Living in the Last Days

It is important to be aware of what is going on in the world around you. Jesus will return and we must be ready.

We are living in the Last Days.

2 Timothy 3:1–5 NKJV

1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

The Five D's that will help you in the Last Days

Do Not Be Deceived (Matt. 24:4)

Matthew 24:4 NKJV

4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you.

Read v. 5, 11, 24

Hebrews 5:14 ESV

14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

We need to become mature in God’s Word, allowing God to power boost discernment within our life, through practice in order that we can discern that which is good from evil, or what is right and what is wrong. Truth from lies.

One sign that we're living in the last days is that man will no longer endure sound doctrine, and we're living in a day when false teachers are everywhere.

2 Timothy 4:3 NKJV

3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;

Don’t think for one moment that you are incapable of being deceived. Jesus warns us that

Matthew 24:24–25 NKJV

24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you beforehand.

1 Timothy 4:1 NKJV

1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,

There will be many who will fall into great deception. Make sure that it isnt you.

2 Thessalonians 2:3 NKJV

3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition,

Do Not Be Discouraged (Matt. 24:6)

Matthew 24:6 NKJV

6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

We as Americans are in a war right now, a war against freedom. Freedom of speak, freedom of religion, morality is under attack, God’s word even is attacked for not be relevant in today's post modern progressive society.

Remember Christ’s comforting words,

John 14:1–4 NKJV

1 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And where I go you know, and the way you know.”

Do Not Be Defeated (Matt. 24:12-13)

Matthew 24:12–13 NKJV

12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved.

What does endure to the end mean?

Those who endure and stand firm in the faith, despite incitements to do otherwise, are showing that they are genuine children of God “who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” 1 Peter 1:5

1 Peter 1:5 NKJV

5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

True believers in Christ will have the power to endure. For it is God in them that will give them to power to stand.

Matthew 10:22 NKJV

22 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.

Do Not Be Doubtful (Matt. 24:34-35)

Matthew 24:34–35 NKJV

34 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

Lets not get caught up and distracted by the statement that this generation will by no means pass away. Because every generation from the time Jesus spoke these words till now, has believed that they could be that generation. Perhaps we more than others, believe that we are that generation who will witness and are witness these endtime events spoken by our Lord Jesus Christ.

The main point that seems to be places as a secondary notation is that “Heaven and earth will pass way” The question has always been, when will this all happen?

Matthew 5:18 NKJV

18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.

All must come to fulfillment then the end will come. But not the end of God’s Word for it is only the Word of God that will remain. His word is eternal, everything else is temporal.

Don’t become doubtful about His coming again. Don’t doubt His promises even if you don’t understand them all completely.

Many are staying now what the scriptures says would be said about Christ’s coming again

2 Peter 3:4–9 NKJV

4 and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” 5 For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, 6 by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. 7 But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. 8 But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

You must simply trust in His words and look up for your redemption is drawing near.

Luke 21:25–28 NKJV

25 “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; 26 men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”

And lastly,

Do Not Be Distracted (Matt. 24:42)

Matthew 24:42 (NKJV)

42 Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.

The bottom line is these…we don’t know the exact time when the Lord is coming back. We are only instructed to Watch and Be ready.

Luke 12:40 NKJV

40 Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

So don't be distracted. For the world offers more distractions than one can count.

2 Peter 3:10–13 NKJV

10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. 11 Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.