WHAT ARE WE TO DO?

     The Apostle Paul warns his young protege', Timothy to be wary of folks attitude, "In the Last Days" ( 2 Timothy 3)

     That's a very "churchy" term, "The Last Days". In the discussion of what that term means, I think, is lost a very good teaching on the human condition.

     Paul is clear, to Timothy, that there will be dark days ahead, verse 1, "...There will be difficult times"

• People will love themselves and their money.
• They will be boastful, proud and scoffers of God. 
• Considering nothing sacred...
• They will be cruel, hate what is good, Puffed up with pride and lovers of pleasure, rather than God
• They will ACT religious, but reject the power that could make them godly    

So, What Are We to Do?

1- Follow Good Mentors. Good Leaders follow Good Leaders.

      Good Mentor's develop good leaders.

 One who does not submit to authority, has no authority and has no reason to be followed.

2- We must see the world from a realistic point of view. Not a pie-in-the-sky attitude nor a gloom and doom outlook.

Paul reminds us that there are evil people and imposter's will flourish, Deceiving others and being deceived, themselves.

3- We are to rely on the Holy Scripture of the Bible.

• Because it shapes the Christian worldview that is profoundly contrary to that of society, today
• It is the gateway to deeper understanding of God's love for us and growing/maturing our faith in Him.
• Last but not least, Scripture is "God-Breathed" and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness

     To much of the modern church model is made up of extra-biblical teachings. The actual meaning, context and teaching of the Scriptures has been churned into warm, fuzzy sound bites and Church has become an event of motivational speaking/ encouragement. 

      Not bad, in itself, if it were not for the total lack of mention of Repentance, Our sinful nature, and our overwhelming need of a Saviour

4- Preach/Teach the Bible. Sola Scriptura, Scripture only. 

• There is no need for "Extra-Biblical" revelation.
• The full revelation of God, for mankind, is complete and sealed in Scripture
• The church is being led astray by those who would make God and profitable business/cash cow.

Final Thought- 2 Timothy 3.14

      We must remain faithful to the things we have been taught, it is trustworthy and true. 

My View From the Coffee Cup