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Christ's Kingdom and the End Times

Category: God’s Kingdom (Page 2 of 5)

Blog posts about God’s Kingdom.

God’s Plans for the Jewish People Have NOT Been Cancelled

October 22, 2022 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #260 ~

The Old Testament talks extensively about the Jewish people – and it’s both historical and prophetical. But some say His promises and plans for them are null and void, that God cancelled them, and that because of the Jew’s rejection of Christ, God rejected them. But that’s not true! Here are three reasons why God’s plans for the Jews are still valid. First, God keeps His promises, He doesn’t go back on His word. “Truly I have spoken; truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, surely I will do it” (Is. 46:11). Second, the Jewish people have regathered to Israel just as God predicted, which means He still has plans for them. (Ezek. 36-37). Third, 20 different passages in the New Testament directly and indirectly refer to the Jews. The mere fact that there are all these passages in the New Testament about the Jews must mean something – and they need to be examined and understood. My purpose in this post and the next one is to look at all these verses.

* Matthew 5:17-19 – “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill… not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished…” The Law and the Prophets are primarily about Jesus and the Jewish people. Jesus wants us to know that all that is said about Himself will come true, and that He will accomplish all His promises to the Jews. And some of these have been fulfilled in the past and the rest will be fulfilled in the future.

* Luke 1:31-33 – “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.” The angel is referring to and reminding Mary of the Davidic Covenant (2 Sam. 7:12-13, 16), and telling her that God’s Son will be her Son, One who will rule forever over the Jewish people, His chosen ones, and as we know now, over all believers in Christ. Psalm 89:1-4, 19-29, 34-37

* 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.” God tells Mary, and us too, that He will fulfill His promises to Abraham and to Israel, some of which have already come to pass, and others which will be carried out in the future, ones that will affect all His descendants, both Jewish people and Gentiles. And you see that these promises are eternal, that they will last forever, which means they cannot and will not be revoked. Gen. 12:1-3, Gen. 13:14-17, Gen. 15:4, and Gen. 17:1-8

* 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 which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from ancient time.” The prophets made many predictions about the Jewish people, which have been and will be coming true. One in particular is the “restoration of all things”, which will be an incredible blessing to both Jews and Gentiles who are living on this earth during the millennial kingdom. Psalm 98, Isaiah 65:17-23, Matthew 19:28, Romans 8:21

* Luke 24:25-27 – “O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken… Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.” Luke 24:44 – “All things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Jesus used the Old Testament Scriptures to prove to His Jewish disciples that He was the Messiah, both Savior and King. But note that it says, “All things which are written about Me.” Christ wanted them to know that all the prophecies about Himself were valid, some of which they had already seen come true. The rest will be fulfilled in the future, many of which speak of Christ’s reign over the Jewish people, and over the entire world. Look at Psalms 22:27-31, 47, 48, 67, 72 and 102:18-28.

* 2 Thess. 2:3-4, 8-9 – “The man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God… that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming.” This prophecy predicted that the Jewish people would be in Jerusalem, which has now come true, and that they need to build a temple, which will happen soon. Not long after the Jews begin to offer sacrifices, this man of lawlessness, the Antichrist, will desolate their temple. Then that most devilish man will meet his Maker and be thrown into the lake of fire. Rev. 19:20

* Acts 28:17, 20, 23, 30-31 – “Paul called together… the leading men of the Jews… for the sake of the hope of Israel… He was explaining to them by solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets… he stayed two full years… preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ.” Paul was in Rome talking to the Jewish leaders about Jesus, the Kingdom of God, and the hope, the future of Israel. He explained that Jesus was Lord and Savior of all who believed in Him, both Jewish people and Gentiles, and that in the future, He would be King over the whole world. (Is. 2:1-4, 9:6-7; Ezek. 40-48; Zech. 14:9). Paul’s time in Rome occurred about 10 years after he had written his prophecy-laden letters to the Thessalonian church, where He spoke of the Antichrist, the desolation of the temple, Christ’s coming, the rapture and the day of the Lord. I’m sure he explained to them how this related to the salvation of a remnant of Jews, and Jesus Christ ruling from the city of Jerusalem and establishing His kingdom on this earth.

* Matthew 23:37-39 – “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets… Behold, your house is being left to you desolate. For I say to you, from now on you will not see Me until you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord.’” Jesus tells the Jewish people the bad news, that their city is being destroyed and left desolate, which happened in 70 AD. Then He tells them the good news, that in the future they will recognize Him as their Lord and Savior, which occurs at Christ’s 2nd coming, at the end of Daniel’s 70th week. Psalm 118:22-29, Daniel 9:24-27

* Matthew 24:15-26 – “When you see the abomination of desolation… standing in the holy place… then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains… pray that your flight will not be in the winter or on the Sabbath. For then there will be a great tribulation… just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes even to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be.” This too tells us that the Antichrist will desolate the temple, the holy place. That most evil man will then go after the Jewish people and bring great tribulation but, mercifully for them, Christ will cut it short. Then everyone on earth will see Christ coming in the clouds, at which time He will rapture the Christians, and a short while later, redeem a remnant of Jews. Matt. 24:27, 30-31

* Revelation 12:5-6, 13-17 – “She gave birth to a son, a male child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, and her child was caught up to God and to His throne. Then the woman fled into the wilderness …” Rev. 12:13-17 – “The dragon… persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male child. But the two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman, so that she could fly into the wilderness to her place, where she was nourished for a time and times and half a time (3½ years), away from the presence of the serpent… the dragon was enraged with the woman…”

The woman is referring to the Jewish people, who brought Jesus into the world (vs. 5). You realize that there’s close to a 2000-year gap between vs. 5 and vs. 6, and now we’re in the end-times, the last years of the church age. Not long from now, the Jews will be fleeing into the wilderness (vs. 6). As 2 Thess. 2 and Matt. 24 tell us, the Jews will be persecuted by the Antichrist. But she will miraculously escape, be physically saved by the power of God. Shortly after her escape, she will be spiritually saved by Christ and, in fulfillment of God’s promise to David, He will become their King and rule over them and all the nations. “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

Think about all these verses, all these prophecies and promises, and they all relate to the Jewish people. You can’t just skip over and ignore these verses, or take them allegorically – they are true, and are relevant to the present day, to the 21st century, and to both Jewish people and Christians. Next week, we’ll look at ten more passages. Surely, the Jews have not been forsaken and forgotten, for God has a future for them, a future that relates directly to His plans for the church. “None of them (Old Testament believers) had received what was promised. God had planned something better for us (Christians) so that only together with us (Christians) would they (Old Testament believers) be made perfect.” Hebrews 11:39-40

P.S. There is a lot of confusion and misunderstanding about the Jewish people and prophecy, and it’s vitally important for you, the Christian, to know what God has clearly told us in His Word. I strongly encourage you to read these previous posts about the Jewish people – “A Short Summary of God’s Working With the Jews”, “A Jewish Reading Lesson”, and “Clear New Testament Confirmation of God’s Plans for the Jews.”

The Truth About Rewards, The Heavenly Prize

July 26, 2021 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #222 ~

My plan was to write a post and list out a number of verses about rewards and the incredibly glorious future God has in store for us. But I discovered there are many more verses than I thought, close to 150 of them. And so, I wrote an article – “Your Lord, Your Hope, Your Reward.” I encourage you to take the time to read and think about these eternal truths for, without question, they will help to spiritually strengthen your life. I have no doubt that they will give you a heartfelt hope about your future which will increase your love for God in the present, resulting in a more blessed, fruitful, and successful Christian life.

Many of you are watching the Olympics. Might these earthly games be a motivation to you to win heavenly prizes, eternally satisfying and God-glorifying rewards. “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win! Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore, I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified” (1 Cor. 9:24-27). Take the time to go through “Your Lord, Your Hope, Your Reward.”

The Fierce and Deadly Day of the Lord

June 3, 2021 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #217 ~

1. God is a perfectly righteous judge. Because God is holy and hates sin, then He must judge sin. Throughout history, whether it’s in individuals, families, cities, countries, or the entire world, God has judged sin. Then there’s God’s eschatological wrath, also called the day of the Lord, His just judgment of the entire world, which will happen soon. What’s so amazing is that the holy God judged His own Son, Jesus Christ, who took our sins and paid for them by dying on a cross so all who repent of their sins and believe in Christ are forgiven and receive eternal life – and they will never be judged for their sins. Mark 1:14-15; John 3:16; 2 Cor. 5:21

2. The eschatological day of the Lord, the climactic judgment of this world, takes place at the end of this present evil age, which won’t be long from now. This awesome and righteous judgment will devastate the entire planet as well as human life, the greatest global demonstration of justice since the Noahic flood. Revelation 8-9, 16

3. God’s holiness is the reason for His wrath during the day of the Lord. God is perfectly just in unleashing His wrath upon an unjust world, which will be a vivid display of His righteousness and will bring Him great glory. Rom. 3:4-6, Rev. 4:8 – “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty.”

4. The day of the Lord results in the exaltation of Christ, the vindication of the saints, the punishment of unbelievers, the defeat of the Antichrist, the end of Satan’s rule on earth, and the beginning of Christ’s rule. Rev. 1:4-7, Rev. 8-9, Rev. 19:20-21, Rev. 20:1-6

5. A scroll written by God contains instructions for the day of the Lord. This scroll has seven seals, and Jesus Christ is the only One who can break these seals. Once He does, then the scroll is opened, and there is the blowing of the seven trumpets, the outpouring of God’s wrath, resulting in Christ reclaiming the earth and receiving power and great glory. Rev. 5:12-13

6. The events associated with the first six seals are not part of this “day of the Lord” wrath, but are judgments happening here and there, and they are also wake-up calls, signs that Christ is coming soon. The first four seals are the “birth pains.” The fifth seal is great tribulation which affects both Christians and Jews. The sixth seal speaks of signs in heaven and a massive earthquake, and is proclaiming to the world that the day of the Lord is at hand. Matthew 24:4-9, 29; Rev. 6:1-17

7. Christ’s coming will be like a “thief in the night” to non-Christians. Unbelievers will not know and / or not believe what will soon be hitting the world. Suddenly they will see these heavenly signs and feel this huge earthquake, and be shocked, scared to death, and try to escape, for they know God’s wrath will soon be poured out upon them. 1 Thess. 5:1-9

8. The coming of Christ and His wrath will not be like a “thief in the night” to Christians. Most Christians “are not in darkness” and are not surprised by these cosmic signs announcing the outpouring of God’s wrath upon a wicked world. They know that the signs are not just signaling the wrath of God, but also the imminent rapture of the church. Matt. 24:29-31

9. A vast number of Jews will be protected during the day of the Lord and not experience God’s wrath. Between the breaking of the 6th and 7th seals there will be the sealing of 144,000 Jews. There will also be a remnant of Jews who escape from the devil (the Antichrist) when he comes chasing after them. Matt 24:15-20; Rev. 7:1-8, 12:13-16

10. At Christ’s coming the church is raptured, which happens before the day of the Lord. Thus, all Christians will escape these fierce judgments, for “Jesus… rescues us from the coming wrath” (1 Thess. 1:10, 5:9). The rapture occurs between the breaking of the 6th and 7th seals, and at a time completely unknown to us. Matt. 24:36, Rev. 7:9-14  

11. The day of the Lord begins right after the rapture and on the same day. Luke 17:26-35

12. The day of the Lord is comprised of the trumpet and bowl judgments. The trumpet judgments (Rev. 8-9) begin after the rapture, after the breaking of the seventh seal, and during the 2nd half of Daniel’s 70th week. The bowl judgments (Rev. 15-16) begin after the blowing of the 7th trumpet, and after the end of this 70th week.

13. The breaking of the 7th seal results in the scroll being completely opened. Once this seal is opened, there will be exactly 30 minutes of silence before God’s wrath begins on earth. This will be a most sobering and suspenseful time for unbelievers, for they will be in utter agony, dreading the destructive and deadly day of the Lord. Zeph. 1:7, Zech. 2:13, Rev. 8:1

14. Just before the trumpet judgments, the pleasing smell of incense mixed with our prayers arises up to God. Then this censer, filled with incense, prayers, and fire, is thrown down to earth, a signal to the world that God’s wrath is starting. Rev. 8:1-5

15. Seven angels, standing before God, prepare themselves to sound their trumpets. These angels are carrying out His righteous work. They know that the trumpet blasts are a battle cry for God’s justice, for His wrath to be poured out upon a very wicked world. Psalm 103:20-21

16. The blowing of the seven trumpets happens consecutively, one after another, the first, then the second, and all the way to the seventh. After the blowing of the seventh trumpet, there is the outpouring of the seven bowls, and these too do not happen simultaneously, but are consecutive, each one occurring after the previous one. Rev. 16

17. The fact that the judgments are sequential, and take place over a period of time, tells us that the entire day of the Lord is not quick and sudden. The effect on the unrepentant unbelievers will be tormenting and torturing, mentally, emotionally, and physically, resulting in great fear, great pain, and death – and rightfully so. Rev. 16:9-10

18. We do not know how long the trumpet judgments will last. They begin after the rapture, at an unknown time during the last half of Daniel’s 70th week. The fifth judgment goes on for five months, and they conclude with the seventh, at the end of the 70th week. They will last at least five months, but less than 42 months, and I’d say, much less, for the great tribulation, I believe, will go on for quite a while. Dan. 12:11; Matt. 24:36

19. The first three trumpet judgments are cataclysmic, destroying plants, animals, rivers, and seas. The fourth judgment impacts the sun, stars, and moon, darkening the earth. The fifth one results in unbelievers being tormented by scorpion-like-locust stings for five months. The sixth one is the worst, for 200 million horsemen go out and kill one third of mankind. 

20. Three things result from the blowing of the seventh trumpet: 1. Daniel’s 70th week comes to an end (Dan. 9:27). 2. The mystery of God is finished, and many Jews are saved. (Rev. 10:7). 3. “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and His Christ” (Rev. 11:15). This important point in history enables Jesus Christ to establish His reign on earth.

21. The Antichrist is present on earth during the day of the Lord. He is given authority to rule for 42 months, lasting from the midpoint to the end of Daniel’s 70th week. At the sound of the seventh trumpet his role as world ruler is over. The bowl judgments are a transitional phase from the Antichrist’s rule to Christ’s rule. Rev. 13:4-5, 16:12-16, 17:14, 19:20-21

22. The bowl judgments are the final phase of God’s wrath on this earth. These bowls, being wide and shallow, are quickly poured out, meaning this aspect of God’s justice happens fast, for only 30 days, yet it’s terribly destructive, wiping out the Antichrist’s kingdom. Rev. 16

23. The bowl judgments are extremely painful and deadly. The first bowl judgment results in unbelievers receiving “loathsome and malignant” sores. The second one causes the seas to become blood, resulting in the death of all sea creatures. The third turns the rivers into blood. The fourth causes the unbelievers to be “scorched with fierce heat.” The fifth results in the Antichrist’s kingdom being darkened. And the result is that the unbelievers “gnawed their tongues because of pain, and they blasphemed the God of heaven…” Rev. 16:11

24. No one repents of their sins. It is incredibly sad that after all these hard-hitting judgments there are still all these hard-hearted sinners who won’t repent of their sins. Not only did they not repent but they were angry and blamed God – “they blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and sores, and they did not repent of their deeds.” Rev. 16:1-11

25. The battle of Armageddon. The pouring of the sixth bowl prepares the world for the battle of Armageddon. But there’s no battle. God’s enemies don’t have a chance, not against the “King of kings, and Lord of lords.” The Antichrist and false prophet are quickly seized and thrown into the lake of fire, and “the rest were killed with the sword” of the Lord. Rev. 19:11-21

26. “A loud voice came out of the temple from the throne, saying, ‘It is done!’” The most destructive bowl judgment is saved for last. There is a mighty earthquake, and all the cities collapse. Hundred-pound hailstones rain down from the sky, killing millions of sinners. Indeed, God’s righteous wrath will be poured out upon a most wicked world. Rev. 16:17

27. “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great!” (Rev. 18:2). There’s Rev. 17-18, which give more detail about the devil’s world system and the Antichrist’s kingdom. We read about Babylon the Great, which refers to the religious and economic systems of the world. And we learn about the Antichrist’s evil and ungodly empire. These are all destroyed by God’s catastrophic judgments.

28. Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! God’s wrath is completed. The Antichrist’s authority comes to an end at the blast of the 7th trumpet, but it is by the pouring of the 7th bowl that the Antichrist is fully defeated, the world system is destroyed, and Christ’s authority is finally established on earth. The saints and angels in heaven will wholeheartedly praise God for His awesome victory over the enemy. “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty reigns.” Rev. 19:1-6

29. The greatest world war is between God and Satan, and God is the winner. Since the sin of Adam, there has been a great battle, raging between the seed of the woman and the seed of Satan, between the forces of God and the forces of the devil (Gen. 3:15, Eph. 6:10-13). We are now close to that time when God’s plans for believers and planet earth will be completely carried out, and we will see the “summing up of all things in Christ.” Eph. 1:9-11

Let me summarize what we can expect in the years ahead: we will see this spiritual battle intensify, from the birth pains to the Antichrist to the great tribulation to the rapture (Matt. 24:4-31) to the outpouring of God’s wrath (Rev. 8-9) to the salvation of a remnant of Jews (Rom. 11:25-26) to the defeat of the Antichrist (Rev. 16, Rev. 19:20) to Christ reigning over the earth – “The Lord will be King over all the earth” (Zech. 14:9). You are wonderfully blessed to be part of God’s eternal plans, and to be on earth at this momentous time in history. Rev. 1:6-7

30. “The Lord is coming to judge the earth” (Psalm 98:9). Be excited and thankful, for we are close to the end of this age and Christ’s return to rapture the church. Don’t be fleshly or worldly, and don’t be ignorant of what will be happening on earth (Rom. 13:11-14). This is our time to live for God and do the work He wants us to do. Tell sinners to turn from their sin to Christ. Warn them that if they don’t, then they may be here for that dreadful day of the Lord, and from there, descend to a fiery hell (2 Thess. 1:9). “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your work is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Cor. 15:58

Note: This post is a shorter version of an article I just posted. When you get time, I strongly encourage you to read this article, entitled: “God’s Wrath on Earth at the End of This Age.”

P.S. As a pastor, I teach from the Bible every Sunday. I have been going through 1 Peter, one of the most important epistles on suffering – which makes it extremely relevant for Christians living at this time. I encourage you to go to Sermon Audio, and there you will find and be able to listen to these messages and download my notes. The last three messages are on the importance of humility, and how to get victory over anxiety.

P.P. S. I would encourage you to look the charts that are linked in points 2, 3, 6, 7 & 30. They will be very helpful to you in seeing the big picture in regards to the wrath of God.

Processing the Present Tough Times

January 15, 2021 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #204 ~

These are extremely tough times, very difficult days for those living in the United States. There’s the Covid virus, children still not in school, the election controversy, the Capitol riot, the impeachment, freedoms being taken away, and the greatest political division since the Civil War. These things can lead to worry, anger, and being overwhelmed, unless you look to the Lord and are trusting Him. But how does God want you to process what’s presently happening in our country? What does He want you to do?

* Fix your eyes on Jesus. Look to Jesus and cast your cares on Him instead of trying to figure everything out. Love Him and stay close to Him. And ask God to give you the peace He wants you to have. “Be still and know that I am God, I will be exalted among the nations.” Ps. 46:10, Phil. 4:4-6, 1 Pet. 5:7

* Know that God is sovereign. When troubles abound, know that God is still in control, that He reigns, that His will is being carried out, that all things are going according to His plan. “He does according to His will in the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of earth; and no one can ward off His hand or say to Him, ‘What have you done?’” Dan. 4:35, Is. 46:9-11

* See the big picture. “God changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men and knowledge to men of understanding” (Dan. 2:21). What’s been going on in our country these past 50-60 years has been ordained by God. A humanistic educational system, a rapid decline in morality, a growing socialistic government, increasing globalism, technological advancements, and super-quick communication – God is sovereign over it all. All the leaders we have had, and now the new President – God is sovereign over this as well. And God wants to give you wisdom, which means He wants you to know where all this is headed, that His Son, Jesus Christ, is coming back and will establish His kingdom on this earth. “The God of heaven will set up a kingdom which will never be destroyed” (Dan. 2:44). “His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey Him.” Dan. 7:27, Rev. 11:15

* Know where it all leads. Everything that’s been taking place, whether it has to do with the past 50-60 years, 2020, or what’s been happening in the past few weeks, relates to God’s plans for the future. It may be puzzling to you, but not to God, for all things, all people, all events, all problems, all countries, all the puzzle pieces, are fitting together in just the way He has planned, and are all leading to that time when Christ returns, raptures the church, judges the world, and sets up His kingdom on this earth. “… with a view to an administration suitable to the fulness of times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will.” Eph. 1:9-11

* Don’t worry about evil people. Don’t fret, for God will deal with those who are wicked, and if they don’t repent, will judge them. “Evildoers will be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord, they will inherit the land” (Ps. 37:9-15, 11:5-7). While rulers may think they have all this power and can do whatever they want, God knows they are but fools. He is laughing at them, scoffing at them, and warning them to repent or else. God wants them, and us, to know that He has already installed His Son as the true and future King over this entire world. Psalm 2

* Understand Biblical prophecy. God has already told you everything you need to know about the future. “Take heed; behold, I have told you everything ahead of time” (Mark 13:23). All that God wants you to know about what will be happening before Christ’s coming is found in His word, in Matt. 24, Luke 21, 1-2 Thess., Daniel, and Revelation. In these years leading up to Christ’s return, there will be birth pains, false teachers, increasing lawlessness, the signing of a treaty, the building of a Jewish temple, that devilish Antichrist, great tribulation, and finally, signs in the heavens signaling the end of this age. And all that is now taking place and will take place in our world must be seen in the context of these end-times’ Bible prophecies. Don’t worry, be at peace, for God is working all things together for your good, and for His purposes and glory. Rom. 8:28-29

* Don’t get caught up in conspiracy thinking. Isaiah 8:12-13 warns us, “You are not to say, ‘It is a conspiracy!’ in regard to all that this people call a conspiracy, and you are not to fear or be in dread of it. It is the Lord of hosts whom you should regard as holy, and He shall be your fear.” Many people are speculating, saying things that may or may not be true, but you don’t know for sure. Be very careful to what you listen to, things political or spiritual, things that may sound interesting, but oftentimes are far-fetched, and seem un-believable. In these days, do not waste your time on fantastical theories, do not be led astray by worldly ideas. May God’s prophetic word give you the right perspective, a proper framework by which you can know what is right and wrong, can discern what is true and false. Trust the Lord, and not men. Focus on God’s word, and not human words. 2 Tim. 2:14-18, 1 John 4:6

* Christ is building the church. “I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it” (Matt. 16:18). When you think about this country and the world we live in, you may get discouraged and wonder if God is winning, if His work is really being carried out. This verse is to remind and encourage you that God, through Jesus Christ, is doing exactly what He wants to do. His plans for the church are precisely and perfectly being carried out, and will never be thwarted by the devil or anyone else. Prov. 21:30, Is. 46:9-11,

* Do the work God gives you to do. “Do business with this until I come back” (Luke 19:13). It’s easy to be distracted and think too much about what’s going on in the world. But be thinking about what God wants you to do, and keep building your part of the wall. This means loving Christ, living for Christ, being in a good church, using your spiritual gift, and being united with others in making disciples. Neh. 4; Matt. 28:19-20; Eph. 2:10  

* God’s word is not chained. “I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God is not chained” (2 Tim. 2:9). There is no doubt that the devil is at work, and wants to prevent you and all Christians from preaching the word. When you see and hear of his evil activity, don’t fret or fear, but remember that God is the Lord God Almighty and the Chief Communicator, and that His word, His gospel message, will be preached and will bear fruit. But be wise, keep praying, and persevere in getting God’s word out to the lost, to the unsaved. Mark 13:9-11, Phil. 1:12-18

What a time to be alive! The church age will soon come to an end, but lots needs to happen and much work still needs to be done. Stay close to God and to Christians, keep the big picture in mind, be led by the Spirit, and keep doing the work God has assigned you to do. And it may be that Christ’s return and the rapture of the church is much closer than you think. “Do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over, the day is almost here. Therefore, let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” Romans 13:11-12

P.S. I hope and pray that you are excited to be living in the end-times, and that you are learning what God wants you to know, and are doing what He wants you to do. “What the Bible Says About the Future” is a great summary of God’s plans for these years leading up to Christ’s return, and what comes after that.

The True Meaning of Christmas

December 21, 2020 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #201 ~

Most people, even many Christians, don’t understand the real meaning of Christmas. We know it’s not about presents, family, food, football, decorations, and singing “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” but it’s not just about baby Jesus either. Yes, He is the reason for the season, but do you understand the whole story? Do you see the big picture? Do you realize that the Bible stories of Jesus’ birth are not just about Him being a baby, but about His entire, eternal purpose? What does God’s word say about Christmas and it’s true meaning?

In the Old Testament we find many prophecies about Christ’s 1st coming and 2nd coming. Isaiah 7:14 says, “Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.” Isaiah 9:6-7 tells us, “A child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God… There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace on the throne of David and over His kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore.” These are remarkable, hope-producing predictions about this baby, this child, a son, and that He would miraculously be God in the flesh, would literally be with us on this earth, and then be a King who will rule over this world forever and ever. 

Micah 5:2-5 says, “But as for you Bethlehem Ephrathah, too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you one will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity… He will arise and shepherd His flock… He will be great to the ends of the earth. This one will be our peace.” This too speaks of the Messiah, this eternal one who would be born in that little town of Bethlehem, and then become a ruler, bringing peace to Israel and to the whole world during what we know to be the millennial kingdom.

The New Testament tells us that these Old Testament prophecies were and will be fulfilled, for they describe Jesus’ birth, but much more than that. In Matt. 1:20-23, we learn that Joseph found out from an angel that Mary’s child was “‘Immanuel’, which translated means, ‘God with us,’” this fulfilling Isaiah 7:14. Joseph was told that the baby’s name was to be Jesus which means Savior, for He would “save His people from their sins.” Matt. 2:1-12 goes on to tell us about the Magi worshiping this baby Jesus, for He was the King of the Jews, thus fulfilling the Micah 5:2-5 prophecy. To sum it up, the Christmas story as stated by Matthew makes it explicitly clear that Jesus wasn’t just a baby but God in the flesh, a Savior and a King.  

Luke 1-2 says the same thing. First, there’s an angel telling Mary, “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end” (Luke 1:26-33). Mary, a holy and humble young woman, was surprised but excited to hear that her baby would not just be her son, the son of man, but also the Son of God, and that He would be a King, fulfilling the promise given to David. (2 Sam. 7:12-16). Then there’s the angel bringing “good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11

Zacharias, the priest, upon learning from the Holy Spirit that baby Jesus was to be the Savior, proclaimed that He would bring forgiveness of sins to His people, to both Jews and Gentiles (Luke 1:68, 77). He also knew Jesus would be the greatest King ever and would fulfill God’s promise to Abraham about his descendants being rescued from their enemies, receiving land, and living in peace. (Luke 1:71-75, 79). Finally, there’s Simeon, who actually held baby Jesus when He was in the temple with Joseph and Mary – and the ever-hopeful Anna was there too, one who had long been praying for that day. They knew this little baby was the Messiah, the Christ, and also the King who would bring lasting peace to Israel. Luke 2:25-32, 36-38

Indeed, the message of Christmas is infinitely and eternally bigger than just a story about the baby Jesus. I hope you clearly understand the meaning of the Christmas story, as told by Matthew, Luke, and the prophets, that Jesus is the Lord, God in the flesh, and that He came to this earth to be both a Savior and a King.

A little over 2000 years ago Jesus was born on this earth, and He grew up to become the most important Man, a perfect Man who died on a cross to pay the penalty for all your sins. You see, all people have sin-blackened souls and are guilty before God. And not you nor anyone else can save your soul – only Jesus Christ, the Son of God and son of man, can save you, can take away your sins. If you repent, if you tell God that you are truly sorry that you have sinned against Him, and believe that Christ, and Christ alone, satisfied God’s wrath by dying for you, then you will be born again and become a child of God. Your soul will be cleansed from all your sins, and you will receive eternal life, a needed, satisfying, and most wonderful relationship with the living God, one that will last forever and ever. “Repent and return, so your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you.” Acts 3:19-20

We are coming to the end of 2020, a year that for many has been most difficult and troubling – and so the true and timeless message of Christmas is particularly relevant at this time. While some may think this is the time to just relax, eat good food, sing songs, get presents, and be with family, let me strongly say that now is when you need to know the real meaning of Christ, that Jesus Christ is a Savior and wants to deliver you from your sins, that He is Lord and wants to use your life for God’s purposes, and that He is King, and will soon return to rule over this world during the kingdom age.

That a great many Jewish people have come back to their land means we are now in the end-times and this church age is about over. We are a lot closer to Christ’s 2nd coming than we are to His 1st coming. It won’t be long before we “see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory” (Luke 21:27), before we will be saying, “glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace among men” (Luke 2:14), and before “the whole earth is full of His glory.” Isaiah 6:3

Let me share a truth-centered, super-encouraging, 1st and 2nd coming Christmas carol, “Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus.”
1 – “Come, Thou long-expected Jesus, born to set Thy people free; from our fears and sins release us; let us find our rest in Thee. Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth Thou art; Dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.”
2 – “Born Thy people to deliver, born a child, and yet a King; Born to reign in us forever, now Thy gracious kingdom bring. By Thine own eternal Spirit rule in our hearts alone; By Thine all-sufficient merit raise us to Thy glorious throne.”  

May the true message of Christmas live in your heart and be lived out in your life, bringing blessing to your life and great glory to God!

P.S. What a wonderful time of the year to think about Jesus Christ, our Savior and King. Here are two previous posts that tell us how the Christmas story relates to Christ’s 2nd coming and the hope that God has for every believer – “First Coming to Church Age to Second Coming” and “The Christmas Story and Christ’s Second Coming.”

Questions and Answers About the Coming Kingdom Age

November 6, 2020 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #195 ~

1. What is the coming kingdom age? In the near future, after this present evil age comes to an end, there will be a good age. This age will last exactly 1000 years, during which time there will be one king ruling the entire world. Jer. 10:10a, Gal. 1:4, Rev. 20:3-7

2. Who will be the king during this kingdom age? Jesus Christ will be the King, the King of kings. “His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace” (Isaiah 9:6-7). Jesus will be holy, righteous, loving, merciful, good, and wise, a most excellent and perfect King. Psalm 67, Zech. 14:9, Rev. 19:16

3. What will Jesus Christ be doing during the kingdom age? He will be reigning over all the nations of the world. He will be perfectly leading, guiding, judging, and governing, resulting in awesome deeds of righteousness, abundant blessings, soul-satisfying goodness, and peace to those who live on this earth. Psalms 47:7-8, 65, 72; Dan. 7:14

4. When does the kingdom age start? The millennial kingdom age will begin at the sounding of the seventh trumpet, which happens soon after the end of Daniel’s 70th week. Rev. 10:7, Rev. 11:15

5. What is the general nature of this age? The earth will be full of the glory of the Lord. “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory” (Is. 6:3). Compared to our present evil age, it will be a good, holy, and peaceful age. It will be a time when Jesus Christ is feared and worshiped by all who live on the earth. Ps. 72:18-19, Hab. 2:14, Gal. 1:4, Phil. 2:9-11

6. What are some of Christ’s objectives during this age? During Christ’s reign, He will abolish all rule, authority, and power, and He will defeat death, the last of His enemies. His ultimate goal is to be worshiped so that His Father is glorified. John 17:4-5, 1 Cor. 15:25, Phil. 2:9-11

7. What will the devil do during this time? Nothing. The devil will be chained up for the entirety of this 1000-year period. At the end of this time, the devil will be released, and then deceive the nations, gathering them together to fight against Christ. But Christ will quickly and easily defeat the devil, and then cast him into the lake of fire, where he will be severely and eternally tormented and punished. 1 Cor. 15:25-28, Rev. 14:9-11, Rev. 20:7-9

8. What will Old Testament and church age believers be doing during this age? First, know that they will have been glorified, will possess immortal, powerful, and spiritual bodies. Therefore, they will be able to perfectly worship Jesus Christ, reign with Him, and serve Him, using their talents to carry out His work on earth. They will also spend time with Christ and other believers, having intimate fellowship with them. Psalm 145:1-2, Luke 19:16-17, 1 Cor. 15:40-42, 1 Thess. 4:13-15

9. What will the newly saved Jewish people be doing during this kingdom age? A remnant of Jewish people, those saved at the end of Daniel’s 70th week, will be worshiping Christ, learning from Him, and having fellowshipping with Him. Many of the Jews will be serving Him by carrying out various duties that specifically relate to Jerusalem, Israel, and the new temple. Psalms 65:1-4, 96; Isaiah 2:1-5, 12; Ezekiel 40-48; Romans 8:25-26

10. How will the Jewish people be blessed? They will be blessed in physical, spiritual, societal, and relational ways, and therefore, be a wonderful witness to unbelievers, with the result that God and Christ will be greatly feared and glorified all over the world. Gen. 12:1-3, Psalm 67, Psalm 98:1-3, Psalm 117, Isaiah 4:2-6, Isaiah 12

11. What do we understand about the unbelievers during this time? Though the devil is chained and there is no world system, the unsaved will still be sinning, proving that a person’s core problem is the evil in his own heart. Yet, many unbelievers will travel to Jerusalem to learn from Jesus Christ, bring Him gifts, and worship Him. Psalms 68:29, 98:1-3; Isaiah 2:1-3; Isaiah 12

12. Will people be getting saved during the millennial kingdom? Yes, an enormous number of people will be affected by the lives of the Jews during this age and be saved by Jesus Christ. Psalm 67:1-2 says, “God be gracious to us, and cause His face to shine upon us, that Your way may be known on the earth, Your salvation among all nations.” Psalm 96:2 instructs us, “Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day.” Psalm 98:2-3 tells us, “All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.”

13. Will there be a Jewish temple during the millennial kingdom? Yes, there will be a Jewish temple, and it will be in Jerusalem. As Christians, we have the Lord’s supper to remind us what Christ did for us, and during the kingdom age the Jews will offer memorial sacrifices, not to take away sin, for Christ’s death already did that. These sacrifices will remind them that Christ the King is also Christ the Savior, “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” John 1:29, Ezek. 40-48

14. What will the physical earth be like? The earth will be in a restored and renovated condition, and that’s because the curse of sin will be removed. Magnificent and most beautiful this creation will be, for the stars, birds, fish, animals, plants, etc., will be set free from their slavery to corruption. And yes, even the animals will be at peace with one another. Psalm 98:7-8, Isaiah 65:25, Acts 3:21, Romans 8:23-25

15. What happens to unbelievers at the end of this kingdom age? The devil will be thrown into the lake of fire. Then Jesus Christ, sitting on His great white throne, will judge all unbelievers, and then cast them into the lake of fire, “the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels”, a place where there will be “eternal punishment,” and “weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matt. 24:51, 25:41, 46; Rev. 20:7-15

16. What will happen at the conclusion of this kingdom age? Jesus Christ will hand “over the kingdom to the God and Father… then the Son Himself also will be subjected to the One who subjected all things to Himself, so that God may be God in all” (1 Cor. 15:24, 28). That Jesus humbles Himself before His Father shows His love for His Father, and their perfect unity. Then “the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up” (2 Pet. 3:10). “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first earth passed away.” Rev. 21:1-7

17. Will Jesus Christ reign forever and ever? Yes, Jesus Christ will reign forever and ever! “I will establish the throne of His kingdom forever and ever” (2 Sam. 7:12-13). “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever” (Psalm 45:6). “Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom” (Psalm 145:13). Jesus Christ will be perfectly and powerfully reigning over the world during the millennial kingdom, and then He and His Father will be reigning together forever and ever.

18. What should be one of our prayers at this time? “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven.” (Matt. 6:9-10). We should have hope, be looking forward to the next age when we will be with Christ and reign with Him over this world, but we should also be praying and asking Our Father to send His Son to rapture the church, pour out His wrath, and then set up His kingdom. “Come, Lord Jesus.”

19. Why does God want there to be a 1000-year kingdom age? God wants this age to be a glorious display of His Son in action. We live in an evil age with imperfect people ruling this world, with the result that there are all these problems, all this corruption, and all this grief and sadness. But God wants us to see Jesus Christ executing perfect justice, caring for the poor, blessing the earth, and bringing peace. Not only that, but He wants us to be reigning with Christ, helping Him carry out His purposes. What a joy to be able to reign with Christ during the 1000-year kingdom age and see His glory and goodness on display all over the world. Rev. 5:10, 20:6

20. Why do I spend time thinking about the millennial kingdom? Because it motivates me to keep living for the Lord, and to finish the work He has given me to do. I must say that I am super excited about this kingdom age. I get tired of continually struggling with the world, the flesh, and the devil. I get so tired of imperfect leaders and corrupt governments. And I get very tired of seeing and hearing about all the crime, hate, murder, conflict, and war. I really want to see God’s promises and plans fulfilled for all His people (Psalm 33:10-12). I can’t wait to be glorified, to be with Jesus, and be able to perfectly worship and serve Him during this new kingdom age. And I am really looking forward to spending quality time with friends I knew on earth. “Sing praises to our King, sing praises. For God is the King of all the earth.” Psalm 47

P.S. There is a lot of important things said about the kingdom age in the Bible, and it would do you good to study them out. Here are two very helpful posts to read on this subject: “Christ the King is Coming,” and “The Present Church Age and the Future Kingdom Age.”

the next president and THE COMING KING

October 30, 2020 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #194 ~

Never in my life have I seen people so passionate about an election. All this money that’s being spent, all these ads, mailers, debates, signs, and tweets, and all this campaigning and commentary, and for what? Yes, the person who gets elected will affect this country in some small ways, but as Christians, we must keep things in perspective. An earthly leader cannot solve the problem of sin and death, cannot meet our need for love, joy, and peace, and cannot bring real peace to this earth. What the world really needs is a Savior and a King!

A long time ago, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to this earth. He lived an absolutely perfect life, continually taught the truth, did all these amazing miracles, and then died on a cross to pay for people’s sins. Whoever repents and believes Jesus Christ died to pay for his sins and then rose from the dead, is forgiven and becomes a child of God. Indeed, Christ is the one person people need to know, the gift people need to receive, the life people need to have, and the reason people need to live. “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Cor. 5:21). “To live is Christ and to die is gain.” Phil. 1:21

Shortly after Jesus rose from the dead, He talked with His disciples about the kingdom of God. It was obvious they wanted Him to stay and set up His kingdom on earth, but that was clearly not God’s plan at that time. Jesus reminded His disciples what He had told them before, that they were to be His witnesses to the world – and then He ascended into heaven. As they gazed into the sky an angel told them that Jesus would be coming back, and they knew that meant He would be returning as a King. In the meantime, the church is to do the work of being a witness to the world and spiritually building the kingdom of God. Matt. 6:33, 28:19-20

So here we are in 2020, and quite the year it has been with the impeachment, the pandemic, sickness, death, lockdowns, riots, fires, hurricanes, and now this election. But as Christians we’re not to be fearful and get sidetracked, we’re to be sober-minded, we’re to stay focused on Christ and on the work He wants us to do (1 Thess. 5:4-9). That we live in the end-times means Christ will soon be coming back to earth. Should we not be excited about this? Should we not be diligently working for Christ while we are patiently waiting for Him. Should we not know that life on earth will dramatically and wonderfully change when He returns?

Christ is longing to come back, and when He does, you will see Him in action – without delay, He will rapture the church, transform the bodies of believers, pour out His wrath on the world, redeem a remnant of Jews, defeat the Antichrist, bind up that evil devil, and begin His reign on a restored earth. You ought to be thinking about these things, that the King of kings will return to this world, take charge, and then rule like no leader has ever ruled before. What the world needs is a Savior, and now, more than ever, a King. “‘Behold, I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Come Lord Jesus.” Rev. 22:21

This theme of Jesus Christ being the King of the world is seen throughout God’s word:
* 2 Samuel 7:12-13 – “I will raise up your descendant after you… and I will establish the throne of His kingdom forever.” Jesus, our eternal King, is a descendant of king David.
* Psalm 2:6 – “Yet, I have set My king upon Zion, My holy mountain.” God the Father gave the world to His Son, and the authority and power to be King and rule over it.
* Psalm 45:6 – “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom.” Jesus Christ, the most righteous King, will reign forever and ever.
* Psalm 47:7-8 – “God is the King of all the earth… God reigns over the nations.” Jesus is God and He will be King of the entire world, over every single nation on the earth.
* Psalm 48:2– “Beautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth, is Mount Zion in the far north, the city of the great King.” Jesus, our King, will be reigning from the city of Jerusalem.
* Isaiah 9:6-7 – “A Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us… there will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over His kingdom.” Jesus will perfectly govern, His kingdom will keep growing, and there will be peace.
* Daniel 7:14 – “To Him was given dominion, glory and a kingdom, that all peoples and nations of every language might serve Him.” Everyone in the world will serve King Jesus.
* Micah 5:2-5 – “But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah… from you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity.” The coming King, the One who is eternal, is also a man, for He was born as a baby in Bethlehem.
* Luke 1:31-33 – “Do not be afraid Mary… behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son, and you shall name Him Jesus… and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.” Mary was the mother of the Son of God, the King of kings.  
* 1 Corinthians 15:24-25 – “Then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be abolished is death.” One of Christ’s purposes during His millennial reign is to defeat death, His chief enemy.
* 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.” Jesus Christ will officially become King of this world at the end of Daniel’s 70th week, at the sounding of the seventh trumpet.
* Revelation 19:16 – “On His robe and on His thigh, He has a name written, King of kings, and Lord of lords.” Christ the King, the One with authority over all kings, will defeat the Antichrist.
* Revelation 20:6 – “They will be priests of God and will reign with Him forever and ever.” Christians will reign with Christ the King, and not just for 1000 years, but forever and ever.

There’s great turmoil in our country, and with that, great difficulties; and in the near future, there will be great tribulation for both Jews and Christians. But don’t be sad, upset, or fearful. Get your eyes on God, and think how blessed you are, for you have been saved from sin and death, have eternal life, and now and forever have the honor of worshiping and serving Jesus, your Savior and King.

It won’t be long before you leave this earth and then you will see Jesus. Soon after that you will be back on earth, again worshiping and serving Him, and more than that, reigning with Him over this world. Just imagine how magnificent and gloriously wonderful this will be? This is no made up story, no dream – this is the truth, your future, that you will happily live forever with the King of kings. “To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood – and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father – to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him.” Rev. 1:5-6

P.S. Psalm 146 instructs us not to “trust in princes, in mortal men,” but to put our hope in the Lord God. Always remember that God is the answer, not men or women. And this is true today, and especially as we think about this election. Here is a related post that tells my own story on this subject – “Politicians, Judges, and Jesus, Our Coming King.”

A New Earth for the Kingdom Age

October 9, 2020 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #191 ~

What’s going to happen to this earth? Will there ever be a nuclear holocaust that affects the whole world? Will a massive meteor shower suddenly wipe out the world? Will there ever be climate change so severe that it results in the destruction of this earth? Will a huge geomagnetic storm wreck the entire planet? Will this physical earth stay like it is, or will it somehow and someday dramatically change, or be changed? I am sure many of you have thought about questions like these. In this blog post, I usually focus on the future of people, but what about the future of this planet? What does God have to say about this? This is what He tells us:

Romans 8:19 – “The anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God.” This word “creation” isn’t referring to mankind, but rather to this physical earth, to animals, plants, rivers, seas, fish, plains, mountains, heavenly bodies, etc. Figuratively speaking, the creation is longing and waiting for that time when believers are revealed and seen by the world, and then everything will change for the good.

Romans 8:20 – “The creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope…” Why is creation anxiously longing? Because it was subjected to futility, to vanity, to emptiness. That is, the creation does not presently exist as God intended it to be. A long time ago, when Adam and Eve lived in the garden of Eden (Gen. 1-2), everything was good, and in fact, everything was perfect. Then Adam and Eve sinned, and they spiritually died, and all creation was cursed (Gen. 3). The world was no longer perfect, and it was not creation’s fault, it was man’s fault. But God was sovereign over man’s sin, for his sin and its consequences are part of His eternal plan for mankind and creation.

Romans 8:21 – “… the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God.” Because of Adam and his sin, the physical earth has been corrupted. There is decay, disease, and death. There are forest fires and fire ants. There are tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes. There is pollution and there are poisons. Animals fight other animals, and birds sing in a minor key. And when I was recovering from back surgery this past June, my garden rapidly filled up with weeds. These are just a few examples of a world that has been cursed and corrupted because of man’s sin.

Romans 8:22 – “We know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pain of childbirth until now.” The creation is in an impossible situation, for it is still enslaved to corruption, and therefore is groaning and grieving. Though this verse was written about 2000 years ago, the creation is still suffering the pains of childbirth. But God is faithful to His promise, and that He has gathered a great number of Jewish people back to Israel means we now live in the end-times, and it won’t be long before the birth of a renovated and remodeled earth.

Here are some important things to know about you and planet earth:

1.People living on earth should be good stewards and, environmentally speaking, take care of this earth. We should do what we can to keep the air and water clean. We should not be wasteful, but conserve and reuse what God has given us. Gen. 2:15
2. The problems in our physical world are partly because people are not good stewards, but primarily because of Adam’s sin resulting in God’s curse upon this planet. Gen. 3:17-18
3. Even though the earth is physically corrupted, we still see the beauty, goodness, and glory of God. The creation is a visible testimony of God’s power and divine nature. Psalm 104, Rom. 1:20
4. Man should not worship the world, but only the One who created the world. Rom. 1:20-23

5. As much as we should be good stewards, man must realize that he cannot fix this world, he cannot reverse the curse and the resulting corruption. For example, during this age, there will always be spring and summer (life) followed by fall and winter (death). Rom. 3:23, Gal, 1:4
6. Neither man nor creation will bring ultimate destruction to this world. The destiny of this earth is not in the hands of man, but in the hands of God. Eph. 1:9-11, Rev. 8-9, Rev. 21
7. After believers are glorified, the world will be set free from the curse of sin, and the corruption we now see and experience (Rom. 8:21). This occurs at “the revealing of the sons of God” (Rom. 8:20), which will happen at the beginning of the next age. “When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.” Col. 3:4  
8. Man’s restoration to righteousness will result in the restoration of the earth. Rom. 8:17-25

Acts 3:19-21 – “… and that He may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you, whom heaven must receive until the period of restoration of all things.” When Christ returns from heaven, He will restore, will set in order all things, which includes the creation. In Matt. 19:29 we read, “… you who have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man shall sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” The word “regeneration,” used in Titus 3:5 to refer to the new birth of Christians, is used here to refer to the rebirth of the earth at the time of Christ’s second coming. As Jesus told the apostles, this will take place when God is “restoring the kingdom to Israel.” Acts 1:6

What will this new earth be like? “Although it will not yet be a totally new earth (Rev. 21:1), it will nevertheless be wonderfully superior to the present fallen and unredeemed earth.” (John MacArthur’s commentary on Matthew 19:28 – p. 204). This earth will be dramatically different during the 1000-year kingdom age, when Christ reigns over the world, the twelve apostles rule over Israel, and the believers reign over the rest of the earth (Rev. 5:10). Indeed, this present earth is “waiting eagerly” for the “revealing of the sons of God.” Rom. 8:19

The Old Testament describes what this restored earth will look like. Psalm 65:8-9 – “You make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy. You visit the earth and cause it to overflow; You enrich it greatly.” Psalm 67:6 – “The earth has yielded its produce; God, our God, blesses us.” Psalm 96:11 – “Let the heavens be glad and the sea rejoice.” Psalm 98:8 – “Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy.” Isaiah 35:1, 7 – “The wilderness and the desert will be glad, and the Arabah will rejoice and blossom… The scorched land will become a pool.” Isaiah 55:12 – “… The mountains and the hills will break forth into shouts of joy before You, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” Isaiah 65:17 – “Behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former things will not be remembered or come to mind.” Isaiah 65:25 – “The wolf and the lamb will graze together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox.” Joel 3:18 – “In that day the mountains will drip with sweet wine, and the hills will flow with milk, and all the brooks of Judah will flow with water.” Habakkuk 2:14 – “The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord.” This is great news! The creation really has something to look forward to, but so do the Christians. Rom. 8:23 – “Not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body.”

P.S. It is so wonderful to know that we have a future, and that this earth also has a future. There is much in the book of Psalms about what God has in store for us, the Jewish believers, and this planet. You can learn a lot more about this by reading my three articles on Psalms and how it relates to prophecy – here is one of them: “Prophecy Psalms for the Jews and for You – Part 2.”

Clear and Compelling Evidence for the Coming Kingdom

September 4, 2020 /

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By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #186 ~

There’s a great deal of information in the Old Testament about God’s plans for the Jewish people. Yet, many believe these plans are null and void, and have been invalidated because of the Jews’ rejection of Christ in the 1st century. But when you examine the New Testament, you discover all these verses that do not deny but rather confirm God’s plans for the Jews. You can’t miss them, you can’t skip over them, you can’t redefine them, and you sure can’t say they have already been fulfilled. And as a Christian, you need to know them, for they relate to the great and glorious future God has for you and the church. In today’s post we will look at many verses that speak about the coming kingdom age, when Jesus Christ is ruling the world.

1) Acts 1:6-7 – “Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed…” The disciples want to know from Jesus if He was going to start the kingdom at that time. By what Jesus says, He assures them that there would be a future kingdom on earth, one in which He would be King of the Jewish people, and King over the entire world. But first, they had a job to do, for they, which means the church, were to be Jesus’ witnesses “in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth” (vs. 8). As Jesus ascends into heaven, two angels tell the disciples that He would be coming back, and it would be then that He would bring into being His earthly kingdom.

2) Acts 3:20-21 – “Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away… and that He may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you, whom heaven must receive until the period of restoration of all things…” People repenting and returning, and being forgiven of their sins, is referring to the church age, after which time God would send Jesus from heaven to restore, to renovate all things on earth. The Jews had learned from the Old Testament prophets about this kingdom age, and that the Messiah, the Christ, would be King, but now they knew when this would take place, that it would be at the end of this church age.

3) Acts 15:16 – “After these things I will return, and I will rebuild the tabernacle of David which has fallen, and I will rebuild it’s ruins, and I will restore it.” James was talking to Jewish leaders about Gentiles being saved, and how it would be after “these things,” after this church age, that Christ would return to rebuild and restore the tabernacle and other ruins, referring to the temple and Israel. This message about the future kingdom age is being repeated in the book of Acts, and why? To convince you that Christ will return to set up His kingdom on earth after this church age is over.

4) Acts 28:23 – “He was solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus…” Eight times in the book of Acts, there’s the word “kingdom.” (Acts 1:3, 1:6, 8:12, 14:22, 9:18, 20:25, 28:23, 28:31). The apostles weren’t just preaching the gospel, they were also testifying about the kingdom of God, the entirety of God’s plan for His people, which would include the coming millennial kingdom. As Paul said in Acts 20:27, “I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God.” The book of Acts is the history of the early church, and here in the beginning days of the church age, God wanted both believing Jews and Gentiles to know with certainty that Christ’s kingdom would be established on earth.

5) Luke 19:11-27 – “They supposed that the kingdom of God was going to appear immediately… Do business with this until I come back.” During Jesus’ ministry, some believed that the kingdom of God would soon be set up on earth. To help people understand what would be happening, Jesus shared a parable. This is the meaning: Jesus, the king, was going away (to heaven), and from there He would be given a kingdom (on earth). His slaves on earth were to be working, doing business with the money He had given them during the time He was gone (the church age). Then He would come back and reward them for their work, and start up His kingdom on earth. We now live in the end-times of this church age, and it won’t be long before Christ returns to rapture the church and reign as King of this world.

6) Luke 20:34-36. “The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage, but those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage; for they cannot even die anymore, because they are like angels, and are sons of God.” The “resurrection” is referring to believers being glorified, receiving bodies like the angels, which occurs at Christ’s coming. The “age” is speaking of the next age, the millennial kingdom age, when Christ is ruling the world and believers are reigning with Him.

7) Luke 21:31 – “So you also, when you see these things happening, recognize that the kingdom of God is near.” This chapter lists a number of events taking place in the end-times before Christ’s return. Those who actually see these events things taking place will know that the redemption (rapture) is drawing near (vs. 28), and that the kingdom is drawing near (vs. 31). This kingdom can only be referring to Christ’s 1000-year kingdom on earth.

8) Luke 22:18 – “I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine from now on until the kingdom of God comes.” The night before His death, Jesus was with His disciples and instituting the ordinance of communion. Jesus made this statement to reassure His disciples that He would rise from the dead, and also return to establish His earthly kingdom, at which time He would once again celebrate the Passover with them. Ezekiel 45:21, 1 Cor. 11:26

9) Matthew 19:28 – “Truly I say to you, that you who have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit on upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” Jesus’ disciples knew He would be the King of this world, but they wanted to know how they would be rewarded for their work on earth. Jesus refers to the regeneration which is the “restoration of all things” (Acts 3:21), and this occurs when He returns, sits on His throne, and sets up His kingdom. That’s when these disciples would be given their own throne and be reigning with Him.

10) 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. And the twenty four elders… fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying, ‘We give you thanks, O Lord God Almighty, who are, and who were, because You have taken Your great power and have begun to reign.’” It’s at the end of Daniel’s 70th week that Christ will become King on this earth. We should extremely excited and looking forward to this time when there will be righteousness, peace, and love on this earth like never before!

11) Revelation 20:6 – “They will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years” (Rev. 20:6). “… Satan, and bound him for a thousand years” (vs. 2). “… he (Satan) would not deceive the nations any longer until the thousand years were completed” (vs. 3). “They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years” (vs. 4). “The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were completed” (vs. 5). “When the thousand years are completed, Satan will be released…” (vs 7). We learn some important information about this coming kingdom age – and one thing we know for sure is that it will last exactly one thousand years.

12) 1 Corinthians 15:24 – “Then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to God the Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet.”1 Cor. 15:20-28 covers a time period that, I believe, will be close to 3000 years. Let me summarize what has happened and will be happening. 1) Jesus was raised from the dead. 2) At Christ’s coming, at the end of this age, believers will be made alive, will be glorified. 3) Christ will set up His kingdom on earth, one that will last for 1000 years. 4) During this millennial kingdom age, Christ will be the supreme King, abolishing all rule and authority. 5) At the end of this age, Christ will finally and forever defeat death (“Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire” – Rev. 20:14). 6) “Then comes the end (of the millennial kingdom age) when He hands over the kingdom to God the Father.” 7) “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth.” Revelation 22:1

God has given us clear and compelling evidence that this coming kingdom age is not fantasy or fiction, but a future reality. In a very little while, everything will change, and Christ will begin His 1000-year reign over this earth. Then we will be wholeheartedly worshiping and serving Jesus, our King, and O, how wonderful and glorious this will be! Let’s keep praying: “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed by Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:9-10

P.S. I am very thankful that God has told us all about this coming kingdom age. Yes, we should focus on our work for God at this time, but we also need to see ahead to what He has in store for us. Here are two other posts that give us more valuable information about the kingdom of God. “Kingdom Instructions for the Church” and “The Gospel of the Kingdom of God.”

The Coming Kingdom Age, 1000 Years of Glory

August 28, 2020 /

IMPORTANT NOTICE: WE HAVE NOW ADDED THE ABILITY TO DOWNLOAD ALL BLOG POSTS, ALL ARTICLES, AND / OR PROPHECY CHARTS AT ONCE! I STRONGLY ENCOURAGE YOU TO DO THIS! FOR DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS, CLICK THE FOLLOWING LINK: DOWNLOADS

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #185 ~

This famous prayer will soon be answered by God, and that’s because we now live in the end-times! It won’t be long before we see “the summing up of all things in Christ” (Eph. 1:9-10) during the millennial kingdom, when Christ will righteously, powerfully, and lovingly be ruling this world – and as Christians, we will be reigning with Him. The New Testament gives us a little information about this kingdom age, but the Old Testament goes into great detail about what will be taking place. Though the Old Testament prophecies focus on God’s plans for the Jews, Christians need to know what they say, for our future is directly related to the future of the Jews (Psalm 37:29 – Matt. 5:3). Today I want to summarize some of the key features of this glorious kingdom, what you can expect, and what you can be looking forward to. 

1. Jesus Christ will return to earth to establish His kingdom! “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ” (Rev. 11:15; Dan. 7:27, 9:24). The millennial kingdom is soon to begin, a new and magnificent age, a 1000-year period when Christ is King over the entire world. “The Lord will be King over all the earth; in that day the Lord will be the only One” (Zech. 14:9). “God is the King of all the earth” (Ps. 47:7). Then Christ’s home will be in Jerusalem. “The Lord is there” (Ezek. 48:35). “Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised… in the city of our God… the city of the great King.” Psalm 48:1-2

2. Jesus Christ will be greatly feared! “Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods” (Ps. 96:4). “Let them fear You while the sun endures…” (Ps. 72:5). “The Lord Most High is to be feared, a great King over the earth” (Ps. 47:2). Jesus Christ will be an awesome, majestic, and powerful King! “How awesome are Your works! Because of the greatness of Your power Your enemies will give feigned obedience to You” (Ps. 66:3). “The nations will fear the name of the Lord, and all the kings of the earth Your glory.” Psalm 102:15

3. A large remnant of Jews will be saved at the end of Daniel’s 70th week! “Israel has been saved by the Lord with an everlasting salvation” (Is. 45:17). “There is forgiveness with You… He will redeem Israel from all his iniquities” (Ps. 130:8). “They will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, for I will forgive their iniquity” (Jer. 31:33-35). “All Israel will be saved… the Deliverer will come from Zion, He will remove ungodliness from them” (Rom. 11:25-27). During this kingdom age, all Jewish believers will be with Jesus and will live in Israel. Ezek. 37:27-28

4. The Jewish people will be the most blessed people in the world! “His lovingkindness is great towards us” (Ps. 117:1). “He has remembered His lovingkindness and His faithfulness to the house of Israel” (Ps. 98:3). “He subdues people under us and nations under our feet” (Ps. 47:3-4). “God blesses us so that all the ends of the earth may fear Him” (Ps. 67:7). “The righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever” (Ps. 37:29). “How blessed is the one whom You choose and bring near to You to dwell in Your courts” (Ps. 65:4). The promises God made to Abraham will all come true! “I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great; and so shall you be a blessing… in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.” Gen. 12:2-3

5. Jesus Christ will lovingly, wisely, and righteously be ruling over the world! “The Lord reigns.” (Ps. 97:1). “You will judge the people with uprightness and guide the nations on the earth” (Ps. 67:4). “He will have compassion on the poor and needy… He will rescue their lives from oppression and violence” (Ps. 72:12-14). “The Lord will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations” (Is. 61:11). The world will be ruled perfectly by the King of kings and the Prince of Peace. “There will be no end to the increase of His government, or of peace… over His kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice…” Isaiah 9:6-7

6. The whole earth will be filled with the glory of the Lord! “Indeed, as I live, all the earth will be filled with the glory of the Lord” (Numb. 14:21). “Blessed be His glorious name forever, and may the whole earth be filled with His glory” (Ps. 72:19). “The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea” (Hab. 2:14). Can you imagine what it will be like when God’s glory is beautifully displayed and seen all over the world? “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory.” Isaiah 6:3

7. The truth about God and salvation through Christ will be proclaimed to all the earth! “Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day. Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples” (Ps. 96:3-4). “God be gracious to us and bless us… that Your way may be known on the earth, Your salvation among all nations” (Ps. 67:1-2). Yes, the church is to preach the gospel to all the nations, but in the kingdom age there will be the proclaiming of the gospel and the salvation of souls like never before! “God has bared His holy arm in the sight of all the nations, that all the ends of the earth may see the salvation of our God” (Is. 52:9-10). “All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.” Psalm 98:3

8. The whole earth will worship the Lord! “All nations whom You have made will come and worship before You, O Lord, and they will glorify Your name” (Ps. 86:9-10). “All the earth will worship You and will sing praises to You” (Ps. 66:4). This is amazing and so wonderful, to think that the whole world will be praising God! Even the unsaved will be bowing down to Christ. “At the name of Jesus every knee will bow… and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil. 2:9-11). “All the families of the nations will worship before You” (Ps. 22:27). “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people… Praise the Lord all you Gentiles, let all the peoples praise Him” (Rom. 15:10-11). “O clap your hands, all peoples; shout to God with the voice of joy.” Psalm 47:1

Jesus told His disciples, and us, “all things which are written about Me in the Law and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled” (Luke 24:44). I hope you now realize that many of the prophesies about Jesus, and the Jews, will be fulfilled during the millennial kingdom – you should be encouraged by this for it relates to your future as a Christian. Picture this magnificent kingdom age, when Christ is ruling, and you are reigning with Him, and helping Him and the Jews to carry out God’s purposes and plans. More than ever before, there will be peace on earth, love for one another, joy in people’s hearts, and true justice, for Christ will be a perfect and powerful King, and all to the glory of God. “Then comes the end, when Christ hands over the kingdom to God the Father” (1 Cor. 15:24). “To Him be the glory forever. Amen.” Romans 11:36

P.S. There is not that much being said or written about the coming kingdom age, but might you be learning about it and tell others about it. I just put up a new post (9/4/2020) on this subject – “Clear and Compelling Evidence For God’s Kingdom.” And here’s another good one to read – “The Present Church Age and the Future Kingdom Age”.

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