Has the End of the World Come Upon Us? (Part 1)

TEXT: 2 Timothy 3:1-9

In recent months and years, scientists and scholars have expressed concerns about the future of mankind on this planet. Nearly every scientist agrees that the Earth is running out of resources and the human race is running out of time. Many have presented the earth as a ticking time bomb that is slowly winding down. If the Earth continues on its course, at some time in the future, our entire ecosystem will eventually implode. Some predict a new ice age will come, or a huge sunspot will flare out from the sun and engulf this planet in flames. Others say that man will be the instrument of his own demise: we will eat ourselves out of food, drink ourselves out of water,  pollute ourselves out of healthy living conditions or blow ourselves to pieces. Whatever the case, nearly everyone agrees that the world will end someday, someway, somehow.
 
Most people put the end of the world at  thousands of years in the future. But, when we look at Scripture, we cannot help but consider that it seems as though things are shaping up for history to draw to a close sooner rather than later. 
 
Today, we are going to look at some of the signs spoken of in the Bible that indicate that we are rapidly moving toward the close of history. While Scripture does not give us a date for Jesus' return, it does give us some sign posts that indicate that the return of Christ is close at hand. 
 
Paul begins by saying, "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come." Let me share with you what he means by 'perilous times.' The word perilous carries with it the idea of serious trouble, difficulty, precariousness, and stressful circumstances. If a person is in danger, they can be said to be "in peril."

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