Are We in the "End Times" Now — Or Is That a Misreading of Prophecy?

Every time something major happens — wars, pandemics, earthquakes, moral collapse — someone asks:
“Is this it? Are we in the end times?”

It’s a fair question. The world feels unstable. And if you’ve read parts of the Bible like Matthew 24 or Revelation, it’s hard not to connect the dots.

But are we actually in the final chapter of history — or are we misreading prophecy?

What Do People Mean by “End Times”?

For a lot of folks, “end times” brings to mind:

• The rise of the Antichrist

• Global disasters

• Persecution of Christians

• The return of Jesus

• Final judgment

That’s the general mix of events tied to what many call the “last days” — and yes, the Bible talks about these things. But not always in the way movies or conspiracy theories do.

What Does the Bible Actually Say?

Here’s where things get interesting.

1. The “Last Days” Already Started

The New Testament writers believed they were already living in the last days.
Peter said it straight-up in Acts 2:17, quoting the prophet Joel:

“In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people…”

Hebrews 1:2 says God “has spoken to us by His Son” in these last days.

So from a biblical view, the “end times” began with Jesus — and we’ve been in them ever since.

2. Jesus Warned Against Date-Setting

In Matthew 24:36, Jesus said:

“No one knows the day or the hour… not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”

So while Jesus described signs of the times (wars, rumors of wars, famines, earthquakes), He made it clear:
These are not a countdown clock.

Instead, He told His followers to stay ready at all times — not just when things seem apocalyptic.

Why Do People Think We’re in the Final-Final Stage?

It’s understandable. The world feels heavy.

• Global tension (Russia, Israel, China, etc.)

• Pandemics and natural disasters

• Moral confusion and cultural division

These things do mirror prophetic language. But here’s the key:
They’ve happened before — and they didn’t signal the end then.

Every generation since the early church has had reason to believe the end was near. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t pay attention. But it does mean we should approach prophecy with humility.

So… Are We in the End Times?

Yes — but maybe not in the way you think.

Biblically speaking, we’re in the age between Jesus’ resurrection and His return. That’s the era Scripture calls “the last days.” It’s not about panic. It’s about living with urgency, hope, and faithfulness.

Will there be a climactic end to history?
Yes.

Will Jesus return?
Absolutely.

Is it happening next week?
We don’t know — and we’re not supposed to.

What Should We Do in the Meantime?

Here’s how Jesus and the apostles told us to live while we wait:

1. Stay spiritually awake
   Don’t sleepwalk through life. Keep your heart aligned with God.

2. Share the gospel
   If the world is on a clock, people need to know where hope is found.

3. Don’t live in fear
   The end times aren’t a horror story for believers — they’re a victory story.
   Revelation ends with a new heaven and earth, not doom.

4. Be grounded in Scripture
   Not TikTok prophecy, not random YouTube timelines. The Word of God.

Why Does God Harden Some Hearts While Softening Others?

It’s one of the hardest questions in the Bible — and maybe one of the most uncomfortable.

Why would a good, just, and loving God harden someone’s heart? Why would He do that to Pharaoh, for example, instead of just letting him go his own way? And while we’re at it, why does God seem to soften some people — breaking them open with grace — while others remain stuck in pride or unbelief?

These questions aren’t just theological. They’re personal. If you’ve ever struggled with your own heart — or someone else’s — you’ve probably asked: Why does God work this way?

First: What Does It Mean That God Hardens a Heart?

When we hear “hardened heart,” it sounds harsh — like God is forcing someone to become evil. But that’s not what Scripture says.

In the story of Pharaoh in Exodus, we see both things happening:

• Pharaoh hardens his own heart.

• God hardens Pharaoh’s heart.

It’s not a simple one-way thing. Pharaoh repeatedly resists God — even before God steps in. He’s already prideful, controlling, and cruel. God doesn’t turn a soft heart hard; He confirms what Pharaoh has already chosen.

In other words:
God gives Pharaoh over to what Pharaoh already wants.

So Why Would God Do That?

That’s the hard part. But Scripture gives us some big clues.

1. To Show His Power and Justice

In Exodus 9:16, God says to Pharaoh:

“I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”

Pharaoh wasn’t a random guy. He was an oppressive ruler who enslaved an entire nation. God used that situation to demonstrate His power, justice, and mercy — not just to Egypt, but to the world.

God didn’t create Pharaoh’s evil — but He used it to reveal His glory.

2. To Highlight Mercy

Paul echoes this in Romans 9 — one of the most intense chapters in the Bible. He asks:

“Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?” (Romans 9:21)

Paul’s point: No one deserves God’s mercy. If some receive it, it’s pure grace — not because they earned it. That includes people like Moses (whose heart God softened), and people like Pharaoh (whose heart God hardened).

It’s uncomfortable, but it pushes us to this truth:
God is God. We’re not. And somehow, in His sovereignty, He works through both mercy and judgment for His good purposes.

But Is That Fair?

Here’s where it gets real. If God softens some hearts but not others, is that fair?

The Bible doesn’t give a tidy answer. Instead, it points us back to God’s character.

• God is perfectly just — He never does wrong.

• God is abundantly merciful — He saves when He doesn’t have to.

• And God is sovereign — in control, even when we don’t understand how.

We may not like all of it. We may wrestle with it (and that’s okay). But Scripture doesn’t shy away from these hard truths — and neither should we.

So What Do We Do With This?

If you’re asking this question, it’s a sign your heart isn’t hardened. You care. You’re searching. That matters.

Here’s what Scripture calls us to do:

1. Trust God's character, even when we don’t get His methods.
   He sees what we can’t. His mercy is deeper than we know.

2. Respond to His grace.
   If your heart is softening toward Him, don’t ignore that. That’s not random — it’s a gift.

3. Pray for others.
   Only God can change hearts. But He often uses our prayers, our love, and our presence in people’s lives to help break through.

We all have treasures we want to protect—whether they’re valuable heirlooms, rare collectibles, or irreplaceable memories. That’s why we rely on safety deposit boxes in banks, trusting them to keep our most precious possessions secure. But what if there was a place even safer, where nothing could ever be lost, stolen, or destroyed?  

The truth is, God offers a security far greater than any vault on earth. When you entrust something to Him, it’s protected by His unfailing love and power. Unlike human promises, which can fail, God’s track record is perfect. He never loses what is placed in His care.  

So, what do you need to entrust to Him today?  

The One Thing You Need to Surrender to God Right Now

The answer is simple: your worries. Whatever is keeping you up at night—your fears, your future, your finances, or your failures—belongs in God’s hands.  

Worrying is more than just stress; it’s practical atheism. It’s living as if God doesn’t exist, as if you’re alone in the universe with no Heavenly Father to help you. Worry rejects the thousands of promises God has made in Scripture, choosing fear over faith.  

But here’s the problem: Pain makes trust difficult. When you’re hurting, your instinct is to hold on tighter, not let go. You may even question whether God really cares.  

The apostle Paul understood this struggle. Even in chains, facing execution, he declared:  

“I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return.”

2 Timothy 1:12 (NLT)

Paul’s confidence wasn’t in his circumstances but in the One who held his future.

What If I Fail After Trusting God?

Some people hesitate to surrender their lives to Christ, fearing they won’t be able to keep their commitment. Here’s the liberating truth: You don’t have to be strong enough.

Your salvation—and your security—don’t depend on your ability to hold on to God. They depend on **His ability to hold on to you. Jesus never breaks a promise. When you place your life, your worries, and your future in His hands, He will guard them—forever.

Gospel Singer Steve Crown Gets Engaged to His Beloved – Fans Celebrate the Joyful News

Popular Nigerian gospel artist Steve Crown is officially off the market! The "You Are Great" crooner has gotten engaged to his wife-to-be. Read all the details here!

Nigerian gospel music minister, Steve Crown, has taken a bold and beautiful step into a new chapter of his life — he’s engaged! The award-winning singer, known for soul-lifting songs like “You Are Great”, “Jaginma”, and “You Alone”, recently got engaged to his stunning partner, and the internet is buzzing with excitement.

The engagement news broke after photos of the lovely couple surfaced online, sparking a wave of congratulatory messages from fans, fellow gospel artistes, and well-wishers across the globe.

A Moment of Love and Celebration

Steve Crown, who has remained consistent in using his music to touch lives and spread the message of Christ, shared this personal milestone with humility and gratitude. Though he has kept much of his personal life private over the years, fans are delighted to see him step into this next phase.

While the identity of his fiancée has not yet been officially revealed in full detail, it’s clear that love is in the air — and the couple couldn’t look more radiant and joyful.

Fans React with Joy and Prayers

Social media has been flooded with heartwarming reactions since the news broke. Many fans took to Instagram and Twitter to celebrate with the singer:

“Congratulations, Steve Crown! You’ve blessed us with your voice — now it’s your turn to be blessed in love.”

“God bless your union, minister Steve! This is beautiful news.”

The engagement comes as a reminder that God’s timing is always perfect, and that love, when grounded in faith, blossoms beautifully.

According to Lawrence Oyor he stated that;

This song wasn’t planned. There were no rehearsals, no pre-written lyrics. It was a moment of raw, unfiltered worship. Every word flowed straight from our hearts, and we're convinced that you'll be encouraged to defy the odds and stand for righteousness.

Like the three Hebrew men who stood before the fire, this will be your stand: No matter the pressure, no matter the cost, you will never bow.

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LYRICS

You are my God, You will always be my God
You are my all, You will always be my Lord
You are my God, You will always be my God
You are my all, You will always be my Lord

Call: You are
Response: You are my God, You will always be my God
You are my all, You will always be my Lord
You are my God, You will always be my God

When life makes no sense, You are
You will always be, I am
When life makes no sense, You are
You will always be, My God

Call: You are

Response: You are my God, You will always be my God

You are my all, You will always be my Lord

When life makes no sense, You are my hero

Champion, You hold my hand

Champion, You hold my hand

Oh God, My help in ages past, my hope for years to come

My hope for years to come

My shelter from the storm

My hope for years to come

My shelter from the storm

You are my God, You will always be my God

Three Hebrew men before the fire

The king said bow to me

They said we are not fearful to answer you

Throw us in, Throw us in

Our God is able (He is able)

To save us from this fire

Our God is able (Our God is able)

To save us from disaster

Our God is able (Our God is able)

To save us from the fire

Our God is able (Our God is able)

To save us from disaster

He will save us from the fire
He will save us from disaster
He will save us from the furnace
They threw them, They threw them into the fire

But first, They told the king
Even if he doesn't save us, We will still not bow
Even if he doesn't deliver us, We will still not bow
Even if he doesn't save us, We will still not bow

I will still not bow
I will never bow
I will still not bow
I will never bow
It doesn't matter the offer
It doesn't matter the temptation
It doesn't matter the amount
It doesn't matter at all
Jesus, I will never bow
I will never bow
I will never bow

They threw them in the fire, The king said heat it up times seven
The fire burnt those who threw them inside
But, There was a man standing there (waiting for them)
There was a man standing there (He was waiting for them)
There was a man standing there (He was waiting for them)

El-rohi was standing there (He was waiting for them)

Sabaoth was standing there (He was waiting for them)

Jireh was standing there (He was waiting for them)

Mighty man in battle (He was waiting for them)

He was waiting for them oh

He was chilling for them

He was waiting for them

He's the fire himself

He's the fire himself oh

He was waiting for them oh

He was waiting for them

It doesn't matter the offer

It doesn't matter what they write on the cheque

It doesn't matter how fine he is, how fine she is

Will you bow?

If they say remove Jesus from the song so it can blow

It doesn't matter what they offer me

You can go and tell King Nebu

They said go and tell King Nebu

You can go and tell King Nebu

He was waiting for them

He was waiting for them

He was waiting for them

The fourth man in the fire

The ruler of creation

We will never bow

We will never bow

May you never bow

There's a fourth man in the fire, So I will never bow

There's a fourth man in the fire, I will never bow

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How to Stop Masturbating: A Christian Approach to Breaking Free and Living with Purpose

Masturbation is a topic that many struggle with but often feel too ashamed or embarrassed to talk about. As Christians, we are called to live lives that honor God, and it’s no secret that many seek help when dealing with habitual behaviors, including masturbation. If you’re struggling with this issue and want to overcome it, know that you’re not alone, and there is hope. Here’s how to stop masturbating in a way that aligns with your faith, fosters growth, and brings healing.

1. Understand the Root Cause: Why Do You Masturbate?

Before you can break free from any habit, it’s essential to understand why it began in the first place. Masturbation can sometimes be a coping mechanism for stress, loneliness, boredom, or unmet emotional needs. Reflect on when you feel the urge the most, and what triggers it. Are there certain situations or feelings that cause you to turn to this habit?

In 1 Corinthians 10:13, the Bible reminds us, "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear." Understanding your triggers is the first step in combating temptation.

2. Renew Your Mind and Focus on God’s Word

One of the most powerful tools you can use to overcome any temptation is Scripture. God’s Word has the power to transform our thoughts and actions, and it can help you realign your focus. In Romans 12:2, we are urged to “not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

Spend time daily reading the Bible and meditating on verses that strengthen your self-control and purity. Verses like Philippians 4:8, which encourages us to think about things that are pure, lovely, and praiseworthy, can help you shift your mindset.

3. Find Accountability and Support

The Bible is clear about the importance of accountability. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Find a trusted friend, mentor, or spiritual leader who can support you through this journey. Share your struggles with them and ask them to pray with you.

Consider joining a support group where others are on a similar journey. Being open about your struggles and having someone to hold you accountable can help you resist temptation when it arises.

4. Replace the Habit with Healthy, Positive Activities

Breaking free from any habitual behavior requires filling the void with something better. Instead of turning to masturbation for comfort or relief, find healthier outlets for your energy. This could include exercise, engaging in a hobby, volunteering, or spending time in worship and prayer.

Hebrews 12:1 says, “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Use your newfound time and energy to focus on personal growth, physical health, and your spiritual journey.

5. Set Boundaries and Avoid Temptation

One of the most practical steps to overcoming masturbation is setting boundaries in your life. Avoid situations that may tempt you, like spending long hours alone, engaging with explicit content, or being in spaces where temptation thrives. Replace these moments with meaningful activities that honor God.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:29, “If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away.” This is a metaphor for the radical steps we must sometimes take to protect ourselves from temptation. Set digital filters on your devices, create a structured routine, and surround yourself with positive influences that encourage purity.

6. Embrace Grace and Patience

Overcoming any sinful behavior, including masturbation, is a process, and it’s essential to be patient with yourself. You may experience setbacks, but that doesn’t mean failure. God’s grace is abundant, and His love never fades. 1 John 1:9 assures us that “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Instead of condemning yourself when you fall, acknowledge your mistakes, repent, and get back on track. The journey to freedom isn’t linear, but God is with you every step of the way.

7. Cultivate a Deeper Relationship with God

Finally, the most important way to break free from any addiction or habit is to strengthen your relationship with God. When we draw closer to God, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live lives of purity and holiness.

James 4:8 promises, “Come near to God and he will come near to you.” Spend time in prayer, worship, and fellowship, inviting God to fill the spaces where temptation once resided. The more you fill your heart and mind with His presence, the less room there will be for harmful habits.

Conclusion: Walking in Freedom

Breaking free from masturbation and living a life of purity is not easy, but it is possible with God’s help. It requires a willingness to acknowledge the problem, a commitment to change, and a dependence on God’s grace. Remember, this is a journey, not a destination. Keep moving forward, trusting that God will give you the strength to overcome temptation and live a life that glorifies Him.