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Christ's Kingdom and the End Times

Month: July 2019

The World, The Church, And The KING

July 26, 2019 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #128 ~

We live in a world that lies in the power of the devil, and with that, in a world filled with humanists, those who believe that humans, and not God, have the answers to life and life’s problems (Humanist Manifesto II). The majority of people, including many leaders, scientists, educators, business men and women, have rejected God and His plan for the world. They are proud, boasting of their achievements. They want power, they want to be in control and run their own lives and the world. They want fame, they want to be recognized, applauded and awarded. They want fortune, they want money, property, nice homes and nice cars. They are lovers of pleasure, desiring to “take life easy, eat, drink and be merry.” 1 John 5:18; Luke 6:24-26, 12:19; 2 Timothy 3:2-4

They want freedom to do whatever they want, but not freedom from sin. They want peace, but it’s man’s peace, based on guns, sanctions, and signatures on a piece of paper, not a God-given peace in their hearts. They want the physical salvation of a planet, but they don’t see that they are separated from God, and that their primary need is for the spiritual salvation of their soul. They look for saviors, ones who can save the nation, the economy, the environment, and can give them jobs, security, and healthcare, but they shake their fists at God. And God laughs and scoffs at them; and He warns them of coming wrath, and their need to worship His Son, the true Savior and King, the One who will reign over the world. Judges 21:25, Romans 6:15-19, Ephesians 2:1-3, Jeremiah 6:14, Psalm 2

Then there is the church, you and me, and all Christians, and God wants us to be lights in this dark world, and to be fighting for the truth. We are not here for fame, fortune, power, position, and personal glory. We are not to be worldly and set our minds on the things of earth. We are not to get too comfortable, with plans to live long and self-satisfying lives. We are not to be fixated on the political process, thinking that the answer is in secular leaders, for the government cannot do what only God can do. We are to put our hope in God, and not in men. Ephesians 5:8-14, Luke 6:20-23, Colossians 3:1-3, Psalm 146:3-5

We are here for God’s glory, and we are to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. We are to proclaim and praise His name, and make Him famous. We are to sacrifice our lives for Jesus Christ, and be willing to suffer for Him. We are to preach the gospel, telling people that to enter the kingdom of God, they need to be born again. Our purpose is to build the church, a spiritual kingdom, where Christ is King in believers’ hearts. Our purpose is to be seeking God’s kingdom, and to be praying for Christ’s kingdom to be established on earth. Doing this will bring glory to God, intimacy with Christ, and blessing to your own life. Mark 12:30; Matthew 6:10,33; Luke 6:20-23; John 3:3, 14:21

Jesus Christ, the King of kings, is coming soon. We know this because we live in the end-times, which means it won’t be long before Christ returns to rapture the church and take over the world. But this is an evil age, and it’s hard to live in this wicked world, in the midst of lawlessness and the stench of sin. But this is our time, the time God has chosen for us to be alive. And it will get tougher, for the pseudo-savior, that deceptive and devilish Antichrist, will be ruling this earth and making life difficult and distressing for God’s people. But once Christ finishes building the church, He will rapture the Christians on earth, and gather all believers from all time to Himself. Then He will pour out His wrath, righteously punishing the unbelievers on earth. And finally, He will seize that evil Antichrist and cast him into the lake of fire. Matthew 24:9,31; Revelation 8-9,16,19

At the end of Daniel’s 70th week, we will be excitedly saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ” (Revelation 11:15). At that time, a large remnant of Jews will be saved, and they, along with all glorified believers, will help Christ rule over the world. This will be a very good age, a most glorious time, a 1000-year period called the millennial kingdom. But for now, let’s be doing the work God wants us to do, and be looking forward to this future time when Christ the King will bring true peace and prosperity to this earth. 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10, Romans 11:25-27, Revelation 20:1-6

Jesus Christ is coming to reign over this earth, and we will reign with Him. This is our hope, and it will surely come to pass (Revelation 2:26-27, 5:10). Be encouraged by the following verses that speak about our coming King, and the magnificent future we will have with Him. “The Lord will be King over all the earth; in that day the Lord will be the only One” – Zechariah 14:9. “His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over His kingdom” – Isaiah 9:6-7. “For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with a skillful psalm. God reigns over the nations, God sits on His holy throne” – Psalm 47:7-8. “Let the nations be glad and sing for joy; for You will judge the people with uprightness and guide the nations on the earth” – Psalm 67:4. “Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone works wonders. And blessed be His glorious name forever; and may the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen and Amen.” Psalm 72:18-19

P.S. Two previous posts will help you in your understanding of God’s past, present, and future kingdom work on earth, “The Kingdom of God,” and “Kingdom Instructions for the Church.”

“See To It That No One Misleads You”

July 19, 2019 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #127 ~

These are Jesus’ words, spoken in the context of His comprehensive second coming message recorded in Matthew 24. Paul, in his end-times’ epistle (2 Thessalonians 2:5), wrote something similar, “Let no one in any way deceive you.” Isn’t it instructive that in both of these passages you are warned about error? This means that the devil will lie about Christ’s coming and events leading up to it, and many people will believe his lies. But God wants you to know the truth about the end times so you won’t be deceived and misled by the devil. I hope you realize that a little error can really hurt you. It’s like poison in your food, an infection in your body, or a wrong road on a map. And so too, you don’t want to be led astray by any error in any subject, and that includes in this area of prophecy. My goal in this post is to share God’s truth to correct six different errors, specifically with regards to Daniel’s 70th week, the coming of Christ, and the rapture of the church.

1. The rapture of the church is not imminent. Many Christians believe that the rapture can take place at any time, at any moment, and that no signs or prophesied events need to take place before it can occur, but that is not true. Matthew 24:5-30 lists a number of events that need to happen before the church is raptured (verse 31). Knowing these events will help us to “recognize that He is near” (verse 33). 1 Thessalonians 5:1-9 tells us that we are not to be in darkness, surprised like the unbelievers, but we are to be awake and alert, which means we are to know what God’s word says about conditions in the world before Christ’s coming. Hebrews 10:25 further establishes this truth by saying that Christians “are to see the day drawing near.”

2. Great tribulation is not God’s wrath. Many think that the great tribulation spoken of in Matthew 24:9, 21 is God’s wrath, but that’s wrong thinking. Tribulation in the New Testament, also defined as affliction, distress, trouble and persecution, almost always refers to that which affects Christians (Romans 8:35, 2 Corinthians 4:17). Surely this distress and persecution is not God’s wrath, but Satan’s work, instigated by the Antichrist at the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week. You must understand that great tribulation is persecution brought on by the Antichrist, but wrath is punishment brought on by God. 2 Thessalonians 1:4-10 corroborates this, for it makes it clear that tribulation directed at Christians is distinct from God’s wrath, and comes before His wrath.

3. Daniel’s 70th week is not seven years of tribulation. Some people believe the entire 70th week is tribulation, and therefore, is all God’s wrath, but that’s error. Let me give you an overview of Daniel’s 70th week to help you see what will be happening. First, tribulation will occur during the first 3½ years of the 70th week, for tribulation, believers being afflicted and persecuted, is a church-age and universal truth (Acts 14:22, John 16:33). Second, Matthew 24:15-22 informs us that great tribulation, initiated by the Antichrist, takes place during the 2nd half of Daniel’s 70th week, starting at the midpoint of that 7-year period. This tribulation is then cut short, meaning it is stopped by God sometime during those last 3½ years, and then Christians are raptured (verses 29-31). Third, God’s wrath (Revelation 8-9) starts immediately after the rapture, and continues to the end of Daniel’s 70th week. This 70th week then is comprised of tribulation and great tribulation affecting the Christians, and wrath directed at the non-Christians. (Many Jews, chosen by God to be saved, will be protected from this wrath – Revelation 7:1-8, 12:13-16).

4. The church will be on earth when the Antichrist is revealed. Many Christians think they will be raptured before the Antichrist’s coming, but that is not true. 2 Thessalonian 2:1 tells us that at Christ’s coming, Christians will be gathered to Him (this includes the rapture). But when is Christ’s coming? 2 Thessalonians 2:3-9 makes it clear that His coming, and therefore, the rapture of the church, occurs after the Antichrist’s coming. Thus, it is true that the church will be on earth when the Antichrist is revealed, and is ruling. Revelation 12:6-17 helps us to understand this, for the devil, failing to catch the Jews, goes “to make war” with the Christians, which is obviously after the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week. Revelation 13:7 elaborates on this, for it says that the Antichrist is making war with the saints, and saints are Christians, which means the church is still on earth at that time. This same sequence of events is given in Matthew 24:9-31, again proving that the church, the body of Christ, will indeed be on earth during the rule of the Antichrist.

5. The church is raptured at the coming of Christ, and is the initial event at His coming. 1 Thessalonians 4:15 says, “we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:17 says, “we who are alive and remain will be caught up (raptured).” These are equivalent phrases, instructing us that Christians will be caught up (raptured) at the coming of the Lord. 2 Thessalonians 2:1 confirms this truth when it says, “with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him.” This gathering includes believers who have already gone to heaven, and those still living on earth, who are raptured at Christ’s coming. 1 Corinthians 15:22-23 also establishes this fact, for it says, “… all will be made alive. But each in His own order: Christ, the first fruits, after that those who are Christ’s at His coming.”

6. The rapture of the church does not occur at the beginning of Daniel’s 70th week. That the rapture happens at the beginning of this 70th week is never stated in the Bible. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-8 explains to us that Christ’s coming and the rapture occur after the Antichrist’s coming and desecration of the temple. Since the Antichrist is revealed at the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week (Daniel 9:27), then the rapture has to take place after that point in time. Matthew 24:15-31 tells us the same thing as 2 Thessalonians 2, that the abomination of desolation, the desecration of the temple (verse 15), caused by the Antichrist, comes before the rapture of the church (verse 31), caused by Jesus Christ. We do not know the specific time of the rapture, the day or the hour, but we do know the general time, that it will happen after the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week, after the Antichrist is revealed, after great tribulation is cut short, and before the day of the Lord’s wrath. Matthew 24:29-36

I have given you some arguments and summary statements regarding truths and errors with respect to end-times’ prophecy. In particular, I have focused on pre-millennialism, which means Christ’s coming and the rapture of the church occur before His 1000-year reign on earth. As you can see, I have not fully developed these arguments, but I wanted to introduce them to you, and give you sufficient information to help you see that they are from God’s word, and are true. In the future, I plan to more fully explain them.

In the meantime, read and study the following prophecy passages, Matthew 24:3-41, 1 Thessalonians 4-5, 2 Thessalonians 2-3, and Revelation 6-9, 12-13. These will help you grow in your convictions about what God says will be taking place in the end times, and help you learn the truth, and discern the error. Don’t forget what Jesus said, “Watch out that no one deceives you… So be on your guard; I have told you everything in advance.” Mark 13:5, 23 

P.S. There is one article that I believe is extremely important in helping you understand the truth of the end times, and that is “Matthew 24 – The Most Important Prophecy Chapter in the Bible.” I also suggest that you check out the “Charts.” Take time to go over them, for I am convinced they will give you a proper overview of the future that God has in store for us.

Earthquakes and the End Times

July 10, 2019 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #126 ~

“O my God! O my God! O my God! O my God! O my God! O my God! This is bad!” That was the initial and terrified reaction of a person who had just experienced that recent 7.1 earthquake in southern California. She was scared to death, and understandably so. When I first heard about this earthquake, I immediately thought about the end-times and Matthew 24. In verse 3, we see that the disciples asked Jesus for a sign about His coming and the end of the age. He then gives them the perfect answer, telling them about many signs and events that will take place before His coming, including earthquakes. 

Matthew 24:6-8 are the verses that speak about these earthquakes, wars and famines. For those of us living in the end-times, it’s imperative that we understand these verses, or we’ll be in error. What then do we learn about earthquakes and the end-times?
* Jesus says earthquakes will be taking place in the years leading up to His 2nd coming. Earthquakes, along with wars and famines, are events that are part of His alarm system to awaken and alert us to the fact that His return is getting closer. 1 Thessalonians 5:4-6

* These earthquakes will be great earthquakes (Luke 21:11). As Christ’s return draws near, there won’t be just baby earthquakes, these little quakes and tremors – there will be the big ones, the 7’s, 8’s, and 9’s on the Richter scale.

* These earthquakes, wars and famines are called birth pains. Those of you familiar with babies being born know that a mother has birth pains which increase in intensity and frequency the closer she gets to her child’s birth. As these birth pains continue, the mother knows she will soon see her baby. As these earthquakes get stronger and closer together, you will be able to sense in your spirit that Jesus Christ is coming soon.

* The earthquakes and famines occur in “various places” (verse 7). The vast majority of people in the world won’t be affected by these earthquakes, for they aren’t occurring in every city and country, but only in some places, in “various places.” We also read, “you will be hearing of wars,” which means most people won’t be experiencing the wars (verse 6).

* These earthquakes, wars and famines are the beginning of birth pains (verse 8). Mothers know that beginning birth pains are just the beginning. “Those things must take place, but that is not yet the end” (verse 6). That is, there are later, ending birth pains which are much more painful. And so too, Christians will experience increasingly difficult birth pains as Christ’s return gets closer. The next verse (verse 9) tells you about this: “Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated…”

* Both Christians and non-Christians will experience these birth pains, as shown by the context and order of end-time events. Christians are referred to in verses 9-14, and therefore, must be on the earth for these beginning birth pains spoken of in verse 8.

* These earthquakes, wars and famines are not part of the “day of the Lord”, that part of God’s wrath that begins after the rapture of the church. That’s because we know God’s wrath is not poured out upon the Christians. We also know this because earthquakes, famines and wars are spoken of in verses 6-8, and God’s wrath does not begin until after the heavenly signs, which are described in verse 29. The same order of events is described in Revelation 6. Seals 1-4 describe these birth pains, and they occur before seal 6, the heavenly signs that signal God’s wrath is imminent (Revelation 6:1-8, 12-17). The rapture is described in Revelation 7:9-14, which makes it evident that it takes place between the seals (birth pains) of Revelation 6, and the trumpets (wrath) of Revelation 8-9.  

* These birth pains start before the beginning of Daniel’s 70th week, that 7-year time-frame. Some people believe these birth pains start at the beginning of this 70th week, but that means you would have to cram these wars and famines, all these elongated events, along with these quick-strike earthquakes, into one 3½ year time period. I don’t believe it’s possible for all these beginning birth pains to fit into those few years. I also think these earthquakes, wars and famines, have already started, and will continue to increase in intensity and frequency the closer we get to the coming of Christ.

* We live in that stage of the end-times called the beginning of birth pains (Matthew 24:8). Matthew 24:9-14 goes on to describe the role and experience of Christians before the end of the age and the rapture of the church. Matthew 24:15-27 tells us about the experience of the Jews before the coming of the Lord. Matthew 24:28 talks about corpses, which means many people will die during this time. Then Matthew 24:29-31 gives us more information about the end of the age, Christ’s return, and the rapture.

* I believe there are still many years to go before Christ’s coming and the rapture of the church, which takes place sometime during the last half of Daniel’s 70th week. There will be many more wars, famines, earthquakes, along with plagues (Luke 21:11), and financial problems (Revelation 6:5-6). And yes, there will be one last great earthquake before the end of the age (Revelation 6:12). It’s going to get a lot worse before it gets better, before Christ comes back. But God is sovereign and good, and you can trust Him.

On this subject of earthquakes and the end-times, it’s very instructive and encouraging to read Psalm 46. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea…though the mountains quake at its swelling pride… Come, behold the works of the Lord… He makes wars cease to the end of the earth… Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord of hosts is with us…” Don’t ever be afraid. Just remember that God is with you and will take care of you, and that ultimately, it’s about His purposes and glory.

P.S. Here are two instructive posts related to this subject about the end-times and Christ’s return: When Is Christ Coming Back? and When Does the Rapture Take Place?

The Order of End-Time Events

July 5, 2019 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #125 ~

Bible prophecy tells us what will happen in the future, not every single detail, but what God wants us to know. This foretelling of coming events is an amazing and encouraging part of His word. You should be extremely excited by the fact that you can know what will be taking place in the years leading up to Christ’s return to earth. But God doesn’t just tell you what events will be taking place, He also tells you when they will take place. By saying “when”, I don’t mean the exact date when they will take place, but rather, the chronology of these upcoming events. To really understand Christ’s coming, and to fully live for Him in these end-times, you need to know the order of these future events.

But how can you know the order, the sequence of future events? How will you be able to see that Christ’s return is getting closer and closer? By understanding this timing tool, this time-frame called Daniel’s 70th week. Here’s what you need to know about this 70th week. It’s still future. It’s exactly seven years long. It bridges this present age with the next age. It’s a time period during which many major prophesied events will occur:
* At the beginning of this 70th week, this man, who will be known as the Antichrist, will make or confirm a covenant, a treaty, between Israel and other nations. Daniel 9:27
* At the 3½ year mark of this 7-year week, the Antichrist will be revealed and seen by Christians and Jews for who he really is, the most devilish man to ever live. Daniel 9:27
* Sometime during the second half of this 7-year period, Christ will come and rapture the church, and gather all believers to Himself. Matthew 24:31, 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17
* During the last part of Daniel’s 70th week, just after the rapture of the church, God’s righteous wrath will be poured out upon this most sinful earth. Revelation 8-9, 16
* At the end of this 70th week, Jesus Christ will return, save a large remnant of Jews, establish Himself as King, and shortly thereafter, begin His 1000-year reign over the earth. Zechariah 14:9, Revelation 11:15

It’s 2019, and Daniel’s 70th week is still future. This coming “week” will be one very long “week,” a destructive and deadly seven years, a time when there will be spiritual warfare between God and Satan like never before. For many of you, this will be your time to live for the Lord, to serve, fight and suffer for your King. God wants you to be ready for this prophecy-packed 70th week, to know what events will be taking place and when they will be taking place. Now this 70th week, this 7-year divine calendar, doesn’t give you all the details, but it will help you know what and when future events will be happening.

There’s something else that will enable you to understand the order, the chronology of coming events, and that’s timing words and phrases. Here’s a list of them from Matthew 24:4-40: “beginning, then, at that time, end, when, then, then, then, immediately after, then, then, when, when, before, until, then.” The word “then” is a timing word which means, “soon after that, next in order of time” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). “When” means, “at or during which time” (M.W.D).  “Until” means, “up to the time that” (M.W.D.) You have to see and understand these timing words if you are going to know when prophetic events take place, that is, the order they will occur in the time leading up to the return of Christ.

Most prophecy passages contain timing words and phrases. In 1 Corinthians 15:23-28, there’s “in his own order, after that, then, when, when, until, last, when, when, then.” In Luke 21:7-33, we find “when, when, when, take place first, follow immediately, before, when, then, then, in those days, until, then, when, drawing near, is now near, when, is near.” When you study prophecy, you need to be looking for these words and phrases. Recognizing these timing words, and knowing the timing tool, Daniel’s 70th week, are two important keys to understanding the order, the sequence of end-time events.

In these end-times, God wants you to be a watchman (Psalm 130:6, Ezekiel 3:17). This means knowing what His word says about prophetic events, and then waiting and looking for them to happen. To be a good watchman, you must know the chronology of end-time events. Then when you see these events taking place:
* you will have more faith in God because you can see that He is keeping His word;
* you will have more peace because you see that all is going according to God’s word;
* you will be all the more convinced and excited that Jesus Christ is coming back;
* you will have greater joy and hope, for you know you will soon see your Savior;
* you will be more motivated to share the gospel with the lost; and
* you will want to tell other Christians what God is doing, how He’s carrying out His plans for the return of His Son, and that it won’t be long.

I encourage you to study all the New Testament prophecy passages. Grow in your convictions about the end-times, the coming of Christ, the rapture of the church, and all of God’s plans for the ages to come. And be a watchman. Then you will be “encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:25

P.S. Here are two more posts that will add to your understanding about the timing of future end-time events: Daniel’s 70th week, One of the Keys to Understanding the End Times and The Timing of the Rapture.

© Steven J. Hogan and ChristsKingdom.org, 2018. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Steven J. Hogan and ChristsKingdom.org with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

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