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Christ's Kingdom and the End Times

Category: Birth Pains (Page 1 of 3)

Israel – There’s Tribulation, and Then Salvation

October 9, 2023 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #287 ~

Israel – there’s tribulation, and then there’s salvation. The shocking savagery and brutality now taking place in Israel is horrific, pure evil, godless. We shouldn’t be surprised, for atrocities similar to this have been happening in Israel for 1000’s of years, and they won’t stop until Jesus Christ returns to earth to save a large number of Jewish people – which takes place at the end of Daniel’s 70th week. Daniel 9:24

But you must first see the big picture, illustrated by three covenants. 1) God promised to Abraham that his descendants, the Jews, would be blessed by receiving their own land and becoming a great nation, the nation of Israel (Gen. 12:1-2, 13:14-16, 15:18). 2) God promised to David that One of his descendants would be the King over this nation and over the entire world, and that He would reign forever (2 Sam. 7:12-13, Ps. 89:27-29). 3) God promised to Jeremiah that a great number of Jewish people would be spiritually saved (Jer. 32:31-34, Rom. 11:25-26). These promises, that Israel would receive land, would be given a King, and would be saved, have not yet been fulfilled, but there’s no question that they will be. “Let God be found true”. Rom. 34, Ezek. 37:21-23

God also promised to David that One of his descendants would be the Messiah and the Savior, that He would save people from their sins. And it was at Christ’s first coming that He died for people’s sins and was raised from their dead, showing God’s supreme love and satisfying His perfect justice for all those who would repent of their sins and believe in Him. (Rom. 3:21-26, 5:8, 6:23). But back in the 1st century, most Jews rejected Christ as their Lord and Messiah. In 70 AD, because of their rejection of Christ and continued unbelief, God scattered them all over the world. Luke 19:41-44, 21:20-24

God promised that descendants of these Jewish people would return to their homeland, and that began to happen in the late 1800’s. Since that time, it has been anything but easy. You know about Hitler’s utter hatred for the Jews, killing over 6 million Jews during WW2. That resulted in some sympathy for the Jews, and in 1948, they once again became a nation. But devilish-inspired hatred and persecution of the Jews has not stopped – there was the Six Day War in 1967, the Yom Kippur War in 1973, two intifadas (an Arabic word defined as a civil uprising of Palestinians against Jews), and now this present war in Israel. Yet, God has truly protected and wonderfully blessed them over all these years – and He has not and will not renege on His promises.

The most faithful ally of the Jews for these past 75 years has been the United States, but in recent years, their support for them has been weakening. It’s quite evident that rabid antisemitism is alive and well on most U.S. college campuses and among an increasing number of leaders. Recent government decisions clearly show that the United States has been openly accommodating and supporting the Jew’s archenemy, the Iranians. There is evidence that these Iranians are largely responsible for this most recent inhumane aggression against Israel. Here is one of Iran’s favorite slogans – “Allah is the greatest, death to America, death to Israel, curse on the Jews, Victory to Islam.”

So here we are, another terrible war in Israel, and who knows how long this one will last. What we do know is that Israel will not be wiped out as a nation. This nation will continue on, and that’s because God told us He would keep her going. He will not break the promises He made to her, but will, sooner or later, completely fulfill them.

What’s next for Israel? Sometime in the future, this present war will come to an end. But global antisemitism will not lessen but increase. We will witness the United State’s waning support for Israel, either because of her unwillingness or inability, or both (Note Gen. 12:3). And most nations in the world, evidenced by their numerous anti-Israel votes in the United Nations, will continue to oppose and oppress Israel. There may even be more wars.

Israel is not a godly country – as a nation, they are not presently trusting in God but are sadly and openly sinning against Him. With their backs against the wall, and the United States decreasing in their support for her, these Jews are looking for reliable allies – she is becoming more desperate for any kind of help.

In the near future, the coming Antichrist, the devil’s man on earth, will sign a covenant, a 7-year treaty with Israel. On the one hand, this will be a terrible mistake, but on the other hand, it will be part of God’s plan, what He planned and predicted would happen a long time ago. This treaty will result in a temporary “peace”. And the Jews will build a temple and, once again, offer sacrifices as prescribed in the Old Testament. But at the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week, the Antichrist will reveal his true colors, for he will openly betray the Jews.

Jesus tells us what happens at that time, which is the 3½ year mark of that week – “When you see the Abomination of Desolation which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place… then… flee” (Matt 24:15, Dan. 9:27, 2 Thess. 2:3-4). After that, the devil-possessed Antichrist pursues the Jewish people in Israel. This is the beginning of the great tribulation (Matt. 24:21-22, Rev. 12:13-16). But by the sovereign and miraculous hand of God, a great number of Jews escaped. The frustrated but angry Antichrist then chases after the Christians – he “went off to make war with the rest of her children” (Rev. 12:16). This persecution spirals out and spreads to true believers all over the world. “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

This persecution, this great global tribulation continues until God Himself cuts it short. Matthew 24:9 tells us how we will know – “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from the sky.” This is the end of the age. Immediately after that is the rapture of the Christians. Then there is the Day of the Lord. And then, at the end of Daniel’s 70th week, a large number of Jewish people will be saved.

Please note the true and prophetic word of God. It tells us what will happen. We see this war in Israel, we look at what’s happening in the United States, we observe the world around us, and you must know that God is sovereign over all that’s taking place, that He’s working in and through the people, the countries, and the leaders of this world – and He is leading everything to the end of this age, the rapture of the church, and the salvation of many, many Jews.

Jesus Christ will then set up His kingdom on earth, a 1000-year kingdom age when Jewish people, working with the Lord Jesus Christ, will play a most dominant and significant role in this world. As believers, we too will be reigning with Christ. (Rev. 5:10). Hallelujah!!! The best is yet to come!!! “Sing praises to God; sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with a skillful Psalm. God reigns over the nations, God sits on the holy throne.” Psalms 47, 67, 72, 96, 98

P.S. Here are more instructive posts about the Jewish people: “A Short Summary of God’s Working with the Jews”, “A Jewish Reading Lesson”, “The Divine Timetable – Daniel’s 70 Weeks”, “Why the Jews are Important for You and the Church.”

Baby Formula Shortages, Food Scarcity, Famine, and Thanksgiving

May 20, 2022 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #247 ~

I never would have thought there would be a baby formula shortage in our country. Indeed, we live in a strange new world. So much has happened in our country and in the food industry in the past year that’s contributing to this specific problem. On a broader scale, we are hearing about increasing food scarcity around the world, and this could lead to famines, which God predicted would increase in the end-times.

Let me share why many people are thinking there could be food scarcity and famines:  
* There’s the Russia / Ukraine war, which directly affects the growing of wheat, one of the most important foods in the world, and Russia is one of the primary exporters of wheat. Not only that, but wheat prices have doubled in the past two years.
* Russia has also been a leading producer and exporter of fertilizer, and because of the war, it’s harder to get, and when people do get it, it’s much more expensive. This is severely impacting farmers and their ability to grow all the food that people need.
* Fossil fuel shortages are resulting in greatly increased fuel prices. And farmers need fuel for tractors, and shippers need it to run their trucks and trains. These growing fuel costs lead to increased transportation costs, which lead to higher food costs.
* Supply chain issues are dramatically affecting the shipping of food ingredients, parts, computer chips, cars, commodities, etc. More than ever before, we live in an interconnected world, and no nation can exist on its own – one country depends on the goods and services of other countries. 
* Inflation is the worst it’s been in forty years, and it’ affecting everyone, especially the poor. There are many reasons for this inflation, but the net result is rapidly increasing prices for food, gas, and most everything else. And this inflation is being seen in most countries around the world.
* Even our own President said there would be food shortages, and this was back in March. And just a few days ago, Bloomberg News said, “the age of scarcity begins…”

We are seeing the perfect storm as it relates to food shortages. The supply of food is going down – there’s food scarcity, and the price of food is going up – there’s food inflation. This is a huge problem. This is when we see empty shelves. This is when we see food protests, which has been happening in Sri Lanka and Chile. This is when we see famine. Now food shortages, food inflation, and famines are a greater problem in poorer countries, for there isn’t as much food to begin with, and a greater percentage of a person’s income is spent on food.

I readily admit that I don’t know for sure what’s going to happen with respect to these food problems. It may not end up being that bad, but it could be catastrophic, particularly in poorer countries – only God knows. What I do know is that there have always been food shortages and famines. What I also know is that God prophesied that there will be more famines in the end-times. And if it weren’t for the fact that we now live in the end-times I wouldn’t even be writing this post.

How do we know we live in the end-times? Because God’s word tells us. That the Jews have been gathering back to Israel, from about 25,000 people in the 1880’s to 6.9 million in 2022, is evidence that we live in the end-times. (Ezek. 36-37, Luke 20:21-24). During these final years leading up to Christ’s coming, there will be “birth pains.” Jesus tells us, “Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be great earthquakes, and in various places, plagues and famines.” (Matt. 24:6-7, Mark 13:7-8, Luke 21:10-11, Rev. 6:1-8). As we look at the world around us, it’s obvious that we are having “birth pains.” We shouldn’t be surprised by the recent plague (Covid), the present war (Russia – Ukraine), the present food scarcity and famines, and by future earthquakes.

There is much more that needs to be said about famines in the end-times:
* These famines won’t occur all over the world, but only in various places. What happens in the United State will probably be different than what happens in other countries. Matt. 24:7
* Birth pains are not always independent of one another. For example, wars, plagues, and earthquakes can contribute to and exacerbate famines.
* Famines often occurs in conjunction with inflation. With regards to famine in the end-times, Rev. 6:6 says, “A quart of wheat for a denarius.” This means wheat, and all foods, will be very expensive, for in the 1st century, a denarius was equivalent to a day’s wages.
* In reference to the birth pains, which includes famines, Jesus says, “All these things are merely the beginning of birth pains” (Matt. 24:8). Many more birth pains and, therefore, many more famines, will be taking place before Christ returns to rapture the church and then judge the world.

* Famines affect the poor more than the rich. That’s because poor people don’t have the money or the means to get the food they need when there’s famine. Rev. 6:6, in the context of famines, says, “do not damage the oil and the wine.” Oil and wine are considered luxury foods, and the idea is that a rich person can buy whatever he wants during a famine, but not a poor person. 
* Many people will die because of these famines. “Authority was given to them over a fourth of the earth to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence.” Rev. 6:8
* Both believers and unbelievers will be affected, and will suffer and die because of famines.
* God wants famines to wake up the world, to alert Christians about Christ coming to rapture the church, and to warn unbelievers about Christ judging the sinners who are left behind on earth.

What should Christians do with regards to what’s happening in our world at this time?
* Be awake and alert, for it won’t be long before Christ returns, and in the meantime, you have work to do. 1 Thess. 1:9-10, 1 Thess. 5:4-9
* Be prayerful and very thankful with regards to food, and how your heavenly Father graciously meets your needs. “Give us this day our daily bread.” Matt. 6:11, 1 Thess. 5:18
* Stock up on food, especially canned goods and dried goods. This is a very easy and important thing to do. In fact, the expiration date for most canned goods bought today is 2024. 1 Chron. 12:32 – “The men of Issachar understood the times and knew what they should do.” Prov. 6:6-11 – “Go to the ant…”
* Store up food, not just for yourself, but for others. When times are difficult, you want to be in a position where you can help others, especially those who are poor. Acts 20:35, Gal. 2:10
* Remember what’s most important. What people need more than anything else is spiritual food. Share with people the word of God. “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4). Be satisfied by Jesus, who said, “I am the bread of life.” John 6:48 
* Share the gospel with the lost. “Jesus said, ‘I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me shall not hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst'” (John 6:35). “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end shall come.” Matthew 24:14

P.S. This is the time that God has chosen for you to be alive, and to do the work He has planned out for you. Therefore, it’s important that you know that we are now in the birth-pain stage of the end-times. I want to encourage you to read these two other posts, “The World is Having Birth Pains” and “How Then Should We Live in the End-Times?”

The World is Having Birth Pains

March 26, 2022 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #242 ~

Wow! Do you see what’s going on? Difficult and distressful things are happening all over the world! There was a pandemic, and now there’s war in Ukraine, higher prices in the U.S., a famine in Afghanistan, and recently, an earthquake in Japan. These are but a few examples that the world is having birth pains. But they aren’t just happening – God is at work! “… God troubled them with every kind of distress” (2 Chron. 15:6). The Bible talks extensively about these birth pains, and it’s vitally important that you know how they relate to the future, to the end-times and the coming of Christ.

1. What are these birth pains? Wars, famines, plagues, earthquakes, and financial problems. Over 2000 years ago, Jesus told us there would be these catastrophic and calamitous events taking place before the end of this age, before His coming. Matt. 24:3-8, Mark 13:7-8, Luke 21:7-11, Rev. 6:1-8

2. Why are these birth pains happening? We live in an evil age, and in a very sinful and evil world (Gal. 1:4). Our holy and mighty God is sovereignly allowing these birth pains, these troubling events, to get our attention, so that we humble ourselves and turn from our sin and trust in Him. They are also signs, designed by God to wake us up to the fact that we live in the end-times, and to let us know that it won’t be long before His Son returns to earth.

3. These birth pains won’t be experienced by every person on the planet. “You will be hearing of wars… in various places there will be famines and earthquakes” (Matt. 24:6, 7). Many people will be hearing about these birth pains but won’t be affected by them. And they won’t be happening in every country but only in various places. Mark 13:7-8, Luke 21:9-11, Rev. 6:8

4. These birth pains affect Christians and non-Christians. These birth pains are not part of the day of the Lord wrath that will be experienced by unbelievers. We know this because Rev. 6-9 tells us that the birth pains come before the day of the Lord. The birth pains, affecting both saved and lost, are discussed in Rev. 6:1-8; the rapture, which is for Christians, is referenced in Rev. 7:9-14; and the day of the Lord, which afflicts only non-Christians, is described in Rev. 8-9. Thus, we can conclude that Christians will be here for the birth pains, but not for the day of the Lord.

5. A great number of people will die because of these birth pains. Rev. 6:8 informs us that these birth pains will impact one fourth of the earth, but it’s not clear whether one fourth is numerical or geographical. Either way, millions and millions of people will die. Matt. 24:28

6. These are beginning birth pains. “All these things are merely the beginning of birth pains” (Matt. 24:8). That these birth pains are happening doesn’t mean this age is coming to an end right away. “When you hear of wars and disturbances, do not be terrified, for these things must take place first, but the end does not follow immediately” (Luke 21:9). Many more things need to occur before Christ comes back (Matt. 24:9-25). As bad as these beginning birth pains are, they will only increase in frequency and intensity – it’s going to get worse before it gets better, before Christ returns to rescue us from this wicked world and the wrath to come. 1 Thess. 1:9-10

7. What are these other events that must happen, and conditions that must be met, before this age comes to an end? There will be a great apostasy, the confirming of a treaty between the Jews and other nations, the Jews building their temple, many false teachers, increasing sin and lawlessness, a great persecution of Christians and Jews, the desolation of the temple, the evil rule of the Antichrist, false wonders, most people taking the mark of the Antichrist, cosmic signs in the heavens, and a great earthquake. Matt. 24:9-26, 2 Thess. 2:1-12, Rev. 6:9-17, Rev. 13

8. It’s 2022, and the world is now in the birth pain stage. As we think of the timeline of earth’s history from the creation of the world to Christ’s coming, we must realize that we are now in the birth pain stage. God has given us these birth pains so we can know where we are at in the big scheme of things and, specifically, where we are at in God’s end-time’s plan for the world. Why else would God give us so much information about the end-times (Matt. 24, Luke 21, Mark 13, 1 Thess. 4-5, 2 Thess. 1-2, Revelation)? As a good watchman, you need to understand God’s prophetic word and see how it is presently being fulfilled in the world. Then you are to tell others what is happening, and what is yet to come, “… encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:25

9. Our world is changing, leading to the coming of the Antichrist and his devilish control of the world. “Wisdom and power belong to God. It is He who changes the times and the epochs. He removes kings and establishes kings (Dan. 2:20-21). There’s Xi Jinping, Putin, Zelenskyy, Macron, Biden, etc. There’s the rapid and visible decline of the United States. There’s the realigning and reshaping of nations. There are global energy problems. There are rulers forcing their policies upon the people. There’s the growth of artificial intelligence. There’s talk of a great reset, a one world order. There’s global control and conformity. There’s increasing evil and wickedness. There’s all this plus all the birth pains! It’s obvious that this world is changing right before our eyes. And only God knows exactly how all this relates to His Son’s returns to rapture the church, judge the world, and then set up His kingdom on this earth. Revelation 6-20

10. Without question, this is a very tough time to be alive. It is easy to wonder and worry about this confusing and crazy world we live in. But God’s prophetic word has told what we need to know about the condition of the world in the years leading up to coming of Christ. God has given us the big picture, the general outline of what He is doing in the last years of this age, and how things will end. How then should we think, and how then should we live at this time in history?

* Learn what God says about the end-times, Christ’s coming, the rapture, and the age to come. 
* Do not be afraid. Be at peace. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth should change, and the mountains slip into the heart of the sea… the Lord of hosts is with us… He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth… Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted above the nations.” (Psalm 46). “Peace I leave with you… do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” John 14:27
* Know that God is sovereign, He is completely in charge. He is working out every detail, every event, working through every person, carrying out His grand plan to bring about the return of His Son “… with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ… we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will.” Ephesians 1:9-11
* Do your job, do the work God wants you to do. “Do business with this until I come back” (Luke 19:13). “Do not be worried about your life… seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:25, 33

P.S. God gives us a lot of information about the start of the church in Acts and the Epistles, and a lot of information in the Epistles and Revelation about how this church age will come to an end. Learn what God wants you to know. Do read the posts on Ukraine, “Russia at War Against Ukraine – Matthew 24”, “God, You, and the War in Ukraine”. I also encourage you to read the article, “Matthew 24 – the Most Important Prophecy Chapter in the Bible”.

Death and Life in the End-Times

March 16, 2022 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #241 ~

It’s heartbreaking to see the horrific results of this war in Ukraine. Through the media, the reality and brutality of it is being brought into our homes – and into our hearts. There’s unbelievable damage and destruction, and the horrendous human toll, the shattered lives and refugees. “Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, for they were distressed and downcast, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matt. 9:36). Might we too feel compassion for them and be praying for them. “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations.” Mark 11:17

Then there are the deaths, the deaths of men and women, of adults and children, of soldiers and civilians. And yes, people have been dying since the creation of the world – that people die is a fact of life. We see it with family members, friends, and in our churches, and we see it in the Bible and history books. Do you remember reading about the flood, when everyone in the world drowned, except eight people? Did you know that nearly 15 million Ukrainians died during World War II? But this present war is in our time, and it’s hard because the horrors of it are fresh in our minds, and because “innocent” people are dying – suddenly, senselessly, tragically, and mercilessly.

Did you know Jesus predicted there would be wars like this in the end-times, in the years leading up to His return to earth? And now we actually live in the end-times. Jesus also warned us that there would be earthquakes, plagues (pandemics), famines, and financial problems (Matt 24:4-8, Mark 13:5-8, Luke 21:8-11, Rev. 6:1-8). Then He tells us that large numbers of people will die because of these catastrophic events – “Where the corpse is, there the vultures will gather” (Matt. 24:28). What a shocking, sobering verse, one that’s right in the middle of Matt. 24, a key prophetic chapter. Just think, there will be all these corpses, these dead and unburied bodies, which leads us to conclude that vast numbers of people will die in the last years of this age.

Revelation 6:8 tells us the same thing, that massive numbers of people will die during this time. “Behold, an ashen horse; and he who sat on it had the name Death; and Hades was following with him. Authority was given to them (four living creatures) over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and pestilence and by the wild beasts of the earth.” There’s death, and Hades, which is where unsaved people go after they die. A fourth part of the earth is affected, which is either numerical, the actual number of people who die, or geographical, that one fourth of the earth’s land mass is severely impacted by these events. Regardless, millions if not billions of people will die and meet their Maker during the final years of this age.

We are talking about the physical deaths of people in the end-times. But God wants us to know that a person’s physical death is not his primary problem – it’s not dying because of war, disease, starvation, an earthquake, sickness, or old age. A person’s #1 problem is spiritual death which is a result of his sin. “The wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23). Every person is spiritually dead, is separated from God, and therefore, is not worshiping God and not experiencing His love, joy, and peace. Sin and spiritual death is by far a person’s single greatest problem.

Spiritual death is infinitely worse than physical death, for if you are spiritually dead when you physically die then you will be eternally dead – spiritually dead and forever in hell. Jesus said, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do. I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him” (Luke 12:4-5; Matt. 25:41, 46). Don’t worry about whether someone can kill you, but be dreadfully alarmed if you are not right with God before you die and are then cast into hell! “It’s a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Hebrews 10:31

Now if you are spiritually alive when you physically die, then you will be eternally alive, you will be spiritually and forever alive with Jesus in heaven. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will (spiritually) live even if he (physically) dies. And everyone who (physically) lives and believes in Me will never (spiritually) die” (John 11:25-26). But how can Jesus save us from sin, death, and an eternity in hell? What did He do to enable us to live forever? Let me explain.

Jesus Christ came to earth, became a Man, and was God in the flesh. He lived a perfect life and then died to pay for the sins of people. “Christ died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God” (1 Pet. 3:18, Rom. 5:8, 2 Cor. 5:21). “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). God grants complete forgiveness and an eternal, super-abundant life to all who repent of their sins and believe that Christ died to make the full and final payment for their sins.

All who turn from their sin and turn to Christ for mercy become children of God, are righteous in His sight, and will soon be with God and Christ in heaven. This is the absolute best news in the world! Indeed, Jesus is the only answer to this problem of spiritual death, and therefore, physical death. Jesus told us, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me” (John 14:6). If Christ isn’t your Savior, if you have not been forgiven of your sins, go to God now and ask Him to save you from sin and death and give you eternal life, and He will. “He who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.” John 5:24

Here is more good news! Salvation is not just being saved from sin, death, and hell, but it’s also receiving a brand-new body. Our bodies are sinful, imperfect, and perishable, but when Christ returns, He will give every true believer a glorified, perfect, and immortal body. “Our citizenship is in heaven, from which we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory” Philippians 3:20-21

The last years of this age are extremely important! Be thankful that you are alive at this time in history, and that you are on earth for a reason, “for such a time as this.” (Esther 4:14). People are dying and will continue to die in the end-times, and in much greater numbers. As a Christian, you have the only answer to a person’s spiritual and physical problem of death, and it’s Jesus Christ. Love and pray for the lost, and be in a church which is committed to telling people the good news about Jesus. And remember Jesus’ promise, that He’s with you to the very end of the age (Matt. 28:19-20). “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

P.S. As a Christian, you must not be sullied and dulled by the world, but you are to stay close to God, be holy, and remember that your purpose is to love and serve Him with all your heart. Here is an article that summarizes how God wants you to live, now and to the end of this age – “What Does God Want Me to Do in the End-Times?”

God, You, and the War in Ukraine

March 4, 2022 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #240 ~

There’s a war in Ukraine, and it’s terribly evil, unbelievably cruel, sadly tragic, utterly heart-breaking, and deadly. I’m not going to comment on it militarily, politically, or societally. I leave that up to others, to the so-called experts. My desire is to help you know how to think spiritually, to help you realize that this war in Ukraine relates to you as a Christian, and to point out that Jesus prophesied that wars like these would happen in the end-times, the final years leading up to His return to earth. So what do we need to know and do?

1. God is in control, He is in total charge of this war. God is not surprised by what is taking place in Ukraine. He is sovereign over all things, even that most evil Russian ruler. And you can’t understand the ways of God, why He allows this evil to happen, but we do know He is holy, righteous, purposeful, and merciful. (Lam. 3:37-38; Isaiah 40:12-26, 55:8-9; Rom. 8:28, 9:17). What we also know is that we live in the end-times, which means this Russo-Ukrainian war is directly related to Christ’s return to earth to rapture the church. Christ told us that it’s one of the “birth pains” we will be “hearing of”, that it “must take place”, but that it “is not yet the end.” Matt. 24:6-8

2. Be at peace and give glory to God. Knowing that God is sovereign over this war, that it’s part of His end-time purposes, should give you hope and peace. Trust God, for He will help you, watch over you, and protect you and all Christians from evil. (2 Tim. 4:18). God is now receiving glory through all that is going on, and will receive even more glory in the future, when Christ comes back to take over and reign over this world (Ps. 72:19, Phil. 2:9-11). “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble… He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth… cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations.” Psalm 46:1, 8, 10

3. Jesus Christ is building the church. With this war dominating the news, you may have forgotten that Jesus Christ is still building the church, whether it’s in the United States, Colombia, Nigeria, Romania, China, Russia, or anywhere else in the world, even Ukraine. This war will not stop Christ from doing His work in Ukraine but, in fact, is part of His plan to build the church. Remember Jesus’ promise – “I will build My church and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” Matthew 16:18

Here are three examples: 1) Last week, I read about a Christian ministry that has trained 900 men to be pastors in Ukraine since 1991, men who have gone to all parts of Ukraine. That’s extremely encouraging! 2) Franklin Graham explained this past Sunday how his organization, Samaritan’s Purse, is working with 3200 churches in Ukraine which have been distributing 660,000 gift boxes to children. Pray that the children receive them and, along with their parents, are greatly moved and affected by them! 3) I remember two mission trips I took to Kiev in 1994-1995. I can still see some of the faces of the people we ministered to, and I believe God is still working in their lives. (John 15:16). In the future, we will hear many stories of how Jesus Christ, through His church, caused light to shine in darkness, brought good instead of evil, showed mercy instead of wrath, and defeated the devil. Matthew 28:19-20

4. There’s spiritual warfare in Ukraine. You see the physical warfare, the soldiers, hurting people, and bombed out buildings, but more-so, there’s spiritual warfare, a struggle not against “flesh and blood, but … against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness” (Eph. 6:10-12). Whereas you are not actually engaged in the physical fight, you are a soldier for Jesus Christ, and are engaged in a spiritual fight, a fight for the truth, the gospel, and the souls of men and women. Yes, you should care if people physically die but, most importantly, you should care about people who are spiritually dead, who are spiritually separated from God and, if they physically die and are without Christ, will be apart from God forever. Jesus said, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him.” Luke 12:4-5

5. Pray for the church in Ukraine. “My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations” (Mark 11:17). Pray for a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Pray that the Christians would draw close to God (Psalm 23, Eph. 1:17). Pray for God to supernaturally protect the believers. Pray He would give them a great abundance of grace and an extraordinary amount of peace. Pray for the Christians’ faith, and that they are strong and courageous. Pray they have a deep love for one another and encouraging fellowship. Pray they have hope, that they understand what Christ said about His return, how they will soon be glorified and be in heaven with Jesus. Pray they are not afraid to die, however that may happen, that they know that to die is gain, is the best thing that ever could happen to them. Pray they would be sharing the good news of Christ. Pray they understand that any affliction is momentary and light and is producing for them an eternal weight of glory. Pray that God leads the pastors and church leaders, gives them much wisdom, a special love for the people, and the truth their flock needs to hear. Pray for the parents, for grace, wisdom, and endurance, and for the children, that they would look to God for help and mercy. And pray for all their needs to be met, both physical and spiritual. Matthew 6:9-13

6. Pray for the lost, the unsaved in Ukraine, for those who don’t know the mercy and love of God. Pray they would see the love of the saints, that they would be convicted of their sin, that they would understand the truth of the gospel, that they would realize that the physical problem of the war is small compared to their spiritual problem of sin, and that it must be dealt with, or they will pay “the penalty of eternal destruction away from the presence of the Lord” (2 Thess. 2:9). Pray that many unbelievers turn from their sin, turn to Jesus Christ, and trust Him for forgiveness, eternal life, and peace. “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1

7. Share God’s truth with your friends, family, fellow church members, and others you happen to meet. This is a special moment in history, and God has ordained the present events in Ukraine to wake people up, to not be worldly, but to be spiritually minded, to be humble, to get them to look to Himself for truth, life, joy, and peace. As a Christian, you are to share the truth, whether it’s gospel truth for the lost or comforting truth for the saved. Be ready to tell both Christians and non-Christians about Christ’s 2nd coming to rapture the church and judge the world. Tell them that real peace on earth takes place during Christ’s 1000-year kingdom, when He is righteously and perfectly ruling over the world. Take advantage of the opportunities God gives you – He wants to use you in a special way at this time. “Conduct yourself with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity,” Col. 4:2-6, Eph. 5:15-17

In dark times like these, God wants you to spiritually shine, to be lights in the world, to be holy and loving truthtellers, to be doing your part. Know that God is causing all these events that are happening, whether it’s in this country or other parts in the world, to hasten the return of His Son. “Since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ… Therefore, encourage one another, and build up one another.” 1 Thessalonians 5:8-11

P.S. I encourage you to read my last post, “Russia at War Against Ukraine – Matthew 24:6”. Here are three other articles you should read sometime – “Matthew 24 – The Most Important Prophecy Chapter in the Bible”, “The Father’s Love For His Children”, and “The Coming of the Antichrist – the Devil’s Man on Earth.”

Russia At War Against Ukraine – Matthew 24:6

February 25, 2022 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #239 ~

Another war is taking place! This time it’s Russia invading Ukraine! None of us know what this is leading to, but humanly speaking, it doesn’t look good. How will this affect Asia, Europe, the United States, and the rest of the world? Only God knows – and I say that sincerely, for it’s the truth. And it’s not just that God knows what will happen, but that what will happen is part of His overall purpose and plan for the world at this time in history.

We live in the end-times, the last years leading up to Christ’s return to rapture the church and take over the world. And Christ told us there would be wars during this time. He said, “You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.” Matt. 24:6-7

But there’s a lot more than just wars taking place before the coming of Christ. Matt. 24:7 goes on to tell you that there will be famines and earthquakes. And further on in Matt. 24, and in other Bible passages, we discover that much more needs to happen. In fact, Christ said, “Take heed; behold, I have told you everything in advance” (Mark 13:23). What then does Christ want us to know? The following, from God’s word, is a detailed list of signs and events that need to take place, and conditions that need to be met.

1. Jews are once again living in Israel – Ezekiel 36-37
2. False christs and false prophets are deceiving people – Matt. 24:5, 11, 23-24
3. Wars – Matt. 24:6
4. Famines – Matt. 24:7
5. Earthquakes – Matt. 24:7
6. Plagues (like Covid 19) – Luke 21:11
7. Financial problems (includes inflation) – Rev. 6:6
8. A desire for globalism, a one world order (God’s global reset) – Dan. 7, Rev. 13
9. Nations reformed and realigned (God’s new world order) – Dan. 2, 7
10. Increasing Anti-Semitism – Matt. 24:15-26, Luke 21:24, Rev. 12:6-16
11. Increasing sin and lawlessness – Matt 24:12, 2 Thess. 2:3, 2 Tim. 3:1-5
12. A very unloving and hostile world – Matt. 24:12
13. Confirmation of a peace treaty between Israel and the Antichrist – Dan. 9:27
14. Offering sacrifices in a newly built temple in Jerusalem – Dan. 9:27, 2 Thess. 2:3-4
15. Great apostasy, a falling away of so-called believers – Matt. 24:10, 2 Thess. 2:3
16. The decline of global powers before the Antichrist rules (e.g., the United States) – Rev. 13
17. The rise, revealing, and rule of the Antichrist – Dan. 9:27, 2 Thess. 2:3-9, Rev. 13:3-7
18. The desolation of the temple by the Antichrist – Dan. 9:27, Matt. 24:15, 2 Thess. 2:4
19. The use of modern technology by the Antichrist to help him rule the world – Rev. 13:15-17
20. Powerful signs and false wonders performed by the 2nd beast – 2 Thess. 2:9-10, Rev. 13:13-14
21. Two godly and powerful witnesses in Jerusalem – Rev. 11:3-12
22. Great persecution of Christians and Jews – Matt. 24:9-10, 21-25; Luke 21:12-19; Rev. 13:7
23. The gospel being preached to all the nations – Matt. 24:14, Matt. 28:19-20
24. The sign of the end of the age, the signs in the heavens – Matt. 24:3, 29; Rev. 6:12-14
25. The sign of the Son of Man – Matt. 24:3, 30
!!THE COMING OF CHRIST AND THE RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH – Matt. 24:31, 2 Thess. 2:1!!

Let me share some thoughts about this:
1. Much needs to happen before Jesus Christ returns to rapture of the church. Wars are only one of 25 different things. God wants you to see the big picture, to know all that needs to take place before He sends His Son back to this earth.
2. Conditions in this world are going to get much worse before they get better, that is, before Christ comes back to rapture us, and begin His reign over this world. Psalms 2, 46, 67
3. Don’t be afraid. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble… Cease striving and know that I am God… I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46). Have promises, trust in the Lord, walk in the Spirit, depend on God’s grace, be in a good church, and have good fellowship.

4. God is sovereign, is completely in charge. The world and all that needs to occur before Christ’s coming is like a giant trillion-piece puzzle being put together, and every piece is an integral part of God’s end-time’s plan. He is divinely and wisely directing every thing, every person, and every event in just the right way at just the right time, and it’s all leading to Christ’s return. This war Russia is having with Ukraine, and all that results from it and how it affects the world is part of this puzzle, part of His perfect end-time’s plan. It may now look confusing, but when the church is raptured, the Jews are saved, the world is judged, and Christ begins to reign, it will be beautiful and glorious. “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God. “ Rom. 8:28, Eph. 1:9-11, Isaiah 46:9-11

5. It’s imperative that you have a clear understanding of Biblical end-times prophecy. Don’t be naïve, mistaken, or in error. And be careful that you don’t watch too much news, for it can lead to fear and wrong priorities. What’s most important is not what people say, but what God has declared in His word, for what He says is altogether true and will come to pass. (Matt. 24:25). I encourage you to read the posts I have written, and look at the charts, for they will help you understand what is to happen and how then you are to live. But take the time to study this out yourself, especially Matt. 24, Luke 21, 1 Thess. 4-5, 2 Thess. 1-2, and Revelation. Then tell your family, friends, fellow church members, and others. “I have appointed you a watchman.” Ezekiel 3:17, 1 Chronicles 12:32

6. God predetermined and predestined you to be alive at this time in history, in the last years of this church age, just before the coming of Christ and the rapture of the church. God wanted you to be alive “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14), in this place, with certain people, and to do your part. Love God, love people, be faithful, be diligent, and do all the work God wants you to do. “Do business until I come back.” Luke 18:13
7. Be filled with hope. As you work for God, keep looking forward to the future, to the return of Jesus Christ, to seeing Him face to face, and being forever with Him and all the believers. “They will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” Luke 21:27

8. Keep praying for the Christians in Ukraine as they go through what is most likely the toughest, most challenging time of their life. Pray that God would give them an extra measure of grace, peace, wisdom, and protection, and use them for His special purposes. Pray too for the lost, that many would turn to the Lord, and be saved.

P.S. Our church had a special guest this past Sunday who spoke on 2 Thessalonians 2. It was an excellent message on the timing of end-time events, and I really encourage you to listen to it.

The Pandemic, the U.S. Decline, and the End-Times

May 15, 2020 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #170 ~

What’s been taking place in our country these past two months is unlike anything I have ever seen before. People’s lives have been dramatically changed, and some, forever so. Major sectors of our country have been terribly devastated, and some permanently so. It’s important to take a step back and think about God wants to teach each of us. 

* This pandemic is but one of many “birth pains” (plagues, wars, earthquakes, and famines) that will be taking place before Christ’s return to rapture the church. Matthew 24:4-8, 31
* This pandemic gives us an idea of what these “birth pains” feel like – there has been, and will be, a lot of fear, anxiety, unrest, anger, confusion, discomfort, and death. “In those days it was not safe to travel about… God was troubling them with every kind of distress.” 2 Chronicles 15:5-6
* God wants to use these “pains” to teach us lessons of faith, hope, love, and perseverance. “As for you be strong, and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 15:7

* God wants us to know that there’s a much more dangerous and deadly plague, and it’s sin – it’s pride, greed, hate, idolatry, and immorality, and it’s corrupting individuals and this entire country. This sin has been increasingly prevalent in the United States these past 50-60 years. Because God is holy, He can’t ignore this sin, and let US do whatever we want – He must judge US. I strongly believe this present damage, this national devastation occurring in our country, is His judgment of our sins. And God will continue to judge US and we will continue to decline in power, which means that the U.S. won’t be the world’s #1 superpower much longer. To be honest, we are beginning to see the end of American greatness. (But as Christians, let’s ask God to show US some mercy, to hold back the full force of His punishing hand.)

Let me sum up what’s been recently taking place in our country:
We see what’s happening physically. We have been focused on this pandemic, and rightly so, for tens of thousands have died from COVID-19, and there will be thousands more in the coming months. In addition, there are the increasing addictions, suicides, cases of domestic violence, as well as tens of thousands of health problems that have been going undiagnosed and untreated. “The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life.” Romans 6:23

We see what’s happening governmentally. The political divide is severe and is getting worse and worse. The anger, hate, lying, deception, and extreme partisanship, is unlike anything I have ever witnessed; and many in the media are helping foment this division. Then, and sadly so, there’s the politicization of this pandemic. Not only that, we are seeing authoritarian and heavy-handed orders by some governors and other leaders, resulting in people protesting against them. “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.” Mark 3:24

You see what’s happening economically. You have heard about millions who have lost their jobs, about businesses temporarily and permanently closing, and the disruption of supply chains. Now the government is printing trillions of dollars out of thin air, and just giving it away. Yes, this may help us a little bit in the short run, but it will surely and greatly hurt us in the long run. Sooner or later there will be inflation, causing even more economic problems and financial hardship. “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius.” Revelation 6:6

You see what’s happening spiritually. In the past two months, most church buildings in this country have closed their doors. Many churches have decided not to meet, and others have been told not to meet. Yes, pastors and church leaders are adapting, but it has been quite challenging. And think how many churches must be hurting financially. All this, I believe, is a sign of things to come. “You will be hated by all nations because of My name.” Matthew 24:9

I have written about this coronavirus for the past 2 months, and that’s because it’s a major calamity with disastrous and deadly consequences. And no one knows if we will ever get back to normal, or if there will be a new normal. We have looked at this pandemic from a human perspective, but what is the spiritual perspective, what does God want us to know and do?

* God is sovereign. This pandemic did not catch God by surprise and, in fact, is part of His plan in the end-times. God knew and ordained exactly how this virus would affect every person, family, church, city, and country in the world. Not only that, God is sovereign over every single thing that needs to happen in your life and on this earth before the coming of Christ. “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations.” Psalm 46:10

* Know that Jesus Christ is still building the church. Yes, most church doors have been closed during this pandemic, but not the hearts of people. Do not be discouraged, for Christ did not take time off – He has been continually working in the lives of people. The gospel is being preached, people are being saved, disciples are being made, and the one true church is still growing. “I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” Matthew 16:18

* Do not be afraid, do not fret, do not get angry, do not be discouraged. We often react wrongly when there are difficult trials, but we must learn to respond in a Christ-like way. As God’s child, know that He is always in control, and trust Him, and then you will be filled with His grace and peace. Do not live according to your experiences, circumstances or emotions, but be led by God’s word and God’s Spirit. “We walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7

* Trust God’s word, believe His promises, and obey His commands. The way to stay on the path God has planned for you is by loving His word and having it abide in you. By His Word, He can lead, protect, and strengthen you, and enable you to do what He wants you to do. “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” Matt. 4:4

* Stay in fellowship. God made you to have a relationship with Himself and with others. You need other Christians and they need you. During this difficult time, keep having fellowship with believers, “… encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” Heb. 10:25

* Fulfill God’s plans for your life. God placed you on this earth at this time in history to carry out certain tasks. During stressful times, like this pandemic, don’t be distracted, but stay the course, be part of a good church, and keep using the time, money, and gifts God has given you for His purposes and glory. “Do business with this until I come back.” Luke 19:13

Without question, this is a unique, strange, and challenging time in our history, and let’s not forget, a time of intense spiritual warfare. Be thankful that Jesus Christ is always working and fighting, and that nothing will ever thwart Him. Though there are and will be great struggles and seeming defeats, His plans will always be carried out, and we, with Him, will be victorious. “In all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:37

P.S. A super-big problem has affected our world these past two months, which means God wants to use it to teach us some important lessons. Let’s be good learners! “God’s Time Frame For Your Life” shares my story in learning about prophecy. “Matthew 24 – A Road Map of the End-times” summarizes what needs to take place before the rapture of the church.

Thinking Correctly About COVID-19 and Christ’s Coming

April 24, 2020 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #167 ~

How are you thinking and feeling about what’s been happening with regard to COVID-19, the coronavirus? These past 6 weeks have been like none I have ever seen before, and I am 66 years old. There’s talk about sickness, death, mitigation, masks, ventilators, vaccines, and herd immunity. There’s talk about jobs, unemployment, financial stimulus, protests, and inflation. There are the different thoughts and emotions of people trying to deal with this. Anxious, frightened, nervous, scared, unsettled, worried. Aggravated, angry, annoyed, mad, upset. Alarming, difficult, disruptive, frustrating, inconvenient, stressful. Bored. Confused. Depressed. Lonely. Questioning. Tired. There is no doubt that people have been affected by this sickening little virus that has spread to 184 different countries. But how are you feeling? How are you thinking? How are you doing?

I cannot help but think that you have been tested by this most unusual trial. I hope you are not thinking and feeling like the people I described in the previous paragraph. As a Christian, God is your heavenly Father, the only One who perfectly loves and cares for you. At times like this, it’s important to look to Him and stay close to Him. Think how He is sovereign and in complete control. Think how He is holy, loving, merciful, faithful, wise, good, compassionate, purposeful, righteous, and truthful. Only as you truly know God will you be delivered from fear, loneliness, anger, stress, and boredom, and be given all the grace and peace you need. Ephesians 1:2 

Now that we live in the end-times, you will continue to need this grace and peace. As Christians, we are blessed and privileged to be alive at this time, in the last years of this church age. It is a period marked by “birth pains,” by events and conditions occurring around the world, God-ordained signs designed to wake us up to the soon coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And this plague, this pandemic, is one of the birth pains, along with wars, famines, great earthquakes, and financial problems. Matt. 24:4-8, Luke 21:8-11, Rev. 6:1-8

I must admit, this pandemic, this present birth pain, has personally affected me. For the first time ever, I feel like I have an idea of what it’s like to go through an end-times’ birth pain. Like an expectant mother literally experiences and feels her birth pains, I am literally experiencing and feeling the effects of this pandemic. Here in Florida, we have not had wars, great earthquakes, or famines. But now there is this pandemic, this plague, affecting our country, my county, my church, and my wife and I – and God is using it to sober us up, to get our attention. These birth pains, these earthly problems, are planned by God to get our attention, to get our eyes off ourselves, and to be living for Him. 2 Chron. 15:1-12, Phil. 1:21

What can we say about these birth-pains, which include this pandemic?
1. These birth pains will continue and will increase in frequency and intensity. This present pandemic will come to an end, but there will be more of them. As much as we would like to say this won’t happen again, Christians must know that these plagues, along with wars, famines, and earthquakes, will continue to take place in the years ahead, leading to the end of this age and the “birth” of Christ, which means the coming of Christ and the rapture of the church.

2. These birth pains will not continually be taking place, just like a mother does not have continuous birth pains, one right after another. They will be happening now and then.

3. These birth pains occur in various places around the world. For example, wars won’t be taking place in every single country. Great earthquakes usually happen in certain areas (“The Ring of Fire”). Famines most often occur in poorer parts of the world. Matt. 24:6 tells us we will be hearing that these birth pains are happening. For example, I do not know anyone who has died from this coronavirus, but I have heard that many have died.

4. We are living in the beginning stages of the end-times (Matt 24:6, 8; Luke 21:9), a time during which these birth pains are occurring, but not intensely so. I personally believe they will go on for about 10, 20, 30 years or more, and then Christ will return to rapture His church.

5. I do not believe, as some say, that the birth pains start at the beginning of Daniel’s 70th week. I cannot see how you can fit all these famines, wars, earthquakes, and plagues into a few short years. The very nature of these events, with the exception of earthquakes, is that they occur over an elongated period of time. I believe they have been going on for many years.

6. These birth pains will affect both believers and unbelievers, the saved and the lost.

7. These birth pains will be distressing, disruptive, and death-producing. Revelation 6:8 says that up to one-fourth of the world will die because of them. This sad and sobering state of the world is also described in Matt. 24:28 – “Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.”

8. These birth pains are distinct from God’s wrath, for His wrath will only be poured out upon the unbelievers. Rev. 6:1-8 – birth pains; Rev. 7:9-14 – rapture; Rev 8-9 – God’s wrath.

I have written a number of blogs instructing us how we need to live during these end-times when this pandemic, in particular, and these birth pains, in general, are taking place. Take time to read them if you have not yet done so. Here is a summary of the main themes:
– You are not to be afraid or worried but are to trust God and keep doing His work. Psalm 37:3
– This pandemic is a spiritual alarm clock, and is to wake up Christians so they draw close to God, and realize that His Son is returning soon. Rom. 13:11-12, Heb. 10:37
– This pandemic is designed by God to teach you, but is also part of His plan to reconfigure countries and economies, leading us to globalism and the coming of the Antichrist. Dan. 2:21
– It is important for you to see how this pandemic fits in with the big picture, and will be followed by more birth pains, Daniel’s 70th week, and the coming of Christ. Matt. 24:4-14
– As a Christian, don’t love the fun, food, and games of the world, especially now that we are living in the end-times and can see that Christ is coming soon. Use your spiritual gift, work with your church, help “make disciples of all the nations,” and remember Jesus’s promise, “lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 24:14, 25:14-23, 28:19-20

P.S. I wrote this post because many Christians don’t think right and, therefore, don’t feel right. (“As a man thinks, so he is” – Prov. 23:7). Your response to this Coronvirus Pandemic relates directly to your thinking about God and your understanding of the end-times. The article (#45) I just put up is an expansion of this post. Also, make sure you read my recent posts on this subject, particularly “From the Coronvirus to Christ’s Coming and the Rapture,” and “The Coronavirus – Fear and Panic, or Faith and Peace.”

Life and Death Lessons

April 17, 2020 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #166 ~

An unpopular subject has recently become “popular.” Every day we hear reports of all these people who have died in the United States due to this flu virus, COVID-19. As of today, that number is a shocking and staggering 36,000 deaths. That’s a whole lot of people, now 12 times the number who died on 9/11. But isn’t it true that death happens all the time? Every day, on average, 7,700 people die in this country, and they die in all kinds of ways. In 2017, according to the CDC, 647,457 people died of heart disease, 599,108 of cancer, 169,936 of accidents, 160,201 of respiratory problems, 70,237 of drug overdose, 55,672 of influenza, 47,173 of suicides, etc. (cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/death). Without question, death is a sad and unpleasant subject, not something we like to think about.

But God wants you to think about death, at least once in a while – and He will bring it to your attention. How does He do this? By death that is sudden, is unexpected, is by an accident, a murder, a suicide, a tornado, a pandemic, a war, etc. You are especially affected by death when it’s close and personal, when a family member, friend or neighbor passes away. Most of you have been touched by death in this way. And why? Because God wants you to come face to face with death so that you think soberly about life and spiritual realities.   

We live in a world that spends a lot of time, energy and money on physical and external things. There is work, the weekend and vacation. There are foods, supplements and vitamins. There is our health and medicines. There are clothes, cosmetics and hairdos. There is running, swimming and biking. There are cars, houses and smart phones. None of these are bad in and of themselves, but the truth is that we tend to focus on the physical and forget the spiritual. A sinner once said to himself, “Take it easy, eat, drink and be merry” (Luke 12:19). But Jesus said to his disciples, “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul.” Matt. 16:26

God wants to use a person’s death to get our mind off physical things, to get us to think about the spiritual world, to seek Him and learn what’s most important. Now when people think about death, they often get sad, scared, fearful, depressed, upset, angry and confused. That’s why we must know what God says in His word about death, and there’s a lot there, a very instructive passage being Luke 13:1-5. The news of the day was that some people had been brutally murdered, and others had suddenly died in an accident. Those with Jesus were thinking these people must have died because they were “bad” sinners, but they failed to see their own sin, and that they too were sinners who deserved to die.

And so, Jesus twice told these self-righteous sinners, “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” He wanted them to know they were guilty and spiritually dead, and that they needed to repent of their sin, or they would not just physically die, but perish, be eternally dead and ruined. God wanted to wake these people up, to help them see their need to turn from their sin and trust in Christ before they would physically die, before it would be too late. Ecclesiastes 7:2 tells us: “It is a better to go to a house of mourning than to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of everyone, and the loving should take this to heart.” That is, COVID-19 deaths are to instruct lost souls about their need for Christ.

Why Christ? Because a person’s main problem is his sin, that he doesn’t love God, which is seen in his pride, anger, selfishness, disobedience, idolatry, immorality, etc. And the result of sin is death! “The soul that sins will die” (Ezek. 18:20). “The wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23). Now death does not mean ceasing to exist, but here is what it does mean. 1st, sin results in spiritual death, meaning a person is separated from God, and has no spiritual relationship with Him. 2nd, sin results in physical death, the separation of the soul from the body. 3rd, sin results in eternal death. That is, the person who continues to sin on earth, who remains spiritually dead, and then physically dies, will be eternally dead, that is, forever separated from God, and forever punished by God. Matt. 25:41, 46

Christ is the only answer to this problem of sin. Why? Because “God made Him (Christ) who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Cor. 5:21). God the Father placed our sins upon Jesus and then punished Him, meaning Jesus paid the penalty for our sins. He died for us but then rose from the dead, His death and resurrection being the only means by which we can defeat sin and death. The person who repents of his sin and believes Jesus died in his place will not perish, but is forgiven and spiritually made alive in Christ. When Christ comes back to rapture the church, he will physically be made alive, will receive a perfect, powerful and glorified body. Those who believe in Christ’s victory receive eternal life – spiritual life when you are born of the Spirit, and physical life at the coming of Christ. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16, John 10:27-28

How does God want a person to respond to the death he sees in the world, or to the death of a loved one or close friend? As I just said, the unbeliever needs to see death as a wake-up call from God, a spiritual prod moving him to repent of his sins so he can be forgiven and receive eternal life. Now if you are saved, this is how you should think about death:
* Know that God is sovereign over every person’s death. Acts 5:1-11, Acts 12
* Be thankful you were spiritually saved and will be physically saved at Christ’s coming. 
* Pray for the lost, those spiritually dead, and as God leads, share the life-giving gospel message with them.
* As long as you are alive on earth, know there is still work God wants you to do. Phil. 1:21
* Don’t overly grieve when believing loved ones die, for you will see them again in heaven, and soon.
* Know that there will be much more death on this earth before the coming of Christ, and so, don’t be too sad or surprised when it happens. Just keep persevering and keep looking for Christ to return to rapture the church. Matt. 24:9, 28-31; Rev. 6:8-9, 7:7-14
* Know that it won’t be long before you die, or are raptured, and are taken to heaven. “For yet in a very little while, He who is coming, will come, and will not delay.” Heb. 10:37

P.S. I hope you see how God wants to use death in the lives of the saved and the lost. This message, in a much expanded form, is my Sunday message for April 19, 2020. My sermon should be available that day – to be listened to or read – my full sermon PDF notes can be viewed or downloaded: Hope Bible Church of Tampa at Sermon Audio. An important article that relates to this is “Why Do Believers Die?’ – A Memorial Service Message.”

From the Coronavirus to Christ’s Coming and the Rapture

April 1, 2020 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #163 ~

In a number of recent posts, we have focused on the Coronavirus Pandemic, and that’s because it’s a major, global problem, one that relates to your life and the lives of people all over this planet. But it’s vitally important that we see how this God-ordained plague is part of God’s plan in the end-times. My goal in this post is to summarize what will be happening from this present pandemic up to the coming of Christ, and how then you should live.

* This coronavirus, this present plague, is a sign given by God to wake us up, to alert us to the fact that we live in the end-times, and that it won’t be long before Jesus Christ returns to rapture the church. Luke 21:11, Rom. 13:11, Heb. 10:37

* This coronavirus will be followed by more plagues in the future. These plagues are one aspect of what Christ calls “birth pains” – others being false christs, earthquakes, wars and famines that will also be taking place in the years leading up to Christ’s coming. Matt. 24:4-8

* Jesus told us ahead of time that these birth pains would occur. That’s because He doesn’t want us to be surprised or fearful when these things happen, but to be at peace, and to be encouraged by the fact that He will soon appear to rapture the church. Mark 13:23, 1 John 3:2

* These birth pains will not be taking place all over the planet but will be happening in various parts of the world. For example, COVID-19 will not affect every single person on this earth, and neither will any of the other birth pains. Matt. 24:7, Luke 21:11, Rev. 6:8

* One result of these birth pains is that many people will die. Jesus soberly says, “Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather” (Matt. 24:28). Rev. 6:8 sadly states, “It’s rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind, and they were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague.”

* These signs and events are beginning birth pains. They are just the beginning of great difficulties this world will experience before the coming of Christ. (Matt. 24:6, 8; Luke 21:9). There will also be a great apostasy, a falling away of so-called believers from so-called churches. We will see increasing sin, evil and lawlessness. False christs and false prophets will mislead many. The Antichrist will be revealed, desecrating the temple in Jerusalem. There will be a great persecution of both Christians and Jews. All over the world, Christians will be hated, betrayed, and even martyred. Matt. 24:9-26, 2 Thess. 1-9

* Preaching the gospel to the ends of the earth should be uppermost in our minds. Even now, in the midst of this pandemic, God will give you opportunities to be a light to the lost, to proclaim the gospel, to tell people how they can escape God’s wrath, be forgiven of their sins, and become children of God. Matt. 24:14, Luke 21:12-15, Acts 1:8

* God’s end-time work with the church is in conjunction with and coinciding with His end-times’ work with the Jewish people. Side by side passages in Matt. 24:9-26, Luke 21:12-24 and Rev. 7, 10-13 show how God’s work with both these groups will culminate in Christ coming to rapture the church and then redeem a large remnant of Jewish people.

* Daniel’s 70th week, a 7-year prophecy-filled time-frame, is marked by five major events, the signing or confirming of a peace treaty at the beginning of this week, the revealing of the Antichrist at its mid-point, the rapture of the church happening during the 2nd half of the week, God’s wrath being poured out on the earth during the very last part of the week, and the salvation of the Jews taking place at the end of this week. It’s important to see that the rapture occurs after the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week, after the Antichrist is revealed, and before God’s wrath. Dan. 9:24-27; 2 Thess. 1:5-10, 2:1-10; Rev. 8-9, 13

* Thinking about the difficult, dangerous and death-darkened days ahead might cause you to be afraid. But God has commanded you to not fear the coronavirus or any enemy, but to fear Him, to be strong and courageous, and to be an overcomer. Call out to God, trust Him, believe His promises, and do His work, always remembering what Christ told you, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matt. 28:20, Psalm 91, Luke 12:1-8, Rev. 12:11

* All things now taking place in the world are leading to the restructuring and realigning of countries and economies (United States included), leading to a God-ordained future global order that must be in place before the Antichrist begins his rule. God has predestined all of history, and even this present pandemic is part of God’s divine plan, leading to the coming of Christ, the day of the Lord, and His reign over the earth. Dan. 2, 7-12; Eph. 1:9-12

* Some people, even Christians, believe in conspiracy theories regarding the occurrence of world events at this present time. I am not dismissing man’s attempts to conspire, deceive and kill so as to gain power and control over people and countries, but we must know that God is always sovereign. Everything that happens in this world is ordained by God, leading to that point in time when Christ will appear in the clouds to rapture and glorify the church and then take her home to heaven. Eph. 1:9-12; Ps. 2:1-2, 33:10-11; 1 Thess. 4:15-17

* God gives you all you need to live for Him in these days and years leading to the coming of Christ. He gives you His Word so you know what to think, say and do. He gives you His Spirit, who leads, comforts and encourages you. He gives you grace, the power and ability to do all that He wants you to do. He gives you His peace when there are problems. He gives you His joy, a gladness in your soul, even when life is hard. He gives you hope, a guarantee that you will be perfect, and in heaven with Jesus and all the other believers. 2 Cor. 9:8, 12:9-10, 13:14

We are in the midst of this global pandemic and what’s most important is knowing you are saved, are forgiven, are children of God (John 3:16). It is essential that you have a good relationship with God and are daily walking with Him (John 17:3). During your life on earth, you are to be living, not for yourself, but for Jesus Christ (Gal. 2:20). You must know what God says about the end-times we live in, and how He is sovereignly directing all leaders, all countries, and all people, in accordance with His eternal purpose, leading to that time when Jesus, His Son, will return at the end of this age to rapture the saints, pour out His wrath, and begin His 1000-year reign over this world. Phil. 2:9-11, Is. 6:3, Hab. 2:14

P.S. In the middle of this pandemic, you need perspective, you need to see where we are at in history, and where God is taking us. Be encouraged for God, in general, tells us in His word what will be happening. Read these posts for they will also give you the big picture of our lives as Christians – “What Needs to Happen Before Christ’s Return” and “Bible Prophecy Enables Us to See the Future.”

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