I was raised in a small Midwestern town at a time that now seems like a million years ago.

My mother and father were hardworking parents who were devoted to their children. They loved the Lord and conducted their lives according to His Holy Word. They truly "walked the walk."

Because they were Christians, I was raised in the church. Back then church was more than a once-a-week spiritual comfort stop, it was an integral part of our daily lives.

The church I attended was pastored by a remarkable man, Rev. W.J.B. Tate. He was an immigrant from Scotland with a brogue and speaking manner that made the Word come alive each and every Sunday.

What drew people to him most of all was that he preached the Word as it is, not as we might wish it to be. He would not go along to get along. The Word of God was not to be compromised. While other local churches were starting to tailor their message to meet the evolving morals of the day, Rev. Tate lovingly preached biblical truths.

My mother used to say for years before her passing that she didn’t belong here anymore, that things had changed too much. I found it so sad that a Christian woman would reach the point where she felt she could no longer exist here on earth, but I understood. "Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?" (2 Corinthians 6:14 NKJV)

So in my later years I have made an effort to understand the path we are on. And, if necessary, affix blame. Not to condemn, but to understand.

In my lifetime America has done so much good in the world. But we have also undertaken the business of cannibalizing that which made us good. Some call it social progress. Others who know better weep at what we see.

A few examples.

We once revered marriage. Now the divorce rate has eclipsed fifty percent.

We used to protect children at all costs. Now the national out-of-wedlock birth-rate is at record levels. And so is the abortion rate. Child molestation is all too common, as is all manner of child abuse.

Homosexuals are now a protected class, and politicians court their vocal voting block. At the same time those same politicians rightfully decry the epidemic of sexual abuse of young boys by clergy and scout leaders - conveniently "forgetting" that almost all the perpetrators are homosexuals.

Clearly, these facts, and a multitude of others leads to one inescapable conclusion - America’s societal decline has run amok and is picking up speed.

And where are most churches on these and other subjects? They have capitulated.

Most will remarry a divorced person, notwithstanding that the Bible says doing so is accepting adultery. "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced from her husband commits adultery." (Luke 16:18)

Many have no problem with abortion and pass it off as a "private" matter. In fact, many church women and some nuns can often be seen at abortion rights events despite that God says we are His even before the moment of conception. "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations." (Jeremiah 1:5)

And while God loves homosexuals, He will not accept the act, notwithstanding that many pastors preach tolerance and acceptance of the sin. "Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God." (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)

The church used to be the spiritual Maginot Line. It held fast at all cost. But now it gives comfort to those who instead need conviction, repentance, and salvation. Too many churches have forgotten the message contained in the above quoted 2 Corinthians 6:14. And in doing so they are helping destroy America and individual souls.

The world needs men like Rev. Tate now more than ever. Loving, uncompromising men who preach the truth of God’s Word. Times change, but God’s Word doesn’t. "Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven." (Psalm 119:89)