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Month: August 2018

The Jews: Their Past, Present and Glorious Future

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #83 ~

You can’t understand end-times’ prophecy unless you understand God’s working with the Jews. I believe you know their story, one that started about 4000 years ago with God promising Abraham a nation, land, and great blessing. This Jewish nation (Israel) was born in Egypt, and grew up and remained there for 400 years. Led by Moses, she miraculously escaped out of Egypt, and then was sovereignly stuck in the desert for 40 years. Finally, around 1400 BC, with Joshua leading the way, she entered and settled in the land God had promised her. Genesis 12:1-2, 13:14-17; Exodus; Joshua; Acts 7

Once in her land, instead of being a witness of God’s glory to the world, Israel began adopting the sinful customs of neighboring nations. Led by judges, God continued to show His mercy, but did not hesitate in disciplining her for her sin. Israel’s best years were from 1010 BC to 930 BC, when David and Solomon were kings, and the whole world saw how God wonderfully blessed her. But she quickly went downhill, seen in her sinful and shameful idolatry. The nation split into two parts, Israel and Judah, which were led by kings, both good and bad. From around 860 BC to 600 BC, God-appointed prophets preached repentance, judgment and hope to the proud Jewish people, and during this entire period, God was amazingly patient with them. The time came when God had no choice but to punish them, resulting in the death of many Jews, with most of the rest being exiled to godless nations. Judges, 2 Chronicles, Isaiah, Ezekiel

During this time of exile, Daniel the prophet, who had been taken to Babylon, recorded some incredible God-given visions about the far-distant future of Israel, the end-times. Then after 70 years, the Jews began to return to Israel, resettling their land. But God’s promises to the Jews about their future glory were not fulfilled at that time. Daniel, Ezra, Haggai

God’s grand and glorious plans for His people were still unfolding. Most importantly, God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to earth. This was His first coming, when He was born of a virgin, lived a perfect life, raised up disciples, died on a cross to pay for sins, and then rose from the dead. On earth for only 33 years, Jesus’ work was finished, and He went back to His Father in heaven. This began the church age with large numbers of Jews and Gentiles were being saved. But it wasn’t long before God’s promised judgment of the Christ-rejecting Jews took place. Around 70 AD, Jerusalem was destroyed, and close to a million Jews were either killed or scattered around the world. God’s plans for the Jews were suspended for a long time, but His plans for the church were continually being carried out. Matthew, John, Luke 21:20-24, Ephesians

What happened to the Jews? Many people said the Jews, because they had killed Christ, had forfeited their God-given promises. But God doesn’t lie, and He didn’t change His mind. Over 1800 years later, in the late 1800’s, God began regathering the Jews. With their religion, culture and language still intact, they started returning, coming back from all over the world, and resettling in their land. In the 1940’s, through that mad-man Hitler, came Satan’s slaughter of close to 6 million Jews. But in 1948, God used that massive and senseless killing to move world leaders to allow the Jews to once again be recognized as a nation. Since then, there have been many more wars, increasing anti-Semitism, and treaties too. By God’s grace, the Jews have defended their land and continued to grow. In fact, in 1967, the Jews took control of Jerusalem, a dream come true. In the eyes of the world, Israel was becoming a very prosperous nation. Ezekiel 36-37

Now in 2018, with Jews numbering 6.5 million in Israel, God continues to carry out His end-time plans. Not long from now, at the beginning of Daniel’s 70th week, the Jews will sign a treaty, but it will be a bad deal, a deal with the devil. Yes, they will offer sacrifices in their newly-built temple, but these will come to a sudden stop when the Antichrist, showing his devilish colors, is revealed, and desolates the temple. This beast of a man, this enraged Antichrist, will go chasing after the Jews, but many will escape to a safe and God-protected place. The great tribulation affecting the Jews will then be directed at the Christians. Daniel 9:27, Matthew 24:9-26, 2 Thessalonians 2:3-5

Soon there will be the second coming of Christ. The first event will be the rapture, the physical redemption of Christians, when they are suddenly taken from earth, gloriously transformed, and immediately brought to Christ. Right after that, the day of the Lord begins, God’s punishment of sinners still living on earth. This first phase of God’s wrath will be finished at the end of Daniel’s 70th week, at which time Christ returns to redeem the surviving remnant of Jews, this being a spiritual redemption, the salvation of their souls. 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17, Revelation 7-9, Isaiah 45:17, Romans 11:25-27 

The second phase of God’s devastating and deserved wrath will then be poured out upon the Antichrist’s kingdom, the enemies of the Jews. Then begins the millennial kingdom, a time when the Jews will repopulate the world, and aided by glorified Christians, will help Jesus Christ reign over the world for 1000 years. A most glorious and magnificent period this will be, for God’s promises to the Jews will be fulfilled, Christ will be perfectly, lovingly and powerfully ruling, and there will be peace on earth. Psalm 67:3,4,7“Let the peoples praise You, O God… Let the nations be glad and sing for joy… God blesses us (Jews), that all the ends of the earth may fear Him.” Psalm 47, Psalm 72

P.S. As I have said, understanding God’s working with the Jews is so important for you to be able to clearly understand end-times prophecy and God’s working with the church. I would encourage you to read or review Post 19, A Short Summary of God’s Working with the Jews, as well as Article 8, A Summary of the Prophetic Work of God, from the Time of Abraham to Christ’s Millennial Kingdom.

What About the Unrepentant Unbeliever in the End Times?

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #82 ~

You have seen the movies and read the books where the bad guys appear to be winning. They have locked up the good guys, taken control of the city, or hijacked the airplane, and things aren’t looking good. But these are just stories. When the Antichrist appears and takes over the world, it won’t be just a story, it will really happen. Truly, this will be a dark time in history, for the devil and his people will seem to be winning. Let me tell you what you need to know about unrepentant unbelievers in the end-times. They will be:

Unloving. Matthew 24:12 – “Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold.” In the end times, unbelievers will be increasingly lawless. They will be unloving, unholy, arrogant, lovers of self, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God (2 Timothy 3:1-4). We live in an evil age, and it’s going to get a lot, lot worse in the last few years before the return of Christ. But as Christians, we will be the light of the world.

Worshiping Satan. Revelation 13:4 – “They worshiped the dragon (Satan), and they worshiped the beast (Antichrist).” Unbelievers will hear about this man rising from the dead; they will see this 2nd beast perform great signs; and they will be amazed, in awe, and worship this man, this 1st beast, and also worship the devil himself. But believers will be loving God with all their heart, mind, soul and strength. Mark 12:30

Taking the mark. Revelation 13:16 – “He causes all, the small and the great, the rich and the poor, and the free and the slaves to be given a mark on their right hand or on their forehead.” Most unbelievers will take this mark of the beast, with the result that they will be able to openly buy or sell, do business, go shopping, or go out to eat.

Deceived and deluded. 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11 – “God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness.” Sinners will hate the truth, but will love their evil and wicked ways. Therefore, God will cause them to be deceived all the more, resulting in a rapid and dramatic increase in the depravity of the world.

Mocking Christians. 2 Peter 3:3-6 – “In the last days, mockers will come with their mocking, following after their lusts, and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming?’… But by His word, the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.” During the Antichrist’s rule, unbelievers will be mocking, taunting, ridiculing, and making fun of the Christians.

Hating and killing. Matthew 24:9 – “They will deliver you to tribulation and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.” After the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week, most unbelievers will see the Christians as a terrible menace, a harmful blight to the world. Non-Christians will be emboldened and impassioned in their hate for Christians, so much so that they will want to kill them, to rid the earth of them. “An hour is coming for everyone who kills you to think he is offering service to God.” John 16:2

Betraying family members. Luke 21:16 – “You will be betrayed by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death.” Many unbelievers will turn against their own family members, those who are Christians, and turn them in to the authorities, and some of these will be killed. Without a doubt, this will be one of the saddest and hardest things for Christians to go through in the end-times. “In all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:37

Eating and drinking. Luke 17:28 – “It was the same as happened in the days of Lot: They were eating and drinking, they were buying and selling, they were planting and building; but on the day that Lot went out from Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all.” There will be a pseudo-peace on earth during the Antichrist’s rule, and unbelievers will be happy, living like everything is just fine. But they will be so deceived, and will be shocked and scared when they see the sudden return of Christ.

Doomed. Revelation 6:12-17 – “There was a great earthquake… the stars of the sky fell to the earth… the sky was split apart like a scroll… and the kings… and the great men… and the rich and the strong and every slave and free man hid themselves in the caves… for the great day of God’s wrath has come.” Great signs in the heavens and on the earth will signal the end of this age and the return of Christ. Just after the rapture, the day of the Lord will come, and unbelievers will be doomed, eternally damned by God.

Punished in hell. Revelation 14:9-10 – “He will be tormented with fire and brimstone… and the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever.” Those who receive the mark of the beast will go to hell, and later be cast into the lake of fire, where they will be punished forever (Revelation 20:15). This will be the sad, but righteous, reality for the unrepentant, Christ-hating, Christian-hating unbeliever.

You need to know the truth about unrepentant unbelievers in the end-times, especially if you are alive during the rule of the Antichrist. These last few years before the coming of Christ will prove to be a great opportunity to serve the Lord, love your enemies, and share the gospel with them, with the result that some unbelievers will repent of their sins, and be saved. Don’t forget, God will give you all the grace and peace you need. And remember, God is completely in charge, for He is the sovereign Ruler. “To live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). “Behold, I am coming soon.” Revelation 2:20

P.S. Clearly, Christians will go through some very difficult trials in the end-times, and therefore, it is essential that we understand what God’s word tells us about them. A very comprehensive summary of God’s purposes for our trials is given in the article, A Biblical Perspective on the Trials of Life.  I’ll mention one more article that is very encouraging: Keep Yourself in the Love of God.

Promises from a Loving Father to His Children

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #81 ~

Life is not easy, and you know that. You have personal problems, job stresses, health issues, physical pain, relational conflicts, temptations, financial difficulties, pressures from the world, children to raise, trials, extreme trials, family disputes, church problems, concerns for others, the storms of life, and an adversary who hates you. Then you read this blog post about the end times, about birth pains, the Antichrist, persecution, and great difficulties in the days ahead, and you wonder how you are going to make it.

The answer is always God. As a Christian, you have the grace, power and strength of God; you have the love, kindness and mercy of Jesus Christ; and you have fellowship, a close relationship with the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 13:14). You have a church family and good friends. You have a God-given future, His perfect plans for your life. You also have the promises of God, and this is what I want to talk about today. These promises are not just optional features, spiritual add-ons. They are essential – you need them so you can fully experience the glorious life God has for you.

God’s promises are in His Word, and they are personal, from God to you. These promises bring God into the picture, into your life, and speak of what He will do for you. “God has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them, you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust” (2 Peter 1:4). Unbelievers lust after things that have no value, and are very harmful. But as a Christian, you are to trust God’s promises, for they are a primary means by which you can receive what is truly good. They are His guarantee of His grace for you, for today, for the near future, and for the far-distant future. Promises give you hope, a hope in your heart, a confidence of God’s gracious working in your life, in the church, in this age, and in the ages to come.

These promises help you to be holy, motivate you to do what is right, encourage you to endure, sustain you when you are tired, and enable you to get through the tough times of life. Hebrews 11 tells us that promises were one of the main ways the saints of old kept going for God. They believed what God said about His future plans for them. Consider Moses’ example: “By faith Moses… choosing rather to endure ill-treatment along with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, considering the reproaches of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward” (Hebrews 11:24-26). It was God’s promises that kept Moses going through that dangerous desert with those difficult Jews for those forty years. Psalm 136:16

What are some of God’s promises? Psalm 32:8 “I will lead you in the way you should go. I will counsel you with My eye upon you.” Isaiah 41:10 “Do not fear, for I am with you… I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Romans 8:28 “We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God.” 2 Corinthians 4:17 “Momentary light affliction is producing for you an eternal weight of glory.” John 14:3 “I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may also be.” Psalm 23:6 “Surely, goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” 2 Timothy 4:18 “The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom.” Philippians 4:19 “My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Psalm 27:5 “In the day of trouble, He will keep me safe in His dwelling.” Matthew 11:28 “Come to Me, all you who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 8:17 “I love those who love Me, and those who seek Me will find Me.” Jude 24-25 “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory, blameless with great joy.” Revelation 22:7 “Behold, I am coming soon!” These are some of my favorite promises. Take these and find others, and get them in your head and in your heart. Believe them, and hang on to them, for they will help you to know God, and the love, joy, peace, and purpose that He has for you.

You can’t live without God, and you can’t live without His promises, these guarantees of God’s grace for your life. In all things and at all times, they will stir up your spirit, and strengthen your soul. They will enable you to keep going, to keep fighting until you die or are raptured, and are with the Lord in heaven. Unlike men, God will not fail you or forget you. He will be faithful to keep all His promises. 1 Corinthians 1:8 – “He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

P.S. An article that directly relates to this post is “You Have to Have Hope,” for without God’s promises you can’t have hope. As you probably know, I love lists of verses, and my all-time favorite one is found in the article, “Encouraging Verses that Express the Love, Grace and Peace of God.” This last article contains over 100 different truths and promises that, I guarantee you, will help you live the life God has for you.

The Mark of the Beast

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #80 ~

In this day and age, the mark of the beast is a popular subject. It’s talked about in movies and YouTube videos, and written about in prophecy publications. Sad to say, there’s a lot of confusion and error on this topic, but the Bible tells us the truth. The Antichrist will soon rule over the entire earth, his goal being a one-world order, a one-world religion, a one-world government, a one-world military, a one-world economy, and this “mark” will be one of the primary means by which he will control the world. Revelation 13:16-17 tells us, “He (the Antichrist) causes all, the small and the great, the rich and the poor, and the free and the slaves, to be given a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, so that no one will be able to buy or sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name.” Here are a number of things you need to know about the mark of the beast:

1. Having the mark of the beast is the only way a person will be able to openly and publicly buy, sell and do business when the Antichrist is ruling this earth. Revelation 13:16-17
2. This mark could be a stamp, a seal, an image, a microchip or a transponder. It will be specifically related to the name or number (666) of the beast, the Antichrist. Revelation 13:18
3. People will be receiving this mark of the beast after the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week, when this beast, the Antichrist, and a second beast, are in power. Revelation 13:5, 11
4. A Christian cannot and will not take the mark of the beast, for he or she is a child of God, and the Holy Spirit will not let any believer take this mark of the devil. Ephesians 1:13-14
5. Only unbelievers will take the mark of this beast. Revelation 14:9-11
6. Not all unbelievers will receive the mark of the beast, for some of them will be saved during what is called the great tribulation. There will also be a remnant of Jews who will be saved at the end of Daniel’s 70th week. Matthew 24:9-27, Revelation 12:13-17
7. People taking the mark of the beast won’t be making some naïve, unintended or careless decision. Though deceived, these unbelievers will know what they are doing, and will be agreeing with the Antichrist, his beliefs, his rule, and his purpose for this mark. 2 Thessalonians 2:10-11
8. Taking the mark of the beast is not just a financial decision, but is also a spiritual one. The person receiving the mark is pledging allegiance to the Antichrist, and is putting his faith in this evil, despicable and devilish man. “They worshiped the beast.” Revelation 13:4
9. Unbelievers taking the mark of the beast cannot reverse their decision. Once marked, their future is set, for they will forever be punished in the lake of fire. “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink of the wrath of God… and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb.” Revelation 14:9-11

We now live in the end-times, and when you look at the state of the world, you realize that we are rapidly moving towards that time when this mark of the beast will be a reality. For 100 years we have heard that leaders and countries are pushing for a one-world order and this global economy. You see it with the United Nations, the World Bank, the World Trade Organization, and the International Money Fund. This desire for globalism, that the desires of the world supersede the desires of the nations, is only going to increase in the years ahead. There will be more open borders, less autonomy, and more interdependence with regards to the countries of the world. And on a personal level, people want their bank accounts to be more secure, and their financial transactions to be simpler and safer.

What in the world is going to happen? A sophisticated system will soon be in place for the Antichrist and his partner to manage this global economy, utilizing the mark of the beast. Governing the whole world, having a universal monetary system, and overseeing billions of financial transactions, will require an ingenious and complex technology. We now live in an electronic information age, with smart phones, supercomputers, massive servers, microchips, the internet, and the ability to store, process and transfer mega amounts of data. We are beginning to see how this mark of the beast will be a key component in tomorrow’s world. In fact, it is routine for pets to get implanted microchips, and now it’s beginning to happen with people. In Sweden, many individuals receive surgically inserted microchips for their business dealings and other activities (Washington Post – 4/4/2017). In the near future we will be a cashless and checkless society, our credit and debit cards will be gone, and the technology to implement the mark of the beast will be fully developed and operational.

Now is the time to tell unbelievers the truth about the mark of the beast, and more importantly, about salvation and forgiveness in Jesus Christ. As for you and your family, know that the Lord will take care of you. Be seeking His kingdom, and be praying, “Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:10-11). “This calls for perseverance on the part of the saints who obey God’s commandments and remain faithful to Him.” Revelation 14:12

P.S. There is no doubt that living during the time when the Antichrist is ruling the world will be extremely difficult. I encourage you to read this article, The Father’s Love For His Children, for this is what you will need to know and remember more than anything else.

P.P.S. Just a reminder ~ if you would like to be notified, via email, of the latest blog post, just go to the top of the home page and put your email address in the “subscribe” area and click on the subscribe button!

Reasons for the Rise and Rule of the Antichrist

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post  #79 ~

John was the only biblical author to use the term antichrist (the spirit of) he also referred to the Antichrist as the Beast. Description from regbos.wordpress.com. I searched for this on bing.com/images

As Christians, we need to study the subject of prophecy so we can learn what God is telling us about the future He has for us. Understanding what God’s word says about the end-times will enable us to more clearly see where things are going in the world, how everything is leading to the coming of the Antichrist, and to the coming of Christ. Know also that God’s work with the Jews in these days is in conjunction with His work with the church (Matthew 24:9-27). Let me explain.

Matthew 24:4-8 and Revelation 6:3-8 tell us that we will be hearing about these global “birth pains,” wars, earthquakes, famines and financial troubles, occurring in various parts of the world. As these “pains” get harder, people will be greatly distressed, wanting some relief, some peace, and yes, for some kind of a savior to help solve these problems.

What else will be happening? People will increasingly be rebelling against God and earthly authorities (parents, policemen, politicians and pastors). Sinners will be more depraved in their thinking, and therefore more evil, lawless and unloving. Their outright hate for truth, for righteousness and for Christians, will be obvious. The time will come when God will send a deluding influence upon these truth-rejecting sinners, and they will go from being bad to being wicked. (2 Thessalonians 2:10-13). There will be a marked polarization between Christians and non-Christians, and there will be persecution.

What about the Jews? For the past 140 years, God has been gathering them back to their land. Their present population is 6.5 million, and growing. But Antisemitism, this vehement hate for the Jews, is growing as well, and it won’t be long before they will be desperate for peace. Then at the beginning of Daniel’s 70th week, this coming Antichrist will help broker a peace treaty with Israel and other nations (Daniel 9:27). But these Jews will be deceived, for they will be making a deal with the devil.

During the first half of Daniel’s 70 week, these birth pains will be growing in intensity and frequency. Unbelievers will be united in their hate for both Jews and Christians. A Jewish temple will be built in Jerusalem. People will be wanting a one-world order, and with that, a one-world leader to bring peace. Conditions will be ripe for someone sharp, smart, proven and strong, to rise up and become ruler of the world. This is all part of God’s predetermined plan, and He will make sure this coming leader, groomed by Satan himself, will be increasing in power and popularity. When he is seemingly raised from the dead, he will become more famous than ever. “The whole world was amazed and followed after the beast.” Revelation 13:3

At the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week, the 3½ year mark, this coming world ruler will be clearly revealed, for he will desecrate the temple in Jerusalem, and set himself up as being God. (2 Thessalonians 2:3-9). Unbelievers will acclaim him as their new leader, and greatly love him. Believers, sobered, but not surprised by what has taken place, will know he is the Antichrist, and pray for the coming of Christ. The Jews will see this God-hating man as their worst enemy, and run for the hills. Matthew 24:15-20

This Antichrist is so proud, for his devilish dream has come true, and he can finally rule the world. What else happens? This beast of a man, being possessed by Satan, has great power and authority. Satan then raises up another beast, the false prophet, who as the Antichrist’s partner and promoter, performs great signs, further deceiving the people on earth. This second beast also causes unbelievers to worship the Antichrist by having them worship his image. He makes them take the mark of the beast, which is the means by which they can do business and live (Revelation 13:11-18). The fact that the Antichrist also has super-advanced, communication and surveillance systems in place, helps to make it all possible. The result is that the Antichrist will control the world – he will be in charge of the military, religion and the economy (Revelation 13:7, 15, 18). This Antichrist, this most evil beast, this wicked and lawless dictator, loves having power, loves being worshiped by the world, but hates the Christians and the Jews.

The Antichrist will chase after a remnant of Jews, but they will escape (Revelation 12:13-16), and later be saved (Romans 11:26-27). Then he will pursue Christians, persecuting and killing them. “They will deliver you to tribulation and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name” (Matthew 24:9, 21). Some Christians will die or be martyred, but the rest will endure to the end of this age. Then Jesus Christ, our victorious Savior and King, will return in the clouds, and triumphantly rescue and rapture His bride. “Behold, a great multitude which no one could count… standing before the throne and before the Lamb… and they cry out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.’” Revelation 7:9-10

Jesus Christ will then punish this wicked world, and cast that devilish Antichrist and his evil partner into the lake of fire. “That lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming.” 2 Thessalonians 2:8

P.S. This post relates directly to last week’s post on the Antichrist. If you haven’t read that one, then you need to, for it will help give you a much better picture of the Antichrist to come. One other thing that is important for you to know and understand are the Key Terms, a glossary of 50 prophecy terms and their meanings.