Like Yesterday’s News

“But mark this:  There will be terrible times in the last days.  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 than lovers of God-- having a form of godliness but denying its power.  Have nothing to do with them.”  -- 2 Timothy 3: 1 - 5

The apostle Paul’s laundry list of characteristics of the last days was written nearly two thousand years ago but truly reads like yesterday’s news.  In our “civilized” country alone, these are the days of corporate greed and accounting scandals, dishonest, unethical and immoral politicians, terrorism and murderous threats, panic over the stock market losses and declining retirement funds, the brutality, rape and murder of young children, atheists legislating nonsense from the judicial bench, persons crying out for their rights… the right not to be offended, the right to die, the right to clone themselves, the right to choose to give birth to only a wanted and perfect baby, the right to indulge themselves in every perversion known to man and the right to expect tolerance and acceptance from everyone who disagrees with their sinful choices.

Jesus also spoke of the end days saying there would be “…wars and rumors of wars… nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.”   Again, sounds like the news.

Many people ignore or ridicule the idea that Jesus will return to earth very soon.  The Bible speaks even to that attitude.

 “…In the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.  They will say, ‘Where is this coming He promised?  Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.’”  --2 Peter 3: 3, 4

There is a day set for Jesus’ return but you must be ready for it now.  You cannot wait to receive Jesus as your Savior and Lord until that day because it will be too late for you.  “How shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation?”  --Hebr. 2: 3

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come…So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”  --Matthew  24: 42, 44

“For you know very well that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.  While people are saying, ‘Peace and safety,’ destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.”  -- 1 Thess. 5: 2, 3

Why does the Lord wait?  Why has He waited this long?

“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… make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with Him.  Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation…”  -- 2 Peter 3: 9, 14b, 15a

Don’t ignore such great love in these last days!  Come to Christ in repentance today.  He will receive you and cleanse you completely from all sin.  Grasp God’s amazing grace for you!