I watched a very inspiring yet troubling sermon from Dr. Alan Keyes yesterday, given to students at Liberty Bible College. His answer to the above query was (parphrasing, sorry Alan), 'because in the end times, Christians will be reviled in their own lands' and the message was delivered by the Lord 2000 years ago! Seeing the turn toward reviling us is strong evidence that the end of times for this 'dispensation' are at hand. Those who call themselves Christians are compromising in every direction, rather than stand up for what God says and condemn that which God condemns. The stage is surely set, trim therefore your lamps ...