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The rear-view mirror on the passenger side of a car has a statement etched on the glass that is wise to not only think about but could indicate a serious accident MIGHT happen. It reads: Objects may be neared than it appears. In other words, other vehicles coming along side may already be along-side. We call it the blind spot.

This is like what is going on in today’s church. The scripture of IN THAT DAY may be nearer than one thinks. Millions if not billions will be blindsided. Not by ignorance but by not believing the warning that is etched in the Word of God. This is what 2 Timothy 3:1-5 defines for us in the Bible. (see below)

Let’s begin this blog/article with Matthew 24:36. No one knows when the end will be. One can continually ask, “are we there yet” but no one including the angels knows the hour, day, or year of Jesus Christ’s 2nd advent to earth. The same is true of man’s rapture. In the Bible we are also given the conditions that will exist before the return of Jesus to reclaim his (God the Father and God the Holy Spirit) creation of earth. First comes the rapture, and then comes the 2nd advent which will begin the Millennial reign on earth.

2 Timothy 3:1-5 ”But, know this…”

This passage begins by telling us that we are supposed to know. Ignorance is not an excuse. What helps us better understand is we know “the what” because this passage includes…”in the last days perilous times will come.” Luke 17:26 and in Matthew 24:37 in these coming last days there will be a culture as was in those days before the Great Deluge (flood) of Noah’s time.

JIV: Has the reader of this commentary seen, read, or heard of the Cancel Culture movement? What is going to replace the different cultures of this world? Perhaps the culture of 2 Timothy 3:1-5 (below). It is  specific signs of the END is nearer than we may think.

Here is a review of those cultural changes under a New World order and for which the Bible tells us to understand. Most, if not all have heard that there is currently an agenda to create a one-world-order. Cancelled cultures is the road grader preparing for the highway to the End.

2 Timothy 3:1-5 “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!” [NKJV]

How do we understand when this will happen? We know not the time, but we do know the signs of that time; what to look for. Perilous times will exist. Men (mankind: anthrōpos) will be lovers of themselves. Mankind will want it one way and without opposition or conflicting concurrent cultural and old norms. Tear down the statues and erase the history of nations, States, and even denominations. This has been the trend for signage in front of churches for several years. Reduce or eliminate the denomination from the name of any given church. Not that denominations make a difference as much as it eliminates the culture of differing denominations.

Lovers of money: Many do not fully understand this. One thinks it is only the stuff in one’s billfold, 401K, bank accounts or other investments. People will then prefer to be bought out rather than do what is right. This is very similar to bribery but mostly it eliminates other choices. Consider the use of *bitcoin or charge cards. Control of the money market.

*Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency that can be transferred on the peer-to-peer bitcoin network. No Yen or other currency fighting for dominion or preference over the U.S. currency.

Boasters and proud: This is another misunderstanding. Yes, it includes people laying claim to things they want others to witness or think s/he has done. But it also identifies those who boast and are proud of the things s/he can get away with. Smash and grab, no bale or consequences, disrespecting laws of the land or crossing borders without consequences.

Blasphemers: This refers to cursers and/or being foul-mouthed. Watch what is on TV or at the movies rated as family time shows. This is usually a term left to using God’s name in vain. No longer is it isolated to this. To diss or disrespect good things is also blasphemy. NOTE: It is also blasphemy to claim to be a deity or God; to take credit for something s/he did not do. 

Disobedient to parents: This seems obvious…parents. However, this phrase includes the family structure failing. Older and young alike will not follow instructions but will also act without asking first; not seeking wisdom or permission. People will deliberately deceive others including themselves. The Bible warns about self-deception [1 Corinthians 3:18].

Unthankful: This End Time indicator is others thinking self is more important than others as in people, liberties, human respect, gifts from others, denial of the existence of a God.

Unholy:  Anything not God-centered. It is much more than simply doing the right thing. Deliberate acts of anti-God thought, actions, motives, and/or living.

Unloving: This is a sub-title to unthankful. The KJV writes “without natural affection.” As did the Pharaoh during the time of Moses, his heart hardened concerning the fate of Israelis under his thumb. What was created as natural is being redefined at this vey moment.

Unforgiving: Hmmm? Does not the Lord’s prayer in Matthew and Luke say: “forgive me Lord (just) as I forgive those who have sinned against me.”  Perhaps this scripture is cautioning those claiming salvation but holding personal grudges?

Slanderers: This seems obvious. One’s verbalized attitude toward others on the wrong side of his or her proverbial track. It includes one’s attitude toward God and believers; to slander or bad-mouth. 

Without self-control: Fits of anger? Sorry but there is much more to this End Time indicator. Any loss of self-control is what the Apostle Paul is referencing. Examples include Proverbs 18:21, Romans 12:2, James 1:19, plus self-discipline in all things. Do not be held hostage to things that dominate one’s time outside of God.

Despisers of good: The trend today is to call good bad, and to call bad good. We will leave it at that. Use one’s brain and consider how rampant this is today (Isaiah 5:20). This indicator is a major factor played right in to the sole purpose of cancel cultures. 

Traitors: There is a steppingstone to being the subject of or subject to a traitor. The saying today is “if one sees something, say something.”  How easily this can mean an exposer of anything that is anti-State. Even the former and future Presidents of the United States are subject to wondering to whom s/he can give his confidence or have a serious discussion about questionable things. This reared its ugly head with the aftermath of President Trump. Confidants are traitoring even at the expense of national security.

Headstrong (heady): Logic, evidence for or against, concerns, thoughtfulness, facts, or the ability to change one’s own mind or for another to change the incorrectness of something or another…person, place, or thing. Reasoning? This is the way one recalls how it has been done in the past.

Haughty: Some call this high-minded. To get one’s head out of the cloud(s). A self-image that is a portrait of oneself. The opposing word would be humbleness (James 4:10). The inability to admit wrongdoing. Comparing oneself with others including trying to demonstrate how humble one is and being proud of it.

Lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God: This is a strong indicator of End Time. Many years ago, it was presented or introduced as “if it feels good how can it be wrong?” Many examples of this can be given in this End Time Indicator. The total Christian attitude is not to be a part-time follower of Christ. 

Having a form of Godliness but denying its power. This is when the Holy Spirit plays no role in the church body or its individual members who call him or herself Christian. 

Rev. Dr. Jstark

2022