Thoughout the pandemic, I’ve joked that living in New York City has felt much like the apocalypse.
Which, I stand by.
The deserted streets. The refrigerated 18-wheeler trucks serving as temporary morgues outside the hospitals. The boarded up shops and vacant, deserted real estate in Manhattan. It’s just been eerie. And yes, has felt like the end of the world.
However, after listening to the readings at Mass on Sunday, I dunno…there is a small part of me…at the risk of sounding crazy…that had a moment of, “Wait, are we living in the end times?”
And look, I’m not some doomsday prepper here or anything. I don’t have a bunker in my basement for an impending zombie apocalypse. Nor am I an extreme religious fanatic that swears off technology as a tool of the devil…although, arguably there certainly are some uses of technology that are.
But I don’t know. There is a part of my heart that is just unsettled with this unanswered question…Is this “the End Times” that we have been warned about in the Bible?
Let me take a step back here and share with you the passage that sparked this spiritual tangent.
Isaiah 40:3-5
In the desert prepare the way of the LORD!
Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God!
Every valley shall be filled in,
every mountain and hill shall be made low;
the rugged land shall be made a plain,
the rough country, a broad valley.
Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed,
and all people shall see it together;
for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.
Listen, as soon as I heard the word, “wasteland,” that’s exactly where my mind went.
NYC has become a wasteland. I was literally talking about that with a friend this weekend.
It’s become a Covid-induced wasteland.
The city is dark by 9pm. Homelessness is at crisis level. Garbage and run-down, vacant storefronts are everywhere. We had a snow storm at the end of last week, and the snow fell during the wee hours of the morning on garbage day. And so the trash was just never picked up. So piles and piles of snow-covered garbage lined the streets all weekend.
My special gentleman and I went grocery shopping last night at Whole Foods, and the shelves were EMPTY. And when I say empty, I mean, refrigerators completely empty. There was no meat. Inventory on everything from yogurt to eggs to GARLIC was not just low, but non-existent. There was NO GARLIC for crying out loud! It was as though someone came in and just ransacked the store. At Whole Foods.
So when that word “wasteland” was used in the Bible, when I had literally just used it to describe NYC some 18 hours before…it resonated, and my ears perked up.
Is this the wasteland we’re supposed to make a straight path in? All this Covid tragedy, the tanking economy…are those the mountains being made low? Are we being metaphorically leveled? The surge in intensity in recent natural disasters…is this the wrath of God fulfilling prophetic scripture?
And that’s not to even mention the moral corruption that has now become secular dogma.
I did a little research on Isaiah, who penned this passage, and it turns out he was one of the greatest biblical prophets. Quoting from the United Council of Catholic Bishops, speaking of Isaiah: “The enormous abyss between God’s sovereign holiness and human sinfulness overwhelmed the prophet.”
I mean, has anyone else been overwhelmed by human sinfulness that has become celebrated — and seemingly with increasing intensity — here recently? I know I have!
I’m no saint….clearly, I have a laundry list of sins 8 miles long, but I’m talking about the collective, societal push to redefine truth. Redefine moral right and wrong.
What used to be black and white in moral truth has now been replaced by “MY truth,” and with it comes acceptance and celebration of scandalous things. I don’t need to bore you with examples you already know. But here’s one that may be new…”Only Fans.”
And to top things off, our culture has gone so far as to even deny our identity as either a male or female — perfectly imperfect divine creations — and now even biology is up for debate.
We have just strayed so incredibly far from the perfect harmony that God intended in the Garden.
I am just overwhelmed by the “enormous abyss” between God’s holiness and the cultural wasteland we find ourselves in.
Which leads back to my question: are we living in the End Times?
As I’ve prayed about it, and pondered this today, my heart keeps being led back to this thought: it doesn’t matter.
Harsh, but then, when has my inner dialogue ever been anything but brutally honest with me.
It doesn’t matter.
Whether we’re on the brink of the apocalypse or not, that shouldn’t matter. Because we should be living in light of eternity, no matter if we have impending doom on the horizon, or not.
Regardless, we should be actively striving to make ourselves right with God: asking for forgiveness where we need. Living to honor and keep His commandments. Sharing His Good News in this increasingly hostile environment.
Regardless, we should be working to “make peace” with every relationship in our lives. We should be righting wrongs, burying hatchets, apologizing, expressing love and gratitude for those in our lives. Sharing our blessings and helping shoulder the burdens of others.
Because, whether or not “The Big, Triumphant Day” of the Lord’s second coming is something we’ll be around to personally witness, — real talk here — at some point, the end of the world — our world — will come. And we don’t know when that day will be. God willing it will be after a long, healthy and abundant life. But life is just too dang short and too unpredictable.
So like the living will that I have on my desk that I was supposed to notarize two months ago — why not get our ducks in a row, now. So that when the end comes, we’ll have no regrets. No stone left unturned. No wishes for “shoulda/woulda/coulda’s.”
We must make straight a pathway for God in the midst of the cultural wasteland in which we find ourselves.
Band together with fellow Jesus followers, and do everything we can to keep our head above the murky sludge we’re fighting not to drown in. And somehow, with our small but mighty group of believers, we’ll prepare a way for God’s glory to be revealed. Even if that’s just in our hearts.
May God’s glory be revealed. Today, and every day…until the end of world really is upon us.
“This is what the Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.” Ez 37:5
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100 responses to “Are We Living in the End Times?”
I feel your frustration too. The moral decline and the redefinition of right and wrong, the lack of compassion, all are mentioned in 2 Timothy 3. “For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, blasphemers…without natural affection… despisers of those who are good…”
Nevertheless, we must keep speaking God’s truth in love. 😀
Thanks friend – I am right there with you — the lack of compassion and the moral decline is so tragic. Lord, have mercy!! Amen – speaking His truth! Hugs and love xox
I also loved your comment about not being a Saint and having a laundry list of sins 8 miles long. Right there with you too. But if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive.
Xoxo:)
That is so true! He is a Father who loves to forgive! (Which is a good thing, because I sure need it!) haha
Loved your comments on not being a saint with a long list of sins! Right there with you but there’s free forgiveness in Christ. Xoxo
Interesting, and thought provoking indeed. Well done.
Thank you so much J, I appreciate you taking the time to read it. Hugs and love xox
It’s great that you have a Will, Caralyn, we all should, I do. Get yours taken care of. The world is certainly a moral wasteland today and I need to say that I’m sick of seeing the nasty things go on day after day, year after year. If we are not in the very end of the end times, we must be darn close. Let Him come! 🙏🏻✝️🙏🏻
Thank you so much John! I’m sick of it too. Let Him come indeed! and thanks – my dad helped me out with it over Thanksgiving. I dropped the ball in getting it notorized in NYC though. Gotta put that on top of my to do list! Hugs and love xox
Amen, Caralyn, well said. I do believe we are rapidly approaching the end times, that is the final 7 year Tribulation. We don’t know the times or dates, but we are definitely seeing the signs of the times and living through the lead up to that time. As you said, we must stand firm in Jesus and keep preaching the truth. I pray more and more people will come to Jesus before it’s too late. May He spread revival through the world and draw people to Himself. God bless!
Thank you so much Ryan. You’re right, He’ll come like a thief in the night at an unknown day or hour, but like you said, it feels close! Amen. Stand firm in Jesus!! I will join you in that important prayer! Hugs and love xox
Wow! What an article! I loved it.
Yes, we are in the last days. We have been, technically, in the last days since Jesus went back to Heaven after the resurrection. Technically. Of course, I know what you mean and as far as I can tell the consensus is: Maybe!. Are we in the Tribulation period? No; absolutely not. This fact is evident in that we can still post articles about Jesus. Hard times? For some (me included) but not the Tribulation. I do think we are close, but then so did John, Peter and Paul (2000 years ago). So for my answer: I DON’T KNOW!! But you pose some very poignant questions.
thank you so much Tim! I’m so glad this struck a chord with you! Very interesting response. That is a great point — MAYBE! and so true – no one knows the day or the hour, He will come like a thief in the night. Who knows, but the main matter of concern is aligning our hearts with His! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
I agree. We are living in the last times, but they could last a long time and it’s our job as believers of Jesus to continue to be salt and light to the world as we wait. Hugs!
You’re so right about that PK – we must be salt and light to the world as we wait. what a beautiful beautiful thought. thanks friend, for stopping by and sharing your heart! Hugs and love xox
My dad is very interested in the study of the End Times. Not in a weird, obsessive way, but in a way where I can start to see many different things that show me we are, and have been, in the End Times. While we were made right with God through Jesus, we must live our lives with eternity in view. What matters most? Bringing people to Christ and helping eachother, by the Holy Spirit’s power, to be more like Him. Love your posts!!
Hi friend! Thanks for this awesome response! You’re so right – we must live with eternity in view! that is such a powerful way to put it! Hugs and love xox
Where to begin, if you were better educated and better read you would know that nothing you are saying hasn’t been said since the dawn of recorded history. We are always living in the end times, truth is always fluid and morality is always up for grabs.
Like everyone’s truth, yours is what you choose to believe. A definition of real truth might be something whose contradiction can’t be imagined — mull that one over.
Also, regarding Isaiah, I wish you Christians would stop trying to *co-opt* the Torah and stick to your own books and leave the Jews alone — those who are left have had quite enough of you.
Hi C! To answer your question in a word, yes. I think we’re living in the days just preceding the return of Christ. The only indicators we have from scripture are for His physical return at the end of the Tribulation. But if we’re beginning to see shadows of those indicators now, and we are, and the Rapture of the Church takes place before His physical return, then we know the Rapture is that much nearer. Israel is back in the land, apostasy has infiltrated God’s family, the world is seeing lawlessness like the days of Noah, nature is beginning to rumble with birth pangs, and the chess pieces of the Middle East are all falling into place. Time is short.
But you hit on the more important part. “Whether we’re on the brink of the apocalypse or not, that shouldn’t matter. Because we should be living in light of eternity, no matter if we have impending doom on the horizon, or not.” That’s exactly right. Everything God does is with eternity in mind. And we should be living that way, too.
Just make sure you have a true relationship with Jesus Christ, and you don’t have to worry about when He returns. Recognize that you have sinned. (Romans 3:23) But understand that Jesus died to pay for all of your sin. (Romans 6:23, Romans 5:8) Then believe that Jesus is who He says He is and that He did what He said He would do, and prove that belief by confessing with your mouth. (Romans 10:9-10) And that takes care of that. (Romans 10:13).
Have a great week! 🤗🙏
Hey Kenneth! Thank you so much for this awesome response! You’re so right – living with eternity in mind is the best way to stay close to Jesus and keep Him in the forefronts of our hearts and minds. And amen to that – we are free and forgiven and loved, despite our short comings, and for that we celebrate, and gladly surrender our hearts to Him! Love your perspective, my friend! Hugs and love xox
God has given you an amazing gift for writing! Thank you for speaking the truth from God’s Word. I know the Holy Spirit is leading you. I am always blessed by the truth you share and the humble way you deliver it.
Like you, I am an Ohio girl. I can’t help but wonder what keeps you from coming home. However, after reading this and some of your other blogs, I can see that God placed you there for a reason.
May God Bless you and keep you safe! Keep telling the story!
Marcy ❤🙏
Hi Marcy, thank you so much for such kind words! WOW! I am truly touched. And hey hey OH-IO! Yeah, to be honest, it is really surreal for me not to be living there either. I was the girl growing up who – though when asked would say I wanted to be on Broadway when I grew up – would ALSO say that I wanted to live next door to my mom and dad. 🙂 Which — truly is the dream, but I’m trusting where God is leading my life. Thank you for the wonderful encouragement. You rock! Hugs and love xox
Hi Caralyn. I know, it’s been a while. Been busy working on the upcoming writer’s conference I and another are hosting March 17-20. (expwriting.com for details. Shameless plug? Perhaps, but true.) Anyway, I recall hearing, when I was like 8, that the return of Jesus was so close that it is as if He is standing up right now. I put my shoes on!
Every since Jesus left people have watched and waited for his return, because He said He was coming back, and He will. 51 years later, the point of thinking his return could be at any time now is to be ready. To have accepted who Jesus is as God’s Son, who died for our sins (all 8 miles of them), and to ask for forgiveness. Then live a life of loving God and secondly loving others. (Not spewing hate as I have seen here tonight in at least one comment!) There are scriptures in the New Testament, like 2 Tim. 3:4-5 that talk about “End Times” as well. I like The Message translation of those verses.
Your head is on straight, and your focus is on Jesus, and that is where it should be. Keep sharing your truth, as you see it from the word of God, Old or New Testament!
Blessings
Hi Mark, thank you so much for this thoughtful response. Congrats on the writers’ conference, so exciting! You’re so right – the end times will always be looming, since we don’t know the day or hour, but we should keep our focus on Jesus. When that’s the case, we have nothing to fear! Amen! Thanks so much for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
Yes I think Kenneth has it right on and in harmony with Bible teaching and I like his positive view because when Jesus was briefly referring to end times in a talk with His disciples he does not dwell on natural fear of those times but says “Look up for your redemption is near.” That is positive hope and we can be confident in it. Obviously we don’t relish the times we are in but the Bible also describes a time just before He comes again when society around the world will completely break down and because of fear demand governments restrict our freedoms further to try and achieve safety. We are not there yet. So whatever time we have left on this earth lets dwell on the world to come as Jesus promised rather than the horrific world we now live in and rejoice in our salvation.
Hi Ian, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this. You’re spot on – it’s a positive hope, afterall that means being reuinted with Jesus and our Creator! What a glorious day that will be. In the meantime, we are to just stay focued on Jesus, with confident in His promises! Perfect loved drives our all fear! Amen. thanks again, Ian. Hugs and love xox
Caralyn, this was a great post. While I don’t think we are in the end times just yet, I do believe we are getting close. Living here in South Jersey, we are seeing the same thing with regard to empty store shelves, etc. They’ll tell us it’s a supply chain issue but I tend not to believe it when I get just about anything I want from Amazon.
In addition, I’m seeing the same things you are when it comes to gender identity, gay couples in TV shows and commercials, the crassness of some commercials (you know, the ones where you can see the person say that word that starts with an ‘f’ and then they bleep it). Everyone seems to have their own truth when it comes to these social topics but there is only one truth: that Jesus is our Lord and Savior.
No matter what, we have to stay the course and keep preaching the Gospel as long as we can to get everyone we can saved.
Take care!
Joe
Hi Joe, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this. You’re absolutely right about that: the One Truth is that Jesus is our Lord and Savior. When we stay focused on that and live in that truth, there is nothing to fear! So glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox
We do not know when it will happen, but we do know that we are getting closer. Things that are happening today have happened in the past and have been happening since Christ returned to Heaven. Although we see things happen here, I have heard stories of evangelism in Africa.
Hi JB, thanks for this awesome response. You’re right about that: We do not know, but we DO know that we are to follow Christ and be His hands and feet. Hugs and love xox
Bless you for those thoughts.
Thank you Ivan, I appreciate your encouraging words. Hugs and love xox
With everything you’ve mentioned, it’s no wonder that these days do look like “end times.” No one will really know when Christ will return (and we know things will go from bad to worse), so you’ve given us good reminders to be ready for Him! Isaiah was a “bad news/good news” prophet, however, and one of my favorites of His verses is 35:1-2a: “The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them, and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose; it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice, even with joy and singing.” It’s a vision of what we can experience in heaven someday!
Hi friend! You’re right about that – no one knows, but we are to BE READY! I love that thought so much, because at the end of the day, it’s just about loving God and asking for/receiving the forgiveness He loves to give! amen.what a beautiful day that will be! Hugs and love xox
These are some great questions you raised, Caralyn! I like how you are looking at the “big picture” from a societal perspective. I hardly find blog posts like this on the internet and we need more of these discussions.
People need to rediscover what their truth is, which I believe can’t be forced. But we can lead by example and become leaders in this broken society. This is easier said than done of course. I am an introvert and not born to be a leader nor do I wish to become famous, but I do hold strong morals and values like God wanted us to have. I might not read the Bible and I am no saint by any means, but I do have a strong internal compass that I will continue to follow even during these dark, dreary days. Everyone was born with an internal compass and it’s up to us to find it again.
Hi Hilary, thank you so much for sharing your heart on this! I agree – we need more discussions of faith, and the topics that get a little deeper. That’s a really great point…faith cannot be forced. But by living it out beautifully and gently, we can attract hearts, wanting to know what is different about us. I agree – keep following that compass! Hugs and love xox
Knowing the difference between the things you can change and the ones you cannot is sufficient for me. Depending on where you live, I do not think we are living in such a den of iniquity that requires immediate attention by a deity. Worse times have preceded ours. Trying to be the best persons we can be is enough, and not everything needs to be examined through the lens of the One Holy Roman and Apostolic Church.
Thank you so much Bill for sharing your thoughts on this. You’re right about that – NYC is particularly extreme in the moral erosion of society and culture. And trying to be the best person we can be is definitely a great foundation! Hugs and love xox
Thank *you* Caralyn. My only experience with NYC is trvelling from Kennedy to LaGuardia, it is also entirely too big for me personally. But you know from living there for a significant amount of time. The pandemic keeps hitting you guys hard, so that is a big deal. You are also graced by having a special gentleman to join in the vastness too. Wishing you the very best.
You’re so right, having this man in my life through it all has been the biggest blessing. I am very grateful for him 🙂 And if you ever get a wild hair to come back to NYC for more than just the airports, I can give you some great reccommendations for “not touristy”, neighborhood-feeling New York 🙂 hah thanks again x
Thank you for the very kind offer, Caralyn.Tourist traps are also the places that attract the most pickpockets. Stay well! x
another great point!!
History repeats itself. People fail to learn from past mistakes and unfortunately we get stuck in the middle of it. All we can do is make the best of it. NY sounds like they got major problems, along with NY NJ is among the top states with people moving out. Illinois, California and a few others are included.
We could also be heading towards a new future, with a lot of Americans fed up with government agenda and policy we hopefully will see positive changes in the upcoming future.
It could also be more disaster along the way. Seems some people really believe in this Climate Change hysteria, if it’s true, then the only thing and best thing to do is to trust in God and repent. We seem to be a Godless society and like the people who try to force others to believe a male is a woman is nothing but lies.
Matt Walsh got booted from Twitter from saying the truth about males being women. These so called professionals are not truthful people on the subject of this, they enable these males or women to be the opposite sex along with those who are either clueless or part of this misinformation and this is the enemy confusing others and bringing these problems onto others.
We should be prepared for the end but must continue on as if we will live to see another day.
Thank you so much for sharing your heart on this. You’re right about that: trusting God and repenting should be our #1 order of business. I saw that about Matt Walsh! So terrible. I listen to his podcast. And sadly, I’m not surprised. My prolife posts have been censored from Facebook four or five different times, so unfortunately that’s not a big shocker for me that he got booted for his traditional (and correct) take on morality. Hugs and love xox
Well with speaking the truth on these matters should not get banned for this, we just have people doing evil things and this is one thing that should stop. But that won’t happen unless people put a stop to these unethical values.
that’s a great point
Actually, as someone wiser than me once said, “History does not repeat itself, but it does rhyme.”
This is consistent with Heracles who said, “One cannot step in the same river twice.” 😉
Despite being an atheist, I agree with a lot of what you say here and in your linked porn essay. These are troubling times indeed ❤️
Thank you so much Paula! I appreciate you taking the time to read both my articles. You’re right, there’s so much concerning “stuff” out there. We’ve got to stay hopeful! Hugs and love xox
Thank you for this post! I definitely think time is wrapping up! I just am patiently waiting and continuing to spread the good news of the Gospel!
Thank you so much Rashida for sharing your heart on this! That’s a great thing to do: share the Good News!! Hugs and love xox
Well said…
Thank you so much Greg, I appreciate you taking the time to read it. Hugs and love xox
Hi Caralyn! Heard about the fire over there. Glad to hear you & your guy are ok😉!
Hi Kenneth, thank you so much! Yeah, it was really sad to hear about that Bronx fire in the news. So sad. Prayers for those impacted by the tragedy! Hugs and love xox
Happy new year to you both btw!😂
oh hey, thanks! i’ll pass that along 🙂
Very well put!
Thank you so much Marland! 🙂 I appreciate you taking the time to read it! Hugs and love xox
You’re welcome! Hugs and love xox
Yes, my dear, we’ve been living in the end times since Pentecost, just that the world has been doing so unconsciously. But moments like the pandemic show up from time to time to remind mankind of that reality and the necessity to do and be the needful.
That is a great point, thank you Pastor, for this powerful response. Amen – we must live in the light of Christ! Hugs and love xox
You’re quite right that we don’t need to know whether or not these are the end times. Indeed, we’re supposed not to know; read, for example, Matthew 24 36 – 44 “The day and the hour unknown”.
Now, dear Caralyn, I must take issue with you over the matter of gender. Even if we were to define gender as being strictly “anatomy at birth” we would have problems, because a significant number of people are born with ambiguous anatomy. Additionally, there are people whose psychological makeup varies from their anatomy. In my case, my anatomy at birth said male – my mind, from as young as I can remember, said female. I can tell you from personal experience that it is extremely distressing to have to live with this. After thought and prayer I had my anatomical gender brought in line with my psychological gender, and I now live happily and at peace. In the eternal context, of course, my gender doesn’t matter, as there is no gender in heaven, but for as long as I’m alive in this mortal life I shall thank and praise God for the medical skills that enable me to live authentically.
Love
Penny xx
Hi Penny! Thank you so much for sharing your heart on this. I always appreciate your powerful perspective, particularly on this issue, and I’m grateful for you sharing your story. It gives my heart joy to know that you are living in peace and freedom – that is the best outcome any of us could ask for. You are a light, keep shining! I feel your love all the way from NYC! Hugs and love xox
Amen. As I have heard it said, even if this is not THE last generation, this is MY last generation. So live like it.
Hi HJ, thank you for this powerful response..i’ve never heard that before, but wow – how true! let’s live like it! Hugs and love xox
Thank you for your openness and honest thoughts. It is encouraging to me as a fellow believer that I am not the only one having these thoughts during these crazy days of life as we know it now. I have been challenged also with what do I prioritize in my life right now? Where should I be putting my focus? I am a business owner, employee, fiancé, mother, daughter and friend. How do I best spend my time in what I believe are the end times?
Thank you Dawn, for sharing your heart on this. I am right there with you – the times are wild, and all we can do is cling to our faith and our Maker. What great questions…you have sparked me to consider the same! praying for you~ Hugs and love xox
My last series of blogs on this site were about eschatology. Truth is, this planet’s been in its “end times” ever since our Lord ascended to heaven. We don’t know when He’ll return and put a stop to all the madness, we just know He will. In the meantime, we’re to spread the Good News of the gospel to the ends of the earth. That’s our task.
Hi Rollie, thank you for sharing your heart on this. That is so true – no one knows the day or hour, but we can live a life that follows Christ’s example and commands. Amen! spread that Good News! The world needs it now more than ever! Hugs and love xox
So powerful, your words and images! (espy the first of two empty-street pix). Thought provoking, mind blowing, reality challenging. Is nothing safe, sacred (your reference to male, female identities) in these times? But, fear, not! Find peace and comfort for a troubled mind, anguishing spirit, in St. Teresa’s: Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things are passing away:
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things
Whoever has God lacks nothing;
God alone suffices. – St. Teresa of Avila.
God bless you and your work, my friend.
Thank you so much for sharing your heart on this. Yeah, those images were taken during the heart of the pandemic in 2020 — it was quite surreal indeed. It really did feel like being on an abandoned movie set. Amen to that! God never changes! thank you for sharing that! Hugs and love xox
Caralyn, Well done as usual! Always enjoy reading your work, and you are spot on again with your analysis and advice.
Thank you so much S! I appreciate your words of encouragement. It really means a lot 🙂 Hugs and love xox
Sis you’ve done it again!! This message is on point and much needed! We truly need to live everyday as if it’s our last and forgiveness is a MUST!! God bless you!! 🙂
Thank you so much! Oh my gosh what kind words. You’re so right – forgiveness is first and foremost! Let no stone be left unturned in that regard! Hugs and love xox
It sure feels like the four horsemen have been released doesn’t it?
Revelation
The red horse = removes peace from the earth and violence toward one another ensues. The white horse- conquest. The Black horse = inflation – a measure of wheat for a day’s wage. The pale horse = death by violence, famine…pestilence = fatal epidemic disease & wild beasts.
Especially the latter 3.
Matthew
And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.
It’s beginning to look like the end is near. If not, it surely seems to be the pre-game show.
IDK if there is any turning back now. The only thing I know is that it is the time to rise up, shining the light, living our faith, sharing it and showing it to the world, changing hearts and minds while there is time.
I am truly a believer that there is a reason why we weren’t taken up at the moment of our salvation. We were left here with a mission…a rescue mission if you will, to save all those who would be saved.
But to preach it effectively, we have to be it and be the peacemakers who show the love in a loveless world.
My prayers are with you, friend💕
My prayers are with us all.
Hi Laura, oh my gosh this was a fascinating comment! THANK YOU for blessing us with this wealth of information. I had never heard of the Four Horsemen broken down like that, and WOW, how incredibly powerful and telling.
Your final points are spot on: being the peacemakers, showing His love, shining His light, “recruiting” all we can to “God’s team” — that is 100% exactly our mission as Christ’s hands and feet. THank you for your prayers. Know that you are in mine too! Hugs and love xox
No. We are now just seeing Christian hypocrisy for what it is.
Just because the Orange turd lost and will go to jail.
Just because most unvaccinated people who succumb to COVID happen to be yt Christians.
Just because a tornado per month is decimating random rural red state towns.
Does not equate to “end times.”
Bonus round: show me in the bible where it mentions the “rapture.” Protip: you can’t!
Great post.
I have not been able to focus on my blog for the last 6-8months; this Covid thing has been so badly handled.
Without a doubt, it is the end times. Now, does that mean that the world will end? No, I don’t believe that, but everything will be different. Im not a conspiracy theorist, but there is a lot about this pandemic that doesn’t make sense.
All governments seem to be following not science but the World Health Organisation’s science. Anyone with an opinion that doesn’t hold to the WHOs narrative is ignored, ridiculed, or silenced. I have even found with friends that if I even question the narrative mainstream media is pumping out, it leads to arguments and even them ignoring me.
The fact that Japan allowed Ivermectin to be sold for treating Covid, and since that date, cases and deaths have flatlined, but it’s not allowed in most other places in the world?
It’s hard to see how the hand of God could be behind all this madness, but maybe we all needed to wake up; perhaps the world needed to reflect on how crazy things were getting. People are just making up genders to be different. Gender fluid, for example, male one minute female the next; I wish I was making this up, but im not.
What have we become? Maybe the problem is people in the west had too much money and freedom, and it went to their heads, so we needed a China-style government to pull us back in line. I really don’t know what the future holds but I pray that God shines a light into the world to light up the darkness.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this. wow, what powerful points. I think you’re right – this was certainly a wake up call for the world, if for nothing else than to get our priorities in life. I think the pandemic really illuminated what truly matters in our lives, that prior to 2020, we may have been taking for granted. And amen – I pray that He shine that light too! Hugs and love xox
I think using your voice to discuss difficult questions is inspiring.
It occurred to me with the Justin Timberlake movie, ‘In Time’…
(A browse of the Rotten Tomatoes synopsis would help, if you do not know the movie…)
There’s a scene where he’s in the Greenwich zone – a wealthy zone. And because people have *so much* time and wealth, they can take it easy:
There’s no need for people to run, or think, or worry (other than about safety) –
That’s the sense I have with, ‘It does not matter…’
In the sense, God has done *so much*, already.
But, we need to be aware of what God has already done…
And sharing is important…
(As a Christian thinker, I think ‘end times’ is something that has been going on for a long long time.)
I haven’t read all
the responses to your post(great share). I do agree we are indeed seeing the “signs of the end of times” and yes personally I keep looking up knowing my redemption draws nigh. I agree with Ryan, and Kenneth. As my ex-father-in -law is a Bible scholar, and theologian he speaks on this often in this day in age. As we are rapidly coming to times I was taught about in church as a young girl. A one world government, and currency. All these things are approaching at a much faster pace in history. Yes of course for many years we have been taught we don’t know the day or the hour, yet the Bible talks about the seasons and the signs. Biden had to become President I believe for some of these things to come to pass. So as much as I don’t like our new world order, or Covid it is all leading up to the rapture of His church! I think as people we still have majorly hard times yet to come. This is the beginning of the control with the mandates, it is the beginning of Christ’s return! The air even feels different, and I have heard that from so many believers. Families are being divided over vaccinations. So I feel an urgency to keep sharing the gospel with all my families, and friend who don’t have a relationship with Jesus Christ. Amen! 🙏🏻
It’s sad. It’s even more boring here in Staten Island. Nothing open past 9 usually. All these constant vaccine commercials and normalizing of masks. I want to escape. NYC is a mad and sad place now. I feel your pain.
It seems like ” end of Times”. Sounds like NY is really going thru tougher times. Here in az I don’t see empty shelves like you. Restaurants etc busy. People boating, etc. But… there is alot of “signs”. We all need to be prepared for whatever is happening. I pray everyday and I try not to do too much social
media, it makes me crazy. I try to socialize as much as possible & stay as active as I can. We are in some scary times but our faith will get us thru!!!
See an important portent of what the future holds for American Christ-followers in my Saturday blog coming on January 15..
❤️&🙏, c.a.
How to define End Times”? You can find your own answer (you will anyway).
So living for the now is the key, as has been highlighted in your post and its replies. I like the 12th Chapter in Revelation, where the Christ Child is born: and it is proclaimed the Salvation and Power of our Lord has come. It’s worth living to be a part of Christ’s story!!! -Jeff (moving to: lightthefaith.blogspot.com)
Thank you for this powerful message, God uses us to help the poor to heal the brokenhearted and set the captive free. We as definitely living in the end times.
I just found this news article that goes along with your post. I thought you might like it.
https://www.charismanews.com/opinion/88051-end-times-expert-warns-bare-store-shelves-will-get-barer-soon?fbclid=IwAR3uMuf_57pl2NQ_thdyiUQixWdHzlAGiaLY2_apbHmqb1uiOUjA8oXl3x8
Last post: They are using fear tactics to CLOSE SCHOOLS.
This post: THE END IS NEAR!
At least throw a recipe in there to break it up so it sounds more legit. Sheesh.
Hi Caralyn
It’s been a while since I was a regular reader. Life gets in the way sometimes.
This post caught my eye and imagination. I love the writing of Isaiah. My own blog, somewhat stagnant at the moment, came from Isaiah 40:31. I love the idea of God lifting us on Eagle’s Wings just because we waited for Him!
I was intrigued by the title of this entry. The “End Times” bit. Surely we’ve been living in the End Times since the Resurrection? Only the Father knows the hour He’s going to tell Jesus to return. The End Times is supposed to be about the Church, whatever your denomination, being ready for that time. Jesus described it as the wise and foolish virgins waiting for the bridegroom.
What was black or white before is still black or white now. God doesn’t work in shades of grey. Either it’s godly or its sinful. There’s no “middle ground” to work in.
“Woke” and “Cancel” culture are trying to destroy the concept of absolutes. I read a short thing a week or two ago that simply said we start by overlooking sin, then we accept it, then we normalise it, then we persecute those who still call it sin. As I approach my half century and reflect on the past 50 years it’s so obvious that that’s exactly what we’ve been doing.
Yes, we live in the End Times. Every day there are wars, rumours of wars, plague, famine, pestilence and Death flooding our homes. Part of the reason I backed away from technology is the open sewer so much of the internet provides for us to swim in and feast on.
Every day. 24/7/365 with no relief. Christmas and Easter are so commercialised the truth of both is obscured. Can you imagine Eid or Diwali being so shamelessly raped by the world? Of course not! They hide the Truth so the World respects them and the easy path gets a little wider while finding the Truth becomes harder each day.
Orwell said that in a time of universal deceit, Truth becomes the ultimate Hate Speech. Christian speakers are increasingly told to censor the message. In England you can’t say “If you don’t follow Jesus, you’ll go to Hell” because its designated as hate speech. You have to preface it with “The Bible says” at which point the message is lost because the world thinks they know because the enemy has blinded them. Even some Christian leaders have backed down on messages that draw a line in the sand and become shades of grey.
I’m going to try and catch up but I’ve got over 2 years of entries to read now.
Bless you
You and your boyfriend could get married and move to Nebraska. Our stores are fully stocked 🙂 and then you could cook for me sometimes 🙂
Well since the re-establishment of Israel back in the 1940s or so, biblical scholar, preachers have been preaching the “signs of the times” and claim to have messages from God stating that the end is near.
Looking at the world today, you can we are in the place where Jesus talks about in Mat 24:6.. And he says, “The end is still not yet come”. He calls it the beginning of birth pains.
In means, its is only the beginning of the end and that means it will only get worse.
The comfort is that being a Christian, I don’t have to be surprised that such stuff is happening and I can prepare and protect the people I care about.
The word “end”, used in verse 6, is a translation of the Greek word – Strong’s G5056 – “telos”.
Termination, the limit at which a thing ceases to be (always of the end of some act or state, but not of the end of a period of time).
So the end mentioned in verse 6 does not mean the end of an age, but the limit at which something ceases to be.
In verse 3, the disciples asked Jesus – “Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world”?
The word end, in this verse, is a translation a different Greek word – Strong’s G4930 – “synteleia”.
Meaning the entire completion or consummation of the age.
Verse 14, gives us the context of what was meant in verse 6. “ “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come”.
The word “end”, is a translation of the same Greek word as i verse 6 – “telos”.
So something has ended in verse 6 – but NOT a period of time.
The clue lies in Revelation 3:7 thru 22.
You are so wise for such a young woman. I wish I had that wisdom, that only comes from God, that you have at your age. God Bless. We keep fighting the good fight, for His Glory. 🙂
Amen Carolyn. First of all, I am shocked to hear of what daily life in New York is like. Empty shelves and streets? Wow I can’t imagine as here other than masks and testing being commonplace as the sand on our beaches, Florida is pretty normal. But more importantly I love your perspective. Yes, I 1000% agree. We need to do what God has called us to do and where He has called us to do it unless or until He sends us elsewhere. May God bless and keep you there in your NCY wasteland!
I feel that we are in the end times. Sadly, a lot of my family and friends disagree with me. Especially those who don’t know Christ. That fact alone breaks my heart. I believe my grandpa doesn’t know Christ. I pray for him often.
“I am just overwhelmed by the “enormous abyss” between God’s holiness and the cultural wasteland we find ourselves in.” There are many of us believers who are feeling this same heavy heartedness, Caralyn. Hugs to you for inspiring so many others to reach for the Anchor of Hope only He can provide. 💗
Ya, it’s John the Baptist’s quotation of Isaiah that has been ringing through my head. “John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, ‘I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, “Make straight the way for the Lord.”‘” (John 1:23) Regardless of how soon it is, you’re right: we need to get our hearts right, and band together.