Are We in the End Times?

"But know this, that in the last days perilous time will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power" (2 Timothy 3:1-5). The New Testament Book of 2 Timothy is believed to be the last letter the Apostle Paul wrote to his coworkers in spreading the gospel, rather than to churches. It is believed that this was his last letter, that he wrote it in prison and that he was in prison awaiting execution. Knowing this about the book of 2 Timothy makes it apparent that Paul was aware that he would soon die. "For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing" (2 Timothy 4:6-8). Every one of us is only here for a short period of time. The Lord is calling his followers to make every day count for the glory of God because of His love for us and for the lost. Lord, thank you for the great love you have poured out on all people ever since you first came to walk on the earth. May You pour out more of Your spirit and move in the hearts of all people everywhere that they may know You. Digging Deeper: Ephesians 4:11-16, 25-31; 2 Timothy 3:12-13, 16-17; 4:2-5, 17-18