Christ's Kingdom and the End Times

Category: Jesus Christ (Page 6 of 6)

Blog posts about Jesus Christ.

Politicians, Judges, and Jesus, Our Coming King

October 5, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning  Post #88 ~

For those of us in the United States, it’s obvious that we are living in a super-charged political climate. When you watch the news on TV or on the internet, you cannot miss what’s going on – this hot, hyped-up and turbulent atmosphere. There’s the President, Congressmen and women, Judges, Democrats, Republicans, Independents, the media, and who’s right? In the upcoming elections, who’s going to win? People get so emotional and passionate about all this, and for many, it’s because politics is their religion. But for Christians, what does our “religion”, what does our Bible say? “Do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” Ephesians 5:15-17

First, let me share a little bit of my story, for it has greatly affected how I think about politics, prophecy and God’s will for my life. In August of 1976, I was attending a church conference in Kansas City, and for part of the time, we marched around Kemper Arena, carrying signs and promoting a Presidential candidate. In 1980, our association of churches was in New York City during the Democratic National Convention, encouraging everyone to “Vote Morality.” Three months later, on the Sunday morning before the national election, my church passed out 40,000 flyers supporting a senatorial candidate. Five years later, our association of churches started “Americans for Biblical Government,” for some believed that the Bible, not the Constitution, was the book delineating the laws by which we were to govern this country. You can clearly see that I was involved with churches that felt strongly about trying to influence the course of this country.

Those were the “Moral Majority” years, which for many churches meant persuading people to be moral, for we thought if we had a moral majority, we could win elections, and change the country. This thinking was partially based on Amillennialism, a belief which states that there’s no future millennial kingdom, no 1000-year period when Christ is ruling the world. This erroneous belief says that Christ will return after the Christians, during this church age, have made this world to be a more loving and just world.

As time went on, I learned that my thinking with regard to these areas was wrong. The problem was not the President, the government or the culture, but the sin in a person’s heart. Yes, my church understood the problem of sin, and the solution to be the gospel of Christ, but we had gotten way off track. When Jesus was on earth, He could have easily routed the Romans and began ruling the world. But He didn’t do that, for that was not His purpose at that time. God’s will and vision, then and now, is to build the church, to preach the gospel and make disciples of all the nations. Matthew 16:18, 24:14, 28:19-20

As Christians, this is our purpose – to build the church. We are not to seek the kingdoms of men, but the kingdom of God, a kingdom that is now seen in the church and is spiritual in nature (Matthew 6:10, 33). We are to pray for the souls of men, not for seats in Congress. We are to put our hope and trust in God, not in rulers (Psalm 146:3-6). Even if we elected a Christian president, and passed many new laws, it wouldn’t make a difference. It’s not new laws we need, but new hearts, not new political leaders but godly preachers.

Our country is on the downgrade, for she’s not so moral anymore, but she’s becoming more immoral. There’s pride, greed, hate, anger, selfishness, injustice and disrespect. There are corrupt politicians and corrupt people. In fact, the entire world is increasingly becoming lawless. But as Christians, we must stay the course that Christ gave us, to build the church, preach the gospel, and make disciples of all the nations. The Jews are now back in their land, Jerusalem is her capitol, a peace treaty will soon be signed, and Christ’s return and the rapture of the church, and the salvation of a remnant of Jews, is at hand. Now is the time to remember that it’s more important to win souls than to win elections, and to raise up pastors than to raise up politicians. Luke 12:32-53

What about your role in politics? It’s alright to be involved, but it shouldn’t be your top priority, and you shouldn’t get mad if a bad law is passed, or an unrighteous person wins an election. Yes, you should vote. Yes, you should pray for your leaders. Yes, you can help in some election. In fact, I still write letters to the Senator our church helped elect in 1980, for he is a Christian, and I want to encourage him to keep doing what is right.

Here we are, living in the end times and in a country that’s going downhill. There are two things you need to do. First, do your part, use your gifts, and serve the Lord, right up to the return of Christ. Second, remember the hope you have from God. “Evildoers will be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord, they will inherit the land” (Psalm 37:9). Abraham “was looking for the city with foundations” (Hebrews 11:10). You should be super-excited about that future time when Jesus Christ, the perfect King, will rule this imperfect world with a heart of gold and a rod of iron. Then there will be perfect justice, abounding love, great glory, and world peace! “Clap your hands, all you nations… God reigns over the nations” (Psalm 47:1, 8). “… Your salvation among all nations… Let the nations be glad and sing for joy… You will guide the nations of the earth.” Psalm 67:1-4

P.S. In the midst of all this political passion, we need to be reminded of our real purpose, and with that, I encourage you to read the article, “What Does God Want Me to Do in the End Times?” I mentioned in this article why A-millennialism is not true. To understand why, I would suggest you start with “Replacement Theology: It’s Not True – Part One,” the first of five articles on this subject.

When Does the Rapture Take Place?

July 13, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #76 ~

Some things about the future aren’t clear at all, and other things, like when the rapture takes place, are as plain as day. You see, God wants us to have clarity as to the timing of Christ’s coming and the rapture, and not be naïve, confused, or in error. As I have said before, we do not know the exact time of Christ’s coming and the rapture, but we are to know the general time (Matthew 24:32-36). That’s because the Father wants us to be excitedly looking forward to seeing and being with His Son.

There are two things we need to know to determine the timing of the rapture. The first is realizing that the rapture takes place at the coming of Christ. 1 Thessalonians 4:15 says, “we who are alive, and remain until the coming of the Lord.” This means Christians will be alive on earth at the coming of Christ. Then verse 17, referring back to verse 15, says we “who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.” By putting these two verses together, we understand that the Christians will be caught up, will be raptured (vs 17) at Christ’s coming (vs 15).

2 Thessalonians 2:1 confirms this point, for we read, “with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him.” It is at the coming of Christ that believers are being caught up (raptured) from the earth, and will be gathered together with believers who have already gone to heaven, and will “meet the Lord in the air.” 1 Corinthians 15:20-23 says, “those who are Christ’s at His coming” will be resurrected (glorified). Those who are glorified includes those who are raptured. Therefore, we must conclude that the rapture of the church takes place at the coming of Christ, and is, in fact, the first event to take place at His coming.

The second thing we need to know is when Christ’s coming and the rapture take place in the sequence of end-time events. By studying prophecy passages we find the answer to this question. When you examine Matthew 24, you discover that the coming of Christ is spoken of in verse 30 – “They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky.” Then verse 31 speaks about the gathering of all the believers, which includes the rapture of the Christians. “He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.”

Look at Luke 21. Verse 27 says, “They will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud…” That’s Christ’s coming, and in verse 28 we read that the Christians are redeemed, delivered from the earth which, of course, occurs at the rapture. 2 Thessalonians 2:1, as I have already said, is a rapture verse. Revelation 7 talks about a great multitude of believers who have just come out of the great tribulation on earth (vs 14), and they are assembled in heaven, standing and celebrating before the Lamb, before Christ Himself (vs 9). This multitude is, no doubt, speaking of the raptured believers.

Knowing where Christ’s coming and the rapture takes place in the context of Scripture enables us to see where they take place in the chronology of end time events. And what do we learn? Matthew 24:3-31 tells us that the rapture takes place after the birth pains, after the abomination of desolation, after great tribulation, after the gospel is preached to the world, and after the signs in the heavens. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-9 says the rapture occurs after the building of the temple, after the coming of the Antichrist, and after the apostasy. Revelation 6-7 substantiates this same order of events. The fact that the rapture is seen in Revelation 7, means believers are rescued from this earth before God’s wrath is poured out upon unbelievers, which is described in Revelation 8-9.

These prophecy passages clearly tell us where in the sequence of end time events that the rapture takes place. By looking at these passages, it’s obvious that the rapture is not imminent and cannot happen at any time, for many events still need to take place before we fly off this earth to be with Jesus Christ. There’s one more thing you need to know about the timing of the rapture. Daniel 9:27 says the Antichrist is revealed at the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week, and 2 Thessalonians 2:3-9 says Christ’s coming occurs after he is revealed. Therefore, we must conclude that the rapture takes place sometime during the 2nd half of that week, that seven-year time period.

In the near future, millions and millions of Christians will be living at the time of Daniel’s 70th week, serving the Lord, and experiencing great tribulation. You and your family may be among them. That’s why it’s so important for you to know when the rapture takes place in the whole sequence of end-time events. As time goes on, you will be seeing and hearing that these prophesied events are taking place, giving you an even greater confidence that Christ’s return and the rapture are getting closer and closer. “When you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door” (Matthew 24:33). Yes, life will be extremely difficult during those tribulation days, but remember that the Holy Spirit will be with you until the end of the age, and then you will, for the first time, see your loving Savior face to face. “Do not let your heart be troubled… I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may also be.” John 14:1-3

P.S. Over 2500 years ago there was this question in Daniel 12:6 –  “How long will it be until the end of these wonders?” People are still asking this question today, and God gives us the answer, not specifically, but in general. That’s why I have written other posts similar to this one, to help you know what God wants you to know, especially in these days of the end times. If you haven’t already, I would encourage you to read these two related posts – The Timing of the Rapture, and The Rapture Occurs at the Coming of Christ.

Truths You Need to Know About the End Times

June 22, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #73 ~

1. Every prophetic word regarding the return of Christ and the rapture of the church is true, and will be fulfilled. Jesus tells us, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away” (Matthew 24:35). He also says, “Take heed; behold, I have told you everything in advance” (Mark 13:23). God has told us, ahead of time, everything He wants us to know about the end-times, and that’s because He wants us to be instructed, to be ready, to be telling others, and to be excited about seeing His Son, Jesus.

2. Prophetically speaking, we live in the end-times, the last part of this present age before the rapture of the church. The fact that the Jews are firmly established back in their land is the reason we know we are living in the end-times. Ezekiel 36-37; Daniel 12:4, 9

3. Many things need to take place before Christ’s coming. In the years before Christ’s return and the rapture, there will be birth pains (false Christs, famines, earthquakes, and wars), the decline of the United States, the realignment of countries, a rebuilt Jewish, the coming of the Antichrist, apostasy, increasing lawlessness, great tribulation, the mark of the beast, preaching the gospel to all nations, heavenly signs, etc. Matthew 24

4. Christ’s coming and the rapture of the church are not imminent. That’s because the Bible makes it clear that the aforementioned prophesied events and signs need to occur first. This means the rapture is not pre-tribulational, is not before Daniel’s 70th week, and cannot happen at any moment or time. Matthew 24:33-36, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-10

5. We now live in an elongated stage called the “beginning of birth pains.” Matthew 24:4-8 tells us about these birth pains – false Christs, wars, earthquakes and famines. Luke 21:8-11 tells us about plagues occurring in various places around the world. A parallel passage, Revelation 6:1-8, also speaks about these birth pains, but includes financial problems and death. But we are only in stage one, with stage two, the latter and harder birth pains, still to come.

6. Christians are to be watchmen (Ezekiel 3:17). We are to “be alert and sober,” telling others what we know about the end-times and Christ’s coming (1 Thessalonians 5:6). We are to be “those who have insight among the people” and “give understanding to the many” (Daniel 11:33). We need to be discerning, looking for these prophesied signs, and recognizing them when they occur. “When you see all these things, recognize that He is near, that He is right at the door.” Matthew 24:33

7. As time goes on, it will be evident to Christians that Christ’s coming is getting closer. At this time (2018), Christ’s return and the rapture are still many years away, as many prophesied events still need to take place. Once the Antichrist is revealed (Daniel 9:27), it will be less than three years until the rapture. Hebrews 10:25 instructs you to be “encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

8. The rapture of the church will occur after the birth pains, after the revealing of the Antichrist, after great tribulation, after the sixth seal, after the heavenly signs, after the last trumpet, before the seventh seal, and during the second half of Daniel’s 70th week, on a “day and hour no one knows.” We are to know the general time of the rapture, but we cannot know the specific time. Matthew 24:9-36, 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, Revelation 6-7

9. Christians alive on earth, in the years leading up to Christ’s coming, will go through great tribulation. This will be a most difficult and distressing time for Christians, for there will be increasing wickedness, worldwide apostasy, betrayal by family members, food shortages and persecution. But God will give us abundant grace, empower us to be His witnesses, and use us for His purposes and glory. Matthew 24:9-14, Luke 21:12-17

10. Christians will still be living on earth when the Antichrist is revealed at the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week. The Antichrist, possessed by the devil, will be the most evil and wicked man to ever live on the face of this earth. He will be worshiped by unbelievers, and be persecuting and killing Christians. But believers will be overcomers, victorious because of Jesus Christ and His word. Revelation 12:6-17, Revelation 13

11. Five major, life-changing, world-changing events will occur after the end of this age: the rapture of the church, God’s wrath upon the world, the salvation of the Jews, the defeat of the devil, and Christ’s return to earth to begin His 1000-year glorous reign. Revelation 6-19

12. God is sovereign over all prophesied events. Everything is going according to His perfect plans. He is working out all the details, working through Christians, rulers and countries, bringing everything and every person, to that point in time when He will send Jesus Christ back to earth. No person, no demon, and no devil, will thwart the purposes and plans of God. Isaiah 46:8-13, Psalm 33:10-12, Ephesians 1:9-11

13. Our purpose in the end-times is to be loving our Lord (Mark 12:30), loving others (John 15:17), praying (1 Peter 4:7), serving God (1 Thessalonians 1:9), encouraging one another (Hebrews 10:25), preaching the gospel (Matthew 24:14), making disciples (Matthew 28:19-20), and looking for Jesus’ soon return. Matthew 24:42

14. Our character in the end-times is to be holy (2 Peter 3:11), obedient (Revelation 2:26), wise (Revelation 13:18), loving (1 John 4:7), believing (Luke 18:8), persevering (Matthew 24:13), faithful (Matthew 25:23), patient (James 5:8), and waiting (1 Thessalonians 1:10).

In conclusion, be encouraged and excited by what God is doing in our time. “Do this, understanding the time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your sleep, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:11-12). Be thankful that you can be part of God’s great and glorious work. Faithfully serve the Lord by using your gift. Tell believers what will be taking place in the years ahead. Warn unbelievers about the coming wrath, and share the gospel with them. Be hoping, praying, and looking for our Lord’s soon return. “‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come Lord Jesus.” Revelation 22:20

P.S. I have just written, “Spiritual Survival Food for the Coming Tough Times,” the first of a two-part article about how we can live for God, especially during Daniel’s 70th week and the time of great tribulation. It focuses on the necessity of knowing, believing and obeying the word of God, with over 100 verses written out.

When is Christ Coming Back?

May 25, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #69 ~

I don’t know. You don’t know. “But of that day or hour no one knows… nor the Son, but the Father alone” (Matthew 24:36). Whereas God does not tell us the specific time of His Son’s return, He does say we can know the general time. “When you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door” (Matthew 24:34). In past posts, I have listed out “these things”, the signs, events and conditions that need to take place before Christ’s return. But in this post, I want to explain why I believe it will be many years before all “these things” come to pass, and then the church is raptured.

Birth pains: Matthew 24:5-8 tells us there will be false Christs, famines, earthquakes and wars occurring before Christ’s coming, and these are “the beginning of birth pains.” In referring to these birth pains, Luke 21:9 says, “the end does not follow immediately.” We are now “hearing” about these things happening in “various places” around the world, but they are only the beginning, for these signs will increase in intensity and frequency, and “then they will deliver you (Christians) to tribulation” (Matthew 24:9). It’s now 2018, and we need to know there’s still a ways to go before Christ’s return and the rapture.

Globalism: The trend in this world in the last 100 years has been towards regionalism and globalism, illustrated by different organizations, like the UN, NATO, EU, WTO and the IMF. This is all leading to that time when the people of this world will once again try to build a “tower of Babel” (Genesis 11). But now, there’s a strong current of nationalism, for many countries want to be more independent of others. For example, you see this in the United States, Great Britain and China. I believe this global landscape needs to change a whole lot more before countries subject their sovereignty to the Antichrist, before Revelation 13:4 comes true – “the whole earth was amazed and followed after the Beast.”

United States: The United States has to decline in power before the Antichrist and his kingdom can rule this world, and the way things look now, this could take some time. Without question, the United States is still the strongest nation in the world, and it doesn’t look like anyone will soon supplant her from her superior position. Barring a stock market collapse, a massive earthquake, a huge cyber or nuclear EMP attack, any of which could cause the U.S. to quickly collapse, I believe this country’s #1 position is secure for a while. It is Daniel 8:9-14, 9:26-27, 11:36-45 that explains why the Antichrist is from across the Atlantic, and not from the United States.

Increasing Sin: The moral condition of this world has declined rapidly in the past 50-60 years, but it needs to go downhill a lot more before the rapture of the church. In the time leading up to Christ’s coming, there will be rampant lawlessness, a corrupt culture, a sin-dominated society and the Antichrist, a “man of lawlessness,” ruling the world. There will be a clear polarization between believers and unbelievers, between a holy church and a wicked world, but we’re not there yet. Matthew 24:12, 2 Thessalonians 2:3

Global Anti-Semitism. Zechariah 12:3, in speaking about the Jews in the end times, says “all the nations of the earth will be gathered against her.” At this time, most countries in the world are strongly opposed to the Jews, demonstrated by their anti-Semitic votes in the United Nations. But the United States and other countries aligned with her, are still supporting the Jews. Before Christ can come back, this country and others will have to join with the rest of the world in their utter hate for the Jews. We are not there yet – it’s going to take more time before “Jerusalem (is) a heavy stone for all the peoples.” Zechariah 12:3

The Image and Mark of the Beast. The Antichrist will need to have the technology, a sophisticated global system in place to be able to spiritually, militarily, and economically rule the world, to be able to communicate with everyone in the world, demand people to worship his image, and force people to take his mark. In this information age, with computers, the internet, smart phones, and many means of surveillance, it’s obvious that we are getting closer to that time when the Antichrist will be able to control the world. But I believe we are still years away before one man (Antichrist) will be able to implement his one-world order, when people in the world will want him to rule, and accept his means to rule over them. Revelation 13:14-17

Put all these together, birth pains, growing globalism, decline of the U.S., increasing sin and anti-Semitism, technology for one-world rule. Add in the need for more wars, further realignment of nations, global gospel preaching, a peace treaty, a temple in Jerusalem, and great persecution, and you can see how it could take many years before the return of Christ and the rapture of the church. I plan to share much more on this next week.

We are now at that stage, “the beginning of birth pains,” and as Luke 21:9 says, “the end does not follow immediately.” A lot more must happen before Christ comes back. In the years ahead, “those who have insight” (Daniel 11:33) will see prophecy being fulfilled, and therefore “see the day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:25), and they are to instruct and strengthen other Christians. Always remember and be encouraged by Jesus’ last words in the Bible, “Behold, I am coming soon.” Revelation 22:20

P.S. I want to encourage you to read (or read again) this post, Does Anybody Know What Time It Is? It relates directly to this post, and really helps you understand more about the timing of Christ’s return.

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 are a believer in Jesus Christ, then without question, this is the greatest news, that He 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!

God’s Work in Bringing About Christ’s Return

December 29, 2017 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #50 ~

Image result for John 5:17 

It’s good to think about the work of God. He is always committed to His cause and is right on course to accomplish all that He has set out to do. In every person’s life and in every part of this world, God is carrying out His plans. Here at the end of 2017 and the beginning of 2018, I want you to think about God’s work in your life and in this world. “Great are the works of the Lord; they are studied by all who delight in them.”  Psalm 111:2-3

First, think about God’s work in the world. Ephesians 1:9 speaks of the “mystery of His will… to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment, to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.” This is a prophetic verse, for everything and everyone is moving towards that time when Christ will return and be ruler of this world. But to see the big picture, you need to go back to Genesis 1-2, and remember that this world used to be a perfect place, with perfect people. Then Adam and Eve sinned, resulting in this evil age, Satan ruling over the earth, and sin and death spreading to all men. But in His mercy, God promised a Savior who would deliver people from their sin (Isaiah 53), and create a new heavens and earth. Isaiah 65:17

God made perfect plans to fulfill these eternal purposes, and over the millennia He has been faithfully fulfilling them. He worked with and through the Jews for about 2000 years, and then “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15). Christ lived a perfect life, died to pay for man’s sins, was raised again and ascended into heaven. He continued His work on earth through the church, saving millions and millions of people from sin, death and hell. Now that the Jews are back in their land, it won’t be long before Christ returns, the church is raptured and believers are glorified. Matthew 24:27-31

Second, think about God’s work in your life. It is important for you to know that in eternity past, God chose to save you, and to glorify you, to be like His Son, Jesus Christ. Then came that wonderful day when God actually saved you and forgave you of all your sins. Since then He’s been working in your life, making you holy and using you to fulfill His purposes (Ephesians 2:1-10). Romans 8:28-29 says it well, “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God,” with His primary purpose being that all believers be “conformed to the image of His Son.”

Think about this past year. In every situation, job, relationship and trial, God was working in you and through you, for your good and the good of the church, and ultimately, for His glory. God was always kind to you, always teaching you, always patient with you, and always carrying out His will in your life. There’s no doubt He’ll continue with you in this way in 2018, 2019, etc. Then will come the day, whether you’ve already gone to heaven or whether you’re still on earth, when Christ will come back, and you will be glorified, and your salvation will be 100% complete. It’s essential to have this perspective and to be encouraged by God’s perfect work in your life. 1 Thessalonians 5:24

The fulfillment of God’s plans for the Jews, His promises to the church, and His plans for you, are all converging together in these last days of this church age. God is directing every detail in this world, moving all things full speed ahead, bringing us closer and closer to that time when He will send His Son back to earth. And this age will end, believers will be glorified, this wicked world will be judged, a remnant of Jews will be saved, and Christ will begin His rule over this world. Revelation 6-11

It’s necessary for you to think about your life, and your connection to, and purpose in the world. Otherwise you’ll be rudderless and directionless, like a ship adrift out in the open sea. You must see that your life is intricately and intimately intertwined with God’s work in the world. You are like a puzzle piece, and God is fitting you and all the other pieces together. God has His plans for the world, and His plans for you in this world, and you are a vital part of all that He is doing. Everything happening in your life and in every other life in this world is part of God’s plan to bring His Son back to this earth. God will not be stopped, thwarted or delayed, and will not give up until His Son returns and is reigning over this world. Be excited that you can serve God in the way He has planned for you, in the church He has placed you, and with the people He puts in your life. “The whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:21-22

P.S.  As we think about the New Year, here’s an article that specifically instructs us about the time that God gives to each of us: The Time of My Life.

First Coming to Church Age to Second Coming

December 22, 2017 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #49 ~

“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders…” (Isaiah 9:6-7). “As for you Bethlehem Ephratha, too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel…” (Micah 5:2-5a). These are “1st coming – 2nd coming” prophecies. To the person who wrote them and the people who initially read them, it would have seemed like these events would occur in the same time period. But that didn’t happen. Now over 2500 years later, we can look back and see that these prophecies were to take place at two different times, at Christ’s 1st coming and at His 2nd coming, with the church age in between.

Let’s first look at Christ’s 1st coming, and by reading Luke 1-2, we see that Mary, Joseph, Simeon and Anna, were all looking forward to the fulfillment of these prophesies about the Messiah. And lo and behold, these four godly Jews literally see the baby Jesus, and see these predictions come true, at least part one. Then Jesus, this perfect God-man grows up, and thirty years later His ministry begins and many more prophecies about Him are fulfilled. In particular, there’s Psalm 16, Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53 accurately predicting that Jesus would suffer and die for the sins of man, and then be raised from the dead. Fifty days after His resurrection, this victorious Savior ascended into heaven to be with His Father. But most Jews weren’t happy with Jesus, for they had wanted Him to be their King, but they didn’t understand that He first needed to be their Savior. They also didn’t understand that Christ’s 1st coming work had been completed, that His mission was accomplished. Luke 2:11, John 1:29, John 17:4

It was during Jesus’ ministry years that He had promised to build the church, instructing His disciples to preach the gospel and to go and make disciples, which has been taking place now for nearly 2000 years (Matthew 28:20). He also made it very clear to them that He’d be returning at the end of this church age – He wanted to make sure His disciples knew He was going to fulfill all His promises, particularly that He’d be coming back as the King. Zechariah 14:9, Matthew 24:3-41, Luke 19:11-15

Do you see that Jesus’ disciples were thinking about these prophesies regarding Jesus’ future Kingdom, for right before His ascension into heaven they ask Him, “Lord, is it at this time that You are restoring the kingdom to Israel“ (Acts 1:6)? Then a little later in Acts 3:18-21, we read that Peter was preaching “that His (God’s) Christ would suffer (1)… repent and return, so your sins might be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the Lord (2); and that He may send Jesus… whom heaven must receive until the period of restoration” (3). Peter and some of the other Jews were finally seeing the big picture, for in this passage the 1st phrase represents Christ’s first coming, the 2nd phrase is the church age, and the 3rd phrase is Christ’s second coming. The disciples knew that the Christ had come, and that they were to be His witnesses to the world, but they longed for their Lord and Savior to return to reign as King over the earth.

Then there’s 1 Corinthians 11:26, which commemorates the Lord’s death, a verse many Christians read during their communion time, but it also gives this big-picture perspective. “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup (church age), you proclaim the Lord’s death (1st coming), until He comes (2nd coming)”. Can you see that our Lord wants to continually remind Christians of the past (Jesus dying for our sins), the present (Jesus building the church) and the future (Jesus reigning as King)?

Now it’s Christmastime 2017. To sum up, Jesus came as a baby, lived a perfect life, died a most purposeful death, was raised again, ascended into heaven, and since that time has been building His church. But the Jews are back in their land and therefore, we’re living in the end times, which means it won’t be long before Christ comes back. I am so excited to be alive at this particular time in history, at the end of this church age, knowing that our Lord may soon appear in the clouds to rapture us, suddenly and safely snatching us from earth so we can be at home with Him in heaven.

Do you realize that you are living between Christ’s 1st and 2nd coming, during the church age, but more importantly at the very end of it? Do you see that this is your time to live for God, your one time on this earth to serve Him, and that Jesus has instructed you, “Do business until I come back” (Luke 19:13)? It won’t be long before Christ returns, and part two of these “1st coming – 2nd coming” prophecies will come true, when Jesus will be King over the entire earth, bringing peace to this planet – and we will reign with Him for a 1000 years!

“Joy to the world, the Lord is come; let earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing… Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns; let men their songs employ; while fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sound joy… No more let sins and sorrows grow; nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make His blessings flow far as the curse is found, far as the curse is found… He rules the world with truth and grace; and makes the nations prove the glories of His righteousness, and wonders of His love, and wonders of His love…”  – A Christmas Carol about the 2nd Coming of Christ

P.S. I just finished a very instructive and encouraging article: The Rapture of the Church.  

The Glory of God – The Most Important Thing of All!!!

August 4, 2017 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #29 ~ 

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God is all glorious! That’s because of who He is – God is God, and He is the Creator of the world, the Lord of lords, the King of kings, and the Savior of sinners. “O Lord God of hosts, who is like You, O mighty God?” Psalm 89:8. God is glorious because of what He’s like – He’s supreme, holy, just, wise, loving, powerful, truthful, sovereign, forgiving, good, faithful, patient, omniscient, omnipresent, immutable and eternal. “His name alone is exalted; His glory is above heaven and earth.” Psalm 148:13. And God is glorious because of what He does, because of His awesome works. “On the glorious splendor of Your majesty and on Your wonderful works, I will meditate.” Psalm 145:5

God is always glorified! There’s never a time when He is not glorified. Every single thing that God has ever done, or ever will do, gives Him glory. Not only that, but as Revelation 4 tells us, the four living creatures are continually and eternally giving glory to God. “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty… Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things…” But there’s been a big problem.

Man is made to glorify God. But as Romans 1:18-32 says, man is worshiping the creation instead of God, His Creator, and this is his main sin, his root problem, resulting in all kinds of other sins. Yet, in His kindness, God sent His own Son, Jesus Christ, to save man from his sin, to redeem those who believe He died and paid for their sins and then rose again. And why did God do this? For man’s eternal good, and so he would glorify God. The Westminster Confession sums it up, “The chief end of man is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.” 

As a Christian you are to glorify God – to worship, to extol, to exalt, to praise, to bless, to honor, to thank, to fear, to love Him. This is your main purpose, your primary duty during your life on this earth, and forever and ever. “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31. “To Him who loves us… to Him be the glory and dominion forever and ever.” Revelation 1:5-6. O might you see this! O might your heart, soul and life be filled with praise to God, for He is worthy!!!

God made the heavens and the earth, the angels, plants and animals, mountains and hills, and men and women, to praise and glorify God. But as was said, man sinned and didn’t give Him glory. But God has reconciled people to Himself, and the Bible and all of history tells us stories of selected men and women giving glory to God. The Jews, for example, were a chosen people, and many of them worshiped God. As David said, “I will give thanks to You, O Lord my God… and will glorify Your name forever.” Psalm 86:11. But overall, the Jews did not honor God, and so He punished them, for “they worshiped a molten image. They exchanged their glory for an image of an ox.” Psalm 106:19-20. Yet God never gave up on the Jews, for though He exiled them and later scattered them all over the world, He promised to gather them back to their land (and now they are there), so they would give Him glory. “I will be glorified in the midst of Thee.” Ezekiel 28:22. “The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord.” Habakkuk 2:14

But now we’re in the church age, and the time for the revival of a remnant of Jews, and these promises to be fulfilled, is still to come. This is our opportunity and time to serve the Lord and give Him glory. Many verses tell us this – Romans 16:25-27, Galatians 1:4-5, Philippians 4:19-20, 2 Peter 3:18, Jude 24-25, Revelation 1:5-6, Ephesians 3:21 – “To Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.”

Since we live in the end times, we know it won’t be long before Christians on earth “will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory” (Luke 21:27), and before we will be “raised in glory” (1 Corinthians 15:42), and before all believers “will be revealed with Christ in glory” (Colossians 2:3). Do you realize what’s going to happen? And do you see that our primary message is God’s glory, and that our main purpose is to glorify Him, and to “tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among the peoples… to ascribe to the Lord the glory of His name?” Psalm 96:3, 7

It’s so joyful, exhilarating and fulfilling to glorify God with the saints during this church age, but I’m looking forward to glorifying Him in the next age with all the believers from the Old Testament and church ages, and from the millennial kingdom age. It won’t be long before “every knee will bow… and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father,” and before we’re saying, and I believe singing, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory.” Philippians 2:10-11, Isaiah 6:3

P.S.  I plan to have my new article posted early next week: “Replacement Theology :  It’s Not True – Part 5.”  Look for it then!

The Most Important Thing for You!

July 28, 2017 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #28 ~

Our primary subject in this blog is the 2nd coming of Jesus Christ. But you need to know the importance of His 1st coming before you can see the significance of His 2nd coming. You’re not going to be excited about Christ coming again if you don’t know why He came the first time, and if you don’t know Him as your personal Lord and Savior.

In this world there are a multitude of problems, but by far, the biggest problem is sin, and it’s in the heart and life of every single person. And what is this sin? Sin is not loving God – it’s worshiping the creation instead of the Creator, glorifying man instead of glorifying God. Sin is rebelling against God, breaking God’s laws, and disobeying His commands. It’s ignoring Him and just doing your own thing. Jesus gave a list of specific sins – “evil thoughts, fornication, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness.” Mark 7:21-22. And your evil thoughts, words and deeds are a lot more than you realize – it’s not just a couple of crimes you’ve committed against God, but millions of them.

And this sin is bad. It’s a spiritual cancer that kills, that will totally ruin your life. It results in sorrow, fear, worry, loneliness, conflict, emptiness, depression, hopelessness, physical sickness and death, and much more than that, in spiritual death and eternal death. It means you’re completely cut off from God. “The wages of sin is death.” Romans 6:23. “Your sins have made a separation between you and your God.” Isaiah 59:2

Because you’ve sinned, you’re guilty before God. And because you’re guilty, you must be punished by God. This punishment is altogether just. “These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power.” 2 Thessalonians 1:9-10. “Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire.” Matthew 25:41. You’re spiritually dead, spiritually lost, and spiritually helpless. This sin and death is your worst problem, a most desperate situation, but what can you do about it?

Here’s the answer: about 2000 years ago God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to this earth; and when He was on earth, He did everything right and nothing wrong. Then, as a perfect sacrifice, He died on the cross for sinners, taking their sins upon Himself. Christ became a substitute, being punished by His Father for people’s sins, thereby paying the penalty they deserved. “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8. “God made Christ who knew no sin to be sin that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

What must you do to be saved? You must see that only Jesus Christ can save you. You must see that you’re a sinner, and deserve to be punished for your sins. You must repent of your sins, being sorry that you’ve sinned against God, and you must believe that Christ died for you, and then rose again, and that God was fully satisfied by what Christ did for you. Turn from your sin and trust in Christ, and then you’ll be born again, and become a child of God. You’ll be forgiven of all your sins, and be given everlasting life, an eternal and personal relationship with God Himself. “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. “By grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no man may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

Do you know what will happen if you don’t turn to Christ? One of two things – either you’ll physically die and go to hell, or you’ll be here when Christ comes back to earth. And if you are here and aren’t right with God, then Christ will be your Judge, and it will be “hell” on earth – and then you’ll be in hell forever. You do not want that. I strongly exhort you – tell God you’re sorry that you’ve sinned against Him, and believe that “Christ died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God.” 1 Peter 3:18. “Whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13

Now I’ve talked about the bad news, the sin and death and hell. But I want you to remember the good news of Jesus Christ, the greatest demonstration of love this world has ever seen, that God is offering you a complete pardon of all your sins. More than you know, God wants you to get saved, and wants you to know Him and His love. He wants you to live a life that has meaning, and is pleasing and glorifying to Him. God wants to be your Father, and wants you to be with Him forever. “I came that you might have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10. “If anyone is thirsty, let Him come to Me and drink.” John 7:37.

If you believe the truth about Jesus Christ at His 1st coming, then you will be looking forward to seeing Him come back as your King at His 2nd coming!

P.S. Please check out my newest article about the character of God, which I just published today: I Still Say My ABC’s, The ABC’s of God’s Character.

Jesus Christ, the Savior, Judge, Redeemer, and King

February 11, 2017 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #4 ~

Imagine a good friend, a close relative or your dear child coming to visit you. Wouldn’t you be happy, excited, and looking forward to seeing him? Wouldn’t you be getting ready – cleaning your house, fixing up their bedroom, and figuring out what meals to have? And wouldn’t there be this joyful anticipation, where every single day you’d be thinking about his coming, until finally he arrives?

Now imagine God Himself coming to visit you. Wouldn’t you be happy, excited, and looking forward to seeing Him? Wouldn’t you be getting ready for His arrival? I hope you’d say yes. And the truth is, God is coming!!!

Jesus Christ is coming back to earth! Jesus Christ is God and man, and He’s coming back, and He’s not just paying a visit, He’s coming to stay. Over 20 times in the New Testament we read about the coming of Christ; and this word “coming” means “arrival and continued presence.” You see, Jesus Christ came the first time about 2000 years ago and He stayed for only 33 years, and then went back home to heaven. But this time He will arrive and stay for good. Let me explain why Christ’s coming is so, so important.

Jesus Christ is the Savior! Christ died for our sins and rose again, enabling us to be forgiven and receive eternal life. If you have repented of your sins, and trusted in Christ to forgive you, to save you, then He’s your Savior. And over time you learn how much He loves you, and so much more than anyone else. Then you learn that He’s coming back to rapture you and take you home to heaven. I can’t tell you how important it is for you to realize how passionately Christ loves you, and that He can’t wait to see you. Might your soul be charged up by His great love for you, so that you love Him, and are looking forward to His return, His coming for you.

Jesus Christ is the Judge! Yes, here comes the Judge, and there is nothing more serious than this, for after Christ raptures the Christians, then He will judge the unbelievers who remain on earth, and this will be one holy devastation. This is the wrath of God, the Day of the Lord, a judgment of fire, a time when Christ will perfectly judge this earth and the people on it. It is the Trumpet and Bowl judgments spoken of in Revelation 8-9, 16, that describe how dreadful and deadly this will be for the all unbelievers left behind.

Jesus Christ is the Redeemer! God repeatedly promised that He would redeem a remnant of Jewish people, and it is at the very end of Daniel’s 70th week that this will be fulfilled. Then the Jews, along with all the believers, which includes all Christians, will begin to reign with Christ over this world. And by the way, we know we are in the end times because the Jews have been regathering to their land since the 1880’s, all this leading to that climactic moment, the redemption of a remnant of Jews. Romans 11:25-27

Jesus Christ is the King! As you well know, we do not have peace in this world. Throughout the years, many rulers have tried to bring peace, but they have all failed. Only Jesus Christ can and will do this. After the rapture, and after the wrath, is when Christ’s 1000-year reign will begin. I must say, I am really looking forward to this millennial kingdom, and finally seeing true justice, peace and joy all over this world. Psalm 67

Jesus Christ, the Savior, Judge, Redeemer and King, is literally coming back to this earth! This is the truth. This is not folly, fiction or fake news – this is what God has told us again and again in His Word. And this is God’s Word, not man’s word, and you need to believe it and be convinced of it. I personally believe Christ’s coming may take place in your lifetime, and if not in your lifetime, then in your children’s or grandchildren’s. Do you understand how amazing, how wonderful, how dramatic, how climactic, how exciting, how earth-shaking, earth-changing, life-changing, devil-defeating, and God-glorifying this will be??

One more thing – In the last chapter of the last book of the Bible, Jesus says, “Behold, I am coming soon” (Revelation 22:7, 12, 20). He repeats Himself three times. Why? Because He’s trying to wake you up, and alert you to the fact that He is soon returning to earth. He wants you to know that He is super-excited about coming back to take you to be with Himself, and He wants you to be super-excited about being with Him – and with great joy and great feeling say, “COME, LORD JESUS!”

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