Characteristics of the End Times and the Impact on Authentic Believers

One of the most striking characteristics of these end times that sometimes feels overwhelming is the lack of respect people have for one another.

 
We knew it would be this way because God said so in His Word in 2 Timothy 3. Having grown up in it, watching everyone pretty much acting the same way, with a few exceptions, we thought it was normal to be defensive and subtly rude if there was a good reason.

2 Timothy 3:1-5 "1 But understand this: In the last days, terrible times will come. 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, without love of good, 4 traitorous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Turn away from such as these!"

 
The more God opened my eyes to what I was looking a,t the more I realized how entrenched in the 2 Timothy 3 scenario we had become.

 
There are still many kind people in the world today doing good things. The test is to bring them the gospel truth that exposes their sinful nature, which will bring out of them their inner heart of rebellion.

 
People can be very friendly when we are validating their lives of sin. The moment we speak of the Word of God and His standard to show them the difference between sin and righteousness, the wolf in them appears, fangs shown and claws out to destroy the one who brings the truth.

 
2 Peter 3:3
"Most importantly, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires."

1 John 2:18
"Children, it is the last hour; and just as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have appeared. This is how we know it is the last hour."

 
Those who love the Word of God and want to live by it are dismissed, demeaned and rejected regularly for their efforts to bring truth that cleanses people if they will just trust in Christ.

 
We see it in the church as well as the world, because the world is in the church now, masquerading as religion but denying Christ through disregard for His Word, even though they say they are "Bible Believers."

Those who have trusted Christ and desire to actually follow His commands and principles are a small remnant now, feeling very much alone and yet full of joy, knowing that their home going is soon. Ane yet, they continue to speak the truth without reservation.
Hallelujah!!!!