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Christ's Kingdom and the End Times

Category: Future (page 3 of 3)

Blog posts about the future.

Promises from a Loving Father to His Children

August 17, 2018

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #81 ~

Life is not easy, and you know that. You have personal problems, job stresses, health issues, physical pain, relational conflicts, temptations, financial difficulties, pressures from the world, children to raise, trials, extreme trials, family disputes, church problems, concerns for others, the storms of life, and an adversary who hates you. Then you read this blog post about the end times, about birth pains, the Antichrist, persecution, and great difficulties in the days ahead, and you wonder how you are going to make it.

The answer is always God. As a Christian, you have the grace, power and strength of God; you have the love, kindness and mercy of Jesus Christ; and you have fellowship, a close relationship with the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 13:14). You have a church family and good friends. You have a God-given future, His perfect plans for your life. You also have the promises of God, and this is what I want to talk about today. These promises are not just optional features, spiritual add-ons. They are essential – you need them so you can fully experience the glorious life God has for you.

God’s promises are in His Word, and they are personal, from God to you. These promises bring God into the picture, into your life, and speak of what He will do for you. “God 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” (2 Peter 1:4). Unbelievers lust after things that have no value, and are very harmful. But as a Christian, you are to trust God’s promises, for they are a primary means by which you can receive what is truly good. They are His guarantee of His grace for you, for today, for the near future, and for the far-distant future. Promises give you hope, a hope in your heart, a confidence of God’s gracious working in your life, in the church, in this age, and in the ages to come.

These promises help you to be holy, motivate you to do what is right, encourage you to endure, sustain you when you are tired, and enable you to get through the tough times of life. Hebrews 11 tells us that promises were one of the main ways the saints of old kept going for God. They believed what God said about His future plans for them. Consider Moses’ example: “By faith Moses… choosing rather to endure ill-treatment along with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, considering the reproaches of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward” (Hebrews 11:24-26). It was God’s promises that kept Moses going through that dangerous desert with those difficult Jews for those forty years. Psalm 136:16

What are some of God’s promises? Psalm 32:8 – “I will lead you in the way you should go. I will counsel you with My eye upon you.” Isaiah 41:10 – “Do not fear, for I am with you… I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Romans 8:28 – “We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God.” 2 Corinthians 4:17 – “Momentary light affliction is producing for you an eternal weight of glory.” John 14:3 – “I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may also be.” Psalm 23:6 – “Surely, goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” 2 Timothy 4:18 – “The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom.” Philippians 4:19 – “My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Psalm 27:5 – “In the day of trouble, He will keep me safe in His dwelling.” Matthew 11:28 – “Come to Me, all you who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 – “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and 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 will find Me.” 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.” Revelation 22:7 – “Behold, I am coming soon!” These are some of my favorite promises. Take these and find others, and get them in your head and in your heart. Believe them, and hang on to them, for they will help you to know God, and the love, joy, peace, and purpose that He has for you.

You can’t live without God, and you can’t live without His promises, these guarantees of God’s grace for your life. In all things and at all times, they will stir up your spirit, and strengthen your soul. They will enable you to keep going, to keep fighting until you die or are raptured, and are with the Lord in heaven. Unlike men, God will not fail you or forget you. He will be faithful to keep all His promises. 1 Corinthians 1:8 – “He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

P.S. An article that directly relates to this post is “You Have to Have Hope,” for without God’s promises you can’t have hope. As you probably know, I love lists of verses, and my all-time favorite one is found in the article, “Encouraging Verses that Express the Love, Grace and Peace of God.” This last article contains over 100 different truths and promises that, I guarantee you, will help you live the life God has for you.

Immigration: “As It Is, They Desire a Better Country.”

June 29, 2018

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #74 ~

Immigration has been a huge subject in our country for quite a while now. But don’t worry, this is not a political post. I’m not going to talk about coyotes, MS-13 gangs, drug smugglers, children, human trafficking, a wall, and tell you what I think the government should do. As you know, people get way too heated, hung up, and emotionally embroiled in policy debates. I’m not saying we don’t need some good answers  with regards to immigration. We do. But as Christians we need to have perspective, be calm, and stay focused on the work God wants us to do. “Do business until I come back.” Luke 19:13

Remember, you are a heavenly citizen, and are not to be worldly, but are to set your mind on things above, not on things earthly and temporary. The most important issue is not whether a person is legal or illegal in this country. It’s not what is physically happening on our border, but what is spiritually taking place in a person’s heart. The thing that matters most is that a person can be born again and enter into the kingdom of God, can cross the spiritual border and pass from death to life. John 3:1-8, John 3:16, John 5:24

So how is a person born again? How is a person forgiven of his or her sins? What is the port of entry? How does one enter a “better country”, the heavenly country? In John 10:7-9, Jesus tells us, “I say to you, I am the door of the sheep… if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved,” meaning saved from sin, death and hell. This is very good news! This is what we really need to be talking about! Our #1 problem is sin and the only answer is Jesus Christ. “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” John 14:6

Why Jesus Christ? Because either you forever pay for your own sins, or you believe Jesus did it for you when He died on the cross 2000 years ago. All you need to do is repent of your sins, and by faith, receive the provision of forgiveness offered to you by God through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is not at all by your “good works”, but by what Christ did for you. If you have not yet turned to Christ, and trusted in Him alone for mercy, then now’s the time. “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved.” Acts 16:31

But you still wonder and worry about our porous southern border. Okay, let me share some spiritual truths to help you know how God wants you to think about this:

1. Faith. You need to trust God. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.” Know that God is sovereign, that He is in charge of this whole situation, and is working things out for all the people involved, both immigrants and citizens, both now and in the future. I think of a related story, the Islamification of most of Europe, a much bigger immigration problem than what we have here. Don’t you think God knows what He’s doing over there? This too, relates to having faith in Him and in His end-time purposes, and in particular, that He is presently remaking and realigning those countries. (Daniel 2:36-45). But no matter what happens in the years ahead, whether in this country or around the world, you need to be still, to trust God, and know that He “works all things after the counsel of His will.” Ephesians 1:9-11

2. Hope. “He was looking for the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God… But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.” (Hebrews 11:10, 16). The main message of Hebrews 11 is hope, faith in God for the future, for the saints of old were desiring and looking forward to a better country. This heavenly country they were longing for, and that we ought to long for, is infinitely better than the United States ever was or ever will be. As Christians, “we are strangers and exiles on earth” (Hebrews 11:13). Our real hope, and what we can be certain of, is that we will be in our heavenly home some day (John 14:1-3). Let’s pray for all people, including those wanting to come to this country, that God saves their souls, and gives them true hope, a deep longing to be with Jesus in a heavenly home. Hebrews 12:22-24, 1 Peter 1:3-5

3. Love. Your primary purpose in life is to love God and people. It’s not to persuade people with regards to political issues. Whether it’s people in your family, at work, or on the border, you need to see their souls, not their age, their sex, their skin color, their nationality, or their political party. People are distressed, discouraged, and hurting inside, and God wants you to have compassion on them, knowing their greatest need is forgiveness, is being a child of God, is having a heavenly Father. When I hear of close to 300 children crossing the border per day, then it makes sense that we pray for their safety, welfare, and salvation. “Do not hinder the children from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14

Faith, hope and love. That’s it. 1. Faith – trust God for this whole immigration problem. Pray for His kingdom to come, for people to be saved, and to enter into the “better country.” 2. Hope – look forward to being with Jesus and with one another in your heavenly home. 3. Love – have a heart of compassion, forgiveness and kindness for everyone, both saved and lost, people here and people there. This is how you will make a real difference in peoples’ lives, be blessed forever, and give glory to God. Psalm 104:47-48

P.S. This post, in essence, is about the gospel, the most important message of all. Two other posts that also talk about this saving message of Christ are “The Resurrection and Rapture of the Believers,” and “The Most Important Thing for You.”

Your Journey to the End – A Straight Road to Glory

February 9, 2018

By Steven  J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #54 ~

Do you ever feel like you’re stuck, like there’s no forward progress, no success, like you’re just going along, but not really getting any place? Well, if you’re a Christian, that is just not true. God is always working and carrying out His purpose in you, moving you along to that time when you will be gone from this earth, and in heaven, with Jesus and all the saints. I am so thankful for God’s wonderful work in our lives, and that He’s using us for His purposes in the world. Remember what Jesus said, “My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I too am working.” John 5:17

The Lord God Almighty is purposely and sovereignly working, overseeing, directing, leading, guiding, intervening, and having His way in our lives, and in the world around us. We are on a journey, individually and collectively. But it’s not like we’re physically going someplace, for this is a journey of time, with every day bringing us one day closer to Christ’s return. It’s a journey where Christ is building the church, and taking her to the end of this age. It’s a journey where God is working in kings and countries, and bringing us to that time when we will see the return of the King. It’s a journey where God is working with us until our time on earth is up, and then He’ll take us home to heaven. It’s a journey where God-prophesied events are coming to pass, and soon there will be the rapture of the church. It’s also a journey where evil is getting worse and worse in this world, leading to that dreadful Day of the Lord. “I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, you may also be.” John 14:3

We are not sitting still, and this world is not sitting still. We are not going backwards, we are not zigzagging along, and we are not going in circles. From God’s perspective, we are all moving ahead in a straight line, and there’s no wasted effort, no wasted day, no deviation from His preordained plans. Since God is completely in charge, then all His plans for you, the church and the world, are being perfectly carried out. God knows His “end game”, and knows exactly what He’s doing, what people need to do, and how and when to make things happen. There are only so many days left between now and the day of Christ, but be assured that God will get all His work done, and will bring this church age to a glorious end. “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… Truly I have spoken; truly I will bring it to pass.’” Isaiah 46:9-10

But where are we in our journey to the end of this age? Since the Jews are back in Israel, we know we’re in the end times, that last set of years leading up to the return of Christ, the rapture of the church and the Day of the Lord. To be specific, we are now living in a time characterized by “the beginning of birth pains” (Matthew 24:8), when wars, earthquakes, famines, and plagues are increasing in both frequency and intensity. But there’s more than just “birth pains.” There will also be false teachers, the aligning of nations, the downfall of the US, the Jewish peace treaty, increasing globalism, the preaching of the gospel, world-wide apostasy, that wicked Antichrist, an unloving world, and growing lawlessness. And there’s one more thing, great tribulation, which we will be looking at in the upcoming weeks.

Here’s a big picture verse that shows you how God is working and where things are headed: “With a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will” (Ephesians 1:10-11). What is this saying to us?
– God has predestined future events, which will definitely come to pass.
– God has an incredible, unbelievable and wonderful inheritance for you and me.
– God is working all things in accordance with His will, His purposes. “All things” means every person, family, town, city, country, leader, government, church, pastor, school, job, business, angel and demon in this world. God has specific plans to bring about His purposes, and these plans will be perfectly and precisely carried out, and no act of man or of the devil, will slow down or stop this great work of God. “God does as He pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back His hand.” Daniel 4:34-35
– Jesus Christ will soon be the King, reigning over us and the entire world. “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise.” Revelation 5:12

P.S.  As you know, there have been lots of charts connected to the blog posts, and today I want you to know there are five new ones – “in kings”, “home to heaven”, “zigzagging”, “end times”, and “big picture”. I encourage you to check out the charts, for they complement the posts, and help you to more effectively understand what is written. I would also suggest that you read the articles: “Charting the Future with Prophecy Charts” and “Charting God’s Miraculous Working with the Jews”.

Super Events Are Coming Soon!

February 2, 2018

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #53 ~ 

Image result for football stadium and clouds

You know what’s happening this Sunday, right? The Super Bowl will be taking place, the biggest sports event of the year, the most watched show on TV, and with all those expensive ads. Where am I going with this prophecy post? Simply this, that the next, the best, the biggest, the greatest, most dramatic, earth-shaking, life-changing event in this world, is the return of the King, the appearing of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! It’s infinitely more important than the Super Bowl! “Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” Luke 21:27

For some people, life is sports – there’s the Super Bowl, March Madness, the Masters, the Stanley Cup, the NBA finals, the World Cup, the World Series, and so on. For other people, life is food, music, movies, clothes, work, school, politics, children, relationships, or something else. I’m not saying these can’t or shouldn’t be a part of your life. What I’m saying is that, whether you are a Christian or not, you need to know that true life is Christ. Real love, joy, peace, hope, purpose, meaning, and relationships, can only be realized through Jesus Christ. Everything, in and of itself, apart from Him, is empty. Not only that, but everything connected to the world and the flesh is coming to a sudden and shocking end. That’s because Jesus Christ, the Lord, Judge and King, is returning to earth, and He will be completely in charge and will change everything.

We’re talking about the Son of God returning to rescue the church, judge the earth, and rule the world. We’re talking about the rapture, the wrath and the reign. These supercharged, supernatural, super-exciting, super-relevant events will soon be taking place. Sad to say, the majority of people don’t know much, if anything, about these things. I am concerned that they live in their own little world, with no clue as to what will be occurring on this earth. But might you know what God clearly tells us in the Bible, in His word, and realize what is happening in the world around us, that we are living on a sin-sick planet, and that this age, as we know it, is coming to an end.

What’s now taking place in this world and leading up to Christ’s return is not understood by most people. They are working at their jobs, going to school, going out to eat, going to movies, going to parties, buying things, playing games, watching TV, etc.; and they are oblivious to the fact that the Bible is coming true right before their eyes. They need to know what, and who, is coming! The truth is that Jesus Christ is coming back to earth, and this is a major subject in the Bible, for God has told us in great detail about the end-times and the return of His Son to earth.

After the end of this age, there will be the greatest transfer of power ever seen on this planet – from that evil devil to Christ the King. The Lord of lords and the King of kings is coming back, not to visit, but to stay, and to take over the world. “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever” (Revelation 11:15). Jesus Christ will begin a brand new age, radically and wonderfully changing the way things are done. Finally, there will be true justice and world peace, and everyone will give glory to God. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men.” Luke 2:14

This is very good news, for this earth, as you know, is a mess. There are many sinful people living in this devil-controlled world, and therefore, all kinds of problems. And only Jesus Christ can solve these problems and make things right. Only He has the authority, the power and the wisdom to do this, and He will. You wait and see. But don’t just wait and see. If you have not yet gotten right with God, then you need to know why Christ came to this earth the first time. Do you realize He lived a perfect life and then suffered and died, being punished for peoples’ sins so they wouldn’t have to be punished forever in hell? Christ died on the cross and then rose from the dead to save the souls of sinners. “Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, to bring you to God” (1 Peter 3:18).

Don’t wait until it’s too late. You don’t want to be surprised and be left behind. Repent of your sins and believe Jesus died for you, so you can be forgiven of your sins and get right with God, so you can live for God on this earth, and then have a glorious future in heaven. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

If you do know Christ, then live for Christ. Love Him and not the world. Serve Him and not yourself. Look forward to His return and the rapture of the church. And tell others why Christ came the first time and that He’s coming a second time, and it won’t be long from now. “Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him.” Hebrews 9:27-28

P.S. Here is a helpful and instructive article I’ve just written about how God wants us to live in these days: What Does God Want Me to Do in the End Times?

P.P.S. If you have not yet had a chance to read my article on the rapture, I would encourage you to do so: 50 Truths God Wants You to Know About the Rapture.

What You Need to Know About Prophecy

January 12, 2018

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #52 ~

Prophecy is a critical and significant portion of Scripture, especially since we now live in the end times. Listed below are a number of general and instructive truths about prophecy that will give you more clarity and understanding as you study specific prophecy passages.

* The Bible is theological, historical, biographical, poetical and prophetical in nature. When we use the words prophetical or prophecy, we are speaking of that portion of the Bible that predicts what is taking place in the future. 1 Peter 1:10-12, Matthew 24:3-41

* Whatever God has prophesied will come true with 100% accuracy. In eternity past, “God was 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 46:10). Because God is truthful, supreme, holy, omniscient, powerful, wise and sovereign, He will most definitely fulfill all He has prophesied concerning His purposes and plans. Psalm 33:11

* All prophecy was given in a “dark place”, that is, during this present evil age, the time from the sin of Adam until the end of this age. A major portion of prophecy points to that time when “the day dawns”, when Christ returns and sets up His wonderful and glorious kingdom on earth. “You will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place until the day dawns, and the morning star arises in your hearts.” 2 Peter 1:19

* God’s purpose in prophecy is not to tell you everything that’s going to take place in the future, but only those things He wants you to know. This should motivate you to study God’s prophetic word so you can find out exactly what He wants you to know. “But take heed; behold, I have told you everything in advance.” Mark 13:23

* There is fulfilled prophecy and unfulfilled prophecy. At this time in history, many prophecies that were predicted in the past have already been fulfilled. Other prophecies are still unfulfilled, that is, were predicted in the past but will be fulfilled in the future. Some examples of unfulfilled prophecy are Isaiah 60, Zechariah 14:9 and Matthew 24:15-31.

* It is important when you read the Bible to specifically know what is prophecy and, in particular, what is still unfulfilled prophecy. Ask yourself if what you are reading has taken place yet? If not, then you know it is unfulfilled prophecy and will be fulfilled in the future. Psalm 47

* Old Testament prophets who predicted the coming of the Messiah and events related to His coming, thought they would all be fulfilled in the same time frame; but now we know that many prophesies were to take place in two stages, at His first coming and at His second coming. Isaiah 9:6-7, Isaiah 61:1-2, Micah 5:2-5, Zechariah 13

* The fact that we can study the Bible and see that God has fulfilled many prophesies in the past, gives us a confidence that He will fulfill His remaining prophecies in the future. Seeing first-coming prophecies about Jesus already fulfilled gives us assurance that second-coming prophecies will also be fulfilled. Psalm 22, Isaiah 9:6-7, Micah 5:2-5, Luke 1:26-33, Revelation 12:5

* Prophecies about Christ’s second coming are now more relevant than at any time in history, and that’s because we live in the end times, in the last years of this church age. Like never before, we need to pay attention to unfulfilled prophecy, for we will be seeing it coming true, right up to the return of Christ and the rapture of the church. Luke 12:56, 21:5-36

* Most prophecies found in the New Testament will be fulfilled in the near future. There is a great deal of relevant, essential and vital information God wants you to know about the end times and Christ’s 2nd coming. Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 21; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 5:1-9; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10, 2 Thessalonians 2 and Revelation are all prominent passages predicting what will be taking place in the end times.

* The most important and most extensive prophecy themes in the Bible are the first and second comings of Christ, that is, “the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow.” Psalm 22, Isaiah 53-54, 1 Peter 1:10-12

* God did not have to give us Bible prophecy. He could have let everything that’s going to take place in the future be a big surprise to us. But He told us the future so we could have confidence in His character, and in His word, and so we could have hope. At this stage of the church age, God wants His children to know what to expect, to be looking forward to the future, to be prepared for what will be taking place, and to be serving Him right up until the coming of Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:50-58

* What a privilege to be alive at this time in history, in the closing years of the church age, when many prophecies will be fulfilled. God’s prophetic words about the end times are no longer sealed (Daniel 12:4, 9). Might we be like the prophets who “made careful searches and inquiries, seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you.” 1 Peter 1:10-11

* Prophecy about the future focuses on events taking place during three time periods. There will be events leading up to Christ’s return, events taking place at Christ’s return, and events taking place after Christ’s return. Prophecy about the end times focuses on the Jews, the Christians, the Antichrist and Jesus Christ. Matthew 24:15-21, Revelation 12-13

* There are several reasons why people don’t think much about prophecy, and why it doesn’t affect their lives. They do not read it. They do not believe it. They love the world and don’t love Christ, and therefore aren’t thinking about the fact that He’s coming back soon. They are more interested in what man says about the future than what God says about the future. They are more interested in fiction than in the truth. Or they may think that prophecy is not to be understood, or cannot be understood. May this kind of thinking not be true of you.

* “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near.” Revelation 1:3

P.S. An article that goes well with today’s post is: Why Study the Subject of Prophecy?

Prophecy is Predicting the Future

January 5, 2018

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #51 ~

All kinds of people try to predict the future, and they may guess right some of the time, but most of the time they are wrong. But God predicts the future and He is right all the time. Our primary subject on this blog site is Bible prophecy. But what is prophecy? In a general way it is defined as the speaking forth of God’s truth. It is also used to speak of the entire inspired word of God. More specifically, it is defined as God predicting the future, which is the way I’ve been using it in this blog site and will use it today.

As Christians we understand fulfilled prophecy as that which was predicted in God’s word and has already come true. For example, Micah prophesied that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, and about 700 years later He was (Micah 5:2). Jesus Himself predicted He’d be killed and raised up, and that came true a short time later (Luke 9:22). Then there’s unfulfilled prophecy, predictions which will be fulfilled in the future. My main objective is to explain to you and get you excited about unfulfilled prophecy. Today I want to share some verses to give you a better understanding of prophecy.

2 Peter 1:21 – “No prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.” Prophecy is from God – it is definitely not from man. It was God speaking to men through the Holy Spirit who then proclaimed it to the people. Many prophets began by saying, “The word of the Lord,” for they wanted their listeners to know it wasn’t what they were saying, but it was God Himself who was speaking to them and through them (Jeremiah 1:11, Ezekiel 28:1, Jonah 1:1, Micah 1:1).

2 Peter 1:19 – “Until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your heart.” Prophecy predicts events that will take place in the future. This word “until” is a timing word telling us that “the day dawns” in the future. This prophecy was given at a particular time, and at a later time it will come true. Specifically, it is predicting that Christ will return in glory to rapture the believers, and then set up His kingdom on earth.

2 Peter 1:19 – “We have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place.” Prophecy is given by God to man, and we need to listen to what He’s telling us, and be looking forward to its fulfillment. It’s 2018, about 2000 years after Christ’s 1st coming, and many prophecies have already been fulfilled, but since we’re living in the end times then we know it won’t be long before His 2nd coming. It is those who pay attention to God’s prophetic word who will literally see His word being fulfilled in the world around us. Might we be like the “men who understood the times.” 1 Chronicles 12:32

Luke 24:44 – “All things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” As we now know, some prophecies about Jesus came true at His 1st coming which means the rest will be fulfilled at His 2nd coming. And there’s not one single prophecy about Jesus which will remain unfulfilled. “All things… must be fulfilled.” It’s imperative and important to take heed and pay attention to God’s prophetic word, and especially what it says about the return of Christ.

Isaiah 46:9-11 – “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… Truly I have spoken; truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, surely I will do it.’” God purposed what He was going to do, God planned what He was going to do, and He predicted many of the things He was going to do. Our loving, holy, powerful, omniscient, wise and sovereign God knew exactly what He was going to do. Long before God made this world, He had determined His eternal purposes and made plans to fulfill them. And all that God planned to do, He has either already done, or will be doing in the future. I encourage you to seek the Lord and study His word, and find out what He wants you to know about the future. Revelation 22:7, 10, 12

Mark 13:23 – “But take heed; behold, I have told you everything in advance.” Prophecy contains critically needed information about the end times. In a great number of prophetic passages, Jesus tells us every future end time event and detail that He wants us to know, as well as specific instructions as to how we are to live. Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11, 2 Thessalonians 1-2 and Revelation.

Revelation 1:3 – “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it, for the time is near.” Do you see that you will be blessed as you read and believe the words of prophecy, and then live by what is written in it? What a great privilege and opportunity it is to be alive at this time in history. “Amen. Come Lord Jesus.” Revelation 22:20

P.S. Here is an informative and encouraging article that goes along with this post: A Summary of the Work of God, from the Time of Abraham to Christ’s Millennial Kingdom.

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

September 22, 2017

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #36 ~ 

Image result for earthquake mexico city 2017

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

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

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

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

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

Clear New Testament Confirmation of God’s Plans for the Jews

July 14, 2017

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #26 ~

Does God say anything in the New Testament about the future of the Jews? Of course He does, and that’s because He wants us to know for certain that His promises to the Jews are still true. Here are some key verses:

Luke 24:45 – “All things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Jesus needed to remind His disciples, and us, that all the things written in the Old Testament about Him would come true, which would include reigning as King over the world, and carrying out His promises to the Jews.

Romans 11:25-26 – “A partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in; and so all Israel will be saved.” These are the most crystal clear verses in the entire New Testament about the salvation of the Jews in the end times. It’s going to happen, and it’s after this church age is over, after the salvation of a great number of Gentiles.

Hebrews 11:10,13,16 – “He (Abraham) was looking for the city which has foundations… All these died in faith without receiving the promises.” These verses once again prove that God’s promise to the Jews about their land will be fulfilled, and this will take place after the end of this church age.

Luke 1:54-55 – “He (God) has given help to Israel His servant, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and His descendants forever.” All the Jews knew about God’s promise to Abraham, and now through Mary, God lets us know that He’s not going back on His word – He will most definitely keep His promise!

Acts 3:20-21 – “that He (God) may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you, whom heaven must receive until the period of restoration of all things about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets.” Here’s another verse validating the truth of God’s Old Testament promises to the Jews, that they would be blessed with land, and with a Kingdom that would be ruled by Christ Himself.

Revelation 11:15 – “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever.” God made this promise to David that one of His descendants would be King over Israel, and over the entire world, and it will finally be realized at the 7th trumpet, at the very end of Daniel’s 70th week.

Luke 1:31-33 – “You will conceive and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High… He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.” This is another confirmation of God’s promise about His Son being the eternal King over this earth. And it was Mary’s first-born son, Jesus, who would be the Son of God, in fulfillment of His promise to His people.

These verses were placed in the New Testament because God wants Christians living during this church age to know and be convinced of His future plans for the Jews. All these verses are clear confirmation that God has not nullified His plans for the Jews, but will faithfully carry them out. And there is nothing in the New Testament that negates God’s promises to the Jews. Those who say there’s no future for national, ethnic Israel are in error, for God never says that the church replaces Israel when it comes to the Old Testament promises. And in fact, here are some other New Testament verses that specifically relate to this subject of the Jews and their future: Matthew 23:37-39. Matthew 24:15-27. Mark 13:14-23. Luke 21:20-24. Luke 22:29-30. Luke 24:25. Acts 1:6-11. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-9. Revelation 7:1-8. Revelation 11:1-13. Revelation 12:5-17. As we look at the world around us, and as we closely examine the above passages, it’s obvious that God’s end time work with the Jews will soon be moving full speed ahead.

At this time, Christians should focus on the church. We are to also have our eyes open to what God is doing around us, and to know that the future of the church relates directly to the future of the Jews. God will not do His prophetic work with the Jews apart from His prophetic work with the church. Old Testament believers had promises for their land, their King, and their salvation, but they wouldn’t see them realized apart from the New Testament saints. Hebrews 11:39-40 says it well, “All these (Old Testament believers), having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us (New Testament believers), so that apart from us (New Testament believers) they (Old Testament believers) would not be made perfect.”

Let me conclude by giving you the big picture perspective: Christ’s 1st coming was transitioning God’s work from the Jews to the church, and Christ’s 2nd coming will be transitioning God’s work from the church to both Old Testament believers and New Testament saints. That takes us into the next age, the millennial kingdom age.

P.S.  I’ve just published a short article about the importance of the Word of God with a long list of some of my favorite verses:  The Instructive, Commanding, Comforting and Encouraging Word of God!!!

A Jewish Reading Lesson

June 16, 2017

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #22 ~

It was about seven years ago, that by God’s grace, I finally figured out how to read the Old Testament. I was so excited! For the first time in my life, I could see the whole big scheme of things, how everything in the Bible fits in with God’s future plans. My prayer and desire is to help you know how to read the Old Testament, so you can more clearly understand God’s plans for the Jews, the church, and the ages to come.

First, here are some basic, Biblical ground rules that you need to know:
1. The Old Testament is true, and it needs to be taken literally. For example, Israel means Israel; Jerusalem means Jerusalem; and forever means forever.
2. God’s promises to the Jews regarding their land, salvation and King have not been changed or nullified. They are still true, and God will most definitely carry them out.
3. Israel has not been replaced by the church with regard to God’s plans. Promises made to Israel are not figuratively being fulfilled by the church, but will literally be fulfilled by the Jews.
4. You can’t understand the future of the church if you don’t understand the future of the Jews, for God’s work with the Jews in the end times is in conjunction with His work for the church. Daniel’s 70th week is a key time frame for both Jews and Christians.
5. Old Testament prophecies can usually be placed in one of four time periods: (1) The prophecy relates to the writer’s time period, and shortly thereafter. (2) The prophecy relates to Christ’s 1st coming. (3) The prophecy relates to Christ’s 2nd coming. (4) The prophecy relates to Christ’s kingdom age. (A prophecy may have both a near and far fulfillment.)

Here are some examples of how Old Testament prophecies fit in one of these four time periods – (1), (2), (3) or (4). Psalm 22:1-21 speaks about Christ’s suffering on the cross, and this refers to Christ’s 1st coming (2). Then Psalm 22:28 says, “The kingdom is the Lord’s and He rules over the nations” and this refers to Christ’s coming kingdom age (4).

Psalm 37:29 says, “The righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever.” This Psalm tells us about the fulfillment of God’s promise to the Jews that they will inherit some land, and this too is speaking about the coming kingdom age (4).

Psalm 98:2-3 tells us, “The Lord has made known His salvation… He has remembered His lovingkindness and His faithfulness to the house of Israel.” This verse is talking about the house of Israel, and so this is not referring to the salvation of people during the church age, but to the salvation of the Jews at the 2nd coming of Christ (3).

Isaiah 9:6 is a classic, for the first part of the verse, “A child will be born to us, a son will be given us” is referring to Christ’s 1st coming (2), and the very next part of the verse, “and the government will rest on His shoulders” talks about the kingdom age (4).

Ezekiel 37:21-23 is one of my favorite prophetic passages, for right here in these three verses we read about the fulfillment of God’s promises to the Jews with regard to their land (verse 21), their King (verse 22), and their salvation (verse 23). These prophecies are clearly referring to Christ’s 2nd coming (3), and His kingdom age (4).

Micah 5:2-5 tells us two different things, that the coming Messiah will be born in Bethlehem which takes place at Christ’s 1st coming (2), and that “He will be great to the ends of the earth”, and this no doubt is speaking about the kingdom age (4).

Christians living in the end times of this church age have a distinct advantage. We can look at a particular prophecy, and then look back in history, and see if it has taken place or not, if it is a past or future event. We can see where everything fits, in time periods (1), (2), (3) or (4). It’s essential to learn how to rightly read the Old Testament, to properly interpret God’s prophetic word, and then you can understand His future plans for both the Jews and the church. I believe you’ll be thrilled as God gives you understanding, and then enables you to Biblically visualize the future God has for you, and for all His people on this earth.

There are 100’s and 100’s of verses in the Old Testament that predict God’s plans for the Jews. Here are some others I’d encourage you to check out in your spare time: Psalm 47, Psalm 67, Psalm 102:12-28, Psalm 105:5-8, Psalm 130, Isaiah 2:1-5, Isaiah 60, Isaiah 61:1-2, Jeremiah 32:6-44, Ezekiel 37:24-28, Daniel 12:1-13, Hosea 1:10-11 (the triple play), Joel 2:27-32 (Jews and church), Haggai 2:4-9, Zechariah 2:10-12, and Zechariah 14:9.

P.S. I encourage you to look at the charts (links) which we have in the above post, for they will help you to understand this lesson.

P.P.S. We have also just published a new article that I believe will help you understand our heavenly Father’s great love for us: The Father’s Love for His Children.

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