Christ's Kingdom and the End Times

Category: Character (Page 2 of 4)

Working Hard for God in the End-Times

March 11, 2023 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #271 ~

We are living in the end-times and, therefore, are end-times’ workers for God. What a privilege, what an opportunity to work for God at this time in history, “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). The Bible is filled with examples of people doing God’s work. Noah built an ark; Abraham was the father of the Jews; Moses led the Jewish people out of Egypt; Ruth was the great-grandmother of David; David was a king; Nehemiah built a wall; Esther helped save the Jews; Mary was Jesus’ mother; Anna prayed; most importantly, Jesus died for our sins and rose from the dead; Paul wrote epistles; Paul’s nephew warned Paul about being killed, etc. What about you? What is the work God wants you to do?

“We are God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared beforehand that we would walk in them” (Eph. 2:10). It can’t get any clearer – God has work for you to do. It’s good work. It’s work God wants you to do. It’s work He planned out in eternity past. It’s work you can do – God is enabling you to do the work He wants you to do. “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who is at work in you to will and to work for His good pleasure” (Phil. 2:12-13). Be glad and excited that you can do God’s work, that which has spiritual significance, that which eternally affects people’s lives, that which is part of God’s plan to bring about Christ’s coming, and that which will be greatly rewarded.

How do you know what this work is? What are some of the principles and keys to knowing and fulfilling God’s purposes, the work He has planned out for you?
1. Seek the Lord. Ask Him to show you exactly what He wants you to do. “Teach me the way in which I should walk… Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God.” Psalm 143:8, 10
2. Be holy. To do God’s work, you must be a holy vessel. “If anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.” 2 Timothy 2:20-21
3. Be humble. Be willing to do whatever God wants you to do. “Here am I, send me!” Isaiah 6:8
4. Give yourself to God, body, mind, soul, and spirit. “Present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.” Romans 6:13, 12:1

5. Be in a good church and do your part. “… grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part…” Ephesians 4:15-16
6. Use your spiritual gifts. The Spirit gives you gifts, spiritual abilities, so you can do God’s work. “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God”. 1 Peter 4:10-11
7. Obey God’s commands, for they specifically tell you the work you are to do. For example – “Abhor what is evil, cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor,… contributing to the needs of saints, practicing hospitality…” Romans 12:9-21
8. Be sensitive to God’s leading, to the leading of the Holy Spirit. “All who are being led by the Spirit, these are sons of God.” Romans 8:14

9. Work hard. Be diligent. Don’t be lazy. Have a mind to work. “The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops.” 2 Tim. 2:6; Neh. 4:6; Prov. 6:6-11, 10:4
10. Persevere, do not grow weary or give up, for then you will accomplish God’s work. “As for you, be strong, and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” 2 Chron. 15:7, Galatians 6:9
11. Learn from godly examples, from Jesus, Noah, Jacob, Moses, Hezekiah, Paul, John, etc. “In everything that he (Hezekiah) undertook in the service of God’s temple and in obedience to the law and the commands, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered.” 2 Chronicles 31:21   
12. Work with others. Don’t be a loner. Be a team player. “Two are better than one, for they have a good return for their labor.” Eccl. 4:9, Colossians 4:7-17

13. Do not love the world, and do not worry about the little things of life. Be praying – “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matt. 6:10). Be seeking – “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33
14. Never retire from God’s work. At the right time, retire from your job, your place of employment, but keep working for God until the day He takes you home. “David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep.” Acts 13:36
15. Always work for the glory of God. It’s not about you but about God and His glory. “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31
16. Your work is “whatever you do.” Your work is spiritual, not secular or spiritual. It may be shopping, washing dishes, working at a job, reading the Bible, praying, sharing the gospel, having lunch with a friend, etc. “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord, rather than for men…” Colossians 3:23
17. God rewards your work, everything you do for Him. “I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done” (Rev. 22:12). “Each one will receive his own reward for his own labor.” 1 Corinthians 3:8

What a blessing that we can work for God! And God has special work for you to do at this time in history, work that is part of His grand and global plan leading to Christ’s return to rapture the church, judge the world, save a remnant of Jews, and establish His kingdom on earth. Let me conclude with my favorite verses on this subject: “Do business with this until I come” (Luke 19:13). “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7). “I have brought You glory on earth by completing the work You gave me to do” (John 17:4). Might you “finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus” has given you. Acts 20:24

P.S. Here at the end of this church age we are running the last leg of this marathon relay, and might we be running for God. Jesus is cheering you on, waiting for you at the finish line. Might He say to you, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matt. 25:21). Here are two more posts on working for God: “Do Business Until I Come Back”, and “Working for God While Waiting for Christ.”

The Day of the LORD – God’s Righteous Wrath

August 12, 2022 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #254 ~

The whole world will be judged! That’s what God tells us, that’s what she deserves, and that’s what’s going to happen! Isaiah and Paul call it the “Day of the Lord” (Isaiah 13:6, 1 Thess. 5:2). John the Baptist says it’s the “wrath to come” (Luke 3:7). And this wrath won’t be a super volcano, global flooding, a nuclear war, EMP’s, or any combination of these things, but rather a series of disastrous, God-planned events specifically described in Revelation 8-9, 16.

Most people don’t know about this, don’t have even a clue of the catastrophic events that will soon devastate this earth. Or if they have heard about it, they don’t believe it’s going to happen – they are judgment deniers. (2 Peter 3:3-7). They don’t believe life on earth will be radically different, that this world, as we know it, will soon come to an end. Thinking that everything is going to stay the same, they will be eating, drinking, marrying, buying, selling, planting, and building. (Luke 17:24-28). Will they ever be shocked when God’s righteous hand suddenly strikes this earth.

Why is God going to punish this world? Because He’s perfectly holy. Rev. 4:8 sets the stage for this end-of-the-age wrath when it says, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come.” The Judge is sitting on His throne, and He has already told us His verdict, that this world is guilty of grave sins and a great many sins, and there must be justice, there must be divine retribution. “You have sat on the throne judging righteously, You have rebuked the nations, You have destroyed the wicked; You have blotted out their name forever and ever. The enemy has come to an end in perpetual ruins.” Psalm 9:4-8

The vast majority of people don’t understand God’s holiness, that He demands perfection from every single person. Even in our own courts, a person shown to be guilty for one crime is pronounced guilty by the judge for that crime and must be punished (James 2:10). But that’s on a human level – here is God, the divine Judge, and He examines an individual’s entire life, and He knows all their evil thoughts, words, and actions, each one being utterly offensive to Him. (Hab. 1:13). Those who have not repented of their sins, not trusted in Christ, not believed He died to pay the penalty for their sins, will be guilty forever, and therefore perish, be punished forever. “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; Mark 1:15; Matt. 25:46

God cannot ignore sin, He cannot say it’s no big deal, He cannot forget it! God cannot excuse sin, not even one! Because God is altogether righteous, He has no choice but to pour out His wrath upon sinful people, and upon this entire world. The Bible gives us story after story about God judging individuals, families, cities, nations, and the world. Sinful Cain was a vagrant and a wanderer upon the earth (Gen. 4:12). The great, global flood destroyed an extremely wicked world in the time of Noah (Gen. 7). Fire and brimstone rained down upon those two evil cities, Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 19:24-25). There were 10 punishing plagues poured out upon rebellious Egypt (Exodus 7-11). There was all Israel stoning and burning Achan’s family (Josh. 7:25). And look at the hundreds of warnings by the prophets! God’s word continually, clearly, and conclusively testifies to the holiness of God in history past. Might we learn from them, and be holy. Romans 15:4

It’s quite obvious to spiritually minded Christians that sin is rapidly increasing in the United States and all over the world. Grievous sin is running rampant, corrupting countries and polluting the entire planet (Lev. 18:24-25). This was predicted in Matt. 24, the most important end-times’ chapter – “lawlessness is increased” (Matt. 24:12, 2 Thess. 2:7-12, 2 Tim. 3:1-4). God must and will punish the whole world, and very soon. “Near is the great day of the Lord, near and coming very quickly… a day of wrath is that day, a day of trouble and distress, a day of destruction and desolation, a day of darkness and gloom.” Zephaniah 1:14-15

The day of the Lord was prophesied in many places – Isaiah 13:6-13; Joel 2:30-32; Amos 5:18-22; Obadiah 1:15; Zeph. 1:1-3, 14-18; Acts 2:19-21; 1 Thess. 5:1-4. These predictions, plus many other references to this final cataclysmic judgment are to warn the unbelieving world about what will be taking place. God is alerting believers as well, for we should be living holy lives, especially in these few and final years leading up to the coming of Christ. 1 Thess. 5:5-8, 1 Peter 1:13-16

It’s now relatively calm in this world compared to the catastrophic judgments to come, the deserved and dreadful wrath of God that will be poured out upon this earth – hail, fire, blood, demonic locusts, malignant sores, extreme torment, scorching heat, darkness, and death (Rev. 8-9, 16). It’s calm because God is being patient with the lost (2 Pet. 3:9), wanting Christians to lovingly and urgently share the gospel with them before it’s too late, warning them of the destruction and death to come, begging them to be reconciled to God, to turn from their sin and turn to Christ, to receive His eternal life and love. 2 Cor. 5:21, James 5:7-11

If sinners remain unrepentant and are still alive on earth when Christ returns, not only will they go through the fiery day of the Lord, but they will also go to hell, first to Hades for 1000 years, and then to the lake of fire for all eternity. “Depart from me accursed ones into the eternal fire” (Matt. 25:41, Rev. 20:11-14). I hope you are seeing the big picture, the powerful, painful, and punishing wrath that evil unbelievers will experience forever and ever, and rightfully so. “Upon the wicked He will rain snares; fire and brimstone and burning wind will be the portion of their cup. The Lord is righteous. He loves righteousness. The upright will behold His face.” Psalm 11:6-7  

Jesus Christ is returning to this earth to reign as King, but first, He must be a Judge and eradicate sin by punishing this evil world and casting out sinners. God is perfectly holy, and He has to clean house, He must purify this place – then Christ can begin reigning and ruling over this world. “He will judge the world in righteousness; He will execute judgment for the peoples with equity” (Ps. 9:8). Then we will all declare, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory.” Isaiah 6:3

Jesus Christ is also returning to rapture all Christians living on earth at that time (Hallelujah!), and this occurs just before God pours out His wrath. “You turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven… who rescues us from the wrath to come” (1 Thess. 1:9-10, 4:15-17). “God has not destined us for wrath” (1 Thess. 5:9). I cannot wait for this to happen! “‘Behold, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” Revelation 22:20

P.S. This is a most sobering subject, and you need to learn from it and be holy. And be thankful for God’s mercy on your soul, that He saved you from the wrath to come, and from an eternal hell. I encourage you to read these three other posts – “The Day of the LORD, the Wrath of God on Earth”, “What About the Unrepentant Unbeliever in the End-Times?”, and “Rescued from the Punishing Day of the Lord.”

Singing – A Key to Sound Christian Living

June 24, 2022 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #250 ~

“Sing praises to Him” (Ps. 33:2). “Come before Him with joyful songs” (Ps. 100:1). “I will sing of Your love and justice” (Ps. 101:1). Christians are to sing to the Lord – and it’s for His glory. Singing is also good for your life, for it positively affects you, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally, instructing your mind and refreshing your soul. Without question, singing is a necessary and amazing attitude-adjuster – it is heart-tuning, soul-humbling, spirit-lifting, faith-restoring, joy-giving, and peace-producing. 

Many examples of singing are found in the Bible. Judah’s army was marching to war and leading the way was the choir, and they were singing, “Give thanks to the Lord, for His lovingkindness is everlasting” And their singing, their worship, was the key to God’s resounding victory – “When they began singing and praising, the Lord set ambushes against the sons of Ammon, Moab… so they were routed” (2 Chron. 20:21-22). Just before He was arrested, Jesus was singing with His disciples (Matt. 26:30). When Paul and Silas were in jail, they were “singing hymns of praise to God” (Acts 16:25-26). Then there are the Psalms, the biggest book in the Bible, and the best songbook ever written. I strongly encourage you to regularly read and sing the Psalms, for they address and will impact all aspects of your Christian life. 

As a Christian, you don’t want to be distracted, defiled, and controlled by fleshly and worldly songs. That’s why you need to be daily transforming your mind by heartily singing godly songs. “My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises… I will awaken the dawn… I will sing praises to You among the nations” (Ps. 57:7-11). “Be filled (controlled) with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord” (Eph. 5:18-19). Being in a godly-singing church is also instrumental in being a godly singer.

In these last years leading up to the rapture of the church, there will be tribulation and great tribulation, and singing to the Lord will be essential for your spiritual stability and success. I can’t stress enough the importance of knowing good Christian songs or, at least, having them on your playlist. And don’t just play them, sing them, and not just with others on Sunday morning, but by yourself during the week.

On this blog site, chart #’s 130, 133, 138, 143, 147, 149, 153, 160 contain lyrics about the end-times and Christ’s second coming. And singing songs that speak about your future and hope will undoubtedly help you be a more encouraged, forward looking, God-glorifying Christian. Listed below are some of them:

* Christ the Lord is Risen Today – “Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia. Foll’wing our exalted head, Alleluia. Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia. Our the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia.“
* There is a Redeemer – “When I stand in glory, I will see His face. There I’ll serve my King forever in that holy place. Thank You, O my Father, for giving us Your Son, and leaving Your Spirit till the work on earth is done.”
* Be Still My Soul – “Be still, my soul, the hour is hastening on, when we shall be forever with the Lord, when disappointment, grief and fear are gone, sorrow forgot, love’s purest joy restored. Be still my soul, when change and tears are past, all safe and blest we shall meet at last.”
* When the Roll is Called Up Yonder – “Let us labor for the Master from the dawn till setting sun, let us talk of all His wondrous love and care; then when all of life is over and our work on earth is done, and the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there. When the roll is called up yonder…”

* That Where I Am, There You May Be – “If I go prepare a place for you I will come back again. If I go prepare a place for you I will come back again. You know I am the way, the truth, the life – keep My commands, that where I am there you may also be.”
* Jesus Loves Me – “Jesus loves me, He will stay close beside me all the way; He’s prepared a home for me, and some day His face I’ll see. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me, the Bible tells me so.”
* On Jordan’s Stormy Banks – “When shall I reach that happy place and be forever blest? When shall I see my Father’s face, and in His bosom rest? I am bound for the promised land, I am bound for the promised land; O, who shall come and go with me? I am bound for the promised land.”
* It Is Well With My Soul – “And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight, the clouds be rolled back as a scroll, the trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend, even so, it is well with my soul. It is well with my soul. It is well, it is well with my soul.”

* All Hail the Power – “O that with yonder sacred throng we at His feet may fall, we’ll join the everlasting song and crown Him Lord of all; we’ll join the everlasting song and crown Him Lord of all.”
* Come Thou Almighty King – “To Thee, great One in three, eternal praises be, hence evermore, Thy sovereign majesty, may we in glory see, and to eternity love and adore.” —-
* When We All Get to Heaven – “Onward to the prize before us, soon His beauty we’ll behold; soon the pearly gates will be open, we shall tread the streets of gold. When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be, when we all see Jesus, we’ll sing and shout the victory.”
* Joy to the World – “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 sounding joy, repeat, repeat the sounding joy.”

As you know, this blog post is all about the end-times, the return of Christ, and His reign upon this earth. My purpose is not just to tell you what the Bible says will be happening in the future, but to help you live successfully for the Lord in the last years of this evil age. And there’s no doubt that singing to the Lord is a major key to your life as you journey on to the end. “I will praise God’s name in song.” Psalm 69:30

P.S. In a world saturated by secular and fleshly songs, it’s imperative that you daily sing to the Lord. It’s a way to worship God, a way to combat the flesh, and a means to working for God and living a victorious Christian life. As Christians, we are to worship and to work (Matt. 4:10). And I encourage you to read this article (#49) about work – “The Excellent End-Time’s Worker”.

“I Press on Toward the Goal for the Prize”

May 4, 2022 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #245 ~

It always amazes me when I read about Paul’s life. How did he do all that he did? How did He endure all that suffering? (2 Cor. 12:23-28). There’s no doubt it was by grace (1 Cor. 15:10 – “by the grace of God I am what I am.”). But it was also by hope. One reason we know hope was so important to Paul is the book of Philippians, for it contains nine specific references to the future, which means hope was a key factor in him persevering to the end. In two previous posts, #238 and #243, we looked at the first six references – Phil. 1:6, Phil. 1:9-11, Phil. 1:21-23, Phil. 2:9-11, Phil. 2:14-16, and Phil. 3:10-11. Today, I will look at the last three, found in Phil. 3:12-14, Phil. 3:21-22, and Phil. 4:5.

Philippians 3:12-14 – “… I press on so that I may lay hold of that which also I was lay hold of by Christ Jesus” This important prophecy passage focuses on how, and how long you should run your race for God. What do we learn from these verses?
– First, if you are reading this, then it’s obvious you are still alive. As a Christian, you are to keep pressing ahead until the end of your life, until you die or are raptured. 

Second, you are to press on, which means to run, to follow after, to earnestly and energetically speed on toward the goal. It’s believing (Heb. 11:6), working (2 Tim. 2:6), struggling (Eph. 6:11), suffering (Matt. 6:10-11), and persevering (Matt. 24:13). The Christian life is not easy, for there are many trials, challenges, conflicts, ailments, persecutions, and devilish attacks – and whether you feel like it or not, you must press ahead. Diligently and faithfully, keep doing the work God has given you to do and, soon enough, you will cross the finish line and be in heaven.

Third, Paul says, “I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet” (vs. 13). If you are alive, then you have not yet completed your earthly work. Eph. 2:10 tells us, “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared beforehand…” Christ Himself has taken hold of you, and for good and godly reasons. You’re to love God and all the people He puts in your life; you’re to be a witness to the lost; you’re to make disciples; and you’re to use your spiritual gift. Wholeheartedly serve the Lord, doing all He wants you to do. Col. 3:23-24

Fourth, you are “forgetting what lies behind” (vs. 13). Successful Christians forget the past. Everyone makes mistakes and has missed opportunities and regrets. I’m sure you have experienced good and bad things, had achievements and failures, and you need to forget them. A basketball player must quickly forget both the shots he misses and the shots he makes, and keep playing until the end of the game. Older Christians may reminisce, rest on their laurels, and think their race is done. They too must forget what lies behind. If you are in an 8-lap race, and you just finished the 7th lap, then you are not to think about the 7 laps you just ran, but the one lap that remains.

You are “reaching forward to what lies ahead” (vs. 13). What is reaching forward? It conveys the idea of stretching a muscle to it’s limit, of a runner pushing himself, striving to win the race. For the Christian, it’s looking ahead and focusing on the future, it’s running with desire and giving maximum effort. It’s being in a race, and no matter how far you have gone, you are continuing to run, you are going forward, and finally, you will cross the finish line.

Fifth, you are to “press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (vs. 14). You are not just pressing on to do the work God wants you to do (vs. 12), you are pressing on toward the goal. There’s a finish line and a prize to be won when you reach the finish line, and you need to keep running until your race is over. A major aspect of hope is looking forward to receiving a generous prize for how you run the race, for competing “according to the rules” (2 Tim. 2:5), and for finishing the race. This prize, this eternal blessing for your earthly work, is also described as treasures (Matt. 6:20), recompense (Luke 14:15), rewards (Col. 3:24), crowns (2 Tim. 4:8), and inheritance (1 Pet. 1:4).

Here are more important points about this passage:
1. No matter who you are, wherever and whenever you live, how old you are, how long you have been saved, God has a race for you to run. “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.” Hebrews 12:1-2

2. Our culture talks a lot about retirement, and what you can do after you retire. Now maybe you are done working at a “job”, but you are never done with your heavenly work. Don’t let the “eat, drink, and be merry” attitude (Lk. 12:19) of many retirees affect how you live for God. Your work and your pace may change, but you need to complete the work God wants you to do. Acts 13:36

3. That we live in the end-times gives added weight to this passage. Just think, you may be raptured. If that’s true, then finishing your earthly race will coincide with Christ’s return to rapture the church. Here’s a hypothetical: if Christ comes back in 20 years, then you only have 20 years left to live and work for the Lord. If you’re now 25, then you will be 45 when Christ returns, or if you’re now 50, then you will be 70. In these end-times, don’t be so naïve to think that you will live what is thought to be a full life, to 70 or older. Whatever happens, keep pressing, keep doing God’s work until the very end – “be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

4. Ask God to give you the grace to finish strong, to keep racing until you “break the tape”, whether that’s by death or by rapture. Might you then say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. In the future, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me that day, and… to all who have loved His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8
5. God Himself will call you home to heaven. Whether you physically die or are raptured, it will happen soon, and be the best day of your life (Eccl. 7:1). Look forward to seeing Jesus, your Savior and Lord, the One who loves you more than anyone else!

Philippians 3:21-22. “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…” Our bodies get old, tired, and weak, and we still sin. But remember, your salvation is not yet complete, but it will be when Christ comes back, for then you will be wonderfully transformed. Your brand-new body will be like Jesus’ body – it will be beautiful, powerful, immortal, glorified, and perfectly fit for an eternity of worshiping God, of serving Him, reigning with Him, fellowshipping with saints, and experiencing His glory and His love. 1 Cor 15:42-44, 53-54; 2 Cor. 5:1-5; 1 John 3:2-3; Rev. 21:3-7

Philippians 4:5. “The Lord is near.” The word “near” can be defined as near in space or near in time. This two-fold truth is most encouraging, for we live in the end-times. Thus, we know two things, that the Lord is always and literally with us in a spiritual sense, and that it won’t be long before we will physically be with Him. “The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout… we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17

Grace and hope must be an essential part of your daily life. The last two verses in the Bible remind us of this – “‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you all. Amen.” Revelation 22:20-21

P.S. What a privilege that God has called us to run in the greatest of races, the Christian marathon – a lifetime of serving the Lord. I would encourage you to read these two articles that I believe will help you successfully run for Him and carry out the work He wants you to do – “Your Spiritual Service: A Member of the Special Forces” and “The Excellent End-Times’ Worker.”

How to Keep Going for God

October 9, 2021 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #228 ~

As you know, life can be difficult and, at times, extremely difficult. There are internal struggles, the fight against sin, and relational conflicts. There are problems at home and at work. There is sickness, chronic ailments, and old age. There is government oppression. There is slander, persecution, and attacks from the devil. There are the daily challenges of living in an evil and fallen world. Add to this the normal trials of life. And the Antichrist isn’t even here yet, and with him, the great tribulation Christians will go through. How do we keep going? How are we to keep loving God and living for Him? How are we to persevere?

God will keep you going to the end. “I am always with You. You hold me by my right hand… You will take me into glory” (Ps. 73:23-26). “He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 1:8). “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:6). “The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom” (2 Tim. 4:8). God promises you that He will keep you going. He is your spiritual Father, and He won’t let you slip and fall by the wayside and fail to make it to your heavenly home. But what part do you play in persevering for the Lord? What are the divine means by which you can victoriously keep going through all the years of your life? Here are some keys, some God-given truths that will enable you to endure to the end. 

1. The word of God. Knowing, believing, and holding on to God’s word is essential if you are to persevere and be a successful, God-glorifying Christian. “His delight is in the law of the Lord and on His law he meditates day and night… Whatever he does prospers” (Ps. 1:2-3). As for me, I love Psalm 119, for it explains in great detail the benefits of loving and living by God’s word. “I have hidden Your word in my heart” (Ps. 119:11). Matt. 4:4, John 8:32, 2 Tim. 3:16-17

2. Your relationship with God is all important. You need to know that God is your Father, and you are His child, His chosen and holy one. Walk with God and, as you do, you will love Him, listen to Him, pray to Him, enjoy Him, and obey Him. “Let him who boasts, boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth” (Jer. 9:23-24). “This is eternal life, that they may know You.” John 17:3

3. Knowing Jesus Christ is vital. First and foundational you need to believe that Jesus Christ died to pay for all your sins. That’s just the beginning, for then you are to love Him, trust Him, and grow in your relationship with Him. He is to be your best friend. “I know My own, and My own know Me” (John 10:14). “I want to know Christ” (Phil. 3:10). “Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:3

4. Having a close relationship with the Holy Spirit is critical for perseverance. It is truly miraculous that the Spirit is in you, and that He is with you forever. (John 14:16). And He wants to lead you (Rom. 8:14), comfort you (John 14:16), teach you (John 14:26), strengthen you (Eph. 5:18), keep you holy (Gal. 5:16), and have fellowship with you (2 Cor. 13:14). He is a perfect and precious gift from God, a daily companion and helper, One you can always count on.

5. God’s grace is indispensable. Grace is a general word that speaks of God’s generous gift to you, the divine power and enablement you need every day in every area of your life. Only by God’s grace can you live and keep going for Him. Paul wrote extensively about this – “Grace to you” (Eph. 1:2). “God is able to make all grace abound to you” (2 Cor. 9:8). “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9). “I became a servant… by the gift of God’s grace.” Eph. 3:7        

6. Knowing God’s great love is necessary for perseverance. This love is personal, from God to you, for it’s what you need and when you need it. His love is powerful and energizing. His love is specific, for it’s forgiving, patient, good, compassionate, and gentle. Because the Christian is strengthened by God’s love, he can continue on to the very end. “Surely, goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life” (Ps. 23:6). “Keep yourself in God’s love.” (Jude 21). “His love is everlasting.” Psalm 136

7. God’s purpose enables you to stay on the highway to heaven. Believing you have a purpose motivates you, keeps you forward-looking, and results in God being glorified and people being blessed. It’s by knowing and obeying God’s commands that you have purpose, direction, and a reason to live. Paul was passionate about fulfilling his purpose (Acts 26:14-18) – might we be like him. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

8. God’s promises are a means to persevere. God’s commands tell you what to do for God, but His promises tell you what He will do for you. Knowing God’s promises is a daily source of His love, life, and grace, and are needed for progress, joy, and endurance. Here are three: “He will lead you in the way you should go” (Ps. 32:8). “I will never leave you” (Heb. 13:5); “Those who wait for the Lord… will run and not get tired… will walk and not get weary.” Isaiah 40:30-31

9. Be in a godly church, a church where there’s good teaching, agape love, true holiness, real devotion, where there’s faith, fellowship, friendships, and encouragement, and where you can use your gift to serve others. Be an active part of the body of Christ. “Christ Jesus… in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.” Eph. 2:20-22, 3:14-21, 4:11-16

10. Walk by faith. Faith is needed for every facet of your life. It’s believing God and relying on His word. It’s central to your relationship with God, experiencing His grace, knowing His love, and fulfilling your purpose. Faith isn’t based on feelings (2 Cor. 5:7) but comes from God and His word (Rom. 10:17). Learn from others who, by faith, pleased God and gained approval from Him (Heb. 11). “Trust in the Lord with all your heart” (Prov. 3:5). “Have faith in God.” Mark 11:22

11. Hope is essential for perseverance. Hope is knowing that the future is infinitely better than the present, that living for God on earth results in eternal blessings in heaven. Hope is being excited about being with Jesus, being in heaven, being with friends, and being glorified. Hope is looking forward to the future, to receiving your inheritance and all these rewards. “We have this hope as an anchor of the soul.” (Heb. 6:19) “… You will abound in hope by the power of the Spirit.” Romans 15:13

12. Remember the past. “I will remember the deeds of the Lord… I will meditate on all Your works” (Ps. 77:10-12). You are not to focus on the past, but you are to think about it and thank God for what He has done for you. This is encouraging, for you will more clearly understand how God has wisely, lovingly, faithfully, and sovereignly worked in your life. Then you will see the continuity of your life, that what God has done in the past connects to the present, and this helps you to persevere, to keep moving ahead into the future. “Thus far the Lord has helped us” (1 Sam. 7:12). “Your way, O God, is holy. What god is so great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles.” (Ps. 77:13-14). Psalm 18:30-32

All these truths are keys to persevering, to going strong and successfully to the end. “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to work for His good pleasure” (Phil. 2:12-13). It is by God’s grace that you do your part and work out your salvation, which means it is God who keeps you persevering, who enables you to endure all the way to heaven. “I press on to take hold of that for which Christ took hold of me… I press on to toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward.” (Phil. 3:12-14). “To Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Jude 24-25

P.S. The Christian life is truly a marathon. You need to learn to persevere for God, to keep going day after day and year after year. Look to God, pray to Him, and He will help you to endure to the end. Then finally, you will see the Lord Jesus face to face. Another similar and helpful post is “What Keeps Me Going to the End?”

Laboring for the Lord, Now and Forever

September 6, 2021 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #225 ~

You can never say that a Christian is unemployed. What I mean is that we work for God, and we will always have work. As long as we are alive on this earth, God has work for us to do, and it’s not part-time but full-time. And it’s good work, productive work, eternal work, God-glorifying work, with blessings and benefits that are out of this world. Colossians 3:23-24

On this Labor Day, I am writing about work. I just finished publishing, what I believe, is a helpful article on work – “The Excellent End-Time’s Worker.” It lists 40 different truths and principles that show you how to be a great worker for God in these last years before the return of Christ. I am also planning on writing two other posts on work which will come out in the next few weeks.

But today I want to share with you one main thought about work, and it’s from Eph. 2:1-10. The first nine verses are all about the gospel, the work of Christ in saving us from sin and death, and that it’s by the grace of God. Then verse 10 says, “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Do you see what God is telling you, and it’s the very first thing after the gospel? That you are saved to work? You are saved by the work of Christ so you can do the work of Christ. God saved you and left you on earth so you can worship Him, and work for Him. (Matt. 4:10). You are now employed by God and are one of His permanent workers, and you will never be laid off, but will be working with Him and for Him, now and forever. In Ephesians 2:7, you will find another wonderful reason why God saved you.

“Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your work is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:57-58). “Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21

I encourage you to take the time to look at “The Excellent End-Time’s Worker.”

Earthly Work That Results in Heavenly Rewards

July 2, 2021 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #220 ~

We all understand the importance of work, for this is how we survive, how we make a living, how we buy food and clothes, pay bills, and provide for our family. But first and foremost, you are to work for God. He is your Master – “it is the Lord Christ whom you serve”, and He will reward you for “from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance” (Col. 3:24). Knowing we are to work for God while we live on earth, and that we will be eternally rewarded in heaven is most encouraging.

Do you think about how God wants to richly reward you for your work for Him? Do you realize that your heavenly reward from God for working at a job is infinitely more than your earthly pay for working at that job (Eph. 6:5-8)? Do you understand that being rewarded relates not to whether your earthly employer sees you working, but knowing that your heavenly Father sees you working all the time (Matt. 6:3-4)? Do you realize that being rewarded has nothing to do with whether you are young or old, single or married, slave or free, rich or poor, black or white, sick or healthy, employed or unemployed, or retired (Luke 2:36-38)? Do you know that being rewarding is not so much about what abilities you have, but how you faithfully use your abilities (Matt. 25:21)? Do you see that working for God is not a part time thing or 40 hours / week, but a 24/7 week and years of godly living? Think about how God wants to greatly reward you for a lifetime of service to Him. “In keeping them, there is great reward.” Psalm 19:11 

What specifically can you do to be rewarded by your Father? “Whoever gives a cup of water to drink because of Christ… he will not lose his reward” (Mark 9:41). “Love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great” (Luke 6:35). “Sell your possessions and give to charity” and then you will receive “an unfailing treasure in heaven” (Luke 12:32). “Give to the poor”, “pray”, “fast”, for then “your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you” (Matt. 6:1-6, 16-18). Seek God for “He is a rewarder of those who seek Him” (Heb. 11:6). If people “insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me… your reward in heaven is great” (Matt. 5:11-12). By doing these things for the Lord, you will be wonderfully and everlastingly blessed.

The above verses clearly state how you can be personally rewarded for working for God. But keeping other commands also results in you being rewarded. Here are some of them: “let your light shine before men” (Matt. 5:16); “go make disciples” (Matt. 28:19); “love one another” (John 15:17); “weep with those who weep” (Rom. 12:15); “overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:21); “look out… for the interests of others” (Phil. 2:4); “put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness…” (Col. 3:12); “devote yourselves to prayer” (Col. 4:2); “encourage one another” (Heb. 3:13); “be holy yourselves in all your behavior” (1 Pet. 1:15); “as each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another” (1 Pet. 4:10). Yes, it takes time and effort to do these things; yes, you need to sacrifice your life, and sometimes suffer; but it’s for the glory of God, the good of others, and for your eternal benefit. There is no doubt that God will make your earthly work extremely and eternally worthwhile, that your work for Him in this world will result in untold and unbelievable treasures in heaven. 

In the Bible, there are many examples of godly people loving and serving the Lord. There’s Enoch walking with God, Noah building an ark, Abraham being obedient, Moses enduring ill treatment (“he was looking to the reward” – Heb. 11:26). There’s Rahab welcoming the spies, David conquering kingdoms, and others being stoned, sawn in two, and put to death with the sword. There’s Deborah being a leader, Jael killing Sisera, Ruth being loyal, Esther being courageous, and Mary being humble. There’s Peter preaching, Peter’s mother-in-law serving, Mary Magdalene loving Jesus, John writing the revelation, Anna praying, Stephen being fearless, Dorcas making all those clothes, and Paul being an apostle to the Gentiles (“there’s laid up for me the crown of righteousness” – 2 Tim. 4:8). There’s Prisca and Aquila risking their lives, Mary and Persis working hard, and Epaphroditus being a minister to Paul. All these saints will all be greatly rewarded for their love and service to God. Might the lives of these who served God in the past motivate you to serve Him in the present. “… fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” Rom. 12:11

What do you need to do to receive eternal rewards from your heavenly Father? “Whatever you do, do your work heartily… knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance” (Col. 3:23-24). Wow! It’s whatever you do! This means that every single thing you think, say, or do has potential to be rewarded by God. “Whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord (Eph. 6:8). “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done” (2 Cor. 5:10). These truths about rewards shows God’s incredible love for you, that He really wants to bless you forever for all you do for Him during your short time on earth? “In Your presence is fulness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever.” Psalm 16:11

“Whatever you do” – think about this for your own life. It can mean singing to the Lord, saying a quick prayer for a friend, joyfully doing the dishes, cheerfully mowing the lawn, faithfully doing the laundry, dutifully caring for your children, having lunch with a believer, diligently working at your job, wisely using your money, trusting God when you are sick, giving to a person in need, being kind to a stranger, compassionately caring for your elderly parents, encouraging someone who is discouraged, patiently driving in heavy traffic, lovingly texting a friend, thanking God for the weather, rejoicing when faced with a trial, attending a mid-week Bible study, etc., etc., etc.

What’s important is not just doing “Christian” things, but doing them for God with a right heart and right motives. “Wait until the Lord comes who will bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts, and then each man’s praise will come to him from God” (1 Cor. 4:5). What do these motives relate to? Paul speaks of “your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father, knowing, brethren beloved by God, His choice of you” (1 Thess. 1:3-4). It’s having faith in God, relying completely on Him. It’s doing what you do because you love God with all your heart and want to please Him. It’s having hope, knowing that your reward is not on earth, but in the future and in heaven. It’s walking with the Lord Jesus and God the Father, knowing that you are always with them and they are always with you, and that they always love you and see you. And “your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:4

Remember what Jesus told us, “I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done” (Rev. 22:12). That we are now living in the end-times means Christ is coming back very, very soon, and so it won’t be long before you receive your reward from Him. “The time came for the dead to be judged, and the time to reward Your bond-servants the prophets and the saints and those who fear Your name, the small and the great, and to destroy those who destroy the earth.” Revelation 11:18

P.S. As Christians, we know that we are to be working for God every day of our life. But many different things can short-circuit our desire to serve Him. One of them is worry and anxiety, which affect all of us to some degree or another. I recently finished a two-part series that talks about about how God wants us to give us victory over our worries, over being nervous: Do Not Be Anxious and Anxiety, Worry and Stress. I encourage you to take the time to listen to them.

God Really Wants To Reward You

June 24, 2021 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #219 ~

Do you think about how God wants to bless your life in the future? Do you understand that God will eternally reward you for your earthly service for Him? Most people have jobs during their time on earth – they work 40 hours a week or so and get paid for their work. But do you realize how much God will reward you when you are working for Him instead of for yourself? (This includes a mother staying at home whose work is raising her children.) Your reward from God will be out of this world, infinitely more than anything you will ever receive from some job on earth. You may have earthly bank and retirement accounts, but are you storing up “treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys”? Matthew 6:20

This subject of rewards is no small matter, no minor subject in the Bible, but sadly, most Christians don’t know much about it, or if they do, don’t think much about it. They are not focused on future blessings but on present fulfillment. They are thinking about their life on earth, on their jobs, house, money, friends, and fun things to do, but they are forgetting that God wants to greatly reward them in heaven. “Blessed are you who are poor… who hunger now… who weep now… be glad in that day and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven… But woe to you who are rich… who are well fed now… who laugh now… woe to you when all men speak well of you.” Luke 6:20-26

One of the keys to being rewarded by God is desiring to please Him, is realizing that you are not to seek praises from men but are to give glory to Him. “You are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:5-6

God wants to generously reward His servants for the work they do for Him, but it must be done by faith, it must be done by depending on Him, and not by trusting in self or living for self. “Without faith, it is impossible to please Him, but those who come to Him, must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who earnestly seek Him.” (Heb. 11:6). “By faith Moses… refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward.” Hebrews 11:24-26

God will reward each person’s work. God does not give out family rewards, church rewards, community rewards, only individual rewards. “Each will receive his own reward according to his own labor” (1 Cor. 3:8). The work, the faithfulness of each and every individual believer who has ever lived will be tested and judged by Jesus Christ. “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” 2 Corinthians 5:10

Only a person’s good deeds will be eternally rewarded. If a believer’s works are not done to please the Lord, if they are not done in faith, “if any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire” (1 Cor. 3:15). I hope you realize that receiving rewards from God has nothing to do with your salvation. And I hope you know that a true believer can never lose his salvation, but he can lose the rewards God wants to give him. By your good and faithful service to God, you will most certainly be wonderfully and forever blessed. “Watch yourselves… that you may receive a full reward.” 2 John 2:8

Isn’t it amazing that God watches you all the time with the mindset to reward you, to eternally compensate you for everything you do? On earth we think of getting paid for the 40-50 hours we work each week, but God is talking about your 24/7 week. Might you have the mindset that your entire life is for God, and that everything you think, say, or do has the potential to be rewarded by Him. We are incredibly blessed to have such a giving and gracious Father, One who carefully observes our life to see how He can personally reward us. “Your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you” (Matt. 6:4). “Whatever you do, do your work heartily as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.” Colossians 3:23-24

The real value of your life will not be known until the future, when Christ returns, and then you will learn what aspects of your earthly work were eternally profitable or only temporally profitable. “Each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. If any man’s work which he has built on it (the foundation, who is Christ) remains, he will receive a reward” (1 Cor. 3:10-14). Now we live in the end-times, and it won’t be long before Christ returns to rapture the church and give us our rewards. He has told us, “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what He has done” (Rev. 22:12). Knowing that God greatly loves you and wants to richly reward you in the future should super-charge your heart, and motivate you to love Him and live for Him all the more!

P.S. It’s important that you think about how your life after this life will be so dramatically affected by all the rewards God will pour out upon you. And when we talk about rewards, we are talking about one specific of our hope. Learn all you can about your hope, what God has planned out for your future. I encourage you to read these posts from the past –“You Need Hope To Get Through Life” and “Your Great Hope and Most Glorious Future.”

Living With Evil in the End Times

June 11, 2021 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #218 ~

We live in an evil age with evil people, and this makes life extremely difficult for Christians. But this is God’s sovereign plan, and the way it’s going to be until Jesus, His Son, returns to earth and takes us home to heaven. In fact, it will keep getting worse up until that day when we are raptured and gathered to Jesus. But how does God want us to live with sinners? What are we to say and do? In His word, God has told us everything we need to know about how we are to relate and respond to sinners at this critical time in history, the closing years of this increasingly evil age.

1. Remember, the unsaved are sinners and will do what is sinful, even terribly wicked things. They don’t have God’s Spirit in them. They are children of the devil (1 John 3:10), and their minds are blinded by him (2 Cor. 4:4). There is no fear of God before their eyes (Rom. 3:18). They are proud, selfish, angry, covetous, immoral, unholy, and unloving. And they curse, swear, and slander, and they hate you, hurt you, and get mad at you. (Rom. 1:28-32, 2 Tim. 3:1-5). Never be surprised by the evil and devilish things that sinners say and do.

2. Love the lost, the unsaved sinners, for this is what Jesus commands you to do. “I say to you, ‘love your enemies’” (Matt. 5:44). This is not a feel-good love, but an agape love, a spiritual and supernatural love – it’s being compassionate, kind, humble, gentle, patient, forbearing, and forgiving (Col. 3:12-13). Unbelievers need to know what God is really like, and loving them is one way they find out. Remember Jesus’ example – “Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matt. 9:36). Might we love like Jesus loved. Eph. 5:1

3. Pray for the unsaved, even those who persecute you (Matt. 5:44). Ask God to have mercy on their souls, to forgive them, “for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). Pray that God would break through their sin-hardened hearts and open their devil-blinded minds, that they would see their need for a Savior, one who can rescue them from sin and death. Pray, for only God can do this amazing, soul-saving work in their lives. Psalm 107:10-16

4. Overcome evil with good. Sinners may say bad things to you, slander you, revile you, or do something worse. Oftentimes, our usual reaction is to get angry, and to want to get even and retaliate, but you are “not to be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:21). Be forgiving, gentle, and kind – this is true Christian love – and this may cause sinners to wonder why you are different, and can open a door for the good news of Christ.

5. Don’t fret, don’t worry, don’t get mad when sinners do evil things. It’s easy to get upset at sinners when they are just plain evil, when they are callously and blatantly sinful, but you are to keep trusting the Lord and keep doing what is good and right. My favorite chapter about how we are to live with sinners is Psalm 37 – it gives God’s perspective, it shows that He is in control, it tells you what to do, and it promises that He will protect you and bless you. “The humble will inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant prosperity.” Psalm 37:11

6. You may be persecuted, you may suffer, and even greatly so. Jesus has told you – “if they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20). Consider it a badge of honor if God wants you to suffer for Him (1 Pet. 4:19). Be thankful when you are persecuted, knowing that God will use it for His purposes and your good. Remember Paul, that his circumstances “turned out for the greater progress of the gospel” (Phil. 1:12-14). And if you are here during great tribulation times and are turned in to evil authorities, then love your persecutors, and maybe “it will lead to an opportunity for your testimony.” Luke 21:12-17

7. Share the gospel with the lost, with those who are walking on that road leading to hell. Remember what Jesus said, “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached to the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come” (Matt. 24:14). Is not sharing the gospel with the helpless and hopeless one of the main reasons God left you on earth? As you see the day of Christ drawing near, be bold, and tell the unsaved the good news so they can be saved from their sin, from hell on earth and hell in hell, and so they can be with Jesus, and be blessed forever in a new heaven and on a new earth. Heb. 10:25, 12:22-24

8. Know the future of unsaved sinners. Do you ever think about unbelievers who seem to be successful, who seem to get away with evil, or even with murder? Do you know what God says about those who stay unsaved, who never repent and turn to Christ? “They will wither quickly… evildoers will be cut off… a little while and the wicked will be no more… his day is coming… their sword will enter their own heart… the wicked will perish… like smoke they vanish away… he passed away, and lo, he was no more… transgressors will be altogether destroyed” (Psalm 37:2, 9, 10, 13, 15, 20, 20, 36, 38). Be assured, for God is perfectly just, and he will make sure that unrepentant sinners get what they deserve, for sooner or later you will see them no more – they will leave this world, and be punished forever in hell. Matt. 25:40, 46; John 3:16

9. You must have hope. An essential key to living in an evil age with sinners who hate God and who hate you is having hope. It’s knowing that living for God on earth will be worth it in heaven, for then you will be greatly rewarded, then you will be wonderfully glorified, then you will see and be with Jesus your Savior and King, and after that, you will reign with Him during the millennial kingdom, which is a good age, not an evil one like now. Be excited and encouraged by the fact that the best days of your life are in the future. Rom. 8:18-25

10. Most importantly, have a good relationship with Jesus. To successfully live with sinners in a sinful world, you must know Jesus as your Lord and Shepherd and stay close to Him (Ps. 23:1-4). The way to have a close relationship with Jesus is to love God’s word (Ps. 119:105), trust Him (Jer. 17:7), pray to Him (Matt. 7:7), obey Him (John 14:21, 23), be Spirit-filled (Eph. 5:18), live a holy life (1 Pet. 1:15-16), be in a good church (Acts 2:42), and not be friends with sinners. 1 Cor. 15:33

I don’t think we realize how evil it will be in the last years of this evil age. Yes, it is bad now, for sinners are unrestrained and sin is rampant, but the Antichrist isn’t even here yet. When this most evil man, this man of lawlessness, this son of destruction, is ruling the world, then sinners will be unbelievably ungodly and wicked. (2 Thess. 2:1-12). They “will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived” (2 Tim 3:12). “Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.” Matt. 24:9

As you apply these truths today, tomorrow, and in the years ahead, you will see God making you into the man or woman He wants you to be, one who is loving, strong, trained, and ready for whatever assignment He has planned for you. “Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will distress, or tribulation, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?… in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.” Rom. 8:35-39

P. S. We live in a sinful world, and I am sure you know it’s getting worse and worse. And so don’t be sinful and worldly – be holy, and know that God is training you to be a special service soldier for these days and the future He has in store for you. “Your Spiritual Service: A Member of the Special Forces” is an important article about how God is raising you up so you can be a strong-and-courageous fighter for Him, especially in the end-times, these last years of this evil age.

“When Christ Comes, Will He Find Faith On The Earth?”

March 26, 2021 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #210 ~

Jesus tells us a story about the necessity of faith, and it relates to the end-times (Luke 18:1-8). There was a widow who needed legal protection and she goes to the city judge, but he’s unrighteous, a man “who did not fear God or respect man.” He was a mean and uncaring man, unwilling to help this poor woman. But she keeps bothering him, keeps begging him for help, and finally, because of her persistence, he gives her the protection she wants. The lesson God wants us to learn is one of continued faith, of persevering prayer, and especially in the end times, in those last few years before Jesus Christ returns to rapture the church.

Life on this earth will be extremely difficult for Christians in the end-times, especially when the Antichrist is ruling, during that time we call great tribulation. “Nation will rise against nation… and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes” (Matt. 24:7). “They will deliver you to tribulation and will kill you. You will be hated by all nations because of My name.” (Matt. 24:9). “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child…” (Mark 13:13). “… A quart of wheat for a day’s wages….” (Rev. 6:6). “It was also given to him (Antichrist) to make war with the saints and to overcome them” (Rev. 13:7). “No one will be able to buy or sell, except the one who has the mark (of the beast, the Antichrist).” Rev. 13:17

Can you imagine how hard it will be to live and survive in those days? Christians alive at that time will be going through some of their darkest days, their most difficult experiences on earth. That’s why they will need faith, for it’s the means by which they can stay close to God and get help from Him so they can keep on living for Him. God wants us to know that in the midst of any trial, or during the coming great tribulation, by faith, we are safe, and can be filled with His love, joy, and peace. “…who are protected by God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Pet 1:5). “I will be glad and rejoice in Your love for You knew my affliction and the anguish of my soul” (Psalm 31:7). Might it be said of the believers who are living during those most trying times – “Here is the perseverance and the faith of the saints.” Rev. 13:10

“When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” What about you? Will you have faith, will you be looking to Him and trusting Him when times are tougher than they are now, harder than they have ever been before? You need to think about this question now, not later when the Antichrist is here. God wants you to be growing in faith in the present, and in the years leading up to that time when there will be great trials and tribulation. But how do you grow in faith? How do you grow in trusting God? How do you learn to walk more by faith and less by your flesh and your feelings? How do you go from being a person with little faith to a person with great faith? Here is what God says about how we can be growing in faith.

The first key to faith is God’s word. Only by knowing God’s word can you have true faith, and then experience the love, life, leading, and power of God and the Holy Spirit. “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.” (Rom. 10:17, Ps. 56:4). If you want to increase your faith, keep reading and thinking about God’s word, and then the Spirit will stir your spirit and enable you to trust Him. “Take… the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God.” Eph. 6:18

The second key is knowing God’s character. “Those who know Your name will put their trust in You, for You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.” (Psalm 9:10). Knowing that God is loving, holy, good, strong, wise, sovereign, merciful, and compassionate, is essential to trusting Him, to having faith. Whenever I recite “The ABC’s of God’s Character”, a list of 26 character qualities of God, I’m spiritually refreshed, and am moved to love and trust Him.

The third key is trials. “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance” (James 1:2-3). None of us in our flesh like trials, but they are good for our spiritual lives, especially for our faith. God gives you trials to get you out of your comfort zone, to cause you to trust Him, to depend on Him instead of on yourself and others. (Pr. 28:25-26). When you go through a trial and are trusting God, then you will draw closer to Him and experience all the grace you need. “‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.’ … I am well content with insults, weaknesses, distresses, persecution… for Christ’s sake… for when I am weak, then I am strong.”  2 Cor. 12:9-10

The fourth key to faith is learning from others. God has given us many examples of those who love Him and trust Him. It’s important that you learn from their lives and see how they trusted God through the years. “Join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us” (Phil. 3:17). Early on in my Christian life, I became friends with some godly men who had great faith, ones who encourage my life to this day. “Though he is dead, he still speaks” (Heb. 11:4). And as you read the Bible, you discover hundreds of believers who looked to God, trusted Him, depended on Him, who had faith. Then there’s Hebrews 11, the single best chapter on faith, for it sums up the experiences of these saints who had faith in the living God. “Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6

“Have faith in God!” (Mark 10:22). God commands you to have faith in Him. This means all day long, wherever you are at, whoever you are with, whatever you do, you are to be trusting God and His word. It means you depend on Him to lead you; you rely on Him for strength; you believe He will meet your needs; you ask Him to bless your work; you trust Him to use your relationships; you expect Him to reward you; you count on Him to protect you, and enable you to make it to the end of your life on this earth and on to heaven. I cannot stress enough the importance of you trusting God, of having faith in Him now, and for the rest of your life on this earth. And if you are a “little faith” person, one who is doubting, fearful, and complaining, ask God to make you a “great faith” person, for that’s what God wants you to be and knows you can be. Matthew 6:30, 8:26, 11:20, 14:31; Matthew 8:10

Most importantly, faith is how you experience the joy of the Lord, the love of God, the grace of Jesus Christ, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 13:14). It’s how you have a close and meaningful relationship with God Himself. Without question, this is what you need more than anything else. Way too often we walk by sight, our eyes fixed on worldly things, and we are trusting ourselves, others, and things, with the result that we are spiritually empty – but as we trust and rely on God, then we will be fully satisfied by Him. “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose trust is the Lord.” Jer. 17:5-8; Jer. 2:5, 13

One more thing – the parable tells us one thing we are to be praying for, and it’s justice. As Christians, we will suffer, be under great pressure, and be persecuted, but we have hope, for we know Christ is coming, that He will rapture us (1 Thess. 4:17), and give us relief (2 Thess. 1:7). And being persecuted on earth will result in great rewards in heaven (Matt. 5:10-12). But what is Luke telling us? “Will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night… I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly” (Luke 18:7-8). There’s a great deal of injustice and lawlessness in this world, and it’s only going to get much worse (Matt. 24:12). But we are instructed to cry out to God, knowing that it won’t be long before Christ comes to judge the world, and pour out His wrath on all the evil unbelievers who have rejected Him. “The great day of Their wrath has come” (Rev. 6:17, Rev. 8-9, 2 Thess. 2:7-8). Hallelujah! The good news is not just that Christ will enable us to escape this wicked world and bring us to Himself and to heaven, but also that there will be justice on earth. “The Lord is coming to judge the earth; He will judge the world with righteousness.” Psalm 98:9

P.S. Some have said that Christians in this country are soft, and I am sure there is some truth to that. Might we see that we are soldiers of Christ and take up the shield of faith. You must have this shield or you will get hurt and be ineffective for God. This is the time to learn, and be growing in faith, and I have no doubt this is what God is teaching you. I encourage you to read “Your Spiritual Service: A Member of the Special Forces”, a good article about being a good soldier.

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