Monday, June 21, 2021

Are We Living in the Last Days?

 

Non-Christians find it hard to believe we are living in the last days.  It’s even hard for some Christians to believe it.  They say that people have been saying this for years and He hasn’t returned yet.  Remember in the last days there will be scoffers and those who will do every wrong they can think of and even laugh at the truth.  (2 Peter 3:3-4).  Are you a scoffer?

Are we living in the Last Days?  Absolutely!  1 Peter 4:7 tells us, “The end of all things is near.”  The word “near” means soon.  Just look around.  We are closer than ever before.  There are massive problems for everyone, especially believers.  There are insults, hate, all kinds of mocking, and persecution.  There are even murders just because of someone’s faith.    

We are constantly hearing of all kinds of disasters all around the world.  There are many fires, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and we just experienced a pandemic with this Covid virus.  There is disunity everywhere.  People are so restless and dissatisfied that they don’t really know just what they want.  There is hate and anger causing riots and destruction.  Protestors are attacking those who put their lives on the line every day to protect them like First Responders, EMTs, and Paramedics, and police.  There are killings of the most innocent, unborn babies.  Like the Bible says, people are exchanging good for evil and truth for lies.  “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie…” – Romans 8:25.  It may be bad in our world now, but it will get worse.  Just read the book of Revelation. 

Sin and evil are everywhere.  It has become the norm to live together as man and wife without marriage.  It’s common to have sex with multiple partners.  Anymore going on a date includes sex.  Same sex partners and spouses are displayed as part of a normal lifestyle.  We are influenced daily by this immoral behavior in movies, magazines, and TV.  What is just as bad, there are those who condone this kind of behavior.  Romans 1:32“… those who continue to do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.” 

It’s hard for us to understand just how God can let all this evil keep going on and on.  The devil has been causing sin from the beginning.  That’s why God sent Jesus to destroy the devil’s work.  So why does God allow this to continue?  “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.  The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.  He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:8-9

Don’t get into the thinking that since the end hasn’t happen that it won’t happen.  It will and it may be tomorrow.  Tomorrow may be the end for you.  “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief.  The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.”2 Peter 3:10. 

No matter what you believe, how you believe, or when Jesus is coming.  He is coming whether you are ready or not.  It will be like the days of Noah before the flood came where everyone will be going about their lives.  They will be eating and drinking as usual.  “No one knows about the day or the hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”Matt. 25:36. 

There will be major events in the last days.  “Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom.  There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences...” – Luke 21:11. 

Are We Living in the Last Days?  The last days will be marked by change in human society.  “People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather that lovers of God – having a form of godliness but denying its power.”2 Tim. 3:1-5.   Does this sound familiar with how people are acting in today’s world?

So how can you live in these last days?  “Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be?  You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.”2 Peter 3:11-12.  Tell others of Jesus and live confidently without fear.  Live as an example for others to see.  Focus on where you are going and make your life match that.  Wait patiently.  Be encouraged as you wait.  Live urgently, stand firm, and be ready.  Don’t be ashamed of your faith.  Don’t listen to the enemy.  He wants you to doubt and turn you away from the Lord.  Don’t listen to the so called “norm” of the world.  The world wants us to be tolerant of all things.  Being tolerant does have it place, but don’t be tolerant if it goes against God’s standards.  Don’t be concerned about what the world thinks of you, but look forward to your new heavenly home.

What are we to do when we see these things taking place?  “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.  But understand this:  If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into.  So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” Matt. 24:42-44.

Many people may look spiritual, but only half that claim to know Jesus really know Him.  They have never been born-again.  People in church seem prepared, but many are not going to heaven.  Just because they talk about Jesus doesn’t mean they know Him.  If you are one who isn’t sure, it’s not too late.  Don’t let another day go by without knowing for sure you belong to Jesus.  He is just a prayer away and He is waiting for you.

So think about it.  Are We Living in the Last Days?

Principle:  Live in faith, not in fear because Jesus is coming soon!

Don't look for the sign of the times.  Listen for the sound of the trumpet!

Join me here next time -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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