The Bible talks about the last days; I happen to believe that we are living in them.

Jesus taught that there would be signs that would characterize that time period: false prophets and religious compromisers would increase within the visible church. There would be wars, famines and earthquakes.

As the end draws near, the persecution of the people of faith will become more severe. Society will discard law and violence and crime will rapidly rise.

Homes will be broken by divorce because natural love and family affection will decrease.

While all of that is going on, the world will continue to intoxicate itself on substances such as alcohol, drugs, movies, sports, music, television, cell phones, fast foods and the Internet.

Most of the church world at the time will be preoccupied with building programs, fundraisers and seeker-friendly approaches to evangelism.

The popular teaching of the day is to tone down the dress code, shorten the sermons, teach adults with object lessons as though they were children, transform the sanctuary into a sports bar atmosphere and rock out the place.

There is an old saying, "Desperate times call for drastic measures." The prophets of old, when facing troublesome times, would encourage the people to repent, turn to God, study the scriptures, fast and pray.

Let us return to the teachings of the true prophets.

The Rev. Douglas Taylor, Lewiston