Perilous Times

2Ti 3:1 KJV
(1) This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

When we think of the last days, we think of perilous times. Do you know what I think of? Earthquakes, famines, diseases, all sorts of disasters which would qualify as 'apocalyptic'. Do you want to know what God says about perilous times?

2Ti 3:2-5 MKJV
(2) For men will be self-lovers, money-lovers, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
(3) without natural affection, unyielding, false accusers, without self-control, savage, despisers of good,
(4) traitors, reckless, puffed up, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
(5) having a form of godliness, but denying the power of it; even turn away from these.

The hearts of men define our times as being perilous. Of all the adjectives that describe these men listed above, look at the last two. They have a form of godliness, but deny that what they possess has any power.

I spent the weekend with 80+ gentlemen last week who, for many, learned that they could possess God Himself. They learned that a powerless life was an option, not a law, and that a life of power was also an option. Again, the heart is the key. A good description of heaven on earth would be this:

(2) For men will be lovers, humble, reverent, obedient to parents, thankful, holy,
(3) with natural affection, yielding, honest, temperate, civil, lovers of good,
(4) loyal, careful, approachable, lovers of God,
(5) demonstrators of Godliness, embracing His power;