Paul, the apostle, wrote this letter to Timothy warning Timothy of how much worse the world will become in the last days. It is probably a good idea to look back over the last 50 years and consider all the scriptures in the light thereof. Although many people and perhaps times in human history had all of the above in their society, consider the world-wide trend in all of them. Even consider the acceleration in the last 50 years. 2 Timothy; chapter 3 focuses on the lifes of people in the last days.

From here we extract the following traits:

"Lovers of Self and money" - Today's focus is on how important you are and what you can do if you have money. Status and prestige is associated with money, which if you don't have, you are not considered important.

 

"Disobedient to parents" - This is becoming more and more of a worldly event. The aged are treated as 2nd rated citizens whilst the youngsters are encouraged to take on the world. Even 40 years ago, children had a respect for their parents, even in the manner the parents were addressed.

 

"Without natural affection" refers to the desires of many in same sex relationships; i.e., Lesbians and Homosexuals. It does not refer to people being less affectionate, as some may consider. In the last 10 years, we have seen the so-called "liberation" of same sex relationships with entire constitutions accepting it into their societies.

 

"Lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God" refers directly to the focus on themselves; and how religion serves them or different points of view. The Bible is considered ancient and not adaptable to modern society. This includes sexual perversion and promiscuity. And of course we see that many purport to be Godly people and may even go to church once a week; but there hearts have grown cold for the love of God.

Even the book of Daniel implies, that the signs of our times our ripe. We read in Daniel 12 …. 

First notice that the book of Daniel is to be sealed until the time of the end. Many people state that this simply implies that this book will be protected and kept intact until the time of the end. However, consider that the instruction in the book of Revelation, is not to seal up the book.

	We can see quiet clearly that the sealing of the book has nothing to do with the divine protection of the Bible, but rather to an increase in its understanding in general.
	Coupled to this is the statement that in the last days, there will be an increase in knowledge and travel. Consider the inventions of aeroplanes, cars, etc over the last 100 years and the impact it has made on travel.  Also note that there are more scientists alive and at work in the world today; than there was in the entire world since its inception.

Yes; the book and prophecies of Daniel is unsealed. We understand its prophetic meaning and its understanding; is in itself, a sign that the time is near.

Ezekiel 38 |39 details that in the last days, Israel would be attacked by forces from the Far North with numerous allies. The interesting part of this prophecy is that Israel was for more than 1 900 years a dispersed people with no national identity. Literally, this prophecy could not be fulfilled unless Israel had a homeland. In 1948, after the persecutions of the first world war, Israel regained its independence as a nation.

Ezekiel specifically states that in the last days the Jews will be brought back to there homeland, before this great army emerges on them, bent on destroying them. Although these names are not commonly known today, they are easily recognized as Russia and many Arab and black nations. Not only is it interesting that Israel has now returned to its homeland; but also that the Russians and Arabs are united against the Jews and tensions are reaching astronomical proportions in the Middle East.

Zechariah 12 describes a time when the nation of Israel; and specifically Jerusalem will drive the surrounding nations into a frenzy. This prophecy warns that whoever comes against Jerusalem will be severally hurt. In fact this prophecy goes on to mention that God will seek to destroy all the nations that wish to harm Israel. At present, we see the tensions between the Jews and Arabs over the last 50 years; mounting once again at an alarming scale.

Many people believe that the Palestinian conflict is the linchpin that will sent the world spiralling towards its prophetic dead-line. Indeed, Israel is already the centre-piece of the media, although it is a country so small that the country of New Zealand makes it look insignificant ... and yet; since inception in 1948, it is already stirring the nations of the world into a frenzy.

Jesus gave a forecast to his disciples of the events that must happen before the tribulation can occur and before He will return. Jesus and His disciples were busy walking amongst the temples when His disciples asked him what must happen before He returns. This discussion is often referred to as the Olivet discourse, as the discussion took place on Mount Olivet. It is referred to in at least 3 Gospels, Matthew, Mark and Luke. Jesus proceeded to tell His disciples the things that must take place; before he returns to the earth in power and glory:

1. Jesus first prophecies that the temple of Jerusalem that was in existence at this time (33ad) would be torn down and not one stone would be left on top of one another. (Mat 24: 1-2). 

• 37 years later; Jesus' prophetic words were fulfilled. In AD 70, the Roman army under the command of Titus destroyed the city of Jerusalem. Fires engulfed the city and the temple.

• The Roman solders saw that large amounts of gold had melted into the crevices of the rock. In order to recover the gold, the Romans had to take the stones down, stone by stone; thereby fulfilling the prophecy  that not one stone would remain on another.

• Later, some of these stones were recovered and used to construct the wailing wall in Jerusalem. 

The first part of this discussion between Jesus and his disciples gives us a large “ clue” on how the remaining of Jesus’ discussion is to be interpreted.

As the temple destruction happened literally, it means the following things are also going to happen as signs for Jesus to return. Coupled to this, the address was given to Jews signalling once again, that this information is not only for the Jews, although it is the focal point of Jesus discussion.

2. Jesus warns that many will come saying "I am Christ", but we must not be deceived. False prophets will appear and will deceive many people (Mat 24:4-5, 11) 

• We have seen many false teachers in the world that have throughout the ages proclaimed to be the Son of God. In America, there has been a few of these cult leaders, one most notably seen in the media, being David Koresh who with his followers died by fire. 

• Besides from these claiming to be Jesus, there are many false teachers that erode the word of God. Various false doctrinal beliefs that are unbiblical in nature makes its way into our way of thinking and are taught to many innocent people, genuinely believing that they are being taught correctly.

3. There are going to be wars and rumours of wars. Countries will go to war with countries and ethnic groups will fight with one another. (Mat 24:6 - 7)

• Switch on the news - hardly a day goes by without there being wars on our earth or rumours of impending wars. Over the last 500 years, wars have significantly increased both in number and in destructive capabilities. It is estimated that approximately 190 000 000 people have died over the last century.

• If that number does not speak to you, if you had to write the name of each person down of a piece of paper that takes 1 minute to do, it will take you 361 years - without a break - to record all the names in your book.  & Also notice the different ethnic wars present today : 

* The Bosnia - Serb war in Russia , 

* Muslims versus Hindus in India , 

* Jews verses Palestinians in Israel , 

* War in Rwanda ….. and so we go on …

Bear in mind that before the dawn of the last century, ethnic wars or infighting of people in the same nations, hardly ever took place. In fact, in the last 60 years, more than 70 new countries have been created as a result of ethnic divisions that could not be reconciled. 

4. Famines and earthquakes will be common throughout the world. (Mat 24:7)

The earth is made up of a series of outer surfaces, which geologists refer to as plates. When these plates move against or underneath one another, they result in the land above shaking, sometimes violently. Although they can occur right throughout the entire world, 90% of earthquakes tend to occur along the plate boundaries. It is commonly known that human activities have resulted in quiet a few earthquakes - whether it be war between countries or the construction of dams, etc.

There is also a clear link to earthquakes, volcanoes and Tsunamis - tidal waves, that result with larger earthquakes causing energy to be displaced.

• Since 1990, earthquakes have increased from 16 612 to 23 625 in 2001, representing a 42% increase. Source : National Earthquake Information Centre 

• There is a clear link between famine and wars, the increase in world wars has resulted in a sharp increase in famine. One needs to look no further than the country of Afghanistan, through years of war, virtually 95% of its population are below the bread line and without foreign aid, would starve. 

5. The Jews and many Christians will be subject to persecution and many will be killed and all hated as a result of their belief. (Mat 24:9)

This has occurred throughout the centuries and is well documented. As prophesied in the 3rd book of the Bible, the Jews were scattered amongst all nations, ridiculed, killed and raped over the centuries. It is only be Divine intervention that this race has survived such atrocities. The book of Revelation also makes it pretty clear that their will be many Christians who will also be persecuted during this period.

6. Lawlessness will increase (Mat 24:12)

Well just think of your own country for examples of lawlessness. The rights of prisoners versus the rights of the aggrieved? Many people literally getting away with murder? Everybody trying to beat the system. Laws making it more difficult for society to convict the guilty. There are many situations in our constitution and society that shows lawlessness is abounding.

 7. The gospel must be spread / published throughout the world (Mat 24:10) 

• Jesus said that the Gospel must be spread throughout the entire world. An interesting point to note here; is that the specific word for spread was "kerusso"; which means to Herald, proclaim or Publish ! It is for this reason why many Christians and scholars believe we are in the final lukewarm phase of the church age.

• Before Jesus was crucified, he predicted that his Gospel would be spread throughout the world. The greatest spread of the Gospel occurred during 18th and 19th centuries where volumes of Bibles were translated and printed allowing millions upon millions of believers to read the word of God for the first time. Add to this the active missionaries throughout the world during this period. Before the tribulation can occur, this is one of the major prophecies that have to be fulfilled.

and finally;

8. So when you see standing in the holy place 'the abomination that causes desolation,' spoken of through the prophet Daniel--let the reader understand-- then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. [ Mat 24 : 15 - 16 NIV * ] 

Now we re-iterate once again. For the Jews to experience the abominations that desolate [ idol worshipping in the temple of God], they would have to be back in their homeland. The instruction is that when this event occurs, the Jews must flee to the mountains and not return home to collect any valuables for fear of death and persecution.

We also know that many Jews will be protected in their flight to the mountains. But interestingly enough, Jesus forecasted the destruction of the temple and in his last point pertaining to the antichrist, the temple is the focal point for knowing the period of the tribulation. It is therefore clear, that although Jesus did not mention any prophecies regarding the rebuilding of the 3rd temple, it has to occur before the antichrist will reveal himself to the world.

We have already learnt that the antichrist will make a treaty with the Jews and its neighbours for 7 years - "The Tribulation". Half way through he breaks the treaty, stands in the rebuilt temple of the Jews and claims to be God. It is at this point, half-way through the tribulation, that life becomes unbearable. The final 3 1/2 years is often referred to as the day of the Lord or the day of Gods' wrath. This is the stage when Jesus reveals will be a time of such distress, that if He did not shorten the time period, no man would exist. Note further, that Jesus recognizes Daniel as a prophet of God, thereby eliminating any disputes concerning the election of books in the bible; and the VALIDITY of Daniels vision.