Dr. Lawrence Butler, The Bridge Church, Pembroke

Paul used this expression in Hebrews 1:2, “in these last days” and Peter said in II Peter 3:3, “in the last days.” Many Bible scholars feel that we are living in what these men called the last days because the New Testament church has been born and we are awaiting the return of Christ for His bride. 

Many are the signs of the approaching end of time as we know it. For example, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good” (II Timothy 3:1-3 ).

Certainly it is clear to us that we live in dangerous times. The entirety of my life has been spent with the knowledge that nuclear war could bring unimaginable horror in a matter of minutes. However, instead of prompting us to pray and walk close to the Lord, we seem to have become hardened spiritually and live with very little concern about God’s thoughts and feelings over the quality of our lifestyles. 

Please review the above scripture and examine our culture. Are we not guilty of all the sins listed above? People are proud, feeling they can take care of themselves with no need of God, if He even exists. Blasphemy spues from mouths because hearts are not holy. The Ten Commandments are not just removed from our schools, they are desecrated and cast aside in our hearts. Remember, “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain” (Exodus 20:7). Forget not, my friends, “thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not commit adultery, thou shalt not steal” (Exodus 20:13-15). 

Yet we seem to have forgotten God’s commands, acting as if we have never heard them. When the Lord gave these statutes, the people were afraid and asked Moses to keep them away from the Lord and for him (Moses) to listen for the commands and simply tell them what was said. There were thunders, lightnings and loud noises which brought great fear to the hearers. Have you heard God’s commands?

 Are you obeying Him, or simply living your life without even thinking about Him? If so, you are headed for trouble. Better pray, my friend!