Tag: 2 Timothy 3:1-9 Page 2 of 4

Are We in the End Times? Day 24

On December 13, 2021

(2 Ti 3:8) Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

Good morning, Reader! As you can probably tell, I love lighthouses, sunrises, sunsets and nature. All of my pictures are images that friends have shared with me and given me permission to use. Todays ‘picture blesses me because I look at lighthouses in two different ways. First, I see the lighthouse as Christ’s light shining to show us the way to salvation. Secondly, I see the lighthouse as Christians lighting the way for unbelievers to find salvation. I pray that this blog would be a lighthouse to all who come here: whether it is to grow in Christ so you can be a lighthouse to others or to find Christ. I pray both are accomplished here for His glory and honor! Praise Him!

Today’s verse is a continuation of yesterday’s post but to further define the hearts of Jannes and Jambres. Yesterday we saw that they resisted the truth. Today, we dig deeper and see that they were men of corrupt minds. Corrupt in today’s English is not as harsh as Noah Webster’s definition:

To vitiate or deprave; to change from good to bad.
Evil communications corrupt good manners. 1 Cor 15.
To waste, spoil or consume.
Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt. Mat 6.
To defile or pollute. Exo 32.
To entice from good and allure to evil. 2 Cor 11.
To pervert; to break, disobey or make void. Mal 2.
To pervert or vitiate integrity; to bribe; as, to corrupt a judge.
To debase or render impure, by alterations or innovations; as, to corrupt language.
To pervert; to falsify; to infect with errors; as, to corrupt the sacred text.

I shake my head in disbelief when I read through each of these. The definition caused me to understand exactly why Jannes and Jambres were described as this. Now we see more meaning in the verse, don’t we?

Now compare the definition with what is currently going on in this world and you will be able to unequivocally see that we are in the end times. Remember, these two men were so evil that they drowned in the Red Sea along with Pharaoh’s army! They didn’t die alongside their countrymen in war but along side the enemy! Worldwide today we see that mankind is at the same level as Jannes and Jambres. Let’s break down the definition and compare it with today’s attitudes and what the Bible says about this:

To vitiate or deprave; to change from good to bad. Evil communications corrupt good manners. 1 Cor 15.

(1 Co 15:33) Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

When in time have you ever seen the audacity of people on social media and the news? Things are said that would never have been put on the news or spoken in public like we see today! Song lyrics are filthy and billboards reveal half naked women (which used to be considered pornography when I was growing up). It doesn’t end there – just stand in line at the grocery store and listen to people speaking around you. It won’t be but a minute when you hear evil communication coming out of their mouths. But can you imagine if you were surrounded by people such as these? If you’re not a born again Christian, you will fall into the same pattern as them and will speak the same way. If you are a born again Christian, you cringe and try to remove yourself from the situation.

Men of corrupt minds will try to deceive, just like the master deceiver himself, Satan. They corrupt the Bible by diluting its truth through various versions (over 100 today) and corrupt teaching. Homosexuals preach from the pulpit and push the LGBTQ agenda. The world has accepted into law the sin of murdering children.

(Pro 6:16-17) These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: (17) A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
(Psa 127:3) Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

If being pregnant (the fruit of the womb) is God’s reward to mankind, then surely He considers their death as the shedding of innocent blood and it brings punishment, not reward. Did you know that every girl baby in the womb already has the eggs she will need to have future children? A woman, therefore, is not only killing her own daughter, but she is killing her future granddaughters as well! That’s a lot to think about. What makes matters worse, it is now OK to kill that baby right before it is delivered! It is murder, plain and simple, and it is the law of this land!

Corrupt minds, just like corrupt politicians, have one thing in common and that is to spread that corruption. They turn a truth into a lie and repeat it often enough that people begin to believe that lie. We see it in abortion, we’re currently seeing it in what the media reports.

But the Tribulation is coming, friend, and the antichrist will deceive many. If you are not born again, you will be alive to see this. The trigger for the end times was Israel becoming a nation in 1948. Jesus said that the generation who witnessed this event would not pass away and would be alive for the end times. Israel is referenced as the fig tree in Scriptures:

(Mat 24:32-34) Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: (33) So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. (34) Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.

What is Jesus referring to when He says “when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.”? We must read the beginning of the chapter:

(Mat 24:3-12) And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? (4) And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. (5) For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. (6) And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. (7) For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. (8) All these are the beginning of sorrows. (9) Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. (10) And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. (11) And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. (12) And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

Just reading through this list of things that have already happened and will happen, convinces me that we are in these times. Jesus said, these were all to happen after Israel became a nation.

You may be thinking that you have a whole lot of time ahead of you but you do not know if you will die today or not! You also do not know when Christ will Rapture the church. Once He does, that door is closed and you will have to go through the Tribulation. Those who become Christians during the Tribulation will lose their lives.

(Rev 6:8-10) And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth. (9) And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: (10) And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

Right now, at this point in time, things are getting worse with every week that goes by. People are easily deceived and they follow the one with the loudest voice who agrees with and promotes their sins. Because we see this attitude in our Country, God says:

(2Th 2:11-12) And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: (12) That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Friend, are you born again today? If you are, let this be motivation for you to tell others. If you are not, this post is for you! It’s your wake up call. There will come a point where you will no longer able to see, hear or understand the truth. Don’t let that be you!

It is no coincidence that you are here reading this. God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Are We in the End Times? Day 23

By Kate Plourde

On December 12, 2021

In Devotionals, End Times

(2 Ti 3:8) Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

Good morning! As we approach the Christmas season, I am reminded of the real reason Christians should be celebrating this time. It should not be a time of gifts but the fact that we are rejoicing that a Saviour came to die for us, amen? Let’s admit that we cannot go a day without the realization that we are sinners, saved by the grace of God. His mercy is never ending! I can keep going to Him for forgiveness and there is forgiveness to be had! Praise Him!!

Today’s Scripture verse revolves around resisting the truth. I searched the Scriptures for Jannes and Jambres but they are not named in the Old Testament. My research revealed that according to Jewish tradition, they were sons of Balaam. If you recall, in Numbers chapters 22-24, God would talk to Balaam and he would seek God’s word to pass on to Balak. Balak wanted Balaam to curse the Israelites. But Balaam told him that he could not “go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do less or more.” (Lev. 22:18) Although it appeared that Balaam was one of the good guys, he actually did not end well. His love for riches would get the better of him.

(2 Pe 2:15) Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;

Balaam’s sons must have followed in their father’s footsteps, and ended up the worse for it. According to tradition, it is said that the sons were at first teachers, then opponents of Moses. They perished with the Egyptians in the Red Sea.

So what, you may ask, does this have to do with today’s Scripture? Their names are there for a reason. Scripture said that they withstood (opposed) Moses and resisted “the truth.” Moses was God’s representative to the Israelites in whom God used to give the Law (the Ten Commandments). Some people just don’t like to be told what to do. It’s the sin of pride that bubbles up in their heart and they won’t admit they need someone over them.

So what is this truth that they resisted? It’s like the question, “What is the meaning of life?”. But the truth is actually much easier to find because we have THE TRUTH right at our fingertips. The truth can be found in God’s Word because Christ is the Word of God and He left us all that we would need in the Bible, all of which is truth!

(Joh 1:14) And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
(Joh 1:17) For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
(Joh 4:23) But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

There is no other truth, Reader. Christ is the truth – Scripture points to Him in the Old Testament and Christ the Messiah is revealed in the New Testament. All of Scripture points us to the truth. With truth comes great grace! According to Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary, grace means:

“The free unmerited love and favor of God, the spring and source of all the benefits men receive from him.“

Praise the Lord that we can receive God’s grace because there’s nothing we can do of ourselves to purchase or earn that grace. It is FREE and undeserved love and favor from God! This is truth!

(Joh 8:32) And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Why would God point us to truth if it’s not going to do a bit of good on where we spend eternity? That would make Him a liar and a cruel God. We all know that He is not.

(Num 23:19) God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

Dear Reader, please know that you are so important to God because you are His creation. He created us to have fellowship with Him. By our own choice (first with Adam and Eve), we sin and separate ourselves from Him. But in His great mercy, our Father provided a way for that gap (separation) to be mended (healed) through Jesus Christ. Jesus, the King and LORD of Lords, left His heavenly throne to take on human form. In that human form, He lived a sinless life so He could be the sacrificial Lamb of God for all man. He died on the cross to shed His own blood for the forgiveness of our sins. In so doing, He paid our sin debt and we are set free from sin’s bondage❣ It did not end there! Christ rose from the dead and went back to His throne. He will come to Rapture believers to Heaven before the Tribulation begins. We know we are near that great hour of Tribulation because of the state of humankind. You are seeing this through this study; I beg you to please respond to the call of the Holy Spirit.

(2 Co 6:2) (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

Don’t resist the truth, I beg of you! If you are saved, please use these devotionals to set a fire in your heart to tell others. That is the whole purpose of this blog! If you happen to be reading this and are not saved, it is no coincidence. God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Are We in the End Times? Day 22

By Kate Plourde

On December 11, 2021

In Devotionals, End Times

(2 Ti 3:7) Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Good morning, Reader. Have you ever wondered when you will ever stop learning? It’s as though we learn something new every day. It can be from a DIY show or a cooking network – whatever one loves to learn about, it’s out there for us at our fingertips. We are in the age of technology and that same technology that teaches us “how to,” also contains evil and wicked things. It is also the foundation of pornography, sex trafficking, etc.

It’s as though the world has gotten smarter but yet this it is heading straight for Hell because of its over abundance of knowledge. How sad to be so smart yet to be so ignorant! I’m not trying to insult the great minds of today. But how smart are they about the Scriptures? In the end times, even those who appear spiritual, will be further from the Truth and won’t be able to preach the truth.

(Tit 1:16) They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

The Bible says that after salvation, we are to work for the cause of Christ and show His love to mankind. James spoke of this three different times in his book:

(Jas 2:18) Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
(Jas 2:20) But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
(Jas 2:26) For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

One who is born again will want to share the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others. This believer will also reach out to those in need, either financially if they are able or by helping them anyway they can with whatever resources they have. This isn’t to say that good works save an individual from Hell, because it doesn’t. Many religions today say that good works get you into Heaven, but that is a lie. The Bible says:

(Eph 2:8-9) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (9) Not of works, lest any man should boast.

First we are saved by Christ’s grace (unmerited favor) through faith in His death on the cross as payment for our sins. This is God’s gift to mankind! It cannot be of works because if it were, we would be able to boast about our good works to God. We would be able to stand before God at judgment and show Him all of our good works and He would have to let us enter.

(Joh 3:16) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

But what about our sins? No one can enter Heaven with even just one sin. Have you ever lied, even once?

(Jas 2:10) For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.

Just one lie makes you guilty of breaking each of the Ten Commandments, which is the Law. Is it any wonder we needed Jesus Christ to come die and shed His blood to pay the penalty for our sins? We can’t keep ourselves from committing even one sin so how do we expect that our good works would succeed in gaining entrance to Heaven by a Holy God? God is not a liar and won’t contradict His Word just because I performed a ton of good works here on earth.

Do you see why those who are ever learning and are the intellects of this world won’t believe the Bible? Intellects think they know better than what the Bible has to offer. Salvation is for all and is made so simple that even a child can understand it. They know they have done wrong so they recognize the need to make things right.

(Pro 20:11) Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.

Jesus knew that children were open to salvation because they were innocent and had faith. Children are trusting because they do not have a lifetime of sin and exposure to the world as adults do. They hear the Gospel’s truth and accept it without excess knowledge getting in their way of their thinking!

(Mar 10:14) But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

If salvation can be understood by a child, why allow the intellects to interfere with your salvation? Your salvation is between you and God. God has shown you the way through His Word. I’ve laid out the Scriptures so that you can no longer claim that you never “heard.” It is up to you to accept this gift of salvation by faith! Don’t be distracted by what your family or friends say. You do not know if you will die on the way home from the grocery store today or possibly have a massive heart attack.

(Luk 12:20a) But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee:
(Heb 9:27) And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

Your hour of death is not known. But when that hour comes and you stand before God, there will be no one there to defend you. It will be between you and God and all your sins will be exposed before you. There will be no turning back at this point. So don’t wait – don’t delay even one more minute! Settle this once and for all, dear Reader.

Heavenly Father, Holy One Almighty God, I lift up today’s devotional to You and beg You that even one reader would come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and His work on the cross! Draw them to You, Lord. I beg You to hinder the evil one at this time so that even one reader would be saved from an eternity in Hell. In the Mighty Name of my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, I pray! Amen!

If you have decided that this is your hour of salvation, please take a moment to pray asking God for forgiveness for your sins. Accept that Christ is the Saviour for your sins and that He paid your penalty so that you can be saved. Ask Him to enter your heart and change you. He will do this and the burden of your sin will be completely taken on by Jesus. He is your Saviour and is waiting for the invitation to come into your life. If you sincerely prayed for this wonderful gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit will be with you always and will teach you through the Bible. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It! It will take you through the Scriptures that prove out your salvation according to God’s Word, not man’s. Then, please, comment here and I can send you, free of charge, a wonderful discipleship series that will help you to grow in Christ.

Are We in the End Times? Day 21

By Kate Plourde

On December 10, 2021

In Devotionals, End Times

(2 Ti 3:6) For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,

Good morning! It’s a rainy morning and I’m so thankful to be able to sit in a warm house and sheltered from the storm! We are so blessed, dear reader, so blessed!

As I started writing about today’s verse, I was wondering why Paul used the term, “silly women.” It didn’t make sense to me so I figured the word couldn’t mean what I thought it meant. I love picking apart a verse in order to get its true meaning, don’t you? It opens a window allowing the light of God’s Word in!

The term silly women is used only once in the Scriptures. As well, the word silly is found three times in the Bible. This lack of usage makes it stand out to me. One of the verses is found in the oldest book of the Bible:

(Job 5:2) For wrath killeth the foolish man, and envy slayeth the silly one.

This warning from Job describes what happens to foolish and silly people. Silly, as you and I know the meaning today, is someone who isn’t serious. But here are the modern definitions below and Noah Webster’s:

Merriam Webster’s definition

Having or exhibiting a lack of good judgment or common sense; foolish. synonym: foolish.
Lacking seriousness or responsibleness; frivolous.
Semiconscious; dazed.

But now let’s look at Noah Webster’s definition:

Weak in intellect; foolish; witless; destitute of ordinary strength of mind; simple; as a silly man; a silly child.

Does this not bring clarity to today’s verse? Paul tells us that those who are guilty of the sins in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 make their way into the homes of silly women, who are burdened with sins, desiring various sins. These silly women are weak in intellect and cannot see that they are being led astray by false doctrine.

Do we not see this occurring today, Reader? People don’t hunger for the Scriptures but they are willing to listen to pleasant homilies and “teachings” from the pulpit. They listen to televangelists and fill his bank account with money because all he preaches about is the “love” gospel. This desire to listen to something other than true doctrine is also mentioned by Paul in the following chapter of 2 Timothy:

(2Ti 4:3) For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

In other words, silly people (those with a weak mind and who fall for lies) in the end times won’t want to hear about the Truth of the Bible but will surround themselves with those who will teach what they want to hear, not what they should hear. They want a pastor or televangelist who will support gay rights, abortion, etc. They say that you are who you hang around with, correct? But Paul said in 2 Timothy 3:5, “from such turn away”!

So what does someone who is seeking the truth do? Let God’s Word teach you, that’s what you do! The Bible is the source of truth and God never lies!

(1Sa 15:29) And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent.

If you are not born again, what you have read thus far is a warning to you. I’m sounding the alarm to try to wake you up and take notice of what is going on in this world and what it means for you!

If you happen to be reading this and are not saved, it is no coincidence. God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Are We in the End Times? Day 20

By Kate Plourde

On December 9, 2021

In Devotionals, End Times

(2Ti 3:5) Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Good morning! There are times that I am excited to sit at my laptop and embark on the writing for the day. I look forward to writing but I must say it is not always enjoyable. I’m led to humbly beg God: Heavenly Father, my heart weighs heavy on today’s topic! I pray that You will illuminate and inspire so that the words written are not of my own fleshly thoughts but those inspired by You, Lord. Please have mercy on those who read it and guide them through Your words. Inspire them with the Truth of those words and show them the Blessed light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. In Him, we receive His grace to be saved and I am so grateful for that grace and mercy. I don’t deserve salvation but I praise You for providing Your own Son to die for me so that I may spend eternity with You! I ask all these things in Christ’s precious and beloved Name! Amen!

Oh my word, today’s verse is one that truly disturbs me to my core! I shudder because the end times will be a time of godlessness. However, this verse says they will have a “form of godliness.” I see this godliness to be a deception, don’t you? One that has been culminating over the past few decades and now will be epitomized as the one-world religion. Do you remember when I previously shared with you how Satan is disguised as an angel of light? He and his workers will lead many to believe they are on the right path.

(2 Co 11:14-15) And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. (15) Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

These end times are riddled with this type of religious person. They go to church and sit in their pew. They listen to the preaching but don’t change. Some churches have a short homily and the attendees leave just as sinful as when they first went in. What’s worse is that their pastor or minister is in the same sinful state as his congregants.

I challenge you, readers, to seek the Scriptures for yourself and prove me wrong. It is no small thing that the devil uses today’s sin in verse 5 to lead many astray! Please don’t be one of them!

This form of godliness is hypocrisy! It reminds me of the Pharisees in Jesus’ days. This was a display of religion on the outside and the devil on the inside. Paul tells us in today’s verse to turn away from people like this! Jesus didn’t mince words at all. He said:

(Mat 23:15) Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.
(Mat 23:27) Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.

The hypocrite plays at religion and does it well. He may know his Bible, he may even be able to show you the plan of salvation. But hidden in his heart is deception. This is what we are seeing today. Tele-evangelists preaching but only to receive money! They are “religious salesmen” at best. They twist God’s holy Word to meet their own lustful needs.

It is so sad to me because the unbelieving world sees this hypocrisy and thinks all Christianity is like this. IF you are like this “Christian” and think yourself saved, you must search your heart! If you say that Christ dwells in you, are a reprobate?

(2 Co 13:5) Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

A reprobate is one who is totally abandoned himself to sin. He first tasted the truth of the Gospel but never actually allowed that seed to be sown on the good soil of his heart. It was good for a time. This was evident in the Corinthian church – they were known as a very carnal church. Many were not saved yet they were accepted into the church and spreading their sin. Paul had to reprimand them several times for their worldliness.

Examine yourself, Christian. If you find yourself straying in your faith, you must first humble yourself and ask the Lord’s forgiveness. Repent of this form of godliness and hypocrisy and turn from your wicked ways. It is Christ’s life that we are to pattern ourselves after, amen? It is your life that the unsaved world is looking at to see Christ. You are first a “walking Bible” that people are looking at.

Now if you are not born again, no amount of going to church or doing good things makes you a Christian. You can sit in your garage 24-7 but it will not make you a car! It doesn’t matter if you belong to the biggest or best church on earth. Membership is not a pre-requisite to going to Heaven. Jesus told the Pharisees and Sadducees who came to His baptism:

(Mat 3:7-9) But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? (8) Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: (9) And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

If your spouse is born again and you’re not, you won’t be able to hold his/her hand when the Rapture happens! My husband said that to me many years ago. He thought it was funny then but it’s not funny at all. Each one of us has to make an individual and personal choice to either accept or reject Christ’s death on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. The Bible says that there has to be shed blood/death in order for there to be salvation:

(Mat 26:28) For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Jesus had to die in order to shed His own blood because the blood of lambs could not forgive sins. These sacrifices were a teaching tool pointing the Jews to their Messiah, Who would die and shed His own blood for their sins. Reader, we all have sinned and come short of the glory of God! (Romans 3:23). The penalty for not accepting Christ’s salvation through His blood is death.

(Rom 6:23) For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
(Eze 18:4) Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.

You cannot be part of a church or take part in that church’s rules and rituals and expect to go to Heaven. This is not how the Bible says it must be. Take a look at each of those rules/rituals. Does your church say you have to be baptized? Death is not required to partake in baptism. Does your church say you have to have to be a member? Death is not required here either. Does your church say you have to do good works? Again, death is not required.

The only time death was required was when Christ died on the cross and His shed blood as forgiveness for your sin. Once you accept His payment for the price of your penalties, your sins are forgiven and you are born again! The first time you were born, you were born in the flesh. This time, you are born of the spirit! There’s a saying I once heard and I love how it explains the difference:

Born once, die twice; born twice, die once!

I don’t know who said it but it’s quite applicable. If you insist on having a form of godliness and denying the power thereof, you will die twice; once at your physical death and again at your spiritual death when you are judged by God and cast into the Lake of Fire.

(Rev 20:11-15) And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. (12) And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. (13) And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. (14) And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. (15) And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

If you are born twice (at birth and when you’re born again), you die a physical death but then your soul automatically goes to Heaven and you will not suffer that second death!

(Php 4:3) And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.
(2 Co 5:8) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

Are We in the End Times? Day 19

By Kate Plourde

On December 8, 2021

In Devotionals, End Times

(2 Ti 3:4) Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

What brings you pleasure, Reader? There are many different answers; especially today! This sin says that in the end times, people will be lovers of pleasure MORE than lovers of God. I believe everyone is guilty of this at some point or another – even Christians. Lovers of pleasures comes in different forms. There are so many worldly pleasures today: cell phones, drugs and alcohol, video games, theme parks, cruises, etc. Somewhere, someone will come up with something pleasurable which will distract the population even more.

But do pleasures really distract from God? As I said yesterday, the devil is hard at work trying to distract mankind from anything spiritual. He does not want man thinking about God and has, therefore, created so many pleasures to capture man’s attention. Just 200 years ago, there were few things distracting people, such as newspapers or town gossip. They did have telephones or televisions to distract them. They were busy with chores because they didn’t have modern conveniences. Today, we are bombarded with information all around us. It’s easy to find anything we want at the touch of our fingertips.

Here’s an assignment for you: take an inventory of the pleasures in your life and put them under one of two columns: Worldly and Godly. Do the results speak to you? I’m as guilty as the next person and this is convicting! Thank You, Lord! Nothing should be put ahead of God.

Putting God at the center of our pleasures will not only benefit us spiritually, but will be an act of obedience. The Bible has a lot to say about this:

(Mat 6:33) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
(Mat 6:24) No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
(Col 3:2) Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
(Rom 8:5) For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

Is it any wonder that this sin is in the list for the end times? Just when I think technology can’t get any more advanced, I hear of something new! Just another attempt of Satan’s to distract people away from God. The result is lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. I don’t want to be in that category! I want the Lord to find me faithful and focused when He returns. I want to hear these words from the Lord:

(Mat 25:23) His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Are We in the End Times? Day 18

By Kate Plourde

On December 7, 2021

In Devotionals, End Times

(2 Ti 3:4) Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

As I sit here in the wee hours this morning, I think of households waking up and going about their daily lives without any thoughts of God in their lives. How very sad it is that they do not have the privilege of approaching God’s throne and sharing what is on their heart! Most precious Heavenly Father, what would my life be like without You in it? Where would I be? I dare say that I would be in that place prepared for the devil and his angels, burning and suffering, for all eternity! I’m so thankful that You sent my dearest friend to show me how to be born again before I went through with my thoughts of ending my life! Thank You, Lord for your endless mercy! Thank You for the opportunity to tell others about You! Thank You for watching over me and keeping me under Your wings! Please bless this post today and lead others to it so they may be saved! In Jesus’ precious and holy Name I pray! Amen!

The Apostle Paul covered so many words in the first nine verses of 2 Timothy! Each word has to be taken all the more seriously because of the times in which we live. We are to take them as a warning; whether it is for you personally or for you to warn others. Salvation is for you personally! You are no better than anyone else and in need of forgiveness, just as much as that bum you look down upon. In fact, you need salvation more because it will be easier for a bum to get saved. That bum isn’t presumptuous at all. In fact, he knows the state he’s in better than you do.

That word highminded is an easy word and its definition isn’t complicated. It’s just another term for being proud or arrogant and it most definitely describes the attitude of many today. If it weren’t true, mankind would be humble and we all know this is not the case. Just try telling someone about the Lord and see the reaction you get. Man’s thoughts are not on spiritual matters. They do not see their sin and think they are above needing a Saviour. But alas, they are displaying the spirit of the antichrist. Lucifer was cast out of Heaven because of the sin of pride – he was highminded. The sins go hand-in-hand.

(Isa 14:12-15) How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! (13) For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: (14) I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. (15) Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.

Lucifer (Satan) was so highminded and proud that he thought he could do better than God. So are the highminded people who live in today’s world. They think they don’t need God because they’re doing fine on their own. They attribute their success to their own efforts.

Our churches are filled with people but their hearts aren’t in it for God. They go through the motions but there’s no desire to have a close relationship with Him. Then once church is over, they’ve done their duty and they move on with their lives – lives that do not change.

(Mat 15:8-9) This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. (9) But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

It is this same high-mindedness, this pride and arrogance, that makes man think he is better than the prostitute, bum, or better than the drug addict. “As long as I don’t do what they do, I’m doing OK.” But are you? This contempt of others only serves to make the heart cold to the things of God. One presumes that he’s doing OK but that is the furthest thing from the truth. Just as Lucifer exalted himself, the world is doing the same today.

We must point people to Christ. He came to die for their sins as well.

(Rom 3:10) As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

This sin is no better or worse than let’s say lying. Any sin keeps us from entering Heaven; even just one sin. It is difficult to admit you need a Saviour if you suffer from the sin of high-mindedness/pride. However, it is not impossible. This sin makes one think you’re too good to go to Hell. Maybe you don’t even believe in Hell. I would rather be born again and find out that there is a Heaven and Hell than not believing and finding out it is real. What have you to lose? You have everything to gain by humbling yourself before God and admitting you are in need of salvation!

The devil knows his time is short and does not want anyone to get saved. The Holy Spirit of God is hard at work in these last days and is delaying the Rapture so that one more soul can be saved. Can that soul be you? Don’t let the sin of high-mindedness keep you from being born again. If you are born again and are guilty of this sin, confess and forsake it. You are no better than anyone else in the eyes of God. All are equal to Him.

Jump to Day 19

Are We in the End Times? Day 16

By Kate Plourde

On December 5, 2021

In Devotionals, End Times

(2 Ti 3:4) Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

Good morning, Reader! I pray you are being blessed by this series! Please leave me a comment, whether you’re in agreement or not. Today’s word was an eyeopener for me. I always thought the a traitor was a person who betrayed his country, like Benedict Arnold. But as I studied this word, I discovered there was a tad more to it!

Luk 6:16 And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.
(Act 7:52) Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:

The same Greek word was used in today’s verse as well as the other two above:

G4273
προδότης
prodotēs
prod-ot’-ace
From G4272 (in the sense of giving forward into another’s [the enemy’s] hands); a surrender: – betrayer, traitor.
Total KJV occurrences: 3

Did you happen to notice that these two verses refer to Jesus’ betrayal? It causes me to think that the third occurrence of this same Greek word in 2 Timothy 3:4 could be referring to betrayers of Christ as well. If so, how much more have we seen the great falling away in Christianity than today? According to the Pew Research Center:

Currently, 43% of U.S. adults identify with Protestantism, down from 51% in 2009.

The 43% of those who identify with Protestantism (any religion that is not Catholic) does not mean that they are born again believers. It’s easy to do a Google search to find out just how many born again Christians there really are – and who is to know if they are truly born again or just saying they are because their parents were.

(Luk 18:8) I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

There are a lot of “Christians” out their in name only. They don’t read their Bibles, they don’t pray, nor do they practice the basic tenets of the faith. They have become as traitors to the very faith on which this country was founded. Our Constitution was built on this faith and Scripture is strewn throughout many of our government buildings and monuments. Granted our country was not without sin or error. But its foundation was solid until 1963.

There are many betrayers (traitors) of the faith. Satan is at the root of them all. Christ called Peter out on it when Peter didn’t want to admit that Jesus would be killed:

(Mat 16:23) But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

Jesus wasn’t saying that Peter was Satan but that Peter was speaking with the “spirit of Satan” – Peter wanted to stop the fact that Jesus would die. But the Scriptures had to be fulfilled so Christ could bear our sins on the cross. Scripture will also be fulfilled when Jesus comes again.

Religious people can be compared to traitors just as Judas Iscariot. They don’t point to salvation through Jesus Christ – instead they’re more interested in filling their pews and getting monetary gain. Isn’t this betraying the cause of Christ? Are we born again Christians any different? Are we also traitors of the cause of Christ? The decline of Christianity in America doesn’t lie on the shoulders of the unsaved. It rests on the shoulders of every born again believer because we are not actively telling others about Christ’s payment for their sin and His plan of salvation.

Search your heart, reader! Have you slacked off and, therefore, betrayed Jesus and His gospel? Or are you someone who was led to this blog in search of some answers. If you happen to be reading this and are not saved, it is no coincidence. God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Jump to Day 17

Are We in the End Times? Day 15

By Kate Plourde

On December 4, 2021

In Devotionals, End Times

(2Ti 3:3) Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

As we continue with this series, I pray that you realize that these posts are not based on my opinions. I provide Scriptures for everything so that you can know the truth. Some of my own family despise my boldness for the Lord. But it’s not me they hate. It’s God, whether they want to admit it or not.

Jesus said that when we began to see certain signs, we would be able to recognize that we are at the “beginning of sorrows.” I quote scripture because I know that God’s word is Truth!

(Mat 24:4-8) And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. (5) For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. (6) And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. &7) For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. (8) All these are the beginning of sorrows.

Today’s sin goes hand-in-hand with these verses. We have wars in the Middle East and rumors of greater wars coming. We also have nation rising against nation, especially against Israel. We also have famines and pestilences like we’ve never had before. Covid-19 has affected the whole world. There has never been a pestilence that has affected every single nation on this earth! This is certainly monumental!

Most countries who don’t practice democracy are anti Christian. This is why democracy is so important for our country. You can be certain that Christians will be persecuted if our country abandons democracy. Open Doors USA yearly publishes the top 50 countries where Christians are persecuted; there are currently 65 countries in total who do so but they list the top 50. When we stop to look at statistics, we find there are 195 countries in the world today. That means that 33% of this planet persecutes Christians! When looking at their map, we find that two countries south of our own borders do so! Drug cartels do not want Christians “cleaning up” their business so they are eliminated. Open Door states:

There are countries on the list which have a rather large Christian population and remain on the list for numerous reasons. In countries like Colombia, Christians face persecution from rebel groups in certain parts of the country. While non-Christians also experience violence from these groups, Christian leaders are specifically targeted because many people have left the rebel groups after coming to Christ. The church is often seen as a threat by these groups because of this and is often attacked.

According to a USSA News report:

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) released a report on how hate crimes against Christians and Jews have increased dramatically. Compared to the previous year (578), it means a 70 percent increase in crimes against Christians. The number of anti-Semitic hate crimes also increased, from 600 to 2,316.

Just in Europe alone, hate crimes against Christians went up 59% and against Jews it almost quadrupled just in one year! It’s easy to see how those who do good today are being attacked in unbelievable proportions!

Look at our own country! Good, honest, hardworking people who protect their property from rioters and looters, are being attacked! Nor are law enforcement allowed to go in to stop it. Their properties and livelihoods vanish in just a few minutes of rioting! It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that the country we came to love so dear has changed; and it’s not for the good.

But don’t be discouraged, dear reader! We are not to fret because we have Jesus Christ, and nothing is catching Him by surprise! We are to continue to do good and to tell others the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ and Him alone. He will put everything in order, in Good order, when He returns!

(Act 4:10-12) Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. (11) This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. (12) Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Jump to Day 16

Are We in the End Times? Day 13

By Kate Plourde

On December 2, 2021

In Devotionals, End Times

(2 Ti 3:3) Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

Good morning! This series is seriously going by so quickly! I can’t believe that we are nearly half way through already!! I’ve learned so much and stand convinced we are living during an exciting time! Christ could come rapture His church at any moment. Nothing needs to happen before this event. However, it is the restraining power of the Holy Spirit that keeps this world in order. This study shows us the attitude of mankind at the end times. Can you now imagine once the Holy Spirit is removed? 😲 I’m thankful I won’t be here to witness it. But I am heartbroken knowing that some family members will be left behind. I pray that you are not one of those.

As we continue our study, I find that today’s word is an unusual word to be applied toward the attitude of mankind in the end times! It obviously doesn’t mean what we “think” it means in today’s English. Merriam Webster defines it as:

not continent: such as: (1) unable to voluntarily control retention of urine or feces in the body (2)a: lacking self-restraint (2)b: not being under control

I’m sure this isn’t what the Apostle Paul meant – it wouldn’t make any sense. So let’s dig a little deeper and see what the word actually meant at the time that the Bible was translated into English. Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary (which contains the definitions of words used during that time period):

INCON’TINENT, a. [L. incontinens.] Not restraining the passions or appetites, particularly the sexual appetite; indulging lust without restraint or in violation of law; unchaste; lewd.

The definitions in Merriam Webster’s dictionary came second while this is the primary definition in Noah Webster’s. We should lean toward the latter’s definition if we are to make any sense of mankind’s attitude in the end times.

Today’s mindset is whatever “feels good, do it”! But is it a biblical mindset? Is this what God would ask of us? No! So how are we supposed to gauge the moral compass of the world? How can we be sure what is right and what is wrong? God’s word, the Bible, is our ultimate guide, reader! God gave His word to mankind to be their “measuring stick, or ruler” in life. We can’t measure ourselves by comparing ourselves to someone else. God wants us to measure our spiritual lives to His word.

(Joh 12:48) He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

Just because the world says it’s OK to have babies aborted, it doesn’t mean it is right! Just because it has become law doesn’t make it right. One must turn to the ultimate guide and that is God’s word. It’s should not be, “what does the world or the law say”? It should be, “What does God’s word say?”

God’s says that in the end times, incontinence will be prevalent amongst the unbelieving world. There are anywhere from 64-100 genders according to Google. Really? A world that is incontinent came up with that and is currently pushing their agenda so much that it is gradually becoming accepted. Kids in public school can’t use pronouns to refer to a person! Has this world gone crazy? What does the Christian do with this? Do we sit by idly and keep quiet? No! What is evil is still evil and what is good is still good, no matter what we are told by a sinful world.

(Isa 5:20) Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
(Isa 5:21) Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
(Isa 5:23) Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!

God’s word is quite clear as to what happens to people who do these things. They have eliminated God’s word from the schools, from the government and now from their homes. It’s no wonder the unbelieving world is incontinent. God will have the last word, however.

(Isa 5:24) Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.

These sins laid out so clearly in 2 Timothy 3:1-9 are exactly what the heart of man is like today. Is it any wonder we are in the end times? Don’t take this lightly but do take a spiritual inventory of your own heart and see where you are. Do you come up short according to God’s word?

Jump to Day 14