Christ's Kingdom and the End Times

Category: Character (Page 4 of 4)

The Coronavirus Alarm – Christians Need to Wake Up!

March 27, 2020 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #162 ~

As you know, the coronavirus has resulted in people getting sick and even dying. It has caused quarantines, social distancing, slowdowns, shutdowns, shortages, markets falling, job losses and financial losses. I am amazed and astounded how this one little virus has spread all over the world and affected so many lives. But has not God not ordained this? Yes, He has, and I believe one reason for this is because He wants to get our attention, He wants Christians to wake up and not be so worldly and fleshly minded. 1 Cor. 3:1-3

There is this physical virus, but much worse than that, there’s a spiritual virus in the souls of many believers, for they are busy loving themselves and the world, but aren’t loving God. While I am sad that many are sick and dying, I am also thankful that God is using this coronavirus to cause us to slow down, to even stop us, and why? So we see what’s most important and seek Him. David said, “He makes me lie down in green pastures” (Psalm 23:2). More than anything or anyone else, you need the Lord. He must be first in your life, your most important relationship, the One you greatly love. “Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth.” Ps. 73:25-26, Col. 3:1-4, 1 John 2:15-17

My favorite verse on this subject is John 17:3. Jesus said to His Father, “This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.” Jesus defined eternal life as knowing God, as having a relationship with God and Himself. This is so incredible, so wonderful, that we can have a personal and permanent relationship with the living God, that He can talk to us and we can talk to Him, He can love us and we can love Him, we can know Him, spend time with Him, and be satisfied by Him. “I said to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord, I have no good besides You.’” Psalm 16:2; John 4:14, 6:51, 10:11

What a miracle, what a blessing, that we can know God and have a relationship with Him. What Christ did for us by dying on the cross and rising from the dead resulted in more than just being made righteous but being reconciled to God and having a relationship with Him. God could have saved us and set us in some far corner of the universe for all eternity. But no, He saved us so we could be His children and have this intimate relationship with Him, and then someday, leave this earth and literally be with Him in heaven. Psalm 23:6, 1 Thess. 4:15-17

Your relationship with God is the single most important thing in your life, and He doesn’t want you to be deceived, to think you are doing good if, in fact, you are living on the “junk food” of the world. Sadly, this deception describes the lives of many Christians: “Thus says the Lord… they went far from Me and walked after
emptiness and became empty… My people have committed two evils; they have
forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, to hew for themselves cisterns,
broken cisterns that can hold no water.’” Jeremiah 2:5, 13

I hope you realize that worldly and fleshly desires wage war against your soul, and to have a close relationship with God is a continual struggle, one you need to keep winning. (1 Pet. 2:11-12). Here’s how Paul says it – “I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Phil. 3:7-10). God wants you to see the present and eternal value of knowing Him and Jesus. And to know Them means you know who They are, Their offices, character and purpose. God is your Father, and Jesus is your Creator, Lord, Savior, and coming King. Their character is perfect – They are holy, just, wise, good, powerful, loving, patient, forgiving, faithful, sovereign, etc. And God’s purpose is to be glorified, and for us to be satisfied, rejoicing in Him, and worshiping Him. But it’s not just knowing these things in your head but also knowing them in your heart and life.

One of God’s primary desires for you, whether that’s here or in heaven, is for you to know Him. Let me ask you: are you experiencing God’s forgiveness? Do you see that He is patient with you? Do you see that He is good to you? Do you see how He is sovereign in your life? Do you see how He loves you? Can you say, “Your love is better than life” (Ps. 63:4). I can’t stress enough the importance of knowing God, who He is and what He is like. Here’s what Jeremiah says, “Let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who exercises
lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth.” Jer. 9:24

But it’s more than that. Your relationship with God is not one-sided. It’s not just what God says to you or does for you – it’s you relating to Him and responding to Him. Prov. 8:17
– It’s thanking God for saving you, for providing all your needs, for giving you a job, a place to live, a church, a family, friends, and so many spiritual and eternal blessings. 1 Thess. 5:18
– It’s praising God, exalting Him, loving Him with all your heart. Psalm 118:28
– It’s loving God’s word and meditating on it. It’s believing the truths and promises in His word. And it’s obeying His commands. Psalm 1:2, 119:55-56, 119:97
– It’s praying – it’s seeking Him and asking Him to help you and others. Heb. 11:6
– It’s getting time alone with Him, and pouring out your heart, praying to Him, listening to Him and learning from Him, and being spiritually refreshed. Mark 1:35
– It’s walking with God, going through the day knowing He is with you. It means loving Him, trusting Him, obeying Him, confessing sin, asking Him for help, and being encouraged by Him. Gen. 5:24

I strongly believe God is using use this Coronavirus Pandemic to wake up Christians, to revive us so that we are joyfully walking with Him and living for Him. “Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for salvation is nearer to us than when we first believed” (Rom. 13:11). You have a Father who loves you so much, a Savior who died for you, lives for you, prays for you, and can’t wait to see you! And He doesn’t want you sleeping. During this time of social distancing, make sure you are not distant from God, but are awake and close to Him. In His rebuke to the lukewarm Laodicean Christians, Jesus says, “‘Therefore, be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into him and will dine with him, and he with Me’” (Rev. 3:19-20). Jesus said to Martha, and to us, “… you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42

This blog site is about the end-times, and the closer we get to Christ’s return, the more difficult life will be. What’s most important now, and in times of great tribulation, is your relationship with God. If you are walking with God, then you will have all the grace and peace you need, and everything will work out for His glory and for your good. During our life on this earth, might we say, “I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see Him with my own eyes – How my heart yearns within me.” Job 19:25-27

P.S. The Coronavirus Pandemic is presently the greatest physical danger in the world, and God is trying to teach us some important lessons. Here are three posts on this subject, and I recommend that you read them: “The Coronavirus, Plagues, and the End-Times”, “The Coronavirus – Fear and Panic, or Faith and Peace”, and “The Coronavirus, Christians, and the Coming of Christ.”

The Coronavirus, Christians, and the Coming of Christ

March 22, 2020 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #161 ~

This plague, the Coronavirus Epidemic, is one of God’s way of telling Christians that our world is experiencing “birth pains,” defined as wars, famines, earthquakes and plagues (Matt. 24 and Luke 21). These signs, occurring in various parts of the world, are to wake us up, to alert us to the fact that we are living in the end-times, and that it won’t be long before the coming of Christ to rapture the church. But many people, seeing what is happening with regards to this epidemic, and not understanding God’s overall purposes, are afraid, even panicking. In my last post I talked about this fear, but more needs to be said, for God doesn’t want you to ever be afraid, but to know Him and what He’s doing. Let’s continue, and learn some more important lessons:

1. God is sovereign over the coronavirus, and the Coronavirus Pandemic. “I am the Lord, and there is no other, the One
forming darkness, causing well-being and creating calamity.” (Isaiah 45:6-7). God is the First Cause, the One who decreed this virus, and allowed it to spread to over 150 countries, and infect hundreds of thousands of people. It’s imperative that you see this pandemic as part of God’s divine purposes, part of His grand plan for you, the church and the whole world. Knowing that God ordained it, that He is in charge, should humble you. That, along with the fact that God is wise, good and loving, should alleviate your fears, and give you peace. Indeed, “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Rom. 8:28

2. When you are afraid, go to God’s word. “In God, whose word I praise, in God, I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid.” (Ps. 56:4). Not having God’s word in your heart will cause you to lose your footing and direction in life. When you are fearful, remember God’s truth, for it is foundational – it anchors your soul. Remember God’s commands, for they give clear direction to your life, paving the way so you can walk and not get weary and run and not get tired. Remember God’s promises for they speak of hope, a much better time and place when all is perfect. In times of a crisis and fear, God’s word, coupled with the Spirit’s work, will strengthen, guide and encourage you, enabling you to be useful to Him. God’s word is always the answer to every problem that is spiritual in nature. Matt. 24:35, 2 Tim. 3:16-17

3. Get quality time with God. You can easily be overwhelmed by the things you think you need to do. If you are worried and bothered by the details of life, it may mean that you are not getting the time with God that you need. “Whom have I in heaven but You, and besides You, I desire nothing on earth” (Psalm 73:23-26). The single most important thing you can do in life is to spend time with God, for when you do, you will be comforted by His love, strengthened by His truth, and fearless when facing problems. “Only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:42

4. Do not to be afraid when global calamities take place. Psalm 46 is about the end-times when wars and earthquakes are happening, and people are fearful. We are told four things: 1. Go to God for He is your refuge and strength, the One who is with you and can really help you (vss 1-4, 7, 11). 2. Put your hope in God, for He has a great and perfect future for you (vss 4-7). 3. Know that God will put a stop to earthquakes and wars (plagues too) and bring peace to this earth (vss 6, 8-9). 4. Stop worrying, stop trying to be in control – “Cease striving and know that I am God, I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth” (vs 10). God uses these calamities to humble us, to remind us that He is God, and that His ultimate purpose is to be glorified in all the earth. Hab. 2:14, Phil. 2:9-11

5. Seek God’s kingdom instead of worrying about your own needs being met. Many people worry about food, drink, and the necessities of life, but you are not to be anxious, even when the store shelves are empty. You are to trust your heavenly Father to provide your needs. I am not saying you are not to work or shop for food, but you are not to worry about these things. Don’t waste your time and energy pursuing earthly things but set your mind on heavenly things. Get your priorities right. Your purpose in life is not getting lots of earthly goods but doing your part in helping to build God’s heavenly kingdom. “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matt. 6:33, Luke 12:13-33

6. Do not be afraid when attempting the Lord’s work. When you want to do God’s work, don’t be surprised if you start feeling fearful. In the Bible we read about God giving His people work to do, and He would often command them, “Do not be afraid,” and that’s because they had this fleshly tendency to be afraid (Josh. 1:7). And so too with us. No Christian can do what God wants him to do if he is filled with fear. We must learn to overcome our fear(s). Look to your Father and be filled with His Word and Spirit, and you will be Christ-like, filled with peace, as well as the power to carry out God’s work. Now that we are in the last years leading up to Christ’s return to rapture the church, I cannot stress enough the importance of being fearless, of being a strong-and-courageous Christian who is serving his Commander in Chief. Josh. 1:7-9

7. Let your light shine. One reason for this pandemic is for the gospel to be preached. What people need most during this difficult time is not masks for their face or food for their body, but salvation for their soul. Don’t be afraid to share with people the good news. You are a child of God, and this is your time to boldly and lovingly tell the lost about their sin and about the Savior, Jesus Christ. Tell them their need to repent, and to believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay for their sins, and rose again, with the result that they will be born again, be forgiven, receive eternal life, and become a child of God whose permanent home is in heaven. “You are the light of the world… Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matt. 5:14-18

8. Be strong in the Lord. As Christians, we are in a spiritual war, and when the battles come, don’t be afraid. Yes, it is true that the devil and his forces will come at you with all they’ve got, and that they are too strong and clever for you. But go to God and be humble and be filled with His word and Spirit, and then you will be strong in the Lord, and “you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having
done everything, to stand firm.” Eph. 6:10-13

9. Do not be fearful of death. Many people are afraid to die, but as Christians, what may seem to be the worst thing that could happen is actually the best thing that could happen. Death should not be feared, but looked forward to, for “To live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21). The reason we should never fear death is because we know what Jesus Christ went through for us. Since He died and rose again, and since we are in Christ, then when we physically die, we know we will continue to spiritually live, not on earth, but in heaven. Then we will be raised, be physically glorified on the last day, when the church is raptured. And if God wants you to die before the rapture, even be martyred, then that is not something to be feared, but to be faced, for then you will see Jesus, and your loved ones who went to heaven before you. “Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and have the keys of death and of Hades.” Rev. 1:17-18, Rev. 2:10, John 11:25-26

P.S. As you know we are in the midst of the Coronavirus Pandemic. Here are the other posts I have written on this subject that will help you understand what God is doing, and how He wants you to think and live at this present time: “The Coronavirus – Fear and Panic or Faith and Peace” and “The Coronavirus, Plagues and the End-Times.”

Here are some more verses about fear, faith, the future and the work and glory of God.
* Isaiah 35:3-4 – “Encourage the exhausted and strengthen the feeble. Say to those with anxious heart, ‘Take courage, fear not, behold your God will come with vengeance; the recompense of God will come, but He will save you.’”
* Isaiah 41:10 – “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
* Isaiah 43:1 – “Thus says the Lord, your Creator, O Jacob, and He who formed, O Israel, ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine!’”
* Daniel 10:19 – “O man of high esteem, do not be afraid. Peace be with you; take courage and be courageous.”
* Matthew 6:25-26 – “For this I reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you shall eat and drink… Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? … Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.”

* Matthew 10:31 – “So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.”
* Mark 4:40 – “He said to them, ‘Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?’”
* Luke 1:30 – “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God.”
* Luke 1:74 – “… to grant us that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies, might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.”
* Luke 5:9 – “For amazement had seized him and all his companions because of the catch of fish which they had taken… And Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not fear, from now on you will be catching men.’”

* Luke 12:4 – “I say to you, My friends, 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 12:29, 31-32 – “Do not seek what you will eat… and do not keep worrying. But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.”
* John 14:1, 27 – “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me… Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.”
* Philippines 1:14 – “… and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.”
* Philippines 4:6 – “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

* 2 Timothy 1:7 – “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and discipline.”
* Hebrews 10:31 – “It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”
* Hebrews 13:5-6 – “For He Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,’ so that we confidently say, “The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?” 
* 1 Peter 3:6 – “Just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear.”
* 1 Peter 5:6-7 – “Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.”

* 1 John 4:18 – “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.”
* Revelation 2:10 – “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
* Revelation 21:3-4 – “God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying or pain; the first things have passed away.”

Hebrews 11 – By Faith and Hope We See Jesus

January 10, 2020 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #152 ~

Living for God must be by faith, and a great place to learn about this is in Hebrews 11. Called the hall of faith, it describes the lives of godly people who were living by faith. These holy men and women had faith in God for the present and for the future, for today and for eternity. Faith in God for the future is what we call hope, that which is based on God’s promises. These Old Testament saints had both faith and hope, which is exactly what Christians in this church age need to have. But what specifically does God want us to learn from Hebrews 11, this faith and hope-focused chapter?

The way to have a relationship with God is by faith. By faith, Enoch “walked with God” (Genesis 5:24) which means he was close to Him. By faith, “Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord” (Genesis 6:8). By faith, Abraham was a friend of God (2 Chronicles 20:7). By faith, Moses saw “Him who is unseen” (Hebrews 11:27). All the saints in Hebrews 11 had a relationship with God as they were sinners who, by faith, experienced His grace, mercy and love. This resulted in them loving God, seeking God, and obeying God.

The way to please God is by faith. Whether it was Noah building an ark, Abraham leaving his homeland, or Sarah believing she would have a child, it was by faith. This phrase “by faith” is repeated 19 times, example after example being given of believers trusting God, waiting on Him, and doing what He said. And God was pleased by their faith, by their obedience, and this is the only way you and I can please God and gain His approval.

The way to be rewarded is by faith. God wants to bless our lives now and forever. But it’s not by our works, not by what we do, but by believing what God wants to graciously do for us, and through us. This chapter illustrates that God blesses His people, and the key is to have faith in Him, to believe He wants to bless us. By faith Noah constructed the ark, a huge building project that took 60-70 years, and God blessed his obedience, hard work and perseverance, saving him from the flood and His wrath. And by faith, Enoch was taken to heaven, Abraham was given a child, and Moses escaped Egypt.  

The way to be resurrected, and live forever, is by faith. Abraham believed that God could raise his son from the dead (Hebrews 11:19). Women received back their dead by resurrection (Hebrews 11:35), and these who were raised from the dead died again. But there is a “better resurrection” (Hebrews 11:35), and this is still future, a “resurrection of life” (John 5:29) when we “will be made alive… at His coming,” when we will all be given glorified bodies, when we will be made perfect. 1 Corinthians 15:22-23, 42-44, 51-53

The way to persevere is by faith, and by hope. Life was extremely difficult for these saints of God. Noah, no doubt, was harassed and laughed at as he built the ark. Abraham lived in tents, and admitted he was a stranger on this earth. Moses gave up the riches of Egypt and the passing pleasures of sin. Some “experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, chains and imprisonments…” Others were “wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground” (Hebrews 11:36-38). How did they endure and keep going? Why were they willing to suffer? It was by faith in God’s promises, faith that gave them hope, a confidence about a wonderful future. Enoch wanted to be with God in heaven. Abraham was “looking for the city which has foundations” (Hebrews 11:10). Moses was “looking to the reward” (Hebrews 11:26). All these Jewish believers were hope-filled and forward-looking – “All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and aliens on this earth… they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one.” Hebrews 11:13, 16

The way we live for God is by faith. By faith, we walk with God, we serve, we obey, we sacrifice, and we fellowship. And we persevere because we have hope, for we believe it’s worth it to live for God in the present because we know He will reward us in the future. This hope-based perseverance, a major theme in Hebrews 11, is what everyone of us need. God is kind to us for He gives us His word, His glorious promises, and we can only endure and keep going for Him because we are looking forward to when they will be fulfilled. (Note: there are short-term promises, those fulfilled during this life, and long-term promises, those fulfilled after we have gone to heaven).

It all comes together in the last two verses, the conclusion of Hebrews 11. “All these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us (Christians) they (saints of old) would not be made perfect” (Hebrews 11:39-40). Do you see this? The saints of old did not then and, nor have even today, received all that was promised them, and neither have Christians. But these verses mean that many of God’s promises for Old Testament believers and for Christians, will be fulfilled at the same time. For example, 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 says that all believers from all time will be glorified at Christ’s coming, when the church is raptured. At that moment, God’s work with the saints of old will be coinciding with His work with the church, and all of us will be glorified, be made perfect.

We live in the end-times and it won’t be long before God’s work with the saints of old and the saints of this age will converge and climax at Christ’s coming. At that time and in the ages to come, all God’s promises for His people will be fulfilled. For now, let’s be like Abraham who “was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God” (Hebrews 11:10). Know that “God is not ashamed to be called their (our) God; for He has prepared a city for them (us)” (Hebrews 11:16, John 14:1-3). Think about when you go to heaven – “You have come to Mount Zion, the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant.” Hebrews 12:22-24, Revelation 21. Amen!!!

P.S. I can’t overstate the importance of having hope, godly hope. There is a previous post and a previous article I encourage you to to read – “You Need Hope to Get Through Life,” and “You Have to Have Hope!” One more thing: just last Sunday I taught on Hebrews 11 at my church – if you get time, I would encourage you to listen to it.

Loving God Today, Tomorrow, and Forever

December 27, 2019 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #150 ~

What is the most important thing you are to do on earth, and in heaven, now and forever? You are to love God! Jesus tells us, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30). With your entire being, with every bit of feeling, and every bit of strength, you are to love God! You are to love Him during the day, at night, and on the weekend. You are to love Him when you are at home, at work, at church, doing errands, or out seeing friends. You are to love God all the time, today, tomorrow, and forever!

Why should you love God? Because God created you and you are His, and you are to love the One who made you. But most importantly, because God loves you – and Oh, how He loves you! If Jesus Christ suffered and died for you, if He saved you from sin, death, Satan and hell, then you are truly and greatly loved by God, and nothing will ever change that. Romans 5:8

Let’s look more closely at how God has loved you, and will love you. God has placed His Holy Spirit in you and, therefore, He is with you forever! You have been forgiven of all your sins, and are perfectly holy in His sight! You have been redeemed, rescued from the devil’s dark domain! God has adopted you into His family which means you are forever His child. God has given you eternal life which results in you knowing Him, and having this special, soul-satisfying relationship with Him. God’s love for you is specific and personal, in that He is good to you, kind to you, merciful to you, patient with you, gentle with you, and compassionate towards you. Psalm 86:15

That’s not all! God has also given you His Word, His eternal truth which results in all the wisdom, security, direction, peace, and hope that you need! God has made you a brand new creature in Christ! God gives you an eternal purpose, a real reason to live! God gives you a spiritual family, the church, friends to be with forever. God gives you an incredible future, a heavenly inheritance, resulting in eternal blessings and pleasures. And nothing in this world, no person, no devil, no problem, no time or distance, will ever separate you from this continual and incredible love God has for you. Romans 8:31-39

There is no doubt that God has greatly loved you, but have you come to know and believe this amazing and wonderful love He has for you? Many Christians are weak and worldly because they don’t truly know God’s love. For if you really know it, you will be a holy and strong Christian, one who loves God and is living for Him. This God-awesome love is powerful and passionate, and when experienced, will control you, and compel you to love Him with all your heart. Without question, God’s love for you will fuel and fire your love for Him. “We love because He loved us.” 1 John 4:19

But what should this love for God look like? How are you to express your love to the One who has loved you so much? Your love will be seen in that you will think about God, and be excited about Him, and tell Him that you love Him. Your love will be personal and relational, for you will talk to Him, listen to Him, and enjoy spending time with Him. You will faithfully worship, praise and exalt Him. You will be thankful to God for who He is, and for what He does for you. You will love His word and desire to learn from Him. Psalm 119:97

That’s not all! You will pray to God, pour out your heart to Him, and ask Him for His help. You will love all the saints, those in your church, and others you know or meet. You will obey God, and carry out the work He wants you to do. You will hate sin, evil, and every false way. You will love your enemies, even those who persecute you. You will share the gospel with the lost, with those who don’t know God’s love. And you will be looking forward to being with Jesus, and seeing Him face to face. Job 19:25-27

In view of who God is, and all that He has done for you and will do for you, you ought to love God. It’s the right thing, the logical thing to do, and it’s foundational, practical, purposeful, prioritizing, and without question, the most important thing to do. And it gives glory to God, which is the most important thing of all. Loving God should be an overriding constant in your life, that which will affect what you do, where you go, who you see, and how you spend your time and money. Make it your goal to love God every day of this new year. As you go through life, through the coming weeks, months and years, whether in good times or bad, sickness or health, prosperity or poverty, joy or sorrow, remember to keep loving God, knowing that He keeps loving you. Psalm 136

As you know, we live in the end-times, the last years of this present age, and the closer we get to Christ’s return, the tougher it will get. Some of you may even be on earth when the Antichrist comes, which means you will likely experience extreme hate and great tribulation. But whatever happens, remember that God loves you, and you are to keep loving Him. Doing this will help you stay on track, and keep you going down that straight and narrow road until you meet up with Jesus. Psalm 84:1-7

Your life of loving God on earth is only the beginning – never forget that you will be loving Him forever, which means in the kingdom ages to come. Can you imagine what it will be like to be glorified and in heaven with Jesus, when your love for Him will always be perfect, heartfelt, and God-glorifying? While in these fleshly bodies, your love for God is inconsistent, up and down, daily punctuated by sin and worldliness. But someday and very soon, you will be in heaven, and you will literally see Jesus, and you will love Him like you have never loved Him before. “Come, Lord Jesus.” Revelation 22:20

P.S. Knowing God’s love is not an option for your life. If you are to be encouraged, obedient, and exciting about living for God, you must know His great and amazing love for you. Here are two past articles that will help you comprehend His wonderful love for you: “The Father’s Love for His Children” and “Keep Yourself in the Love of God.”

Revelation 2-3 — End-Times’ Instructions for the Church

November 22, 2019 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #145 ~

The entire book of Revelation is important for Christians to understand, but chapters 2-3 are essential, and that’s because Jesus Christ is giving instructions to the churches. Much of Revelation describes events and details God wants us to know, but these two chapters tell the churches how they are to live for Him, what they need to believe and do. Revelation 2-3 are seven letters written to seven churches existing in the 1st century, but they have been instructive to churches throughout the years, and now that we live in the end-times, they are especially relevant to us, “for the time is near” (Revelation 1:3). What do we learn from these end-times’ chapters?

There is a striking, powerful and glorious description of Jesus, our Savior, Lord and King, and the coming Judge, given in Revelation 1:12-17. We see that He is walking (spiritually speaking) among the lampstands, which are the churches. That He is walking means He actively loves us, cares for us, and is building each church, which is what He promised to Peter (Matthew 16:18). Jesus knows our deeds, He knows how we are doing, both the good and the bad. He commends the churches when they are doing what is right, but corrects them when they are doing what is wrong. Jesus also promises the overcomers, the victorious Christians, that He will greatly and eternally bless them.

There are seven churches, similar to those that have existed throughout history, and to ones in our own cities and towns today. There are small churches and big churches, holy churches and unholy churches, strong churches and weak churches, live churches and dead churches, victorious churches and struggling churches, persecuted churches and worldly churches, and truth-full churches and error-filled churches.

There are the angels, super-strong helpers of Jesus who carry out His work in the churches (Revelation 1:20, 2:1, 2:8, 2:12, 2:18, 3:1, 3:7, 3:14). These angels are “ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit
salvation” (Hebrews 1:14, Psalm 103:20). This should greatly encourage us, knowing that Jesus is working with the angels, His secret-service agents whose faithful obedience to Him is seen in their divine assistance for us, and their protection of us.

There is the Holy Spirit, working with Jesus in every church and in every way, filling us, teaching us, reminding us, sanctifying us, leading us, empowering us, and blessing us. How wonderful it is to have Jesus’ Supreme Helper indwell us and be with us, ensuring that we will make it off this earth, arrive safely in heaven, and live forever and ever. Notice the final instruction to each church, that we are to listen to the Spirit, to hear what He has to say to us, for what He tells us is extremely important. Revelation 2:7, 2:11, 2:17, 2:29, 3:6, 3:13, 3:22

There are many lessons Jesus wants us to learn and apply to our lives:
* to persevere and endure (Rev. 2:3, 2:19, 2:26),
* to love Jesus (Rev. 2:4),
* to repent of any sin (Rev. 2:5, 2:16, 2:21, 3:3, 3:19),
* to hate evil, and not tolerate evil people who are in the church (Rev. 2:2, 2:6),
* to not be afraid of persecution, imprisonment, and suffering (Rev. 2:10),
* to be faithful unto death (Rev. 2:10, 2:13),
* to not deny the faith, and not deny Jesus (Rev. 2:13, 3:8),
* to correct error and false teaching (Rev. 2:14-15, 2:20, 2:24),
* to love, to have faith, and to serve (Rev. 2:19),
* to be growing, to be making progress (Rev. 2:19),
* to not be impure or immoral (Rev. 2:14, 2:20-21),
* to know and fight against Satan’s schemes (Rev. 2:9, 2:13, 2:24, 3:9),
* to complete the work God gives you to do (Rev. 3:2, 3:8),
* to remember what you have learned from Jesus (Rev. 3:3),
* to keep and obey God’s word (Rev. 3:3, 3:8),
* to be holy (Rev. 3:4, 3:15-19),
* to know God’s love (Rev. 3:9),
* to believe that Jesus is coming, and coming soon (Rev. 2:25, 3:11),
* to not be lukewarm, to not be worldly (Rev. 3:15-16),
* to not trust in your riches and be deceived (Rev. 3:17),
* to be an overcomer, to be victorious, and to believe all the promises (Rev. 2:7, 2:11, 2:17, 2:26, 3:5, 3:12, 3:21)
* to have fellowship, to have a close relationship with Jesus (Rev. 3:20).
* These are truths Jesus wants you to know and apply to your life today, and all the way to the end of your life on earth, whether that happens by death or by rapture.

What Christ cares for most on this earth is His church, His bride, the children of God. I pray that you are in a good church, a truth-teaching, God-loving, Christ-following, Spirit-led, disciple-making, Christ-is-coming church. How exciting it is, and how privileged to be living in the end times, knowing that we are part of Christ’s church, and that it won’t be long before He returns to rapture the church and set up His kingdom on earth. Remember Jesus’ last words, repeated three times in Revelation 22, “Behold, I am coming soon.” Might we heartily and lovingly say to Him, “Come, Lord Jesus.”

P.S. Here are two other past posts that directly relate to this one – “How Then Should We Live in the End-Times?” and “Kingdom Instructions for the Church.” One more thing – have a blessed Thanksgiving. Psalm 136

Don’t Worry – God’s in Control

October 25, 2019 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #141 ~

You look out at the world and, at times, it seems like a big mess. You may wonder what is going on, and what God is up to. But do not wonder or worry or fear, for our God is in complete control. He is sovereign over every person, every activity, every accident, every calamity, every fish, bird, animal and plant, every speck of dust, every drop of water, and every single atom in the entire universe. That’s the way it has been, and that’s the way it will always be. We see God’s sovereignty from Adam to Noah to Abraham to Moses to David to Esther to Mary to Jesus to Peter to Paul, during this church age, now at this present hour, and to the end of this age, and in the ages to come. Without question, God is sovereign over everyone, everything, and every event.

Here are some examples from the Bible: God is sovereign over the earth (Psalm 93:1-2), over the nations (Psalm 33:10-11), over rulers (Isaiah 40:23), over childbirth (Genesis 18:14), over animals (Isaiah 34:11-17), over the weather (Psalm 135:6), over prosperity and disaster (Isaiah 45:7), over war (Psalm 46:9-10), over sin (2 Samuel 24:1, 1 Chronicles 21:1), over Israel (Deuteronomy 7:6-7), over Joseph (Genesis 50:19-20), over Cyrus (Isaiah 45:1-13), over Jonah (Jonah 1:4, 4:6-7), over Christ’s birth (Matthew 1:1-25), over Christ’s death (Acts 2:23, 4:27-28), over Paul (Acts 9:15), over angels and people (Daniel 4:34-35), over His word (Isaiah 55:11), over judgment (Isaiah 14:24-27), over evangelism (Acts 18:9-10), over a person’s salvation (Acts 13:48, Ephesians 1:4), over your time and place of birth (Acts 17:26), over the length of your life (Psalm 139:16), over your plans, (Proverbs 16:9, 20:24), over your job (James 4:13-15), over your spiritual growth (Philippians 1:6, 2:12-13), over your spiritual work (Ephesians 2:10), and over physical death (Acts 12:21-23, 13:36). This is amazing, and impossible for the human mind to comprehend how God can be sovereign over all these things, and much more besides.    

The fact that God is sovereign means He is God, and that He reigns, He rules, He plans, He decrees, He chooses, He ordains, He predicts, He predestines, He commands, He leads, He initiates, He decides, He directs, He controls, He governs, He works, He acts, He manages, He guides, He constrains, and He restrains. Amen!

God’s sovereignty is personal for it affects every aspect, every day of our lives. Not only that, it’s one of the most heart-changing, peace-giving, joy-producing, and God-glorifying truths there is. I think I’d go crazy if I knew I had to be in control, that life was completely up to me, but thankfully I am not. “The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice.” Psalm 97:1

In all this, I’m not saying we are not responsible for our actions, that we are to sit around and watch God do all the work. Philippians 2:12-13 tells us, “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who is at work in you to will and to work for your good pleasure.” Yes, we are to work, but God is also working, and how His sovereignty influences our desires and efforts is truly a mystery way beyond us. We cannot figure out how God works in our lives, our families, our churches, in countries, and all over the world, but He does, and He is doing it all the time.

Now that we live in the end-times, we must realize that this world is not sitting still, but that it’s on a God-given course, traveling towards a God-planned destination. Every single day there is God-inspired direction, activity, and movement, all leading to that one point in time when Christ will appear in the clouds above us, take us to heaven, and then take over the world. Every single day is part of God’s predetermined plan to bring about the return of His Son, and not one single second, not one single minute is wasted, for it is all part of His eternal, end-time plans.

Always remember that God is sovereignly working. You need to know that –
* God’s work is global in scope, involving every person in the world, saved and unsaved.
* You are part of God’s work, and your work is a small but important part of His work.
* God’s work is described in the Bible, and specifically, that Jesus Christ is building His church. And in these end times, it directly relates to Christ’s return to rapture the church.
* The devil has a great and evil influence in the world, but God is still sovereign over him.

Don’t get discouraged by the devil’s work, for no devil or demon will ever hinder or thwart God’s work, for what He has planned to do will surely come to pass. Always be encouraged for God is faithfully working out all the details, leading this particular world to that time when it will reach its final destination. Each day brings us one day closer to that divinely-ordained time when Christ will come to take us home to heaven. How glorious that will be, to be perfect, to forever be with Christ, and to be with loved ones, as well as with other believers from all time, and from all over the world.

I pray that you know that God is purposely and wonderfully sovereign, “that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28), and that “He made known to us the mystery of His will… with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him also 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

P.S. This subject of God’s sovereignty is so important for you to understand, which is why this is not the first time I have written on this subject. To really get this truth in your heart, I would encourage you to read the first one I wrote – God Is In Charge of Everything.

The Glory of Suffering for Jesus

October 4, 2019 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #138 ~

Suffering isn’t a subject most Christians want to hear about, and that’s understandable, for who wants to suffer? Who wants to be persecuted? Who wants to go through hard times? But it’s also sad, for Christians need to know what God says about suffering, for it really is a source of blessing, a means of grace, and a way to give glory to Him. To suffer for Jesus is a great privilege, as well as an opportunity to trust Him, and show Him our love.

Examples of believers suffering for the Lord are found throughout the Bible. In Hebrews 11:24-25, we read about Moses “choosing rather to endure ill treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin.” It was no walk in the park for Moses, but rather 40 years of putting up with grumbling, rebellious Israelites in that hot, barren desert. Then there’s David, who testified time and time again about being persecuted, and how God delivered and comforted him. (Psalms 28, 31, 35, 55, 59, 142, 143). And don’t forget Jeremiah and the suffering he went through (Jeremiah 26:11, 32:2, 38:6). But it wasn’t just physical, it was also mental, emotional and spiritual suffering that Jeremiah patiently endured all those years, especially at the end, when Jerusalem was being destroyed, and fellow Jews were dying right before his eyes. Lamentations 1-5

In the New Testament, Jesus is our prime example of one who suffered, but it’s the Old Testament prophecy in Psalm 22 that best describes His extreme pain and sorrow, and how He sacrificed His life for us. None of us can comprehend how hard it was for Jesus to be persecuted by the Jewish leaders – “They spat in His face and beat Him with their fists and slapped Him” (Matthew 26:67), or by the Roman soldiers – “having Jesus scourged… they mocked Him… they spat on Him, and took the reed and began to beat Him on the head” (Matthew 27:26-31). More than that, none of us can fathom the torment brought on by His Father, who caused Him to suffer the hellish wrath we should have received – “My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?” Matthew 27:46

Then there’s Paul, who willingly and joyfully suffered for the Lord. 2 Corinthians 1, 4 and 6, all talk about his sufferings, but it’s that long litany in 2 Corinthians 11:23-29 that best illustrates what he went through for God and for people – “… beaten times without number, often in danger of death. Five times I received from the Jews 39 lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked…”

This subject of suffering is an untaught topic in most churches today, especially in the United States. But it needs to be taught, for many Christians are worldly and soft, not holy and strong. Many believers don’t know what the Bible teaches about suffering, and therefore, won’t be expecting it and be able to joyfully endure it when it comes – and it will come.

But what is it that God wants you to know about suffering?
* Suffering is part of God’s plan for Christians. Acts 14:22, 1 Peter 2:21
* God is sovereign over your suffering. He plans it out ahead of time, knowing it will be for your good, and for His purposes and glory. Romans 8:28-35, 1 Peter 3:17
* Suffering is momentary, lasting only a little while. 2 Corinthians 4:17; 1 Peter 1:6, 5:10
* To patiently endure suffering, God gives you both present grace and the hope of future grace. 2 Corinthians 12:9-11, 1 Peter 1:13
* “If the world hates you, you know it has hated Me before it hated you.” John 15:18
* To get through suffering, you need God’s promises. Psalm 119:50, 154; 2 Peter 1:2-4
* God wants to use your suffering for the gospel. Luke 21:12-15, Philippians 1:12-14
* Suffering is one of God’s ways for you to grow in faith and love. James 1:2-3, 12
* The more you live for Christ, the more you’ll be persecuted for Christ. 2 Timothy 3:12
* To suffer in a godly way, you need to submit and entrust yourself to God. 1 Peter 4:19
* “Consider Him who endured such suffering by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:3
* You find favor (grace) with God when you suffer. 1 Peter 2:19-20
* Never be surprised when you are faced with the fiery ordeal of suffering. 1 Peter 4:12
* When you are persecuted, your faith is being tested. 1 Thessalonians 3:1-10, James 1:3
* When you suffer, be thankful that you can share in Christ’s sufferings. 1 Peter 2:10  
* Remember, many other Christians around the world are also suffering. 1 Peter 5:9
* Those who suffer on earth will be greatly rewarded in heaven. Matthew 5:12
* To endure suffering, you need to “see” Jesus. Daniel 3:16-27, Hebrews 11:27
* The primary purpose of your suffering is to bring glory to God. 1 Peter 4:12-16

If you are going to rightly suffer for Jesus, you need to know these truths. Not only that, but we are living in the end-times, which means it won’t be long before we experience great tribulation – “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). Immediately after that, we will all be with Jesus in heaven, never to suffer again (Matthew 24:29-31). In the meantime, learn the above truths, knowing that you will need them in the years ahead. “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great.” Matthew 5:11-12

P.S. This is such an important subject to understand. Here are two other things I would encourage you to read that relate directly to this post: “The Persecution of the Church Before the Coming of Christ,” and “A Biblical Perspective on the Trials of Life.”

How Then Should We Live in the End Times?

April 7, 2017 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #12 ~

In the past two weeks we’ve looked at Matthew 24 and Revelation 6, and I’ve talked about “what” is going to occur in the years leading up to the coming of Christ and the rapture of the church. But now we need to answer the “how” question. Since all these things are going to take place before Christ’s return, then how should we live, and how should we prepare? I hear people give all kinds of answers to these questions, but what does God say?

In His Word, God instructs us how we are to live. And I want you to see that every single one of the following instructions is given in the context of Christ’s 2nd coming. Yes, we are to always have these godly qualities, but all the more so, as we live in the end times. Those living on the earth right before Christ’s return will need to up their game, for this will be their World Cup, their World Series, their Super Bowl, their Olympics. How then should we live in the end times?

HAVE FAITH – “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” Luke 18:8. In the years leading up to the rapture, life will be very difficult, for there will be lawlessness, wars, famines and persecution, and we are to trust God, to believe His promises, to rely on Him.

FIX YOUR HOPE ON CHRIST – “Fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Christ.” 1 Peter 1:13. When there is tribulation, you need hope – you need to think about being with Jesus, being in heaven, being with believers, and being in a new body.

LOVE ONE ANOTHER – “The end of all things is near… above all keep fervent in your love for one another.” 1 Peter 4:8. Loving one another is one of the main ways you are to live for God in the end times. Be patient, kind, gentle, humble, compassionate, forgiving, forbearing and loyal.

BE HOLY – “What sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God.” 2 Peter 3:11. This instruction is simple – don’t be fleshly or worldly. Put sin to death, be living a holy and obedient life, and all the while be looking for Christ.

BE SOBER – “Let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober.” 1 Thessalonians 5:6. Don’t be sleeping – be spiritually awake and alert, untainted by fleshly desires and worldly temptations, setting your mind on Christ’s coming, and doing the work He wants you to do.

BE IN FELLOWSHIP – “Not forsaking our own assembling together, …encouraging one another… as you see the day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:25. As we get closer to Christ’s return, and as times get tougher and tougher, you will need other Christians, and others will need you.

BE PRAYING – “The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.” 1 Peter 4:7. The storm will rage before the Son appears in the sky, and you will need to pray, for faith, wisdom, courage, endurance, for one another, and for His Kingdom to come.

SERVE GOD – “You turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God.” 1 Thessalonians 1:9. When life gets real hard, don’t go by how you think or feel, but keep serving God, trusting Him, obeying His commands, using your gifts, doing what He wants you to do.

PREACH THE GOSPEL – “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 24:14, 28:19-20. Right up to the end of this age you are to be winning and building, proclaiming the gospel and making disciples.

WAIT FOR CHRIST – “Wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 1:10. As the days get darker, as there is persecution and even death, keep looking for the Light, keep waiting for Christ, “for the blessed hope.” Jesus will come!!!

PERSEVERE – “Here is the perseverance and the faith of the saints.” Revelation 13:10. Here is another key: no matter how tough it gets, do not quit. You are to endure, to keep believing, to not grow weary, to stay the course, to keep going to the end of your life or to the end of the age.

DO NOT BE DECEIVED – “Let no one in any way deceive you.” 2 Thessalonians 2:3. In the end times the devil will lie to you like never before. It is imperative that you not be deceived, but that you discern what is true and what is false, what is of God and what is of the devil.

DO NOT FEAR – “Do not fear what you are about to suffer…Be faithful until death.” Revelation 2:10. Do not be afraid, do not worry, do not be anxious. If you die, then you will be with the Lord; and if you endure to the end of the age, then you will be with the Lord. Either way you win.

BE AN OVERCOMER – “To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life.” Revelation 2:7. In the context of the end times, Christ continually instructs us to be overcomers, to be winners, to get victory over sin, fears, doubts, worldliness, our enemies, and yes, the Antichrist.

BE FIGHTING – “Take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day…” Ephesians 6:10-13. The most evil days will be the end times, for the spiritual battle will be most intense. Be strong in the Lord, put on the full armor of God, and be a good soldier for Christ.

Please, do not put these instructions in a drawer and then pull them out when times get tough. Now, not later, is the time for you to be learning them and practicing them, and then you will be ready for whatever comes. If you are a designated survivor, then know that God is training you for the great tribulation days, so that you endure, so that you overcome, so that you are a champion for Christ. Psalm 144:1-2. “In all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39

 

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