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Christ's Kingdom and the End Times

Category: Christ’s Coming (Page 9 of 10)

Blog posts about Christ’s coming.

God’s Work in Bringing About Christ’s Return

December 29, 2017 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #50 ~

Image result for John 5:17 

It is good to think about the work of God. He is always committed to His cause and is right on course to accomplish all that He has set out to do. In every person’s life and in every part of this world, God is carrying out His plans. Here at the end of 2017 and the beginning of 2018, I want you to think about God’s work in your life and in this world. “Great are the works of the Lord; they are studied by all who delight in them.”  Psalm 111:2-3

First, think about God’s work in the world. Ephesians 1:9 speaks of the “mystery of His will… to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment, to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.” This is a prophetic verse, for everything and everyone is moving towards that time when Christ will return and be ruler of this world. But to see the big picture, you need to go back to Genesis 1-2, and remember that this world used to be a perfect place, with perfect people. Then Adam and Eve sinned, resulting in this evil age, Satan ruling over the earth, and sin and death spreading to all men. But in His mercy, God promised a Savior who would deliver people from their sin (Isaiah 53), and create a new heavens and earth. Isaiah 65:17

God made perfect plans to fulfill these eternal purposes, and over the millennia He has been faithfully fulfilling them. He worked with and through the Jews for about 2000 years, and then “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15). Christ lived a perfect life, died to pay for man’s sins, was raised again and ascended into heaven. He continued His work on earth through the church, saving millions and millions of people from sin, death and hell. Now that the Jews are back in their land, it won’t be long before Christ returns, the church is raptured and believers are glorified. Matthew 24:27-31

Second, think about God’s work in your life. It is important for you to know that in eternity past, God chose to save you, and to glorify you, to be like His Son, Jesus Christ. Then came that wonderful day when God actually saved you and forgave you of all your sins. Since then He’s been working in your life, making you holy and using you to fulfill His purposes (Ephesians 2:1-10). Romans 8:28-29 says it well, “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God,” with His primary purpose being that all believers be “conformed to the image of His Son.”

Think about this past year. In every situation, job, relationship and trial, God was working in you and through you, for your good and the good of the church, and ultimately, for His glory. God was always kind to you, always teaching you, always patient with you, and always carrying out His will in your life. There’s no doubt He’ll continue with you in this way in 2018, 2019, etc. Then will come the day, whether you’ve already gone to heaven or whether you’re still on earth, when Christ will come back, and you will be glorified, and your salvation will be 100% complete. It’s essential to have this perspective and to be encouraged by God’s perfect work in your life. 1 Thessalonians 5:24

The fulfillment of God’s plans for the Jews, His promises to the church, and His plans for you, are all converging together in these last days of this church age. God is directing every detail in this world, moving all things full speed ahead, bringing us closer and closer to that time when He will send His Son back to earth. And this age will end, believers will be glorified, this wicked world will be judged, a remnant of Jews will be saved, and Christ will begin His rule over this world. Revelation 6-11

It’s necessary for you to think about your life, and your connection to, and purpose in the world. Otherwise you’ll be rudderless and directionless, like a ship adrift out in the open sea. You must see that your life is intricately and intimately intertwined with God’s work in the world. You are like a puzzle piece, and God is fitting you and all the other pieces together. God has His plans for the world, and His plans for you in this world, and you are a vital part of all that He is doing. Everything happening in your life and in every other life in this world is part of God’s plan to bring His Son back to this earth. God will not be stopped, thwarted or delayed, and will not give up until His Son returns and is reigning over this world. Be excited that you can serve God in the way He has planned for you, in the church He has placed you, and with the people He puts in your life. “The whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:21-22

P.S.  As we think about the New Year, here’s an article that specifically instructs us about the time that God gives to each of us: The Time of My Life.

First Coming to Church Age to Second Coming

December 22, 2017 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #49 ~

“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders…” (Isaiah 9:6-7). “As for you Bethlehem Ephratha, too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel…” (Micah 5:2-5a). These are “1st coming – 2nd coming” prophecies. To the person who wrote them and the people who initially read them, it would have seemed like these events would occur in the same time period. But that didn’t happen. Now over 2500 years later, we can look back and see that these prophecies were to take place at two different times, at Christ’s 1st coming and at His 2nd coming, with the church age in between.

Let’s first look at Christ’s 1st coming, and by reading Luke 1-2, we see that Mary, Joseph, Simeon and Anna, were all looking forward to the fulfillment of these prophesies about the Messiah. And lo and behold, these four godly Jews literally see the baby Jesus, and see these predictions come true, at least part one. Then Jesus, this perfect God-man grows up, and thirty years later His ministry begins and many more prophecies about Him are fulfilled. In particular, there’s Psalm 16, Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53 accurately predicting that Jesus would suffer and die for the sins of man, and then be raised from the dead. Fifty days after His resurrection, this victorious Savior ascended into heaven to be with His Father. But most Jews weren’t happy with Jesus, for they had wanted Him to be their King, but they didn’t understand that He first needed to be their Savior. They also didn’t understand that Christ’s 1st coming work had been completed, that His mission was accomplished. Luke 2:11, John 1:29, John 17:4

It was during Jesus’ ministry years that He had promised to build the church, instructing His disciples to preach the gospel and to go and make disciples, which has been taking place now for nearly 2000 years (Matthew 28:20). He also made it very clear to them that He’d be returning at the end of this church age – He wanted to make sure His disciples knew He was going to fulfill all His promises, particularly that He’d be coming back as the King. Zechariah 14:9, Matthew 24:3-41, Luke 19:11-15

Do you see that Jesus’ disciples were thinking about these prophesies regarding Jesus’ future Kingdom, for right before His ascension into heaven they ask Him, “Lord, is it at this time that You are restoring the kingdom to Israel“ (Acts 1:6)? Then a little later in Acts 3:18-21, we read that Peter was preaching “that His (God’s) Christ would suffer (1)… repent and return, so your sins might be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the Lord (2); and that He may send Jesus… whom heaven must receive until the period of restoration” (3). Peter and some of the other Jews were finally seeing the big picture, for in this passage the 1st phrase represents Christ’s first coming, the 2nd phrase is the church age, and the 3rd phrase is Christ’s second coming. The disciples knew that the Christ had come, and that they were to be His witnesses to the world, but they longed for their Lord and Savior to return to reign as King over the earth.

Then there’s 1 Corinthians 11:26, which commemorates the Lord’s death, a verse many Christians read during their communion time, but it also gives this big-picture perspective. “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup (church age), you proclaim the Lord’s death (1st coming), until He comes (2nd coming)”. Can you see that our Lord wants to continually remind Christians of the past (Jesus dying for our sins), the present (Jesus building the church) and the future (Jesus reigning as King)?

Now it’s Christmastime 2017. To sum up, Jesus came as a baby, lived a perfect life, died a most purposeful death, was raised again, ascended into heaven, and since that time has been building His church. But the Jews are back in their land and therefore, we’re living in the end times, which means it won’t be long before Christ comes back. I am so excited to be alive at this particular time in history, at the end of this church age, knowing that our Lord may soon appear in the clouds to rapture us, suddenly and safely snatching us from earth so we can be at home with Him in heaven.

Do you realize that you are living between Christ’s 1st and 2nd coming, during the church age, but more importantly at the very end of it? Do you see that this is your time to live for God, your one time on this earth to serve Him, and that Jesus has instructed you, “Do business until I come back” (Luke 19:13)? It won’t be long before Christ returns, and part two of these “1st coming – 2nd coming” prophecies will come true, when Jesus will be King over the entire earth, bringing peace to this planet – and we will reign with Him for a 1000 years!

“Joy to the world, the Lord is come; let earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing… Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns; let men their songs employ; while fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sound joy… No more let sins and sorrows grow; nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make His blessings flow far as the curse is found, far as the curse is found… He rules the world with truth and grace; and makes the nations prove the glories of His righteousness, and wonders of His love, and wonders of His love…”  – A Christmas Carol about the 2nd Coming of Christ

P.S. I just finished a very instructive and encouraging article: The Rapture of the Church.  

The Coming of Christ, and the Triumph of the Church

December 1, 2017 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #46 ~

Never forget what Jesus Christ declared, “I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it” (Matthew 16:18). The truth is that Christ is now building His church, and this glorious work will be fully completed when He returns at the end of this age. But there are times when you look out at the spiritual landscape of the world, and it seems like a mess. You may even think to yourself, “Why isn’t the church growing more?” Let me answer this question: 1st, it’s because Christians still have a sinful flesh. 2nd, the devil with all his demons, is doing all he can to harm the church, to spread lies, error and deceit. 3rd, God is sovereign, and everything is going according to His perfect and eternal plans. “The plans of the Lord stand firm forever.” Psalm 33:11

But I need to explain two phrases, used in theological circles, to help you understand what Christ is doing with regards to the church. It is the concept of the visible church and the invisible church. The visible church refers to all people attending church services, those who profess to be Christians, those on church membership rolls, those you can visibly see. Some of these people are true Christians, but others are not. The invisible church refers to all people who are true Christians, the elect of God, those who are truly saved and born again, and God knows those who are His. But what believers see on earth is a mixed body, comprised of the saved and unsaved, or as Jesus said, those who are wheat and tares. But we shouldn’t be surprised, for this is what Christ told us would happen. “So shall it be at the end of the age.” Matthew 13:36-43

When Christ said, “I will build My church,” He was referring to the invisible church. There’s no doubt those the Father chose to be saved will be saved, adopted as His sons, redeemed by Christ’s blood, forgiven of their sins, and sealed by the Spirit for the day of redemption. We can confidently say, “the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord… a dwelling of God in the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:21

Do you not know and do you not believe that Jesus Christ is the head of the church, that He is in charge, that He is leading the way, and that He is directing Christians on earth to do His work? Do you not see that Christ will be victorious all the way to the end of this age, that He will finish what He started, and then return to rapture the church and take her to Himself, and then take her home to heaven? Amen!!! Ephesians 1:9-12, 4:11-16

Yes, it is true that Christians aren’t perfect and don’t always do what they ought to do, and sometimes are living for self instead of living for God. It’s true that this hateful and evil devil is continually tempting us, attacking us and fighting against us – indeed, we are in a fierce spiritual battle. It’s also true that some pastors preach a simplistic gospel, and are not teaching all of God’s word, but instead are trying to be worldly and entertaining, with hopes that people will then join their church. 2 Timothy 4:1-5

But remember, God is sovereignly and powerfully working all things together for good, and will faithfully fulfill His promises, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth,” and “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved,” and “that He may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you, whom heaven must receive until the period of restoration of all things.” Acts 1:8, Acts 2:21, Acts 3:20-21

God has ordained it so that Christians will pray, “Your kingdom come,” and “will seek first His kingdom”, so that “this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world… and then the end will come”, so that Christians will “make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them… teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you,” so that Jesus will be with us “even to the end of the age.” Matthew 6:10, 6:33, 24:14, 28:19-20

I am very encouraged that God is in control and that everything, to the last detail, to the last word preached, to the last martyr, to the last person saved, to Christ’s coming in the clouds, to His return in glory and His rapture of the church, is going exactly according to His eternally wise and wonderful plans, and will most assuredly soon be fulfilled. “He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.” 1 Corinthians 1:8-9

P.S. During this Christmas season when we can be so easily be distracted by all kinds of things, let’s remember to be Thinking of Jesus Christ.

The Persecution of the Jews: From Pharaoh to the Antichrist

October 20, 2017 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #40 ~

One condition that must be met before Christ’s 2nd coming is increasing Jewish persecution. This Antisemitism has been taking place since the beginning days of Israel’s existence when they were growing up in Egypt, and 3600 years later it still goes on, and will continue right up until Christ’s return. Revelation 12 best summarizes this hellish opposition against the Jews, this persecution driven and directed by the devil himself. The imagery is given of a seven-headed, ten-horned dragon, depicting eight different devilish empires opposing the Jews. Seven of these are now in the past, but one more, the Antichrist’s 10 nation kingdom, is still to come.

Revelation 12:1-5 takes us from the birth of Israel to the birth of Christ. The pregnant woman with 12 stars is the nation of Israel, and she was in painful labor during this time. That’s because Satan was using six different kingdoms to persecute the Jews and prevent the Savior from being born – they were Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome. These God hating kingdoms wanted to wipe out the Jews and Jesus, but none were successful, for verse 5 tells us about the birth of Jesus Christ, the future Ruler, and that He ascended into heaven. And that’s all it says, for the main point of this verse isn’t about Christ being the Savior, but that Christ will be the King over the world.

Revelation 12 isn’t about the church age, it’s about the “woman”, the Jews, being persecuted by the devil. Looking back we see that there’s about a 2000 year gap between verses 5 and 6, taking us from Christ’s 1st coming to the last half of Daniel’s 70th week and Christ’s 2nd coming. But where were the Jews during this entire time? When Jesus was on earth, He repeatedly predicted that wrath was coming upon the Jews (Luke 19:41-44, 20:16, 21:20-24, 23:28-31), and this tragically took place around 70AD. Historians tell us that close to 1 million Jews were killed by the Romans, and Luke 21:24 says the rest would then “be led captive into all the nations, and will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles.” God’s word has come true, for there’s been great persecution against the Jews over the course of all those years, but by God’s mercy, they were never completely destroyed – a remnant of Jews has always survived.

The Diaspora, this worldwide Jewish displacement, lasted a long time, a little over 1800 years, but by the promises of God and for the purposes of God, the Jews have miraculously been returning to their land. And the persecution continued, their darkest days occurring when this devilish Hitler led a holocaust resulting in the mass murder of close to 6 million Jews. God was sovereign in that their deaths led to the rebirth of their nation in 1948. The anti-Semitic attacks kept coming – there was the Sinai War of 1956, the Six Day War of 1967, the Yom Kippur War of 1973, the Lebanon War of 1982, and in addition, a great deal of global opposition.

Now it’s 2017, and it’s obvious to those who watch world affairs, that there’s a major effort underway to get a peace treaty between the Jews and Palestinians. What’s amazing is that over 2500 years ago God predicted that a covenant between the Jews and the Antichrist would be confirmed, and it would take place right at the beginning of Daniel’s 70th week, that end times’ prophecy packed 7 year time frame (Daniel 9:24-27).

I don’t believe it will be too long before this covenant is signed, and life may then be a bit better for the Jews, but this “peace” will be short lived. That’s because the Antichrist is a liar. We then come to the midpoint of Daniels’ 70th week, and 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 tells us that this “son of destruction… takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.” All discerning Jews and Christians will know that this is the Antichrist. This most evil man will begin persecuting the Jews, then the Christians. Starting in Jerusalem, this great persecution will spread to the whole world. “There will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now” (Matthew 24:15-21).

The good news is that a sizable Jewish remnant will escape (Matthew 24:16-26, Revelation 12:13-16). But not all will get away from the Antichrist and his forces of evil, and the killing fields will once again be red with the blood of the Jews. Even the United States will abandon the Jews and be against them. In fact, “All nations of the earth will be gathered against it” (Zechariah 12:3). This Jewish persecution will continue “until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled” (Luke 21:24). Then God will fulfill His promise of salvation for the Jews. “And thus all Israel will be saved… This is my covenant with them, when I take away their sins (Romans 11:25-26).  Then begin the glory years, the millennial kingdom age, and all believers from all time, you and me included, will join the Jews in worshiping and serving the Lord Jesus Christ. “Blessed be His glorious name forever; and may the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen, and Amen.” Psalm 72:19

P.S. I’ve just posted another article about your future: Prophecy Psalms for the Jews and for You – Part 2.

The World is Now in Labor – This Means Christ is Coming Soon

September 22, 2017 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #36 ~ 

Image result for earthquake mexico city 2017

Has not God told us the future? Has not God told us what will be taking place in the years leading up to the coming of Christ and the rapture of the church? Has God not clearly told us in His word what we need to know? Yes, He most definitely has! And I’m so glad He has written it all down for us. We don’t need to guess or wonder, or worse yet, listen to false prophets and profiteers who aren’t telling the truth but are only tickling people’s ears. Please don’t be naïve, confused, misinformed or in error. Take heed to the word of God, and find out what your heavenly Father wants you to know.

Over the course of the coming months, I’ll be systematically going over many specific events that the Bible says will be taking place before the return of Christ to this earth. In the past few weeks, I’ve been examining the birth pains (birth pangs), and today I want to sum things up by sharing ten relevant points about them.
1. These “birth pains” are described as false Christs, wars, rumors of wars, plagues, famines, earthquakes, and financial distress.
2. These “birth pains” are spoken of in Matthew 24:4-8, Mark 13:5-8, Luke 21:8-11 and Revelation 6:1-8. The fact that God repeats them four different times gives a great deal of added weight to their truth and importance.
3. They are called “birth pains”, which is instructive, for it means they will increase in both frequency and intensity. That is, these end time “birth pains” will get nearer and nearer together and harder and harder as we get closer to the coming of Christ.
4. Matthew 24:6-7 tells us that “you will be hearing of wars”, and “in various places there will be famines and earthquakes”. Do you see this? These “birth pains” aren’t occurring in every city and country in the world, but only in “various places”. People on this earth will be “hearing” about them, but most will not be experiencing them.
5. To the discerning Christian it will be very obvious that these “birth pains” are increasing in frequency and intensity – those believers who are spiritually awake and alert will sense in their heart that Christ will be coming soon. Hebrews 10:25
6. Just like a mother experiences birth pains over a period of time, so too these earthly “birth pains” will occur over a period of time. Some believe they start at the beginning of Daniels’ 70th week and go on for only a few years, but the very nature of these events, and in particular, famines, wars and financial crisis, suggest they take place over a longer period. Personally, I believe they’ve already been going on for a long time.
7. One of the results of these “birth pains” is that people, unbelievers in particular, will desire and even be desperate for a global leader to bring order and peace to the world, this leading to the acceptance and worship of that most devilish Antichrist.
8. These “birth pains” are taking place before the coming of Christ, proving that the rapture of the church is not imminent, and cannot happen at any moment. Many other discernible prophesied events will also occur before the return of Christ.
9. Matthew 24:4-8 says, “all these things are the beginning of birth pains.” The “birth pains” happening at this present time do not mean that the rapture will be right away. “When you hear of wars and disturbances, do not be terrified, for these things must take place first, but the end does not follow immediately.” Luke 21:9. Many more things still need to take place before Christ’s return – a Jewish peace treaty, the revealing of the Antichrist, nations forming alliances, people taking the mark, great tribulation, etc.
10. People who say these “birth pains” are part of the “Day of the Lord’s” wrath, are wrong, are in error. Revelation 6:1-8 identifies these birth pains as the first four seals, and goes on to make it super clear (Revelation 6:15-17) that they will all take place before God’s wrath, the trumpet and bowl judgments of Revelation 8-9, 16. Revelation 6 speaks about birth pains, tribulation and the end of the age. Revelation 7 is about the sealing of the Jews and the rapture. Revelation 8-9 describes the wrath of God.

There’s no denying the truth of God’s Word with regards to these birth pains – you must not ignore or take lightly what God is telling you, for they are now occurring in the world around us (e.g., rumors of war with N. Korea, earthquakes in Mexico, and 20 million people experiencing famine in Africa), and will continue to happen until Christ’s coming. We should be very thankful that our Father told us these things ahead of time. We’re His kids, and He wants us to believe what He’s telling us. He wants us to trust Him and love Him and be looking for His Son’s return. Live for Jesus in these years before the rapture by being a faithful saint, a hard-working servant and a brave soldier. “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your work in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

P.S. – Jesus Christ  did not come back on September 23, 2017. Many things still need to take place before His return and the rapture of the church.

P.P.S. – Be praying for the people and families so catastrophically affected in Mexico City by the earthquake, and in Puerto Rico by the hurricane, for both their physical and spiritual needs.

The Rapture is NOT Going to Take Place on September 23, 2017

September 19, 2017 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Special Post ~

Image result for 2 thessalonians 2:3

This past Monday I listened to a number of false teachers on YouTube videos predicting what they think will take place on and after September 23, 2017. I was shocked and saddened to hear all the spectacular, sensational and nonsensical things they were saying, all their errors, these lies of the devil. For example: the rapture is going to take place on September 23, 2017 – FALSE. The world as we know it will end on September 23, 2017 – FALSE. There will be a number of signs and events taking place on September 23, 2017, that will then lead to the end of this world – FALSE.

After listening to this false teaching, I felt compelled to share the truth and give some instruction, for you need discernment, you need to know the difference between what is true and what is false when it comes to prophecy. You need to know what God says is going to take place in the future so you don’t fall prey to the end times’ errors that are so prevalent and rampant in our world today.

1. Be aware of error. Many false teachers, false prophets and false Christs are making predictions and promoting their error, and you need to know what God’s word says about prophecy – you need to be discerning. “See to it that no one misleads you…” Matthew 24:4, 11, 24-25
2. The rapture will not take place on September 23, 2017. The Bible makes it very clear that no one knows the day or hour of the rapture, and therefore no one can predict the day or hour of the rapture. “But of that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.” Matthew 24:36
3. The rapture cannot happen on September 23, 2017, and that’s because God’s word tells us many things that still need to take place before Christ’s return and the rapture. There will be an increasing number of false Christs, wars, earthquakes, famines and plagues. There will be a great apostasy, the building of the temple in Jerusalem, the United States declining in power, the realigning of nations, the revealing of the Antichrist, and people taking the mark of the beast. There will be a great persecution of Christians and Jews, global evangelization, and finally, signs in the heavens. All these things are prophesied to occur before the return of Christ and the rapture of the church. God tells us these things because He wants all believers to know the general timing of Christ’s return. “… so you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door.” Matthew 24:32-33
4. The rapture of the church is not imminent, and that’s because there are a great number of discernible prophesied events that need to take place before the rapture. We can know the general time of Christ’s return, but we cannot know the specific time. (Point #3 lists many of these prophesied events that will occur before the rapture).
5. Understand what Jesus has told us about the birth pains, the false Christs, wars, earthquakes, famines and plagues (Matthew 24:4-8). This will help you to see that the solar eclipse and hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, are not Biblically prophesied signs of Christ’s return. False teachers are misinterpreting Luke 21:25-26 – “There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves.” The “signs in sun…” is referring to signs in the heavens that will take place right before the rapture of the church (Matthew 24:29), and will be seen by everyone on the earth. The “roaring of the sea and the waves” is not referring to recently occurring hurricanes that have hit the United States and its territories, but will be a result of a great earthquake occurring right before the coming of Christ (Psalm 46:2-3, Revelation 6:12). Hurricanes, catastrophic as they may be, are not spoken of as prophecy predicting events in the Bible.
6. Never add to God’s word, or subtract from God’s word. Always remember that truth + error = error. In this recent round of errors concerning September 23, 2017, many false teachers are mixing astrology (Virgo), astronomy (Jupiter) and the Bible (Revelation 12:1-2), and this is so terribly wrong. Mixing the word of God with the word of man results in error. Our understanding of eschatological, end times’ prophecy must be based solely on the Bible, for it is prophetically sufficient, it is all we need to know. “I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life.” Revelation 22:18-19, Matthew 24:35
7. Be a good Bible student. Read God’s word; study the word; compare passages; don’t go beyond what is written; interpret the Bible correctly; take it literally, that is in its normal, natural, plain sense; and don’t try to make the events of the world interpret God’s word, but rather let God’s word interpret the events of the world. Saturate your mind with Biblical truth so it becomes a spiritual sieve that filters out the good from the bad, that enables you to recognize the truth and discard the error. Don’t be naive, don’t be deceived, don’t be fooled by the devil, but get discernment and wisdom from God’s word. “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness.” 2 Timothy 2:15-16

When it comes to prophecy, be very careful of what you watch and who you listen to. Don’t be fooled by false teachers and the deception and lies of the devil. “Many false prophets will arise and mislead many” (Matthew 24:11). I strongly encourage you to check out the following links to other posts that I have specifically written to help you understand the timing and chronology of events leading up to the rapture:  North Korea, Microchips, and the Solar Eclipse – A Hurricane is Coming – Be Ready, Watching, Working – Deception or Discernment? – Matthew 24 – A Road Map of the End Times – The Seals of Revelation 6 – The Storm Before the Son – Does Anybody Know What Time It Is? – Daniel’s 70th Week, One of the Keys to Unlocking the End Times.

P.S. – This week’s “Saturday Morning Post” will list out a number of critically important points that will give you a lot more insight and understanding about the end times’ birth pangs.

How Do We Know We are Living in the End Times?

July 21, 2017 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #27 ~

Image result for Israel people

Everything I’ve talked about so far isn’t that relevant if we can’t clearly and convincingly answer this one question: “How do we know we’re living in the end times?” God’s Word tells us that the Jews would return to Israel, and that’s exactly what has taken place in the past 130 years. The fact that the Jews are back in their own land is the main reason we know we’re in the end times, that time period leading up to the 2nd coming of Christ, the rapture of the church and the redemption of the Jews. Let me explain more fully:

From 750BC-490 BC, many Old Testament prophets predicted that the Jews would be gathered back to their land. Isaiah 11:11 – “In that day the Lord will reach out His hand a second time to reclaim the surviving remnant of His people…” (Note this is the second time – the first gathering took place between 530BC-440BC). Jeremiah 32:37-38 – “I will surely gather them from all the lands where I banish them in My furious anger and great wrath. I will bring them back to this place and let them live in safety. They will be My people and I will be their God.” Zechariah 8:7-8 – “I will save My people from the countries of the east and the west and bring them back to Jerusalem, and I will be faithful and righteous to them as their God.” Ezekiel 36:26 – “I will gather you from all the countries, and bring you into your own land… I will give you a new heart and spirit.” Hosea 1:11, Amos 9:14-15, Micah 4:6-7 and Zephaniah 3:14-20 also speak of this great gathering.

It was around 1880 that all these predictions started coming true, for that was the beginning of this gathering of Jews back to Israel. First there were thousands, then tens of thousands, then hundreds of thousands, then millions, and finally 6.5 million strong in May 2017 (Jewish Virtual Library). This is an amazing miracle of God! For a people group to be gone from their land for so long, and then to return with their same identity, same language, same culture, and same religion is absolutely phenomenal. Nothing like this has ever happened before! God’s promise about the Jews has been coming true, just like He said, and no one can deny it. Indeed, we are seeing a miraculous and glorious work of God!

But you say, “This is about the Jews, but what about the church?” Let me make the connection. Matthew 24:9-26, Mark 13:9-23, Luke 21:12-24, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-10 and Revelation 7:1-17 are all prophecy passages, and in each of them there’s a section about the Jews adjacent to a section about the church. By examining these passages, it’s obvious that God’s work with the Jews in the end times is coinciding with, and in conjunction with, His work with the church. Therefore, we know that God will not do His prophetic work with the Jews apart from His prophetic work with the church. And since the Jews are back in their land, then we know this age is coming to an end – it won’t be long before Christ returns to carry out this work, fulfilling God’s promises for the church and the Jews.

Do you see this? Over 2500 years ago, God predicted that the Jews would come back to their land. The fact that God has gathered them back to Israel is a clear and obvious sign that we are now living in the end times. (Daniel 12:4 – “Seal up the book until the end time.” The book has now been unsealed, for the Jews are back in their land). “Behold, I will take the sons of Israel from among the nations where they have gone, and I will gather them from every side and bring them into their own land; and I will make them one nation in the land… and one King will be king for all of them… and they will be My people and I will be their God.” Ezekiel 37:21-22 (Emphasis mine). The first part of this verse has come true for the Jews, and now the last part about God’s three promises for them, will also come true. They will be saved from their sins, will have Jesus as their King, and will then be blessed in their land.

But now that we’re in the end times, all the other prophecies with regards to Christ’s 2nd coming will soon be taking place – there will be birth pains, a peace treaty, a new Jewish temple, the Antichrist, the mark of the beast, the great persecution, the rapture of the church, the Day of the Lord, the salvation of the Jews, and then Christ will begin His reign over the earth. Hallelujah!!!

It was only 150 years ago that the Jews weren’t in their land, but now they are. The prophetic alarm clock is now ringing, and God is telling us to wake up, for Christ’s coming is right around the corner. Be encouraged, be excited, learn what you need to learn, do what you need to do, and look forward to seeing your Lord, Savior and King!

P.S.  I have just published a new article: Replacement Theology: It’s Not True – Part 4.  This is a very helpful supplement to today’s post.  Please check it out and especially note point #3 which talks about the gathering of the Jews to Israel.

 

 

Unfinished Business

June 9, 2017 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #21 ~

God has a lot of unfinished business left to do with regard to the Jews. But many Christians don’t understand His plans, or are uninformed, confused, or in error. In fact, there are some who actually believe God’s work with the Jews is done, is over, is finished. Yes, they say the Jews were the ancestors of the Messiah and the writers of God’s Word, but they say they blew it when they killed the Messiah – they had their chance, and they took themselves out of the picture. Now they readily admit that the Jews have reoccupied Israel,  but they still adamantly say there’s no Biblically prophesied future for ethnic Jews, for those who are Jews physically speaking. They say that we’re now in the church age, and that all God’s future plans relate directly and only to the church. Let me explain why their thinking is wrong:

God’s Word is true – it was true when it was written, it is true today, and it is true forever. God is not a man that He should lie or that He should change His mind, and therefore, every single word of God will be fulfilled, which includes His promises to the Jews. “The word of the Lord is right and true; He is faithful in all He does… The Lord’s counsel stands forever, the plans of His heart from generation to generation. Blessed is the nation (Israel) whose God is the Lord, the people whom He has chosen for His own possession.” Psalm 33:4, 11-12

God’s character is at stake. Do you think God would give all these promises to the Jews, and then not keep His Word? If God has changed His mind, then He has deceived many people, even Jesus’ own mother (Luke 1:28-35). If God doesn’t keep His promises, then He is a liar. But God is not a liar – He will always be faithful to His Word. “Do you think I came to abolish the Law or the prophets? I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.” Matthew 5:17-19

God’s promises are not based on law but on grace, and therefore are unconditional. They depend on God’s Word, and on God’s power, mercy and faithfulness, and therefore can’t be annulled because of Israel’s sin and unfaithfulness. God’s promises to the Jews that they’d inherit some land (Genesis 13:14-17), that Messiah would be King over the entire world (2 Samuel 7:12-13), and that a Jewish remnant would be saved (Jeremiah 31:31-34), will, without question, be fulfilled! “God has remembered His covenant forever.” Psalm 105:8

God’s promises are literal. They are not to be spiritualized. You can’t take some of God’s promises literally, and others figuratively. The promises of Christ’s 1st coming were fulfilled in every detail, and the promises of His 2nd coming will be fulfilled in every detail. How can a person say Jesus was literally born as a baby but won’t literally come back as a King? How can a person say that Old Testament promises for the Jews are not to be taken literally, but are now true for the church? You can’t say these things. Listen to what God says: “Truly I have spoken; truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it and I will do it.” Isaiah 46:9-11

God’s promises to the Jews are eternal promises. “All the land which you see, I will give it to you and your descendants forever.” Genesis 13:15. How can anyone say God’s promises are not eternal when God says they are eternal? God is not going back on His Word, is He? His promises cannot in any way, shape or form be taken back, be rescinded – they will come true, and they will be true forever. “Thus says the Lord…” Jeremiah 31:35

God never said His promises were changed. Neither God, Christ or any New Testament writer ever actually denied these promises to the Jews, or said they were altered or reneged, and then given to the church. In fact, they were affirmed to be true. Luke 1:54-55, 1:68-79; Romans 15:4

Most of God’s Word is about the Jews. Nearly 70% of the Bible is about the Jews, and close to 23% is about the church. Then you have over 1000 Old Testament verses that restate and amplify God’s promises to the Jews. How can anyone say that the Jews are irrelevant, and that God’s promises to them are null and void? Anyone who thinks God’s future plans for the Jews have been nullified and invalidated are terribly mistaken. Don’t believe those who say there’s no future for the Jews. Believe what God says: “Judah will be inhabited forever and Jerusalem for all generations.” Joel 3:20. “I will make a covenant of peace… an everlasting covenant with them. I will multiply them and set my sanctuary in their midst forever.” Ezekiel 37:26

This is a very important post. I write this for there are many who question God’s promises to the Jews – but we should never question God and His Word. With regards to His future working with the Jews, read the Old Testament,  particularly the Law, the Psalms and the Prophets. Take them literally, and believe them, and see how God’s plans for His people, for both the Jews and the church, are now coming true at this time in history. And stay tuned, for there’s much more to be said on this subject in future posts and articles.

P.S.  Here is another important article about what the Old Testament teaches us about the Kingdom Age on this earth: Hidden Treasure in the Old Testament.

A Short Summary of God’s Working With the Jews

May 26, 2017 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #19 ~

When we talk about end times prophecy, we can’t just focus on the church. We have to understand the past history of the Jews to understand God’s present working with the Jews, and that His present work with them in these end times is in conjunction with His work with the church. Here is a summary of God’s past working with the Jews.

It was about 2050 BC that God began to carry out His plans for the Jews. He promised Abraham that he would inherit a large area of land, and be given a great number of descendants (Genesis 12:1-3, 13:14-16). Then came Abraham’s son Isaac, and then his grandson Jacob, and then his great grandson Joseph. It was Joseph who was providentially taken to Egypt, and years later was joined by his 11 brothers. From the 12 sons of Jacob came the 12 tribes of Israel, and the birth of the nation of Israel in the nation of Egypt.

It was in 1445 BC that God chose Moses to miraculously help the Jews escape out of Egypt and into the desert. There God gave them the Law, and the means by which they were to worship Him. Moses humbly led the Jews in the desert for 40 long years, but it was Joshua who led them into Canaan where they soundly defeated God’s enemies, finally taking possession of the promised land. But it wasn’t long before the Jews were disobeying the laws God had given them, and were doing what was right in their own eyes. Therefore, God began appointing judges who led Israel for the next 325 years.

In 1110 BC God first revealed Himself to Samuel, and He raised him up to be a prophet and a priest. Now the Jews desired a king, and so Samuel anointed Saul, but he was not a very good king. Then there was David, a man after God’s heart, and he was the best of the earthly kings. God then made an amazing promise to David, that one of His descendants would be the Messiah, the future King of the entire world (2 Samuel 7:12-16).

Then came Solomon (970 BC), a world-famous king who was responsible for building a temple for the Jews. After him came many more kings, some good and some bad. And sadly, instead of worshiping God, many of the Jews started worshiping idols. This terrible and grievous sin went on for over 350 years, stirring up God’s righteous anger, resulting in His wrath often being poured out upon His people. He also sent them prophets, like Isaiah, Joel and Jeremiah, to proclaim God’s truth, and help them see their need to repent of their sins. In all this God was very patient and very forgiving. It was during this time that God made a most gracious promise to Jeremiah, that in the future, He would save a great number of Jews (Jeremiah 31:33-34).

But finally, God had enough of the Jews’ sin, and so He punished His people by sending them out of Israel (722 BC) to Assyria, and out of Judah to Babylon (606 BC). Then after 70 years, God, through Haggai, Ezra and Nehemiah, began mercifully bringing these Jewish exiles back to their land. They rebuilt the temple and the city wall, and again began to worship the one true God. And as time went on, the Jews were sinning more and more, but it wasn’t idol worship as much as it was a proud and self-righteous rebellion against God.

Then, in the fullness of time, around 4 BC, JESUS, a Jew, a descendant of Abraham and David, the Messiah, the Son of God, was born. When He was 30, He began His ministry, teaching, healing and making disciples. Then He humbly and lovingly went to the cross, suffering and dying for our sins – but God raised him from the dead, and after 40 days He ascended into heaven. Amen!

Sadly, most Jews were hard-hearted, and didn’t turn from their sin and trust in Christ for salvation. And so in 70 AD, God severely punished the Jews – close to one million of them died, and the rest were led captive into all the nations. But God’s promises and plans for the Jews were not then nullified or changed, as some believe, but were only suspended. The church age had begun: from heaven, Christ was building His church on earth – it was the time for people to call on the Lord to be saved from their sin.

It is 2019, close to 2000 years later, and it’s still the church age. But now we live in the end times, the last part of the church age, for the Jews, after being scattered for over 1800 years, have miraculously returned to their land. The prophetic pieces of the puzzle are being put into place; God’s work with both the church and the Jews is clearly evident; and it won’t be long before Christ returns to rapture the Christians, then pour out His wrath on this world. God will be true to His Word, and fulfill His promises to the Jews – the promise of salvation, the promise of land, and the promise of a King. Finally, world peace.  Shalom.

P.S.   My new article will further help you to  understand this subject of God’s working with the Jews:  Charting God’s Miraculous Working With the Jews.

Do Business Until I Come Back

May 19, 2017 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #18 ~

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I want to look at a parable that has greatly impacted my life, that has made me very excited about serving the Lord in these days. Luke 19:11 – “Jesus went on to tell a parable, because He was near Jerusalem, and they supposed that God’s kingdom was going to appear immediately.” This story was about a nobleman going away to receive a kingdom, and in the meantime his ten slaves were to invest his money, to put his money to work. He instructed them, “Do business until I come back.” Luke 19:13. The main lesson of this parable is that, during this church age, you are to use the talents, time and money God has given you for His purposes and glory.

God has given you unique gifts and abilities, and a certain amount of money to use, and a certain amount of time to live. And as a Christian, these things aren’t yours – you don’t own anything, for everything you have is what God has temporarily given you. He is the owner, He is the Master, and you are just a manager, a steward, a slave. And you are not to work for yourself but for God, using the gifts, abilities, money and time He has given you.

You have to realize that God Himself has made you a certain way, and has given you all you need to do all the work He wants you to. This should excite you, and motivate you to work for God, to “do business” right up until Christ comes back, right up to the rapture. As a Christian, you are extremely privileged to be God’s servant, and so work for Him and do His work. Be faithful. Be diligent. Be pragmatic. Work joyfully. Work hard. Work smart. “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

This God-planned work can relate to serving in the church, and so use your spiritual gifts. It can relate to working at a job, and so use your talents. Yes, you may be a nurse, a teacher, an engineer, a factory worker, a farmer, a cook, a graphic artist, a wife, a mother, a pastor, etc., but remember, all your work is spiritual, and it has both earthly and eternal value. “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord, rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance.” Colossians 3:23-24.

Now you may retire from working at a job, but you are to never retire from working for God. No matter your age, keep investing your life in God’s work until Christ comes back, or until you die. Don’t be short sighted, but see your life in light of the ages to come – and remember that God wants to eternally bless you for your earthly work. Look forward to what Jesus wants to say to you, “Well done, good slave, because you have been faithful in a very little thing, you are to be in authority over ten cities.” Luke 19:17

Then there is the sad part in this parable about the wicked, worthless and fearful slave, who wasn’t working for his master, and who was wasting his money. Luke 19:20-26. The master was right to take what he had given him and give it to someone else who would use it in a productive way. The lesson for us is simple – might we not be lazy, selfish or worldly, but might we wake up and get to work.

Let us also remember the overall work of the church. Matthew 24:14 – “This gospel is to be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 28:19-20 – “Go and make disciples of all the nations…” Yes, we have different jobs we’re doing for the Lord, but they need to be seen in the context of preaching the gospel and making disciples. It’s important then to be in a church that’s focused on preaching the gospel and teaching the Word.

This parable is for all believers during this church age, but it has particular relevance for us at this time. About 2000 years ago, “they supposed that God’s kingdom was going to appear immediately.” But now we live in the end times, and therefore Christ is coming back soon, and then His kingdom will appear. We should be thrilled to think that in all of history, now is our time, now is our opportunity to serve the Lord. Let it be said again, “Do business until I come back.”

P.S. Here are two links to information related to this post which I believe may encourage you: Luke 19 sermon – Being a Good Steward; and a new article: The Time of My Life.

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