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Christ's Kingdom and the End Times

Category: Church (Page 3 of 4)

Blog posts about the Church.

God is in Charge of Everything

February 22, 2019 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #106 ~

Do you believe God is sovereign, that He does what He wants, when He wants, where He wants, how He wants, and that no one can thwart His plans? I pray you do. This is a critically important truth, for God is God, and He is in charge of all things. Nothing happens that God does not expressly command or permit. Not only does God know what is going to take place, but He orders it or allows it to take place. God is never surprised. There are no accidents. Nothing happens by chance. With perfect knowledge, power, love and wisdom, God directs and oversees everything, in accordance with His eternal purposes, and for His eternal glory. “He does according to His will in the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of earth; and no one can ward off His hand or say to Him, ‘What have you done?’” Daniel 4:35

The sovereignty of God relates directly to your own life. He planned your birth and He caused it to happen. He knows the day you will die (or be raptured) and He will bring it about. “All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be” (Psalm 139:16). He planned when you would live and where you would live. “He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and boundaries” (Acts 17:26). “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we would walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). God’s sovereignty is a strategic, comprehensive and powerful truth, one that will humble, comfort and encourage you, and bring great glory to God.

What about the world? Yes, God is sovereign over the entire world – every country, city, nation, person, relationship, animal, event and atom. “Who is there who speaks and it comes to pass, unless the Lord has commanded it? Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that both good and ill go forth?” (Lamentations 3:37-38). God is sovereign over rulers (Isaiah 40:23), over Israel (Psalm 33:10-12), over the church (Matthew 16:18), over your job (James 4:13-15), and over the devil (Job 1:6-12). God is always sovereign, “declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things which have not been done, saying, ‘My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure… truly I have spoken; truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, surely I will do it.’” Isaiah 46:10-11

God’s sovereignty also has a direct bearing on Bible prophecy being fulfilled. Think of the prophecies about Christ’s first coming, and how they all were perfectly carried out: that Jesus was born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14), where He was born (Micah 5:2), that He rode on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9), how Jesus died (Psalm 22), and so forth. The fact that all Bible prophecy comes true is one of the clearest and strongest proofs that God is sovereign.

What about Christ’s 2nd coming? Of course, God is sovereign, for He will do what He has decided to do. Every day, from now until Christ’s return, has been carefully planned out by God. We now live in the end-times, and God is directing all things and all people to that point when Christ will return and rapture the church. As the days and years go by, we will literally see His prophetic word being carried out. All of His plans related to Israel, the nations, the true church, false religion, birth pains, the Jewish temple, the Antichrist, the preaching of the gospel, great tribulation, Christ’s 2nd coming, and Satan’s defeat, will be fully carried out. Might you be assured and encouraged by the faithful, powerful, wise, and glorious working of God, resulting in Christ’s return as King.

You may wonder what will happen in your own life, and to your family and church. You may worry about whether you will live or die, whether you will be martyred or raptured. You need to trust God and be at peace, for God is sovereign, and “causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” This “good” is that your salvation will be completed, that you will be glorified, that you will be “conformed to the image of His Son.” Romans 8:28-29

The fact that God is sovereign doesn’t mean you are to sit around and do nothing, that you are to just wait and see. You are to work and wait and see. You are responsible for your words and actions, all the time knowing that God is sovereign, that “man plans his way, but the Lord directs His steps” (Proverbs 16:9), that “the steps of man are ordained by the Lord” (Proverbs 20:24). “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, to will and to work for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:12-13). “Go, make disciples” (Matthew 28:19-20), knowing that Christ will build His church.

Finally, it’s all about Jesus Christ. Love Jesus, live for Jesus, and look forward to seeing Him come in the clouds. Remember, “we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works 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… with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of times, that is, the summing up all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth.” Ephesians 1:9-12

P.S. If you have not looked at and read the Key Terms, listed on one of the tabs, I would encourage you to do so. Knowing the definitions of key prophecy terms, and related subjects, is essential in understanding prophecy. One area that is related to this subject of God’s sovereignty, that is found in the Key Terms, is the “Purposes of God.”

I Can See the Future

February 15, 2019 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Special Post ~

“But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the end time” (Daniel 12:4,9). Seeing that the Jewish people are back in their land is God’s clear signal to us that His end-time plans are being carried out. Therefore, I believe these prophetic words of Daniel, as well as all end-time prophecies, are no longer sealed and concealed. This means Christians are to study them, and can now understand them, and now need to understand them. What a privilege and blessing to be alive at this moment in history!

I am taking a break from writing a post this week, but plan to start again next week with one that is entitled, “God Is In Charge of Everything.” In the meantime, here are a few thoughts I want to pass on to you:

1. I will continue to write weekly posts on prophecy related subjects, but am planning to focus more on specific passages and chapters, such as Daniel 7, Daniel 9:24-27, Daniel 12, Mark 13, Luke 17:22-37, Luke 21:7-36, Acts 3:17-21, Romans 11, Romans 15:4-13, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, 2 Thessalonians 1:3-10, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12, Revelation 2-3, Revelation 11, Revelation 13, Revelation 17, Revelation 18.

2. Zion’s Hope has one of the best prophecy websites in the world, with many good articles to read, and instructive videos to watch. I really encourage you to check it out – www.ZionsHope.org

3. Many people put off learning about the end-times and the coming of Christ, thinking that not much is happening now, and so why study the subject. But don’t procrastinate, and think you will learn later, for now is the time, in the calm before the storm, to learn what God wants you to know about the future He has for us and for the entire world.

4. You can download the English posts. I would suggest that you put them in a file so you can easily retrieve them, and then print them out, for yourself and others. You never know when sites like this will be shut down by the authorities.

5. Remember to tell others about Christ’s first coming, His coming as Savior, and about Christ’s second coming, His coming as Judge and King. Here is God’s instruction to you, along with a promise from Him: “Those who have insight among the people will give understanding to the many… Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.” Daniel 11:33, 12:3

For our wonderful Lord, loving Savior and glorious King – Steven Hogan. Jude 24-25

The Present Church Age and the Future Kingdom Age

November 30, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #96 ~

This present church age and the future kingdom age are two distinct time periods in the history of mankind. Ephesians 1:21 tells us, “… not only in this age, but also in the one to come…” Now we live in the church age, but it won’t be long before Jesus Christ returns to rapture the church, and shortly thereafter, sets up His kingdom on earth. But what will this kingdom age be like? One way to find out is to compare these two ages, and see how they are alike and how they are different. Let’s look at some areas so you can better understand the fantastic future God has for you and for all believers:

Who is the ruler? The devil is the ruler of the world during this present church age, but Jesus Christ is the ruler of the world during the kingdom age. John 12:31, 1 John 5:19, Zechariah 14:9, Revelation 11:15

How long are the ages? No one knows precisely how long this present church age will last, but we do know that the kingdom age will last for exactly 1000 years, which is why it is often called the millennial kingdom. Matthew 24:36, Revelation 20:1-7

How long will people live? People will live a lot longer during the millennial kingdom age than during this present church age. At this time, on average, people live to be about 80 years or so, but during the next age, a person who lives only to be 100 years “will be thought accursed.” Isaiah 65:20, Psalm 90:10

The kings versus the King: During this church age, Jesus Christ is in heaven, sitting at the right hand of God, while kings on earth are taking their stand against Him, counseling together, and contending with Him. But during the millennial kingdom, these kings will be powerless, for Christ will be the only true King, sitting on His throne in Jerusalem, and ruling over the earth. Psalm 2, Zechariah 14:9, Matthew 26:64

The evil age and the good age: This present age is an evil age, and a big reason is because the devil is the ruler of the world. The coming millennial kingdom age will be a good age, for Jesus Christ will be perfectly ruling the world. But this 1000-year kingdom age won’t be a perfect age, and that’s because sin and death will still exist on this earth. Galatians 1:4, Psalm 72:1-3, 1 Corinthians 15:25-26, Revelation 21:4

Injustice or justice: During this present age, there’s a great deal of injustice and unrighteousness on earth. Wickedness is flourishing at this time, but not so during the millennial kingdom, for then Christ will rule with a rod of iron, bringing justice, mercy, and peace to this world. Psalm 2:9, Psalm 37, Psalm 72, Philippians 2:10-11

Satan’s influence: Satan continually tempts people to sin during this church age. But he will be imprisoned and incapacitated during the millennial kingdom, and therefore, unable to tempt anyone, believer or unbeliever. His only evil influence will come at the very end of this kingdom age, when he will be let loose for a short time, and gather unbelievers to fight against God, but unsuccessfully so. Revelation 20:1-10

Judging the sinners: God will deal decisively with unbelievers at the end of this present age, and at the end of the age to come. He will punish the unbelievers living on earth (except those Jews chosen to be saved) at the end of this church age, during the Day of the Lord (Revelation 8-9, 16). At the end of the millennial kingdom age, Jesus Christ, sitting on His great white throne, will judge all unbelievers, all the ungodly, and then cast them into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:11-15

The earth’s physical condition: During this church age, the earth is in a corrupted state, but it will be renovated at the start of the millennial kingdom, and therefore, greatly improved. Only after this 1000-year kingdom age, during the eternal kingdom age, will the earth be completely brand new, perfectly holy in every way, entirely and forever free from sin, death, and the devil. Romans 8:18-24, Isaiah 65:17-25, Revelation 21:1-4

God’s kingdom is growing: The kingdom of God continues to grow in size during the church age and the millennial kingdom age, for people will be getting saved during both time periods. Numerically speaking, God’s kingdom will be fully grown at the end of the millennial kingdom. Matthew 13:30-33

Spiritual and physical growth of the kingdom: During the church age, Christ’s focus is on the spiritual growth of God’s kingdom. People are being born again, and are being transferred from the domain of the devil to the kingdom of God. During the next age, Christ’s focus is on both the spiritual and physical growth of God’s kingdom, on both her internal and external growth. Matthew 16:18, Colossians 1:13; Luke 17:21; Psalm 47, Psalm 67

Glorified or not? During this church age, all believers, those now in heaven and those still on earth, are not yet glorified. But at the coming of Christ and the rapture of the church, they will be glorified, and remain glorified during the millennial kingdom age, and forevermore. 1 Corinthians 15:20-23, 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17

Well known or not? During this church age, our lives are hidden with Christ, meaning we are not well known in the world. But in the millennial kingdom, we will be revealed with Christ and be reigning with Him, and it will be obvious to all that we are God’s children, and are very special to Him. 1 Corinthians 4:8-13, Colossians 3:3-4, Revelation 1:6

Greater glory for God: More glory will be given to God during the millennial kingdom than during this present age. That’s because: a) More of God’s glory will be evident in the world, thereby resulting in more glory being given to Him. b) There will be a greater number of believers living during the millennial kingdom than at any other time in history, resulting in more people giving glory to God. c) All the believers who have lived during this present age will be glorified, and therefore are able to give God much more glory. Habakkuk 2:14, 1 Corinthians 15:42-44, Revelation 19:1-6

Peace on earth: During this present church age, there are many conflicts between people, many wars between nations, and there is not peace on earth. During the millennial kingdom, there will, in general, be peace on earth. Psalm 72:3, Isaiah 9:6

What a blessing to be living for Jesus Christ during this church age! Now is our time to be using our gifts and talents to serve Him. But I must say, I am really looking forward to Christ’s return and the rapture of the church, and shortly after that, being with Him on earth during the millennial kingdom age. What an incredible time that will be, for we will be fully saved, glorified and perfect, and fully able to love our Savior and King, and live for Him like never before! Hallelujah!!! “You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth.” Revelation 5:10

P. S. Here are two short and encouraging posts that go along with what you have just read:  Everything on this Earth is Going to Change, and More on the Glory of God, the Most Important Thing of All.

God’s Kingdom Work

November 23, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #95 ~

God’s primary work is kingdom work! It’s what He’s been doing since the creation of the world. Starting with Adam and Eve, then through the Jews, now through the church, and then during the next age, God has been, is, and will be, building His kingdom.

To understand the history of God’s most important work, we have to go back to the Old Testament, where we find many prophecies and promises that God gave to the Jews about the coming King and His kingdom. Zechariah 14:9 tells us, “The Lord will be King over the earth.” In 2 Samuel 7:8-17, David is told, “Your house and your kingdom shall endure before Me forever.” Daniel 7:27 says, “His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom.” Isaiah 9:6-7 predicts, “There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over His kingdom… from then on and forevermore.” Psalm 2:6 clearly states, “But as for Me, I have installed My King upon Zion, My holy mountain.” Psalm 47 tells us the truth, “For God is the King of all the earth… God reigns over the nations.” Psalm 98:6 exhorts us, “Shout joyfully before the King, the Lord.”

God also promised the Jews, “You shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:6). You see, God wanted the Jews to be members of His kingdom, and part of the process in establishing this kingdom, both spiritually and physically. Some of the Jews were righteous and serving Him, but for the most part, they were rebellious. The majority of them were looking at things outwardly and worshiping idols they had made, but weren’t loving God, the One who had made them. In spite of all their sins, God was very gracious, for many Jews, and Gentiles too, repented and received God’s mercy, thereby becoming members of His glorious and growing kingdom.

God’s kingdom work continued, wonderfully and dramatically so, when His Son, the King, came to earth. It was about 2,000 years ago that Jesus entered this world as a little baby, then grew up and became a man. Jesus was perfect, the most loving person, an incredible teacher, and a healer of diseases, but the Jews still rejected Him. They didn’t see their need for Jesus to save them from their sins. Their rejection of Him as their Savior led to their rejection of Him as their King. Yet, Jesus assured His disciples that He would come back and set up His kingdom on earth. In fact, right before He ascended into heaven, He was talking to His apostles about the kingdom, “… appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of things concerning the kingdom of God” (Acts 1:3). Jesus’ disciples were excited about the coming physical kingdom, but they knew it had to be spiritual at its core, for Jesus first needed to be King in their hearts. He had already told them, “Behold, the kingdom of God is in you.” Luke 17:21

Since that time, Christ has been building His church, and God’s kingdom is continuing to grow, for a great number of people are being born again, and are entering into His kingdom (John 3:5). Millions, if not billions, have been delivered from the domain of darkness, and transferred to the kingdom of Christ (Colossians 1:13). 1 Peter 2:9 also speaks of this kingdom, telling us that the church is a “chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,” language reminding us of God’s promises and plans for the Jews.

During this church age, God has commanded us to work with Him, to seek His kingdom, to preach the gospel of the kingdom, and to pray, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10). We know it won’t be long before Jesus Christ returns to set up His kingdom on earth. That’s because the Jews are back in their land, a clear indicator from God that we are living in the end-times. Ezekiel 37; Daniel 12:4, 9

This church age is now drawing to a close, and Jesus Christ will be coming back soon. He will return as a Savior to rapture the believers, as a Judge to punish the unbelievers, as a Redeemer to save a Jewish remnant, and as a King to set up His kingdom on earth. At the end of Daniel’s 70th week, it will be said, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ” (Revelation 11:15). What a momentous time that will be, for Christ will take control of the world, and finally, be her King! Then for the next thousand years, we and all believers will be working with our King, helping Him rule and guide the nations. Multitudes more will be saved, and God’s kingdom will continue to grow during the entirety of Christ’s glorious reign on earth.

It is during this time that God’s millennial promise will be true for all believers, “God blesses us, that all the ends of the earth may fear Him.” Our prayer will be, “Let all the peoples praise You, O God, let all the peoples praise You” (Psalm 67:5, 7). People all over the world will be praising our King. “O clap your hands, all you people; shout to God with the voice of joy. For the Lord Most High is to be feared, a great King over all the earth” (Psalm 47:1-2). “Then (after 1000 years) comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to God the Father.” 1 Corinthians 15:24

P.S. Here is a good article to read, one that will help you to more clearly understand this post: A Summary of the Prophetic Work of God, from the Time of Abraham to Christ’s Millennial Kingdom.

Kingdom Instructions for the Church

November 9, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #93 ~

You need to understand the kingdom of God to fully grasp what it means to be a Christian, to really know how you are to live on earth, and to be genuinely excited about the future God has for you. Jesus came to this earth as Savior, Lord and King. He told the Jews, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand” (Mark 1:15). But how could they be a part of His kingdom? Jesus told them how, for He was “proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom” (Matthew 4:23). The key to the kingdom is the gospel, for it is the salvation message, the means by which people can enter God’s kingdom. But a person needs to see his sin, and his need for Jesus to be his Savior. He needs to “repent and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15), this good news that Jesus died on a cross to pay for his sins, and then was raised from the dead.

Yes, some of the Jews repented and believed in Jesus. But most of them didn’t repent; they didn’t want Jesus to be King in their hearts; they just wanted Him to be King over their country. For their rejection of Him, Jesus had no choice but to reject them. He couldn’t be their King, at least at that time, and consequently, His Father’s plans for the Jews were suspended and put on hold. But Jesus gave His disciples hope about His coming kingdom. At the Passover meal, He told them, “I will not drink of the fruit of the vine from now on until the kingdom of God comes… I grant you that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom.” Luke 22:18, 28-30

Jesus had already told the disciples, “I will build My church” (Matthew 16:18). The church would be God’s new plan to build His kingdom on earth, and for the past 2000 years, that’s exactly what has been happening. People are spiritually being born again, and are entering into the kingdom of God (John 3:3-8). But God’s kingdom during this church age is not physical and external, but spiritual and internal, that which exists in the hearts of those who belong to Christ the King.

What is the purpose of the Christian on earth? To work with Christ and the church, and build the kingdom of God, the most important, noble, and satisfying work in the world. But what specifically are you to do?

1. You are to seek the kingdom of God. “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness…” (Matthew 6:33). This is to be your work, your purpose, your ambition, your life. You are not to be seeking what you want, building your own little kingdom, and worrying about what you will eat, drink or wear. You are to spend your time, energy and money, seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness, doing that which builds His church, and therefore, that which builds His kingdom.

2. You are to preach the gospel of the kingdom. “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” (Matthew 24:14). Christ preached the gospel of the kingdom. Paul preached the gospel of the kingdom, for he “declared to them the kingdom of God and tried to convince them about Jesus Christ.” (Acts 28:23, 31). You, too, are to preach the gospel of the kingdom. It’s important for you to see that your life is not just about building the church – it’s much bigger than that, for you are to work with Jesus in building God’s kingdom, a kingdom that started way back with Adam and Eve, continues now, and goes on forever and ever.

 3. You are to preach the word: “I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word” (2 Timothy 4:1-2). Yes, this is for pastors, but in a larger sense, it applies to all of us. In view of the fact that Christ will appear and rapture the church, judge the unbelievers, and then set up His kingdom on earth, we are to preach the word of God. We must see that God’s word needs to be preached in the context of Christ’s coming. Proper and powerful preaching must be connected and related to the fact that our Savior and King is returning to establish His kingdom on earth.

 4. You are to pray: “Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:9-10). You are to pray for Christ’s kingdom to come, for Christ to come back and physically and spiritually rule over His kingdom on earth. Of course, you should pray for people to be saved, for the church to grow, but it’s more than that – it’s seeing the connection between the growth of the church and the return of Christ to set up His kingdom on earth. You don’t want to be short-sighted, you need to see the church in the context of the entire kingdom of God, and that the church age leads to Christ’s coming and the millennial kingdom age.

Just think, you are a royal priesthood, a kingdom and priests to our God! (1 Peter 2:9, Revelation 5:10). Understanding who you are, and knowing the real truth about the kingdom of God, and your part in it, will motivate you to live for the King, and to look forward to that time when you will see Him, and say, “For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” Matthew 6:13

In a Wicked World, You Have to Have Hope

September 28, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #87 ~

No matter what country you live in, there’s sin and evil, liars and thieves, hate and racism, and corrupt politicians. That’s the way it has been for this entire evil age, and the way it’s going to be, right up until the return of Jesus Christ. That’s why you need hope, why you need to be “looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God” (Hebrews 11:10), and for that time when “the Lord will be King over all the earth.” Zechariah 14:9

But for now, we look around the world and we see sin and Satan in every place – in Russia, Ukraine, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Iran, Syria, Sudan, Nigeria, Poland, Ukraine, North Korea, Haiti, China, and in every country and, yes, in the United States. What’s this world coming to? Is not your soul grieved by the sin that affects every square inch of this planet, and yes, still remains in your own life? I have to admit, I get tired of it, for this evil flesh and wicked world weigh heavy on my soul. I think of Lot, who was “oppressed by the sensual conduct of unprincipled men,” and who “felt his righteous soul tormented day after day” (2 Peter 2:7-9). What are we to think? What are we to do about it? What does God’s Word say?

1. God is sovereign. Yes, “the whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19), but God is ultimately in charge, in control. Don’t forget, the devil is like a dog on a leash, and he can only do what God allows him to do. Daniel 4:35, Romans 9:17
2. God leaves you in this sinful world to teach you to be holy, to “let your light shine before men” (Matthew 5:16). He is also teaching you to be a soldier, a warrior, to stand firm against the devil’s schemes, to fight “against the world forces of darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness.” Judges 3:2, Nehemiah 4, Ephesians 6:10-18
3. Don’t focus on the evil things going on around you, whether it’s in your family, your city, or the world. You are going to get very discouraged if you keep thinking about the corruption that’s out there. Instead, fix your eyes on Jesus. Hebrews 12:2
4. Focus on the work you are to do. When you play sports, you don’t stare at your opponent, you play your position and do your part. God has given you a job to do, so do it. And when your work is done, Christ will take you home to heaven. Luke 19:13, Acts 13:36
5. Don’t put your hope in this world, or in people, and that means leaders, too. A prime minister, a president, or a king, isn’t God. I hope you know by now that you can’t trust human leaders to make this world a truly better place. Trust in God, not in man. Psalm 146:3-5
6. As a Christian, your goal should never be a political objective, but a spiritual objective. It’s not to win elections, to get your person in power, but to win souls, to preach the gospel to all the nations. Our gospel is the only real answer, and it has no borders and no bounds, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16
7. Pray “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). Pray for Christ to return, to begin His righteous reign over the world, and to establish His glorious kingdom on earth. Habakkuk 2:14, Revelation 11:15

Don’t you get tired of your sin-prone flesh and this sinful, saint-hating world? Don’t you wish you could leave it? I know I do, but I have to remind myself that this is my time, my one opportunity on this earth, to be a worker and a warrior for the Lord. Just think, God has planned out your entire life, placing you on this planet at this time in history. It’s by the grace He gives you now, and the hope of future grace that you can live for the Lord. Think about this hope you have, that Christ is coming, that you will be raptured and glorified, that Satan will be defeated, and that the kingdom age will begin. “God be gracious to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us – that Your way may be known on the earth, Your salvation among all nations.” Psalm 67:1-2

One of the main ways I am motivated to live for God during this present evil age is thinking about the future kingdom of Christ. It will be a good age, a great age, a glorious age, when God will brighten up and beautify this old earth, when there will be true justice, love, mercy, peace on earth, and good will toward men. I encourage you to think about being in your glorified body, living on this newly renovated planet, fellow-shipping with dear friends, and serving Jesus Christ, our Lord, Savior, and King. This is the truth, this is your hope, and it is this hope that will help you to live strong for the Lord during your short time on earth. Soon you will be gone from here, and after a short stay in heaven, you will head back to earth, where you will serve and reign with Christ your King for 1000 glorious years (Revelation 20:6). “Let the peoples praise You, O God… Let the nations be glad and sing for joy; for You will judge the peoples with uprightness and guide the nations on the earth.” Psalm 67:3-4

P.S. We must know the Bible says will be taking place on this earth. I encourage you to read my posts on the present Ukraine situation – “Russia at War Against Ukraine”, “God, You, and the War in Ukraine“, “Death and Life in the End-Times”. And read this article on hope – “You Have to Have Hope.”

What About the Unrepentant Unbeliever in the End Times?

August 24, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #82 ~

You have seen the movies and read the books where the bad guys appear to be winning. They have locked up the good guys, taken control of the city, or hijacked the airplane, and things aren’t looking good. But these are just stories. When the Antichrist appears and takes over the world, it won’t be just a story, it will really happen. Truly, this will be a dark time in history, for the devil and his people will seem to be winning. Let me tell you what you need to know about unrepentant unbelievers in the end-times. They will be:

Unloving. Matthew 24:12 – “Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold.” In the end times, unbelievers will be increasingly lawless. They will be unloving, unholy, arrogant, lovers of self, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God (2 Timothy 3:1-4). We live in an evil age, and it’s going to get a lot, lot worse in the last few years before the return of Christ. But as Christians, we will be the light of the world.

Worshiping Satan. Revelation 13:4 – “They worshiped the dragon (Satan), and they worshiped the beast (Antichrist).” Unbelievers will hear about this man rising from the dead; they will see this 2nd beast perform great signs; and they will be amazed, in awe, and worship this man, this 1st beast, and also worship the devil himself. But believers will be loving God with all their heart, mind, soul and strength. Mark 12:30

Taking the mark. Revelation 13:16 – “He causes all, the small and the great, the rich and the poor, and the free and the slaves to be given a mark on their right hand or on their forehead.” Most unbelievers will take this mark of the beast, with the result that they will be able to openly buy or sell, do business, go shopping, or go out to eat.

Deceived and deluded. 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11 – “God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness.” Sinners will hate the truth, but will love their evil and wicked ways. Therefore, God will cause them to be deceived all the more, resulting in a rapid and dramatic increase in the depravity of the world.

Mocking Christians. 2 Peter 3:3-6 – “In the last days, mockers will come with their mocking, following after their lusts, and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming?’… But by His word, the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.” During the Antichrist’s rule, unbelievers will be mocking, taunting, ridiculing, and making fun of the Christians.

Hating and killing. Matthew 24:9 – “They will deliver you to tribulation and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.” After the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week, most unbelievers will see the Christians as a terrible menace, a harmful blight to the world. Non-Christians will be emboldened and impassioned in their hate for Christians, so much so that they will want to kill them, to rid the earth of them. “An hour is coming for everyone who kills you to think he is offering service to God.” John 16:2

Betraying family members. Luke 21:16 – “You will be betrayed by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death.” Many unbelievers will turn against their own family members, those who are Christians, and turn them in to the authorities, and some of these will be killed. Without a doubt, this will be one of the saddest and hardest things for Christians to go through in the end-times. “In all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:37

Eating and drinking. Luke 17:28 – “It was the same as happened in the days of Lot: They were eating and drinking, they were buying and selling, they were planting and building; but on the day that Lot went out from Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all.” There will be a pseudo-peace on earth during the Antichrist’s rule, and unbelievers will be happy, living like everything is just fine. But they will be so deceived, and will be shocked and scared when they see the sudden return of Christ.

Doomed. Revelation 6:12-17 – “There was a great earthquake… the stars of the sky fell to the earth… the sky was split apart like a scroll… and the kings… and the great men… and the rich and the strong and every slave and free man hid themselves in the caves… for the great day of God’s wrath has come.” Great signs in the heavens and on the earth will signal the end of this age and the return of Christ. Just after the rapture, the day of the Lord will come, and unbelievers will be doomed, eternally damned by God.

Punished in hell. Revelation 14:9-10 – “He will be tormented with fire and brimstone… and the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever.” Those who receive the mark of the beast will go to hell, and later be cast into the lake of fire, where they will be punished forever (Revelation 20:15). This will be the sad, but righteous, reality for the unrepentant, Christ-hating, Christian-hating unbeliever.

You need to know the truth about unrepentant unbelievers in the end-times, especially if you are alive during the rule of the Antichrist. These last few years before the coming of Christ will prove to be a great opportunity to serve the Lord, love your enemies, and share the gospel with them, with the result that some unbelievers will repent of their sins, and be saved. Don’t forget, God will give you all the grace and peace you need. And remember, God is completely in charge, for He is the sovereign Ruler. “To live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). “Behold, I am coming soon.” Revelation 2:20

P.S. Clearly, Christians will go through some very difficult trials in the end-times, and therefore, it is essential that we understand what God’s word tells us about them. A very comprehensive summary of God’s purposes for our trials is given in the article, A Biblical Perspective on the Trials of Life.  I’ll mention one more article that is very encouraging: Keep Yourself in the Love of God.

Christians Will Go Through Great Tribulation

March 9, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #58 ~

My journey as a Christian takes me back to the early 1970’s, a time when there was a lot of talk about the rapture. It was being taught that the church would not go through great tribulation, for that was God’s wrath, and was reserved for the unbelievers. Fast forward to the early 1990’s and, for the first time, I began to really study end-times’ prophecy. I soon learned from God’s word that great tribulation is not God’s wrath.

Last week, I shared a number of verses illustrating how Christians go through tribulation. Paul summed it up by saying, “Through many tribulations you will enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). This word tribulation, from the Greek “thlipsis,” is also translated as distress, affliction, trouble or pressure. Therefore, we could say that great tribulation is great distress, great affliction, great trouble or great pressure. It’s not Biblical or logical to say a Christian goes through tribulation, but won’t go through great tribulation. Yes, a Christian is exempt from God’s wrath, but not from tribulation or great tribulation.

What does Matthew 24 say about this? Verse 9 says, “They will deliver you to tribulation and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.” This is clearly referring to Christians being persecuted and martyred for their faith. Now the adjective “great” is not used in this verse to describe tribulation, but we have to admit that being hated and killed by all nations, is great tribulation. Therefore, we can conclude that the tribulation spoken of in verse 9, is actually great tribulation.

We read on and see that the focus of Matthew 24:9-14 is the Christian. Then we see that Matthew 24:15-26 is a parenthetical to verses 9-14, describing what is happening to the Jews during this time. First, there’s verse 15, speaking of the abomination of desolation, a desecration of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem, occurring at the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week, and instigated by the Antichrist (Daniel 9:27, 2 Thessalonians 2:3-5). Then the Jews are instructed to head for the hills (verses 16-20), for that murdering Antichrist and his forces are going after them. The Antichrist’s pursuit and persecution of the Jews, and of the Christians, as we will soon see, is what Jesus calls great tribulation in verse 21.

We discover Revelation 12:16-17 saying the same thing, “The dragon (working with the Antichrist) was enraged with the woman (Jews), and went off to make war with the rest of her children (Christians) who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus.” This passage describes this devilish Antichrist chasing after the Jews, and making war with the Christians. Isn’t this what Matthew 24 said? Great tribulation starts out against Jews in Jerusalem, and then expands, being experienced by Christians all over the world. Great tribulation talked about in verses 15-21, leads to, and is directly related to great tribulation that is affecting the Christians, spoken of in verse 9.

Matthew 24:22 says this great tribulation is cut short for the sake of the elect. That is, only the elect are experiencing great tribulation. And who are the elect? They are the saved, and those who will be saved. The context of Matthew 24 makes it clear that great tribulation is what both Christians and Jews will experience. It’s critical to see this, that great tribulation is not the Day of the Lord wrath being poured out upon unbelievers. These are two separate events occurring at two different times. If Jesus meant great tribulation (Greek “thlipsis”) to be God’s wrath, then why didn’t He use the word wrath (Greek “orge” and “thumos”)? Because great tribulation isn’t God’s wrath, that’s why.

Where’s the rapture in Matthew 24? First we see it in verse 13, for those enduring to the end are believers who will be saved, that is, raptured. Then we see it in verse 31, for it says all believers, those on earth, and those already in heaven, will be gathered to Christ. Do you see that the rapture is spoken of in verses 13 and 31? Do you also see that the rapture occurs after great tribulation, spoken of in verses 9 and 21? This is exactly what Matthew 24:29-31 says, “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened… the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky… and 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 another.” Do you see what God says, that first there’s great tribulation and then the rapture? You can’t miss it, Christians will go through great tribulation, then be raptured into heaven, and rescued from wrath.

All believers go through tribulation, and some will even go through great tribulation in that time just before Christ’s return. Don’t be surprised, dismayed or worried, but consider it a high honor and privilege to serve the Lord and suffer for Him, “for you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example to follow in His steps.” 1 Peter 2:21, Mark 13:9-13, Luke 21:12-19, John 15:18-25

P.S. When we talk about the future and tough times that will be coming, we have to have hope. It is not an option – it is what God knows will strengthen and encourage you. A comprehensive article that I have written about hope will be of great benefit to you.

Christians Go Through Tribulation

March 2, 2018 /

By Steven J.  Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #57 ~

I know you may not want to hear this, but it’s the truth, all Christians go through tribulation. Some health-and-wealth false teachers may try to deny it, but you can’t deny what God has repeatedly told us in His word. And you can’t deny that a countless number of Christians have experienced tribulation throughout church history. How about your own life? Haven’t you gone through tribulation? Of course you have.

How is tribulation defined? It’s from the Greek word “thlipsis.” Vines Dictionary defines the verb form as “to suffer affliction, to be troubled, has reference to sufferings due to the pressure of circumstances, or the antagonism of persons.” Austin Precept says, “thlipsis pictures one being crushed by intense pressure, difficult circumstances, suffering or trouble pressing upon them from without. Thus persecution, affliction, distress, opposition or tribulations all press hard on one’s soul. Thlipsis does not refer to mild discomfort, but to great difficulty… most often used of outward difficulties…”  

What does God’s word say? The underlined words in the following verses are translated from the Greek word “thlipsis.” John 16:33 – “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation,…” Acts 11:19 – “… those who were scattered because of the persecution that occurred in connection with Stephen…” Romans 5:3 – “… we exult in our tribulations.” Romans 8:35 – “Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril or sword?” 2 Corinthians 1:4 – “Blessed be God… who comforts us in all our affliction.” Ephesians 3:13 – “I ask you not to lose heart at my tribulations…” Revelation 1:9 – “… your brother and fellow partaker in the tribulation and kingdom and persecutions which are in Jesus…” Here are even more verses speaking about “thlipsis”: Matthew 24:9, 21; Mark 13:19; Acts 7:9-10; Romans 12:12; 1 Corinthians 7:28; Colossians 1:24; 1 Thessalonians 3:4; 2 Thessalonians 1:4, 6; Revelation 2:10, 7:14.

These verses make it very clear that believers experience “thilipsis”, this tribulation, persecution, affliction, this trouble, distress and pressure. Every Christian goes through tribulation, though some go through it more than others. The point I am making is that you shouldn’t be surprised by “thlipsis”, for it is a normal Christian experience. Paul said, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22). But why does God want you to go through it? Because it’s a means by which He works in your life, uses you for His purposes, and then blesses you forever. “For momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison.” 2 Corinthians 4:17

What about great tribulation? Will some Christians go through this in the future? Yes. But many Christians say they won’t, that they will be raptured before great tribulation, particularly what is spoken of in Matthew 24:21-22. Let me explain why that’s not true.
1. There are many, many verses about Christians going through tribulation, and that includes great tribulation. You just can’t say great tribulation isn’t a part of tribulation. Your own experience tells you that sometimes life is hard, and sometimes life is extremely hard.
2. The English language tells us that great tribulation is tribulation, only greater. By definition, the only difference between great tribulation and tribulation is that great tribulation is greater, more intense, more severe than tribulation. You can’t say a Christian goes through tribulation, but does not or will not, go through great tribulation.
3. The Bible never says Christians are excused from great tribulation. We are exempt from God’s wrath, but not from tribulation or great tribulation. 1 Thessalonians 1:10, 5:9
4. Many Christians say the great tribulation, spoken of in Matthew 24:21, is part of God’s wrath. But how can you have all these verses on tribulation referring to believers, and then get to Matthew 24:21 and redefine it as God’s wrath? You can’t do that. Great tribulation affecting believers, is separate and different from God’s wrath affecting unbelievers. For example, Revelation 6:9-11 is speaking about great tribulation and Revelation 8, 9, 16 is speaking about God’s wrath.
5. Matthew 24:9 says, “They will deliver you to tribulation and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.” In this verse, who’s being killed and hated? It’s the Christians. This verse says future believers will be going through tribulation, and you could even say this is great tribulation because of its deadly severity and global scope.
6. The Bible tells us that great tribulation, initiated by the Antichrist, starts at the midpoint of the 70th week, and sometime after that, is when Christians are raptured. (Daniel 9:27, Matthew 24:15-31). Therefore, Christians will go through great tribulation.

This subject is heavy on my heart, for I fear many Christians are ill-informed, mistaken, or in error, regarding the truth that believers will go through great tribulation before the return of Christ. I am warning you, great tribulation is coming, and so be ready, be serving, and be willing to suffer (Revelation 2:10). But remember 2 Thessalonians 1:7, that God will “give relief to you who are afflicted … when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven” – this relief from tribulation happening when Jesus Christ is revealed, and you are raptured and taken to be with Him.

P.S. I encourage you to read the article, A Biblical Perspective on the Trials of Life, for it will most definitely help you as you go through tribulation, understanding what God is doing in your life, being strengthened by His Spirit, and being encouraged by His grace.

P.P.S. The Charts tab was changed to be a drop down so that you can find the charts by number or by subject. This will make it much easier for you to find and look at all the charts on one particular prophecy subject.

The Persecution of the Church Before the Coming of Christ

December 15, 2017 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #48 ~

Image result for Antichrist and persecution of Christians

As you probably know, I don’t preach a prosperity gospel, where health, wealth and prosperity, are some of the primary objectives. There’s no doubt God physically blesses Christians, but more importantly, He spiritually blesses us, giving us eternal life, and love, joy, peace, purpose and hope. During our time on earth, God has called us to serve Him, and to sacrifice and suffer for Him. Now this is not a popular message, especially in this country, but it’s the truth, and I will not ignore it or skim over it. When you read the Bible, it’s obvious that suffering and persecution are very big subjects.

Remember what Jesus said, “A slave is not greater than his master. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20). Think of what Peter said, “For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example to follow in His steps… Since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose” (1 Peter 2:21, 4:1). Then Paul told us, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22

As Christians we shouldn’t be surprised when we are persecuted and suffer. Loving the Lord by living a holy life and speaking the truth will result in suffering. “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). But isn’t it true that God has blessed the United States with the freedom of assembly, speech and religion, and therefore, Christians living in this country haven’t been persecuted as much? When I read mission magazines or go online, it is obvious that it’s a lot worse in Asia, Africa and the Middle East, where Christians are commonly mistreated, beaten, jailed and even killed. But you can see that persecution is getting worse in this country, and there will soon come a day when it will be just as bad here as these other places.

I say that because we now live in the end times, and the Bible clearly tells us that persecution will continue and then become great persecution the closer we get to the coming of Christ. In fact, this subject of persecution and suffering is part of every major Bible passage that speaks about events leading up to Christ’s return. Jesus repeatedly tells us about it because He wants us to know what will be taking place, and to be ready and alert, and able to be joyfully and fearlessly serving Him.

Jesus says, “Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of Me” (Matthew 24:9). Jesus says, “Those days will be a time of tribulation such as has not occurred since the beginning of creation” (Mark 13:19. Jesus says, “You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death” (Luke 21:16). We all know Christians have been persecuted since the beginning days of the church, but these passages, along with Revelation 6:9-11, make it clear that it will escalate, will become severe, will climax, and go global, particularly in the years right before the return of Christ.

But how will this happen? At the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week, the Antichrist is revealed and, having taken control of the world, he will unleash great persecution, first against the Jews and then against the Christians (Matthew 24:9-10, 15-26; Revelation 12:13-17). It won’t just be government officials persecuting Christians, but former fellow church-goers coming after them as well – “Many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another” (Matthew 24:10). But in my opinion, the worst will be when “brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise up against parents and have them put to death.” Mark 13:12

The devil will be stirring up this great hate for God’s people, and therefore deceived unbelievers will be going after innocent Christians, opposing them and trying to kill them. This will definitely be the most difficult time ever for Christians on this earth. Revelation 13:7 warns us, “It was also given to him (Antichrist) to make war with the saints and to overcome them.” I know this is not a feel good message, but I have to tell you the truth – the church will be greatly persecuted before the coming of Christ. And we shall overcome!

How then are we to think about persecution and suffering? 1st, know that God is sovereign and will protect you (Romans 8:28-39). 2nd, remember Peter’s instruction, “Those who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right” (1 Peter 4:19). 3rd, share the gospel. As Jesus said, “They will lay their hands on you and will persecute you… It will lead to an opportunity for your testimony” (Luke 21:13). 4th, “Consider Him who endured such suffering by sinners against Himself so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:3). 5th, Jesus told us, “Do not fear what you are about to suffer” (Revelation 2:10). 6th, Paul wrote, “God will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 7th,  as Paul said, “Know what is the hope of His calling (Ephesians 1:18). 8th, remember Jesus’ promise, “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness… rejoice and be glad for your reward in heaven is great!” Matthew 5:10-12

P.S. The day of the Lord is coming soon – a catastrophic and devastating judgment upon this world. Here are three more posts that will help you understand what will be happening in the future, and how should you live – “God Will Keep You Strong to the End”, “Truths You Need to Know About the End Times”, and “That Evil Antichrist and His Short Rule on Earth.”  

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