THE LAST DAYS

By Anita Clark

"Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation" II Peter 3:3-4.

Apostle Peter was speaking of people of his day who were doubting that Jesus would return. How much more do we see this happening in these latter days of this age, two thousand years later. Unbelief is abounding! We hear more and more of people expressing skepticism concerning Christ’s eminent return. The Word of God predicts that many will be in a stupor of sleepiness at the time of the coming of Christ, and will not realize that they have missed out until the tribulation of judgment comes upon the world.

The word used in this text "scoffers" in the Greek means "to deride, false teachers, or mockers." This is going on all around us today. To "walk after their own lusts" means they are consumed with "fleshly desires," fulfilling their own sinful self-indulgence. The Word of God plainly teaches us, "For God has not called us to uncleanness, but unto holiness" (I Thess. 4:7). The world is increasingly getting darker and darker with people fulfilling the desires of their flesh in utter disregard of what God’s Word teaches. Apostle Paul admonishes us in I Timothy 2:1-4, to intercede in prayer "...for all men, for kings and for all that are in authority...For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." This does not mean that "all men" will accept God’s invitation to be saved, but that this is God’s will for all.

INCREASE IN KNOWLEDGE/NEW TECHNOL-OGIES – The Word of God says in Daniel 12:4, that in the time of the end, "...knowledge shall be increased." The technology of this world is hard to keep up with. A study has shown that human knowledge is doubling every 8 years. Buckminster Fuller and author of "Knowledge Doubling Curve" writes of how that human knowledge doubled every century up to around 1900. He says, "The end of World War II reduced that time frame to every 25 years. Now some technical advances are doubling the knowledge every 2 years, while advances in clinical knowledge doubles every 18 months. Current numbers show that all of human knowledge is doubling about every thirteen months. So, whatever you knew last June is obsolete." Even the written page in books and especially the Bible is being discarded by some for the use of electronic devices. I know that I may be old fashioned, but I think that it is important to read the literal pages of our Bibles to accustom ourselves with meditating on and finding the texts ourselves without the technology.

The knowledge we get from the Word of God is timeless because we are not just taking it into our human brain, but into another dimension - that of our New Creation life. The Word must first be entertained in our human mind, but as we give our mind over to Christ, we are renewed in our mind, and the Word becomes apart of us. It then changes our actions into living for Christ. Apostle Paul says in Romans 12:2, "And be not conformed [molded to] to this world: but be transformed [metamorphosed] by the renewing of your mind..."

We can see how far advanced technology has come with creating devices to identify humans being one from another through electronics. Back in 1998 a British Scientist created implants for patients. In 2009 devices were being surgically implanted Recently, the head of Master Card commented that microchip implants under the skin could be used for commerce soon. United States Food and Drug Administration has approved the Verichip in 2009 to be placed in humans for medical information, but they have not been injected into but a few persons who paid to have one put in. One company required it for access to specified places in their building for security reasons. Some states have set up laws to prevent them from being injected into persons against their will.

Of course the concerns of Christians is that Revelation 13:16-17 states that the False Prophet will promote a mark on the head or hand of all who will buy and sell during the tribulation when the Antichrist is ruling. Somehow, the image of the Beast (Antichrist) will be able to speak and put to death anyone that will not worship it (Rev. 13:15). We don’t know exactly how this will be accomplished, but it will be done through advanced technology, no doubt.

INCREASE OF EARTHQUAKES – The Rim of Fire is the giant ring that runs around the outer perimeter of the Pacific Ocean called that because of the volcanic activity in those areas around the Pacific Plate. At this time there is a tremendous increase in earthquake activity in this area. Also, there are 40 volcanoes erupting right now around the globe 34 of which are active along the Rim of Fire area. In recent months there has been significant earthquakes in Michigan, Texas, Mississippi, Idaho and Washington. Also, in Oklahoma there have been several mild earthquakes. San Francisco has had increased earthquake activity lately. Matthew 24:7 tells us "...and there shall be famines, and pestilence, earthquakes in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows" Matthew 24:7-8.

WARS AND RUMORS OF WARS – the war with ISIS rages on. Fifty-nine nations, focused to defeat ISIS, are joined as participants in the war to destroy the radical jihads, with Russia entering in more recently. The main super powers involved have met together recently, to try to work together to prevent air tragedies between themselves, as different nations are mounting air raids on ISIS, and collisions could occur in the sky as the bombers go flying over such a small area.

Much talk has been going on about the refugees form Syria coming into various countries, after fleeing from atrocities brought on by the terrible acts by the jihadis. Much fear from citizens of countries, where these displaced persons might end up, is being voiced, and the recent terrorist attacks in Paris and the bombing of the Russia Airline plane by ISIS has caused many to reject the idea of bringing these refugees into various countries. Many in the United States are very fearful about the possible terrorist that might come in as refugees, and then do some terrorist act here in the U.S.A.

The world is full of unrest. Satan tries to take our peace continually. We must triumph over his devices. Remember the Scriptures, which comforts our hearts. "For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (II Timothy 1:7). "Be anxious for nothing, but by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your heart and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7). Jesus Christ is coming soon to catch away His bride. Be watching and ready.