"Is it nothing to you, all who pass by? Behold and see if there is any sorrow like my sorrow, which has been brought on me, which the Lord has inflicted on me in the day of His fierce anger." {Lamentations 1:12} Jeremiah, the "weeping prophet," was greatly troubled. Why?

Jerusalem had been reduced to rubble by the invading Babylonian forces. Jeremiah laments her condition. How can any of those who pass by her, not be moved to deep anguish and tears? This prophet had a deep love for this city. Yet, the question begs to be asked, what brought this great city to such a terrible ending?

"Jerusalem has sinned gravely, therefore, she has become vile. All who honored her despise her...she did not consider her destiny; therefore her collapse was awesome." {Lamentations 1:8,9} God had warned her, and she had refused His pleadings. Now the "just judgment" of a righteous God has rendered His verdict!

The sad truth of this story-it did not have to end this way! When God's people started to "walk according to their own designs," she had sealed her doom. Warnings are now reality! Why did they not listen to God? What lessons can we learn by their grave miscalculation of God's judgment?

Today, we need to take a long hard look at the Lord's church. What do you see? Churches are getting smaller not larger. Many are not only not growing numerically but also spiritually. Why are so many of our children going into the world? Elders are in short supply. Many congregations which have elders, have ineffective leadership. Preachers are afraid and even refuse to preach "the whole counsel of God." Worldliness is no longer a problem for just California and Florida. "New Hermeneutics," "Unity & Diversity," No Pattern," Deity & Humanity of Christ," and changing the Bible teaching on baptism. Is it nothing to you?

What is happening to the church as we approach the 21st century? Brethren, we have some serious problems that need to be addressed. What does God think when He looks down on these realms below? Many elders, preachers and brethren are burying their head in the proverbial sand.

Do these things concern you? What can I do? One thing for sure-demand and accept nothing less than book, chapter, and verse teaching! If your heart aches like mine, roll up your sleeves-join in the fight