“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” (2 Timothy 3:1-5)

Yes people, we are living in the last days. Therefore, there are things starting to happen everywhere to wake up not only those of this world, but we as a church as well. For we see false teachers and those who are claiming to be Jesus Christ. Also, we’re seeing devastation all across the world. For Jesus said: “And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.” (Luke 21:11 NKJV) This is true brothers and sisters in Christ. Look at the volcanic eruptions that are taking place, the massive floodings that are occurring as well as the extreme summer heatwaves and devastating winters. And let’s not forget the gross sins that are taking place today around the world. For we see the rising up of the LGBTQ+ community (what’s interesting is that we’re not seeing an inclusion of the letter “S” for those who are Strait), as well as the spike in crimes being committed in our cities.

However, for us who are in Christ, we should already know this. For God’s word clearly says that these things will come to pass before our Savior’s return.

• And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; (Luke 21:25 NKJV)
• But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. (2 Timothy 3:1-5 ESV)
• And the people were scorched with fierce heat; and they blasphemed the name of God who has the power over these plagues, and they did not repent so as to give Him glory. (Revelation 16:9 NASB20)
  
  

But that being said, do we as Christians really believe this from our hearts? I say this because there are so many who profess Christ as their Savior and yet are so caught up in this world’s nonsense. For there are sports events to attend, unbiblical movies to watch, Godless video games to play and the list goes on and on. My brothers and sisters in Christ, what are we doing? Shouldn’t we be more concerned with those lost souls who don’t know Christ? For it’s our job to share the love of Jesus with those of this world. For the first word’s that came out of our Savior’s mouth after being baptized and tested was: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17)

Now, let’s take heed to what Jesus said to us Christians. First, we read that we must beware: "See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains." (Matthew 24:4-8 ESV) Next, we read what they are going to do to us. "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:4-14 ESV)

Wow, we read that we who are in Christ will be even put to death. However, we also read that the gospel is going to be proclaimed throughout the whole world. And the only way it can be proclaimed is through us who are Christ’s disciples. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:13-15) So, just as God our Father sent his Son Jesus Christ to proclaim the gospel (good news) to us, we are now to do the same. For we being his disciple are called to do this. So, let's start preaching brothers and sisters in Christ. Amen.

• And they asked him, “Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?” And he said, “See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them. And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once." (Luke 21:7-9 ESV)
• Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake. This will be your opportunity to bear witness. Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. (Luke 21:10-15 ESV)
• And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. (Luke 21:25-28 ESV)
• And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” (Luke 21:29-33 ESV)
• And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke; the sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day. And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Acts 2:19-21)

So, my fellow Christians, let’s also take note to the warning that Jesus gave us who believe: “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:34-36 ESV) Yes, let’s always be watchful and ready for our Lord’s return so that we can be counted worthy to enter into his Kingdom. Amen.

• Don’t you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize. Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable crown. So I do not run like one who runs aimlessly or box like one beating the air. Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27 CSB)

God bless you as you seek to do his will. Amen.

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