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Christ's Kingdom and the End Times

Category: Discernment (Page 2 of 3)

Blog posts about discernment.

Why Don’t Churches Teach on Prophecy?

November 8, 2019 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #143 ~

When I talk to Christians, I often ask them whether the subject of the end-times and Christ’s 2nd coming is taught in their church, and most of the time they say it’s not. And when they say it’s not, it’s either that they don’t teach it all, or they don’t teach it accurately. But why is that? Why don’t churches teach on prophecy, or if they do, not in the way God would want them to? Let me list some of the reasons:

1. They say, “Christ’s 2nd coming is not going to happen for a long time, and therefore, we don’t need to teach it.” They look out at the world, and it seems everything is going along as it always has been. Their thinking is similar to the mockers of 2 Peter 3:4 who say, “Where is the promise of His coming?” They fail to see that the Jews are back in their land, the number one sign that we are in the end-times. But Jesus and the apostles taught about prophecy way back in the 1st century, and here we are, about 2,000 years later, and “the night is nearly over; the day is almost here” (Romans 13:12). It’s time to teach on prophecy because it won’t be long before Christ returns to rapture the church.

2. They say, “Prophecy is confusing, hard to understand.” It is true that there is some complexity when it comes to comparing prophecy passages, seeing how the Jews fit in, learning what will be happening, and understanding the sequence of end-time events. That’s why Christians need to ask God for wisdom, and take the time to study this relevant subject. 2 Timothy 2:15 tells pastors, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” When you diligently study the word, God will show you vital truths regarding His Son’s return. In fact, Daniel 12:9 says that God’s prophetic word will be unsealed in the end-times, meaning God will supernaturally be opening our minds and revealing His truth about Christ’s return. I am convinced God will give us insight and clarity when it comes to learning what will be taking place in the years leading up to Christ’s coming.

3. They say, “In the church there are many views on prophecy, and to teach on one position will cause problems and it’s not worth it.” A pastor may fear that if he teaches one particular position, then some who have a differing opinion will be critical, unhappy, and may even leave the church. Some Christian leaders have told me, “It’s not a hill worth dying on.” But teaching the truth before God and before man is the right thing, the only thing to do. My experience over the years is that when you prayerfully and humbly study God’s word, you will discover the singular and primary prophetic truths you need to know. The truth must be taught, and as we carefully study the subject of prophecy, we will gain convictions, and be able to properly teach our families and churches.

4. They say, “Prophecy is not that important of a subject. The truths about the gospel, salvation, the church and spiritual growth are much more important.” Many suggest that truths about Christ’s return are not essential or relevant, but are electives, just 2nd tier topics. Yes, I agree that the gospel is the primary subject, but now that we live in the end-times, prophecy is also a primary subject, for Christ’s coming, which is right around the corner, will affect every Christian in the world. The many truths about Christ’s return must be required learning for every Christian. What are you going do to do when you are experiencing birth pains, and are going through great tribulation? We are living in the calm before the storm, and now is the time to study God’s word so we can be ready for the rough road ahead. For you pastors, it is your duty to teach the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27). Do you remember that Paul taught young Thessalonian church about Christ’s 2nd coming, and even wrote two follow-up letters to them? Bible prophecy is an incredibly important subject, and God wants to teach it to you, and you don’t want to fail, for you are to teach it to others.

5. They say, “Christ already came the 2nd time, around 70 AD, and that most prophetic truth has already been fulfilled, and therefore, it doesn’t need to be taught.” People and pastors who think this way are not properly interpreting God’s prophetic word, but instead are allegorizing, spiritualizing, and saying words mean something when they don’t. I won’t take time here to refute their false claims (read my Replacement Theology articles). Take God at His word, and study Matthew 24, Luke 21, 1 Thessalonians 4, Revelation 6-22, and then you will know that Christ has not yet come. There are 100’s of verses about Christ’s 2nd coming that will be literally fulfilled, some stating how He will actually appear in the skies above us, and then take us home to heaven. Jesus Christ has not yet come, but He will, and very soon.

It greatly concerns me that this important subject of end-times prophecy is rarely taught in our churches. This should not be, for more than any other time in history, this is when we need to understand it. A world of Christians need to know what God says about it, and be looking forward to seeing Him and being with Him forever. I am praying for pastors all over the world to wake up, and be motivated to study and teach the subject of Christ’s coming (Ezra 7:10). Here are some instructive verses, and notice how they directly relate to our future, to prophecy: “I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of His appearing and His kingdom, preach the word; be ready in season and out of season.” 2 Timothy 4:1-2

P.S. This post is about the present-day importance of learning about prophecy. Two men who have greatly helped me understand God’s word as it speaks about prophecy are Marv Rosenthal and Alan Kurschner. I encourage you to check out their websites.

For Pastors and Preachers in the End-Times

March 15, 2019 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #109 ~

Forty years ago, this month, I was recognized as a pastor. Looking back, I have to say that it has been by God’s grace and sovereign will that I have been able to serve Him all these years. What a privilege and blessing it has been to be a pastor and do the work of the Lord. Now in 2019, knowing we are living in the end-times, I look ahead to these last years before Christ’s return and the rapture of the church. And at this time in history, I believe it’s necessary to summarize God’s plans for the lives of pastors and preachers.

Jesus is to be our first love. We are to regularly be seeking Him, and be daily satisfied, strengthened and led by Him. We are to be filled with God’s Word and Spirit, resulting in faith, wisdom and courage. We are not to be worldly, but holy and zealous for His purposes and glory. We are to be working and fighting hard for God, for truth, humility and justice. Might we not be weak, but strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might, so we can stand firm against the evil schemes of the devil. Being a pastor means possessing godly character, and having godly conduct. It’s who we are, and what we do.

But what is our job description, what are we to do? We are to be fully committed to God and His work. We are not hired men, 9 to 5 workers, but are slaves of God, and are to be laboring 24/7 for Him. We are to pray to God for people, for only He can truly change individual lives, as well as entire churches. We are to be examples in speech, conduct, faith, love and purity. Otherwise, we are hypocrites, and discredit God’s name and undermine His work in the church. We are not to be selfish, but are to genuinely shepherd the saints, loving them, encouraging them, tending to their spiritual needs, and protecting them from spiritual danger, from lies, errors and enemies.

One of our primary duties is to preach the gospel, to tell the lost the truth about Christ’s first coming, His sinless life, sacrificial death, and resurrection from the dead. We are to tell the unsaved that forgiveness of sins and eternal life are for all those who repent of their sins and believe that Christ died for them, paying the penalty for all their sins. We must also remember that we are in the greatest war of all time, a spiritual war against the devil himself. But by taking up the full armor of God, we and our churches can resist the enemy in these increasingly anti-Christian days leading up to Christ’s coming.

What else are we to do? It is imperative that we study and preach God’s word, so the saints can understand it, be nourished by it and apply it to their lives. We are to clearly and passionately teach the truth about God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, man, salvation and the church. We are to teach the saints that they are children of God and new creatures in Christ. We are to encourage them to live for God, to be holy, loving, and truth-filled, witnessing to both the saved and the lost. We are to teach them to be devoted to the saints, and to use their gifts for the good of the church and the glory of God. But might we never preach weak, worldly, feel-good, ear-tickling messages. 2 Timothy 4:1-2 is my most motivating preaching verse – “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of His appearing and His kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word.” Do you see how relevant this is? We are to preach the word in the context of Christ’s coming, the judgment of the world, and the establishment of His kingdom on earth. Our preaching needs to relate to the return of Christ. It must be forward-looking and hope-filled, motivating us to live godly lives during this church age, and especially now that we are living in the end-times.

This subject of eschatology, of unfulfilled prophecy, is not founded on a few verses, like baptism (which is a correct doctrine), but is based on hundreds of verses from both Old and New Testaments. Don’t be negligent, ignorant, or confused, for we are commanded to teach the whole purpose and plan of God, which includes Christ’s coming and the future kingdom ages. “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of God.” 2 Timothy 2:15

Teach Daniel, Matthew 24, Luke 21, Mark 13, 1 Thessalonians 4-5, 2 Thessalonians 1-2, 2 Peter 3, Revelation, along with many other prophecy passages. Tell the saints what we will be facing in the years to come. Be honest with them about the birth pains, the coming of the Antichrist and great tribulation. Tell them about Daniel’s 70th week, God’s plans for the Jews, the church, and Christ’s coming. Instruct them to be godly saints and good soldiers, to be sacrificing their lives for Jesus, and to be making disciples to the end of this age. Make sure you tell them about their hope, about being glorified, being with Jesus, being with fellow saints, being rewarded, and reigning over the world with Him. 

Men of God, I hope you see “that our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here” (Romans 13:11-12). Be excited about the fact that this is our time to live, at the end of this church age, in these years leading up to Christ’s return to earth. Then everything will change, and Christ will be the perfect King and Lord over the entire earth. But for now, be awake, be alert, do your job in leading, building and protecting the saints, especially in light of the grand and glorious coming of Christ!

Fellow pastors and preachers, we have an important job to do! Let me say it this way: Ezekiel 3:17 – “Son of man, I have appointed you a watchman.”  1 Chronicles 12:32 – “… men of Issachar, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do.” Daniel 11:32-33, 12:4 – “The people who know their God will display strength and take action. Those who have insight among the people will give understanding to the many… and shine like the brightness of the heavens.” Luke 3:4 – “Prepare the way for the Lord.”

P.S. – Here are two articles that I believe will be very helpful to you pastors in learning more about eschatological prophecy: Over 100 New Testament Verses on Christ’s Second Coming and Charting the Future With Prophecy Charts.

The Mark of the Beast

August 10, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #80 ~

In this day and age, the mark of the beast is a popular subject. It’s talked about in movies and YouTube videos, and written about in prophecy publications. Sad to say, there’s a lot of confusion and error on this topic, but the Bible tells us the truth. The Antichrist will soon rule over the entire earth, his goal being a one-world order, a one-world religion, a one-world government, a one-world military, a one-world economy, and this “mark” will be one of the primary means by which he will control the world. Revelation 13:16-17 tells us, “He (the Antichrist) 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, so that no one will be able to buy or sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name.” Here are a number of things you need to know about the mark of the beast:

1. Having the mark of the beast is the only way a person will be able to openly and publicly buy, sell and do business when the Antichrist is ruling this earth. Revelation 13:16-17
2. This mark could be a stamp, a seal, an image, a microchip or a transponder. It will be specifically related to the name or number (666) of the beast, the Antichrist. Revelation 13:18
3. People will be receiving this mark of the beast after the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week, when this beast, the Antichrist, and a second beast, are in power. Revelation 13:5, 11
4. A Christian cannot and will not take the mark of the beast, for he or she is a child of God, and the Holy Spirit will not let any believer take this mark of the devil. Ephesians 1:13-14
5. Only unbelievers will take the mark of this beast. Revelation 14:9-11
6. Not all unbelievers will receive the mark of the beast, for some of them will be saved during what is called the great tribulation. There will also be a remnant of Jews who will be saved at the end of Daniel’s 70th week. Matthew 24:9-27, Revelation 12:13-17
7. People taking the mark of the beast won’t be making some naïve, unintended or careless decision. Though deceived, these unbelievers will know what they are doing, and will be agreeing with the Antichrist, his beliefs, his rule, and his purpose for this mark. 2 Thessalonians 2:10-11
8. Taking the mark of the beast is not just a financial decision, but is also a spiritual one. The person receiving the mark is pledging allegiance to the Antichrist, and is putting his faith in this evil, despicable and devilish man. “They worshiped the beast.” Revelation 13:4
9. Unbelievers taking the mark of the beast cannot reverse their decision. Once marked, their future is set, for they will forever be punished in the lake of fire. “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink of the wrath of God… and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb.” Revelation 14:9-11

We now live in the end-times, and when you look at the state of the world, you realize that we are rapidly moving towards that time when this mark of the beast will be a reality. For 100 years we have heard that leaders and countries are pushing for a one-world order and this global economy. You see it with the United Nations, the World Bank, the World Trade Organization, and the International Money Fund. This desire for globalism, that the desires of the world supersede the desires of the nations, is only going to increase in the years ahead. There will be more open borders, less autonomy, and more interdependence with regards to the countries of the world. And on a personal level, people want their bank accounts to be more secure, and their financial transactions to be simpler and safer.

What in the world is going to happen? A sophisticated system will soon be in place for the Antichrist and his partner to manage this global economy, utilizing the mark of the beast. Governing the whole world, having a universal monetary system, and overseeing billions of financial transactions, will require an ingenious and complex technology. We now live in an electronic information age, with smart phones, supercomputers, massive servers, microchips, the internet, and the ability to store, process and transfer mega amounts of data. We are beginning to see how this mark of the beast will be a key component in tomorrow’s world. In fact, it is routine for pets to get implanted microchips, and now it’s beginning to happen with people. In Sweden, many individuals receive surgically inserted microchips for their business dealings and other activities (Washington Post – 4/4/2017). In the near future we will be a cashless and checkless society, our credit and debit cards will be gone, and the technology to implement the mark of the beast will be fully developed and operational.

Now is the time to tell unbelievers the truth about the mark of the beast, and more importantly, about salvation and forgiveness in Jesus Christ. As for you and your family, know that the Lord will take care of you. Be seeking His kingdom, and be praying, “Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:10-11). “This calls for perseverance on the part of the saints who obey God’s commandments and remain faithful to Him.” Revelation 14:12

P.S. There is no doubt that living during the time when the Antichrist is ruling the world will be extremely difficult. I encourage you to read this article, The Father’s Love For His Children, for this is what you will need to know and remember more than anything else.

P.P.S. Just a reminder ~ if you would like to be notified, via email, of the latest blog post, just go to the top of the home page and put your email address in the “subscribe” area and click on the subscribe button!

Reasons for the Rise and Rule of the Antichrist

August 3, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post  #79 ~

John was the only biblical author to use the term antichrist (the spirit of) he also referred to the Antichrist as the Beast. Description from regbos.wordpress.com. I searched for this on bing.com/images

As Christians, we need to study the subject of prophecy so we can learn what God is telling us about the future He has for us. Understanding what God’s word says about the end-times will enable us to more clearly see where things are going in the world, how everything is leading to the coming of the Antichrist, and to the coming of Christ. Know also that God’s work with the Jews in these days is in conjunction with His work with the church (Matthew 24:9-27). Let me explain.

Matthew 24:4-8 and Revelation 6:3-8 tell us that we will be hearing about these global “birth pains,” wars, earthquakes, famines and financial troubles, occurring in various parts of the world. As these “pains” get harder, people will be greatly distressed, wanting some relief, some peace, and yes, for some kind of a savior to help solve these problems.

What else will be happening? People will increasingly be rebelling against God and earthly authorities (parents, policemen, politicians and pastors). Sinners will be more depraved in their thinking, and therefore more evil, lawless and unloving. Their outright hate for truth, for righteousness and for Christians, will be obvious. The time will come when God will send a deluding influence upon these truth-rejecting sinners, and they will go from being bad to being wicked. (2 Thessalonians 2:10-13). There will be a marked polarization between Christians and non-Christians, and there will be persecution.

What about the Jews? For the past 140 years, God has been gathering them back to their land. Their present population is 6.5 million, and growing. But Antisemitism, this vehement hate for the Jews, is growing as well, and it won’t be long before they will be desperate for peace. Then at the beginning of Daniel’s 70th week, this coming Antichrist will help broker a peace treaty with Israel and other nations (Daniel 9:27). But these Jews will be deceived, for they will be making a deal with the devil.

During the first half of Daniel’s 70 week, these birth pains will be growing in intensity and frequency. Unbelievers will be united in their hate for both Jews and Christians. A Jewish temple will be built in Jerusalem. People will be wanting a one-world order, and with that, a one-world leader to bring peace. Conditions will be ripe for someone sharp, smart, proven and strong, to rise up and become ruler of the world. This is all part of God’s predetermined plan, and He will make sure this coming leader, groomed by Satan himself, will be increasing in power and popularity. When he is seemingly raised from the dead, he will become more famous than ever. “The whole world was amazed and followed after the beast.” Revelation 13:3

At the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week, the 3½ year mark, this coming world ruler will be clearly revealed, for he will desecrate the temple in Jerusalem, and set himself up as being God. (2 Thessalonians 2:3-9). Unbelievers will acclaim him as their new leader, and greatly love him. Believers, sobered, but not surprised by what has taken place, will know he is the Antichrist, and pray for the coming of Christ. The Jews will see this God-hating man as their worst enemy, and run for the hills. Matthew 24:15-20

This Antichrist is so proud, for his devilish dream has come true, and he can finally rule the world. What else happens? This beast of a man, being possessed by Satan, has great power and authority. Satan then raises up another beast, the false prophet, who as the Antichrist’s partner and promoter, performs great signs, further deceiving the people on earth. This second beast also causes unbelievers to worship the Antichrist by having them worship his image. He makes them take the mark of the beast, which is the means by which they can do business and live (Revelation 13:11-18). The fact that the Antichrist also has super-advanced, communication and surveillance systems in place, helps to make it all possible. The result is that the Antichrist will control the world – he will be in charge of the military, religion and the economy (Revelation 13:7, 15, 18). This Antichrist, this most evil beast, this wicked and lawless dictator, loves having power, loves being worshiped by the world, but hates the Christians and the Jews.

The Antichrist will chase after a remnant of Jews, but they will escape (Revelation 12:13-16), and later be saved (Romans 11:26-27). Then he will pursue Christians, persecuting and killing them. “They will deliver you to tribulation and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name” (Matthew 24:9, 21). Some Christians will die or be martyred, but the rest will endure to the end of this age. Then Jesus Christ, our victorious Savior and King, will return in the clouds, and triumphantly rescue and rapture His bride. “Behold, a great multitude which no one could count… standing before the throne and before the Lamb… and they cry out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.’” Revelation 7:9-10

Jesus Christ will then punish this wicked world, and cast that devilish Antichrist and his evil partner into the lake of fire. “That lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming.” 2 Thessalonians 2:8

P.S. This post relates directly to last week’s post on the Antichrist. If you haven’t read that one, then you need to, for it will help give you a much better picture of the Antichrist to come. One other thing that is important for you to know and understand are the Key Terms, a glossary of 50 prophecy terms and their meanings.

What Needs to Happen Before Christ’s Return?

June 1, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #70 ~

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We Will See the Day of Christ Drawing Near

March 23, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #60 ~

Image result for forest with sunlight

If you are going to visit a friend or family member, you usually don’t surprise them – you let them know ahead of time that you’re coming to see them. God has done just that, for there are over 100 verses telling us about Christ’s return and the rapture of the church. But does God also give us a heads up, an advance notice or signs that Christ’s coming is getting closer and closer? Yes, He does. Now some Christians believe the rapture is imminent, that no signs or prophesied events need to occur before this important end-times’ event. They think the rapture could occur at any time, at any moment. But this is not true. Not only are there over 100  verses telling us Christ is coming back, but there are over 100 more verses describing what needs to happen before He comes back.

The most extensive list of signs and events taking place before the rapture is given in Matthew 24:3-30 (false christs, wars, rumors of wars, famines, earthquakes, apostasy, great tribulation… and the sign of Christ’s coming). It’s in Matthew 24:31 that we read about the rapture. In Matthew 24:35, Jesus confirms that these signs and events will occur before the rapture. “Truly I say to you, this generation (the generation being raptured) will not pass away until all these things take place.” “All these things” is referring to the signs and events Jesus just talked about in Matthew 24:3-30. There’s no question that Jesus wants that generation of believers alive in the end times to see and know that His return and the rapture of the church is getting closer.

1 Thessalonians 5:5 tells us, “But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief.” Yes, it’s true that Jesus is coming as a thief in the night for the unbelievers, but not for the believers. This means Christians are not to be surprised or caught off guard by Christ’s return. In His Word, God is giving us advance notice about Christ’s return and the rapture of the church. Why does God do this? Because He wants us to be working hard for Him, to be preaching the gospel in the time leading up to His Son’s return (Luke 19:13, Matthew 24:14). Yes, we should always work hard for God, but He wants us to be highly motivated and diligent as we get closer to the end of the age. Why else does God want to alert us to the soon return of His Son? Because He wants our hearts to be overjoyed about seeing our loving Savior, to be excitedly expecting and looking for the return of our Lord and King. “You turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God and to wait for His Son from heaven.” 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10

Let me ask you a question: If Christ’s return is imminent, why would God give us all these signs and events that need to precede Christ’s coming? It doesn’t make sense for these end-time details to be in the New Testament if they are not relevant to the church. There are those who say all this information about upcoming signs and events is for unbelievers, or for the Jews, but that is not true. Matthew 24:15 says, “Let the reader understand”, and the “reader” is the Christian. God wants you and me, and other believers, to know what needs to occur before His Son appears in the skies above us. God has planned the return of Christ, promised the return of Christ, and predicted what will be taking place before the return of Christ. And He did this for us, for the Christians.

I know many will say, “Don’t you see that Christians are not here during Daniel’s 70th week, that this seven-year period is just for the Jews?” But that’s not true, that’s a false presupposition. Just because Daniel’s 70th week was originally written for Jews, doesn’t mean it’s not relevant for Christians. Revelation 12:11, 12:17, 13:7, 13:10 and 13:18 all have to do with Christians who are alive during the last half of Daniel’s 70th week. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-11 also tells us that Christians will be alive during this time. It talks about the rapture of the church occurring at the coming of Christ, which is after the coming of the Antichrist. Since the Antichrist is revealed at the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week (Daniel 9:27), we know Christians are raptured sometime after the midpoint, after this 3½ year point in Daniel’s 70th week. Therefore, all raptured Christians will see, hear about, or experience these prophesied signs and events spoken of in Matthew 24 and other prophecy passages. Again we see that the rapture of the church is not imminent.

Hebrews 10:25 says, “… encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” Christians will “see the day drawing near.” That is, we will know and discern by the events occurring in the world that the day, that is, the coming of Christ and the rapture of the church, is getting closer and closer. We don’t know the exact day or hour of the rapture, but we can know the season (Matthew 24:32-35). As we see and hear about these prophesied signs and events taking place, we will have a greater confidence that Christ’s return is near. Can you imagine how excited, how thrilled we will be, knowing that Jesus will be coming soon to take us to be with Him, and then take us home to heaven? “Behold, I am coming soon.” Revelation 22:20

P.S. As you know, I love charting out the prophetic future God has given us.  I recently added all my charts to this blog site so that you can look at them, study them and use them for your own ministry or church.  I really do believe these charts will greatly help you understand what the Bible says about the end times and the kingdom of God.  The charts are listed in two ways:  by number or by subject.

The Pre-Tribulation Rapture Teaching is False

March 16, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #59 ~

Through the years, I have talked to many people who believe Christians are raptured at the beginning of Daniel’s 70th week, before great tribulation – but they are in error. Not only is their thinking wrong, but they don’t see how believing this error will have a harmful effect on their own life, family and church. But why don’t people see that the Pre-tribulation rapture idea is wrong? Why don’t people understand the truth? It’s because they have not properly studied and understood Bible passages that speak about great tribulation and the rapture of the church. It may also be that they have been deceived and affected by false teaching on these subjects. “See to it that no one misleads you.” Matthew 24:4. “Let no one in any way deceive you.” 2 Thessalonians 2:3

In particular, they don’t understand what Daniel 9:24-27, Matthew 24:3-36, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-10, and Revelation 6-17 say about Daniel’s 70th week, this most important seven-year time frame. Clearly they don’t know what end-time events take place during this period, where they fit, and when they will occur. 1 Chronicles 12:32
– They mistakenly believe tribulation and/or great tribulation lasts a full seven years, the entirety of Daniel’s 70th week. They don’t know what it means when the Bible says this tribulation time is cut short for the sake of the elect. Matthew 24:21-22
– They wrongly think the rapture takes place at the beginning of Daniel’s 70th week. But the Bible says it takes place at the coming of Christ, which occurs after the Antichrist is revealed, after the midpoint of this week, and therefore sometime during the last 3½ years of this seven-year period. No one but God knows the day or hour of Christ’s return. Matthew 24:15-36, 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-9

They are in error when they think tribulation and great tribulation, spoken of in Matthew 24, are God’s wrath. The truth is that Christians will experience tribulation and great tribulation, but they won’t go through God’s wrath. Matthew 24:9, 21-22, 29; Revelation 7:14
– They wrongly state that the rapture is imminent, that it can happen at any moment. They don’t realize that many prophesied events need to occur before Christ’s return and the rapture of the church. Matthew 24:4-14, 25, 32-35. (I plan to address this next week.)
– They wrongly believe the “birth pains” described in Matthew 24:4-8 are part of the “Day of the Lord” wrath. They incorrectly think Christians will be raptured before these birth pain events – famines, wars, earthquakes and plagues. But these events only occur in “various places” around the world, and are to awaken and alert both believers and unbelievers about Christ’s coming and the “Day of the Lord” wrath. Revelation 6:1-17

They fail to understand the overall chronology, the order of end-time events repeatedly stated in prophecy passages. For example, they fail to see the flow of events in Matthew 24, that there are beginning birth pains (4-8), then great tribulation affecting Jews and Christians (9, 21), signs in the heavens (29), followed by the rapture at Christ’s coming (31), and finally, the Day of the Lord, God’s wrath upon the earth (Acts 2:19-20). Mark 13:14-27 tells us there’s tribulation, rapture and wrath. 2 Thessalonians 1:4-10 tells us there’s tribulation, rapture and wrath. And Revelation 6-9 tells us there’s tribulation, rapture and wrath. This is what the Bible says, and this is the way it will be.

There are other reasons why people, particularly in the United States, don’t believe we will go through great tribulation. This country has been greatly blessed, and in general, people are happy and satisfied with the way things are. Many people are worldly, complacent, and taking it easy (Amos 6:1-6, Luke 12:19, 1 John 2:15-17), and sadly, some Christians are like this. They don’t want to even think that life could get hard and there could be great tribulation. Many Christians can’t fathom that they, and their families and friends, could go through tough times. They don’t believe there will be great tribulation because they don’t want to believe it! Acts 14:22, Romans 8:35, 2 Corinthians 4:17, Revelation 7:14

It’s also true that many Christians in this country don’t know what it means to really suffer for the Lord. The U.S. has been a relatively peaceful country, blessed with freedom of speech and religion, and for the most part, freedom from persecution. The very thought of going through great tribulation is far from the minds of most people. Yet, when Jesus taught on prophecy, He almost always spoke on suffering. (Matthew 24:9, Mark 13:9-13, Luke 21:12-19, Revelation 6:9-11). The night before Jesus suffered and died, He instructed His disciples, “If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20). Jesus goes on to say, “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Finally, Paul encourages us, “Fix your hope completely on the grace to be given to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:13

P.S. In times of tribulation or great tribulation, it is important to set your heart and affections on Jesus Christ, our Lord, Savior and King.  I encourage you to read this article that speaks about this: Thinking of Jesus Christ.

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.

It’s Going to Get Worse Before It Gets Better

November 10, 2017 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #43 ~

There’s a lot of sin in this world, and it’s going to get a whole lot worse before the return of Christ and the rapture of the church. “In the last days, difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving… lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God… evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse” (2 Timothy 3:1-3, 13). During this present evil age, we see all this sin, but this world will only get more and more wicked the closer we get to the coming of Christ.

Matthew 24 is all about the end times, and verse 12 warns us, “Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold.” In these years before Christ’s coming, the non-Christians will increasingly be mean, cruel and hateful. Then there’s 2 Thessalonians 2:3, 8-12, and it actually calls the Antichrist the “man of lawlessness.” One reason why there will be this escalating sin in the end times is because this Antichrist, this man of sin, will not just be permitting evil, but will be promoting it.

What does this sin look like? 2 Timothy 3 gives us some details, but Galatians 5:18-21 further describes it by saying, “the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities… drunkenness, carousing.” In Mark 7:21, Jesus says, “out of the heart of men proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries… envy, slander, pride and foolishness.” In the years leading up to Christ’s return, unbelievers will be blatantly sinning, unashamedly sinning, defiantly sinning and greatly sinning. Sin will be rampant, openly seen in families, in leaders, in schools, in government, at work, on the internet, and in media, music and movies. I know you may not want to hear this, but this is the truth, this is what God says in His Word, and this is what He wants you to know.

In the end times this entire planet will be filled with people who have cast off moral restraint, who hate God and love their sin. 2 Peter 2:10 talks of “those who indulge the flesh in its corrupt desires and despite authority.” People will be shaking their fists at God, rejecting those in authority, and doing what is right in their own eyes. Sinful behavior will be completely accepted and normalized. It will be like the days of Noah when “the wickedness of man was great on this earth, and every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only continually evil” (Genesis 6:5). Remember the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life,” when Bedford Falls is imagined to be Pottersville, a dark, evil, perverted and partying place? Sadly, this will be similar to the condition of our world.

Let’s be honest, these latter days will be very difficult for Christians. I’m reminded of that wicked city of Sodom when “Lot, oppressed by the sensual conduct of unprincipled men… while living among them, felt his righteous soul tormented day after day by their lawless deeds.” But remember the promise that follows, “The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment” (2 Peter 2:7-9). Christians living on earth in these coming days will go through great tribulation for a short time, and then be raptured, and then be with the Lord forever. But God’s enemies will not escape His wrath, for they will be punished forever. It won’t be by a flood like in the days of Noah, but by fire during the day of the Lord, and then in Hades for 1000 years, and then in the lake of fire for all eternity. Revelation 20:15

When you look at the world, you see how people are so polarized, on opposite sides in so many areas, but it’s only going to get worse. There will be right or wrong, light or darkness, those who do good or those who do evil. And then, like never before, the non-Christians will be hating and persecuting the Christians. But God is so patient, “not wishing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). As we live in this dark world, might we too be patient, and see this as an opportunity for our light to shine (Daniel 12:3). Might we love our enemies and give them the gospel, knowing that some will turn from their sin and turn to Christ, being forgiven and becoming children of God. May God give you the grace to persevere, to stay the course, and to keep making disciples right up until the end of the age and the return of Christ (Matthew 28:19-20).

“Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved (raptured). 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 24:12-14

P.S.  When life is difficult, we always need to have hope.  I encourage you to read my article: You Have to Have Hope!  It will be a blessing to your life!

The Antichrist is Coming Soon, and It’s Before the Coming of Christ

November 3, 2017 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #42 ~

Image result for antichrist

The most wicked, vile, evil man ever, will soon be ruling over this world. This man is the Antichrist, also called the Beast, the man of lawlessness, or the little horn. He will hate God and Jesus Christ with a devilish passion, and therefore hate His people, both Jews and Christians. Now I’m not here to scare you, I just want you to know the truth.

Since the Jews are back in their land, we know we’re living in the end times, and now in 2019, we’re in that time period Matthew 24:8 calls the “beginning of birth pains.” That is, wars, earthquakes, famines and economic problems are taking place in various places around the world. But we’re only at the beginning stage, which means they will be getting a lot worse. And what comes next? Matthew 24:9 says, “Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.” This is why I say Antichrist is coming soon, because this tribulation, which is instigated and directed by the Antichrist, clearly comes right after the “beginning of birth pains.”

Some of you may not want to hear this, or believe this, for you don’t even want to think about the possibility that you and your family may be alive when this Hitler-like Antichrist is ruling this earth. But as a Christian, you need to know what God wants you to know. And what does the Bible say about the Antichrist? It’s Daniel’s 70th week (Daniel 9:24-27) that helps you to frame this end-times’ picture of the Antichrist and his evil work.

Right at the beginning of Daniel’s 70th week, there will be the signing or confirming of a peace agreement involving the Jews, and the Antichrist will be the key player promoting this deal. During the first half of this 70th week, these “birth pains” will be increasing in intensity and frequency. People will be so distraught with these worsening world conditions that they will be desperate for some strong leader to rise up and solve these global problems. During this time, this future Antichrist will be growing in popularity, power and influence, eventually gaining control over 10 different countries.

Then we come to the 3½ year mark, the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week. 2 Thessalonians 2:3-9 tells us that the Antichrist is in Jerusalem, and he breaks this peace agreement with the Jews, for he “exalts himself above every so called god… so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as God.” The Jews were sacrificing in their temple, but no more. This “abomination of desolation,” this desecration of the temple, is when Christians will know for certain the identity of the Antichrist, for this is exactly what God had predicted would happen. But the good news is that they know it won’t be long before the true Christ returns to rapture the church. Matthew 24:15-26

At the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week, the unbelievers are so happy, for the Antichrist, the answer to all their problems, is now ruling the world. He is in charge of the military, the economy and religion, and he will be their “god.” This smart, well dressed, good looking, smooth talking super-man will bring a pseudo peace to this planet. And Satan is super-happy, for now both he and the Antichrist are being worshiped. “The whole earth was amazed and followed after the beast, they worshiped the Dragon (Satan)… and they worshiped the beast.” Revelation 13:3-6

The Antichrist will be in power, in charge, but it’s his evil partner, this false prophet, who implements his plan. By doing great signs and wonders this 2nd beast will further deceive the masses and gain their allegiance. Then he will make people worship an image of the Antichrist, and if they don’t, then they are to be killed. He will force people to take his mark on their right hand or forehead, and if they don’t, they won’t be able to buy or sell. But please, don’t be afraid, for true Christians will not and cannot worship the Antichrist or take his mark. Revelation 13:11-18, 14:9-13

What happens to the Christians? Revelation 13:7 says, “It was given to him (the Antichrist) to make war with the saints and to overcome them.” This is what is called great tribulation. Matthew 24:9, 15-26 and Revelation 12:13-17 describe how the Antichrist first comes after the Jews in Israel, but a remnant of them will escape and be protected. But this Antichrist, as mad as the devil, now comes chasing after the Christians. Many Christians will be martyred for their faith (Revelation 6:9-11), but a great many will persevere and endure to the end, and then be raptured at the coming of Christ. Matthew 24:9-14

That the devil’s man, this Antichrist, will soon be ruling this world, is a most sobering subject. But this is God’s plan, and who are we to argue with God? Isn’t it also true that many of our Christian forefathers have had the privilege of suffering for the Lord? It’s our time, and so let’s continue to serve our Lord in this great battle for the truth, right up to the end of this age. And let’s be singing, “Onward Christian soldiers, marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before.” Remember, God is God, and He will lead you, encourage you and use you for His purposes – and one day, whether by death or by rapture, He will bring you home to heaven.

P.S. Here is another shorter post about the Antichrist – That Evil Antichrist and His Short Rule on Earth. I also encourage you to read a more extensive article about the Antichrist. 

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