Know this that in the last days perilous times shall come.”

2 Timothy 3:1

Do you feel that lawlessness is prevailing in our society today? What about Apostasy in the church? The division among protestant denominations has already begun and many are leaving the church. We have seen Christian Nationalism politically polarized America. Even Scotland has seen a certain amount of politically polarized conservatives against teaching LGBT topics in school. We have seen abuse of power at all levels within society and it still remains to be seen what the future will hold. Trends show that we are moving away from foundational doctrines of the Bible. Have you ever wondered how far a person will go if morality is totally gone from society. I find this a scary thought, yet theology is changing the face of Christianity. It seems paganism is gaining a foothold into the church with a watered-down Christianity that conforms to the cultural norms of today’s society.

In Hebrews chapter 13, verse 9, it states that we be “not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace.” We must remember that God does not change through the years. This is also true of Jesus Christ since He is the son of God.

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.”

Hebrews 13:8

Jesus Christ the same means He will not change. The word is set in stone. It will not be voided out, for it is eternal and spiritual. The bible warns us about the latter days where perilous times shall come. The apostle Paul warnings is clearly stated to Timothy, a beloved son in the Lord. God is faithful to those who serve him. But in chapter 3 of 2nd Timothy, the apostle Paul reveals the prediction of Apostasy in the church. Is sound doctrine still being taught? Is Christ still the center of the church as the head of the Church? Have we walked away from the truth of Christ? I pray not, but we must heed the scriptures warning. The apostle Paul warns about it and how many will not endure sound doctrine. If we do not endure sound doctrine, then morality is gone. Paul warns that the day of the Lord will come after the falling away of Christians in the church. There will be those who exalt themself rather than exalting God.

“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there comes a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition.”

2 Thessalonians 2:3

The falling away is first before the return of the Lord.  I have seen new words pop up within the evangelical churches that have modified theology to meet the new culture of today. This is theology that is no longer based upon sound doctrine of the Bible. Randy Alcorn founder and director of Eternal Perspective Ministries asked the following question. 

Is it reasonable to suggest that there is a point where if you no longer believe that the whole Bible is true, and you deny core truths evangelical Christians historically believed, it is misleading and even nonsensical to continue to call yourself an “evangelical Christian”?

Author Randy Alcorn

I have recently read that the Gallup Poll in 2021 revealed that church membership was below 50%. It was said that 65% of people left the church and 40% were adult American Christians. Membership now is considered a relic of an older generation. Membership is not considered important anymore. Let me say that leaving the church started before Covid-19. Abuse of power, sexual misconduct, and abusive behavior has created a toxic culture within the church. Distrust and disillusionment have brought about the change. The apostle Paul told Timothy that men will be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, and blasphemers, [see 2 Timothy 3:2].

“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.”

2 Peter 2:1

These are perilous times we are living in, and we better have our faith in the right person, Jesus Christ, the son of God. The only way to the Father is through Jesus. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me,” [see John 14:6]. The importance is that Jesus is our sacrifice. “Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him,” [see Romans 6:9]. We are to reckon ourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord, [see Romans 6:11]. Jesus Christ is the power of God to manifest himself to the world that He has overcome death. Without Jesus we can do nothing. Our sufficiency comes from God and not of ourselves. We must also believe that the Bible is the literal truth of the word of God. Jesus said, “If you keep my commandments, you shall abide in my love,” [see John 15:10]. Keeping the word in our heart will ensure we abide in his love. The three conditions of a fruitful life in Christ are cleansing ourselves from all iniquity, abiding in the true vine through Christ, and obedience to the word, which is the Bible.

Just think about how no morality in the world, will drive man to depravity. The state of being corrupt or evil.  Let us know that “evil communications corrupt good manners,” [see 1 Corinthians 15:38]. Evil communications are not a license to kill. Some will cast off their first faith as is stated in 1st Timothy chapter 5, verse 12. Who is it that will turn you to aside to a different belief? It is Satan, ““For some are already turned aside after Satan.,” [see 1st Timothey 5:15]. Man’s responsibility will be only to himself rather than to those around him. Man will lose his conscience as to doing the right think. This will affect future generations. Scientists have already delivered the final warning about climate change and how we may reach the stage of irreversible losses in the ecosystems. We will face more extreme weather, droughts, floods, heatwaves, and sea level rises. Along with these changes in our ecosystems is what the Bible warns us in the following scriptures:

“For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers’ places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.”

Mark 13:8

When we see these things happening around the world, know that the time is nearing to His coming. Clear your own conscience by repenting and asking for forgiveness of others of the wrong you have done and ask the Lord to create in you a clean heart, and to renew a right spirit within you, [see Psalms 51:10]. Whatever circumstances you are in, know that God will be your strength in perilous times.

“It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.”

Psalms 18:32