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Christ's Kingdom and the End Times

Category: Future (page 1 of 3)

Blog posts about the future.

Christ’s Coming – What You Need to Know

July 4, 2022

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #251 ~

When you think about everything that’s happening in this sin-sick world, remember, Jesus Christ is coming again – and He will make things better. When you think about your life and the future God has for you, remember, Christ is coming again. When you think about prophecy, the #1 thing to know is that Christ is coming again. When you think about all the evil rulers, don’t forget that Christ, the King of kings, is coming soon, and He will be the best ruler this world has ever seen! Psalm 47; Rev. 11:15, 19:11-16

Over a hundred Bible verses specifically talk about Christ’s coming, and that’s because it’s such an important subject, and all the more now that we live in the end-times. And God has told you about it ahead of time because He really wants you to know what’s going to happen, and how then you should live (1 Chron. 12:32, Mark 13:23). Listed below are some of these verses.

* Matthew 24:27 – “For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even to the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” The coming of Christ will happen suddenly, like lightning, and be visible to everyone on earth. Luke 21:27, Rev. 1:7
* Matthew 24:36-37 – “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.” When Christ comes back, unbelievers will be doing normal everyday things – they will be eating, drinking, buying, selling, building, and planting. They don’t believe Christ is coming, and when He does, they will be shocked, completely caught off guard. Luke 21:26-28, 1 Thess. 5:1-3, Rev. 6:15
* Matthew 24:42, 44 – “Keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come… Be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.” God wants you to know the season of His Son’s return, the general time of His coming, but you won’t know the day or hour, the specific time of His coming. Be ready and watching! Matt. 24:32-36, 1 Thess. 5:4-8

* Mark 13:26-27 – “They will see the son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. Then He will send forth the angels and will gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest end of the earth to the farthest end of heaven.” When Christ returns, He will be seen in the clouds above the earth. At that time, Christ will gather together all the believers, those who have died and are in heaven and those who are still alive on earth. Matt. 24:31, 2 Thess. 2:1
* Luke 17:29-30 – “The day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. It will be just like this on the day that the Son of Man is revealed.” Just after Christ is revealed and Christians are raptured, and on that same day, God’s wrath will begin, and be poured out upon this wicked world. 2 Thess. 1:6-10; Rev. 8:1-13, 9:1-21
* John 17:24 – “I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory.” One of the main reasons Jesus is coming back is so He can be with you. Much more than you realize, Jesus wants you to be with Him in heaven. John 14:1-3, 1 Thess. 4:17

* Acts 3:20-21 – “… that He may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you, whom heaven must receive until the period of restoration of all things…” At Christ’s coming, He will renovate and restore this old earth, not perfectly so, like the new earth (Rev. 21:1), but much better than now. It’s during the coming age, the 1000-year kingdom age, that you will be reigning with Christ over this restored earth. Matt. 19:28, Rom. 8:21, Rev. 5:10
* 1 Corinthians 15:22-23 – “As in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. But each in His own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ’s at His coming.” Christians are made alive, that is, are glorified, are perfected, at Christ’s coming. In fact, this is the first thing to happen at His coming. 1 Cor. 15:42-44, Phil. 3:21-22, 1 Thess. 4:15-17
* Philippians 1:6 – “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Your salvation will be complete on the day of Christ, which is the day of Christ’s coming. This is a most special day, for then, all believers from all time, will be glorified. You were justified in the past, are being sanctified in the present, and will be glorified in the future.

* 1 Thessalonians 1:10 – “You turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, Jesus who rescues you from the coming wrath.” Christ is returning to rescue believers from the wrath that He will pour out upon this sinful world. And from this day until He comes back, you are to be working and waiting for Him.
* 1 Thessalonians 2:19 – “What is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when He comes – is it not you?” A very encouraging aspect of your hope is that you will be reunited with Christians you knew on earth. 2 Sam. 12:23, 2 Cor. 4:14
* 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 – “The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.” Christ’s coming will be announced with the shout of an archangel and the sound of a trumpet. Immediately after that, Christians on earth will be raptured and glorified, and joining up with all believers who had died in the past and were just glorified, they will together meet the Lord in the air. Matt. 24:31, 2 Thess. 2:1

* 1 Thessalonians 5:2, 4 – “You know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night… But you brothers are not in surprise.” The day of the Lord, and therefore Christ’s coming, will be a complete surprise to unbelievers, but not to Christians. Matt. 24:32-41
* 2 Thessalonians 1:7 – “To give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with His powerful angels.” When Jesus Christ returns, believers will be going through great tribulation, but they will be given immediate relief, for they will be miraculously raptured, quickly taken from this earth to be with Christ.
* 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 – “Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and being gathered to Him, we ask you brothers… do not let anyone deceive you in any way for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction.” Christ’s coming, and the rapture, won’t happen until after the rebellion, the apostasy, and after the revealing and coming of the Antichrist, that devilish beast, that man of lawlessness. Matt. 24:10-31

* 2 Thessalonians 2:8 – “The lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of His mouth and destroy by the splendor of His coming.” Christ is returning to defeat and destroy the Antichrist, which takes place at His coming, specifically at the battle of Armageddon. Then he will be “thrown alive into the lake of fire”, where he will be greatly and eternally punished. Rev. 16:13-16, 19:19-20
* Titus 2:13 – “The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearance of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus…” This big-picture verse describes the entirety of your salvation. We can sum it up by saying that you are to live a holy life for Christ and are to look for His coming – and what a glorious, magnificent, and blessed appearance that will be. Luke 21:27
* James 5:7 – “Be patient until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too be patient and stand firm because the Lord’s coming is near.” In the end-times, God will save multitudes of people from their sin. For your part, you must be patient with people, be sharing the gospel, and persevere to the end. Matt. 24:13-14, Mark 13:9-13

* 1 Peter 1:13 – “Fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Don’t ever set your hopes on the things of this earth, but on the fact that Christ is coming to deliver you from this devil-run world and bring you to Himself and to heaven, and to bless you like never before. Psalm 16:11, Rom. 8:18-25
* 2 Peter 3:3-4 – “In the last days scoffers will come, scoffing, and following their own evil desires. They will say, ‘Where is this coming He promised?’” In the end-times, evil people will mock you, laugh at you, and think you are crazy because you are expecting Jesus Christ’s return, but you are not, for you know the truth and you love Jesus, and you are extremely excited to see Him. 
* 1 John 2:28 – “Dear children, continue in Him, so that when He appears we may be confident and unashamed before Him at His coming.” You are to abide in Jesus and have a close relationship with Him. You do this by trusting His word, and by loving and obeying Him. The result of walking with Jesus is that you will be a bold and confident Christian. Acts 4:13

* 1 John 3:2-3 – “When He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as he is pure.” At Christ’s coming, you will receive a new body, just like Jesus’ body. Thus, you will be able to perfectly love Him, have wonderful fellowship with Him, and wholeheartedly serve Him. Eph. 2:10, Rev. 21:3-7
* Revelation 22:12 – “Behold I am coming soon. My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what He has done.” You will be personally and greatly rewarded for your life of service for Jesus Christ – and this will happen when He returns to earth. Col. 3:23-24
* Revelation 22:20 – “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” Christ is coming soon – it won’t be long from now! We know this because we now live in the end-times, and because second-coming signs are being fulfilled. Matt. 24:4-35

No matter what happens – no matter what happens to you – no matter what trials or conflicts you go through – no matter what happens to family members or friends – no matter what happens to this country or in this world, know that Christ is coming again to rapture the church, pour out His wrath, save a number of Jews, restore this earth, and begin His reign over this earth. You should be excitedly looking for and praying for Christ’s return. “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:9-10

P.S. I cannot stress enough the importance of thinking about this glorious truth, that Christ is coming back, and soon. The benefits of having this truth in your heart are life-changing. I suggest that you read these two articles, for they will give you further understanding about Christ’s coming – “Over 100 New Testament Verses on Christ’s Second Coming” and “Thirty Important Truths About the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.”

HOPE – Embedded in God’s Word, and in Your Heart

February 11, 2022

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #238 ~

Do you ever notice verses about hope right in the middle of a Bible passage? It happens many times in the New Testament, and nine times alone in the book of Philippians. There’s no doubt that hope, looking forward to our future in heaven, greatly motivated Paul to keep living for the Lord on earth. What can you learn from Philippians about living for God and the need for hope?

Philippians 1:6 – “I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” This one verse is incredibly instructive and encouraging. 
1. Your salvation, from beginning to end, is the gracious work of God. He began His work in you – He justified you, and He will complete it – He will glorify you. Your salvation is not by your effort, but by Christ’s work on the cross and the Spirit’s work in you. God gets all the credit and glory.
2. Since your salvation is God’s work, then you can be confident that what He started in you, He will finish in you. No person or power can stop God from completely and eternally saving you. When He saves, He justifies, sanctifies, and glorifies. “These whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.” Rom. 8:29-30, John 10:27-29, 1 Cor. 1:8-9

3. Your salvation is not completed when you are justified, when you are born again; and it’s not completed if you physically die and go to heaven. It’s only completed on the day of Christ Jesus, when He returns, for that’s when the salvation God planned for you way back in eternity past will be perfected, and you will be glorified and be like Jesus Christ. Phil. 3:20-21, 1 John 3:2
4. One thing that helps you get through trials is remembering the end of the story, that God will finish the work He started in you. If God will glorify you, then surely He will enable you to endure and overcome all the little problems of life. “If God is for us, who is against us?… In all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:31-39

5. The day of Christ Jesus, a key prophecy phrase, refers to the time when you will be glorified, when your salvation will be complete, which happens just before the day of the Lord, a related phrase that refers to God’s judgment of the unbelievers. The glorification of believers occurs on the day of Christ Jesus, but the punishment of unbelievers takes place soon afterwards, during the day of the Lord. Luke 17:26-30, John 6:44, 1 Thess. 4:15 – 5:1-11
6. Paul was convinced of God’s saving work in himself, and here he expresses his confidence that God would complete His saving work in the Philippian saints. So too, be confident of God’s work in you, and encourage others by expressing your confidence of God’s work in them.

7. This truth that God will finish what He started in you appears at the beginning of Philippians. That’s because having assurance, being confident that God will complete your salvation, is foundational to all that Paul goes on to tell you about being a growing and fruitful Christian. If you have assurance of your salvation, then it means you are convinced that God truly and eternally loves you. “Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6, Romans 8:35-39

Philippians 1:9-11 – “This I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless, until the day of Christ Jesus, having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”
1. This is an important big-picture prayer. It’s about living for God, and knowing that how you live for God will be revealed at the end of this age, on the day of Christ Jesus. “When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you will also be revealed with Him in glory.” Col. 3:3-4, 2 Cor. 5:10
2. You are to pray that you have an abounding love for God by having His word in your heart. This results in making wise decisions which results in living a righteous, holy, and fruitful life. We can say it this way – “To live is Christ… will mean fruitful labor.” Phil. 1:21-22

3. You are to live for Christ until you physically die or are raptured. Then, on the day of Christ, you and all believers will be glorified and gathered together to meet Christ. (Matt. 24:29-31). Christ is looking forward to this most special day, and so should you. He told you, “Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done” (Rev. 22:12). The day of Christ is very important, for all believers will be with Christ, and all who truly lived for Christ will be rewarded. “Each will receive his own reward according to his own labor.” (1 Cor. 3:8-15). “Each man’s praise will come to him from God.” 1 Cor. 4:10
4. The ultimate aim, the overall purpose of your life is “for the glory and praise of God” (Phil. 1:11, Phil. 2:9-11). “By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit.” John 15:5-8

Philippians 1:21-24 – “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. But I am hard pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better, yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.”
1. “To live is Christ” – this sums up your life on earth. Christ is to be the center of your life, and it’s by His power and for His purposes that you can live for Him. Living for Christ means you are living for others. And living for others means you are loving them, serving them, praying for them, and telling them the Truth. The result is spiritual fruit that remains forever. John 15:16

2. Living for Christ can be difficult – there are trials, sadness, and suffering, and you get sick, old, weak, and tired. And there will be times when you want to leave this world so you can live with Christ. But is this not your God-appointed time to live on earth? And like a vapor, it will soon be over – and so make the most of it. (Eph. 5:15-17). It’s infinitely worth it to sacrifice your short life for God – it’s for the eternal glory of Christ, the eternal good of others, and your eternal blessing.

3. “To die…” The vast majority of Christians die during this church age, but I believe some of us will be raptured on the day of Christ Jesus. Just think, you may never die, but be “caught up together with them (those who have died) in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.” 1 Thess. 4:17 
4. “To die is gain.” To die – that’s wonderful! It means no more sin, pain, sickness, or sadness. It means your hopes are beginning to be realized. It means the next phase of your eternal life has begun. It means you are in heaven, an utterly magnificent place. Most importantly, it means being with Jesus Christ, the One who loves you far more than anyone else. Job 19:25-27, Rev. 21:3-7

5. At times you feel hard-pressed – you know the importance of staying on earth, but you really want to be in heaven with Jesus. And that’s a godly feeling, a good tension, a righteous desire. But now you are alive, and you have more work to do. It won’t be long before you leave this earth and are in heaven with Jesus, “… that where I am, there you may also be.” John 14:3

Living on this earth is to be God-exalting, is for the progress and joy of others. While you live on earth, be filled with hope, with the amazing truth of God’s future for you in your heart, and “press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12-14 

P.S. Might God help you notice all the hope verses as you read through His word, and see how they fit in the text and fit in with your life. Here are two recent posts on this same subject – “Philippians – Running to Win the Race” and “Ephesians 1 – A Big-Picture Prophecy Passage.” I encourage you to read them, and I am sure they will be instructive and encouraging.

Philippians – Running to Win the Prize

January 29, 2022

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #237 ~

Most of the epistles contain verses or passages on end-time’s prophecy, on the future God has for you and the church. Some epistles, like 1-2 Thessalonians and 1 Corinthians, contain entire passages; others, like Ephesians, Philippians, and 1 Peter, have verses here and there, prophetic truths weaved in the fabric of the text, sovereignly and purposely placed there by God.

Many Christians read their Bible but skip over and ignore verses like these that speak of our future on earth and in heaven. Why? Maybe they don’t know what they mean, or don’t see how they fit in the context of the passage, or just don’t think they are relevant. But these verses about our future are critically important for how we live our current life on earth. That’s because a key ingredient for how we live in the present is having hope for the future.

Life can be very difficult, stressful, and wearing, and hope helps you to be encouraged, energized, and to keep persevering. What does it mean to have hope? You are convinced that the best is yet to come; you believe that God has the most wonderful future planned out for you; you are expecting God to bless you, to pour out His goodness upon your life in the ages to come; you are looking forward to being in heaven with Jesus and fellow believers and in a new glorified body.

As a Christian, you need hope, you need something to look forward to. That’s why God placed all these prophecy verses in His word, ones that enable you to see the future and that motivate you to keep living for Him. It’s worth it to sacrifice your life for God, to carry out His work, for it brings glory to Him and results in you being rewarded in the future. Your life on earth has direction and a destiny, and hope keeps you hopeful, keeps you looking ahead to a much more glorious time.

I think of athletes running a race, and they are looking ahead. They are running for a reason. They have a goal, there’s a finish line, an end to the race. They know there’s a prize, a trophy, if they stay on track, if they compete “according to the rules” (2 Tim. 2:5), and win the race. Paul talks about this when he says, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. In the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness.” 2 Tim. 4:7-8

So too, the Bible talks quite extensively about your life in the future, for God wants you to know how He will bless you for running “the race that is set before us” (Heb. 12:1). That’s why it’s necessary for you to understand prophecy passages and verses. Today, we will be looking at all the prophecy verses in Paul’s letter to the Philippians, ones that I am sure will instruct and encourage you.

Philippians 1:6 – “I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” This gives the big picture of your salvation, that it began at a point in time (justified), and will be carried out, will be completed on the Day of Christ (glorified). When God saves, He justifies, sanctifies, and glorifies – He saves completely and eternally. Rom. 8:28-30

Philippians 1:9-11 – “… so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ, having been filled with the fruit of righteousness…” Living for God means being holy and making wise decisions, resulting in you being fruitful now, and being rewarded in the future, on the day of Christ. 2 Cor. 5:10

Philippians 1:20-23 – “… to live is Christ and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. But I am hard pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better.” There’s a spiritual tension you experience in life, continuing to live for Christ on earth, which means bearing fruit for Him, or wanting to be with Christ in heaven, which is better for you. Either way, whether you are on earth or in heaven, Christ will be exalted and you will be blessed.

Philippians 2:9-11 – “For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.” Jesus Christ is now exalted over all powers and beings, but only in the future will they all bow down to Christ and confess Him as Lord. This will take place during the millennial kingdom, when “the Lord will be King over all the earth.” Zech. 14:9

Philippians 2:14-16 – “Do all things without grumbling or disputing so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation… so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain.” We will know that our earthly work was successful on the day of Christ, that people we loved and influenced lived godly lives, and then we will rejoice.1 Cor. 15:58

Philippians 3:11 – “… in order that I may attain to the resurrection of the dead.” Paul was looking forward to the resurrection of the dead, which occurs on the day of Christ, for then he and all believers would be glorified, would become like Christ, and be with Christ. Phil. 3:20-21

Philippians 3:14 – “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” At some point in the future, God will call you home to heaven, either when you physically die or are raptured. You are to keep pressing ahead, to keep working for Christ until that time, knowing that it will be worth it, for then you will be supremely blessed and rewarded. 2 Tim. 4:6-8

Philippians 3:20-21 – “Our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform the body of our humble state into conforming with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.” You don’t know whether you will physically die and go to heaven or be raptured and go to heaven. Either way, at the coming of Christ, you and all believers from all time will be glorified, will receive brand-new bodies, ones like Christ’s. 1 Cor. 15:21-23, 40-42

Philippians 4:4 – “The Lord is near.” This can mean that the Lord is near in a spiritual sense, or that the Lord is near in a physical sense. That we now live in the end-times means both are true. We can say that Christ is near, and that the day of Christ is near. Amen! John 14:1-3, 16-17

Living for Christ (witnessing – Phil. 1:12-13, suffering – Phil. 1:29, serving – Phil. 2:3-4, being holy – Phil. 2:14-15, pouring out your life – Phil. 2:17, pressing on – Phil. 3:14, praying – Phil. 4:6, going hungry – Phil. 4:12) is to be done with hope in mind, in view of the fact that this part of your life will soon be over, that Christ will return, rapture the church, glorify the believers, give out rewards, judge the sinners, save a remnant of Jews, and begin reigning over the world with you. Hope needs to be an essential part of your daily thinking, for having hope will help you to truly live for Christ, bear fruit for Christ, and bring glory to Christ. Jude 24-25

P.S. Sad to say, but many Christians don’t understand hope, and how successfully running the race for Christ relates directly to knowing the wonderful future God has in store for you. Might God increase your hope, and then you will have a more fruitful and God-glorifying life. Here are three good posts about hope – “In a Wicked World, You have to Have Hope” , “Your Great Hope and Most Glorious Future” and “Hope: the Who, What, When, How, and Why“.

Your Hope, Your Future, Your Reward

July 10, 2020

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #178 ~

THE SHORT VERSION:

1. It’s being with Jesus Christ.
2. It’s not being affected by any fleshly, worldly, or devilish thing.
3. It’s having a brand-new body.
4. It’s perfectly loving God and Jesus Christ.
5. It’s having a heavenly home.
6. It’s being with loved ones and others who are believers.
7. It’s receiving an incredible inheritance.
8. It’s being greatly rewarded.
9. It’s having a satisfying and God-glorifying purpose.
10. It’s seeing the glory of God displayed on earth.
11. It’s having fullness of joy and experiencing pleasures forever.
12. It’s knowing God and Jesus Christ more fully.

THE LONG VERSION:

Do you want to be all that God wants you to be? Do you want to be a growing and godly Christian? Do you want to be a positive, forward-looking person? Do you want more joy and peace? Do you want to love God more? If so, one thing that will help is having hope. Many Christians are lacking in hope, and don’t even know what they are missing. They are focused on the present, on what is happening today, but they are not thinking about the future God has planned out for them. And they don’t see that having this hope, that being excited about God’s plans for their future, will help them be more fruitful and successful in the present.

How do we define hope? Hope is not a present reality but an expectation of a future reality. Hope, as a noun, is what you need to know about your future and, as a verb, it’s what you need to believe about your future. It’s knowing and seeing, by faith, God’s plans for your future. It’s what you don’t have now but are confident God will give you in the ages to come. It’s believing that God will continually show you His great love after you leave earth and are in heaven. 

What exactly is this hope?
1. It’s being with Jesus Christ. “… thus we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thess. 4:17). Jesus, like no one else, has loved you and will always love you. He died for you and rose again, saving you from your sins, from the clutches of Satan, and from death itself. He’s your Savior and Redeemer, Lord and King, Brother and Friend. He can’t wait to be with you, and show His love and glory to you, and in ways you could never imagine – it won’t be long before you are literally with Him. Just think what it will be like when you first see Him, and He talks to you, and you talk to Him, and He tells you that He loves you. Job 19:25-27; John 14:3, 15:9, 17:24

2. It’s not being affected by any fleshly, worldly, or devilish thing. “He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning or crying or pain; the first things have passed away” (Rev. 21:4). There will be no more sin, sorrow, sickness, death, trials, conflicts, worries, enemies, or persecution – how freeing and wonderful to not be affected by these things! Life can be hard, stressful and painful, but your hope is that everything and everyone in the future will be good, loving, and a blessing. Yes, there will be sin and evil during the millennial kingdom but it won’t personally affect you. Rev. 7:15-17

3. It’s having a brand-new body. “… the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory” (Phil. 3:20-21). Your body is weak, sinful and mortal. Yes, it’s good enough for your life on earth, but it’s not at all adequate for your life in heaven and for eternity. Therefore, God will give every believer a new body, a powerful, immortal, glorious and spiritual body – and this will happen when Christ returns to rapture the church. Then you will be physically saved, and your salvation will be complete, and you will be fully able to eternally worship and serve the Lord, and give Him great glory. 1 Cor. 15:42-44, 2 Cor 5:1-8, 1 Thess. 5:23

4. It’s perfectly loving God and Jesus Christ. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30). This is the great commandment! But now your love for God is sporadic, it’s not always wholehearted, it’s interrupted by sin, it’s definitely not what it should be. But not long from now you will be glorified, and with rapturous joy, you will more fully know and be filled up with His love for you. Then and forever, you will perfectly and continually love the Lord in a personal way and with others, and how God-exalting and soul-satisfying that will be! Psalm 145:1-2, 1 John 4:19, Rev. 5:13

5. It’s having a heavenly home. “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2). You now live in an earthly dwelling. It may be small or big, plain or lavish, cluttered or neat, but it’s temporal and wears out, and has to be cleaned, kept and maintained. But Jesus has made a home perfectly suited for you. It’s beautiful, spotless, furnished, practical, the most comfortable and relaxing place you could ever imagine. There you will be able to worship the Lord, fellowship with saints, have a meal, and live forever. Your home will be part of the new city, the heavenly city, one that will bring eternal glory to God and Jesus Christ. Psalm 84:1-4, Heb. 12:22-24, Rev. 21:10-23

6. It’s being with loved ones and others who are believers. “For who is our hope or joy or crown of exaltation? Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming?” (1 Thess. 2:19). One of the great blessings on earth is being with other Christians, especially ones you love and who love you. One of the great blessings of heaven is being with them again, and for all eternity. And so, don’t grieve too much when loved ones and friends leave this earth and go to heaven, for you will soon see them again. Your relationships with believers on earth continue in heaven, but then they will be perfect, with perfect love, communication, and fellowship, and all centered around Christ. You will also meet and enjoy the company of millions and millions of believers, like Moses, David, Esther, Nehemiah, Mary, Paul, Luther, Edwards, Spurgeon, etc. How wonderful and encouraging this will be! 2 Sam. 12:22-23, 2 Cor. 4:14, 1 Thess. 4:13-14

7. It’s receiving an incredible inheritance. “… to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away…” (1 Peter 1:3-4). None of us can fathom how much God wants to bless us in the future. Good parents give good things to their children, but that’s nothing compared to what God will give you in the future. Money, land, jewelry, and keepsakes are earthly inheritances, but our heavenly inheritance is infinitely better (1 Cor. 2:9). This inheritance, guaranteed to all God’s children, cannot be destroyed, is perfect, and will never lose its magnificence. We don’t know the exact nature of our inheritance, but it will be an expression of God’s gracious and perfect love for us. Not only that, but it’s “reserved in heaven for you.” Our inheritance, now kept safely in heaven, will be given to us at Christ’s coming. What a kind and generous Father we have! 

8. It’s being greatly rewarded. “He who plants and he who waters are one, but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor” (1 Cor. 3:8). God gives each believer an inheritance just because he is His child. But your reward is more than an inheritance, for it relates to your work for Him. Jesus tells us the parable of the talents (Matt. 25:14-30), that God gives you money and abilities you are to use to serve Him. This reward in heaven, your heavenly pay, relates directly to the quality of your work on earth, and how you faithfully used what God gave you. Do not forget, God will reward you for everything you say or do for Him. Part of this reward is the actual work you will be doing in the future. Hear what the master told his slave – “Do business with this until I come back… Well done, good slave, because you have been faithful in a very little thing – be in authority over ten cities.” Luke 19:13-17, Col. 3:23, Rev. 22:12

9. It’s having a satisfying and God-glorifying purpose. “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand” (Eph. 2:10). You won’t be just sitting in heaven playing a harp. God has specific plans for your life in the ages to come. You will be working for God, serving Him, doing what He wants you to do, and what you love to do. During the millennial kingdom, your work directly relates to reigning with Jesus Christ over this world. Exactly what this will look like, we don’t know, but it will be perfect, satisfying, and effortless work, that which will be good for others and a glory to God. Rev. 2:26, 5:10, 20:6

10. It’s seeing the glory of God displayed on earth. “The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord” (Habakkuk 2:14). We now live in an evil world controlled by the evil one. But the next age, the millennial kingdom age, will be one in which Jesus Christ will reign over the world. Then, with great satisfaction and joy, you will see the righteousness, peace, and glory of God. “God is the King of all the earth… God reigns over the nations” (Ps. 47:7-8). “Let the nations be glad and sing for joy; for Thou will judge the nations with uprightness, and guide the nations on the earth” (Ps. 67:4). “In His days, may the righteous flourish, and abundance of peace till the moon is no more” (Ps. 72:7). “Let the rivers clap their hands; let the mountains sing together for joy” (Ps.  98:8). This is a small sampling of what the future, and your future, will look like. Just think – we will soon be reigning with Christ, and seeing His glory on earth! Psalm 150, Isaiah 6:3

11. It’s having fullness of joy and experiencing pleasures forever. “In Thy presence is fullness of joy; in Thy right hand there are pleasures forever” (Psalm 16:11). Your heavenly Father will make sure you are always full of joy and gladness. Every day, and for all eternity, you will experience God’s goodness, be with Jesus, see His glory, have fellowship with the saints, and enjoy the beauty and pleasures of the world. You will never feel sad or down or lonely. Every day will be a good day, a delightful day, a perfect day, a most wonderful day. Jesus said, “I came that you might have life, and might have it abundantly” (John 10:10). In the future, you will always experience Jesus’ life to the full – and you will be rejoicing with gladness, exulting before God, and giving Him the glory He deserves. Ps. 68:3-4, John 7:38, 1 Thess. 5:16

12. It’s knowing God more fully. “This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent” (John 17:3). Eternal life is knowing God, having an eternal relationship with Him. In the ages to come, you will keep growing in your knowledge of God, for He will continue to reveal Himself to you. You will increasingly know more about His love, wisdom, power, goodness, holiness, sovereignty, etc. (You will also be able to look back at your time on earth and see how God was specifically working in and through your life). You will learn more from God’s word, the word we have now, but don’t fully understand. You will learn more about Jesus, more about the angels and saints, and more about the world we live in. You will never grow tired of spending time with Jesus and seeing His glory, for your soul will be fully and always satisfied by Him. As a result, you will keep growing in your love and affection for Jesus. John 17:24, Rom. 11:33

This is a detailed summary of your hope, of God’s great and glorious plans for your life, which will begin to be realized at Christ’s return and then continue for all eternity. Your life on earth is usually 70, 80, 90 years or so, but eternity is forever and ever. It’s vitally important for you to see the big picture, that God’s hope for you will be fulfilled after your time on this earth, and during your everlastingly-long heavenly life, covering billions and billions and billions and billions of years, etc., etc., etc. We spend so much time thinking about this life, but you must understand the details of your incredible future, this eternal life that God will give you. 1 Thess. 1:1:9-10 tells you, “serve a living and true God,” and “wait for His Son.” You are to work for God now but you are to also be looking forward, and excitedly so, to that time when your God-planned and perfect future will be fulfilled. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13     

P.S. This written post was my Sunday morning message for July 12, 2020. If you get time, I would suggest that you listen to it, for it was quite expanded, and I believe you will find it most encouraging and motivating.

P.P.S. One of my greatest desires with this blog site is that you would grow in hope, that you would be super-excited about the incredible future God has planned out for you. If you have not yet done so, I would encourage you to read the last two posts – “Important Lessons on the Hope God Has For You,” and “When Life Is Hard, You Need Hope.”

The Coronavirus, Christians, and the Coming of Christ

March 22, 2020

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #161 ~

This plague, the Coronavirus Epidemic, is one of God’s way of telling Christians that our world is experiencing “birth pains,” defined as wars, famines, earthquakes and plagues (Matt. 24 and Luke 21). These signs, occurring in various parts of the world, are to wake us up, to alert us to the fact that we are living in the end-times, and that it won’t be long before the coming of Christ to rapture the church. But many people, seeing what is happening with regards to this epidemic, and not understanding God’s overall purposes, are afraid, even panicking. In my last post I talked about this fear, but more needs to be said, for God doesn’t want you to ever be afraid, but to know Him and what He’s doing. Let’s continue, and learn some more important lessons:

1. God is sovereign over the coronavirus, and the Coronavirus Pandemic. “I am the Lord, and there is no other, the One forming darkness, causing well-being and creating calamity.” (Isaiah 45:6-7). God is the First Cause, the One who decreed this virus, and allowed it to spread to over 150 countries, and infect hundreds of thousands of people. It’s imperative that you see this pandemic as part of God’s divine purposes, part of His grand plan for you, the church and the whole world. Knowing that God ordained it, that He is in charge, should humble you. That, along with the fact that God is wise, good and loving, should alleviate your fears, and give you peace. Indeed, “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Rom. 8:28

2. When you are afraid, go to God’s word. “In God, whose word I praise, in God, I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid.” (Ps. 56:4). Not having God’s word in your heart will cause you to lose your footing and direction in life. When you are fearful, remember God’s truth, for it is foundational – it anchors your soul. Remember God’s commands, for they give clear direction to your life, paving the way so you can walk and not get weary and run and not get tired. Remember God’s promises for they speak of hope, a much better time and place when all is perfect. In times of a crisis and fear, God’s word, coupled with the Spirit’s work, will strengthen, guide and encourage you, enabling you to be useful to Him. God’s word is always the answer to every problem that is spiritual in nature. Matt. 24:35, 2 Tim. 3:16-17

3. Get quality time with God. You can easily be overwhelmed by the things you think you need to do. If you are worried and bothered by the details of life, it may mean that you are not getting the time with God that you need. “Whom have I in heaven but You, and besides You, I desire nothing on earth” (Psalm 73:23-26). The single most important thing you can do in life is to spend time with God, for when you do, you will be comforted by His love, strengthened by His truth, and fearless when facing problems. “Only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:42

4. Do not to be afraid when global calamities take place. Psalm 46 is about the end-times when wars and earthquakes are happening, and people are fearful. We are told four things: 1. Go to God for He is your refuge and strength, the One who is with you and can really help you (vss 1-4, 7, 11). 2. Put your hope in God, for He has a great and perfect future for you (vss 4-7). 3. Know that God will put a stop to earthquakes and wars (plagues too) and bring peace to this earth (vss 6, 8-9). 4. Stop worrying, stop trying to be in control – “Cease striving and know that I am God, I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth” (vs 10). God uses these calamities to humble us, to remind us that He is God, and that His ultimate purpose is to be glorified in all the earth. Hab. 2:14, Phil. 2:9-11

5. Seek God’s kingdom instead of worrying about your own needs being met. Many people worry about food, drink, and the necessities of life, but you are not to be anxious, even when the store shelves are empty. You are to trust your heavenly Father to provide your needs. I am not saying you are not to work or shop for food, but you are not to worry about these things. Don’t waste your time and energy pursuing earthly things but set your mind on heavenly things. Get your priorities right. Your purpose in life is not getting lots of earthly goods but doing your part in helping to build God’s heavenly kingdom. “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matt. 6:33, Luke 12:13-33

6. Do not be afraid when attempting the Lord’s work. When you want to do God’s work, don’t be surprised if you start feeling fearful. In the Bible we read about God giving His people work to do, and He would often command them, “Do not be afraid,” and that’s because they had this fleshly tendency to be afraid (Josh. 1:7). And so too with us. No Christian can do what God wants him to do if he is filled with fear. We must learn to overcome our fear(s). Look to your Father and be filled with His Word and Spirit, and you will be Christ-like, filled with peace, as well as the power to carry out God’s work. Now that we are in the last years leading up to Christ’s return to rapture the church, I cannot stress enough the importance of being fearless, of being a strong-and-courageous Christian who is serving his Commander in Chief. Josh. 1:7-9

7. Let your light shine. One reason for this pandemic is for the gospel to be preached. What people need most during this difficult time is not masks for their face or food for their body, but salvation for their soul. Don’t be afraid to share with people the good news. You are a child of God, and this is your time to boldly and lovingly tell the lost about their sin and about the Savior, Jesus Christ. Tell them their need to repent, and to believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay for their sins, and rose again, with the result that they will be born again, be forgiven, receive eternal life, and become a child of God whose permanent home is in heaven. “You are the light of the world… Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matt. 5:14-18

8. Be strong in the Lord. As Christians, we are in a spiritual war, and when the battles come, don’t be afraid. Yes, it is true that the devil and his forces will come at you with all they’ve got, and that they are too strong and clever for you. But go to God and be humble and be filled with His word and Spirit, and then you will be strong in the Lord, and “you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.” Eph. 6:10-13

9. Do not be fearful of death. Many people are afraid to die, but as Christians, what may seem to be the worst thing that could happen is actually the best thing that could happen. Death should not be feared, but looked forward to, for “To live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21). The reason we should never fear death is because we know what Jesus Christ went through for us. Since He died and rose again, and since we are in Christ, then when we physically die, we know we will continue to spiritually live, not on earth, but in heaven. Then we will be raised, be physically glorified on the last day, when the church is raptured. And if God wants you to die before the rapture, even be martyred, then that is not something to be feared, but to be faced, for then you will see Jesus, and your loved ones who went to heaven before you. “Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and have the keys of death and of Hades.” Rev. 1:17-18, Rev. 2:10, John 11:25-26

P.S. As you know we are in the midst of the Coronavirus Pandemic. Here are the other posts I have written on this subject that will help you understand what God is doing, and how He wants you to think and live at this present time: “The Coronavirus – Fear and Panic or Faith and Peace” and “The Coronavirus, Plagues and the End-Times.”

Here are some more verses about fear, faith, the future and the work and glory of God.
* Isaiah 35:3-4 – “Encourage the exhausted and strengthen the feeble. Say to those with anxious heart, ‘Take courage, fear not, behold your God will come with vengeance; the recompense of God will come, but He will save you.’”
* Isaiah 41:10 – “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
* Isaiah 43:1 – “Thus says the Lord, your Creator, O Jacob, and He who formed, O Israel, ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine!’”
* Daniel 10:19 – “O man of high esteem, do not be afraid. Peace be with you; take courage and be courageous.”
* Matthew 6:25-26 – “For this I reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you shall eat and drink… Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? … Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.”

* Matthew 10:31 – “So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.”
* Mark 4:40 – “He said to them, ‘Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?’”
* Luke 1:30 – “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God.”
* Luke 1:74 – “… to grant us that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies, might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.”
* Luke 5:9 – “For amazement had seized him and all his companions because of the catch of fish which they had taken… And Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not fear, from now on you will be catching men.’”

* Luke 12:4 – “I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him!”
* Luke 12:29, 31-32 – “Do not seek what you will eat… and do not keep worrying. But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.”
* John 14:1, 27 – “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me… Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.”
* Philippines 1:14 – “… and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.”
* Philippines 4:6 – “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

* 2 Timothy 1:7 – “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and discipline.”
* Hebrews 10:31 – “It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”
* Hebrews 13:5-6 – “For He Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,’ so that we confidently say, “The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?” 
* 1 Peter 3:6 – “Just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear.”
* 1 Peter 5:6-7 – “Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.”

* 1 John 4:18 – “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.”
* Revelation 2:10 – “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
* Revelation 21:3-4 – “God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying or pain; the first things have passed away.”

What Happens When Christians Are Raptured?

February 7, 2020

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #154 ~

When we speak of the rapture, we are talking about a most spectacular, life-changing, and God-glorifying event! It’s when Jesus Christ comes back in the clouds and powerfully and lovingly snatches all the Christians from the earth and brings them to Himself. The rapture is a specific event occurring at a specific time, but many believers use this term in a general way, referring to it as more than Christ coming and taking the Christians from the earth. Today, we will look at some verses in this general sense, helping you see that your life will immediately, dramatically and wonderfully be changed when Christ returns.

* 1 Thessalonians 4:17 – “Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.” This is the classic “rapture” verse. Now the words “caught up” are from the Greek “harpagisometha”, which was translated as “rapiemur” in the Latin Vulgate, from which we get the English word “rapture.” This phrase caught up, or rapture, means to snatch, seize, carry off, or take by force. When Christ returns, Christians will be suddenly, quickly and forcefully taken from the earth to forever be with their Savior. That it says “caught up together” means Christians will be jetted off the earth to be instantly united with all believers from all of history, and then together be taken to the Lord.

* Matthew 24:29-31 – “He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.” Jesus Christ will come from heaven with His angels and dispatch them to the world below and the skies above, gathering to Himself all the believers, those still living on earth, and those who have already died. This glorious “rapture” event will occur at the end of this age, after the skies are suddenly darkened, and then immediately lit up by Christ’s coming.

* 2 Thessalonians 2:1 – “We request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him.” Again, we read that the believers will be gathered together to be with Jesus Christ. This gathering takes place at Christ’s coming, and is, in fact, the first event to occur at His coming. Verses 2-9 tell us that the rapture and the gathering take place after the apostasy, and after the “man of lawlessness” is revealed, which happens at the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week. This most evil man is the Antichrist, a devilish man who desecrates the Jewish temple.  

* Luke 17:34, 36 – “On that night there will be two in one bed; one will be taken and the other will be left… Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other will be left.” When the rapture occurs, believers and unbelievers will suddenly be separated, for Christ, with “lightning speed” quickness, will lovingly take His bride from the earth. For some Christians the rapture happens at night, and for others it’s during the day. For the saved, it means immediate perfection, and for the unsaved, it means wrath on earth and wrath in hell.   

* Luke 21:8 – “When these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” The “redemption” takes place at the rapture. One result of the rapture is that earth-dwelling believers will be redeemed, delivered, rescued, and quickly escape from a wicked world and their sinful body, and be taken to Jesus.

* John 14:3 – “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” Jesus comforts His troubled disciples by telling them that He is coming back to bring believers to Himself, and to a special place in heaven that He has prepared for them. That you now live in the end-times means there is a strong possibility that the rapture may happen in your lifetime.

* 1 Corinthians 15:52 – “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.” This verse tells us many things that take place at the rapture. First, it will happen quickly, “in a moment,” in a split second. Second, it will occur at the loud blast of the last trumpet. Third, the believers who have already died will, at that time, be resurrected, be glorified. Fourth, immediately after the resurrection of these heavenly believers, the Christians who were living on earth will be changed, be glorified, be given brand new bodies!

* 2 Thessalonians 1:9-10 – “To give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire.” Throughout history, Christians have suffered and been persecuted, and so too in the end times. God will give rest and relief to His children who are greatly suffering on earth. This happens when the rapture takes place, when Christ is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels. What a relief the rapture will be for the Christians, but not for the unsaved unbelievers.

* Matthew 24:13 – “The one who endures to the end, he will be saved.” Jesus had just mentioned four difficult things affecting the believers – great tribulation, being betrayed, false prophets, and increasing lawlessness. So He tells us to endure, to persevere, with the result that we will be saved. This word “saved” is not referring to spiritual salvation, but physical salvation that occurs at the rapture, when we are suddenly and safely taken from the earth and miraculously glorified, and are then with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

* 1 Thessalonians 1:10 – “and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come.” Judgment and wrath are coming, for Christ is coming to judge the world. Thanks be to God that He is sending His Son down to earth to rescue us from this world-deserving, world-devastating wrath.

* 1 John 3:2 – “We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.” At Christ’s coming, He appears, and we will see Him, and be like Him, meaning we will be given a glorified soul, mind and body. That we will have a Christ-like body shows God’s incredible mercy and kindness, for then we will finally be with Jesus, have fellowship with Him, be greatly loved by Him, and be able to greatly love Him.

* How do we respond to this good news, this most glorious news? 1 Peter 1:13 – “Fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Titus 2:13 – “Looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus.” Matthew 24:42 – “Be on the alert, for you do not know what day your Lord is coming.” 1 Thessalonians 4:18 – “Encourage one another with these words.”

P.S. The rapture is a most important subject which is why I write so much about it. Here is a list of many of my rapture posts: “The Rapture, a Love Story”, “The Rapture Occurs at the Coming of Christ”, “When Does the Rapture Take Place?”, “The Return of Christ and the Rapture of the Church”, “The Resurrection and Rapture – 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18”, “The Pre-Wrath Rapture of the Church“.

Looking Ahead

January 24, 2020

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Special Post ~

I am thankful that God has given me a love for His word and wants me to share it with others. What people need more than anything else is God’s word, His truth; and now that we are in the end times, it’s critical that we also learn His prophetic word, what God tells us about the end-times, the return of Christ, and the ages to come. There’s no doubt that God’s plans for the church and for this world will surely and soon come to pass. “I am God, and there is no one like Me, 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.’” Isaiah 46:9-10

Here are a few thoughts to think about:
* Jesus Christ is coming soon. We don’t know exactly when, that is, the day or hour, but we do know the general time, and that’s because God’s word tells us many events that will occur before Christ’s coming and the rapture of the church. (Matthew 24:32-36). In fact, the timing of the rapture is the subject of next week’s post, entitled, “When Is Christ Returning to Rapture the Church?”

* My purpose in writing these blog posts is to help people prepare for the future. Down in Florida, where I live, we have hurricanes. In recent years, meteorologists’ forecasts have become more accurate, usually giving us many days notice as to when and where a hurricane will be coming; and they do this because they want us to prepare. Most people take heed, not waiting until they hear the wind howling and the rain pouring down, for then it would be too late. And so too, in the calm before the “storm,” you need to be prepared and ready. Don’t wait, don’t procrastinate. Now’s the time to know what God says about His plans for you, this world, and the return of His Son. Learn from these posts, and from others who have studied this important and relevant subject. I personally believe Christ’s coming is quite a few years away, and whether that’s 10, 20, 30 years or more, I don’t know. I encourage you, while the “world’s weather” is not too stormy, to read and study prophecy, for you need to be ready. “You too, be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour that you do not expect.” Luke 12:35-40

* When you read these posts you may think all I do is teach on prophecy, but that is far from the truth. As a pastor in a local church, my main job is caring for the church, and feeding her the “whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27). I teach God’s word every Sunday, sometimes topically, but usually from a book. And teaching on prophecy is a part of that, what I do in two different ways. First, I teach God’s word Sunday after Sunday in the context of Christ’s coming. This is what God tells all pastors to do: “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of His appearing and kingdom, I solemnly charge you, preach the word” (2 Timothy 4:1-2). In fact, this Sunday I am teaching 1 Peter 1, which is all about how to live in the present in view of the future. God’s word is not to be taught void of prophetic truth but in view of it. Second, once a month on a Wednesday evening, I teach on prophecy, covering passages like Matthew 24, Luke 21, Revelation, and other related end-time’s subjects.

* When you look at Christianity today, you realize that most people rarely think about prophecy, let alone study it. But don’t be negatively affected by their neglect, lack of interest or unbelief. Do what God wants you to do, not what man is doing, for you will give an account to Him of how you handled His prophetic word at this time in history. Learn about Christ’s coming for your own life, but also for your family, friends and fellow church members. “Take heed; behold, I have told you everything in advance.” Mark 13:23 

* Everything on this blog site is for you to read, give to others, and use in your church or Bible study. Remember, you can download the posts, articles and charts, and print them out, or put them on a flash drive. And don’t wait, for there may come a time when, for whatever reason, they may not be available on the internet.

* You have probably seen that the posts are also in Spanish, thanks to a good friend who has faithfully been translating them. Tell your Spanish friends, near and far, about this site. It’s interesting and encouraging to note that a recent analysis of the blog post data revealed that about 70% of all viewers are from Spanish-speaking countries. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations… teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20). Keep praying!

I am very thankful to be alive at this time in history, in the last years leading up to Christ’s coming and the rapture of the church. It won’t be long before, one way or another, we will have all left this planet and are up in heaven with Jesus. But for now, let’s be loving Him, living for Him, and looking for His soon return. “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Come, Lord Jesus.” Revelation 22:20

P.S. I mentioned learning from others. I encourage you to check out Eschatos Ministries (Alan Kurschner). Alan is a godly scholar, one who has a good understanding of the end times and the coming of Christ.

Forecasting the Future of the World

January 3, 2020

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #151 ~

Meteorologists forecast the weather, predicting temperatures, precipitation, humidity, highs, lows, etc., but rarely do they get it all right. And forecasting the weather is what people have been doing for thousands of years. In fact, Jesus said, “You hypocrites! You know how to analyze the appearance of the earth and sky, but why do you not analyze this present time?” (Luke 12:56). With these words, Jesus was rebuking unbelievers for they didn’t believe He was the Christ, the Messiah and, therefore, didn’t understand His 1st coming. And sad to say, most people today, including many Christians, don’t understand the times we now live in, and that Christ’s 2nd coming is drawing near.

In these days, God wants Christians to know all about Christ’s 2nd coming and events preceding it, and be accurately forecasting it. But what does God say that enables us to forecast, to predict the future, and with 100% certainty? And why do we know that Christ will be coming back soon? Here is what God’s word says:

* Jesus Christ is coming again. Luke 21:27; Hebrews 10:37; Revelation 22:7, 12, 20
* Jesus Christ is returning soon, for we now live in the end-times, the last years of this church age, that time period during which the Jewish people are once again living in Israel. Ezekiel 36-37, Daniel 12:4, Matthew 24:15-27, Revelation 10-12
* In the coming years, there will be a seven-year period called Daniel’s 70th week, a God-ordained time during which many prophesied events will take place. Daniel 9:24-27
* In the years leading up to Daniel’s 70th week, there will be “birth pains” (earthquakes, wars, plagues, famines and poverty) occurring in various parts of the world, signaling Christ’s return is getting closer. Matthew 24:4-8, Hebrews 10:25, Revelation 6:1-8
* Lawlessness will be increasing in the world before Christ’s return. Matthew 24:12, 37
* There will be a growing persecution of both Christians and Jews before Christ’s 2nd coming. Matthew 24:9, Revelation 12:17; Zechariah 14:2, Matthew 24:15-22
* The Antichrist will be revealed at the 3½ year mark of Daniel’s 70th week. Daniel 9:27, Matthew 24:15
* People will be saved and disciples will be raised up, and Christ’s work in building the church will be completed at the end of this age. Matthew 16:18, 24:14, 28:19-20
* There will be great disturbances in the heavens and a great earthquake on the earth, signs indicating that this age has come to an end. Matthew 24:29, Revelation 6:12-14
* At a time unknown to us, after the Antichrist is revealed and at the end of this age, Christ will return to rapture the church. Matthew 24:15-36, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-9
* God will pour out His righteous wrath on a wicked world. Psalm 98:9; Revelation 8-9, 16
* God will redeem a large remnant of Jews at the end of Daniel’s 70th week. Ezekiel 27:23, Daniel 9:24-27, Romans 11:25-27
* Jesus Christ will begin His 1000-year reign over the earth. Psalm 67, Revelation 20

This is amazing! This is so encouraging that God tells us what will be taking place in the future! And because it’s God’s word, it’s guaranteed to happen. To emphasize this point, Jesus, in the middle of a great prophecy passage, says, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away” (Matthew 24:35). Jesus wants us to be completely convinced that His prophetic word is an accurate forecast of the future. He gives us a perfect outline, not all the details, but just what He wants us to know.

Now how does God want you to live in these last, important years of this church age?
* He wants you to study and believe His prophetic word so you can tell others what God wants them to know about Christ’s 2nd coming. Luke 24:25-26, 44-45; 2 Timothy 2:15
* He wants you to be a holy vessel who is useful to Himself, the Master. 2 Timothy 2:21
* He wants you to pray for Christ’s kingdom to be established on earth. Matthew 6:9-10
* He wants you to do His work, using the grace and gifts He gives you. 1 Peter 4:10-11
* He wants you to know that He is sovereign and faithful, and will fully accomplish His work in you and in the church. Romans 8:28-30, 1 Corinthians 1:8-9. Ephesians 1:9-12
* He does not want you to be asleep or worldly, but to be awake, alert, and aware of what God is doing in the world around you. Matthew 16:2-4, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
* He wants you to love Him, and love one another. Mark 12:30-31, John 15:7
* He wants you to have faith, to depend on Him and be trusting His word. Luke 18:8
* He wants you to have hope – that you will be glorified, in heaven, and with Jesus and other believers. John 14:1-3, 1 Corinthians 14:42-44, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17
* He wants you to share the gospel with the lost, explaining to them the purpose of Christ’s 1st coming, and how they can be forgiven of their sins and receive eternal life. Luke 21:12-15
* He wants you to be in a church with a good pastor, and with people who love God, love His word, and love one another. Acts 2:42, Ephesians, Revelation 2-3
* He wants you to be excited about His Son’s return, to be looking forward to seeing Jesus, and being with Him. Job 19:25-27, 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10, Revelation 22:20

What a time to be alive! This subject of prophecy shouldn’t be cloudy, but clear to us, for God has told us everything we need to know about Christ’s 2nd coming, the events preceding it, and how to live. Make it your goal this year to know the future He has planned for us. Be like the sons of Issachar, who “understood the times and knew what Israel should do” (1 Chronicles 12:32), like Ezekiel who was a “watchman” (Ezekiel 3:17), and like John the Baptist who made “ready the way of the Lord.” Luke 3:4

P.S. Here is a post that gives a short but good explanation of prophecy – “Prophecy Is Predicting the Future.” This article is most appropriate and instructive as you think about time, your life, and the new year – “The Time of My Life.”

1 Peter 1:3-13 – Living Today in Light of the Future

December 6, 2019

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #147 ~

God wants you to see the end from the beginning, from that time when you were saved until that time when you see Jesus Christ and are glorified and in heaven. It’s so easy to get stuck in our own little world, in the here and now, and that’s why it’s imperative for you to see where you have come from and where you are going. A passage that explains this better than any I know is 1 Peter 1:3-13. What you see is that the future is spoken of in 8 of these 11 verses, using words like “living hope” (3), “inheritance” (4), “heaven” (4), “last time” (5), “revelation of Jesus Christ” (7, 13), “salvation” (5, 9, 10), “grace” (10, 13), and “glories to follow” (11). What God is telling you is clear and convincing, that the only way to live today is in view of the future that He has already planned out for you.

1 Peter 1:3-5 sums up your Christian life, the past, present and future, from when you were born again to your life today to that time when you will receive your heavenly inheritance. There’s direction and movement in these verses, for they are not just focused on being born again, but on the fact that you now have a living hope, that which is to excite you and point you to your future in heaven. Your life isn’t just sitting still, but is going someplace, and God Himself is moving you along and taking you to glory, to a “salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” And God’s power will keep protecting you until that time when you will be fully saved, when you will be glorified. Jude 24-25

1 Peter 1:6-9 talks about your present life, but again in light of the future. Right away you read about trials, and it tells you there are various kinds of them, they last only a little while, they are distressing, and they only happen if God says they are necessary. And these trials are for your faith, which is extremely valuable, for it is a means to know God, to experience His grace, and to spiritual growth. Most importantly, it results in “praise, glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” At the end of this age, there will be one grand celebration, for all believers will be gathered together to see Jesus, and will be excitedly and wholeheartedly worshiping Him. Revelation 7:9-12

These verses also instruct us how to live at this present time. First, we are to love God, and with all our heart. And we are to have faith in this One we cannot see, but soon will see, trusting Him, believing His word, knowing that He is fulfilling His plans for us. And we are to greatly rejoice, for we know what’s coming, “the salvation of our souls” and the glorification of our bodies. Do you see this, that your faith, hope, love and joy in the present are in light of the future, in view of that time when this age will come to an end, and Jesus Christ will be revealed for the entire world to see? 1 Thessalonians 5:1-8

1 Peter 1:10-12 is an encouraging and motivating parenthetical. It tells us about the Old Testament prophets, men writing about 2400-2900 years ago, and they wanted to know more about the Messiah to come. They knew He would suffer, and that His glory would be revealed to the whole world, but they didn’t know the specifics, they didn’t know when, and they really wanted to find out, and so they “made careful searches and inquiries, seeking to know what person or time…” And these prophets did this for us – they were searching and seeking and writing for Christians, for those of us living in this church age. I must say, I get very excited, knowing that what the prophets wrote, along with the New Testament writers, is for us, especially since we now live in the end times.

Here we are, thousands of years later, and we can look back and see that part of what the prophets predicted has already taken place. We all know that Jesus Christ came to earth, and that He suffered, died, rose again, ascended into heaven, and that He will soon come back to fulfill the 2nd part of these predictions. But unlike the prophets, we now know there’s a 2nd coming, at which time Christ will return to earth with “great glory” (Luke 21:27), and then glorify us, and after that, the world will be full of His glory (Isaiah 6:3). Another amazing truth is that the angels long to look into these matters about Christ’s 1st and 2nd comings. Just think, if the prophets wrote this for us, and the angels are looking into these things, shouldn’t we be super-motivated to study and learn and tell others what God wants us to know about our glorious future? Mark 13:23

1 Peter 1:13 starts with “therefore,” which means it’s the conclusion to this prophetic passage for Christians. In view of Christ being revealed, in view of being glorified and being in heaven, in view of receiving an incredible inheritance, how should you live on earth? You are to prepare your mind for action. You are to be spiritually awake, aware of what God’s word says, alert to what He’s doing in the world, and actively working for Christ, helping to carry out His end-time plans for the church. And you are to “fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Don’t get distracted by worldly things, but be focused on the fact that Christ is coming soon, and be looking forward to seeing Him, knowing that He will then “transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory.” Philippians 3:21 

You can’t miss the future in this present day, 1 Peter passage for Christians. Don’t skip over it, make light of it, or think it’s not relevant for your life, and especially at this time in history, with the return of Jesus Christ right around the corner. Might 1 Peter 1:3-13, this big-picture passage, help you to love Jesus all the more, and to live today in light of the fantastic future that God has “reserved in heaven for you.” 1 Peter 1:4

P.S. I love this subject, the big picture of our lives. Having this perspective is a must if we are to be able to rightly and wholeheartedly live for the Lord. Here are two previous posts that address this same subject: “God’s Time Frame for Your Life,” and “An Overview of Your Christian Life.”

Do You Know God’s Promises for You?

November 29, 2019

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #146 ~

I have a friend who is a food scientist, which means he understands nutrition, what’s good for the body – the proteins, carbs, fats, vitamins and minerals that we need to stay healthy. But how do we keep our soul healthy? We need the truth of God’s word, and one particular and important aspect of His truth are His promises. Let me share some thoughts about these promises, followed up by many of my personal favorites.

1. God’s promises are all true, for God tells the truth, and He does not lie.
2. God’s promises are based on His word and character and, therefore, will never fail.
3. God’s promises are essential, for you cannot truly and fully live for God without them.
4. God’s promises are about your future, your time here on earth, and / or in heaven.
5. God’s promises are forward looking, and keep you from living in the past.
6. God’s promises tell you what God will do for you, not what you will do for Him.
7. God’s promises motivate you to persevere, to press on to the end.
8. God’s promises spiritually energize you to keep going for God.
9. God’s promises, though spiritual in nature, can also physically energize you.
10. God’s promises give hope, not worldly hope, but a godly hope.
11. God’s promises speak of how you will be eternally rewarded for your earthly service.
12. God’s promises are all about experiencing His grace in the future.
13. God’s promises encourage you today because they give you hope for tomorrow.
14. God’s promises will help you understand His purpose for your life.
15. God’s promises are a means to living a holy and God-pleasing life.
16. God’s promises are activated by faith, by believing what God is saying.
17. God’s promises must be personalized, for they speak of what God wants for your life.
18. God’s promises are either conditional or unconditional.
19. God’s promises give you confidence and assurance about your future.
20. God’s promises help you to live rightly today for you know you have a God-blessed tomorrow.
21. God’s promises are needed during stormy times, for they are forecasting a sunny future. 
22. God’s promises are often prophetic, predicting His plans for both the church and the world.
23. God’s promises are precious, magnificent, incredible and wonderful.
24. God’s promises speak of how God will show you His great love in the future.
25. God’s promises should be shared with other Christians.

Here are a number of my favorite promises:
* 2 Chronicles 15:7 – “As for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.”
* Job 23:10 – “God knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.”
* Psalm 23:6 – “Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
* Psalm 27:1 – “The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?”
* Psalm 32:8 – “I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.”
* Psalm 37:4 – “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”
* Psalm 46:10 – “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations.” 
* Psalm 55:22 – “Cast your cares upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.”
* Psalm 84:11 – “The Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless.”
* Psalm 91:14-16 – “He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With a long life I will satisfy him and let him see My salvation.”

* Psalm 119:1 – “How blessed is he whose way is blameless, who walks in the law of the Lord.”
* Psalm 119:50 – “My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.”
* Psalm 136 – “His lovingkindness is everlasting.”
* Proverbs 2:3-5 – “If you cry for discernment, lift your voice for understanding, if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures, then you will discern the fear of the Lord and discover the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom…”
* Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
* Proverbs 8:17 – “I love those who love me, and those who seek Me find Me.”
* Isaiah 26:3 – “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You.”
* Isaiah 40:31 – “Those who wait on the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.”
* Isaiah 41:10 – “Do not fear for I am with you; do not be anxious for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
* Lamentations 3:22-23 – “The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

* Matthew 5:5 – “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”
* Matthew 5:8 – “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”
* Matthew 5:11-12 – “Blessed are you when people insult and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great.”
* Matthew 6:33 – “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
* Matthew 11:28-29 – “Come to Me, all you who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
* Matthew 24:31 – “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.”
* Matthew 28:19-20 – “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
* Mark 1:17 – “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
* Luke 12:32 – “Do not be afraid little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.”
* John 3:16 – “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 5:24 – “He who hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.”
* John 8:12 – “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
* John 11:25-26 – “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if He dies; and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die.”
* John 14:3 – “I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.”
* John 14:13-14 – “I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in My name, and I will do it.”
* John 15:5 – “He who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit.”
* Romans 8:28 – “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son.” 
* Romans 8:32 – “He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all – how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?”
* 1 Corinthians 1:8-9 – “He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful…”
* 1 Corinthians 10:13 – “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation, will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.”

* 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 – “We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.”
* 2 Corinthians 2:14 – “Thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ Jesus, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him.”
* 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 – “Though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison.”
* 2 Corinthians 9:8 – “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, you will have an abundancefor every good deed.”
* 2 Corinthians 12:9 – “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.”
* Galatians 5:16 – “Walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh.”
* Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.”
* Ephesians 2:10 – “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”
* Ephesians 3:20-21 – “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.”
* Ephesians 6:2 – “Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise), so that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth.”

* Philippians 2:9-11 – “God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
* Philippians 3:21 – “… the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.”
* Philippians 4:19 – “My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
* Colossians 3:23-24 – “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance.”
* 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 –“The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.”
* 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 – “May the God of peace sanctify you entirely; may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete without blame at the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who calls you and He will bring it to pass.”
* 2 Timothy 4:18 – “The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”
* Titus 2:10-11 – “If we died with Him, we will also live with Him. If we endure, we will also reign with Him.”
* James 4:10 – “God is opposed to the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
* Hebrews 10:37 – “For yet in a very little while, He who is coming will come, and will not delay.”

* Hebrews 13:5 – “I will never leave you, nor will I ever forsake you.”
* 1 Peter 5:10 – “After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.”
* 2 Peter 1:4 – “For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.”
* 1 John 1:7 – “If we walk in the light, as God is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, cleanses us from all sin.”
* Jude 24-25 – “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.”
* Revelation 3:5 – “The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and His angels.”
* Revelation 5:10 – “You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth.”
* Revelation 21:3-4 – “God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death, there will no longer be any mourning, or crying or pain; the first things have passed away.”
* Revelation 21:7 – “He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be His God and he will be My son.”
* Revelation 22:7 – “Behold, I am coming soon.” 

All these promises, and many more besides, are wonderful and needed gifts from God. Don’t miss out on the blessing, the grace, hope, peace, strength and encouragement they bring to your soul, your life, and your future. I want to remind you of what Elizabeth said to Mary for, in principle, it applies to us: “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her” (Luke 1:45). And remember these words that describe some of the saints of old: “All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were exiles and strangers on earth” (Hebrews 11:13). Sometime in the future, as Joshua said to the Jews, you will be able to say to others, “You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.” Joshua 23:14

The closer we get to Christ’s coming, the more difficult it will be, and the more you will see that you need these promises, and cannot live without them. Through God’s promises, you will experience His amazing grace, and a special closeness with Him, until that time when, for the first time, you will see His face. “I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see Him with my own eyes – I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” Job 19:25-27

P.S. I love God’s promises, and I trust that you will learn to love them and see and experience their supreme and eternal worth. Here is a previous post that I believe will help you learn more about the value of these precious truths from God’s word – “Promises from a Loving Father to His Children.”

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