PERILOUS TIMES

The Bible speaks about perilous or difficult times in several passages, particularly in the context of the "end times." Perilous times are characterized by moral decay, societal upheaval, and widespread suffering. The Bible urges believers to be vigilant, prepared, and faithful, even in the midst of challenges. Here are key scriptures that provide insight into perilous times:

2 Timothy 3:1-5 (NKJV)

"But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!"

Interpretation: The apostle Paul describes the characteristics of people in the last days—self-centered, immoral, and disobedient. These "perilous times" are marked by sin and rebellion against God, making them difficult and dangerous for believers.

Matthew 24:6-8 (NKJV)

"And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows."

Interpretation: In Jesus’ teachings about the end times, He warns of wars, natural disasters, and other calamities. While these events signal the nearness of the end, Jesus encourages believers not to be troubled but to endure.

Luke 21:25-28 (NKJV)

"And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near."

Interpretation: Jesus describes global distress, fear, and confusion in the last days. These signs point to His return, and Christians are encouraged to look to Him in hope and anticipation.

Revelation 6:12-17 (NKJV)

"I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place. And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, 'Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!' For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?"

Interpretation: The book of Revelation describes terrifying and cataclysmic events in the end times. These "perilous times" are marked by God's judgment, and people will be shaken by the reality of God's power and wrath.

2 Peter 3:3-4 (NKJV)

"Knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, 'Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.'"

Interpretation: In the last days, there will be a mocking of the idea of Jesus' return. People will live according to their sinful desires and reject the truth. This indicates the spiritual peril of the times.

Isaiah 5:20 (NKJV)

"Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"

Interpretation: In perilous times, there is a distortion of moral truth—what is good is called evil, and what is evil is called good. This spiritual confusion and moral inversion characterize the end times.

Romans 1:28-32 (NKJV)

"And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them."

Interpretation: Paul describes the moral and spiritual decline that will take place in the last days. People will turn away from God, embracing sin and immorality. This society will be marked by rebellion, injustice, and lack of mercy.

The Bible describes perilous times as a period marked by moral decay, natural disasters, societal upheaval, and spiritual blindness. While these times are a sign of the end, believers are called to stand firm, keep their faith, and look to God for hope and strength. The ultimate hope lies in the return of Jesus Christ, who will bring redemption and justice to the world. As believers, we are urged to be watchful, prayerful, and faithful, trusting in God’s sovereignty during challenging times.

Key Aspects of God's Heart on Perilous Times:

God’s heart on perilous times is rooted in His understanding of the suffering and challenges that humanity faces. Throughout Scripture, God speaks about the difficulties that will arise in the last days, but He also provides comfort, hope, and instructions on how to persevere through such times.

Awareness of Suffering:

God is not distant from our suffering; He is aware of it and cares deeply. In times of peril, He provides assurance that He is with His people.

Psalm 34:18 (NLT): “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”
Isaiah 41:10 (NLT): “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”

Warning and Preparedness:

While God shows compassion, He also warns His people about the challenges that will come in the last days. He calls us to be watchful, prayerful, and ready.

Matthew 24:6-8 (NLT): “And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.”

Hope in Christ:

In perilous times, God emphasizes the hope we have in Christ. His return is a promise, and it is in Him that we find ultimate victory over suffering and sin.

Romans 8:18 (NLT): “Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.”
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 (NLT): “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words.”

Endurance and Faith:

God calls His people to endure, to have faith, and to remain steadfast even in the face of adversity. We are not left to endure these times alone.

Revelation 3:10 (NLT): “Because you have obeyed my command to persevere, I will protect you from the great time of testing that will come upon the whole world to test those who belong to this world.”
James 1:12 (NLT): “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”

The Call to Repentance and Faith:

God’s heart during difficult times is that people would turn to Him, repent, and place their trust in Him for salvation.

2 Peter 3:9 (NLT): “The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.”

Strength in Weakness:

Even in perilous times, God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness. We are encouraged to lean on His power and grace to carry us through

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NLT): “Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

God’s heart during perilous times is a heart full of love, compassion, warning, hope, and endurance. He does not want us to be discouraged or overcome by fear, instead, He calls us to rely on His strength, trust in His promises, and remain faithful. In perilous times, we can find peace in knowing that God is with us and that He will ultimately triumph over all hardship.

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