By Mel Futrell

In 2 Timothy 3:1 the apostle Paul introduces a prediction of moral decadence to Timothy with the words, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.” Having made this bold statement he then lists some nineteen transgressions that people would be guilty of in a corrupted culture. Dare I say, it takes no imagination period to see how these inspired words match perfectly the present day. Brethren, perilous times are indeed here! Knowing that increasingly an anti-Christian bias and spirit prevails in our time, let us reflect just momentarily on a few of the many sad happenings going on in our own society. These should remind us of Paul’s listing in 2 Timothy 3:2-4 — Or perhaps one of his previous catalogs of iniquities to the Galatians (5:19-21), the Corinthians (6:9-11), or the Roman saints (1:28-32).

First, all over this country homosexuals are lining up to get “married.” The ongoing effort by growing numbers to normalize homosexuality, redefine marriage, and criminalize opposition to such are dragging us down into the gutter of moral depravity. The fact that the Bible defines marriage as a heterosexual arrangement (Genesis 1:27, 2:23-24; Matthew 19:4-5), sadly doesn’t carry much, if any weight, with large portions of the citizenry. At present, and the totals are changing almost weekly, there are thirty-seven states that in some way have “legalized” homosexual “marriage.” In twenty-six of these states this happened via court decision — or more properly called judicial fiat. Eight more states passed these laws through their legislatures. And in just three states [Maine, Maryland, and Washington], it occurred through popular vote.

Second, but related, is the recent news that former Olympian Bruce Jenner is “becoming a woman” to use his own description. This is just one more news item in a torrent of news lately concerning so called cross-dressing, transgendered individuals. Another example is legislation being proposed in Texas (Houston Equal Rights Ordinance), that if passed would “in part give grown men who identify as women the right to use restrooms of their choice.” It is being called the Bathroom Bill. The LGBT community is naturally rejoicing at these declarations. But wouldn’t it be wonderful if people would remember that true sexual identity is revealed on a chromosomal basis. X and Y chromosomes make one a male and a pair of Xs a female. Cutting and pasting on our bodies won’t change that biological fact.

Third, soft porn and sado-masochism is selling out at movie theaters under the guise of romance and the title of Fifty Shades of Grey. Pornography is being repackaged like never before to fit our “sophisticated” society and draw an even larger crowd. But lasciviousness is still, wait for it, lasciviousness (Galatians 5:19). What must always be kept before us is that we should avoid spiritually unhealthy people and places. There are those with whom we cannot fellowship and places that we must not frequent. To do otherwise would amount to approval of some sort. “Evil companions corrupt good morals” (1 Corinthians 15:33).

Later in 2 Timothy 3 Paul said, “evil men shall wax worse and worse” (3:13). And the answer to these people and perilous times; is the “holy scriptures, which are able to make you wise unto salvation.”