reverences) the Lord; but he that is perverse (wicked) in his ways despises him (Proverbs 14:2).
There is a way which seems right to a man; but the end thereof is the way of death (Proverbs 14:12). The new set of values being offered today may seem right to a person yet be deceptive in nature; appealing to an individual but not beneficial.
Turning from the Truth
Apostle Paul mentioned a time that a new set of values would be ushered in. In order to offset such a trend he instructed Timothy, a young evangelist to preach the word; be instant (ready) in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering, and doctrine (2 Timothy 4:2).
The time will come when they (the people) will not endure sound doctrine (preached and taught corrective Word of God); but after their own lust (desires) shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and shall turn away their ears (hearing) from the truth, and shall be turned into fables (that which is fictitious or false) (2 Timothy 4:3-4).
Paul encouraged Timothy to watch (be aware) in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of your ministry (2 Timothy 4:5). A new set of values, through a progressive social gospel is being introduced, and accepted, by those who are no longer of under the influence of the Unadulterated (Pure) Word of God, due to yielding over to the cultural changes of today.
New Foundation Laid
We are witnessing a new set of values; new instructive ways that allow the ways of the ungodly to be manifested, even within many churches. A new foundation is being laid with many rejoicing in its proclaimed merits rather than saddened at its advancement. We have lost out, in many regards, towards a new generation (foundation) that is being rejoiced over rather than being identified for what it really is; a walking away from the previous upheld Unadulterated (Pure) Word of God.
The Prophet Ezra gave a description of a foundation being laid for a new temple with many rejoicing who had not seen the glory of the former temple; with only a few weeping due to its contrast in comparison to the former temple that had been destroyed about fifty years earlier (Ezra 3:10-13). We are witnessing a similar pattern today, within some churches, with an erosion of former ways being systematically edged out.
Socialism and Marxism
There is an influence rising from names such as Socialism and Marxism, cousins to Communism; Critical Race Theory (CRT), the Great Reset Plan, instituted by the World Economic Forum; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Transformation; to name but a few, that would upset the normality of life. Included in the spin-off of evil is a drive to maintain legalized abortion, homosexuality, same sex marriage, and transgenderism as a way of life.
Goals include: Discredit family as an institution; control of the schools to use as tools for promoting ungodly agenda; eliminate all laws governing obscenity by calling them violation of free speech and free press. Break down cultural standards of morality by promoting pornography in books, magazines, motion pictures, and TV; infiltrate the press, gain control of key positions in government, radio, TV, and motion pictures; infiltrate the churches and replace revealed religion with social religion, and discredit the Bible.
Democratic Socialists
Artifical Intellenge (AI)
We are witnessing the rising influence of Democratic Socialists; along with the Democratic Socialist of America (DSA) organization which functions as a multi-tendency left-wing activist organization. It is reported that it is the largest socialist activist organization in America, with over 120,000 members. Instead of running its own separate ballot line; its members are endorsed candidates within the Democratic Party, whose influence would encroach on basic freedoms of the present time.
There is the newly arrived Artificial Intelligence (AI); a computer technology that allows machines to think, learns, and solves problems like a human. It was reported that AI can process, analyze, and compute massive datasets at speeds and scales that are physically impossible for humans. AI is a complex tool with both significant benefits and serious risks, making it a mixed bag rather than purely good or bad and should be treated with caution.
The Bible does not explicitly mention artificial intelligence (AI) because it was written long before the era of computers. However, users generally agree that Scripture provides timeless principles on human creation, wisdom, and tools that could be tampered with through AI rather than upheld. Many believers view AI neutrally, like a hammer or fire, depending on how humans utilize it, noting boundaries and risks that should be taken into consideration.
Cultural Drift
There are those who seek to instill a new set of values into those who are unlearned as to what is being presented, along with infiltrating the minds of a younger generation that is more susceptible to what is being presented as the truth. The Prophet Ezra revealed that there will be a time that the fruit of righteousness will be turned into hemlock (poison) (Amos 6:12).
Poison infects or pollutes the body until injury, illness, or death results. It can be of a harmful influence such as will ruin, taint, inhibit, or embitter. When this influence creeps into a church oftentimes unawares, it creates a powerless church. A dream captivated this thought in which the righteous man was ridiculed, of whose influence no longer had any effect. A church of pomp, splendor, where true worship was taboo and sin no longer identified. Lives were without change or with little endurance if change occurred.
Oftentimes the church unknowingly embraces (through deception) worldly and secular ways that are more appealing than strict adherence to the Word of God. The tentacle of worldly allurement is far reaching, with many believing “it is a better way” not realizing the implications of enslavement and freedom, when allowed to be nurtured or cultivated toward desired lifestyles.
Moral Outrage
What once would have shocked Christians is now commonplace. It was noted that there is much that does not disturb the church like it once did. Many Christians have been lulled into believing that all is well. There may be small victories, a revival here, a church doing a good work there, but where is the moral outrage necessary to petition God for a new reformation or another great awakening?
Thank God for those who stand for the truth; young and old alike, seeking to offset some of the advances being ushered in today; but they are far too few, realizing the significant, and dangerous path being pursued towards ignoring the beneficial aspects of staying with the truth, though the Word of God, without compromise. It was noted that the world suffers not because of the violence done by the wicked but because the righteous keep silent (Napoleon Bonaparte).
A Victorious Church
The battle rages on, the wicked continue to reject God’s sovereignty over the earth, the heathen continue to rage, and the powers of darkness are on the prowl. It was reported that none of this is a threat to the rule of God, the flourishing of God’s people. God rules, the Son of God (Jesus) is our Mediator, and the Holy Spirit (that of God’s Spirit) is our ever-present Helper.
Jesus said, you are Peter (representative of the church), and upon this rock (foundation) I will build my church; and the gates of hell (any ungodly opposition) shall be prevail against it (Matthew 16:18). One is to be careful when new set of values are introduced that do not line up with God’s Word; to stand upon God’s Word, and the Lord Jesus’ assurance. Scripture reveals: Whosoever shall call upon the Lord (Jesus Christ) shall be saved (Romans 10:13). Jesus said, He that shall endure to the end, the same shall be saved (Matthew 24:13).
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