In the beginning of chapter 3, Paul said that in the last days would be difficult because of how evil people will be, and he listed some of the characteristics they would have. Here’s the list again: lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, 4treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power.

You know, one thing Facebook has done is allowed pretty much anybody with a computer to put their life on display for all to see. And it’s amazing to me what some people think and say and do. I’m sorry to say that I’ve seen all of the traits Paul was talking about displayed on Facebook.

Now, let me hasten to say that there some wonderful people there as well who display the opposite traits, but I must admit that I had no idea how many of the other kind there were in the world. I guess I’ve lived a bit of a sheltered life.

One of the greatest things that has happened to me since I started podcasting is that my world has expanded enormously, and I have met so many fantastic and wonderful people from around the world whom I hope to meet in person someday. I’ve met many of them over the last ten-plus years, and it’s good to know that they’re there.

But Paul’s list to Timothy should give us pause. When you combine his writing here with so many other passages of Scripture, I have to say that it does look like we are in the last days.

The final four verses of chapter three really encapsulate the reason I do the Lifespring! Family Audio Bible. Here they are again: You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

To continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, you need to be a continuing student of Scripture. Most believers agree with that but have a hard time doing it, me included. So this show helps me to stay in the Scriptures, and I hope that it helps you, too.