Are we getting close

[dsdumpling]

Do these look like signs of the time to you?

2 Timothy 3:1-5 (NIV) 1But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God-- 5having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.

 

[Terri]

I do think those are definitely signs of the times. And it is getting might lonely as there are more and more people that I feel that I should have nothing to do with.

I think this is another sign too:

LK 21:34 "Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man."

It seems that so many people are so filled with anxiety. Think about all the anxiety attacks you are always hearing people say they are having now days. And, there certainly is alot of drunkenness. And dissipation--let's not even go there!

 

[Phoebe]

I only have the past to compare today to. If I could see the future, today may not seem so bad.

 

[JVAC]

That's Deep!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[HiredGoon]

Every generation since the Christ has thought they were close to the "end times."

"People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God-- having a form of godliness but denying its power."

This is just describing human nature. People have always been like this. One thing you learn from studying history is that human nature never changes. I have no reason to believe we're any where near getting close.

 

[Adoniram]

I too, believe the signs show that the time is near. I watch what is going on in the mid-east with great interest (news about the Jews' preparation for the temple is very interesting). And why shouldn't we get excited about his coming? After all, our desire should be to be with him. When your vacation is only a couple of days away you don't sit around thinking "Oh dear me, I'm going to have to go on vacation soon," do you? Of course not. (well maybe some of you do) You get excited. How much more so should we be about the return of the Lord.

 

[JeffreyLloyd]

I only have the past to compare today to. If I could see the future, today may not seem so bad.

 

[southron]

I too, believe the signs show that the time is near. I watch what is going on in the mid-east with great interest (news about the Jews' preparation for the temple is very interesting). And why shouldn't we get excited about his coming? After all, our desire should be to be with him. When your vacation is only a couple of days away you don't sit around thinking "Oh dear me, I'm going to have to go on vacation soon," do you? Of course not. (well maybe some of you do) You get excited. How much more so should we be about the return of the Lord.

Your right on. We are very close to the end and we best be getting ready to take that trip. I am very excited and so are many many others.

God Bless,
Brian

 

[Terri]

I too, believe the signs show that the time is near. I watch what is going on in the mid-east with great interest (news about the Jews' preparation for the temple is very interesting). And why shouldn't we get excited about his coming? After all, our desire should be to be with him. When your vacation is only a couple of days away you don't sit around thinking "Oh dear me, I'm going to have to go on vacation soon," do you? Of course not. (well maybe some of you do) You get excited. How much more so should we be about the return of the Lord.

I am so excited I can hardly stand it Adoniram!!! I have such joy thinking about being with my bridegroom. And it gives me great joy to know that my Lord is as excited as I am!!!! Every day for me is like the day before Christmas when I was a child.

 

[Col]

Every passing day brings us closer, no one knows the day, we are simply advised to be prepared. I believe that if you took a snapshot at anytime in history over the last 2000 years you would find similar indications, so the "last days" is not so much a recent event, but man (and women of course) have been living in it for some time. It may simply appear more prevelant today, as the immediacy of global communications, media, reporting and even the internet keeps us so much more informed of the state of the world.
I am often grateful for the fact that the "End" has not yet come, as I regret that many times I would have been found wanting and less the worthy let alone ready. I of course try to live everyday like it will be my last (well that is the theory anyway), unfortunatley it is often easier said than done. I count myself lucky that our God is so forgiving.

Bless Ya
Col <><

 

[dsdumpling]

When Paul was dictating those words I believe that the times, to them, were just as bad as the times right now are to us. But don't you remember a much simpler time in your youth. You didn't see Janet Jackson's body parts on television, you weren't afraid that someone would kipnap you and kill you at age 11. I agree that all throughout history the peoples thought it was the worst times and I do today.

I'm homesick and I want to go home. I'm sure the "times" will get much worse and I don't want to be around to see them.

 

[musicfreAk]

I only have the past to compare today to. If I could see the future, today may not seem so bad.

^^i agree to that one....

 

[nadroj1985]

I think it's funny that someone quoted Luke 21:34 in defense of the idea that we are near the end times. The verse says "that day will close on you unexpectedly." I think this indicates that, while yes we should be ready, we shouldn't be looking forward and trying to determine when the end times will be. I also agree with the other posters who said that everyone thought their times were particularly evil. I don't really see how we are any different.

 

[michael servetus]

Are we there yet?

 

[nadroj1985]

Are we there yet?

 

[Terri]

I think it's funny that someone quoted Luke 21:34 in defense of the idea that we are near the end times. The verse says "that day will close on you unexpectedly." I think this indicates that, while yes we should be ready, we shouldn't be looking forward and trying to determine when the end times will be. I also agree with the other posters who said that everyone thought their times were particularly evil. I don't really see how we are any different.

Well, I'm glad I was able to amuse you. Please read this part again:

36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man."

Now what do you suppose we are to always be on watch for????

And how do you suppose we are to pray that we may be able to escape all that is about to happen, if we don't know that it is about to happen????

It will only close unexpectedly on those who's hearts are weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life--not on those that are watching!!! That is the whole point of what is being said: to watch so that it will not come upon us unexpectedly.

LK 21:34 "Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man."

 

[Phoebe]

What will come upon all those who live on the earth?

 

[nadroj1985]

Well, I'm glad I was able to amuse you. Please read this part again:

36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man."

Now what do you suppose we are to always be on watch for????

And how do you suppose we are to pray that we may be able to escape all that is about to happen, if we don't know that it is about to happen????

It will only close unexpectedly on those who's hearts are weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life--not on those that are watching!!! That is the whole point of what is being said: to watch so that it will not come upon us unexpectedly.

LK 21:34 "Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man."

I'm sorry . I reread my post and it sounded like I was making fun of you. I didn't at all mean for that to be the case. Thank you for setting me straight lol. I still have some hangups about this though. It seems to me a bit counterproductive and a bit unrealistic to believe that we are living in the end times.

 

[Terri]

I'm sorry . I reread my post and it sounded like I was making fun of you. I didn't at all mean for that to be the case. Thank you for setting me straight lol. I still have some hangups about this though. It seems to me a bit counterproductive and a bit unrealistic to believe that we are living in the end times.

Ohhh no apology necessary Nadro!! I know what I believe comes off funny to some. It doesn't bother me. I really am happy when I can amuse someone!!

I get such great joy from expecting the return of the Lord any day and have not found it to be unrealistic or counterproductive in any way. You really do get a special blessing of joy from it, and I just wish everyone could experience it.

But, I know many others believe differently, and I don't hold it against them!!

 

[Terri]

What will come upon all those who live on the earth?

I think the warning to the virgins in the parable of the ten virgins in Mt 25:1-10 is the same warning that is given to us in LK 21:34-36.

MT 25:1 "At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4 The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5 The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
MT 25:6 "At midnight the cry rang out: `Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!'
MT 25:7 "Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish ones said to the wise, `Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.'
MT 25:9 " `No,' they replied, `there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.'
MT 25:10 "But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.

LK 21:34 "Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man."

And, what we are being warned of is in 1TH 5:1-9.

1TH 5:1 Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
1TH 5:4 But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

This is the way I see it. There is a time coming, and some of us think is here when people will run short of oil(the Holy Spirit)(MT25:1 The Parable of the Ten Virgins) because their hearts will be weighted down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the anxieties of life (Lk21:34). This is a time of heavy spiritual oppression and only those that are aware of this time and are very careful spiritually will escape intact.

There will be a great shortage in faith (Luke 18:8--God asks if he will find faith on the earth when he returns).

Luke 18:8 I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"

Notice here in 1TH5:4 God says that Christians should not be surprised by this day:

1TH 5:4 But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.

He makes it clear that we as Christians should be aware when we are approaching this day.

There will be sudden destruction (1TH5:3)

1TH5:33 While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

There will be the wrath of God (1TH5:9).

1TH9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Now I believe that we must be in Christ to escape this coming destruction and wrath. We must not have our hearts weighted down by dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life but have our lamps bright with the oil of the Holy Spirit. Now as Christians we should always have these things. It's just as the spiritual oppression gets more severe we must be aware that the time is near so that we can take the precautions necessary to remain in HIM!!