Category: Christ’s Coming (Page 4 of 10)

Blog posts about Christ’s coming.

Important Lessons On The Hope God Has For You!

July 3, 2020 / stevenj777

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #177 ~

In my early years as a Christian, there was an often-asked question, “What happens when a believer dies?” The usual answer was, “Well, he goes to heaven.” Being in heaven is a correct answer, but it’s elementary, it’s simplistic. In the past 25 years, I have learned that there’s much more than just heaven. And I thank God for teaching me wonderful truths about our future, the hope that is for all Christians. On this blog site, I have talked a great deal about our hope, but since it is so critically important for our lives, I am compelled to keep teaching on it. My purpose today is to share with you a number of truths about this hope that God has given you.

1. Prophecy tells us what will be happening in the end-times, but we also need to know how we should live during these years leading up to Christ’s coming. You can have head knowledge, all this information about the birth pains, the Antichrist, Christ’s return, the rapture, etc., but you also need heart knowledge. You need love, faith, joy, holiness, and you also need hope. Only as you have hope can you truly live, grow, and succeed as a Christian. “Let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation.” 1 Thess. 5:8

2. Hope is all about the future, and having hope means you are thinking about the future God has in store for you. Your hope is not about the past or the present, but about a God-planned and glorious future. This truth about hope for the Jews is conveyed in Jeremiah 29:11-12 – “‘I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not calamity, to give you a future and a hope.’” But the principle communicated here speaks to us, for the plans God has for our future relate directly to the hope He wants us to have today.

3. “Hope for the future” can be a statement or a command. As a statement, “hope” is a noun and is what you need to know. As a command, “hope” is a verb and is what you need to believe. If you have no hope, it’s because you don’t know or don’t believe what God has told you in His word. Having hope means you are hoping for, you are looking forward to God’s promises being fulfilled. “If we hope for what we do not see, we wait eagerly for it.” Romans 8:25

4. The hope God has for you is described in His word. That is, having this hope in your heart means you need to know what God’s word says about it. It’s obvious that God does not tell you everything about your future, but enough to excite and encourage your heart. “Whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.” Romans 15:4-13

5. The foundation of our hope is Jesus Christ. The Christian, and all he says and does, now and forever, is to be centered on Christ. All aspects of our hope are related to Christ, whether it’s worshiping Him, serving Him, being blessed by Him, or having fellowship with other Christians. “… Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col. 1:27). “… Christ Jesus, who is our hope.” 1 Timothy 1:1

6. Hope is not about the end-times, about what happens before Christ returns – it’s about what happens at, and after, Christ’s return. Having this hope, knowing and being excited about the great future God has for you, will help you endure all the difficulties you will encounter before Christ’s coming. “… your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thess. 1:3

7. Hope is not worldly or fleshly, what you might achieve, but heavenly and spiritual, what only God can give you. And God not only gives you hope, but promises you that He will fulfill His hopes for you, and that’s because He is always faithful. “May the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely… at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who calls you and He will bring it to pass.” 1 Thess. 5:23-24

8. Having hope, at its essence, is having faith, is believing God’s promises to you about your future. That is, you cannot have hope without faith. “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for… By faith he (Abraham) lived as an alien in the land of promise… for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.” Hebrews 11:1, 9-10

9. At its heart, hope is an expression of God’s future love for you. God loves you every single day of your life on this earth, but hope tells you how He will wonderfully and perfectly show you His love you in the ages to come. “Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Rom. 5:5, Psalm 23:6

10. Hope informs you that your future in a perfect heaven with Jesus Christ will be much better and brighter than your time on this sinful earth. “He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, crying, or pain; the first things have passed away” (Rev. 21:4-5). “The day of one’s death is better than the day of one’s birth.” Ecclesiastes 7:1

11. If you have hope, then you will be excited about, waiting for, and looking forward to what God has in store for you. Trusting in the people and things of earth leads to disappointment, but what God has planned for you will please and satisfy you like nothing you have ever experienced. “Fix your hope completely on the grace to be given to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:13

12. The godly men and women of the past had hope, this faith for the future, for they were looking for the fulfillment of what God had promised them. Having this hope helped them to persevere, to not give up, to keep going for God. “For by it the men of old gained approval” (Heb. 11:2, 6). “By faith Moses… choosing rather to endure ill treatment… he was looking ahead to the reward.” Heb. 11:24-26, Job 19:25-27

13. Having hope does not mean you are just thinking about the future – it means you are living today in view of the future. 1 Thess. 1:9-10 sums up the life of a Christian – “… how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven.” A godly Christian is both serving the Lord and waiting for Him. 2 Tim. 4:1-2 instructs pastors, “… in view of His appearing and His kingdom, preach the word.” God’s word must be taught with the coming of Christ and His coming kingdom in mind. Matt. 6:9-10

14. Hope keeps you from worrying about the past and being overwhelmed in the present. Having hope is positive, forward looking, and keeps you pressing ahead and making progress for the Lord. “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 3:12-14

15. One reasons for trials is so you grow in hope, so that you look forward to that time when all your difficulties and problems will be gone. This looking ahead will keep you moving ahead and enable you to get through trials, even the present crises in our country. In the middle of the storm, you need to know that the Son will shine again. “Not only this, but we exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance… and hope does not disappoint…” Romans 5:3-5

16. To endure, to persevere, you have to have hope. You will experience difficulties in life, but the hope God gives you motivates you to keep going for Him. This will especially be true during the great tribulation, when you will be hated and persecuted like never before. “They will deliver you to tribulation and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations on account of My name (difficulties)… He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other” (hope). Matthew 24:9, 31

17. Hope is one of the keys to being holy, to not being fleshly or worldly. Fixing your eyes on Jesus and His coming to make you like Himself and take you to heaven has a holy, purifying effect on your life. “When He appears, we shall be just like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is. Everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” 1 John 3:2-3

18. Hope relates to your salvation, for when Jesus Christ comes back your salvation will be complete, for then you will be glorified. The grace to be given you when Christ is revealed is glorifying grace, that which will perfect you, and enable you to perfectly worship and serve the Lord in the ages to come. “…having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. For in hope we have been saved…” Rom. 8:23-24, 1 Thess. 5:8-9

19. Hope is an anchor for your soul. Knowing the certainty and glories of the future helps you through the uncertainties and problems of the present. The winds will blow, and the waves will pound, but the hope of a God-solid future helps secure and stabilize your life in the present. “This hope we have as an anchor for the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast…” Hebrews 6:17

20. What is this hope God wants you to have at this time? It’s being with Jesus (John 14:1). It’s having a powerful, glorious, immortal and spiritual body (1 Cor. 15:42-44). It’s being able to perfectly love and worship God and Jesus (Rev. 5:13). It’s having a heavenly home (John 14:2-3). It’s being with loved ones and other believers (1 Thess. 4:13-14). It’s receiving an incredible inheritance (1 Peter 1:3-4). It’s having no pain, sorrow or sickness (Rev. 21:4-5). It’s being greatly rewarded (Matt. 25:21). It’s having a satisfying and God-glorifying purpose (Rev. 5:10). It’s having fullness of joy and pleasures forever (Psalm 16:11). Next week’s post will explain these aspects of your hope in more detail.

You need hope! Pray for it, and God will give it to you! “I pray that the eyes of your heart are enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints” (Eph. 1:18). “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

P.S. This post is dedicated to all my dear friends who have suffered through the years, and having experienced and exhibited the grace of God, are ones who have hope, and are looking forward to being in heaven with Jesus. Here is a related article I encourage you to read, “You Have to Have Hope.”

When Life is Hard, You Need Hope

June 26, 2020 / stevenj777

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #176 ~

When a runner runs his race, he needs to know there’s a reason to run the race, that it has purpose. He needs to know the race will come to an end, that it will soon be over. He needs to know that it’s worth it to run the race, that he will be rewarded for his efforts. That is, a runner needs hope, which is what each and every Christian needs. To run the “race that is set before us,” the race God has given you, you need hope – you can’t live life without it. You will get sick and suffer pain. You will have spiritual battles, personal struggles and be persecuted. You will get tired, feel defeated, be discouraged, and at times want to give up. And now there’s this present crisis in our country, with all the riots, violence, destruction, anarchy, etc. In all this, you have to have hope if you are going to be able to run and win the race God has for you. Hebrews 12:1-3

How do we define hope? It’s a reason to live. It’s what you don’t have now but believe God will give you in the ages to come. It’s expecting God to bless you in the future for your work for Him in the present. More specifically, hope is God’s promise to you that you will be in heaven with Jesus, with believers, in a glorified body, and that you will be eternally rewarded. Hebrews 12:22-24

There’s something else you need to know, which is that your hope as a Christian relates directly to God’s promises to the Jewish people. In the Old Testament you read extensively about God’s future plans for Jewish believers, and these plans relate directly to what God has in store for Christians. Specifically, there are three key promises or covenants God gave the Jewish people. There’s the promise of land, described as the Abrahamic Covenant (Gen. 13:14-17, Psalm 105:8-11), the promise of salvation, called the New Covenant (Jer. 31:33-34, Psalm 98:2-3), and the promise of a King, which is the Davidic Covenant (2 Sam. 7:12-13, Zech. 14:9).

Literally hundreds of verses in the Old Testament further confirm and describe these promises. As you read your Bible, be looking for them, for they will give you confidence that God will do just what He promised. Sadly, many in today’s churches believe God has cancelled and nullified these promises to the Jews because of their sin and unbelief, but this is just not true. God is faithful, and will be forever true to His word. Psalm 89, Matthew 24:35

As I said, many verses speak of these promises, but my favorites are Ezekiel 37:21-23, for here you see all three of them in one single passage. There’s the land promise – “I will gather them from every side and bring them into their own land, and I will make them one nation in the land” (vss 21-22); there’s the promise of the King, which we know is Jesus Christ – “There will be one King over all of them” (vs 22); and there’s the promise of salvation – “I will save them from all their sinful backsliding, and I will cleanse them. They will be My people, and I will be their God” (vs 23). Do you see the word “will?” It’s God’s guarantee to His people that He will carry out His promises, that they will definitely come to pass.

But how does this relate to you? First, there’s salvation, and of course as a Christian, you have been saved. “He saved us, not because of righteous things we have done, but because of His mercy” (Titus 3:5). Second, there’s the land. “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” (Matt. 5:3). This is from Psalm 37:11, which says, “The meek will inherit the land,” which is true for the Jews, but now is true for you as well. Third, there’s the King, and in Rev. 19:16, we read, “On His robe and on His thigh, He has this name written: ‘King of kings and Lord of lords.’” Jesus Christ will return as the King, and will rule perfectly over this world and, in fact, we will be reigning with Him. Revelation 5:10

The verses, in my opinion, that best connect the future of the Jewish believer with the future of the Christian, are Rom. 15:8-13. There we read that the promises God gave to the fathers (Old Testament Jews), are in conjunction with His promises to church-age Christians – “I will give praise to Thee among the Gentiles, and I will sing to Thy name… Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people.” In the coming kingdom age, all saved people will be in Jerusalem worshiping the King. Psalm 47:1,6 and Psalm 48:1 also talk about this – “O clap your hands, all peoples, shout to God with the voice of joy… Sing praises to our King… Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, in the city of our God, His holy mountain.”

Do you see that your hope relates directly to the hope of the Jewish people? Though we don’t know all the details of our future, we do know that all God’s people will be together, worshiping and serving Him. As a Christian, you need this hope, you need to know it’s worth it serve the Lord and suffer for Him, that the future blessing you will receive from God far outweighs any troubles or struggles you will ever experience in this life. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

P.S. Might you continue to be filled with godly hope, for you need it. Here are two posts that will increase your understanding of this wonderful hope that God wants you to have: “Your Great Hope and Most Glorious Future” and “Converging Hopes for Jewish and Gentile Believers.”

The KING of kings and LORD of lords – Psalm 2

June 19, 2020 / stevenj777

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post # 175 ~

In times of distress, whether it’s personal, or out in the world, we need God’s word, we need His answers to these problems, and this is especially true at this juncture, one of the most explosive and evil times in U.S. history. Psalm 2 gives the big-picture answer, and it relates to prophecy, that during this sinful age, human kings are ruling and rising up against God – but the good news, especially as we see this present rebellion in our country, is that Christ the King is returning to judge the world and establish His glorious kingdom on earth. Now the answer for each individual is to take refuge in Christ, and eternally experience His mercy and blessing, instead of rejecting Him and eternally experiencing His wrath. Matthew 25:41, 46; John 5:24

Psalm 2:1-3 tells us about the wicked and their rebellion against God. Four groups are described – there are the nations, the different countries, and they are in an uproar, a rage, a tumult. There are the peoples, the individuals who live in these nations, and they are plotting and scheming. But it’s vanity, for what they are doing is worthless and comes to nothing. There are the kings, the Presidents, and they are taking a stand, declaring their positions, and making policy. Then there are the rulers who are working together and carrying out the desires of their king. But notice what it says? They are actually counseling together against the Lord, against God Himself, and they are also against His Anointed, the Messiah, that is, Jesus Christ. Revelation 13

Now it’s not like leaders in the US, the EU, or the UN are meeting together with their fists literally raised up against God, but if they’re not fearing God, if they act like there is no God, if they are not following His lead, then their hearts are raised up in opposition to God, resulting in sinful and worldly actions that affect the lives of many other people. A leader’s and all mankind’s main problem, like the devil himself, is that they are proud – they doesn’t fear God, seen in that they don’t worship God and obey His will, but rather, do what they wants, do what is wrong. Genesis 11:1-9

Psalm 2:3 illustrates a person’s sin, his defiance of God, his insubordination, his pride. An unsaved person hates and rejects God, and does not want to be under His authority but, instead, wants to tear off what he believes are fetters, are chains – he wants to be completely free from God’s rule in and over his life. The Bible describes different authorities God has established – people are to fear God, children are to obey their parents, wives are to submit to their husbands, citizens are to be subject to the governing authorities, and slaves (workers) are to obey their masters (employers). One of the quickest ways to find out if a person fears and obeys God is to see if he fears and obeys the authorities God has placed over his life. Colossians 3:18-25, 1 Peter 2:13-3:9

It doesn’t take long to see that the resistance and rejection of authority is rampant in this country, and is taking place at all levels, in families, at workplaces, in the government, and on the streets. Do you see how people are disregarding and disobeying the law? Do you see the lawlessness and anarchy, people destroying and stealing property, and rebelling against the police? It’s obvious that people don’t want to be told what to do, but want to do their own thing, want to be “free” from these God-given authorities that, if obeyed, will result in peace, harmony, order, and prosperity.

Psalm 2:4-6 tell us God’s response. He laughs, He scoffs – He knows that people are but fools when they rebel against Him, that they are like little ants attempting to rise up against man. Sinful people don’t realize who God is, that He is holy and just, and can quickly and powerfully crush any rebellion. But God is not just thinking these things to Himself (i.e. the Trinity), for “He will speak to them in His anger.” God wants people to know that He is righteously angry because they have rejected Him and, in fact, He is furious, and will not put up with this human rebellion.

Psalm 2:6 declares God’s plan, that He has already installed His King as ruler over the world. During this evil age, the devil has been given limited power to rule the world (1 John 5:19). But Christ is sovereign over the devil’s work and is now, at this same time, building His church. In the age to come, we will literally see Jesus Christ in Zion, in Jerusalem, and with us, He will build His kingdom on this earth. Psalm 47, Matt. 6:9-10

Psalm 2:7-9 tell us how God the Father and Christ His Son are working together to execute this decree, this plan, what Christ wants the whole world to understand, one that will be carried out during the coming kingdom age. These verses give us a glimpse into the intimate relationship that Christ has with His Father, His submission to Him, and how the Father wants to bless His Son with a special gift, a redeemed and restored world filled with godly people. This passage closes with God’s promise to Christ that, with a rod of iron, He will powerfully judge the sinful world we now live in (the day of Lord), and then will fulfill His Father’s plan on this earth (the millennial kingdom). This is our hope, and what we need to be looking for, especially as see how this world is becoming more and more evil. John 17; Rev. 8-9, Rev. 19:11-21, Rev. 20

Psalm 2:10-12 is the Spirit’s sobering instructions to this sinful world, especially to kings and judges. He tells them to wise up, to get smart, and warns them that the coming judgment He has just spoken about will come upon them if they don’t fear God. Indeed, our first and foremost duty is to fear God, to worship and serve Him, and to rejoice in Him alone. Romans 1 tells us the same thing, that God’s wrath will be poured out upon all those who don’t honor and thank God, who won’t and don’t worship Him. Prov. 1:7, Mark 12:30

The Holy Spirit makes it clear that it’s not just loving the Father, but loving the Son, showing homage to Him, that is, kissing Him. What the Spirit is saying is that the only way to be saved, to not be judged for your sins is through Jesus Christ – the only way to know the Father is through the Son. If you don’t show homage to Jesus, if you don’t kiss Him, spiritually speaking, then Jesus, as your righteous judge, will have to punish you, and you will perish forever. These last few verses are present tense, meaning this passage applies to what is going on in our country today, that God and Christ at this time, in June of 2020, are warning this world of their need to repent of their sin and turn to Christ, before it’s too late. The final and concluding phrase speaks not of God’s justice, but of God’s mercy, for it promises that all who take refuge in Christ, all who trust in Him, will be blessed, now and forever, in this age and in the age to come, when we will literally be reigning with Christ the King over this world. “The Lord Most High is to be feared, a great King over all the earth” (Psalm 47:2). “Thou hast made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God, and they will reign upon the earth.” Revelation 5:10

P.S. You can’t understand what’s going on in the world around you, if you don’t understand God’s word. Psalm 2 is one of many prophetic Psalms that speaks about our present situation. I encourage you to read “Prophecy Psalms for the Jews and for You” – Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3. It’s obvious that many things are changing in our country, but you haven’t seen anything yet – please read, “Everything on This Earth is Going to Change.”

Christ is Coming Again, and Soon!

June 12, 2020 / stevenj777

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #174 ~

There’s no doubt that Jesus Christ, the Lord of lords, King of kings, and Savior of sinners, is literally coming back to earth – and what an exciting and important truth for this present generation of Christians. Like no other time in history we need to not just know, but believe, that Christ is coming again, and soon – and He will solve all our problems, and make everything right in this world!

When you read God’s word, you discover hundreds of verses describing Christ’s coming. Why? Because He wants you to be convinced that He’s coming again; He wants you to know key details of His coming; He wants you to know why He is coming; He wants you to know that His coming marks the end of this evil age and the start of a good age; and He wants you to be looking forward to seeing Him. Listed below are a number of verses that describe the glorious return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

* Matthew 24:30-31 – “They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heaven to the others.” These classic rapture verses tell us that we will see and hear that Jesus Christ is coming, and then all believers from all time, those in heaven and those on earth, will be gathered to Him. Mark 13:27
* Matthew 24:42 – “Keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” None of us know the exact time of Christ’s coming, but God tells us specific events that need to occur before His return so we can know the general time. Matt. 24:32-34
* Luke 19:13 – “Do business with this until I come back.” You are to use the abilities, gifts, and money that God has given you so you can do your part in carrying out His end-time’s work on this earth. Eph. 2:10
* John 14:3 – “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am.” Jesus has prepared a heavenly home perfectly suited for His bride, which includes you. And at just the right time, He will come back and take you home to heaven. Heb. 12:22-24

* 1 Corinthians 1:7-8 – “…as you eagerly wait for the Lord Jesus to be revealed. He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Be assured that God will help you, strengthen you, and keep you going, and make sure you make it to heaven. 2 Tim. 4:18
* 1 Corinthian 15:51 – “Listen, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will all be changed.” All believers, those who have already died (fallen asleep), and those still alive on earth at Christ’s coming, will be changed, will suddenly, wonderfully, and eternally be glorified.1 Cor. 15:42-44
* 1 Thessalonians 1:10 – “You turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead.” In view of Christ’s coming, you are to be working and waiting for Him. Luke 12:40-43
* 1 Thessalonians 2:19 – “What is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when He comes – is it not you?” A very encouraging part of your hope is that in heaven you will see believing friends and loved ones who you knew on earth. 1 Thess. 4:13-14

* 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 – “The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then 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.” Christ Himself will announce His coming to the Christians on earth, at which time they will suddenly be raptured and glorified, and joining with the glorified heavenly believers, immediately be taken to meet the Lord in the air. 2 Thess. 2:1
* 1 Thessalonians 5:2, 4 – “For you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night… But you brothers are not in surprise.” Unbelievers will be caught off guard by Christ’s coming, but believers will not be surprised but, instead, will be expecting it. Matt. 24:42-44
* 2 Thessalonians 1:7 – “To give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with His powerful angels.” One reason for Christ’s return is to deliver the Christians from the persecution they are going through. Matt. 24:21-22
* 2 Thessalonians 2:1 – “Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to Him, we ask you brothers, to not become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy… do not let anyone deceive you in any way for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction.” God does not want you to be led astray by some false teaching regarding Christ’s coming. One erroneous teaching is that Christ will rapture the church before the Antichrist is revealed, but it’s really after he is revealed, which is at the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week. That is, the rapture happens sometime during the 2nd half of Daniel’s 70th week. 2 Thess. 2:8

* 2 Timothy 4:1-2 – “I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and Kingdom, preach the Word; be ready in season and out of season…” God’s word is not just to be taught, but to be taught in view of Christ’s return to set up His kingdom on earth. Psalms 47, 67
* Titus 2:13 – “While we wait for the blessed hope – the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness.” You are to be waiting, to be very excited, to be excitedly looking forward to seeing your Lord and Savior. Rev. 22:20
* Hebrews 10:25 – “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the day approaching.” God wants you to be seeing the signs that show us that Christ’s return is drawing near, and then encourage others with this good news. Matt. 24:3, 32-34
* Hebrews 10:37 – “In just a very little while, He who is coming, will come and will not delay.” Christ’s return to rapture the church will happen very soon, and that’s because we now live in the end-times, that time defined by the return of the Jewish people to the land of Israel. Daniels 12:4; Romans 11, 13:11-12

* James 5:7 – “See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too be patient and stand firm because the Lord’s coming is near.” Life for Christians will become very difficult the closer we get to Christ’s return. You are to patiently wait for His coming, knowing that His timing is perfect, and that He will give you all the strength you need to keep persevering for Him. Luke 18:8
* 1 Peter 1:5 – “… who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” Christians have many spiritual enemies, but God will keep protecting you from them through all the years leading up to Christ’s return to rapture the church. 2 Tim. 4:18
* 1 Peter 1:16 – “Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Christ is revealed.” Don’t set your hopes on earthly things but on heavenly things and, specifically, that Christ will be returning soon to glorify you and take you home to heaven. Col. 3:1-4
* 2 Peter 3:11-12 – “Since everything will be destroyed in this way what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.” Don’t be worldly, but be holy, living for God, and looking forward to the coming of Christ and the rapture of the church. 1 Thess. 5:4-11

* 1 John 3:2-3 – “We know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” Remember that when Christ returns, your salvation will be complete, for then you will be given a perfect and glorified body, one like His. Phil. 3:20-21
* Revelation 7:9 – “After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb.” After all the believers are gathered together, they will immediately be taken to heaven so they can be in the very presence of God and worship Him like never before. Rev. 19:1-6
* Revelation 22:12 – “Behold I am coming soon. My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.” At Christ’s coming, you will receive an eternal, glorious, and generous reward for your earthly service for Him. 2 Tim. 4:8
* Revelation 22:20 – “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” Christ keeps telling you that He is coming soon because He wants you to know that He is coming soon, and wants you to be excited about seeing and being with Him. Heb. 10:37, Rev. 22:7, 12

Can you believe it? Jesus Christ is coming again, and soon! All these verses, along with many others, are given so you can know about His glorious appearing, which won’t be long from now. It’s vitally important that you know and think about these verses about Christ’s coming, for they will encourage you and give you hope in these years leading up to the return of our great Lord, Savior, and King. “They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory.” Matthew 24:30

P.S. There are a lot of major problems in our country, and it’s imperative that you see how Biblical prophecy is central to all that is taking place. Here is a post and an article that will help you understand where we are headed: “The Downfall of the United States Before the Return of Christ,” and “Matthew 24, the Most Important Prophecy Chapter in the Bible.”

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

May 15, 2020 / stevenj777

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #170 ~

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Being Emotional for God in the End-Times

May 1, 2020 / stevenj777

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #168 ~

In one way or another, we have all been affected by this coronavirus. One thing that has struck me is how people have been so emotional during this time – there’s a whole lot of fear, panic, anger, loneliness, depression, etc. Thus, I felt the need to address this subject of emotions, of feelings. Now all of you had plenty of experience with emotions, whether that’s yours or others. During your life, I’m sure you’ve heard people say things like: “He is very upset.” “She is in a bad mood.” “He showed no emotion.” “He has mixed emotions.” “She’s passionate.” “He’s really sad.” “She cries all the time.” “He hides his feelings.” “She’s happy.” “She’s a basket case.” “She poured out her heart.” “He really cares for her.” “She loves him.” We get emotional. In fact, God is emotional, and He made us in His image. We sure aren’t robots, which is a good thing. Can you imagine what it would be like if there were no emotions, if people had no feelings? Emotions give color, energy, variety, and personality to our lives.

Here are some words that convey emotion: anger, anxiety, boredom, compassion, confidence, confusion, contempt, courage, depression, desperation, disdain, disgust, envy, excitement, fear, fulfillment, gladness, grief, guilt, happiness, hatred, helplessness, hope, intimacy, jealousy, joy, laughter, love, kindness, nostalgia, peace, pride, rage, sadness, shame, surprise, terror, victory, weeping.

The subject of emotions is a huge subject, one that is quite complex, and difficult to figure out. But we need to understand it, at least to some degree, or we can’t live rightly for God, we can’t be all that God wants. My prayer is for Christians living in the end-times to be spiritually solid, mature, “at the top of our game,” and this relates to our emotional state. As we get closer to Christ’s coming, times will get much tougher, and the Christian who controls his emotions, who is self-controlled, will be more effective for God. Jer. 12:5, Titus 2:1-6

This post, by no means, is comprehensive, but I do want to share some general thoughts about emotions, and then make some statements about how to be an emotionally strong Christian.
* God made you an emotional being. Look at Jesus – He was a man of sorrows, He was angry, He had compassion, He cried, He agonized, He loved. And God wants you to be like Jesus.
* Emotions are often on the surface, are what we see, hear and sense, but there’s an underlying reason for how you feel. That is, there’s a direct relationship between how you think and how you feel, between your thoughts and emotions. “As a man thinks so he is.” Prov. 23:7
* Emotions often come from thoughts that are affected and influenced by your personality, experiences, circumstances, relationships, memories, and even the music you listen to. Most importantly, your emotions should be affected by God’s word and your relationship with Him.
* Emotions, in and of themselves, aren’t bad, but they can reveal wrong and sinful thinking.
* Emotions are expressed through your speech, and are seen in your actions and body language.

* A person cannot always pinpoint how he feels, but it’s not always necessary to know how you feel, “to get in touch with your emotions.” You don’t want to be too introspective when it comes to your feelings. It’s much more important to focus on your thinking than your feelings.
* Our emotions are often connected to, and intertwined with, other emotions. You can be sad, jealous, lonely and depressed all at the same time. 1 Sam. 18:10-12, Matt. 28:8
* When it comes to your emotions, don’t say, “That’s the way I am.” You don’t want to say you feel a certain way just because of your age, sex, race, color, ethnicity, or personality. There’s a reason you may feel some way, and then there’s usually the real reason, the root of it all.
* Your emotions often affect the lives of people around you, in both good ways and bad.

* Selfishness, anger, or pride in your heart will result in unloving words, actions and emotions.
* Joy, peace, or gladness in your heart will result in loving words, actions and emotions.
* Some people have a hard time separating how they are feeling from what they are thinking. This can be a negative but can also be a positive, for your humanness needs to be understood as a composite of your spirit, mind, soul (emotions), and body. Mark 12:30
* Emotions can be like “dash-lights” that light up to warn you that something is internally wrong. If a negative emotion keeps popping up, then ask God to help you diagnose the root problem.
* Be more emotional, more passionate about the things in life that are most important (John 2:17). You don’t want to be like the person who gets “upset about the littlest things.”

We all have fleshly emotions, but shouldn’t we have godly emotions, shouldn’t we be Christ-like in how we think and feel? Of course, the answer is yes, but how does this happen, how can we grow in having godly emotions? Let me share some things that I believe will be helpful.
* Know that God feels for you, has compassion for you. He cares about what you are feeling and why you feel the way you do. Psalm 103:13-14, Matt. 9:36, Matt. 11:28-30, Heb. 2:17-18
* It’s important for you to tell God how you are feeling. Psalm 62:8, Psalm 88, Psalm 119:25-32, Lam. 3:1-18
* Meditate on God’s word, for this greatly affects your thoughts, words, actions, and emotions. Godly emotions come from the heart of a person who is thinking about God’s truth. Godly, truth-based thinking always results in godly and Christ-like emotions. Psalm 1:2, Psalm 119
* Walk by faith, not by sight, not according to your circumstances. Walking by faith, which means God’s word is indwelling you, helps you think and feel in a godly way. 2 Cor. 5:7, James 1:2

* Singing truth-based songs will have a good and positive effect on your mind and emotions. Godly music and godly singing will help you have godly emotions. Psalms, Col. 3:16
* Your emotions are affected by God’s Spirit. The Holy Spirit can encourage and enable you, in body, mind and soul (emotions), to fully live for Jesus. Acts 1:8, 4:31, 9:31, 13:2-4
* Being with other Christians is essential to rightly and wholly live for God. We are a church, and we need each other, and being with one another is spiritually and emotionally uplifting. Acts 12:1-12
* Life, first and foremost, is about loving God and loving others. When you live like this, when you focus on God and others, then you will exhibit and express godly emotions. Mark 12:30-31
* The most important emotions relate to loving God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength. You’re to exalt Him, extol Him, praise Him, thank Him and sing to Him. Psalm 145:1-2

God wants you to be an emotionally strong Christian from this day forward to the coming of Christ. This means you need to be filled with God’s word and Spirit, resulting in godly worship, godly character, and godly emotions. He wants all of us to be communicating and emoting love, joy, peace and hope to a lost world. “I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart… I will be glad and exult in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.” Psalm 9:2

P.S. The key to feeling rightly, to having godly emotions is always God’s word. “How Then Should We Live in the End Times?” is a post that will help you focus on truths that will, undoubtedly, help you live in the way that God wants. “Spiritual Survival Food for the Coming Tough Times” is an article that will also be helpful. Next week, I will continue to talk about living truthfully and emotionally for God.

Life and Death Lessons

April 17, 2020 / stevenj777

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #166 ~

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trials and the Coronavirus – Lessons We Need to Learn

April 3, 2020 / stevenj777

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #164 ~

The coronavirus is very small, and yet has resulted in a very big trial that’s affecting millions of people around the world. God wants to use this trial, or any trial for that matter, to train His children. Now that we live in the end-times, we will encounter “birth pain” trials, like this coronavirus plague, and for many Christians in the future, the trial of “great tribulation.” That’s why you need to understand the nature and purpose of trials, for they are one of God’s means to help you be a growing, mature, and fruitful Christian.

What is a trial? It’s a difficulty, a pressure, a problem, an affliction, a test from God (James 1:3), a humbling circumstance (James 1:9). It can be internal or external in nature. It can be physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, or any combination of these. Trials are hard, painful, unpleasant and distressing. The Bible passage that best explains what God wants you to learn about trials, in my opinion, is 1 Peter 1:3-9. Starting at verse 6, let’s see what it says:

1. God says you have trials “now” which means you only go through trials during your life on earth. Jesus told the disciples, “In this world you have tribulation” (John 16:33). Paul said, “We must go through many tribulations to enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). Being saved doesn’t mean you will have no problems, that life is a bed of roses. All of you can testify to the fact that you have had trials. And when you leave this earth and are in heaven, then all your trials will be over, forever gone. Amen!!! Rev. 7:15-17, 21:3-4

2. God says trials last only “a little while.” Some trials, humanly speaking, are very short, lasting an hour or two, or a month or two. Some are longer, lasting for many years. But what you need to know is that your entire life, in view of all eternity, is very short, for “You are just a vapor that appears for a little while” (James 4:14). Therefore, your earthly trials will not last very long, are only “momentary troubles.” 2 Cor. 4:17

3. God says trials are “necessary.” God is not careless, unthinking or unloving. He is all-loving, all-wise and knows exactly what He is doing in your life. Indeed, the trials you go through are personally planned and designed by God for you, and are necessary, are some of His primary tools to help you spiritually grow up and become a mature Christian.

4. God says we are “distressed” by trials and, as other translations say, result in grief or sorrow. Trials are hard, painful, and can be extremely wearing on your body and soul. In 2 Cor. 1:8-9, Paul describes how he and Timothy felt when they were going through a trial – “We were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life; indeed we had the sentence of death within ourselves.” Have you ever felt this way? Some of your trials will be the most difficult and distressing experiences you will ever go through.

5. God says there are “various” trials, which means there are all kinds of trials. There are job trials, financial trials, family trials, marriage trials, school trials, relational trials, church trials, health trials, weather trials, car trials, etc. There are personal trials, trials unique to you. In the Bible we read about Joseph being sold by his brothers, Job physically suffering, Moses leading the unruly Jews, David being chased by Saul, Jesus being punished for our sins, and Paul being in jail. Then there’s this unique coronavirus trial, unlike anything we have ever experienced, designed by our Father to teach us lessons we need to learn.

But why do we have trials? Because your Father knows best, knows that trials are necessary for your Christian life. Here are some of the main reasons why you go through trials:

1. It’s for your faith (1 Peter 1:7). Having faith, which means you are trusting God and His word, is more valuable than all the money in the world. God gives you trials so your faith, your reliance on Him, grows and gets stronger. When you continue to trust God as you go through a trial, then you are persevering, are patiently enduring. Rom. 5:3-4, James 1:2-3

2. It’s so you grow in your love for God (1 Peter 1:8, James 1:12, Deut. 13:4). As a Christian, you love God, which is the most important thing you are to do. But the trials you go through will test your love for God, and will result in you loving Him all the more.

3. It’s so you grow in hope. 1 Peter 1:3-4 gives you the big picture of your salvation, that you were born again in the past, have a living hope in the present, and will realize this hope in the future. You need hope, you need to see the light at the end of the tunnel when you have no trials, when everything will be perfect, and you will be blessed in heaven. Fix your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus is revealed (1 Pet. 1:13) for then you will see Him, your salvation will be complete, and you will receive a brand-new body. 1 John 3:2

4. It’s for the salvation of your soul, for your spiritual growth (1 Pet. 1:9). Besides faith, hope and love, God tells us other essential ingredients that we need to be mature and fruitful:
– You need God’s grace. Going through trials reveals your spiritual weakness and your need for God’s grace and power so you can, in a Christ-like way, persevere and get through them. “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” 2 Cor. 12:9
– You need to obey God. Trials are designed to teach you to obey God, to keep His word. “Before I was afflicted, I went astray but now I keep Your word.” Ps. 119:67, 71
– You need to be holy. God gives you trials to teach you not to sin, to do what is right, to be holy. “He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness.” Heb. 12:4-11
– You need to be comforted. Our lives are about others, and the comfort you receive from God when you go through trials is to be shared with others who are going through trials. “… who comforts us in all our affliction so we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Cor. 1:3-11
– You are to rejoice. Twice you are told to greatly rejoice (1 Pet. 1:6, 8), which means it’s very important. As you understand the past, present and future of your Christian life, as you see how your trials are an important part of God’s work in you, then you will greatly rejoice – you will be a glad-hearted, spiritually-happy Christian. James 1:2, Rom. 5:3-5

5. It is so Christ lives in you. As a Christian, your life is not about you, but about Jesus Christ living in you. God gives trials so you turn to Him and trust Him. When you do this, then the Holy Spirit works in you, and Christ is revealed in and through your life. “We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves… we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh” (2 Cor. 4:7, 11). When you encounter a trial, remember that it’s not about you, but about Christ being manifested through your life. Gal. 2:20, Phil. 1:21

God is your teacher, and you are His student. Be a good student and a fast learner, and grow from the trials God so lovingly and wisely gives you. At this present time, might God help you go through this coronavirus trial gracefully, obediently, lovingly, hope-fully, and joyfully. And for many of us, our Father is training us for the future, for the tough times we will face in the last years leading up to Christ’s return to rapture the church. “Blessed be the Lord, my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer.” Psalm 144:1-2

P.S. Trials are such an important part of our lives, and we must see God behind the trial, in that He is sovereign and wants to teach us through them. Here is a helpful post on trials – “Christians Will Go Through Great Tribulation.” Here is a comprehensive article on this subject – “A Biblical Perspective on the Trials of Life.”

From the Coronavirus to Christ’s Coming and the Rapture

April 1, 2020 / stevenj777

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #163 ~

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Step by Step Till We See Jesus

March 13, 2020 / stevenj777

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #159 ~

At this time in history, what the Bible calls the end-times, we need watchmen, people who know what God has prophesied about the present and the future (e.g. the Coronavirus) and are then looking for these things to take place. A watchman for the church needs to know three things:
# 1, that Jesus Christ is coming back to rapture the church,
# 2, that God has prophesied specific events and general conditions that need to take place in the world before Christ returns to rapture the church, and
# 3, that regardless of whether it’s specific events or general conditions, there are usually steps leading to their fulfillment, what I call pre-conditions. As watchmen, God wants us to be seeing these pre-conditions (#3), knowing they are leading to the fulfillment of these prophecies about the end-times (#2), prophecies that are pointing to the soon return of Jesus Christ (#1). Let me share some examples that will help you understand this.

First, there are prophesies regarding specific events:
The peace treaty. This prophecy is that there will be the signing or confirming of a treaty between Israel and other nations at the beginning of Daniel’s 70^th week, made possible by the coming Antichrist. (Dan. 9:27). Ever since Israel became a nation, we have been hearing about peace treaties, but so far, no treaty has really worked. Someday, and I believe soon, this Dan. 9:27 treaty will be passed, fulfilling God’s prophecy. Once it is signed and we know it’s signed, then we will realize that Daniel’s 70^th week has begun, and that it won’t be long before the church is raptured, and we see Jesus.

The Antichrist. This prophecy is that the Antichrist will be revealed at the midpoint of Daniel’s 70^th week (Dan. 9:27). Before we see this prophecy fulfilled, people will be rejecting nationalism and be open to the idea of globalism. That’s because they will be looking for a “savior” who they hope can solve the world’s problems and bring peace. Then we will see a person (probably from the Mideast) growing in power and forming a 10-nation kingdom, and he will be the Antichrist. Once the Antichrist is revealed, discerning Christians will know that the rapture of the church is less than a few years away. Dan. 7:7-8, Rev. 17:17

The temple. This prophecy is that the Jewish temple will be desecrated by the Antichrist (Dan. 9:27, 2 Thess. 2:3-4). Obviously, the pre-condition necessary for the fulfillment of this prophecy is that the temple needs to be built. When you see that this temple has been built in Jerusalem and that sacrifices are being offered by Jewish priests, then you know it won’t be long before this desolation occurs, before the Antichrist sets himself up as “God” in this temple.

The mark of the beast. This prophecy is that people, to openly buy and sell, must take the mark of the beast, the Antichrist (Rev. 13:16-17). Before this prophecy is fulfilled, people will be wanting their identity and personal information to be more protected, so much so that they are willing to take this mark. There will also need to be a massive, super-secure system that can hold all this information and make all these transactions. As you know, sophisticated technological advances are being made in this area, like the implantation of chips in animals and people. For the first time in history, we are realizing that it is feasible for this prophecy to be fulfilled.

Second, there are prophecies regarding general conditions:
Increasing lawlessness. This prophecy is that lawlessness will increase in the end-times. (Matt. 24:12). It’s obvious to me and everyone I talk to that lawlessness is getting worse, that there’s more corruption, crime, lying, disrespect, and immorality than 50-60 years ago. It’s true that there’s always been evil in the world, but now that we live in the end-times, we know this prophecy will be fulfilled. Wickedness will get worse and worse, and then the “man of lawlessness,” the Antichrist, will take over the world. 2 Tim. 3:1-5

Apostasy. This prophecy says there will be a great apostasy before Christ’s coming (Matt. 24:10, 2 Thess. 2:3). Most people my age (66) are aware that there are far less churchgoers than there were 60 years ago. It’s quite clear that churches are getting weaker, that God and the gospel are not popular, false teaching is spreading, and the religion of secularism is growing. When we get closer to Christ’s coming, God will send a delusion resulting in most unbelievers being deceived and rapidly falling away from their religions and so-called churches. This apostasy, this falling away of people from fake churches and false religions, will pave the way for the Antichrist to be worshiped all over the world. Rev. 13:3-4

Great persecution. This prophecy says great tribulation and persecution will be directed against Christians in the end-times (Matthew 24:9, 21). Ever since the church started, for close to 2000 years now, she has been persecuted. At this time, our society, academia, media, culture and the government are increasingly anti-God and anti-gospel. It won’t be long before laws will be passed with the sole purpose of silencing gospel-preaching Christians. Then, when the apostasy takes place and the Antichrist is in charge, hate for Christians will suddenly and dramatically increase, and there will be great persecution, and many Christians will be martyred, but many will live to be raptured. Rev. 12:17, 13:7

Realignment of countries. God prophesied that there will be a ten-nation, Antichrist-led kingdom in the end-times. This means we will see the decline of the United States resulting in her no longer being a world super-power. Coinciding with that, there’ll be the realigning and reforming of countries in Europe and the Mideast, fulfilling God’s geographical plan for the end-times, leading to the Antichrist’s takeover of the world. Daniel 2, 7; Ezekiel 38:1-6

Preaching the gospel. This prophecy is that the gospel will be preached to all the nations, and then the end (of the age) will come (Matt 24:14, 28:19-20). At this time, we are all aware that the gospel is being preached and that disciples are being made in nations all over the world, “even to the remotest part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Indeed, Jesus Christ is building His church, and once His work is fully completed, then this age is over, and He will immediately return to earth to take God’s children home to heaven. (A positive and related note is that people from 117 different countries and territories have viewed posts on this blog site in the last year.)

There are three important things watchmen need to know about the future: #1, Christ is coming back to rapture the church. #2, God prophesied that many specific and non-specific things would happen before Christ’s return. #3, Observant Christians will see the pre-conditions, the step by step working of God, leading to the fulfillment of these prophesies.

Might you be seeing these pre-conditions as they are happening, realizing that they are part of God’s purposeful and providential working in the world, leading to the fulfillment of His end-time’s prophesies. I have no doubt that God wants you to see this divine process, and the continual progress He is making in bringing about Christ’s return to rapture the church. Mark 13:23, Hebrews 10:25

P.S. My continued desire and prayer is that you have a good understanding of what needs to take place before Christ comes back. Here are two other posts that will help you learn what needs to happen before the return of Christ – “Bible Prophecy Enables Us To See the Future” and “What the Bible Says About the Future.”

Category: Christ’s Coming (Page 4 of 10)

Important Lessons On The Hope God Has For You!

When Life is Hard, You Need Hope

The KING of kings and LORD of lords – Psalm 2

Christ is Coming Again, and Soon!

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

Being Emotional for God in the End-Times

Life and Death Lessons

Trials and the Coronavirus – Lessons We Need to Learn

From the Coronavirus to Christ’s Coming and the Rapture

Step by Step Till We See Jesus

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Email Address

Archives

Recent Posts

Archives

Categories

Meta