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Christ's Kingdom and the End Times

Category: Church (Page 1 of 4)

Blog posts about the Church.

God’s Plans for the Church and Israel are Connected

October 21, 2023 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #288 ~

What does this war in Israel have to do with Christians? How does it relate to the future God has mapped out for us? One of the keys to understanding God’s plans for the church is knowing how He is working with Israel. Today, I will give you a brief overview of Jewish history from Christ’s 1st coming to His 2nd coming to the kingdom ages. As you track God’s working with the Jewish people, you will more clearly see the future God has planned out for Christians, and for you.

1. 4 BC – 29 AD. The salvation of believers is definitely connected to Israel, most specifically and importantly to the most famous Jew, Jesus Christ, God in the flesh. Born in Bethlehem and raised in Nazareth, Jesus, at the age of 30, began His 3-year ministry, during which time He traveled all over Israel, teaching, doing miracles, and making disciples. He was unjustly crucified and killed, and then was buried, and then was raised from the dead. Jesus’ suffering and death is the payment for the sins of all those who repent and believe that He died for them (Mk. 1:15). Ten days after Jesus ascended into heaven, the church began. 

2. 70 AD – late 1800’s. The Jewish people, because of their rebellion against God and rejection of Christ, were greatly persecuted and then led captive into all the nations. Throughout the centuries, the Jews continued to be hated, harassed, persecuted, and killed, but they were never wiped out, for God faithfully protected them. And now we are living in the church age, and the growth of the church is related to the fact that God isn’t focusing on the Jews, but on the Gentiles. Luke 21:20-24, Rom. 11:25-27

3. Late 1800’s. By the promise and power of God, the Jewish people miraculously began coming back to their homeland – and this is what I call the beginning of the end-times. And the Jews kept coming and coming. That the Jews have been returning to their land is God’s sign to Christians that Christ will soon return to rapture the church. and that He will in the near future begin fulfilling His final plans for Israel. Gen. 12:1-3, Is. 45:17, Ez. 36-37, Dan. 12:4, Zech. 14:9, Rev. 11:15

4. Late 1800’s to the end of this age. Birth pains (wars, famines, earthquakes, plagues) are impacting various parts of this planet, affecting unbelievers, the church, and the Jews. These physical signs are spiritual alarms, designed to awaken us and the whole world to the fact that this age will soon come to an end, and Christ will return to rapture the church. Matt. 24:3-8, 29-31; Rev. 6:1-8

5. 1937-1944. One of the most barbaric atrocities on this earth was the murder of over 6 million Jews during WW2. This led to the rebirth of the nation of Israel in 1948, a clear signal to the church that God had not abandoned His people, and that His promises to them of land, salvation, and a King, would be fulfilled (Ez. 37:21-23). Ever since this holocaust, strong, Satanic opposition continues to plague the Jews. But God keeps them going and growing, their population in Israel now being close to 7.2 million people.

6. OCTOBER 7, 2023 – ???. THERE’S NOW A WAR BETWEEN ISRAEL AND HAMAS. Here is what you need to know about this war, and about Israel’s future and our future: 1 – This war is against Hamas, but many other Jew-hating nations also hate and oppose Israel. 2 – This war will come to an end. 3 – This war will lead to increasing Antisemitism around the world. 4 – This war is part of God’s sovereign and detailed plan leading to the coming of the Antichrist and the coming of Christ. 5 – Israel, realizing that they can’t depend on the United States to protect them, will be looking to others for help. 6 – This war is to awaken you to the fact that the rapture of the church is getting closer and closer. “… encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near” (Heb. 10:25). And as a church, we are to keep praying for Israel. Psalm 122:6-9

7. End-times: In the Bible, many passages about Israel are adjacent, are sitting side by side with passages about the church that are eschatoloigcal, that are speaking of the future. This is one of the strongest proofs that God’s plans for the church and Israel are connected, are intimately related. Here are some of them: Matt. 24:9-14 – 24:15-26; Luke 21:12-19 – 12:20-24; 2 Thess. 2:1-3 – 2:4-6 – 2:7-9; Rev. 7:4-8 – 7:9-12; Rev. 12:13-16 – 12:17

8. The beginning of Daniel’s 70th week. Israel will continue to see the need for peace, and in the near future will naively and foolishly sign a 7-year covenant with the coming Antichrist. This results in a temporary “peace”, and also allows the Jewish people to build a temple in Jerusalem and offer sacrifices. (Dan. 9:27). The church may or may not know when this signing takes place, but they will see the consequences of this covenant, and be further reminded that the coming of Christ is very, very near.

9. The midpoint (3½ years) of Daniel’s 70th week. At the 3½ year mark, the Antichrist is revealed. This is when Christians and Jews realize that he is the Antichrist, for he “takes his seat in the (Jewish) temple of God, displaying himself as God” (2 Thess. 2:4). It’s at this time that believers know the rapture of the church is less than a few years away. Before that happens, the church will have to endure great tribulation. This world dictator, this most devilish man, begins persecuting Jews in Israel, but many escape and are protected by God. The Antichrist then goes after Christians all over the world, persecuting and killing them. (Matt. 24:9, 15; Rev. 12:16-17). But this great tribulation is mercifully cut short by God, at which time, Christ returns to rapture all the Christians on earth. Matt. 24:29-31, 1 Thess. 4:15-17

10. The end of Daniel’s 70th week. At this 7-year point, a great number of Jews, having been physically protected from God’s wrath, are spiritually saved. (Ps. 98:1-3, Dan. 9:24, Rom. 11:25-27, Rev. 12:13-16). At this point in time, the church is in heaven, keenly watching the fulfillment of God’s glorious salvation plan for these Jews, these chosen people. And they know what is soon to come.

11. Soon after the salvation of the Jews begins the 1000-year kingdom age when Christ is ruling over this earth. Here are some things to note: 1 – The earth will be renovated (Is. 65:17-25, Acts 3:21). 2 – Jews and Christians will be reigning with Christ (Is. 61, Rev. 5:10). 3 – Jews and Christians will inherit the earth (Psalm 37:11, Matt. 5:5). 4 – God’s purposes will be fulfilled: Christ is the King of the world (Ps. 47); God’s power, holiness, justice, mercy, and glory are seen in Christ, being displayed all over the world (Is. 6:3, Hab. 2:14); the gospel is proclaimed in every nation resulting in great multitudes being saved (Ps. 96); and all Christ’s enemies, including death, are defeated. 1 Cor. 15:25-26

12. In eternity future, all Jewish and Gentile believers will be living together in their eternal home. “… the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God… It had a great and high wall, with 12 gates, and at the gates 12 angels… names were written on them, which are the names of the 12 tribes of the sons of Israel… and the wall of the city had 12 foundation stones, and on them were the names of the 12 apostles of the Lamb.” (Rev. 21:10-14). It’s quite significant that our eternal home pictures and recognizes all God’s people, those of the Old Covenant and of the New Covenant.

As believers, our primary purpose is bringing glory to God. Rom. 15:8-12 is one of the best passages describing this eternal purpose that Jews and Gentiles, believers from all ages, will be worshiping God together. “Therefore, I (Jews) will give praise to You among the Gentiles… Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people (Jews)… Praise the Lord all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples praise Him… There shall come the root of Jesse, and He who arises to rule over the Gentiles, In Him shall the Gentiles hope.” Do you see this? It speaks of both Jews and Gentiles. And in eternity future, all believers will unitedly be worshiping the Lord. Psalm 117

Finally, why is it that we get so fixated on our immediate problems, and I’m talking about the war in Israel? We must have perspective, we must see the big picture, we must know what God says about our future. Thankfully, God has given us His Word, and it’s the only book that truly maps out our future. You need to read what God says about the Jewish people in both the Old and New Testaments. And be a watchman – find out what is presently taking place in Israel and around the world (Ez. 3:17, Luke 12:56). Doing this will help you more clearly see God’s plans for Israel, but also God’s plans for the church. “The men of Issachar understood the times, and knew what they should do” (1 Chron. 12:32). “The people who know their God will display strength, and take action.” Daniel 11:32

P.S. Too many Christians are naive, ignorant, or in error about the future God has for the Jewish people and the church. This must not be! Here are a few more posts about the plans God has for Israel and the church: “Why the Jews are Important for You and the Church”, “Converging Hopes for Jewish and Gentile Believers”, “The New Testament Tells Us God’s Plans for the Jews.”

Are You Seeking the Kingdom of God?

September 16, 2023 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #285 ~

It’s easy, and wrong, to spend too much time, energy, and money on earthly kingdoms, on governments, rulers, and elections. As Christians, it’s imperative that we don’t get caught up in these worldly matters. What’s most important is knowing that we are members of the kingdom of God, and that our primary purpose is to work with Jesus Christ in building His kingdom. Matt. 6:33, 28:19-20

In His teaching, Jesus did not focus on the kingdoms of man, but on the kingdom of God. At the outset of His ministry, Jesus told us, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel” (Mk. 1:15). A person needs to repent of his sins and believe in the gospel, that Jesus died to pay for his sins and then was raised from the dead. And it’s only by a spiritual birth, only by the Spirit, that he can enter this kingdom. Jesus made it very clear, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3, 5

So too, Paul focused not on the kingdoms of man, on who ruled the country, but on the kingdom of God. He told the Ephesian elders that his purpose was “to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24), and said, “I went about preaching the kingdom” (Acts 20:25). Paul was preaching the kingdom of God, and proclaiming to these pastors that it was by believing the gospel that a person becomes a member of this kingdom. The same thing was stated by Paul in the last verse of Acts – he “was welcoming all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ.” Acts 28:31

As for you and me, we too should be focused on the gospel, for it’s only by believing this good news that a person becomes a member of the church and, in a larger sense, a member of the kingdom of God. Aren’t you amazed and thrilled by this truth? What’s more important, what’s better than this? It is truly a miracle that God “rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Col. 1:13-14

Ever since Pentecost, Jesus Christ has been personally working in the lives of believers, and collectively building a kingdom (Eph. 2:19-22) that is spiritual in nature, what is called the church. “The kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and joy and peace in the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 14:17). And what Christ is doing in the church, in God’s kingdom, is not a matter of mere words, but is a spiritually powerful and eternal work. “The kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power” (1 Cor. 4:20). More than you realize, the devil was defeated, lives are being dramatically transformed, and God is being glorified.

Building the church, this spiritual, Word-directed, Spirit-powered kingdom, is Christ’s primary work at this time in history (Matt. 16:18). And a Christian’s primary purpose is helping Him build His kingdom. So don’t be focused only on your family, or be exclusively building your business, or spending all this emotion and energy trying to elect some politician. Be “preaching the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ” (Acts 8:12). Be “workers for the kingdom of God.” Col. 4:11

We learn more about this spiritual kingdom in several parables given to us in Matt. 13. The Jewish people were expecting Christ to set up His kingdom on earth, and so He needed to explain some important details about the church, this interim kingdom that spiritually exists in the hearts of believers. Here are some of the lessons He taught His disciples, and is now teaching us:

1. “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure in a field” (Matt. 13:44). Christ wants us to realize the supreme and glorious value of God’s kingdom, and therefore the need to sacrifice our lives and work with Him and fellow believers in building it.

2. “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed… but when it is full grown, it is larger than the garden plants… so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches” (Matt. 13:31-32). The church started small but has kept growing throughout the centuries, and is now large and very prominent in the world. Consequently, it is a wonderful blessing, primarily in spiritual ways, but also in social, cultural, legal, scientific, and economic ways.

3. “… so shall it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send forth His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all stumbling blocks and those who commit lawlessness and will throw them into the furnace of fire… then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father” (Matt. 13:40-43). At the end of this age, at Christ’s coming, the wicked and the righteous will suddenly be separated, and the wicked will be judged, and the righteous will be blessed. And our work as Christians is to sow the seed, God’s word, in hopes that God grants mercy to the unsaved. Matt. 13:18-23, John 4:34-38

What else can be said about the kingdom of God?
4. Jesus Christ has absolute authority over the church, this invisible kingdom. He is the head of the church, working through the Holy Spirit, who indwells, teaches, and empowers every believer.
5. Being a member of the kingdom of God means you are not to be running your own life, but Christ Himself is to be reigning in you. He is your Lord and King.
6. Don’t be deceived by the lure of worldly kingdoms. Be sober, intent, and determined on building God’s kingdom. “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.” Matt. 6:33

7. Be encouraged and hopeful, for whether by death or rapture, you will be taken to God’s heavenly kingdom. “The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom.” 2 Tim. 4:18
8. You must pray, “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed by Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is heaven” (Matt. 6:9-10). Pray for Christ to come soon, set up His earthly kingdom, and begin carrying out His Father’s will.
9. That we live in the end-times means it won’t be long before this phase of God’s kingdom building will be concluded, and then Christ will return to rapture the church, judge the world, save a remnant of Jews, and establish His glorious kingdom on earth.

10. Always remember the big picture. God is sovereign, and He has always been building and ruling over His kingdom on earth (Ps. 145:11-13). Now we live in the church age, and the spiritual kingdom of God is being built by Christ. In the age to come Christ will spiritually and physically reign over this earth, establishing a kingdom that lasts for 1000 years (Pss. 47, 67, 72; Rev. 20). Then there’s the eternal kingdom – “Then comes the end when He (Christ) hands over the kingdom to God the Father… When all things are subjected to Him (God the Father), then the Son Himself also will be subjected to the One who subjected all things to Him, so that God may be all in all.” 1 Cor. 15:24-28

I can’t tell you how much it saddens me that so many Christians are embroiled in the politics of the day. Don’t they see what’s most important? Here are three more posts on the kingdom of God and the church: “Kingdom Instructions for the Church”, “The Gospel of the Kingdom of God”, and “The Present Church Age and the Future Kingdom Age.”

God’s Plans for 2023

January 1, 2023 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #265 ~

What will God do in 2023? He will carry out His plans for you and every person, family, church, and country in the world. He knows exactly what He’s going to do, and it relates directly to His word, and to His will, what He decreed in eternity past. “My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish all my good pleasure” (Is. 46:10). That God will do what He has planned to do is so important and extremely encouraging. We can’t trust people, but we can trust God. More than you realize, God will fulfill His plans for you, the church, Israel, and the entire world. “The Lord nullifies the counsel of the nations… the counsel of the Lord stands forever.” Psalm 33:10-11

What God does this year must be seen in view of the fact that we live in the end-times. The two-minute warning has already been given. All that God does, every single thing that happens, somehow relates to the end of this age and the coming of Christ. God is continually and carefully putting each piece of His global end-times’ puzzle into place, and soon enough we “will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” Luke 21:27

I am going to tell you what God will be doing in 2023, and I’m not saying I had a special vision from God, I’m not sharing something “new” that no one else knows. I’m only passing on to you what God has specifically told us in His word, or that which is a necessary prerequisite to the fulfillment of His prophetic word. Here are some of God’s plans with regards to four areas, the unsaved, the saved, the church, and the world.

The unsaved, the sinners, the unbelievers
* In eternity past, God chose who would get saved, who would become His children. This year many unbelievers, because of their repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, will be born again and become members of God’s family. John 3:1-21, Eph. 1:4-7
* Most unbelievers will continue in sin and continue to harden their hearts against God. But God is sovereign, allowing them to sin only in the way that He wants, only in a way that is part of His end-times’ plan for planet earth, and only that which results in Him being glorified. Romans 9:17 
* Sinners will be used by God to help fulfill His work on this earth. For example, they will play a key role in God’s spiritual training of the saved, for the saved will learn to love and trust God, to share His truth, and to be forgiving, patient, persevering, and hoping. Gen. 50:20, Rom. 8:28
* Some of the unsaved who remain unsaved will physically die this year and be immediately taken from this earth. They will go straight to hell, a place of indescribable pain and the blackest darkness. Matt. 25:30,41,46; Luke 16:24

The saved, the believers, the Christians
* God will be raising up worshipers and workers. Psalm 145, Matt 9:36-38
* Believers are God’s workmanship. He will daily and faithfully work in their lives, teaching and enabling them to love Him, be fruitful, and be God-glorifying. Psalm 115:1, Eph. 2:10
* God will help believers grow in faith, love, hope, holiness, and wisdom. 1 Thess. 5:8-22 
* God will teach Christians to walk with the Spirit, be filled with the Spirit, be led by the Spirit, and have fellowship with the Spirit. Gal. 5:16, Eph. 5:18, Rom. 8:17, 2 Cor. 13:14
* God will be teaching individual Christians truths from His word. John 8:32, 16:13, 17:17
* God will train Christians to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, and He will open many doors for the gospel. Matt. 5:13-16, Col. 4:3
* God will ordain specific trials for believers, to discipline them, teach them His word, and provide opportunities for the gospel. Deut. 8, Ps. 119:71, Phil. 1:12-14
* God will sovereignly allow millions of believers around the world to be persecuted, and it’s all according to His plan and for His purposes and glory. 1 Peter 2:20-22, 3:14, 4:12-19, 5:10
* God will take many of His children home to heaven. Psalm 116:15, Phil. 1:21

The church, the body of Jesus Christ
* Jesus Christ will build His church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. Matt. 16:18
* Christ will raise up leaders for His churches, ones who shepherd the believers and teach them His word. Eph. 4:12-13, 2 Tim. 4:1-4, 1 Peter 5:2
* Christ will be working in His churches, teaching them to be holy, united, and loving. Eph. 4:1-24
* Christ will give His churches grace and peace, and enable them to go on in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Spirit. Acts 9:31, Ephesians 1:2
* Christ has ordained that some of His churches be greatly persecuted. 1 Peter 4:12-19
* Christ will enable churches around the world to be preaching the gospel and making disciples, resulting in the growth of the church. Matthew 16:18, 24:14, 28:19-20
* The entire church, the spiritual dwelling of God, will continue to be fitted and built together by Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22
* Christ will be protecting individual believers and His churches from the enemy. 2 Timothy 4:18
* By Dec. 31, 2023, we will be one year closer to the end of the age and to that time when the church is raptured from this earth and taken to Christ. Matt. 24:31, 1 Thess. 4:17

The world
* We will continue to hear about birth pains in various parts of the world – and some will experience them, these wars, earthquakes, plagues, famines, and economic distress. And many will die because of them. Matt. 24:4-8, 28; Luke 21:9-11; Rev. 6:1-8
* Lawlessness will continue to increase in countries all over the world. Matt. 24:12, 2 Tim. 3:13
* There will continue to be a reshaping, realigning, and repositioning of nations. The United States, because of all her sin, is now being judged by God and therefore, will keep declining in power. This will eventually lead to an Antichrist-led empire that will rule the entire world. Dan. 7:23-27, Rev. 13:1-8, Rev. 17:11-13
* There will be continued and increasing persecution against both Jews and Christians. But God will enable the Christians to endure, to persevere. Matt. 24:9-28, Mark 13:9-13 
* God, “with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on earth”, will continue to work “all things after the counsel of His will to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory.” Eph. 1:9-11, Romans 8:28-30. Notice that it says, “all things”, which means God is sovereignly working through all events, people, animals, things, leaders, and countries to the end that Christ will be glorified in the entire world. Isaiah 46:9-11

God, because He is holy, faithful, loving, powerful, and sovereign, will be fulfilling His word and His will this coming year. He will be carrying out His above stated plans in the lives of believers, unbelievers, the church, and the world around us, all leading to Christ’s return to rapture the church, judge the world, save a remnant of Jews, and begin His glorious reign on earth. I pray that you are excited about seeing God’s work in 2023, and that you keep working for Him, keep watching what’s He’s doing in the world, and keep waiting “for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.” 1 Thess. 1:10, Mark 13:34

P.S. As we start a brand new year, here are a few other posts to read that talk about the future: “Prophecy is Predicting the Future”, “Bible Prophecy Enables Us to See the Future”, and “Forecasting the Future of the World.” Have a most blessed and God-glorifying year.

For Pastors, Preachers, and Teachers

October 12, 2022 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #259 ~

What does this country need? It needs men of God, men of faith, holy men, men of courage, men who love God and His word, who know that the only answer to a person’s problems and this country’s problems is God’s word and Spirit. And these godly men need to be abounding in the work of preaching the word of God, of proclaiming all the truths of God.

This country is ensnared in the deadly lies of the devil, lies that are destroying lives, marriages, families, schools, churches, government and, to be honest, our entire society. And godly men need to be preaching and teaching God’s word. We don’t need pastors who are entangled in the affairs of the world. We don’t need ministers who are men-pleasers, who are tickling ears and sharing fluff. We need men who are holy and wholehearted for God, who know that only His truth and His Spirit can defeat the lies of the devil and give us the life and purpose God wants us to have.

This country needs God-loving men teaching the basic truths of the Bible, summed up in Eph. 4:4-6 – one body (church), one Spirit, one hope (our future), one Lord (Jesus Christ), one faith (God’s word), one baptism (salvation), and one God and Father. Truth-loving men need to be faithfully, strongly, and clearly teaching about the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the truth of the gospel, the truth about man’s sin and the death-saving death and life-giving resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the truth about the church, righteous living, and our glorious hope.

There are many examples in the Bible of men faithfully teaching and preaching God’s word:
* Be like Ezra and set your heart on studying, practicing, and teaching the word of God. Ezra 7:10
* Be like Jeremiah and fearlessly warn people of the wrath to come. Jeremiah 1:11-19
* Be like Ezekiel, a watchman, a man aware of the times, who upon hearing God’s word, spoke to the people and warned them of what was to come. Ezekiel 3:17
* Be like John the Baptist and courageously make ready the way of the Lord. Luke 3:4
* Be like Apollos and boldly, accurately, and fervently be teaching about Jesus. Acts 18:24-26
* Be like Paul, who testified solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God to the lost, and who preached the whole purpose of God to the saved. Acts 20:24, 27
* Be like Paul who knew the importance of the entire word of God, that “all Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching.” 2 Tim. 3:16-17. “The sum of Thy word is truth.” Ps. 119:60
* Be like Paul, who was ready in season and out of season to preach the word and, note this, always in view of Christ’s appearing and His kingdom. 2 Timothy 4:1-4
* Don’t ever be deceived and led astray by false teachers. 2 Thess. 2:1-4; Matt. 24:4, 11, 24

These last few verses about not being in error are given in the context of the end-times and the Biblical hope God has given us. I plead with you pastors, in the final years of this church age, to preach on hope! I cannot say this strongly enough! Now is the time, in the calm before the storm, to clearly tell believers what God has planned out for our future. The Jews are back in Israel, birth pains are happening, lawlessness is increasing, and persecution is growing – these are all signs from God that it won’t be long before Jesus Christ returns to rapture the church.

Like never before, God’s prophetic word is pointing to the soon return of Jesus Christ. Sadly, most believers don’t have a good understanding of what God says about their future and the future of this world. Way too many Christians are confused, ignorant, or in error when it comes to what the Bible teaches about the end-times, the Antichrist, the coming of Christ, the rapture of the church, the day of the Lord, and the millennial kingdom – and this should not be. It’s not like God doesn’t say much about our hope. He does! It’s a huge subject with hundreds of New Testament verses. Pastors need to teach their people what the Bible says will surely come to pass, and what may take place in their lifetime.

Here are some more thoughts for you pastors, preachers, and teachers:
* Get quality time alone with God. This is the number one thing that has kept me going for God through all the years. “When can I go and meet with God?” Psalm 42:1-2, Mark 6:31
* “Take heed, behold, I have told you everything in advance” (Mark 13:23). Jesus told you ahead of time what He wants you to know about end-times’ prophecy, and you should find out everything He wants you to know, and then sensibly and faithfully teach others. Matthew 24:45
* Here are some key prophecy passages you should study and then teach your church: Daniel 7-12; Matt. 24; Mark 13; Luke 17:22:37, 21:5-36; 1 Thess. 4:13 – 5:9; 2 Thess. 1:5 – 2:12; 1 Peter 1:3-13; 2 Peter 3:3-13; Revelation. And I would encourage you to start with Matthew 24.  

* “Present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15) and, in this case, about prophecy, one of the most relevant, practical subjects in the 21st century. It’s your duty and responsibility to teach your church about our God-planned future. You don’t want to keep the truth from the sheep. You don’t want them to be naïve, confused, scared, or in error, but instead, to know and understand what God is now doing right before our very eyes. You want them to smile at the future, to be looking for the city which has foundations, to be desiring a heavenly country.

* Be humble and learn from godly and studious men on this subject of Biblical prophecy.
* Be “men who understand the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do” (1 Chr. 12:32). Not only should you teach on prophecy, but on how it relates to what’s taking place in the world and what the church should be doing.
* Properly taught Christians will realize that God’s prophetic word is being fulfilled, is unfolding before their eyes, and then see that Christ’s coming is drawing near. That Christ is returning soon is the most encouraging news in the whole world! Hebrews 10:25
* Explain to your people that the church will encounter great tribulation, and that they need to be willing to suffer, but God will give them all the grace they need. 1 Cor. 1:8-9, 2 Tim. 4:18

* Be more than just a teacher – be a pastor, one who cares, and a leader, one who is taking charge, fearlessly out front, courageously forging ahead. Joshua 1:6-9, John 21:15-17
* Completing the work of the church relates directly to the coming of Christ. Matt. 24:14 – “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.” Matt. 28:19-20 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations… teaching them to observe all that I commanded you, and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” You can’t miss it – when the work of the church, preaching the gospel to a lost world and discipling believers, is finished, then this age will end, and Jesus Christ will return.

* All the qualities listed below are essential to being a strong Christian, and what’s amazing is that each one is in the context of the end-times, and therefore, is necessary for godly living in the end-times. Preaching (Matt. 24:14), readiness (Matt. 24:44), discipling (Matt. 28:19-20), having faith (Luke 18:8), not worrying (Luke 21:14), serving (1 Thess. 1:9), being alert (1 Thess. 5:6), waiting (Titus 2:13), patience (James 5:7), fellowship (Heb. 10:25), encouraging (Heb. 10:25), hoping (1 Pet. 1:13), praying (1 Pet. 4:7), loving (1 Pet. 4:8), being holy (2 Pet. 3:11), overcoming (Rev. 2:7), not fearing (Rev. 2:10), and persevering (Rev. 13:10).

What a time to be alive! Just think, the end-times is our time! God put you on this earth “for such a time as this.” (Esther 4:14). Don’t be asleep, be awake, be alert, and be doing your job. Teach prophetic truth to your people so they know what will be taking place, so they are equipped, encouraged, and filled with hope, so they are serving God and waiting for His Son from heaven. “They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. And 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.” Matthew 24:30-31

P.S. I know what some of you might be saying, “I’m not pre-millennial like you. I’m post millennial, a-millennial, and don’t believe God has a future for the Jews, or something else, and I can’t even begin to think of teaching my church about Christ’s coming and the rapture, followed by His kingdom on earth.” If that’s the way you think I would suggest you read the following articles, and maybe you will see more clearly the truth of the pre-millennial position: “Replacement Theology: It’s Not True – Part 1”, “Replacement Theology: It’s Not True – Part 2”, “Replacement Theology: It’s Not True – Part 3”, “Replacement Theology: It’s Not True – Part 4”, “Replacement Theology: It’s Not True – Part 5 – (Why People Have Believed This Error.)”

Holy Communion – From Christ’s Cross to Christ’s Crown

April 15, 2021 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #213 ~

Every Christian is to take communion, to take the bread and cup on a regular basis. And why? God commands you to, for He knows how vitally important it is for your relationship with Him. At its core, Christianity is about God’s love for you, and consistently observing communion helps you know this love, and also fuels and fires your love for Him. 1 John 4:19

When we have communion, we are looking back and remembering that Jesus Christ died on the cross, His saving death being a demonstration of His love for us (Rom. 5:8). But we are also looking ahead and thinking about being with Christ in the kingdom ages and, specifically, at the marriage supper of the Lamb (Rev. 19:7-9), when as Christ’s Bride, we will be with Him and freshly experience His love for us. Taking communion helps us to not only remember the past, but to look forward to the future, with the result that we are renewed by His love in the present. In this post we will look at communion from the past to the present to the future, from Christ’s cross to Christ’s crown.

1) Luke 22:14-20 (past). It was the last supper, Jesus’ final meal with His disciples before He suffered and died on the cross for us. We also know this as the first Lord’s supper, that time when Jesus transformed the last Passover meal into the first communion meal. Christ was signaling the end of the Old Covenant with the holy place, priesthood, and sacrifices, and the beginning of the New Covenant, which was accomplished by His death, the shedding of His blood on the cross for us, the means by which our sins would finally and forever be forgiven.

The church age was soon to begin, and Jesus Christ was instituting communion for the church, and for every Christian in the church, and not as a ritual to be repeated, but as a time to intimately remember Him. We all know how easily we forget things, but you never want to forget Christ and what He did for you on the cross. God knows you need to regularly be reminded of His love for you, of Christ’s death for you, by which all your sins are forgiven – and taking communion with other Christians is one of the best ways to do this.

Note what Jesus said, “I shall never again eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God” (Luke 22:16). Jesus was looking ahead to when all the people to be saved would be saved, when the church age would be over, when all believers would be together during the millennial kingdom age. He was vowing to not take the bread and cup until His work in building the church was complete, at which time He and His Bride would have their first meal together at this special marriage supper. For emphasis, Jesus says it again, “I will not drink of the fruit of the vine from now on until the kingdom of God comes” (Luke 22:18). It’s so encouraging to see Jesus’ loving heart, His passionate desire to be with us. As Jesus is excited about seeing us, might we be excited about seeing Him and being with all the believers. Without a doubt, it will be the greatest, grandest, most glorious wedding reception this world has ever seen.

2) 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (present). The command for Christians to take communion is stated again. God is stressing this point because it’s what every Christian in every church in the entire world needs to be doing. Having communion is to be a continual constant in the lives of Christians during this church age. Paul reminds us what Jesus said, “This is My body, which is for you” (1 Cor. 11:24). I cannot overstate the significance of this verse, for Jesus gave His body which means He gave His entire life “for you”, and His life was perfect, and therefore would be the perfect sacrifice. Jesus loved you so much, shown in that He gave His life for you, the innocent One substituting His life for the guilty ones, and all to make you holy and perfect forever (Heb. 10:14). This divine, spiritual exchange is the heart of the gospel, the most important transaction, the most wonderful news in the world, that Jesus took your sins, and gave you His life. “Christ died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God.” 1 Peter 3:18

Again, we read Jesus’ words, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you do this, in remembrance of Me” (1 Cor. 11:25). The Jews who were celebrating the Passover were to realize that the lamb’s blood which had been smeared on doorposts allowing their forefather’s escape from Egypt had been pointing to, and was now replaced by, the Lamb’s blood, which enabled them and all believers in Christ to eternally escape sin and death. The cup that represented the lamb’s blood was now representing Christ’s blood. Indeed, this new covenant is God’s sure promise to us that Christ could and would save us, for “without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” Hebrew 9:22

“As often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes” (1 Cor. 11:26).Taking communion means we are not just looking back but looking forward – and we are to keep proclaiming Christ’s death which was in the past, His victory over sin and death, “until He comes”, which is in the future. Truly observing communion means having faith in what Christ did for you on the cross, and hope for what He will do for you in the coming Kingdom. And this faith and hope produces a real and present love in your heart for your most amazing and gracious Savior.

What Paul said about proclaiming “the Lord’s death until He comes” (1 Cor. 11:26), reminds us what Jesus said about how He would not be drinking the fruit of the vine “until the kingdom of God comes.” (Luke 22:18). Just as Jesus was thinking about the future, of that time when He would be with us, might we also be thinking of the future, of that time when we will be with Him. From the day of Pentecost and the start of the church until the signs in the heavens and the end of this age, Christians are to be taking communion, remembering and loving the Lord, and looking forward to seeing Him face to face and being with Him forever.

3) Revelation 11:15 (the future) – “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever.” Jesus Christ told us that the kingdom of God would be coming (Luke 22:18), and it’s at the very start of this kingdom that all believers will be together with Him at the “marriage supper of the Lamb” (Rev. 19:9), this most holy wedding reception, the greatest banquet ever – and Christ will be at the head table, hosting this glorious and magnificent occasion.   

Finally, Jesus Christ breaks His fast, for He told us at the last supper, at the first communion, “I shall never again eat it until is fulfilled in the kingdom of God” (Luke 22:16). Christ has been waiting for close to 2000 years for this time when we, His Bride, celebrate our divine and eternal marriage with Him. Now that we are in the end-times, it won’t be long before all believers will be with Christ having sweet fellowship with Him, and the most wonderful meal.

The purpose of this post is to help you more clearly understand the importance of taking communion. Remember, it’s a faith event, for you are to be believing, to be remembering what Christ did for you in the past when He died on the cross. It’s a hope event, for you are to be looking ahead and thinking about what God has planned for you in the future, that you will be with Jesus during the kingdom age, and specifically that you will be with Him and all the believers at the “marriage supper of the Lamb,” the first of many meals with your Lord and Savior. And it’s also a holy event, for you are thinking about the most holy Christ and thanking Him for making you holy forever (Heb. 10:12-18). And again, it’s a love event, for thinking about what Christ did for you in the past and what He will do for you in the future will fill your heart with love for Him in the present, and the desire and strength to keep living for Him until He comes. “‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” Revelation 22:20

P.S. God wants us to keep taking communion during our time on earth to help us keep loving Him and living for Him. Never forget this, for you don’t want to lose your first love for Him. Here are two more posts about your love for the Lord in these days: “The Rapture, A Love Story”, and “Loving the Lord and Longing to See Him.”

The Prophetic Connection Between Israel and the Church

December 4, 2020 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #199 ~

Did you know that God’s future plans for Israel relate to His future plans for you and the church? Many Christians are unaware of the great blessings God has in store for the Jews, and what that means for the church. Today I want to talk about the future of Israel, and how this specifically relates to prophecy, to the church, and to God’s work in the world in these last years leading up to the coming of Jesus Christ, our Lord, Savior, and King.   

1) In the Old Testament times God focused on Israel. But since Christ’s 1st coming, God has been focusing on the church, and now, 2000 years later, we are getting close to the end of this age and Christ’s 2nd coming and the rapture of the church. After the rapture, the day of the Lord, and the salvation of a remnant of Jews, the kingdom age will begin and God will greatly bless both Jews and glorified believers (OT saints and the church) with the result that they will be a beautiful witness to the world and a glory to Jesus Christ. Psalms 67, 96, 117

2) Israel is Israel. Israel is not the church, as some wrongly say, and there is nothing in God’s word that says the church has replaced Israel, that the church is now the sole recipient of some or all God’s promises to her. God has very specific and special plans for Israel with regards to her future, and all these plans will be carried out. “The Lord nullifies the counsel of the nations… The counsel of the Lord stands forever… Blessed is the nation (Israel) whose God is the Lord, the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.” Psalm 33:10-12, Isaiah 60-62

3) Three key promises were given by God to Israel: a) They will inherit a vast portion of land (Gen. 13:14-17, 15:18-21). b) A large remnant of Jews will be saved at the end of Daniel’s 70th week (Jer. 31:31-34). c) Jesus Christ will reign as Israel’s King during the millennial kingdom. (Ezek. 37:21-23, Zech. 14:9). Indeed, God remembers His promises to the Jewish people and will faithfully fulfill every one of them. “He has remembered His covenant forever.” Psalm 105:8-11

4) The phrase “end-time” comes from Dan. 12:9 – “Go your way, Daniel, for these words are concealed and sealed up until the end time.” Dan. 7-12 contains a great deal of information about God’s plans for Israel in these last days leading up to Christ’s return to become King of the world. (Dan. 7:13-14). That the Jews have returned to their land is God’s signal to the church that we are in the end-times, that He is once again actively working with Israel, that the prophecies contained in Dan. 7-12 are about to be fulfilled, and that Christ will soon return to rapture the church and set up His kingdom on this earth.

5) Luke 21:20-24 must be understood if we are to know how God has been working with the Jews during the church age. We learn that they were punished and scattered all over the world, which began around 70 AD. And they “will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled,” and then Christ will become King of this world. “When you see these things happening, recognize that the kingdom of God is near.” Luke 21:31

6) Romans 11 must also be understood if we are to know how God has been working with the Jews during this church age. “God gave them (Jews) a spirit of stupor, eyes to see not and ears to hear not, down to this very day” (vs. 8), and “they (Jews) were broken off for their unbelief” (vs. 20). During this church age, God is not focused on saving Jews, but on saving Gentiles. “By their transgression salvation has come to the Gentiles… and their failure is riches for the Gentiles” (vss. 11-12). But “God has not rejected the people whom He foreknew,” for we read that “a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fulness of the Gentiles has come in; and so all Israel will be saved… when I take away their sins” (Vss. 25-27). God will save a large number of Jewish people at the end of Daniel’s 70th week. Is. 45:17, Dan. 9:24

7) The Jewish people have been gathering back to their land, the #1 sign that we are in the end-times, and that the times of the Gentiles will soon come to an end. This miraculous return, beginning in the 1880’s, has resulted in close to 6.7 million Jews presently living in Israel (Hosea 3:4-5, Amos 9:14-15). The fulfillment of end-time prophecies and promises for both Jews and Christians is contingent on the Jews being back in their land. For the Antichrist to desolate the new Jewish temple requires that the Jews be back in their land (2 Thess. 2:1-4). For the church to be raptured necessitates that the Jews are living in Israel (Matt. 24:15-31). You cannot overstate this amazing miracle that millions of Jews have returned to Israel, and what it means for them, the church, and God’s eternal purposes.

8) That many New Testament prophecy passages for the Jewish people sit next to prophecy passages for the church means that God wants you to see that His end-times’ work with the Jews is in conjunction, is coinciding with His end-times’ work with the church. God’s present and future work with the Jews should be of utmost interest to all Christians. Knowing how God is working with the Jews helps you understand the timing of His dealings with the church in the years leading up the rapture, and should motivate you to pray, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth…” (Matt. 6:10). I encourage you to read the following passages that describe God’s end-times’ work with both Jews and Christians. Matt. 24:4-31, Luke 21:7-31, Rom. 11, 2 Thess. 2:1-10, Rev. 7, Rev. 12:13-17

9) A listing of God-planned prophetic events taking place in the years ahead: a) Birth pains will be affecting people in various parts of the world. b) Both Jews and Christians will face increasing persecution. c) A peace treaty between Israel and the coming Antichrist will be signed at the beginning of Daniel’s 70th week. d) At the midpoint of that 7-year week, the Antichrist will be revealed, and then be recognized by Christians and discerning Jews. e) The rapture of the church will happen sometime during the last half of that 70th week. f) The day of the Lord, the outpouring of God’s wrath upon the earth, will begin after the rapture, occurring during the last part of that 70th week. g) God will save a remnant of Jewish people at the very end of that week. h) Jesus Christ will then begin His 1000-year reign over the entire world.

10) During the millennial kingdom, both Jewish and Gentile believers will be worshiping the Lord (Rom. 15:9-15). Both will inherit the land (Ps. 37:11, Matt. 5:5). Both will be blessed by the Lord (Ps. 67:7, 1 Pet. 1:4). Both will reign with the Lord (Matt. 19:28, Rev. 5:10). Both will be serving the Lord (Ez. 40-48, Matt. 25:20-21). Both will be witnessing for the Lord (Ps. 96:2-3). How encouraging and exciting it will be to see God blessing both Jewish and Gentile believers – “All these (Jewish believers), having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us (the church), so that apart from us they would not be made perfect.” Hebrews 11:39-40

At this time, with so many problems, difficulties, and conflicts, it may seem like the world is spinning out of control, as if God is ignorant of what is going on, as if God doesn’t care, or as if God is unable to do anything about it. On the contrary, our wise, loving, faithful, powerful, and purposeful God is constantly working, and sovereignly directing all things and all people towards that singular moment when He sends “Jesus, the Christ appointed for you, whom heaven must receive until the period of restoration of all things about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from ancient time” (Acts 3:20, Eph. 1:9-11). It won’t be long before we “see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory” (Luke 21:27). Be encouraged for “your redemption is drawing near” and “the kingdom of God is near” (Luke 21:28, 31). Then we will “tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples. For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised.” Psalm 96:3-4

P.S. The following will help you understand God’s working with Israel, something you need to know – “A Summary of the Prophetic Work of God, from the Time of Abraham to Christ’s Millennial Kingdom.” Here is a suggestion for an inexpensive but very valuable Christmas gift – I encourage you to download our articles, posts and/or charts to give to friends and loved ones! Downloads

The New Testament Tells Us God’s Plans for the Jews

August 14, 2020 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #183 ~

There’s no question that God has special plans for the Jewish people during this church age and in the ages to come. Now it’s true that God’s plans for the Jews were put on hold around 70 AD when, for rejecting Christ, they were punished, scattered all over the world, and since then, have been greatly persecuted (Luke 21:20-24). Last week we looked at five New Testament passages that prove God’s plans for the Jews are still valid and will be fulfilled in the near future. What is both striking and instructive is that these verses about the Jews are sitting next to verses about the church. As I stated last week, this means that God’s end-time plans for the Jews are somehow connected and related to His end-time plans for the church. 

Here are several more passages which contain end-time verses about the Jews and the church.
1. Matthew 24:9-27. Verses 9-14 give an important summary of what the church needs to know in the end-times: 1) Christians will be going through great tribulation. 2) There will be false prophets, apostasy, and increasing lawlessness. 3) We are to persevere until the end of the age. 4) We are to keep preaching the gospel until Christ returns to rapture the church. Verses 15-27 are about the Jews, but notice what Jesus says, “let the reader understand.” It’s Christians who are reading this, and they need to know that the temple in Jerusalem will be desecrated by the Antichrist and that he will then chase after the Jews. Seeing what’s happening to the Jews will be a signal to the church that great persecution will soon begin, as also told us in Rev. 12:17, and then described in Matt. 24:9. “They deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.”

2. Mark 13:9-23. Verses 9-13 describe the persecution that Christians have been and will be experiencing during this church age. Again, we are instructed to preach the gospel and persevere to the end of this age, at which time we will see Christ and be raptured by Him (vss. 26-27). Verses 14-23 are about the Jews, and similar to what we read in Matt. 24:15-27, tell us about the Antichrist’s desolation of the temple and his pursuit of the Jews. But notice what Jesus says, “Behold, I have told you everything in advance.” Jesus is alerting Christians, for He wants us to know that He has told us everything we need to know about His end-time’s work with the Jews and the church. Might we be good students and learn all these things. Rev. 1:3     

3. Luke 21:12-32. Verses 12-19, similar to Mark 13:9-13, describe the suffering the church has been going through since her beginning days. And again, she is instructed to share the gospel during this church age. Verses 20-24 summarize God’s plans for the Jews, and how she has been trampled upon since Jerusalem’s destruction (~ 70 AD), and which will continue until the time of the Gentiles is fulfilled at the end of Daniel’s 70th week. Verse 28 gives us hope, for it says, “your redemption is drawing near” which refers to the rapture of the church. Verse 32 then says, “the kingdom of God is near,” which speaks of the physical and millennial kingdom Christ will establish on earth at the end of Daniel’s 70th week, and which will be a great blessing to believing Jews and the church! Psalm 37:11; Matt. 5:3, 6:10; Rev. 5:10, 11:15

4. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-9. This is a critically important end-time’s passage for the church. We learn that this man is revealed as the “man of lawlessness” (the Antichrist) when he arrogantly acts like he is God and takes his seat in the temple of the Jews (Matt. 24:15). This happens in Jerusalem at the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week (Dan. 9:27), and before the Day of the Lord, during which time God pours out His wrath upon the world (vs 2). Since Christ’s coming is after the Antichrist’s coming (vs 9), and since Christians are gathered (raptured) to Christ at His coming (vs. 1), then we can conclude that the rapture occurs after the midpoint, sometime during the last half of Daniel’s 70th week, but before the Day of the Lord. From this passage Christians can see that the rapture is not at the beginning or end of Daniel’s 70th week, but sometime after the midpoint. Matt. 24:36, Rev. 13

5. Revelation 7:1-17. Two momentous events are described in this chapter. Verses 1-8 talk about the sealing, the setting apart and protecting of 144,000 Jews. Verses 9-17 tell us about the church on earth coming out of the great tribulation (being raptured), and then standing before and worshiping God (the Father) and the Lamb (the Son) in heaven. Both of these events occur after the 6th seal is broken, the signs in the heavens (Rev. 6:12-16), but before the 7th seal is broken (Rev. 8:1) which results in the blowing of seven trumpets and God’s wrath being poured out upon the earth (Rev. 8-9). These two dramatic, back to back, God-directed events, the sealing of the Jews and the rapture of the church, take place at the end of this age.

6. Revelation 12:6-17 – 13:1-17. Rev. 12:6-16 focuses on Satan and his attempts to capture a number of Jews, but God miraculously enables them to physically escape his devilish wrath (Matt. 24:15-26); and later, at the end of Daniel’s 70th week, He spiritually saves them. (Dan. 9:24). The dragon (Satan), seeing that he can’t catch the Jews, chases after the church (vs.17), which leads to Rev. 13. This dark chapter tells us, “It was also given to him (the beast – the Antichrist) to make war with the saints and to overcome them.” Christians will need to be wise and to persevere, and to remember that God is sovereign over everything that happens, even the death of fellow believers (Rev. 6:9-11, 17). Then there is another beast, the Antichrist’s evil partner, and he uses the technology of the time to deceive and control the unbelievers (vss. 11-17). Thankfully, the efforts of this 2nd beast will not harm the church.

What can we conclude?
1. In the New Testament, there are many side-by side, end-time’s passages about the Jews and the church – Matt. 24:9-27; Mark 13:9-23; Luke 21:12-33; Acts 1:6-11, 2:17-21, 3:18-21, 15:14-17; Rom. 11, 15:7-13; 2 Thess. 2:1-9; and Rev. 7:1-17, 12:6-17 – 13:1-17, 21:10-14.
2. These verses give us solid, super-strong evidence that God has not reneged on His Old Testament promises to the Jews, but that His plans for them will be completely fulfilled.
3. It’s important for Christians to see that God’s end-time’s work with the Jews is connected to and in conjunction with His end-time’s work with the church. We need to understand these passages and know how they relate to us. “Let the reader understand.” Matt. 24:15
4. Take the time to study these passages so you can be convinced about God’s plans for the Jews and the church in the end-times, and can then share this truth with others. 2 Tim. 2:15
5. Seeing God’s plans for the Jews being fulfilled will result in being filled with joy and peace, for it means realizing that we are getting closer to the end of this age. Rom. 15:13
6. “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people.” Romans 15:10. (We will look at this next week).

P.S. I hope you are learning how how all these New Testament Jewish verses are relevant to the church. There are many excellent charts that will help you to more clearly see God’s plans for His chosen people. Here are three: “70 Weeks of Daniel,” “God’s Plan for the Jews in the End Times,” and “Promises for the Jewish Remnant.”

The Main Thing – “Prepare the Way of the Lord”

May 29, 2020 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #172 ~

NOTE: I am sure most of you are aware of the sickening and evil murder of George Floyd, and now the senseless rioting that is being seen in major cities all over our country. God is not blind to what is going on in the United States. We have had this problem of the pandemic for over 10 weeks, and now the tragic events of this past week. We must realize that God wants to get our attention, to wake us up – He wants us to turn to Him, to seek Him, to repent of our sins. And we also need to pray for our leaders. God is the answer – only He can truly help us. May He have mercy on us. “… for God troubled them with every kind of distress. As for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded… they entered into a covenant to seek the Lord God of their fathers with all their heart and soul.” 2 Chronicles 15:6-7, 12. The “main thing” we need to do is given in the message of John the Baptist, which is talked about in this post.

THE POST: It’s good to keep up with what’s going on in the world, particularly as it relates to prophecy. As for me, I watch cable news, read a few newsletters, look at some on-line sites, and view an occasional You-Tube video. In the past ten weeks I’ve learned some things about COVID-19, masks, ID 2020, digital identity, surveillance drones, forced vaccines, crypto-currencies, a global financial order, 5G technology, and Russia-China-Middle East alliances.

I am interested in these subjects because I want to see how they might relate to the end-times and the fulfillment of prophecy. But it doesn’t take long to see that there’s a lot of information and a lot of conspiracy theories out there. Now I do plan to keep reading up on subjects like these because I want to be informed, I want to understand the times, and I want to be a watchman (1 Chron. 12:32, Ezek. 3:17). But I’m not going to take the time to burrow into all the minutia, especially if what’s being said seems far-fetched and extreme. Isaiah 8:11-13, 1 Timothy 1:3-4

You see, I don’t want to go down some rabbit hole – I need to stay above ground so I can see the big picture. I do believe God wants us to know general things about Christ’s coming and the end-times, and I’ve taught extensively and repeatedly on these subjects. But I don’t think it’s worth it to get bogged down in specifics or speculation. What I’m saying is that we need to be balanced, and discerning. Yes, there are some things we need to know, but there comes a time when we just need to trust God and realize that He’s in control. Sadly, many Christians get so focused on what’s going on in the world that they fail to do the work of God. 

As a pastor, my primary job is to build up the church and reach out to the lost, which is also my purpose with this blog post. My desire for you is to know what will be happening before the rapture of the church, and to be encouraged, to be strong in faith, hope and love, to be doing the Lord’s work, and to be excited about the return of Christ. 1 Thessalonians 1-5

One way to be encouraged is by learning from the lives of believers that we read about in the Bible. I cannot think of a better example than John the Baptist. Even though he and his fellow Jews were oppressed by the Romans, he didn’t fret, he didn’t get angry, he didn’t focus on what they were doing, and he didn’t debate with the “learned” men of the day. He did what God wanted him to do, which was being a forerunner for Christ. And isn’t that our job today? Yes, it is! John knew that Christ was coming soon, and he told the people all about Him. Here we are 2000 years later, living in the end-times, and we too know that Christ is coming soon, and we too need to be telling people about Him. Now what can we learn from John’s life?

John was a man of godly character. He feared God, and he wasn’t afraid of man. His goal was to please God, not man. John was humble – he knew who he was in relationship to Jesus, that Jesus was eternal, above all, and more powerful. He said, “He must become greater; I must become less.” (John 3:30-31). John was zealous and passionate, and was determined to fulfill the mission God had given him. He was a holy man, not distracted or weighed down by the world or the flesh. John was honest and sober-minded, and did not withhold or sugar-coat the truth. He spoke the word of God plainly, clearly, and powerfully. John 1:19-34

John was a man with purpose, which was to “prepare the way of the Lord, make straight paths for Him” (Luke 3:40). How did he do this? He preached the gospel, the good news (Luke 3:18). He proclaimed, “the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt. 3:2). He told the people that they were sinners, and specifically how they were sinning (Luke 3:10-14). He told them that Jesus was the Lamb of God, “who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). He exhorted the people, telling them that they needed to repent if they were to be forgiven of their sins (Mark 1:4). He told them that salvation and being a member of God’s kingdom was by the work of the Messiah – He “will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” Luke 3:15-16, John 1:29-34

John also told the people what would happen if they did not repent, that they would be judged for their sins. He spoke soberly and boldly how the Messiah would baptize with “fire,” specifically about the “coming wrath,” being “thrown into the fire,” and the “burning up of the chaff with unquenchable fire” (Matt. 3:7-12). John also preached about the millennial kingdom age, though he knew not, like we know, when it would come. He thought it would take place at Christ’s 1st coming, but now we know it will be during His 2nd coming. John declared, “Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth” (Luke 3:5). This is speaking of the time when Christ the King will rule over the world, when there will be righteousness and peace. John goes on to say that “All people will see God’s salvation” (Luke 3:6), which is referring to when Christ returns and saves a great many Jews, soon followed by His 1000-year kingdom age, when the whole world will witness God’s mercy, power and glory. Isaiah 40:3-11; Psalms 47, 67, 72, 98

More than any other passage in the Bible, these words about John’s life, his character and purpose, motivate me to prepare the way of the Lord. Can you see how relevant his life is, and how it instructs us what we are to do? We can get so distracted by what’s happening in the world, even with things that may relate to Christ’s return and the rapture, but we must stay the course, and continue to carry out the Lord’s work. We are to teach the saved about the 2nd coming of Christ, and tell the lost about the 1st coming of Christ, and their need to be saved before His 2nd coming, before it’s too late, before they are “thrown into the fire.”

“I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, in view of His appearance and His kingdom, preach the word” (2 Tim. 4:1-2). This is for pastors and preachers, but it should also encourage you to tell people the truth about Christ, His 1st coming and His 2nd coming. Don’t get off track, don’t be focused on man’s work – be doing God’s work, keeping the main thing the main thing – “Preach the word.”

P.S. When you get time, read “Make Ready the Way of the Lord,” another post that talks about your purpose in life, that you are a forerunner for Christ. Then there’s an article, “What Does God Want Me to Do in the End-Times?”, which lists out a number of verses instructing you how you are to live for the Lord.

Don’t Get Mad at the Government – Trust God

May 22, 2020 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #171 ~

When we look at the world, we see the sinful ways of men and governments, and oftentimes we needlessly worry or get mad. But this is the evil age – what else can we expect? Isn’t this the way it has always been? Ever since the sin of Adam and Eve, we have been living in this evil age – “the whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (Gal. 1:4 1, John 5:19). The Old Testament chronicles the stories of nations, peoples, and kings who were opposing God. In Genesis 6, there’s a whole world in sin; in Genesis 11, there’s the tower of Babel; in Genesis 19, there’s Sodom and Gomorrah; and there are the devilish kingdoms of Egypt, Assyria, Bablyon, etc. “The kings of the earth take their stand, and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and His Anointed, saying, ‘Let us tear their fetters apart.’” Ps. 2:1-3, Rev. 12

When Jesus was on earth, it was the Romans fighting against God and ruling over Israel. Then the church age began, and this Roman kingdom continued, and for close to 300 years, it was greatly persecuting the church. It’s now the 21st century and it’s still an evil age, and nations are still raging against God and “devising a vain thing” (Psalm 2:1). Yes, God has established the governing authority “to be a minister to you for good” (Rom. 13:4). And sometimes we see countries with fairly good governments but, more often than not, we don’t. All over the world there are sinful countries with sinful leaders and sinful laws. Bribes, lies, corruption, abuses of power, payoffs, ill-gotten gains, and cruel injustices, are commonplace. Psalm 14:1 says, “They are corrupt, they have committed abominable deeds. There is no one who does good.” Isaiah 5:20 talks about “those who call evil good, and good evil.” To see this happening in our own country sickens the soul – and to get righteously angry about all this sin is not wrong, but to focus on it, and feel we need to change it, is not how God wants us to think. 

As Christians we can easily fret or get angry when leaders and politicians say and do wicked and unethical things. Psalm 6:3 says, “my soul is greatly dismayed.” Psalm 37:1 tells us not to “fret because of evildoers.” Psalm 55:2 says, “I am restless in my complaint and am surely distracted because of the voice of the enemy.” Psalm 73:3 says, “I was envious of the arrogant as I saw the prosperity of the wicked.” Isn’t it hard for you when it seems the wicked are getting away with their evil deeds, and are not being brought to account? But God doesn’t want you to set your mind on the things of this world, and be anxious and overly concerned about evil leaders, and their political schemes and earthly kingdoms.

Here are some truths to keep in mind as you live in this evil world, one that will get worse and worse until Jesus Christ returns to rapture the church and judge the world.
1. God is sovereign. Sinful people and rulers can only do what God allows them to do. Remember, their evil words and actions are part of His end-time plans, and will work out for the good of the church, and the glory of God. Acts 2:23-24, 4:27-28; Romans 9:17-18

2. “Do not fret because of evildoers… Cease from anger and forsake wrath… Depart from evil” (Ps. 37:1, 8, 27). It doesn’t do any good to get mad or worry and, in fact, it’s bad for you.  

3. God will defeat and punish all evildoers. “Evildoers will be cut off… Yet a little while and the wicked man will be no more… The power of the wicked will be broken… He passed away and he was no more… Transgressors will be altogether destroyed.” Psalm 37:10, 15, 17, 36, 38

4. Do what God wants you to do. “Trust in the Lord and do good… Delight yourself in the Lord… Dwell in the land… Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him… All day long he is gracious and lends… The law of his God is in his heart.” Psalm 37:3, 4, 7, 26, 31

5. “Seek first His kingdom and righteousness.” We are not to worry and be troubled about matters that relate to this earthly kingdom, but we are to be excitedly and energetically building up the church, the heavenly kingdom of God. Matt. 6:33, Col. 3:1-4

6. Pray for those in authority, for the church, and for the coming kingdom: “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Be thinking about the coming millennial kingdom when Jesus Christ will rule the world with a rod of iron, and there will be perfect and immediate justice. Isaiah 6:3, Rev. 2:27

7. Remember the example of Jesus and Paul. Jesus never talked about the Roman government or the politics of the day, but only to say, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s…” (Matt. 22:21). Jesus knew that the real enemy was not the Romans but the devil. “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood… but against the spiritual forces of wickedness” (Eph. 6:12). The apostle Paul did not get involved in worldly matters, for his purpose was not to win some political debate, but to preach the gospel and win people to Christ. Acts 20:24

8. Remember the promise, that you will inherit the land (Psalm 37:9, 11, 22, 29, 34). Know that you will inherit the land, the entire earth. In the coming kingdom age, this earth will be your land and you, and all believers, will reign with Christ, and work with Him in establishing His spiritual and physical kingdom in this world. Psalms 47, 67, 72; Matt. 5:5; Rev. 5:10

Our present political climate in this country is hyper-partisan and polarized. We tend to take sides and pick the person or party we like best, but this is not what’s important. As Christians, we must view life as spiritual, and not political. Be careful about picking political sides, and remind yourself that you are on God’s side, and that people are either saved or lost. In the near future, the Antichrist will wickedly be ruling the world, and there will be great tribulation (Matt. 24:21), at which time it will be clearly obvious that there are only two sides, Christ’s and the Antichrist’s. There will be no political parties, no debates, no voting, but hopefully on our part, a zeal to obey Christ, to love the lost, preach the gospel, and make disciples of all the nations. Yes, we will be hated and, in many cases, hunted down to be killed (Matt. 24:9), but this will be our time, and it “will lead to an opportunity for your testimony” (Luke 21:12-13). Here is Jesus’ promise to us, “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20). Then there is the rapture, “and so we shall always be with the Lord.” 1 Thess. 4:17

P.S. “Politicians, Judges, and Jesus, Our Coming King” is a post I wrote that describes how God helped change my thinking regarding my involvement in political matters. This past Sunday my message was “Psalm 23” – when you get time, listen to it, for I believe it will greatly encourage your soul.

The Life-and-Death-Changing Results of the Resurrection

April 10, 2020 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #165 ~

1 Corinthians 15 talks about the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the believers. In the 1st part of this chapter (1 Cor. 15:3-4), we are told that the gospel message, that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and was raised on the third day, is the most important message in the Bible. That Christ was resurrected shows He was victorious over sin and death, and that God was satisfied with His sacrifice for the sins of people. This is great news for all who repent of their sins and believe that Christ died for them, thereby, paying the penalty for their sins. If you have turned from your sin and trusted in Christ, then you have been forgiven, have victory over death, a relationship with God, and a purpose in life. You will also be given a new body, a perfect home in heaven, and a wonderful future with friends. Most importantly, you will be with Jesus Christ forever and ever. 1 Thess. 5:18

In the 2nd part of the chapter (1 Cor. 15:12-19), we read that some had questioned whether the dead were raised at all. If that is true that the dead are not raised, then Christ was not raised. How utterly sad and depressing to even think that Christ was not raised from the dead. If Christ stayed in the grave, then your faith is worthless, you are a condemned sinner, your life has no meaning, and living for Christ makes no sense. How hopelessly and hellishly lost you would be.“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead” (1 Cor. 15:20). “God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power” (Acts 2:24, Rev. 1:17-18). Indeed, all is truly and forever good for those in Christ, for those who have embraced Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Rom. 10:8-13

In the 3rd part of the chapter (1 Cor. 15:20-28), we see the big picture, God’s eternal plans, and how it relates to the resurrection. Jesus Christ was raised from the dead about 2000 years ago, but when will believers, Old Testament and church-age saints, be raised again? Verse 23 definitively tells us that our resurrection happens at Christ’s coming. It’s critical that you know this, that you will be resurrected, be glorified, be given a new and perfect body at Christ’s 2nd coming, specifically at that time when the church is raptured. 1 Thess. 4:15-17, 2 Thess. 2:1

Then God succinctly sums up the ages to come. During the millennial kingdom, Christ will rule the world from Jerusalem, with believers in their resurrected bodies helping Him carry out His plans (Rev. 5:10). Christ will bring peace to this earth, subdue His enemies, and defeat death, the greatest enemy. Then this glorious 1000-year kingdom age will come to an end, when Christ “hands over the kingdom to the Father… then the Son Himself also will be subjected to the One who subjected all things to Him, so that God may be all in all” (1 Cor. 15:24, 28), and the most-glorious eternal kingdom age will begin.

In the 4th part of this chapter (1 Cor. 15:29-34), with this eternal perspective in mind, we are instructed how to live for God during our short lives on earth. Like Paul, we are to “die daily,” and not be afraid of “danger.” About the Christian, Jesus said, “Let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). Paul also tells us to live holy lives and have godly relationships, not like non-Christians who believe this life is all there is, who say, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” But we know Christ and the truth of the resurrection – “To live is Christ and to die is gain.” Phil. 1:21

In the 5th part of the chapter (1 Cor. 15:35-49), we learn about our glorified body. First, we learn that the old body must die before there is a new body. Second, we see that the new body will be radically and amazingly different than the old body. A plant is different than the grain of seed it came from and, so too, our heavenly body will be different than our earthly body (Rom. 8:21). Third, we learn that, though there will be differences, there will be similarities. Humans will be humans, birds will be birds, and stars will be stars. Fourth, there will be the new body: it won’t be perishable but imperishable, won’t be dishonorable but honorable, won’t be weak but powerful, won’t be natural but spiritual, won’t be earthly but heavenly. We have this wonderful description of our brand-new body, but we still cannot fathom how glorious it will be. Might you thank Jesus “who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory.” Phil. 3:20-21, 1 Cor. 15:57

In the 6th part of this chapter (1 Cor 15:50-57), we learn how long it will take to be glorified, and when it will happen. As to the first point, it will take place “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye,” quicker than lightning. As to when it will happen, we know it will occur at Christ’s coming (1 Cor. 15:23), but here we learn that it is at “the last trumpet” which is just what Jesus said – “He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet.” Matt. 24:31

It is then said that “we will not all sleep,” that not all believers will physically die. When Christ comes back in the clouds, many Christians will still be on earth, and they will be raptured, and immediately be changed and glorified. But believers who had already fallen asleep, had already physically died, will be glorified first, a split second before those still on earth. “The Lord 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.” 1 Thess. 4:15-17

It is at this time, when “this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality” that you will say, “Death is swallowed up in victory” (1 Cor. 15:53-55). Finally, you will be fully and completely saved – body, mind and spirit. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:3-4

In the 7th part of this chapter, you are told how you are to live. In view of the truth of Christ’s resurrection and your resurrection, in view of the fact that you have a most wonderful Savior and a living hope, you are to “be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your work in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Cor. 15:58

P.S. At this time of the Coronavirus Pandemic, when there is all this reporting and sadness about people getting sick and dying, we need hope, we need to know that we have a glorious future. Here is my Easter Sunday message – “The Glorious Resurrection of Christ and Believers in Christ,” a post about the resurrection – “The Resurrection and Rapture of the Believers,” and an article about hope – “You Have to Have Hope.”

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