For the time will come when they will not tolerate sound doctrine, but according to their own desire will multiply teachers for themselves because they have an itch to hear something new. They will turn away from hearing the truth and will turn aside to myths.     2 Timothy 4:3-4 HCSB

We are now seeing our Scripture passage lived out before our eyes. We see people not wanting to hear that they have to give up anything to be Christians. We see people wanting to hear something new. They don’t want that same old gospel that was preached to the generations before them. They want a new-age religion. They want their ears tickled, meaning they want to hear what they want to hear.

They want to hear that their sin is okay. They want to hear that we serve a loving God who wouldn’t dare punish us for our sins. They want to believe myths instead of God’s holy word.

If we back up to 2 Timothy chapter 3, we are told of difficult times ahead. It says in the last days we will see people become out of control. It says they will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers without self-control, brutal, and without love for what is good.

We are told they will be traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to the form of godliness but denying its power. This means they will claim to believe in God but will live as though there is no God. They will deny the power of God to punish their sins. They will lack faith in Him. We are told to avoid these people.

I would love to believe that before the rapture, we will see a great revival in our nation. I would also love to see it spread throughout the world.

Some believe there is no evidence of revival before the rapture. Gracethrufaith.com lists several scripture passages that support this. 2 Thessalonians 2:3 says, “Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way. For that day (Christ’s second coming) will not come unless the apostasy comes first and the lawlessness of man is revealed, the son of destruction.” 1 Timothy 4:1 says some will depart from the faith and follow false teachers. It also lists 1 Timothy 3:1-5 which is quoted above.

Dr. Rick Flanders of the First Baptist Church of Bridgeport stated in www.ministry127.com that he believes there will be a great revival during the tribulation period. He lists several Scripture passages to support his belief.

This is why Bible study is so important. We have to study the Bible to get a deeper understanding. Church attendance helps us with that. We must be sure to choose a church with a pastor that teaches the truth from God’s word.

If you think the Bible is a boring read, think again. The Old Testament teaches us about the creation and beginning of the world. It teaches us how sin destroyed what could have been a beautiful heaven on earth. It shows us how the Israelites fell into a pattern of sin, being punished by God, repenting, being forgiven and delivered by God, and repeating this pattern over and over again. I can certainly identify with that. There are also some great war stories.

There is nothing wrong with praying for revival. It doesn’t say anything about a massive revival taking place before the rapture. Now of course some believe in a pre-tribulation rapture. This is my belief. Others believe the rapture will take place at the end of the tribulation period.

I truly believe we are in the last days. I encourage you to live your life from today forward as if it were the last day before the rapture because, in reality, it could be. I encourage you to repent of your sin, surrender to Christ and do your best to imitate Him. Do not be led astray by pastors telling you what you want to hear.

We must all become investigators. We must not just look at what is happening on the surface but look at all that is surrounding the teaching of so-called pastors. Who are their associates? Are they speaking the truth according to God’s holy word?

We must not be deceived or led astray by false teachers. Just because something looks good and sounds good doesn’t mean it’s from God. Be wise and discerning. Let revival take place in your heart and pray that it becomes contagious.

Live each day as if it’s the day prior to you standing before the throne of your Lord and Savior to be judged by Him.

Have a great day!