Below are notes to a sermon preached Wednesday Evening, April 26, 2000, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia. For more outlines, including a zipped file of all of my 1999 sermon outlines, click on the link at the bottom of this note, and go to our website:

WHY THERE IS SO MUCH CRIME IN AMERICA

By Michael D. O’Neal Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church Albany, Georgia

Scripture Reading: Ezekiel 7:8-9, 23-27

Text: Ezekiel 7:23

Ezekiel 7:23 Make a chain: for the land is full of bloody crimes, and the city is full of violence.

Introduction: It is true that we have many conveniences today that we did not have 50 years ago. However, it is NOT true that our country is better off than it was 50 years ago. We have more lawlessness than ever.

Let me make it clear to you that it is not my purpose in this message to try to reform America or encourage you to reform America. The job of the Christian is to glorify God as he wins souls and lives a godly life as a good servant of Jesus Christ.

However, the Bible DOES have something to say about the situation in which we find ourselves today in “the land of the free, and the home of the brave.” It DOES tell us why we are having so much crime.

President Bill Clinton and Bible-denying liberals would have you to think that the problem with crime in America is the accessibility of guns. They think that if we have tighter laws on handguns, the crime problem will be solved. Did you notice that just this week, there was a shooting of around seven people in Washington, DC in the zoo? Did you know that guns are OUTLAWED in Washington, DC? The answer is not to put more restrictions on the ability of law-abiding people to own weapons.

Here is the problem:

I. THE DEPARTURE FROM PURITY

Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Proverbs 14:34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.

A. The move toward gambling

Lotteries
Casinos

B. The murder of babies

American physicians are murdering babies in the womb at the rate of 1.5 million per year.

C. The manufacture of liquor

Alcohol is still the number one drug in America. It is one of the largest sources of sales tax revenues our country has.

II. THE DEPRAVITY OF POLITICIANS

Proverbs 29:12 If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.

A. Our leaders are power-hungry

They did not get elected because of their faithful service, but because of their money and giving political favors.

B. Our leaders are polluted

Our leaders are some of the most immoral people you would ever meet.

C. Our leaders are perverted

Our president is a lying whore-monger.
We have at least one pervert in Congress – Barney Frank.

III. THE DELAY OF PUNISHMENT

Ecclesiastes 8:11 Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.

A. Warnings should be plain

As in a home, laws should be clearly spelled out.

B. Whippings (punishment) should be painful

The punishment must be a greater deterrant than the rewards of the crime are attractive.

C. Work should be practiced

People should restore what they destroy.
If a country is going to have prisons, the prisoners should work to pay for their room and board, as well as their “debt to society.” I don’t believe a criminal has repaid his debt to society by being housed and fed at taxpayer expense, where he can exercise and use a library.

D. Wickedness must be purged

Capital punishment is prescribed in the Bible for Israel’s government, for adultery, sodomy, bestiality, kidnapping, murder, rebellious grown sons at home, and other crimes which destroy a society’s moral fabric.
God made no place in His commandments for jails and prisons. He prescribed punishment and/or restitution.

IV. THE DESERTION OF A PERSON (OUR COUNTRY HAS LEFT GOD)

Psalms 9:17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.

A. God’s word has been rejected

B. God’s work has been persecuted

C. God’s wisdom has been ignored

Our government school system has gone steadily downhill. Not only are government schools immoral places, and unsafe places, but they are designed to teach children to leave God out of their education.
EDUCATION WITHOUT SALVATION IS DAMNATION!!!

America is ALREADY under the judgment of God! Let me give you two admonitions in closing, from the scriptures:

1 Timothy 2:1-2 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

2 Chronicles 7:14-15 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 15 Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place.