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Christ's Kingdom and the End Times

Category: Big Picture (Page 6 of 7)

Blog posts about the Big Picture.

The Gospel of the Kingdom of God

November 16, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #94 ~

Matthew 4: 23

What was the main message preached by Jesus and the apostles in the first century? It was the gospel! This gospel, this good news, explains that people are sinners, but that Jesus, the Son of God and the Son of man, died on the cross to pay for peoples’ sins, and all those who repent and believe in Him, are justified, forgiven, and will go to heaven (Romans 1:18-32, 3:21-25, 4:4-8, 5:6-10, 6:23, 10:9-13). But it wasn’t just the gospel they preached, it was the gospel of the kingdom of God! Now I am not saying that you need to do more than repent of your sins and trust in Jesus Christ to be saved. What I am saying is that believing the gospel results in being forgiven of your sins and going to heaven, and also becoming a member of the kingdom of God!

Look at all these verses that talk about the gospel and the kingdom of God:
* Matthew 4:23 – “Jesus was going throughout all Galilee… proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom.”
* Matthew 24:14 – “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.”
* Mark 1:14-15 – “Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’”
* Luke 4:43 – “But He said to them, ‘I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, for I was sent for this purpose.’”
* John 3:5 – “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of the water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”
* Acts 8:12 – “But when they believed Philip preaching the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were being baptized.”
* Acts 19:8 – “He continued speaking out boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God.”
* Acts 20:24-25 – “to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God… I know that all of you, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will no longer see my face.”
* Acts 28:23 – “He was explaining to them by solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus…” Acts 28:31
* Colossians 1:13 – “He rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son.”

What was being preached in the first century? It was the gospel of the kingdom of God! Clearly, the emphasis of gospel preaching is being saved, and becoming a member, not just of the church, but also of the kingdom of God. And this kingdom goes on forever, including all future ages, as well as incredible blessings and benefits. When we talk to people about Jesus Christ and salvation, we need to also share with them God’s kingdom perspective, for God wants them to see the big picture. People need to know that once they are born again, they enter into God’s kingdom, a spiritual kingdom, where Christ inwardly rules in their hearts. (Luke 17:21). Then when Christ returns, He will rapture the believers, pour out His wrath, redeem a remnant of Jews, and set up His physical kingdom on earth, at which time He will still be ruling in believers’ lives, but also, outwardly ruling over the entire world.

But now, close to 2000 years after Christ’s first coming, I sense that many believers think this church age will just keep going, failing to realize that it will soon come to an end, and that the next phase of God’s kingdom will then be established on earth. That’s why it’s critical to understand what God’s word is telling us about the kingdom of God. At this time, we are living in the church age, what I call, Phase one. At the end of this age, there’s a short transition time (Revelation 7-10, 15-19), then there’s Phase two, when we will reign with Christ for 1000 years (Revelation 20). “Then comes the end (of the millennial kingdom), when He (Christ) hands over the kingdom to God the Father” (1 Corinthians 15:24), which begins Phase three, the eternal kingdom. Revelation 21-22

I hope you are beginning to understand God’s kingdom plans, that He’s faithfully carrying them out, that He is now leading you, together with the entire world, to that point when He will send His Son back to establish His kingdom on earth. So what does God want you to do?
– You are to be praying: “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:9-10
– You are to be “proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom of God.” Matthew 4:23, 24:14
– You are to serve Him: “Do business with this until I come back.” Luke 19:11-27
– You are to preach rightly: “In view of His appearing and His kingdom, I give you this charge: preach the word” (2 Timothy 4:1-2). To have real purpose and power in your preaching, you need to connect it to Christ’s return and His coming kingdom on earth.

I must say, I get very excited and encouraged when I think of who God has made us to be, and what He has in store for us: “You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth” (Revelation 5:10). In conclusion, “Your life is now hidden with Christ in God (church age). When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory” (kingdom ages). Colossians 3:3-4

P.S.  Being Thankful – The Character of a Christian. Thanksgiving Day will be here soon, but as you know, we are to be thankful every day of the year. Here is an article that I believe  will help you to see the value and blessing of being thankful.

The Kingdom of God

October 26, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #91 ~

The primary, overarching theme of the Bible is God’s kingdom and glory. From Genesis to Revelation, this is the message God wants you to understand and be passionate about. In this post, I will focus on 3 different aspects of the kingdom of God: 1st, the broad and comprehensive view of God’s kingdom; 2nd, the invisible, internal and spiritual aspect of God’s kingdom; and 3rd, the visible, external and physical aspect of God’s kingdom.

1. A long, long time ago, God created the heavens, the earth, and people. Since He is the Creator, since He made everything and everyone, then He was, and is, and will always be the King! He is the King over the stars and planets. He is the King over people, angels, the devil and demons. He is the King over the land and sea, over animals, birds, and fish. He is the King over cities and countries. He is the King over the kings. He is the King over all that is physical and all that is spiritual. He has absolute authority, power and sovereignty over all of His creation. He has perfect knowledge and wisdom, doing exactly what He wants, when He wants, and where He wants! No one can ever stop Him, for He is the King!

“Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Your dominion endures throughout all generations” (Psalm 145:13). “The Lord shall reign forever and ever” (Exodus 15:18). These and many other verses (1 Chronicles 29:11, Psalm 9:7, Psalm 22:8, Psalm 29:10, Psalm 66:7, Psalm 90:2, Psalm 103:19) give us the big picture, the broad perspective of God’s kingdom, that He is a sovereign King, and rules over His kingdom, the entire universe, and all people and things in it. But what about His spiritual kingdom?

2. After the creation, Adam and Eve began to rule the world. They were perfect for a while, but then there was a problem. They rebelled against the King, and they spiritually died, becoming spiritually and relationally separated from Him. Because of sin, all creation was cursed, all mankind was cursed, and people became sinners, resulting in their physical death. What was the King going to do? His answer to this problem of sin is given in Genesis 3:15, where it was prophesied that a future Savior and King would crush the head of the devil, and redeem man from this curse of sin. This would result in the King’s spiritual rule in the heart of man, and eventually His physical rule over the entire earth. This Savior-King is Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the only One who could and would defeat sin, death, and the devil. This is very good news, the gospel of the kingdom! Matthew 4:23

Since the sin of Adam and Eve, God has been building His invisible and spiritual kingdom. Those living before Christ’s coming would look ahead and believe that He would live on earth, and die and pay for their sins. Those living after Christ’s coming would look back, and believe that He did die and pay for their sins. In either case, the person who repents of his sin and believes Christ paid for his sin, is made righteous in God’s sight, and spiritually speaking, becomes a member of His kingdom. Christ the King then lives in his heart, and freely gives him His love, joy and peace. Romans 13:17

For the past 2000 years, God’s spiritual kingdom has continued to grow. Sinners are being born again, and are entering into His kingdom (John 3:5). They are being rescued from the domain of the devil, and transferred to the kingdom of God’s beloved Son (Colossians 1:13). All who repent of their sins and receive Christ as Savior and King become members of the church, this spiritual kingdom that He is building. Here is Jesus’ promise to us, “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 24:14, Psalm 2

3. Now that we live in the end-times, we know this church age will soon come to an end, and Jesus Christ will return and gather all the believers to Himself. Then during the Day of the Lord, the unbelievers will be rightfully punished. Then it will be said, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever” (Revelation 11:15). Jesus Christ will take control of the earth, and for 1000 years, He will establish His visible and physical kingdom over the entire world. “The Lord Most High is to be feared, a great King over all the earth” (Psalm 47:2). During these wonderful years, God’s spiritual kingdom will still be growing. People will be getting saved, and Christ will be ruling in their hearts, and at the same time, ruling over the world. Psalm 67 prophesied this, “That Your way may be known on the earth, Your salvation among all peoples… Let the nations be glad and sing for joy; For You will judge the people’s with uprightness, and guide the nations of the earth. Let the peoples praise You, O God.”

After Christ’s glorious, 1000-year reign on earth, “then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to God the Father” (1 Corinthians 15:24). This millennial kingdom will merge into the eternal kingdom. There will be a new heaven and a new earth, and all that is physical and spiritual will be perfect. This good news should fill you with great joy, for it will finally and forever be seen that there’s one perfect Kingdom and God is the King, “so that God may be all in all” (1 Corinthians 15:28). “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:17

P.S. There are two previous posts that directly relate to this one about the kingdom of God: “The Glory of God – The Most Important Thing of All!!!, and “More On the Glory of God, The Most Important Thing of All!!”

The Jews: Their Past, Present and Glorious Future

August 31, 2018 /

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.

Journeying to the End to Be With Jesus

June 8, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #71 ~

As a Christian, you are journeying to the end of your physical life, when you will leave this earth and take off for heaven, or to the end of this age, when you will be raptured, and escorted to heaven by Jesus Christ. That the Jews are once again established in their land, tells us that we live in the end-times which means, that whether you die or are raptured, it won’t be long before you are glorified, and in heaven with Jesus.

I am motivated to write these posts because we live in the end-times, and because God has told us many things about these prophecy-filled years. If I lived 500 years ago, or even 150 years ago, I wouldn’t be that interested in studying prophecy and writing about it, like I do now. Why try to educate and encourage Christians, if Jews are still scattered all over the world? But 6.5 million Jews are presently living in Israel. Not only that, but over a thousand verses have been written about what will be taking place in the years leading up the rapture of the church, the wrath of God, the salvation of the Jews, and Christ’s reign on earth. And since these prophecy passages are no longer sealed and concealed, we can study and understand what God wants us to know. Daniel 12:4

Here you are, at this time in history, a follower of Jesus, a child of God, and a key part of His present and future plans; you should be excited and encouraged, working and waiting, loving God and looking for His Son’s soon return. But notice Proverbs 16:9, “Man plans his way, and the Lord directs his steps.” God wants you to plan your way, and work, carrying out your role in this end-times’ drama. But in a way that is mysterious to us, He is personally and purposely directing all the steps and details of your life. He loves you, and is wisely and strategically using you and every Christian in this world. Your life is not standing still. You are on a journey, and each day is important. You and everyone else are divinely destined, a part of God’s precise and perfect plans to help finish His work in this age, leading to that time when all believers will be in heaven with Jesus.

Do you see where you are, and where you are going? Do you see your life in light of the big picture? Do you see the birth pains taking place, that the U.S. is in decline, nations are being realigned, and that we are moving towards globalism? Can you see the anti-Semitism, the escalating sin, and that Christians are increasingly being hated? Can you see the incredible changes in technology, which make it easier to proclaim the gospel to people all over this planet, but will also make it possible for the Antichrist to force people to take his mark and worship him, and thereby, rule the world?

It’s 2018, and we are in the stage called the “beginning of birth pains” (Matthew 24:8), and therefore, still many years away from the rapture. But as we journey on for Jesus, we will run right into Daniel’s 70th week, which is the most important and intense seven-year period in all of human history. At the beginning of this time, the desperate and deceived Jews will sign a peace treaty with the soon-to-be Antichrist, but this will be a deal with the devil. It will soon, and soberly so, be obvious that the 70th week has begun. That’s because, along with this treaty, a Jewish temple will be built, there will be more wars, earthquakes and famines, as well as a need and a growing desire for a strong leader to rise up and solve the world’s increasingly complex problems. Revelation 13

Then comes one of the main events, when this Jewish temple is desolated, disgustingly laid waste by the Antichrist, and this devilish man will be revealed for who he really is. He will force people to worship his image, or else he will have them hunted down and killed. Believers will be betrayed, persecuted, and many will bravely die for Christ. “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). But the Christians who aren’t martyred will know this is their time to serve the Lord Jesus. They will also have hope, for they know Christ’s return and the rapture is but one, two, or at the most, three years away. They will be looking and waiting for Him to appear in the sky, and rescue them from a most wicked world.

But back to the present, to 2018. God is laying the groundwork, setting the stage for Christ’s coming, and you and I need to get ready. I think of soldiers training for war, preparing for that time when they will be deployed, when they will be sent out to face the enemy. Yes, we are fighting the enemy now, but this end-times’ conflict with the devil’s forces will be the biggest battle we will ever encounter. “Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.” (Ephesians 6:13). We need to know what’s coming. “Let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober” (1 Thessalonians 5:6). We are to be watchmen, and we must instruct and warn others as we see God’s plan unfold before our eyes (Ezekiel 3:17, Daniel 11:33, Matthew 24:33). But for now, we journey on, knowing that our earthly pilgrimage will soon and gloriously come to an end, when we will finally and forever be with Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Hallelujah!

P.S. As you know, I am a pastor who teaches every Sunday morning. But this year, unlike the past 18, I am not teaching through a book of the Bible. I have been led by the Lord to teach on what I believe are single topics that are critically important and strategic for Christians. If you have time, I would encourage you to go to our Sermon Audio page, and ask the Lord to lead you as to what might be most needful and helpful for your life. Some of my recent messages have been on perseverance, fear, discouragement, walking with God, and good communication.

What Needs to Happen Before Christ’s Return?

June 1, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #70 ~

Many “things” need to take place before Christ returns to rapture the church. Matthew 24:33-34 says, “When you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door. Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.” Last week I described six of them: 1) Birth pains (wars, earthquakes, famines, economic distress) will be occurring all over the earth. 2) A one-world leader will be the desire of people from all over this planet. 3) The United States will fall from her #1 position, and then sooner or later, the Antichrist will begin ruling the world. 4) The technology needed by the Antichrist to control the world will be developed, and accepted by the masses. 5) The Jews will be hated by all the nations. 6) Lawlessness will increase significantly all over the world. But many more things need to happen before the coming of Christ:

7) Preaching the Gospel: There’s been considerable progress in reaching the world with the gospel, particularly in the past 200 years. But missiologists say there are many unreached people groups, many tribes and tongues that have not yet heard the gospel. I personally believe we have a ways to go in getting the gospel to all the nations. As for us, the end of this age is now in sight, and Christ is commanding us to be witnesses “to the remotest part of the earth” (Acts 1:8),  and to “go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Mark 16:15

8) Aligning the Nations: For the past 100 years, we have seen God sovereignly realigning the nations, redesigning the global map, so it’s in line with His plan for the end-times. I admit, this is a complex geography lesson that’s difficult for most Christians, including myself, to completely understand. But from Daniel 2:36-44, Daniel 7:1-8, 15-18, and Daniel 8, we know Babylon, Media-Persia, Greece and the Roman empire will be kingdoms on earth before Christ’s return. From Ezekiel 38, we read about Magog, Tubal, Meshech and Gomer, allied with Persia, Ethiopia and Put, all against Israel. Then Daniel 7:7-8, 23-27 tells us about Antichrist’s 10-nation empire being established. We also know there’s little or no mention of the United States, Britain, Russia and China, as major players in the end-times. Now I can’t predict when all this rearranging and realigning of nations will be completed, but as I look at what’s going on in the world, I am convinced that a lot more needs to happen before Christ’s return.

9) Wars: Along with the unspecified wars that are part of the birth pains, the prophesied wars of Psalm 46, Ezekiel 38 and Daniel 11:36-45 also need to occur before Christ’s return. From Daniel 7:7-8, we understand that the Antichrist will be conquering nations and consolidating his kingdom. And as you know, wars and nation-building don’t happen overnight. But you and I will be hearing about these wars in the coming years, knowing they are leading to the return of the King. “He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth… cease striving and know that I am God… I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:8-10

These nine conditions are general, indefinite and nonspecific. Nevertheless, they are given by God so you can know what’s going to happen, and when they are taking place, you will be encouraged, for you know Christ’s coming is getting closer. God really wants you to “see the day drawing nearer” (Hebrews 10:25), and to know that you will soon see your Savior.

More prophesied events still need to happen that are specific, distinct and definitive in nature, and will occur at a point in time or in a narrow time frame:
10. A peace treaty will be signed between the Jews and other nations. Daniel 9:27
11. The temple will be rebuilt, and the Jews will offer sacrifices. 2 Thessalonians 2:4-5
12. The Antichrist will be revealed, desecrating the temple in Jerusalem. Matthew 24:15
13. Two witnesses will be preaching the gospel to the Jews. Revelation 11:3-11
14. The mark of the beast will be given to an unbelieving world. Revelation 13:14-17
15. Great persecution will be directed against Jews and Christians. Matthew 24:9, 21
16. Warning signs will appear in the heavens at the end of this age. Revelation 6:12-17.
All these things will be occurring in the not-too-distant future, during Daniel’s 70th week.

We live in the stage called the “beginning of birth pains.” For many Christians, life isn’t very difficult at this time, but these early labor pains will turn into hard labor pains. When we see all these events taking place, we will have increasing hope, for we know Christ’s coming is just around the corner. This hope will help us get through the pain of great tribulation. Can you imagine actually being alive during the 70th week? Yes, it will be hard, but we’ll also be hopeful, for we know it will only be a few short years before we see our Savior coming in the clouds to take us to be with Him. Luke 21:27

Can God super-accelerate these end-time events so that, in a matter of 5 to 6 years, He could send His Son to earth to rapture us, and take us to heaven? Of course He can. But when I look at these 16 different things all needing to happen, I can’t help but think that we are still years away from the return of Christ and the rapture of the church. Whether it’s 10, 20, 30 years, or more, I don’t know, and no one knows, but God Himself. For now, let’s love our Lord, lay down our life and live for Him, and be looking for His return. “In a very little while, He who is coming will come, and will not delay.” Hebrews 10:37

The Big Picture: The Present Age and the Ages to Come

May 4, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #66 ~

There’s no doubt that God wants us to see the big picture, to know His overall purpose when it comes to the future of the world, to the end-times and the rapture, and to the next age, and the age after that. In the past three years, God has been opening up my eyes to many passages that give us this perspective, this mountaintop view of what God has in store for the Jews, the church, and for our own personal lives. It’s imperative that we see what God is now doing in the world, and realize that we are an important part of His perfect plans. The passage that best gives this big picture perspective is 1 Corinthians 15:20-28, for in these few verses God speaks about this age, and the two ages to come.

It was about 2000 years ago, during this present age, that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead, becoming the first person to ever receive a new, glorified body. But when will believers be made alive, when will our salvation be complete, when will we be glorified? Verses 22-23 tell us, “As in Adam all die, so also in Christ 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.” This clearly says it’s at Christ’s 2nd coming, at the time of the rapture, that all believers from all time, will be resurrected. And the fact that the Jews are back in their land means we now live in the end-times, in the very last part of this age, and so it won’t be long before Christ’s return, and our salvation will be complete and we will be glorified.

Then what? Verses 24-28 tell us about the next two ages. First, there’s the kingdom age, when Christ will be King and reign for 1000 years (Revelation 20:6). This will be a most magnificent age, for Christ will be ruling with a rod of iron, abolishing all other rule and authority. “The Lord Most High is to be feared, a great King over all the earth… that Your way may be known on the earth, Your salvation among all nations” (Psalm 47:2, 67:2). During this good age, all those glorified at Christ’s coming, along with a great multitude of Jewish believers, will be reigning with Him. Christ will perfectly rule over an imperfect and repopulated world. All people on earth will submit to Him, or else there will be just and immediate consequences. “Every knee will bow… and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:10-11

As you know, we now live in an evil age, on an earth controlled by the devil, in a world filled with wickedness and corruption. That’s why I truly long for the next age, this extra-long period of time when Christ is powerfully leading and wonderfully blessing, when many are getting saved, when there’s quick and perfect justice, and when there’s finally world peace. But there will still be death. Verses 25-26 say, “He (Christ) must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.” Revelation 20:7-10 describes the last battle against Satan and sinners on earth, one that takes place at the very end of this 1000-year kingdom age. “Fire came down from heaven and devoured them.” Finally, both the devil and death will be totally and forever defeated. “The devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire… death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:13-14). Can you imagine being with all the other angels and saints, as we are joyfully shouting and celebrating the resounding and glorious victory of Jesus Christ over death and the devil? Hallelujah!!!

“Then comes the end” of this 1000 years, “when He (Christ) hands over the kingdom to God the Father.” The transition, from this kingdom age to the next age, is beautifully described in 1 Corinthians 15:24, 27-28. Picture this divine and loving scene between the Father and Son, “when all things are subjected to Christ, then the Son Himself also will be subjected to the One who subjected all things to Him, that God may be all in all.”

That brings us to the next age, the final era, the eternal kingdom age. Revelation 21:1 says, “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth.” Our relationship with God in our new home is described in verse 3, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people and God Himself will be among them.” In verse 5, God joyfully tells us, “Behold, I am making all things new.” My soul is humbled and touched as I think of the great love God has for us, that we will be with Him and one another, forever and ever. “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

I am so thankful God has chosen me to live for Him during the last years of this age. I am greatly motivated by the fact that now is my time to serve my Savior. “We are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” There’s only a few years left, and our life on earth will be over and we will wonderfully and quickly leave this earth. Remember our hope, that God “raised us up with Christ, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:5-10). Do you see it? There’s this age, and two more ages to come, the millennial kingdom and then the eternal kingdom.

P.S. – Here is a message that I gave this past Sunday to our church, which I know many found very helpful:  Encouraging the Discouraged.

P.P.S. As you know, there are many charts on this blog site, and these are specifically designed to help you see the big picture. One article in particular, Charting the Future with Prophecy Charts, has been written to help you see the importance of these charts, and how they will help you more clearly see the big picture perspective God wants you to have.

First Coming to Church Age to Second Coming

December 22, 2017 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #49 ~

“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders…” (Isaiah 9:6-7). “As for you Bethlehem Ephratha, too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel…” (Micah 5:2-5a). These are “1st coming – 2nd coming” prophecies. To the person who wrote them and the people who initially read them, it would have seemed like these events would occur in the same time period. But that didn’t happen. Now over 2500 years later, we can look back and see that these prophecies were to take place at two different times, at Christ’s 1st coming and at His 2nd coming, with the church age in between.

Let’s first look at Christ’s 1st coming, and by reading Luke 1-2, we see that Mary, Joseph, Simeon and Anna, were all looking forward to the fulfillment of these prophesies about the Messiah. And lo and behold, these four godly Jews literally see the baby Jesus, and see these predictions come true, at least part one. Then Jesus, this perfect God-man grows up, and thirty years later His ministry begins and many more prophecies about Him are fulfilled. In particular, there’s Psalm 16, Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53 accurately predicting that Jesus would suffer and die for the sins of man, and then be raised from the dead. Fifty days after His resurrection, this victorious Savior ascended into heaven to be with His Father. But most Jews weren’t happy with Jesus, for they had wanted Him to be their King, but they didn’t understand that He first needed to be their Savior. They also didn’t understand that Christ’s 1st coming work had been completed, that His mission was accomplished. Luke 2:11, John 1:29, John 17:4

It was during Jesus’ ministry years that He had promised to build the church, instructing His disciples to preach the gospel and to go and make disciples, which has been taking place now for nearly 2000 years (Matthew 28:20). He also made it very clear to them that He’d be returning at the end of this church age – He wanted to make sure His disciples knew He was going to fulfill all His promises, particularly that He’d be coming back as the King. Zechariah 14:9, Matthew 24:3-41, Luke 19:11-15

Do you see that Jesus’ disciples were thinking about these prophesies regarding Jesus’ future Kingdom, for right before His ascension into heaven they ask Him, “Lord, is it at this time that You are restoring the kingdom to Israel“ (Acts 1:6)? Then a little later in Acts 3:18-21, we read that Peter was preaching “that His (God’s) Christ would suffer (1)… repent and return, so your sins might be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the Lord (2); and that He may send Jesus… whom heaven must receive until the period of restoration” (3). Peter and some of the other Jews were finally seeing the big picture, for in this passage the 1st phrase represents Christ’s first coming, the 2nd phrase is the church age, and the 3rd phrase is Christ’s second coming. The disciples knew that the Christ had come, and that they were to be His witnesses to the world, but they longed for their Lord and Savior to return to reign as King over the earth.

Then there’s 1 Corinthians 11:26, which commemorates the Lord’s death, a verse many Christians read during their communion time, but it also gives this big-picture perspective. “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup (church age), you proclaim the Lord’s death (1st coming), until He comes (2nd coming)”. Can you see that our Lord wants to continually remind Christians of the past (Jesus dying for our sins), the present (Jesus building the church) and the future (Jesus reigning as King)?

Now it’s Christmastime 2017. To sum up, Jesus came as a baby, lived a perfect life, died a most purposeful death, was raised again, ascended into heaven, and since that time has been building His church. But the Jews are back in their land and therefore, we’re living in the end times, which means it won’t be long before Christ comes back. I am so excited to be alive at this particular time in history, at the end of this church age, knowing that our Lord may soon appear in the clouds to rapture us, suddenly and safely snatching us from earth so we can be at home with Him in heaven.

Do you realize that you are living between Christ’s 1st and 2nd coming, during the church age, but more importantly at the very end of it? Do you see that this is your time to live for God, your one time on this earth to serve Him, and that Jesus has instructed you, “Do business until I come back” (Luke 19:13)? It won’t be long before Christ returns, and part two of these “1st coming – 2nd coming” prophecies will come true, when Jesus will be King over the entire earth, bringing peace to this planet – and we will reign with Him for a 1000 years!

“Joy to the world, the Lord is come; let earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing… Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns; let men their songs employ; while fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sound joy… No more let sins and sorrows grow; nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make His blessings flow far as the curse is found, far as the curse is found… He rules the world with truth and grace; and makes the nations prove the glories of His righteousness, and wonders of His love, and wonders of His love…”  – A Christmas Carol about the 2nd Coming of Christ

P.S. I just finished a very instructive and encouraging article: The Rapture of the Church.  

The Downfall of The United States Before the Return of Christ

October 13, 2017 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #39 ~

Image result for united states

Jesus Christ cannot come back until the United States declines in power. That’s the truth, and on one hand I hate to say the U.S. is going down, for I like living in this country that’s been greatly blessed by God. But it’s going to happen, sooner or later – it has to. That’s because the Antichrist needs to be in power just before the coming of Christ. Therefore, the United States can’t be number one in the world at the same time the Antichrist and his ten-nation kingdom is ruling the world. The U.S. has to go down before the return of Christ and the rapture of the church.

The Bible tells us in great detail what happens when nations reject God. “The nations have sunk down in the pit in which they have made… Let the nations be judged before You.” (Psalm 9:15-20). “Ephraim is joined to idols; let him alone” (Hosea 4:17). “I have cut off nations, their strongholds are demolished” (Zephaniah 3:6). “In the generations gone by God permitted all the nations to go their own ways” (Acts 14:16). But it’s Romans 1:18-32 that outlines the downward moral progression of a person or a country that rejects God and His truth. Three times it says, “God gave them over.” When people abandon God, then God abandons them and lets them alone in their sin. Their sin is the reason why they are judged, and more sin results, and that increasing sin becomes the actual judgment of their sin.

One of the first visible signs of God abandoning the United States to her sin was seen in the open sexual immorality that began in the 1960’s. The second sign was when homosexuality was accepted, lawful and promoted in society, which has been taking place in the past 15-20 years. The third sign of a country’s decline is when God gives the people over to a depraved mind “to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil, envy, murder, strife… haters of God… disobedient to parents… unloving” (Romans 1:28-32). Sad to say, but this list of sins increasingly describes our country. More and more people are totally disregarding the truth of God’s Word, consciences aren’t functioning rightly, there’s open rebellion against authority, and lawlessness is becoming more rampant. “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil.” Isaiah 5:20, Ezekiel 16:48-50

For many years, this moral and spiritual decay has been affecting the character of our country, and like a cancer it has been spreading, resulting in the educational, political, economic and entertainment sectors of our nation becoming terribly sick. Not only that, but we’re gradually becoming more anti-Semitic – “the one who curses you (Israel), I will curse” (Genesis 12:3). Then there’s the severe financial indebtedness of this country, which could result in a nationwide economic collapse. Add to that, the significant societal and political divisions we see in this nation (which I believe is irreversible) – “any kingdom divided against itself cannot stand” (Mark 3:24). Yes, it is true that there is some good in the United States, and that she is still being used by God for His purposes. But the fact remains that she is now in decline, paving the way for other world powers to arise, unless the Antichrist and his kingdom are the next in line to take over, and if so, then they will rule the world.

Most countries gradually go down in power; the decline doesn’t usually happen in a day, a month or a year – it takes place over decades and sometimes centuries. When will the United States no longer be the number one power in the world? No one but God knows, but her downturn, along with all the other events signaling Christ’s return, indicate to me that it will be sometime in the near future. There could even be catastrophic events accelerating the downfall of this nation – more terrorist attacks, a great California earthquake, a super-volcano, electromagnetic pulse weapons, etc. This country is in serious decay, and any major cataclysmic event could be “the straw that breaks the camel’s back,” that which quickly weakens her beyond repair.

For a number of years, this world has been trending towards globalism, which needs to take place before the Antichrist can come to power. As you know, this country recently elected a nationalistic and populist President. But this is only a temporary shift, for it won’t be long before globalism becomes the great desire and cry of this and most every country. People will be desperate for a world leader to solve global problems, like war, famine, plagues, earthquakes, the economy, and yes, putting a stop to Christianity, too.

The main point of all this is that the United States will lose her first place status in the world, and become subservient to the power structures that are being raised up in Europe and the Middle East, and eventually to the Antichrist himself. Daniel 2:31-45, 7:15-28, 9:24-27 and Revelation 13 explain this more fully. As Christians, we must not be overly concerned with the politics and policies of this country. Our real goal is not to have a moral majority, or get dominion over this country, or to make America great – it is to preach Christ crucified, to make disciples of all the nations until the end of this age and the return of Christ, and to pray – “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:9-10

P.S. I would encourage you to read another post I have done called “That Evil Antichrist and His Short Rule on Earth.”

The Most Important Country in the World, and It’s Not the United States

September 29, 2017 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #37 ~

Contrary to what some Christians believe, there are a number of prophesied events that need to take place before the rapture of the church. In the past few weeks we’ve been looking at the birth pains. But today, and in the next two weeks, I want to talk about Israel and the Gentile nations, the realigning and remaking of kingdoms and countries in the end times, and finally, the decline of the United States as a world power.

God works through nations, particularly, and most importantly through the nation of Israel. To have a Biblical and proper view of history, and of end times’ prophecy, it is essential to understand God’s laser-focus on Israel. My purpose is to summarize some foundational and historical truths with regards to Israel and the Gentile nations.

The origin of the nations: Genesis 10 tells us that the nations of the world came forth from Noah’s three sons, Shem, Ham and Japheth. This chapter specifically lists nations that were, and to some degree still are, relevant for God’s purposes for the Jews and for the entire world. God’s sovereign scattering of proud and rebellious nations across the face of the earth is described in Genesis 11:1-9. The rest of Genesis 11 tells us that the nation of Israel would come from Shem’s descendants, and specifically through Abram.

The most important country: God chose Israel to be the greatest and most blessed nation (Deuteronomy 4:32-40). Genesis 11:10 to the end of the Old Testament makes it very clear that God loved Israel and had great plans for her, and that she was the most important country in the world. The Gentile nations were usually only spoken of as they related to the history and purposes of Israel. But during this church age, God is focused on the Gentiles, and in fact, for most of this time, Israel did not even exist as a nation. But things are changing, and in the next age, Jesus Christ will reign as King from Israel, and the whole world will see that she is the number one country on earth. Psalm 67

The Old Testament: Israel’s history takes us from her birth in Egypt, to 40 years of testing in the desert, to conquering the Canaanites and occupying the promised land, and to judges delivering them from evil Gentile nations. It continues with the kings, some who were good, but most who were evil; and it was David and Solomon who led Israel during their glory years. After that she went downhill. Then God used prophets to declare to Israel and Judah their sin (the nation was split), to predict judgment and exile, and to promise her hope for the future, a Christ led millennial kingdom, which will begin after this present church age. Psalm 72

During those Old Testament years, God’s people were living in an anti-God world, sometimes being holy, but usually being wicked. But most impressive, was the powerful working of God with this weak and sinful nation, and His continued mercy, kindness, love, patience and justice towards her (Nehemiah 9). And as Ezra tells us, He faithfully brought Judah back from exile to her own land. Against all odds, and by God’s sovereign grace, she continued on through all the years, both defeating and being delivered from Gentile nations, and in particular, the Satanically inspired “beast” nations – Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome (Revelation 12:1-3).

The time of Christ: Then it was time for Jesus, the Son of God, to be born and come to Israel, to His people. He came as a King, but He couldn’t reign in a physical way until there was spiritual revival and He was Lord in their hearts. That would have to wait, for these Jews rejected Jesus Christ – they didn’t see themselves as sinners in need of a Savior. But Jesus continued on, fulfilling His most important purpose, suffering, dying and rising again for billions of people who would put their faith in Him for salvation from sin, death and hell. Then Jesus left this earth and went back to heaven with the promise that He’d return to be King of Israel and King of the world. Matthew 24, Acts 1:4-11

The church age and the present time: In 70AD, the God forsaking nation of Israel was severely punished, being soundly defeated and scattered into all the nations, and as we see, was set aside for close to 1900 years. Now we are in the church age, the time for the salvation of many Gentiles, and for a few Jews too (Romans 11). But in the past 130 years, over 6 million Jews have supernaturally returned to their land, and the nation of Israel has miraculously been resurrected. It is obvious that God is now actively working with both Israel and Gentile nations, for their end times’ configuration and place in the world must be in line with the prophecies of Daniel 2, 7, 9 and 11.

The fall of the United States and the rise of Antichrist’s kingdom. All can see that the United States is going down, her pride, greed and immorality being the principle reasons for the decline of this most powerful nation. Then sometime after she is sufficiently weakened, we will see the realigning of more nations, and the eventual rise of that evil Antichrist and his kingdom. After his short devilish rule, the Antichrist will be crushed by Christ. And from Jerusalem in Israel, Jesus Christ will gloriously reign over a Gentile world for 1000 peaceful and wonderful years. Psalm 47, Revelation 20:1-11

P.S.  For further understanding of this important subject, please check out my article: A Summary of the Work of God, from the Time of Abraham to Christ’s Millennial Kingdom.

Why the Jews are Important for You and the Church

July 7, 2017 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #25 ~

Why? Why is this the 7th week in a row that I’m doing a blog post related to the Jews? Because all that you read in the Bible about the Jews is God’s Word and is true. Because the Bible talks about their past but it also talks about their future. Because hundreds of promises for the Jews are still unfulfilled – they haven’t been cancelled, only suspended. Because you can’t understand God’s future plans for the church if you can’t understand God’s future plans for the Jews. Because error is being taught about the Jews that needs to be corrected. Why? Because it relates to the purposes of God, the work of God, and the glory of God. The truth about the Jews is very important!!

Many Christians haven’t learned everything they need to know about the Jews, and are therefore confused, in error, or uncertain of God’s overall purposes for the world. Because they don’t understand God’s past, present and future working with the Jews, then their knowledge of His plans for the Jews and the church is incomplete and incorrect.

Since we live in the church age, it’s necessary that we focus on the church, but it’s also important, especially at this time in history, to back up and see the big picture. We need to go back to the past, and then come back to the future, so that we can see where we’ve come from, and where we’re going. A big picture Biblical perspective of God’s work with the Jews is essential for the spiritual growth and health of the church.

Let me share my experience. About five years ago I was teaching the book of Revelation at our Wednesday Bible study. We came to Revelation 20 which is about the kingdom age, but there weren’t many details given, and so I felt stuck. I couldn’t just zoom past 1000 years of our lives, a glorious time when we’ll be reigning with Christ on earth. I had to figure out what this millennial kingdom age was all about. Then I realized God didn’t say anything about it in Revelation 20 because all He needed to say had already been said in the Old Testament, and He expected me to read what He had already written. Why should He repeat Himself? I knew I needed to go back to the Old Testament and learn some things about the Jews that I should’ve learned a long time ago.

For the whole next year, our Bible study examined the Old Testament to see what it said about the Jews’ future (and the church’s future). I have to tell you, that was one of the most enlightening and encouraging studies I’ve ever done – WOW! It was revolutionary – it changed my view of my life, my view of the church, my view of prophecy, and my view of the future! I have to admit, the Bible made a lot more sense. Like never before God gave me a glimpse of the plans He had for the Jews and for the church. But more than that, my enlarged view of God and of Christ, of their purposes and character, and of their greatness and glory, transformed my heart like never before. I was really humbled.

My desire is to pass on to you what I’ve learned, to keep sharing with you what I know; but I want to encourage you to read the Old Testament yourself. By God’s grace, might you begin to more clearly see God’s promises and plans for the Jews, and how that fits in with your future, the future of the church, and the future of our world.

And since the Jews are back in their land, we know that God is moving full steam ahead in carrying out His prophetic plans. Now is the time to understand how His end time work with the Jews fits in with His end time work with the church. In this last part of this church age it’s all coming together for God’s elect, and you need to see this, and know that Christ is coming soon for the church, and for the Jews.

Well, I have 2-3 more blog posts about the Jews and then I’ll again be focusing on the end of this age. I have a lot more I want to tell you. We need to learn from Daniel, Luke 21,1-2 Thessalonians and Revelation. We need to learn about all the things the Bible says will be taking place before Christ’s coming. We need to learn about Israel, realigning nations, the United States’ decline, the Antichrist, great tribulation, the gospel, hope, suffering, perseverance, the rapture, the Day of the Lord, the salvation of the Jews, and the millennial kingdom. And we also need to learn how to live in these days leading up to Christ’s return. Most importantly we need to learn more about Jesus Christ.

P.S.  I have just posted another important article which I believe will be very helpful to deepen your understanding of this subject:  Replacement Theology: It’s Not True – Part 3.

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