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Vol. II Number 26 July 12, 1998
I remember a time when the Television Networks subscribed to the broadcasters code. Now the shows that were broadcast back then are now ridiculed. Ozzie and Harriet, and the Leave It To Beaver shows are now topics for scorn. What is wrong with showing a happy family? What is wrong with showing a home life that is more idealistic than is normal?
Today, the stations are now rating programs. Today, when the parents are at work and the children are coming home from school, what is displayed on the television? The soaps, showing and portraying every form of filth and degradation known and imagined! Adultery, Fornication, Lasciviousness, and homosexuality are portrayed as the norm! Is it any wonder that more and more teenage girls are pregnant and having abortions? Look at what they have filled their minds with. They are fed daily a diet of sex, lust, fornication, adultery, and the such. The current cover of Cosmopolitan Magazine tells of an article on how to achieve multiple orgasms. The cover tells their readers to grab your boyfriend or whoever and head to bed! This magazine is on the displays in every supermarket and is NOT considered pornographic! Their audience is the teenage girl, though they say it is for the adult woman! Finally, the very commercials promote sex where ever they can. They tell you that if you where this or that you will be able to attract the opposite sex better. They make you believe that you are not sexy if you don't where their products. Is it any wonder that with all of this diet of promiscuity that the world is in the condition that it is in?
Center for Disease Control reported:
1993.09.30 : Teen Pregnancy Rate
Contact: CDC Press (404) 639-3286
September 30, 1993
More than one million teen-agers were pregnant in 1990, but the rates vary greatly from state to state, the Centers for Disease Control reported today. Of the 40 states included in the analysis of 1990 state teen-age pregnancy and birth rates, Georgia had the highest rate of teen-age pregnancy and North Dakota, the lowest.
"Across the United States, in every state, there are too many young women becoming pregnant and becoming mothers too soon," said U.S. Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders, M.D. "Teen- agers, their babies, their families and society pay an enormous cost for these unintended, unplanned and unwanted pregnancies," she said. Studies show that 8 out of 10 teen-age pregnancies are unintended.
The new report presents pregnancy and birth rates for teens by state. Pregnancy rates, which in this study are based on the sum of live births and induced abortions, were compared for the 40 states and the District of Columbia which had data on abortions. These rates vary widely by state, from 56 pregnancies per 1,000 teens aged 15-19 in North Dakota to 111 in Georgia. Live birth rates ranged from 31 per 1,000 teen-agers in New Hampshire to 81 in Mississippi.
Pregnancy and birth rates for black teens were generally higher than rates for Hispanic and white teens. The report notes that these differences may reflect factors such as socioeconomic status, access to family planning and abortion services and the use of contraception.
Drawing also on data from other studies, the CDC analysts point out that, despite a goal to reduce teen-age pregnancy in the United States during the past decade, pregnancy and birth rates for states were higher in 1990 than those in most other developed countries. Additionally, other research has shown that nearly three quarters of births to teen-agers are unintended.
The adverse health, social and economic consequences of teen-age childbearing are well recognized.
Public costs relating to teen childbearing between 1985 and 1990 totaled $120 billion (AFDC, Medicaid, and food stamp spending). It is estimated that of this amount, $48.1 billion could have been saved if each birth had been postponed until the mother was at least 20 years old. Public spending on family planning services is very cost effective, the CDC researchers noted: for every dollar spent, an average of $4.40 is saved by averting expenditures on medical, nutritional and welfare services.
The report on teen-age pregnancy and birth rates appears in the October 1 issue of CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Also Janine Bempechat and others write:
Teenage Pregnancy and Drug Abuse: Sources of Problem Behaviors
by Janine Bempechat and others ERIC/CUE Digest #58
1989 ED 316615
Many at-risk children manifest behaviors that are both a cause and result of their lack of success in school, and possible subsequent dropping out. Two such behavior patterns that can sabotage the future of students are discussed below.Drug and Alcohol Abuse
It is important to note that "use" and "abuse" of drugs and alcohol cannot always be viewed as synonymous (Donovan & Jessor, 1985). Use may precede, but may not necessarily lead to, abuse. Determining quantity or even frequency of use alone cannot adequately measure this distinction. More useful criteria may include age of onset, physiological responses, levels of dependence, attitudes about substance use, and its effects on other areas of functioning (Newcomb & Bentler, 1989). Substance use and abuse may have different etiologies and may require different prevention strategies (Hawkins, Lishner, Catalano, & Howard, 1986). Further, they often occur along with other problem behaviors that should also be targeted for attention. Some predictors of drug and alcohol experimentation, use, and abuse are examined below.Family Factors
Parental drug use is correlated with initiation of use of many substances as is parental use of alcohol and other legal drugs. The role of environmental and genetic influences on substance use is difficult to assess, although it is probable that genetic factors contribute more to abuse than to use of drugs (Newcomb & Bentler, 1989). Family risk factors include parental absence, inconsistent discipline, hypocritical morality, poor communication, parental conflicts, and family breakup. However, Newcomb & Bentler (1988) found that family disruption per se may not directly lead to drug use; rather, family problems may lead to disenchantment with traditional values and the development of deviant attitudes, which may in turn lay the foundation for substance use.Early Antisocial Behavior
Jessor and Jessor (1978) explained drug use as one outcome of "proneness to problem behavior" and as part of a larger syndrome of deviance in which a wide range of "problem behavior" shared common precipitants.School Factors
A range of school problems--reflected in failure, poor performance, truancy, placement in a special class, early dropping out, and a lack of commitment to education--have been viewed as common antecedents to initiation, use, and abuse of drugs (Jessor & Jessor, 1978). However, school problems themselves may not lead to drug use; rather, social factors which lead to poor school performance may be linked to drug involvement.Peer Factors
Association with drug-using peers is perhaps the most strongly supported predictor of adolescent substance use (Hawkins et al., 1986). Newcomb & Bentler (1989) suggest that modeling drug use, providing substances, and encouraging use are the salient components of peer influence. Other researchers have suggested that the influence of parents and peers is varied and situational.Attitudes, Beliefs, and Personality Traits
Attitudes, beliefs, and personality traits most closely linked with substance use include attenuated attachment to parents, lack of commitment to education, low religiosity, and alienation from dominant societal norms and values (Hawkins et al., 1986).Substance Use as a Response to Stress
Newcomb & Harlow (1986) studied substance abuse in adolescents as a response to a perceived loss of control, a sense of meaninglessness, and a lack of direction in life. Teenagers may use drugs as a means of temporarily alleviating discomfort connected to life events which they perceive as being out of their control, and can be seen as contributing significantly to an understanding of the higher incidence of drug use among low SES teenagers and those from disrupted families (Newcomb & Bentler, 1989).Teenage Pregnancy
Teen pregnancy has become a national epidemic, in part because more and more teenagers who give birth decide to keep and raise their children. There is a great cost to individuals, families, and society when children have children of their own.In the United States today about 12 million teenagers are sexually active. The average age of initiating sexual activity is 16 years (Black and DeBlassie, 1985), although in some cities, such as New York, the average age of first intercourse is 11.6 years for black youths, 14.5 for white youths and 12.8 for Hispanic youths (Finkel & Finkel, 1983).
In actual numbers, more white than minority teenagers become pregnant, but disadvantaged minority youth account for a disproportionate number of teen pregnancies and births in the United States. While 27 percent of the teenage population is composed of minorities, minority youths account for 40 percent of adolescent pregnancies and births (Edelman, 1988). Disadvantaged youth are three to four times more likely to give birth out of wedlock than are more advantaged teens (Robinson, 1988).
Expectations for the Future--Teenagers who see options in their future are more likely to delay pregnancy and childbirth than those who lack hope.
Poor Academic Achievement--There is a strong association between poor school achievement and pregnancy, and poor academic ability may influence the onset of sexual activity and early parenthood (Children's Defense Fund, 1986). A study conducted by Northeastern University revealed that females 16 years of age or older with poor basic skills are 2.5 times more likely to be mothers than their peers with average basic skills. Males with poor academic skills who were 16 years and older were three times more likely to be fathers than their peers with average academic skills. High educational aspirations, better than average grades, internal locus of control, and high SES are positively related to contraceptive use.
Ignorance about Reproduction--Misunderstandings, false assumptions, and ignorance surrounding reproduction play a large role in teen pregnancy. The belief that pregnancy can't result from the initial act of intercourse is particularly widespread.
Family Influences--Teen pregnancy is associated with low parent education (Shah, Zelnik, & Katner, 1975). Girls who get pregnant often have mothers who gave birth in their teens. Parents of teen mothers and fathers are often considered by their teens to have "permissive attitudes" regarding premarital sex and pregnancy (Robinson, 1988). There are also cultural differences in the value placed on having children. Thompson (1980) found that among 300 adolescents (150 white and 150 black), blacks expressed stronger beliefs than whites that children promote greater personal security, marital success, and approval of others.
Consequences of Teenage Childbearing
Health--Girls under 16 are five times more likely to die during or immediately after pregnancy than women 20 to 24. Their infants have a higher incidence of toxemia, anemia, nutritional deficiencies, low birthweight, and retardation than infants of older women (Black & DeBlassie, 1985).Education--More than one fifth of all girls who drop out of school do so because they are pregnant. No more than 50 percent of teenage parents eventually graduate from high school.
Employment--Teen parents are also more likely to have difficulties getting appropriately paying jobs. More than one half of the money invested in Aid to Families with Dependent Children goes to families with a mother who first gave birth when she was a teenager (Black & DeBlassie, 1985).
Conclusion
Recently, public attention has been focused on the need to teach disadvantaged children more successfully. However, it is also necessary for schools--and for families, and society in general--to help these children refrain from engaging in problem behaviors, both those discussed above and the other destructive activities. Such intervention, difficult and controversial though it is, can be the crucial first step in an education reform program that truly meets the needs of at-risk students.References
Black, C., & DeBlassie, R. (1985). "Adolescent pregnancy: Contributing factors, consequences,treatment, and plausible solutions." Adolescence, 20, 281-289.Children's Defense Fund. (1986). "Preventing adolescent pregnancy: What school can do." Washington, D.C.: Authors.
Donovan, J., & Jessor, R. (1985). "Structure of problem behavior in adolescence and young adulthood." Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 58, 890-904.
Edelman, M.W. (1988). "Preventing adolescent pregnancy: A role for social work services." Urban Education, 22, 496-509.
Finkel, M.L., & Finkel, D.J. (1983). "Male adolescent sexual behavior, the forgotten partner: A review." Journal of School Health, 53, 544-546.
Hawkins, J.D., Lishner, D.M., Catalano, R.F., & Howard, M.O. (1986). "Childhood predictors of adolescent substance abuse: towards an empirically grounded theory." Journal of Children and Contemporary Society, 8, 11-47.
Jessor, R., & Jessor, S.L. (1978). "Theory testing in longitudinal researc
Looking around we see an increase in abortions, teenage pregnancy, crime, and all of the other sins mentioned in the Bible. Jesus warned us that when you see these things that the time is near for our redemption. Though the stock market is going through the roof, the time is near for a collapse like that of 1929. There is an era of desperation coming that has never faced the world before. There is a time of trouble coming that will be unfathomable. That day and hour is near at hand!
Matthew 24
3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him
privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the
sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive
many.
6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled:
for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and
there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye
shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.
10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall
hate one another.
11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a
witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by
Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him
understand:)
16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:
17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of
his house:
18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.
19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those
days!
20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath
day:
21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning
of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved:
but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe
it not.
24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew
great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive
the very elect.
25 Behold, I have told you before.
26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not
forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.
27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the
west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
28 For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered
together.
29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened,
and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven,
and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall
all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in
the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they
shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to
the other.
32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and
putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near,
even at the doors.
34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these
things be fulfilled.
35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but
my Father only.
37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man
be.
38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and
drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into
the ark,
39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also
the coming of the Son of man be.
40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other
left.
41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the
other left.
42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch
the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his
house to be broken up.
44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of
man cometh.
45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler
over his household, to give them meat in due season?
46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so
doing.
47 Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.
48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his
coming;
49 And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the
drunken;
50 The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him,
and in an hour that he is not aware of,
51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the
hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Romans 1
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and
unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath
shewed it unto them.
20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly
seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and
Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither
were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart
was darkened.
22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to
corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their
own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the
creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women
did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in
their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and
receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave
them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness,
covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity;
whisperers,
30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil
things, disobedient to parents,
31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection,
implacable, unmerciful:
32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are
worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
Look at our present world. Isn't it just like the Bible describes? Isn't it like the times described in Genesis concerning both Noah and Sodom? We are living in the times and the era that Jesus described concerning the end of the age. We are living in a time where promiscuity is running rampant! We are living in a time where wickedness is held in high esteem. Look at the praise that the media gives to Dr. Death! Look at how they paint the prosecutor who wants to avenge his victims! These are wicked times! These are evil days! But as Jesus promised, now is the time to look up for our redemption draweth hear! Praise the Lord
3014 E Street Philadelphia, PA 19134 Church Office Phone: (215) 634-3637 Published by: Rev. LeRoy D. Cressy (215) 535-4037
Services:
Sunday School . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10:30 AM
Sunday Morning Worship . . . . . . . . . . 12 NOON
Sunday Evening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6:30 PM
Wednesday Evening . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 PM