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Christ's Kingdom and the End Times

Category: Christ’s Coming (Page 7 of 10)

Blog posts about Christ’s coming.

The Return of Christ and the Rapture of the Church

September 21, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #86 ~

As a Christian living on this earth, you will either physically die and go to heaven, or you will be raptured and go to heaven. Either way, it will be very, very good, the best thing to ever happen to you. Since we live in the end-times, the rapture, this climactic, dramatic, power-packed, devil-stopping, Christ-glorifying event, may occur during your lifetime. God tells you a lot about it in His Word, and that’s because it’s such an important truth for Christians to understand, especially at this time in history. Let me share with you the main things God wants you to know about the rapture.

At the end of this age, Jesus Christ will be seen coming on the clouds of the sky. Our Savior’s return to earth will be a global event, visible to the entire world. As soon as Christ arrives, Christians will be raptured, suddenly and rapidly taken from this earth to be with Him. As they are caught up in the air, that is, raptured, they will be joined by believers from all of history, all those who have already died and gone to heaven. This gathering together the believers will happen in a split-second, in the twinkling of an eye, at which time they will be given a brand-new glorified body, one that is perfect, powerful, spiritual and immortal, one that is like the body of Jesus Christ Himself. Matthew 24:29-31, Philippians 3:20-21, 1 Corinthians 15:42-57, 1 John 3:2

When will Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the King of kings, the Savior of sinners, and the Judge of all the earth, return to rapture the believers living on earth? It will occur after the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week, not at the beginning, like many Christians mistakenly believe. It will take place after the coming of the Antichrist, after great tribulation and the persecution of Jews and Christians, and after great signs in the heavens, “when the sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light” (Matthew 24:29-31). “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.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

In the near future, Christians will be raptured, will be rapidly taken and transported from the earth to meet the Lord in the air, to be received by Christ Himself. But why else will Christians be raptured? To be given relief from tribulation! To be rescued from God’s wrath on earth! To be redeemed from their body! To be reunited with loved ones! To rest from their labors! Can you see why this is one of the most important events in all of history? I can’t wait!!! I’m telling you, this age will soon and suddenly come to an end, and Christians will be raptured, taken to Christ, and then taken up to heaven. 2 Thessalonians 1:7; 1 Thessalonians 1:10, 4:13-14; Luke 21:28; Revelation 14:13

Once Christians have made this two-leg journey, from earth to the clouds, and then from the clouds to heaven, they will literally stand before Jesus Christ and God the Father, excitedly, joyously and wholeheartedly, giving Them praise. “They cry out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Salvation to our God who sits on the throne and to the Lamb.’” Jesus’ promise to us will finally and wonderfully come true: “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may also be.” John 14:3

Right after the rapture, once all the believers are in heaven, comes the Day of the Lord, God’s just punishment of unrepentant unbelievers living on earth (Revelation 8-9). I hope you see what’s coming, for the sake of the saved and the lost. As for the saved, tell them all about the return of Christ and the rapture of the church. Remind them to be loving Christ, to be living for Christ, and to be looking for His return, “encouraging one another, and all the more, as you see the day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:25, 37

As for the lost, “Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter” (Proverbs 24:11). Now is the time to tell the unsaved the good news about Christ’s 1st coming. Tell them that they need to repent of their sins before it’s too late. Tell them to believe that Jesus Christ died for them, so they can be forgiven of their sins, become children of God, and receive eternal life. Warn them that it won’t be long before Christ’s 2nd coming, and if they don’t get saved, they will miss the rapture, be left behind and severely punished on earth during the day of the Lord, and then punished forever in hell. Matthew 25:30,41,46

As for you, look forward to the end of this age, when Jesus Christ returns for His church, His bride, rapturing her, and you, into heaven. Your heart should be so happy, and deeply moved, as you think of that moment when you will first see Jesus, who loves you so much more than anyone else in the world, who can’t wait to see you, and be with you forever. “At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. And He will send His angels and gather His elect from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven” (Mark 13:26-27). “I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand upon the earth… I myself will see Him with my own eyes – I and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” Job 19:25-27

P.S. The rapture of the church – what an important and heart-warming subject for you and me, and for all believers. Here is an encouraging post that talks about our relationship with Jesus, The Rapture, A Love Story. Also here is a very detailed and instructive article about the rapture, 50 Truths God Wants You to Know About the Rapture.

Christ is Coming for Both the Church and the Jews

September 14, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #85 ~

I have talked about the Jews in detail in many previous posts, and that’s because they are a central and important subject in prophecy. But many Christians say there’s no future, no God-promised plans for the ethnic Jews. They tell you that hundreds of Old Testament prophesies for the Jews have been cancelled, are null and void. But that’s not true, for God does not change His mind. Yes, His plans for the Jews were suspended, but they sure weren’t cancelled. You read the New Testament, which is about the church, and you can’t miss the many verses about the Jews, ones that prove there’s a future for Israel, but are also relevant to the church. Let’s look at some of these verses, and see why:

Matthew 24:15-27 takes us from the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week to the return of Christ and the rapture of the church. During this short time period, the Antichrist desecrates the temple in Jerusalem (“when you see the abomination of desolation… standing in the holy place”), chases after the Jews, and attempts to persecute them.

2 Thessalonians 2:3-6 further describes this end-times’ Jewish scene, when the Antichrist, “the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.” This is a most abominable and blasphemous act of the Antichrist, for he is stopping Jews from sacrificing, and setting himself up as God. It’s written in this letter to the church, for when it occurs, it will be a signal to the Christians that Christ’s return and the rapture will soon be taking place.

Revelation 7:1-8 gives us more information about God’s end-time work with Israel, and that is the sealing of 144,000 Jews. “I heard the number of those who were sealed, 144,000 sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel” (Revelation 7:4). Those sealed are not Gentiles, and are not saved during the church age, but are specially chosen Jews, ones who will be saved to worship and follow Jesus Christ. Revelation 14:1-5

Then there’s Luke 21:20-24, five verses that summarize the history of the Jews from the first century until the end of the still-future 70th week of Daniel. They describe the desolation of Jerusalem in 70 AD, and the death of many Jews. Those who don’t die are “led captive into all the nations; and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.” Since the Jews are now back in their land, we know it won’t be long before the coming of Christ, the rapture of the church, and the “times of the Gentiles are fulfilled,” and a remnant of Jews will be saved.

These are just some New Testament verses about the future of the Jews, and here are some more: Matthew 23:37-39; Luke 1:31-33, 54-55; Acts 3:20-21; Romans 11:25-27; Hebrews 8:7-13, 11:10-16, 11:39-40; Revelation 11:1-16, 12:1-16. All the verses I have referenced in this post are about the Jews, for they talk about “Judea”, “temple”, “Jerusalem”, “Sabbath”, “Judah”, “holy city” and “Israel”. You can’t say these verses are no longer relevant, and you can’t spiritualize them, saying they are now for the church. There’s no doubt God wants to instruct and remind the church about His future plans for the Jews, as it also relates to her future, the plans He has for her.

Why is that? Why are these verses important for the church? Matthew 24:15, tucked in a key prophecy passage, says, “Let the reader understand.” What does the church need to understand?
1. That God is faithful, and is still working with the Jews and is, at this time, fulfilling His plans for them.
2. That Christ is not just coming back to carry out His plans for the church, but to also carry out His plans for the Jews.
3.  That God’s work with the Jews in the end-times is in conjunction with His work with the church, and will be taking place in the same time frame. I say this because many New Testament passages about the future of the Jews are sitting right next to passages about the future of the church. Look at this: Matthew 24:9-14 (church) – Matthew 24:15-24 (Jews); Luke 21:12-19 (church) – Luke 21:20-24 (Jews); 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2a, 5-9 (church) – 2 Thessalonians 2:2b-4 (Jews); Revelation 7:1-8 (Jews) – Revelation 7:9-17 (church). These side-by-side passages about Jews and Christians make it clear that God’s end-times’ work with the church coincides with His end-times’ work with the Jews.
4. That the fulfillment of end-time prophesied events for the Jews are signals to the church, alerting her to the fact that Christ is coming soon to rapture her, and take her home to heaven.

Once we get to Daniel’s 70th week, God’s work with the Jews and the church really gets Revved up. Jewish events taking place, the peace treaty with Israel, the temple built in Jerusalem, and the Antichrist desolating the temple, will be siren-sounding signs to the church that Christ is returning soon, and that she will be raptured and heading to heaven. Soon after this, a remnant of Jews will be saved and the glorious kingdom age will begin. Then all believers, both Jews and Gentiles, will reign with Jesus Christ over this world. “Give praise to our God, all you His bond-servants, you who fear Him, the small and the great… Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty reigns.” Revelation 19:5-6

P.S. Hurricane Florence: The Perfect Storm – I say that because our God is sovereign over this major storm that has been hitting the east coast of the United States, and He knows exactly what He is doing. Might we continue to pray for all the people affected, for their physical safety, but also for their spiritual safety in Christ, the salvation of their souls. I wrote a number of posts concerning hurricanes last year at this time, particularly relating them to the end-times and the coming of Christ. I encourage you to read them – “A Hurricane is Coming – Be Ready, Watching and Working”, “The Alarm is Ringing – Wake Up America! The Storm is Coming”, “A Big Storm is Coming and I Don’t Mean Hurricane Irma”, and one more to calm your soul, to give you peace, “When the Storms Come, Don’t Be Afraid.”

Why is Jesus Christ Coming Back?

July 20, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #77 ~

Do you ever wonder what Jesus is thinking about, what’s on His mind? Millions of things I’m sure, but there is no doubt He is thinking about coming back to earth. There will come a time, not long from now, when Jesus Christ will suddenly return and interrupt all our earthly plans, and everything will gloriously change. I have recently written posts on when Christ is coming back, and what is going to happen when He does, but why is He coming back? Why will Jesus Christ soon leave heaven and come back to this world?

Why? The most important reason is that Jesus loves His Father, and wants to please Him by fully carrying out all His plans for this world. “The world must learn that I love the Father, and that I do exactly as the Father commanded me.” John 14:31

Why? For the church. Jesus Christ loves her and cannot wait to see her. She is His bride, and He wants to come and get her so she can be with Him, and can in a much greater way, see His glory and know His wonderful love. At the end of this age, Jesus Christ will return to rapture all the Christians on earth. Immediately they will be gathered together with believers who have already died, and then taken to be with Him. “I desire that they also… be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me.” John 17:24

Why? God’s character demands it. One of the primary themes in the book of Revelation is the holiness of God. “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come” (Revelation 4:8). God’s holiness and justice cannot be ignored or compromised. God cannot just let evil go – it must be punished. Once the church is rescued from this earth, and is safe in heaven with Christ, then God will pour out His deserved and devastating wrath on this wicked world. Revelation 8-9, 16

Why? For the Jews. Hundreds of Old Testament prophecies tell us that God will bring the Jews back to the land of Israel, redeem a remnant of them, and then fulfill His promises to them during the millennial kingdom. With regards to the Jews, His chosen people, God will not go back on His promises, and they, along with the glorified believers, will be assisting Jesus Christ in His reign over the world. “The counsel of the Lord stands firm forever… Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.” Psalm 33:10-12

Why? To defeat the Antichrist, and to silence Satan. At His first coming, Jesus Christ disarmed the devilish rulers and authorities, but the outworking of that victory has been seen throughout the years, and particularly so at His second coming when the Antichrist will be thrown into the lake of fire, and Satan will be imprisoned for 1000 years. “The beast was seized, and with him the false prophet… these two were thrown alive into the lake of fire” (Revelation 19:20). “He (the angel) laid hold of the dragon, the serpent of old, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.” Revelation 20:2

Why? To take this world back from Satan. Ever since the sin of Adam and Eve, we have been living in a world that lies in the power of the evil one. The effects of his rule during this age, the wickedness and corruption covering this planet, has been clearly seen. But this evil will end, for Christ will come back, regain what is rightfully His, and begin His glorious reign. Then there will be peace on earth. “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of he Lord.” Habakkuk 2:14

Why? So that you will be glorified, so your salvation will be made complete. Your present earthly body is sin-prone, weak and mortal, but at Christ’s return, you will receive a brand new and perfect body, one that is powerful, immortal and spiritual, one like His. “We know that when He appears, we will be like Jesus.” 1 John 3:2

Why? So God and Christ will be glorified. For the “summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on earth” (Ephesians 1:11). “So that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow… and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11). Indeed, Jesus Christ will be “a great King over all the earth… God reigns over the nations, God sits on His holy throne.” Psalm 47:2, 8

I am so glad Jesus Christ is coming back to earth! I am excited He is coming back! I can’t wait to see Him! It will be the best thing for the world and the best thing for believers. But sadly, many people don’t even think about this. They are sleeping, and are loving this world, but are not loving God and looking forward to His Son’s return. But whether they know it or not, Christ is coming back. He has promised it, and He has planned it. His character demands it, and His word guarantees it. There is nothing in this whole world that can stop Christ from coming back, for you and for me, and for the purposes and glory of God. “‘Behold, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” Revelation 22:20

P.S. I have published a new article describing the special kind of person God wants us to be in the end times, Your Spiritual Service: A Member of the Spiritual Forces. But I want to also encourage you to read an older article that expands on this present post, giving you many more details on why Jesus is coming back to earth.

When Does the Rapture Take Place?

July 13, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #76 ~

Some things about the future aren’t clear at all, and other things, like when the rapture takes place, are as plain as day. You see, God wants us to have clarity as to the timing of Christ’s coming and the rapture, and not be naïve, confused, or in error. As I have said before, we do not know the exact time of Christ’s coming and the rapture, but we are to know the general time (Matthew 24:32-36). That’s because the Father wants us to be excitedly looking forward to seeing and being with His Son.

There are two things we need to know to determine the timing of the rapture. The first is realizing that the rapture takes place at the coming of Christ. 1 Thessalonians 4:15 says, “we who are alive, and remain until the coming of the Lord.” This means Christians will be alive on earth at the coming of Christ. Then verse 17, referring back to verse 15, says we “who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.” By putting these two verses together, we understand that the Christians will be caught up, will be raptured (vs 17) at Christ’s coming (vs 15).

2 Thessalonians 2:1 confirms this point, for we read, “with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him.” It is at the coming of Christ that believers are being caught up (raptured) from the earth, and will be gathered together with believers who have already gone to heaven, and will “meet the Lord in the air.” 1 Corinthians 15:20-23 says, “those who are Christ’s at His coming” will be resurrected (glorified). Those who are glorified includes those who are raptured. Therefore, we must conclude that the rapture of the church takes place at the coming of Christ, and is, in fact, the first event to take place at His coming.

The second thing we need to know is when Christ’s coming and the rapture take place in the sequence of end-time events. By studying prophecy passages we find the answer to this question. When you examine Matthew 24, you discover that the coming of Christ is spoken of in verse 30 – “They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky.” Then verse 31 speaks about the gathering of all the believers, which includes the rapture of the Christians. “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.”

Look at Luke 21. Verse 27 says, “They will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud…” That’s Christ’s coming, and in verse 28 we read that the Christians are redeemed, delivered from the earth which, of course, occurs at the rapture. 2 Thessalonians 2:1, as I have already said, is a rapture verse. Revelation 7 talks about a great multitude of believers who have just come out of the great tribulation on earth (vs 14), and they are assembled in heaven, standing and celebrating before the Lamb, before Christ Himself (vs 9). This multitude is, no doubt, speaking of the raptured believers.

Knowing where Christ’s coming and the rapture takes place in the context of Scripture enables us to see where they take place in the chronology of end time events. And what do we learn? Matthew 24:3-31 tells us that the rapture takes place after the birth pains, after the abomination of desolation, after great tribulation, after the gospel is preached to the world, and after the signs in the heavens. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-9 says the rapture occurs after the building of the temple, after the coming of the Antichrist, and after the apostasy. Revelation 6-7 substantiates this same order of events. The fact that the rapture is seen in Revelation 7, means believers are rescued from this earth before God’s wrath is poured out upon unbelievers, which is described in Revelation 8-9.

These prophecy passages clearly tell us where in the sequence of end time events that the rapture takes place. By looking at these passages, it’s obvious that the rapture is not imminent and cannot happen at any time, for many events still need to take place before we fly off this earth to be with Jesus Christ. There’s one more thing you need to know about the timing of the rapture. Daniel 9:27 says the Antichrist is revealed at the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week, and 2 Thessalonians 2:3-9 says Christ’s coming occurs after he is revealed. Therefore, we must conclude that the rapture takes place sometime during the 2nd half of that week, that seven-year time period.

In the near future, millions and millions of Christians will be living at the time of Daniel’s 70th week, serving the Lord, and experiencing great tribulation. You and your family may be among them. That’s why it’s so important for you to know when the rapture takes place in the whole sequence of end-time events. As time goes on, you will be seeing and hearing that these prophesied events are taking place, giving you an even greater confidence that Christ’s return and the rapture are getting closer and closer. “When you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door” (Matthew 24:33). Yes, life will be extremely difficult during those tribulation days, but remember that the Holy Spirit will be with you until the end of the age, and then you will, for the first time, see your loving Savior face to face. “Do not let your heart be troubled… I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may also be.” John 14:1-3

P.S. Over 2500 years ago there was this question in Daniel 12:6 –  “How long will it be until the end of these wonders?” People are still asking this question today, and God gives us the answer, not specifically, but in general. That’s why I have written other posts similar to this one, to help you know what God wants you to know, especially in these days of the end times. If you haven’t already, I would encourage you to read these two related posts – The Timing of the Rapture, and The Rapture Occurs at the Coming of Christ.

What Will Happen When Christ Comes Back?

July 6, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #75 ~

People look forward to birthdays, weddings, graduations, Thanksgiving and Christmas, and that’s good. But as Christians, it’s most important that we look forward to being with Jesus, our Lord, Savior and Friend. And since the Jews are back in their land, we know it won’t be long before we will see Him come back in the clouds. What a day that will be, the best day of our lives, for this age will be over, and we will be rocketing off this planet to be with Him. Over 100 verses describe Christ’s second coming, which means it’s vital that we understand it, especially in these days (Mark 13:23). Here are some verses that will help you know what’s going to happen when Christ returns:

* Matthew 24:3, 33 – “When will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age? …when you see all these things, recognize He is near, right at the door.” Many signs will take place before Christ’s coming and the rapture.
* 1 Thessalonians 4:16 – “The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God.” Jesus Christ will not come back secretly or quietly. The whole earth will know that He has returned.
* Luke 21:27 – “They will see the son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” Christ’s return will be visible, demonstrating His great power and great glory.
* Mark 13:27 – “He will send forth His angels, and will gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest end of the earth to the farthest end of heaven.” All believers from all time, past and present, will be gathered together to be with Jesus.

* John 14:3 – “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” Jesus Christ is coming to take you home.
* 1 Peter 1:13 – “Fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Put your hope in Jesus; be looking forward to seeing Him.
* 1 Thessalonians 4:15, 17 – “… that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord… 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.” The rapture takes place at Christ’s coming, and is one of the first events to occur at His coming.
* 1 Corinthians 15:23, 51-52 – “…Christ, the first fruits, after that, those who are Christ’s at His coming… we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet, for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable.” All believers will be glorified, will be perfected at Christ’s coming.

* James 5:7-8 – “You too be patient, strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.” It’s important to be patient while waiting for the return of our Lord.
* Revelation 22:12 – “Behold, I am coming soon.” Christ is coming back very, very soon.
* Philippians 1:6 – “He who began a good work in you will perfect it on the day of Christ Jesus.” Your salvation will be completed at Christ’s coming, for then you will be glorified.
* 1 John 3:2 – “When He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him just as He is.” How special and intimate this will be, for when Jesus returns, you will be with Him, and see Him face to face. 

* Acts 16:32 – “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.” If you are not yet saved, don’t wait, or it will be too late. Repent of your sins, and believe that Jesus Christ died for you, paying for your sins, and then rose again. John 5:24, Ephesians 2:8-9
* Psalm 98:8-9 – “The Lord is coming to judge the earth; He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity.” God will pour out His wrath on the unbelievers and the nations of the world. This will be a most holy and sobering time.
* 2 Thessalonians 2:8 – “Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming.” At His coming, Jesus Christ will soundly defeat and destroy the Antichrist.
* Revelation 11:15 – “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever.” Jesus Christ is coming back to rule the world. 

It’s hard to believe the end of the age is almost here, and that Christ will return to earth, but it’s true. How then should you live? Do not be sleeping or sinning. Be awake and alert (1 Thessalonians 5:5-8). Be loving God (Mark 12:30). Be holy (2 Peter 3:11-13). Have faith. (Luke 18:8). Be working (Luke 19:13). Be encouraging the saints (Hebrews 10:25). Be sharing the gospel (Matthew 24:14). Be making disciples. (Matthew 28:19-20). Be praying for the coming of Christ’s kingdom (Matthew 6:9-10). Be excited about seeing Jesus (1 Thessalonians 1:10). And soon enough you will see Jesus, and your life will dramatically, wonderfully, and eternally change, for you will be with Him, the enemy will be judged, the Jews will be saved, and He will begin His glorious reign on earth. “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you all.” Revelation 22:20-21

P.S. Here are two other instructive and encouraging articles about the coming of Christ, Over 100 New Testament Verses on Christ’s Second Coming, and Thirty Important Truths about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

Truths You Need to Know About the End Times

June 22, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #73 ~

1. Every prophetic word regarding the return of Christ and the rapture of the church is true, and will be fulfilled. Jesus tells us, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away” (Matthew 24:35). He also says, “Take heed; behold, I have told you everything in advance” (Mark 13:23). God has told us, ahead of time, everything He wants us to know about the end-times, and that’s because He wants us to be instructed, to be ready, to be telling others, and to be excited about seeing His Son, Jesus.

2. Prophetically speaking, we live in the end-times, the last part of this present age before the rapture of the church. The fact that the Jews are firmly established back in their land is the reason we know we are living in the end-times. Ezekiel 36-37; Daniel 12:4, 9

3. Many things need to take place before Christ’s coming. In the years before Christ’s return and the rapture, there will be birth pains (false Christs, famines, earthquakes, and wars), the decline of the United States, the realignment of countries, a rebuilt Jewish, the coming of the Antichrist, apostasy, increasing lawlessness, great tribulation, the mark of the beast, preaching the gospel to all nations, heavenly signs, etc. Matthew 24

4. Christ’s coming and the rapture of the church are not imminent. That’s because the Bible makes it clear that the aforementioned prophesied events and signs need to occur first. This means the rapture is not pre-tribulational, is not before Daniel’s 70th week, and cannot happen at any moment or time. Matthew 24:33-36, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-10

5. We now live in an elongated stage called the “beginning of birth pains.” Matthew 24:4-8 tells us about these birth pains – false Christs, wars, earthquakes and famines. Luke 21:8-11 tells us about plagues occurring in various places around the world. A parallel passage, Revelation 6:1-8, also speaks about these birth pains, but includes financial problems and death. But we are only in stage one, with stage two, the latter and harder birth pains, still to come.

6. Christians are to be watchmen (Ezekiel 3:17). We are to “be alert and sober,” telling others what we know about the end-times and Christ’s coming (1 Thessalonians 5:6). We are to be “those who have insight among the people” and “give understanding to the many” (Daniel 11:33). We need to be discerning, looking for these prophesied signs, and recognizing them when they occur. “When you see all these things, recognize that He is near, that He is right at the door.” Matthew 24:33

7. As time goes on, it will be evident to Christians that Christ’s coming is getting closer. At this time (2018), Christ’s return and the rapture are still many years away, as many prophesied events still need to take place. Once the Antichrist is revealed (Daniel 9:27), it will be less than three years until the rapture. Hebrews 10:25 instructs you to be “encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

8. The rapture of the church will occur after the birth pains, after the revealing of the Antichrist, after great tribulation, after the sixth seal, after the heavenly signs, after the last trumpet, before the seventh seal, and during the second half of Daniel’s 70th week, on a “day and hour no one knows.” We are to know the general time of the rapture, but we cannot know the specific time. Matthew 24:9-36, 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, Revelation 6-7

9. Christians alive on earth, in the years leading up to Christ’s coming, will go through great tribulation. This will be a most difficult and distressing time for Christians, for there will be increasing wickedness, worldwide apostasy, betrayal by family members, food shortages and persecution. But God will give us abundant grace, empower us to be His witnesses, and use us for His purposes and glory. Matthew 24:9-14, Luke 21:12-17

10. Christians will still be living on earth when the Antichrist is revealed at the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week. The Antichrist, possessed by the devil, will be the most evil and wicked man to ever live on the face of this earth. He will be worshiped by unbelievers, and be persecuting and killing Christians. But believers will be overcomers, victorious because of Jesus Christ and His word. Revelation 12:6-17, Revelation 13

11. Four major, life-changing, world-changing events will occur after the end of this age: the rapture of the church, God’s wrath upon the world, salvation of the Jews, and the defeat of the devil. Jesus Christ will then begin His glorious reign on earth. Revelation 6-19

12. God is sovereign over all prophesied events. Everything is going according to His perfect plans. He is working out all the details, working through Christians, rulers and countries, bringing everything and every person, to that point in time when He will send Jesus Christ back to earth. No person, no demon, and no devil, will thwart the purposes and plans of God. Isaiah 46:8-13, Psalm 33:10-12, Ephesians 1:9-11

13. Our purpose in the end-times is to be loving our Lord (Mark 12:30), loving others (John 15:17), praying (1 Peter 4:7), serving God (1 Thessalonians 1:9), encouraging one another (Hebrews 10:25), preaching the gospel (Matthew 24:14), making disciples (Matthew 28:19-20), and looking for Jesus’ soon return. Matthew 24:42

14. Our character in the end-times is to be holy (2 Peter 3:11), obedient (Revelation 2:26), wise (Revelation 13:18), loving (1 John 4:7), believing (Luke 18:8), persevering (Matthew 24:13), faithful (Matthew 25:23), patient (James 5:8), and waiting (1 Thessalonians 1:10).

In conclusion, be encouraged and excited by what God is doing in our time. “Do this, understanding the time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your sleep, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:11-12). Be thankful that you can be part of God’s great and glorious work. Faithfully serve the Lord by using your gift. Tell believers what will be taking place in the years ahead. Warn unbelievers about the coming wrath, and share the gospel with them. Be hoping, praying, and looking for our Lord’s soon return. “‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come Lord Jesus.” Revelation 22:20

P.S. I have just written, “Spiritual Survival Food for the Coming Tough Times,” the first of a two-part article about how we can live for God, especially during Daniel’s 70th week and the time of great tribulation. It focuses on the necessity of knowing, believing and obeying the word of God, with over 100 verses written out.

The United States, North Korea, ……. and Peace on Earth

June 15, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #72 ~

The Singapore Summit was a success, right? What if it eventually results in a treaty between North Korea and the United States? Will there really be a meaningful and lasting peace between the two countries, and between other countries in Southeast Asia? No, not at all! I’m not saying that what has transpired so far, or will transpire in the coming months or years, is insignificant, but it’s important for Christians to look at events like these in light of the big picture, in view of God’s end-time plans.

God has His goals, objectives and overall purposes firmly in mind. He knows exactly where He is going with this world, exactly what He wants to do, and exactly how long it’s going to take to get there. “I am God, and there is no one like Me, declaring the end from the beginning… saying, ‘My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure’… Truly I have spoken; truly I will bring it to pass.” Isaiah 46:9-11

Not only does God know exactly what will happen, but He is sovereignly and intimately involved, micro-managing every step of the way. He is purposely and precisely making things happen. God knows all the people involved in this process, and is overseeing and working out all the duties and details of their lives. Christ is building the church, using her to preach the gospel and make disciples of all the nations. (Matthew 16:18, 24:14, 28:19-20). God has been regathering the Jews to Israel, and is getting things in place with regards to all that needs to happen to them and through them, and particularly during Daniel’s 70th week (Daniel 9:24-27). He is reforming and rearranging nations, redesigning the global map so it is in line with His prophetic plans for the end-times. This is where God’s present work with North Korea and the United States fits in.

God is also preparing the way for the coming of the Antichrist (2 Thessalonians 2:6-9). He is perfectly sovereign over everything and everyone. Never forget that you are an important part of God’s plans to fulfill His eternal purposes (Ephesians 2:10). Nothing will be left to chance. There will be no accidents, mistakes or miscalculations. No activity of the devil nor work of man will ever deter, delay or defeat the plans of God. “The Lord nullifies the counsel of the nations; He frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the Lord stands firm forever.” Psalm 33:10-11

Now we live in an imperfect world with imperfect leaders. As much as men may try to bring real peace, we have to realize it’s just not going to happen during this present age. They can’t do it, and that’s because “the whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:18). There’s injustice, wickedness, crime and corruption all over this planet. There are going to be more international conflicts and wars. There’s false teaching and phony politicians, liars and thieves, sin and Satan all seemingly having their way. Then that evil devil will bring the Antichrist, the man of lawlessness, onto the scene. People all over the world will be worshiping this man, this god; there will be sin and evil like never before; and Christians will be going through great tribulation. The ungodly will hate us, and want to hurt us and kill us like never before. Revelation 13

For this reason, we are to be patient. “You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near” (James 5:8). For this reason, we are to keep praying, “Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:9-10). For this reason, we need to remember God’s word to us. “Come, behold the works of the Lord… He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth… Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord of hosts is with us” (Psalm 46:8-11). “God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with a skillful psalm. God reigns over the nations, God sits on His holy throne… He is highly exalted.” Psalm 47:7-9

Some of my favorite verses, with regards to God’s end-time work, are Ephesians 1:9-11. “God made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Christ with a view 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 we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will.” Do you see what this says? That God is in charge, that He is sovereign, that Christ is coming back, and then “every knee will bow… every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11). This is God’s promise to you – this is your hope – this is your future. Jesus Christ is the Savior, Judge and King, and at the right time, He will return to earth to rapture the church, redeem the Jews, pour out His wrath, and reign over the world! Finally, there will be true peace on this earth!

P.S. If you have not read Post 31, entitled North Korea, Microchips and the Solar Eclipse, then I would encourage you to do so. Similar to this post, it explains how it is essential that we see current events in light of the big picture, in light of where God is directing things in the end times.

Journeying to the End to Be With Jesus

June 8, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #71 ~

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

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

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

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

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

Then comes one of the main events, when this Jewish temple is desolated, disgustingly laid waste by the Antichrist, and this devilish man will be revealed for who he really is. He will force people to worship his image, or else he will have them hunted down and killed. Believers will be betrayed, persecuted, and many will bravely die for Christ. “They will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name” (Matthew 24:9). But the Christians who aren’t martyred will know this is their time to serve the Lord Jesus. They will also have hope, for they know Christ’s return and the rapture is but one, two, or at the most, three years away. They will be looking and waiting for Him to appear in the sky, and rescue them from a most wicked world.

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

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

What Needs to Happen Before Christ’s Return?

June 1, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #70 ~

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When is Christ Coming Back?

May 25, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #69 ~

I don’t know. You don’t know. “But of that day or hour no one knows… nor the Son, but the Father alone” (Matthew 24:36). Whereas God does not tell us the specific time of His Son’s return, He does say we can know the general time. “When you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door” (Matthew 24:34). In past posts, I have listed out “these things”, the signs, events and conditions that need to take place before Christ’s return. But in this post, I want to explain why I believe it will be many years before all “these things” come to pass, and then the church is raptured.

Birth pains: Matthew 24:5-8 tells us there will be false Christs, famines, earthquakes and wars occurring before Christ’s coming, and these are “the beginning of birth pains.” In referring to these birth pains, Luke 21:9 says, “the end does not follow immediately.” We are now “hearing” about these things happening in “various places” around the world, but they are only the beginning, for these signs will increase in intensity and frequency, and “then they will deliver you (Christians) to tribulation” (Matthew 24:9). It’s now 2018, and we need to know there’s still a ways to go before Christ’s return and the rapture.

Globalism: The trend in this world in the last 100 years has been towards regionalism and globalism, illustrated by different organizations, like the UN, NATO, EU, WTO and the IMF. This is all leading to that time when the people of this world will once again try to build a “tower of Babel” (Genesis 11). But now, there’s a strong current of nationalism, for many countries want to be more independent of others. For example, you see this in the United States, Great Britain and China. I believe this global landscape needs to change a whole lot more before countries subject their sovereignty to the Antichrist, before Revelation 13:4 comes true – “the whole earth was amazed and followed after the Beast.”

United States: The United States has to decline in power before the Antichrist and his kingdom can rule this world, and the way things look now, this could take some time. Without question, the United States is still the strongest nation in the world, and it doesn’t look like anyone will soon supplant her from her superior position. Barring a stock market collapse, a massive earthquake, a huge cyber or nuclear EMP attack, any of which could cause the U.S. to quickly collapse, I believe this country’s #1 position is secure for a while. It is Daniel 8:9-14, 9:26-27, 11:36-45 that explains why the Antichrist is from across the Atlantic, and not from the United States.

Increasing Sin: The moral condition of this world has declined rapidly in the past 50-60 years, but it needs to go downhill a lot more before the rapture of the church. In the time leading up to Christ’s coming, there will be rampant lawlessness, a corrupt culture, a sin-dominated society and the Antichrist, a “man of lawlessness,” ruling the world. There will be a clear polarization between believers and unbelievers, between a holy church and a wicked world, but we’re not there yet. Matthew 24:12, 2 Thessalonians 2:3

Global Anti-Semitism. Zechariah 12:3, in speaking about the Jews in the end times, says “all the nations of the earth will be gathered against her.” At this time, most countries in the world are strongly opposed to the Jews, demonstrated by their anti-Semitic votes in the United Nations. But the United States and other countries aligned with her, are still supporting the Jews. Before Christ can come back, this country and others will have to join with the rest of the world in their utter hate for the Jews. We are not there yet – it’s going to take more time before “Jerusalem (is) a heavy stone for all the peoples.” Zechariah 12:3

The Image and Mark of the Beast. The Antichrist will need to have the technology, a sophisticated global system in place to be able to spiritually, militarily, and economically rule the world, to be able to communicate with everyone in the world, demand people to worship his image, and force people to take his mark. In this information age, with computers, the internet, smart phones, and many means of surveillance, it’s obvious that we are getting closer to that time when the Antichrist will be able to control the world. But I believe we are still years away before one man (Antichrist) will be able to implement his one-world order, when people in the world will want him to rule, and accept his means to rule over them. Revelation 13:14-17

Put all these together, birth pains, growing globalism, decline of the U.S., increasing sin and anti-Semitism, technology for one-world rule. Add in the need for more wars, further realignment of nations, global gospel preaching, a peace treaty, a temple in Jerusalem, and great persecution, and you can see how it could take many years before the return of Christ and the rapture of the church. I plan to share much more on this next week.

We are now at that stage, “the beginning of birth pains,” and as Luke 21:9 says, “the end does not follow immediately.” A lot more must happen before Christ comes back. In the years ahead, “those who have insight” (Daniel 11:33) will see prophecy being fulfilled, and therefore “see the day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:25), and they are to instruct and strengthen other Christians. Always remember and be encouraged by Jesus’ last words in the Bible, “Behold, I am coming soon.” Revelation 22:20

P.S. I want to encourage you to read (or read again) this post, Does Anybody Know What Time It Is? It relates directly to this post, and really helps you understand more about the timing of Christ’s return.

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