Bible Studies

ARE WE THERE YET

by Charles (Chuck) Robey
09/24/22
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INTRODUCTION

In my younger years, my parents being career Salvation Army officers, our family moved around quite frequently. When I entered the fifth grade of school, I had been in five different states and five different schools. One school would hold me back in learning, while another might promote me ahead.

One memory I remember fairly well were our summer family vacations. They were the highlight of Mom and Dad’s summer. We would alternate between Florida and West Virginia, visiting family.

For me, as a young strapping over-active youth, I was always held hostage in the rear seat of an old classic family car with no air conditioning. My repeated question was always, “ Are we there yet?”

Now that I am an older than dirt, and a twice as gritty old coot, I still repeat that same phrase, only this time around, it centers on the current world situation, and America in particular. Are we really there yet? 

If you have been following my blogs, you are well aware of my concern for our great Republic, America. Our tried and true slogan, 'The land of the free and home of the brave' seems to be in a heap of trouble, culturally speaking. My concern is for America’s Judeo-Christian roots, together with her God-inspired patriotism.   

Have you read your newspaper, tuned in the television news, listened to talk radio, surfed the internet, talked to your next-door neighbor, or even listened in the modern church service lately? If so, what’s happening to We the People? Where are we hiding out these days? 

Christianity and Patriotism seem to be out to lunch, considering today’s socialist cultural diet. I prayerfully hope no one gets choked on such a fat-loaded propaganda meal. Thus, I have written a much-needed blog respecting today’s socialistic culture.

So, let's look at what’s happening now and on into the future of our lives. Please enjoy this Bible inspired information pathway, its inspired prediction and direction of now and the future of America.

I have labeled this blog, “Are We There Yet?” A Bible study of the end times.

May I preface this all-important subject by giving a brief concession. I have tuned out most politically, or government-sponsored drive-by media, and social media, in quest of the more reliable faith-based presentations. It's the same old tune, only a different verse. I now back up my picks with dedicated prayer and Scripture reading. (Psalm 119:11)  Won't you join me! 

So, I ask you again, “are we there yet?” “Are we there where?” you might ask. My short answer is, “Yes, we are quickly moving into the Biblical end times, as we know them to be.” To substantiate this answer, we must go straight to the Holy Scripture. So, grab hold, hang on, and don’t be afraid of the answers. Don't be fearful of the times, in which we are now living, but enjoy what the future has to offer. God has placed you in this exact time for His reasons, known only to Him.

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."(II Timothy 1:7)

We all are no different, however, from those people of old. Even our Lord’s faithful disciples were human-minded, having questions as we do.

“As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us," they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3)

He does not answer when those things would be. However, He does answer with what the signs of His coming will be, so they and we will know what to look for.  (Matthew 24:4-28)

The Scripture clearly states that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teaching comes through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.

“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.” (I Timothy 4:1-2)

The Scripture is quick to confirm that in the last days difficult times will come. All forms of those holding power will impersonate and deceive.  We see this in today’s liberal socialist America.

“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.  People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,  without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good,  treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—  having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.” (II Timothy 3:1-5)

Deception and persecution will increase, going from bad to worse. We see this in all forms of today’s authority.

“But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.” (II Timothy 3:13)

People will no longer be content to hear the sound teachings of the Gospel. In many of today’s modern churches there are pastors catering to the desire of their congregations for having their ears tickled with feel-good sermons and the "social gospel" which is far from the saving Word of God.

^“ For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” (II timothy 4:3-4)

And in the last days, we shall see scorn, mockery and disdain among the people. We are seeing a willful turning away from the truth in our nation.

“Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ He promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” (II Peter 3:3-4)

One of the next prophecies on our Lord's agenda is what is referred to as the Rapture. Although this event is not mentioned in the Scriptures by name, it will be sudden and without warning, catching away all saints (Christians) by Christ, to be forever with Him. There’s no known prophecies need to be fulfilled before this happens.

“Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. (I Corinthians 15:51-52)  Read also (I Thessalonians 4:13-18)

So, now I trust you have enjoyed this brief interlude of Scripture-based information on proof that we are living in the last days. Oh, I realize you probably won’t hear much, if any, about these last days' events on the social news cycle. But, if the Bibles says so, you can take it to the bank. Are you watching? Are you ready?

Here are a few parting remarks and Biblical conclusions.

Our protection, as believers, is to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Always be ready for battle.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. (Ephesians 6:10-11)

You see, we are now in a spiritual war of  many unseen battles. Our enemies are the demonic hosts of Satan, always assembled for mortal combat.      

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,  and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:12-17)

So, let us sum it all up, shall we?

“To sum it up, let all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and  humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil, or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing. (I Peter 1:8-9)  

CONCLUSION

Indeed, like no other time, we are now living in an exciting time of history. Are you listening? Are you hearing God’s Scriptural predictions of the present and the future? I realize this article has given you a lot of Scripture to digest all at once.   

Why the Scriptures, one may ask? Simply explained, all Scripture was divinely inspired. The Bible came from God through the men who wrote it. According to Dr. Charles Ryrie’s Scripture Notes, "God superintended these human authors so that using their individual personalities, they composed and recorded without error God’s Word to man. This inspiration, however, does not extend beyond the original manuscripts, though the text we possess today has been transmitted with high accuracy

“Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things.  For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” (II Peter 1:20-21

As I said before, "If  the inspired Scriptures proclaim it, you can take it to the bank." 

“He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.  The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.  Revelation 22:20-21)  Yes, He is coming quickly.

My reaction is, "Do come quickly, Lord Jesus!” Amen!

So, I give you a closing benediction. 

"Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. (Jude 24,25)