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Christ's Kingdom and the End Times

Category: Hope (Page 7 of 8)

Blog posts about hope.

In a Wicked World, You Have to Have Hope

September 28, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #87 ~

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Why is Jesus Christ Coming Back?

July 20, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #77 ~

Do you ever wonder what Jesus is thinking about, what’s on His mind? Millions of things I’m sure, but there is no doubt He is thinking about coming back to earth. There will come a time, not long from now, when Jesus Christ will suddenly return and interrupt all our earthly plans, and everything will gloriously change. I have recently written posts on when Christ is coming back, and what is going to happen when He does, but why is He coming back? Why will Jesus Christ soon leave heaven and come back to this world?

Why? The most important reason is that Jesus loves His Father, and wants to please Him by fully carrying out all His plans for this world. “The world must learn that I love the Father, and that I do exactly as the Father commanded me.” John 14:31

Why? For the church. Jesus Christ loves her and cannot wait to see her. She is His bride, and He wants to come and get her so she can be with Him, and can in a much greater way, see His glory and know His wonderful love. At the end of this age, Jesus Christ will return to rapture all the Christians on earth. Immediately they will be gathered together with believers who have already died, and then taken to be with Him. “I desire that they also… be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me.” John 17:24

Why? God’s character demands it. One of the primary themes in the book of Revelation is the holiness of God. “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come” (Revelation 4:8). God’s holiness and justice cannot be ignored or compromised. God cannot just let evil go – it must be punished. Once the church is rescued from this earth, and is safe in heaven with Christ, then God will pour out His deserved and devastating wrath on this wicked world. Revelation 8-9, 16

Why? For the Jews. Hundreds of Old Testament prophecies tell us that God will bring the Jews back to the land of Israel, redeem a remnant of them, and then fulfill His promises to them during the millennial kingdom. With regards to the Jews, His chosen people, God will not go back on His promises, and they, along with the glorified believers, will be assisting Jesus Christ in His reign over the world. “The counsel of the Lord stands firm forever… Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.” Psalm 33:10-12

Why? To defeat the Antichrist, and to silence Satan. At His first coming, Jesus Christ disarmed the devilish rulers and authorities, but the outworking of that victory has been seen throughout the years, and particularly so at His second coming when the Antichrist will be thrown into the lake of fire, and Satan will be imprisoned for 1000 years. “The beast was seized, and with him the false prophet… these two were thrown alive into the lake of fire” (Revelation 19:20). “He (the angel) laid hold of the dragon, the serpent of old, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.” Revelation 20:2

Why? To take this world back from Satan. Ever since the sin of Adam and Eve, we have been living in a world that lies in the power of the evil one. The effects of his rule during this age, the wickedness and corruption covering this planet, has been clearly seen. But this evil will end, for Christ will come back, regain what is rightfully His, and begin His glorious reign. Then there will be peace on earth. “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of he Lord.” Habakkuk 2:14

Why? So that you will be glorified, so your salvation will be made complete. Your present earthly body is sin-prone, weak and mortal, but at Christ’s return, you will receive a brand new and perfect body, one that is powerful, immortal and spiritual, one like His. “We know that when He appears, we will be like Jesus.” 1 John 3:2

Why? So God and Christ will be glorified. For the “summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on earth” (Ephesians 1:11). “So that 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” (Philippians 2:10-11). Indeed, Jesus Christ will be “a great King over all the earth… God reigns over the nations, God sits on His holy throne.” Psalm 47:2, 8

I am so glad Jesus Christ is coming back to earth! I am excited He is coming back! I can’t wait to see Him! It will be the best thing for the world and the best thing for believers. But sadly, many people don’t even think about this. They are sleeping, and are loving this world, but are not loving God and looking forward to His Son’s return. But whether they know it or not, Christ is coming back. He has promised it, and He has planned it. His character demands it, and His word guarantees it. There is nothing in this whole world that can stop Christ from coming back, for you and for me, and for the purposes and glory of God. “‘Behold, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” Revelation 22:20

P.S. I have published a new article describing the special kind of person God wants us to be in the end times, Your Spiritual Service: A Member of the Spiritual Forces. But I want to also encourage you to read an older article that expands on this present post, giving you many more details on why Jesus is coming back to earth.

What Will Happen When Christ Comes Back?

July 6, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #75 ~

People look forward to birthdays, weddings, graduations, Thanksgiving and Christmas, and that’s good. But as Christians, it’s most important that we look forward to being with Jesus, our Lord, Savior and Friend. And since the Jews are back in their land, we know it won’t be long before we will see Him come back in the clouds. What a day that will be, the best day of our lives, for this age will be over, and we will be rocketing off this planet to be with Him. Over 100 verses describe Christ’s second coming, which means it’s vital that we understand it, especially in these days (Mark 13:23). Here are some verses that will help you know what’s going to happen when Christ returns:

* Matthew 24:3, 33 – “When will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age? …when you see all these things, recognize He is near, right at the door.” Many signs will take place before Christ’s coming and the rapture.
* 1 Thessalonians 4:16 – “The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God.” Jesus Christ will not come back secretly or quietly. The whole earth will know that He has returned.
* Luke 21:27 – “They will see the son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” Christ’s return will be visible, demonstrating His great power and great glory.
* Mark 13:27 – “He will send forth His angels, and will gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest end of the earth to the farthest end of heaven.” All believers from all time, past and present, will be gathered together to be with Jesus.

* John 14:3 – “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” Jesus Christ is coming to take you home.
* 1 Peter 1:13 – “Fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Put your hope in Jesus; be looking forward to seeing Him.
* 1 Thessalonians 4:15, 17 – “… that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord… then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.” The rapture takes place at Christ’s coming, and is one of the first events to occur at His coming.
* 1 Corinthians 15:23, 51-52 – “…Christ, the first fruits, after that, those who are Christ’s at His coming… we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet, for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable.” All believers will be glorified, will be perfected at Christ’s coming.

* James 5:7-8 – “You too be patient, strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.” It’s important to be patient while waiting for the return of our Lord.
* Revelation 22:12 – “Behold, I am coming soon.” Christ is coming back very, very soon.
* Philippians 1:6 – “He who began a good work in you will perfect it on the day of Christ Jesus.” Your salvation will be completed at Christ’s coming, for then you will be glorified.
* 1 John 3:2 – “When He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him just as He is.” How special and intimate this will be, for when Jesus returns, you will be with Him, and see Him face to face. 

* Acts 16:32 – “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.” If you are not yet saved, don’t wait, or it will be too late. Repent of your sins, and believe that Jesus Christ died for you, paying for your sins, and then rose again. John 5:24, Ephesians 2:8-9
* Psalm 98:8-9 – “The Lord is coming to judge the earth; He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity.” God will pour out His wrath on the unbelievers and the nations of the world. This will be a most holy and sobering time.
* 2 Thessalonians 2:8 – “Then 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.” At His coming, Jesus Christ will soundly defeat and destroy the Antichrist.
* Revelation 11:15 – “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever.” Jesus Christ is coming back to rule the world. 

It’s hard to believe the end of the age is almost here, and that Christ will return to earth, but it’s true. How then should you live? Do not be sleeping or sinning. Be awake and alert (1 Thessalonians 5:5-8). Be loving God (Mark 12:30). Be holy (2 Peter 3:11-13). Have faith. (Luke 18:8). Be working (Luke 19:13). Be encouraging the saints (Hebrews 10:25). Be sharing the gospel (Matthew 24:14). Be making disciples. (Matthew 28:19-20). Be praying for the coming of Christ’s kingdom (Matthew 6:9-10). Be excited about seeing Jesus (1 Thessalonians 1:10). And soon enough you will see Jesus, and your life will dramatically, wonderfully, and eternally change, for you will be with Him, the enemy will be judged, the Jews will be saved, and He will begin His glorious reign on earth. “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you all.” Revelation 22:20-21

P.S. Here are two other instructive and encouraging articles about the coming of Christ, Over 100 New Testament Verses on Christ’s Second Coming, and Thirty Important Truths about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

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.”

The Immediate and Incredible Results of the Rapture!

April 20, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #64 ~

Just think, there will be an enormous number of people living in the end times who won’t ever get married, won’t ever have children, won’t ever live to the age of 40, won’t ever get old, won’t ever retire, or won’t ever physically die. That’s because Jesus Christ will return to this world and bring this present age to an end, suddenly interrupting and stopping the plans and “normal” activities of billions of people living on this earth.

The first thing to take place at Christ’s return is the rapture of the church. At that time, all Christians will be physically and forcefully removed from the earth, and be immediately taken to be with Christ. The rapture of the church will be one of the most climactic and dramatic events ever, a major turning point in the history of our world. For those of us on earth at Christ’s coming, it will be the most life-altering, body-changing, soul-exciting and God-glorifying event we will ever experience. Why can we say that?

The word rapture, from the Greek “harpazo”, refers to what physically happens to Christians living on earth at the return of Christ, but so much more will be taking place:
– When Christ returns you will get immediate relief from the great tribulation and persecution you are going through. 2 Thessalonians 1:4-7
– When Christ returns you will be rescued from God’s punishing wrath, the devastating and deserved judgment of God to be poured out upon unbelievers. 1 Thessalonians 1:10
– When Christ returns you will finally rest from your work, from the blood, sweat and tears of living, laboring and lovingly sacrificing your life for the Lord. Revelation 14:13
– When Christ returns, your soul will be redeemed, quickly and safely delivered from this wicked world, and from your corrupt and sin prone body. Ephesians 1:14
– When Christ returns, you will perfectly and forever be glorified, for you will receive a brand new, powerful, immortal and spiritual body. 1 Corinthians 15:42-44
– When Christ returns, all believers from all time will be gathered together to Himself. How glorious this will be, for you will be joined with a great multitude of believers, and be shouting, celebrating and worshiping the Lord. Matthew 24:31
– When Christ returns, you will be joyfully reunited with loved ones and friends who have already died and gone on to heaven before you. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17
– When Christ returns, you will be greatly rejoicing, pouring out praises to God for your salvation, for His gracious, infinite and eternal love for you. Revelation 7:9-10
– When Christ returns, you will be richly rewarded for your earthly service for God, for you will be given an imperishable and undefiled inheritance that you will have and enjoy forever and ever. 2 Timothy 4:8
– When Christ returns, you will be with Him! Can you imagine actually seeing and being with Jesus, your Lord, Savior and best Friend? How wonderful and exhilarating to finally see Him, “and so we shall always be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:17, John 14:1-3

Raptured, relieved, rescued, resting, redeemed, glorified, gathered, reunited, rejoicing, rewarded, and with Jesus!! This is God’s promise and guarantee to you, what’s definitely going to happen when Christ returns. This is what God wants you to get excited about, to be looking forward to, and to be telling others. But the rapture, and all that goes with it, is just the very beginning. Right after the rapture, there’s the righteous wrath of God on earth, the salvation of some Jews, and Christ’s return to planet earth. Then begins the next age, a good age, a glorious 1000-year kingdom age when Christ will be personally ruling over the world, and you and I, with all the other glorified believers, will have the great honor and privilege of reigning with Him. Psalm 47; Revelation 5:10, 20:4

We now live in an evil age, a time when “the whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19). But the evil one is like a dog on a leash, for he is reined in by God, the One who is sovereign over the devil and the entire world. Now in these last years of the end times, God is on the move, and every single day He is working with every single person, strategically and faithfully carrying out His eternal plan to bring His Son back to this earth. Don’t be sleeping or sinning. Be awake and alert, loving and trusting God, serving Him, making disciples, and waiting for your Savior. I hope you realize that Jesus is really looking forward to seeing you. Are you looking forward to seeing Him? The truth is that you will soon see Jesus – either you will physically die and see Him in heaven, or you will be alive on earth when He returns, and see Him triumphantly coming in the clouds.

“The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Job 19:25-27

P.S. For a more in depth look at the rapture I encourage you to read this article: 50 Truths God Wants You to Know About the Rapture.

P.P.S. You may have heard about someone predicting that Christ is coming back on April 23, 2018.  That is not true!!!  Please check out a previous post which clearly explains why this, and any date-setting teaching  on the rapture, is false.

This Age is Coming to an End, and Then a New Age Will Begin

April 13, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #63 ~

We live in an age that will soon come to an end, and then the next age, a new age, will begin. But when will this happen? That’s what the apostles asked Jesus, “What will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3). These Jewish disciples were finally realizing Jesus would be leaving them, but they were convinced He would come back and set up His kingdom on earth. They believed God’s promises about the Messiah reigning as King over Israel, and over the world, and they wanted a sign to let them know when this would begin to happen. In last week’s post we looked at Matthew 24, and discovered a number of events that will occur before the end of this age. This week I want to focus on the present age, and the age to come. Ephesians 1:21 speaks of Jesus Christ “…not only in the present age, but also in the one to come.”

First, let’s get some perspective. Since that first sin of Adam thousands of years ago, we have been living in “this present evil age” (Galatians 1:4). The clear-thinking Christian can see Biblically, historically, and at the present time, that people living on this planet are exceedingly sinful. But it’s not just that there are sinful people, it’s that “the whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19). There’s no doubt that we live in an evil age, at a time and in a place, controlled by the devil.

But we can gladly say that God has been sovereignly ruling over the world during this entire evil age. “Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom” (Psalm 145:13). During this time, God has been working through both the Jews and the church, and His work has not been thwarted, and will not be thwarted. With respect to the Jews, “The Lord nullifies the plans of the nations… the plans of the Lord stand firm forever… blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He chose” (Psalm 33:10-12). With respect to the church, Jesus says, “Upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it” (Matthew 16:18). Yes, we live on an evil earth in an evil age, but we know that God has chosen His people, and He will keep them “strong to the end.” 1 Corinthians 1:8-9

Many people think this church age will keep going for a long, long time. But they are mistaken, for now we live in the end times, evidenced by the fact that the Jews are, once again, living in their land. Many also believe this age is going to get better and better, and then Christ will return. This also, is not true, for the Bible says this world will be getting worse and worse, and then Christ will come back. It tells us, “lawlessness is increased” (Matthew 24:12); “the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah” (Matthew 24:37); and “in the last days, difficult times will come.” 2 Timothy 3:1

Let’s look briefly at Matthew 24, for it has lots to tell us about the end of the age:
1. Many prophesied events have been and will be fulfilled, signifying that the end of this age, Christ’s coming, and the rapture is getting closer and closer. Matthew 24:3-44
2. “Birth pain” events are taking place, “but the end is still to come” (Matthew 24:6). Famines, wars, earthquakes, etc. that are occurring now do not mean the end of this age is imminent, that it can occur at any time, and that the rapture could even happen today. Many more things need to take place before this age will come to an end.
3. Christians are exhorted to persevere “to the end” (Matthew 24:13). Many Christians living on earth in the end-times will experience great tribulation, and will need to endure to the end, to Christ’s coming, and then they will be saved, that is, be raptured.
4. The gospel will be “preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14). A big part of serving God is to keep telling people about their need for Christ, right up to the end of this age and the rapture.
5. The specific and obvious sign that this age has come to an end is when the “the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give it’s light…” (Matthew 24:29). All believers living on earth will know this evil age is over when they see this heavenly sign, and immediately they will be raptured, be rapidly taken from this earth to be with Jesus Christ.

What does God want you to know? What does He want you to be looking for? The end of this age, the coming of Christ, and the rapture of the church (Matthew 24:29-31). Then after the end of this age and the rapture, God will pour out His wrath on earth, a great remnant of Jews will be saved, and Christ will begin His glorious thousand-year reign. That’s when the next age begins, and it will be a new and good age, a time when all believers will reign with Christ, a time when we will see the holiness, power, wisdom, love and dominion of God like never before. It will be a time when “God will bless us, and all the ends of the earth will fear Him” (Psalm 67), and “The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” Habakkuk 2:14

I can’t say it strong enough – this present evil age is coming to an end, and soon!!! Now in these last years of this age, it’s our time to serve the Lord, to work hard for Him, to help bring about the return of Christ and the rapture of the church! “Make disciples of all the nations… and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

P.S.  I encourage you to read The Return of the King,  an article that helps us to see the big picture and how that relates to the end of this age.

Christ’s Resurrection Means the Best is Yet to Come

March 30, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #61 ~

“I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised again on the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). If you’re a believer in Jesus Christ, then without question, this is the greatest news, that Christ died for your sins, and was raised again! Might this gospel message bring great joy, blessing and hope to your heart. Though you were dead in your sins and unable to save yourself, God intervened and forgave you, made you His child, and gave you eternal life. Hallelujah!

During this time of the year, we celebrate Christ’s death and resurrection. It’s essential that you know what Christ did for you, by His death and resurrection, justified you. Now you are now being sanctified and you will be glorified. A lot could be said about your past justification and present sanctification, but the primary purpose of this blog site is to help you understand the future, and particularly, that you will be glorified and live forever with Christ and all the saints.

One of the best Bible passages to explain this is 1 Corinthians 15. Starting with verse 23, we read about the order of the resurrection. “But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ’s at His coming.” Jesus Christ was the first person to be resurrected, to be raised from the dead and never to die again, to be glorified and immortal. That was about 2000 years ago. But when will we be resurrected? It is at Christ’s coming. It is not before Christ’s coming, but in fact, is the first event at His coming. When Christ returns in the clouds, all believers, all those living on earth, and all those who have already died, will be resurrected, will be glorified, will be physically saved and forever transformed. “Our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform the humble state of our body into conformity with the body of His glory.” Philippians 3:20-21

1 Corinthians 15:42-44 describes this resurrection body with four words: imperishable, glorious, powerful and spiritual. Our brand new body will be imperishable and immortal, one that will never perish, wear out, morally decay or die again. It will be glorious – it will be amazing, beautiful and spectacular, perfect inside and out, infinitely better than your present body. It will be powerful, invincible, indestructible, incredibly strong, much stronger than Superman, Iron Man, Tron, Captain America, etc., and able to do all God wants you to do. It will be a spiritual body. Though it is physical in nature, it is also spiritual in nature, perfectly suited to worship God, to love and serve the saints, to have fellowship, and to wonderfully enjoy God and the pleasures of life. Psalm 16:11

1 Corinthians 15:50-53 gives us more information about believers being glorified. “We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.” This means that not all believers are going to physically die, but all believers will be changed, or glorified. Think about this, that all believers from all time will be glorified at the coming of Christ, those who have already died and are in heaven, and those who still remain on earth. This is what 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 is explaining, that “the dead in Christ (those who have already died) will rise first,” and then “we who are alive and remain (until the coming of the Lord) will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.” This last verse is referring to the rapture, when Christians who are alive at the coming of Christ will be rapidly taken off this earth and then be glorified. This will happen “in a moment,” quickly, suddenly, instantly, and immediately after the sound of a trumpet and the sighting of Christ in the clouds.

In the world there’s lots of talk about victory, success, winning, and being first. But by far, your greatest success is your victory over death; and by death, I mean spiritual death and physical death. So what if you have problems, trials or sickness. So what if you get old and die. “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory, where is your sting?… Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). Might you be super-excited! Might you be extremely happy in Christ, filled with His joy and peace, knowing that through Him, you are a winner, you are victorious, and you have a future and a hope!

What is the conclusion to this truth about the resurrection of Christ and our coming resurrection in Christ? How are we to live? “Therefore, my beloved brethren, 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). We are to love God, be filled with the Spirit, and do the work of Christ until we physically die and are taken to heaven, or until the return of Christ and the rapture of the church. “God will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 1:8

P.S.  There are a couple of articles that relate directly to this most important subject of the resurrection.  When you get time, I would encourage you to read them:  Heavenly Verses That Speak About Your Glorious Future!  Being in Heaven with Jesus, and the Believers, and in a New Glorified Body!

Christians Will Go Through Great Tribulation

March 9, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #58 ~

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Rapture Occurs at the Coming of Christ

February 23, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #56 ~

The next greatest event in this world is soon to take place. It’s the rapture of the church, when Jesus Christ suddenly and rapidly takes the believers living on earth and brings them to Himself, and to heaven. But when is the rapture? As I’ve said, God doesn’t tell us the exact time, but He does tell us the general time (Matthew 24:32-36). To really understand God’s timing, you need to see that the rapture occurs at the coming of Christ. Now some Christians believe it happens before His coming, but that’s just not true. Here are four prophecy passages making it very clear that the rapture occurs at Christ’s coming:

1) 1 Thessalonians 4:15 says, “We who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord.” The phrase “We who are alive and remain” speaks of the Christians alive on earth at the end of this age, and it says they will remain “until the coming of the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:17 contains the same exact phrase, “we who are alive and remain,” that we saw in verse 15, but goes on to say that those who remain “will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.” Putting verses 15 and 17 together, we see that those who remain until the coming of the Lord (15) will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air (17), and are those who are raptured. It is at Christ’s coming that the church is raptured and is, in fact, the first event to occur at His coming.

2) 2 Thessalonian 2:1 says, “With regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to Him…” The subject is the coming of Christ and believers being gathered to Him at that time. “Being gathered to Him” is referring to the rapture of the church. What else would it be? This further establishes and confirms what we saw in 1 Thessalonians 4:15, 17, that the rapture takes place at the coming of Christ.

3) 1 John 2:28 tells us, “abide in Him, so that when He appears we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming.” A few verses later, 1 John 3:2, referring back to 1 John 2:28, says, “When He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him just as He is.” When we put these verses together, we learn that we will see Christ at His appearing and His coming, and then we will be like Him, that is, be glorified. Since we are glorified at the rapture (1 Corinthians 15:21-23, 51-52), then we must conclude that the church is raptured at the appearing and coming of Jesus Christ.

4) Matthew 24 focuses on Christ’s coming, and is mentioned in verses 3, 27, 37, and 39. This great prophecy chapter says the rapture takes place at the coming of Christ. Let me explain. The coming of Christ is described in verse 27, “For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be.” Verse 30 further describes His coming, “The sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky… and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory.” Then verse 31 actually describes the rapture, “He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to another.” There’s no question, no disputing the fact, that the gathering of the believers, which includes the rapture, must take place at the coming of Christ.

We have answered the “when” question by saying that the rapture occurs at the coming of Christ. But where, in the sequence of events described in Matthew 24, does the rapture take place? As I said, Matthew 24 speaks about the rapture of the church in verse 31. This means the rapture is after great tribulation (verses 9, 21), after the apostasy (verse 10), after the gospel is preached to all the nations (verse 14), after the Antichrist desolates the temple (verse 15), and after the signs in the skies (verse 29). Since the Antichrist is revealed at the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week (Daniel 9:27), we know the rapture takes place sometime after the midpoint of the 70th week.

2 Thessalonians 2:8-9 also gives us insight as to the chronology of end-time events. “That lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay by the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming.” This clearly states that the coming of Christ is after the revealing and coming of the Antichrist. Therefore, the rapture of the church, which occurs at Christ’s coming, takes place after the Antichrist is revealed, sometime during the last half of Daniel’s 70th week.

Why I am going into all this detail about the timing of the rapture? Because God repeatedly tells us about it in His Word, and therefore, it must be very important to know. The truth is, Christians will be alive on earth during the rule of the Antichrist, and during great tribulation. God doesn’t want there to be any confusion, questions, doubts or errors about this. He doesn’t want you to be surprised by His Son’s coming, but to be working hard for Him, and ready and waiting to see Him. “May the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit, soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23

P.S.  If you have not yet read the article I wrote which goes along with this post, I encourage you to do so: Matthew 24: The Most Important Prophecy Chapter in the Bible.

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