Signs of the End Times Part 3: A Wake-Up Call from 2 Timothy and Thessalonians by Pastor Andrew Thurber, Passionate Life Church
In Part 3 of the ongoing sermon series Signs of the End Times, Pastor Andrew Thurber of Passionate Life Church in Littleton, Colorado, brought a compelling, scripture-driven teaching drawn from the Apostle Paul's letters to Timothy and the church in Thessalonica. Delivered with pastoral boldness and prophetic urgency, this message did more than describe the characteristics of the last days—it called every believer to evaluate their faith, walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, and remain steadfast against deception.
The foundational texts included 2 Timothy 3 and 2 Thessalonians 2, each rich in eschatological insight. Pastor Andrew skillfully dissected these verses to expose the spiritual climate that will characterize the end times—both in the world and within the church.
The Marks of a Deceptive Culture and a Powerless Church
The sermon opened with Paul’s striking warning in 2 Timothy 3:1–5:
“But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive… having a form of godliness but denying its power.” (2 Timothy 3:1–5, ESV)
Pastor Andrew explained that these warnings were not merely aimed at secular culture but were directed at the church itself. The phrase “having a form of godliness” implies an outward expression of religion—attending church, quoting Scripture, following rituals—without the internal transformation brought by the Holy Spirit.
He compared it to religious hypocrisy, like the Pharisees and Sadducees of Jesus’ day, who were externally pious but spiritually dead:
“They wore the most expensive robes… they appeared to be holy and godly, but inside they were dead.”
Pastor Andrew emphasized that church attendance, while valuable, is not a ticket to heaven. Without a surrendered relationship with Jesus, void of fruit and transformation, believers risk being spiritually deceived. This is not about performance—but about genuine repentance and renewal through the power of the gospel.
He illustrated the modern application by highlighting how many Christians today may claim faith, yet show no evidence of spiritual change. Whether it’s unchanged language, habits, media consumption, or friendships—Paul’s warning is clear: true believers must bear fruit.
Denying the Power of the Holy Spirit: A Sign of the Times
The sermon went further into the dangerous reality of denying the power of God, a phrase that Pastor Andrew called “one of the most dangerous deceptions in the modern church.” Quoting 2 Timothy 3:5, he emphasized that many Christians embrace the form of faith without experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit.
“Jesus said it would be better for Him to leave so the Holy Spirit could come. And some of us live like He never came.”
He called out a western over-reliance on medicine, logic, and comfort as factors that hinder faith. In contrast, believers in persecuted nations often see more miracles because they have no plan B—their dependence on God is absolute.
“In third-world countries, if God doesn’t heal them, they die.”
But beyond signs and wonders, Pastor Andrew reminded the church that producing the fruit of the Spirit is in itself a supernatural miracle. In today’s chaotic and divisive world, to love your enemies, experience daily joy, and live with peace is an act of God’s power.
He added:
“The fact that we’re not all depressed and stressed every day is a miracle. That is evidence that the Holy Spirit is still here on earth.”
Artificial Intelligence, Deepfakes, and End-Time Deception
Transitioning to 2 Thessalonians 2, Pastor Andrew tackled a pressing modern issue: deception in the digital age. Paul’s letter warned that believers should not be “quickly shaken in mind or alarmed… as though the day of the Lord has come” (2 Thessalonians 2:2). Early believers in Thessalonica feared they had missed the return of Christ, prompting Paul to clarify what must occur first.
“Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first and the man of lawlessness is revealed…” (2 Thessalonians 2:3)
Pastor Andrew made the connection to today’s growing digital manipulation through AI-generated deepfakes and counterfeit gospels. He warned of sermons by AI “pastors” and even fabricated videos using famous evangelists like Billy Graham to promote false teachings.
“You’ll watch a video and hear Billy Graham say, ‘Jesus isn’t the only way,’ and if you don’t know the Word for yourself, you’ll be deceived.”
He urged believers to prioritize in-person gatherings, community accountability, and the studying of Scripture. As technology advances, discerning truth will become increasingly difficult—making the local church more essential than ever before.
Pastor Andrew cautioned:
“You will have no idea what’s real and what’s fake. That’s why the gathering of the saints is going to become even more vital.”
The Apostasy and the Rise of the Antichrist
The message then turned toward a more specific prophetic marker: the apostasy. Pastor Andrew explained the Greek word apostasia, which means a significant falling away or rebellion from the faith. While Christianity is growing globally in regions like Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, Western Christianity is in steep decline.
He cited historical and current statistics:
This global apostasy sets the stage for the man of lawlessness, also known as the Antichrist. Drawing from both 2 Thessalonians and Daniel 7, Pastor Andrew taught that the Antichrist will:
“They have the blueprints. They’ve even done ceremonial red heifer sacrifices. Everything is ready.”
What Is Restraining the Antichrist Today?
In perhaps the most theologically rich portion of the message, Pastor Andrew unpacked 2 Thessalonians 2:6–7, where Paul writes of a restrainer holding back the Antichrist. He identified three key restraints:
This perspective offers hope rather than fear, reminding believers of their authority and role in God’s timeline. Pastor Andrew reminded the congregation that one believer filled with the Holy Spirit is more powerful than a legion of demons.
A Final Call to Urgency and Surrender
The sermon ended with a call to personal reflection. Pastor Andrew asked:
“I have never regretted surrendering all to Jesus. Not for one second.”
The message concluded with a time of prayer, worship, and reflection. The church was invited to three response stations—the cross, the altar, and prayer partners—each designed to guide individuals toward healing, surrender, and spiritual activation. Anyone in need was encouraged to submit a Prayer Request or take their first Next Steps with the church. To connect directly, visit the Contact Page.
The foundational texts included 2 Timothy 3 and 2 Thessalonians 2, each rich in eschatological insight. Pastor Andrew skillfully dissected these verses to expose the spiritual climate that will characterize the end times—both in the world and within the church.
The Marks of a Deceptive Culture and a Powerless Church
The sermon opened with Paul’s striking warning in 2 Timothy 3:1–5:
“But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive… having a form of godliness but denying its power.” (2 Timothy 3:1–5, ESV)
Pastor Andrew explained that these warnings were not merely aimed at secular culture but were directed at the church itself. The phrase “having a form of godliness” implies an outward expression of religion—attending church, quoting Scripture, following rituals—without the internal transformation brought by the Holy Spirit.
He compared it to religious hypocrisy, like the Pharisees and Sadducees of Jesus’ day, who were externally pious but spiritually dead:
“They wore the most expensive robes… they appeared to be holy and godly, but inside they were dead.”
Pastor Andrew emphasized that church attendance, while valuable, is not a ticket to heaven. Without a surrendered relationship with Jesus, void of fruit and transformation, believers risk being spiritually deceived. This is not about performance—but about genuine repentance and renewal through the power of the gospel.
He illustrated the modern application by highlighting how many Christians today may claim faith, yet show no evidence of spiritual change. Whether it’s unchanged language, habits, media consumption, or friendships—Paul’s warning is clear: true believers must bear fruit.
Denying the Power of the Holy Spirit: A Sign of the Times
The sermon went further into the dangerous reality of denying the power of God, a phrase that Pastor Andrew called “one of the most dangerous deceptions in the modern church.” Quoting 2 Timothy 3:5, he emphasized that many Christians embrace the form of faith without experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit.
“Jesus said it would be better for Him to leave so the Holy Spirit could come. And some of us live like He never came.”
He called out a western over-reliance on medicine, logic, and comfort as factors that hinder faith. In contrast, believers in persecuted nations often see more miracles because they have no plan B—their dependence on God is absolute.
“In third-world countries, if God doesn’t heal them, they die.”
But beyond signs and wonders, Pastor Andrew reminded the church that producing the fruit of the Spirit is in itself a supernatural miracle. In today’s chaotic and divisive world, to love your enemies, experience daily joy, and live with peace is an act of God’s power.
He added:
“The fact that we’re not all depressed and stressed every day is a miracle. That is evidence that the Holy Spirit is still here on earth.”
Artificial Intelligence, Deepfakes, and End-Time Deception
Transitioning to 2 Thessalonians 2, Pastor Andrew tackled a pressing modern issue: deception in the digital age. Paul’s letter warned that believers should not be “quickly shaken in mind or alarmed… as though the day of the Lord has come” (2 Thessalonians 2:2). Early believers in Thessalonica feared they had missed the return of Christ, prompting Paul to clarify what must occur first.
“Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first and the man of lawlessness is revealed…” (2 Thessalonians 2:3)
Pastor Andrew made the connection to today’s growing digital manipulation through AI-generated deepfakes and counterfeit gospels. He warned of sermons by AI “pastors” and even fabricated videos using famous evangelists like Billy Graham to promote false teachings.
“You’ll watch a video and hear Billy Graham say, ‘Jesus isn’t the only way,’ and if you don’t know the Word for yourself, you’ll be deceived.”
He urged believers to prioritize in-person gatherings, community accountability, and the studying of Scripture. As technology advances, discerning truth will become increasingly difficult—making the local church more essential than ever before.
Pastor Andrew cautioned:
“You will have no idea what’s real and what’s fake. That’s why the gathering of the saints is going to become even more vital.”
The Apostasy and the Rise of the Antichrist
The message then turned toward a more specific prophetic marker: the apostasy. Pastor Andrew explained the Greek word apostasia, which means a significant falling away or rebellion from the faith. While Christianity is growing globally in regions like Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, Western Christianity is in steep decline.
He cited historical and current statistics:
- In the 1930s, 92% of Americans identified as Christian
- Today, that number is closer to 45%
- Of those, only about 10% affirm the full authority of Scripture
This global apostasy sets the stage for the man of lawlessness, also known as the Antichrist. Drawing from both 2 Thessalonians and Daniel 7, Pastor Andrew taught that the Antichrist will:
- Sit in the Third Temple in Jerusalem
- Declare himself to be God
- Change religious festivals and laws
- Perform counterfeit miracles to deceive many
“They have the blueprints. They’ve even done ceremonial red heifer sacrifices. Everything is ready.”
What Is Restraining the Antichrist Today?
In perhaps the most theologically rich portion of the message, Pastor Andrew unpacked 2 Thessalonians 2:6–7, where Paul writes of a restrainer holding back the Antichrist. He identified three key restraints:
- The Holy Spirit – actively working through believers
- The praying, Spirit-filled Church – empowered to rebuke demonic forces
- Heavenly governance – angels warring on behalf of God’s people
This perspective offers hope rather than fear, reminding believers of their authority and role in God’s timeline. Pastor Andrew reminded the congregation that one believer filled with the Holy Spirit is more powerful than a legion of demons.
A Final Call to Urgency and Surrender
The sermon ended with a call to personal reflection. Pastor Andrew asked:
- What sin is tripping you up from fulfilling your calling?
- Are you being spiritually distracted from your mission?
- Are you walking in the power of the Holy Spirit?
- Is there urgency in your life for the things of God?
“I have never regretted surrendering all to Jesus. Not for one second.”
The message concluded with a time of prayer, worship, and reflection. The church was invited to three response stations—the cross, the altar, and prayer partners—each designed to guide individuals toward healing, surrender, and spiritual activation. Anyone in need was encouraged to submit a Prayer Request or take their first Next Steps with the church. To connect directly, visit the Contact Page.
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