By Pastor Roger Lucero

What I will say may seem somewhat shocking and unbelievable. Nevertheless, if by God's grace I can show you how serious this issue is, and you are encouraged to do something about it, then I will have accomplished what I've hoped to accomplish.

Our children are living in the most dangerous society on the face of the earth. THEY ARE ALSO living in the hardest times children have ever faced.

Some would say, "But isn't the Middle East, the Far East, South Africa or Central America the most dangerous areas to live?" The answer to that question is "No!" One reason is because our nation was founded on the principles of the Christian Faith and claims to be "ONE NATION UNDER GOD" BUT HAVE STRAYED FROM GOD AND HIS WAY OF LIVING.

"BLESSED is the nation whose God is the Lord ... But the eyes of the Lord
are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His unfailing love ... to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine." (Ps. 33:12,18,19).

This is not intended to glorify the PRESENT CRISIS IN AMERICA, nor to BELITTLE THIS LAND. Personally, I still consider this land to be the greatest nation on earth. However, we need to evaluate the importance of RETURNING BACK TO THE PRINCIPLES OF WHICH THIS NATION WAS FOUNDED UPON.

CRIME

AMERICA NOW HAS THE HIGHEST RATE OF INCREASE IN CRIME THROUGHOUT THE WORLD, AND ITS INCREASE SEEMS TO BE OUT OF CONTROL. Gangs are running rampant in almost every major city and town in the land. Many people are now believing that, for the most part, our cities are in a state of Anarchy.

Women all over America are carrying guns just in case they need to use them.

Dead bolt locks are practically necessary for every home across this land.
As a nation we have become the largest enclosed Penitentiary where we, the citizens, are in the jails of our own houses.

America needs peace, yet America doesn't have peace. Why? The Bible tells us that there is NO PEACE FOR THE NATION THAT REBELS AGAINST GOD. Scripture also tells us that THERE IS NO PEACE FOR THE WICKED. We, as a nation, have rebelled against God and His Word.

Child Abuse is at an all-time high (i.e. Child PHYSICAL Abuse & Child SEXUAL Abuse). It is the same with rape and pornography.

What can we do about this? I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God
and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. (1 Tim. 2:1-5).

ADDICTIONS

ALCOHOLISM:

We often wonder why there is so much alcoholism in America. By the age of eighteen, the average American child will have seen approximately 100,000 BEER COMMERCIALS. Although I may sound old fashioned, I see a major desensitizing taking place every day in countless of homes whereby we nor our children think nothing wrong with the use of alcohol. It has become a way of life. Today, while watching any sporting event on TV, one can automatically expect to see the portrayal of alcohol use in practically every commercial. We see a false appearance of glamor, fun, and excitement. However, what we don't see in the commercials is the broken homes, wrecked marriages, and destroyed lives as a result of alcohol and alcoholism.

DRUG ADDICTION:

In the United States, the age of marijuana users starts as early as the age of eight! The percentage of high school seniors who use marijuana on a daily basis would boggle our minds! What many people don't realize is that marijuana smoke contains more cancer-causing substances than an equivalent amount of tobacco smoke. It has more of an immediate effect on the lungs than cigarettes. The use of marijuana can produce bronchial irritation and reduce the amount of air the lungs can move following a deep breath. It can produce the inability to expel bacteria and other foreign substances. It quickens the heart rate, and may also cause irregular heart rhythm.

Cocaine, known by many as, "Coke" or "Snow" has soared to an all-time-high since the turn of the decade.

We have now been told that LSD (a.k.a. acid, window pane, orange sunshine, purple haze) is coming back and will probably be as popular among illegal drug users as it was in the 60's and 70's.

Legal prescription drugs can also be addictive when they are misused and abused. The misuse and abuse of prescription drugs can cause serious spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical difficulties. One national study showed that over 25 percent of American women take drugs (legal prescription as well as illegal) to fight tension, anxiety, insomnia, and depression (and for various other reasons).

Not only does drug abuse interfere with one's ability to function properly, (e.g. driving, operating machinery, success in school, etc.), but it is also wrong in the eyes of God. It is SIN! "If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." (1 Co. 3:17).

Only Christ can set the captives free from the bondages of drug addiction!

CIGARETTE ADDICTION:

When I was in High School, students would automatically be expelled for having a pack of cigarettes in their locker. However, many of our public schools
now have a special "SMOKING SECTION" for the children and young people. Recent statistics show that young women between 17 and 24
are now outsmoking their male peers. I personally see this as one more satanic deception against women in general. It is an attack from Satan and all the forces of darkness through the use of the media and other forms of modern-day propaganda.

Current cigarette smokers have a 70 percent greater chance of dying from disease than non-smokers do. On an average, smokers will die eight years sooner than a non-smoker. Contrary to popular belief, there's no such thing as a safe low tar nicotine cigarette!

IMMORALITY

TEEN SEX:

The latest report from the Pueblo County Health Department shows that nearly half of all babies
born in Pueblo County are born to unwed mothers.

National studies show that 59 percent of America's Teen Age Girls are NOW "Sexually Active."

The National Center for Health Statistics began keeping track of unmarried births in 1940. At that time there were 89,000 births to unmarried mothers - 3.8% of all births. Today, approximately 28% of all children are born to unmarried women.

IN A POLL INVOLVING 500 TEENS, THESE ARE QUESTIONS ASKED AND FOLLOWED BY A RESPONSE:

1. Where have YOU Learned the MOST About sex?

Between the ages of 13 to 15:
... 30% said from their parents.
... 26% said from friends.
... 26% said from school.
... 15% said from entertainment.

Between the ages of 16 to 17:
... 22% said from their parents.
... 37% said from friends.
... 15% said from school.
... 18% said from entertainment.

2. Have you ever had SEXUAL intercourse?

Between the ages of 13 to 15:
... 19% said yes.

Between the ages of 16 to 17:
... 55% said yes.

3. HOW OLD WERE YOU WHEN YOU FIRST HAD SEX?

... 23% said under the age of 14.
... 24% said at the age of 14.
... 25% said at the age of 15.
... 20% said at the age of 16.
... 6% said at the age of 17.

4. How many different people have you had sex with?

42% said with only one person.
29% said with between two to three people.
6% said with four people.
15% said with 5 or more people.

5. WHAT ARE THE REASONS TEENS HAVE SEX?

80% of the GIRLS said they were curious and wanted to experiment.
76% of the BOYS said they were curious and wanted to experiment.

58% of the GIRLS said they wanted to be more popular or impress their friends.
50% of the BOYS said they wanted to be more popular or impress their friends.

63% of the GIRLS said they were IN LOVE.
50% of the BOYS said they were IN LOVE.

65% of the GIRLS said they were under pressure from those they were dating.
35% of the BOYS said they were under pressure from those they were dating.

If that sounds shocking to you, it should - to the point of doing something about it as God will give us further direction.

ABORTION

What is Abortion? It is the legalized murder of our most valued and God-given inherited resource - "CHILDREN." The Psalmist said in Psalm 127:3, "Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him."

What I am writing about is not merely a political issue, but rather it is a moral and a spiritual issue. The Word of Almighty God teaches us that there is "SACREDNESS" in Human Life.

Let us, as a people, never forget one of the "Ten Commandments," which states, "THOU SHALT NOT KILL." (Exodus 20:13)
Why does the Bible give such a command? Because life is very SACRED, even to the Unborn. The Lord said "... do not put an innocent or honest person to death, for I will not acquit the guilty." (Ex. 23:7).
Yet, ABORTION IN AMERICA (or anywhere in the world) can be described as "THE SIN OF MURDERING INNOCENT AND DEFENSELESS BABIES WHILE STILL IN THE WOMBS OF THEIR MOTHERS."

ABORTION IN AMERICA has done much to bring our nation under severe judgment. ALLOW ME TO EXPLAIN! On January 22, 1973, THE KILLING OF INNOCENT BABIES became the "LAW OF THE LAND," and Abortion was legalized and allowed FOR ANY REASON and AT ANY TIME during a woman's pregnancy (even up to the ninth month of pregnancy). Since then, nearly 50 million innocent LIVES have died at the hands of Abortionists;
at the hands of Mothers and Fathers. For the most part, they felt that it was necessary for CONVENIENCE SAKE. Just because something is legal doesn't make it right in the eyes of God. In 1973, "THE KILLING OF BABIES" became legal under two conditions:

1. THE MOTHER CHOOSES TO HAVE HER BABY KILLED;

2. THE DOCTOR IS WILLING TO DO THE KILLING."

And the Baby? The Baby doesn't have a choice in this matter. The baby doesn't have a "Say so" in his or her life. They have NO TRIAL, NO DEFENSE, and HARDLY A CHANCE TO LIVE. Since 1973, nearly 50 million innocent LIVES have died through "ABORTION." This year alone, unless things change drastically, there will be over 1.5 Million Babies killed through "ABORTION." That's OVER 4,000 Babies each day - One Baby every 20 seconds. One Baby will be legally murdered by the time you read the next paragraph or two. GOD HAVE MERCY ON AMERICA!

We protect SPOTTED OWLS and WHALES AT SEA, BUT WE KILL THE BABIES. I have a sign that reads, "SAVE THE HUMANS!" This message speaks for itself.

Jesus said, "BECAUSE OF THE INCREASE OF WICKEDNESS, THE LOVE OF MOST WILL GROW COLD." (Matt. 24:12)

When you take into consideration the amount of innocent lives taken through abortion since it became legal, this number would be far greater than all the American War Casualties put together. This would include THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR, THE CIVIL WAR, WWI, WWII, THE KOREAN CONFLICT, THE VIETNAM CONFLICT, and THE PERSIAN GULF WAR. But the WAR ON THE UNBORN has caused NEARLY 50 MILLION ABORTED BABIES.

THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR claimed 25,324 lives; THE CIVIL WAR claimed 620,222 lives; WWI ... 116,516 lives; WWII ... 405,399 lives; THE KOREAN CONFLICT ... 54,246 lives; THE VIETNAM CONFLICT ... 58,000 men and women. 1,279,707 is the total. However, the WAR ON THE UNBORN has brought forth NEARLY 50 MILLION ABORTED BABIES.  The amount of deaths for the Unborn is far greater than the combined population of
NEW YORK, DETROIT, BALTIMORE, LOS ANGELES, SAN DIEGO, SAN FRANCISCO, CHICAGO, DALLAS, INDIANAPOLIS, HOUSTON, SAN ANTONIO, SAN JOSE, PHILADELPHIA, PHOENIX, and MEMPHIS. The total combined population of these cities is 25,403,070. However, the amount of legal killings
as a result of "ABORTION" is far greater. There is a major crisis in this land. Legalized abortion in America has done much
to bring our nation under severe judgment." ONE REASON I POINT THIS OUT IS BECAUSE many women go through abortions to cover up their sin. Thank God that many Christians and Churches are praying that people will become aware of the fact that Babies aren't something you just kill
and throw away to cover up sin.

If we do all that we can to train children and young people about the value of ABSTINENCE (i.e. abstaining from even the very appearance of evil), much will be accomplished.

THE BREAK-UP OF THE FAMILY

We have heard SECULAR PREDICTIONS FROM MANY SECULAR SOURCES THAT THE FAMILY UNIT WILL NO LONGER EXIST, BUT WILL DISINTEGRATE IN JUST A MATTER OF TIME. DIVORCE IS SO COMMON THAT IN AMERICA IT IS ALMOST CONSIDERED "NORMAL."

It is now a FACT that 60 percent of all marriages are finding their way into the DIVORCE COURTS. This means that more than one out of every two marriages are ending in divorce. Pueblo, Colorado is no different. Your home town is no different. Hollywood doesn't help as it continues to mock Traditional Family Values. This is the truth of the matter - "IF THE TRADITIONAL FAMILY FALLS, SO WILL AMERICA."

I thank God for many godly families that are good examples to their children and to others around them. Nevertheless, there's a strong need to continue standing without fear or compromise on behalf of God's truth concerning the traditional family. Do not be afraid to speak God's truth concerning the many problems that the traditional family is threatened with, including some of the things I've spoken about earlier in this message. You can expect to be opposed
and perhaps ridiculed by some. Nevertheless, know that it's 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty. (Zech. 4:6b)

ARE YOU CONVINCED THAT our children are living in the most dangerous society on the face of the earth, and that our children are living in the hardest times children have ever faced? Without Jesus Christ in their lives, they really don't stand a chance. Yes, there is a major crisis in America today, and Jesus is the only answer for this nation and the world. "When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?" (Ps. 11:3)

GOD'S ANSWER TO AMERICA'S PROBLEM

Christ desires to operate within you to the point of making a profound difference in society and in the lives of many others. Allow Him to be the Lord of your life.
Pray for America! Take a stand! You will not be alone. There is a mighty army that you are in the midst of. We're not called to lose, but rather to win!
It's interesting to know that fifty-two out of fifty-five founding fathers who worked together on the Constitution of the United States of America were strong Christians dedicated to serving God. And they were very clear in making it known.

We're dealing with ETERNAL MATTERS! We're dealing with SPIRITUAL MATTERS!
We're dealing with MENTAL, EMOTIONAL, and PHYSICAL MATTERS!
We're dealing with the FUTURE OF AMERICA! We're dealing with the FUTURE OF OUR CHILDREN!

PARENTS, THIS MAY VERY WELL BE THE MOST IMPORTANT MESSAGE OF THE HOUR AND PERHAPS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT MESSAGE THAT WILL CHALLENGE YOU TO TAKE A STAND FOR WHAT IS RIGHT IN THE NAME OF THE LORD!