Samson was a powerful witness of the God of Israel until his hair was cut, signifying the end of his separation from the world as a Nazirite. So it is true that once a Christian church becomes part of the local community it loses its lampstand, its witness to the world.

There is no way in which we can be part of the world system and bear witness of God at the same time.

Antichrist kills the witness by luring it into believing it can be on friendly terms with the world. America will be better off when the Christian churches finally understand it is not a "Christian nation" as such and that the world spirit in America will attack the Christians and seek to overcome them if they ever begin to live and preach righteousness, instead of preaching grace, Heaven, and an unscriptural "pre-tribulation rapture."

We need to reason with the "Felixes" of this world concerning righteousness, self-control, and judgment to come instead of cooing in their ear about grace, Heaven, and the pre-tribulation rapture.

The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. (Luke 8:14—NIV)

We Christians of America must begin to realize it is possible for the Divine Seed, Christ, to be conceived in us, to germinate, to begin to grow, and then to be killed by life's worries, riches, and pleasures. When that happens, and we do not bear the fruit God is looking for, we will be cut out of the Vine, out of Christ. This is the end of our testimony of God.

You adulterous people, don't you know friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. (James 4:4—NIV)

All that is of the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father but of the world. Things highly esteemed by people often are an abomination to God. If we are to bear witness of the soon coming of the Kingdom of God to the earth we must separate ourselves from the spirit of the world.

The Lord Jesus was the most remote Person who has lived on the earth. He was absolutely untouchable as far as the Roman government and local communities were concerned. He prayed all night and burned brightly all day. No individual has ever affected the world to the same extent as Jesus of Nazareth. Yet, while He was in the world He definitely was not of the world. Let us follow His example.

Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty. (II Corinthians 6:17,18—NIV)

The people being addressed in the above passage were Christians. They had something to do after they accepted Christ as their Savior. They had to come out from among the practices of the world and be separate. On that condition God would be their Father.

To be continued.