I don’t really know
where, but I do believe we are in the last hour of the church. We will no doubt
wittiness some things that no other generation has ever seen as God starts to
turn the tide of sin in this old world. The scriptures are full of warnings;
sadly we often fail to believe that they pertain to us. Yes, it’s easy to say
and shake our heads in agreement as we declare the Lord is coming. I hear it in
the church often. But I wonder if we really believe what we are declaring?
If we really believe God is about to shake this world I feel we would have different actions in our life. If we really believed time is about up we would change some things in our daily lives. Yet Jesus and others of scripture said it would be this way. Jesus himself warns us not to be deceived and allow this day to overcharge or burden us with the cares of this life. Jesus warns that His followers must beware lest they allow this day to overtake our emotions and burden us to the place we are drunk with the cares of this life.
Right after the
above verses Jesus gives us an example, a parable then follows it up with some
very clear warnings for those who follow Him. These words are not to this world;
Jesus is talking to His followers, you and me.
Then He spoke to them a parable: "Look at the fig tree, and all
the trees.
When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that
summer is now near.
We can
connect all this to some prophetic word but in reality Jesus is giving a simple
example. Just like you know that a budding tree is a sign of a season change we
must also understand that when we see things happening in this world we should
know things are about to change. Jesus goes on to say.
So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the
kingdom of God is near.
Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away
till all things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will
by no means pass away.
"But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down
with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you
unexpectedly.
For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the
whole earth.
Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to
escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of
Man." Luke
21:29-36 NKJV
Jesus
warns us that when we see these things happening know things are about to
change. God is about to turn things forever in a different direction. We have
to make sure we really believe God is coming and things are about to change. But
we must also be on guard lest we get so caught up in this world that we don’t
believe enough to change our lives. Jesus said the cares of this would intoxicate
us so that we don’t see what is coming, or what is really happening.
The Apostle
Paul sounds a warning to his son in the gospel, Timothy, that the last days
would find people around and in the church who are sidetracked away from godly
living. This whole chapter is not Paul speaking of the sins of this world but
sins in and around the church. He is warning Timothy that the last days will
produce these things. Read 2Timothy 3:1-5 NKJV
The things Paul
warns Timothy of were not things in this world. Paul is warning Timothy that
these actions and attitudes were found in and around the church.
Lovers of themselves – Selfish , thinking they know all the
answers.
Lovers of money – Their whole life is their material gain
first. They sacrifice their faithfulness and holiness to make more money.
Boasters and Proud – Bragging on themselves and what they are
doing or did. Full of pride.
Blasphemers – They speak light of the things of God. They continually speak that
holy things are not important.
Disobedient to parents – Rebellious and head strong children are
results of undisciplined parents.
Unthankful – People without grace or gracefulness, who think they have a right to
the services of people and feel no obligation to others, full of entitlement.
Unholy – Unrighteous in their body and spirit.
Without natural affection – Men to men, women to women, parents to
child, adults to children.
Truce-breakers – Those who are not bound to a promise, no
obligation to an oath or contract.
False accusers – Devils, slanders, to ruin character,
accusers.
Incontinent – Without self-control
Fierce – Wild anger, savage, hot temper, fits of rage.
Despisers of those that are good – Hostile towards good, jealous of those who
do right, speaking against those who are doing the work of God.
Traitors – To sell someone out, bearer of tales to cause people trouble.
Heady and High-minded – Those who are head strong and
inconsiderate and full of themselves.
Lovers of Pleasures more
than lovers of God – Serve and love their desires and don’t have time for
God.
You should read the
rest of this chapter and see the end of these people.
We first have to
realize this is the closing hours of the church. The season is changing. If we
really believe this then it should alter our lives. It is when one really
doesn’t think this is the closing hour that one begins to become content in
this world. Then we become like the ones the scripture says that say things
have always been this way. Things are just continuing like they always have.
But in reality, they are not. The season is changing, there are new buds on the
trees that have never been there. Wake up and check your life actions.
If you don’t believe
me go to this link and listen to someone else declare it.
