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Christ's Kingdom and the End Times

Category: Prophecy (Page 1 of 4)

Blog posts about prophecy.

“The Land”, from the River to the Sea, is for Israel!

January 20, 2024 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #295 ~

There has never been anyone like the Jewish people! Beginning with God’s unbreakable promise to Abraham around 2,000 BC (Gen. 12:1-3) and her supernatural birth as a nation in Egypt, she has miraculously survived through all the years, and she is still going today. The Israelites have had all these ups and downs, victories and defeats and, twice now, God drove them from her land and then brought them back. Despite all her sin and rebellion against God, we continue to see His unbelievable patience, awesome power, and incredible grace for them. Psalms 78, 105, 106

Why is this? Because Israel is God’s country. He chose her out of all the other nations in the world to be His people (Deut. 7:7-9). God has great and glorious plans for Israel, ones He has been fulfilling these past 4,000+ years, ones carefully recorded in His word, and ones impacting them and the entire world. And because God’s plans for Israel are eternal in nature, then He will bless her forever. Gen. 13:14-16

In recent posts, we’ve looked at Israel’s history as it relates to the land she first entered about 3,400 years ago. God’s relationship and work with the Israelites relates directly to her land. If you talk about the people of Israel, then you need to also talk about the land of Israel. “The Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, ‘To your descendants, I have given this land.’” Gen. 15:18

Last time we learned that Joshua led the Jewish people into their land around 1400 BC. “Joshua took the whole land… and Joshua gave it for an inheritance to Israel.” (Josh. 11:23). Her east-west boundaries were from the river to the sea, “from the Jordan even to the Great Sea” (Josh. 23:4). This land was for Israel and not for anyone else. Ps. 105:8-11

Hundreds of years later, in 722 BC, 606 BC, and 586 BC, God exiled the Israelites out of the land He had given them. Why was God punishing His own people and forcing them out of their land? Because of sin, disobedience, and idolatry. Deut. 28:47-63 – “Because you did not serve the Lord your God with joy and a glad heart … The Lord will bring a nation against you… You will be torn from the land where you are entering to possess it.” Jer. 25:8-11 – “Because you have not obeyed My words… This whole land will be a desolation and a horror, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon seventy years.” Ezek. 5:12 – “One third of you will die of plague or be consumed by famine… one third will fall by the sword around you, and one third I will scatter to every wind, and I will unsheathe a sword behind them.” Ezek. 7:23 – “The land is full of bloody crimes and the city is full of violence.” Jer. 12:7-11, 16:18; Ezek. 4:13, 9:9, 11:23; Dan. 9:7-14

What about this Jewish remnant that was taken away from the land of Israel? God had plans for His people in the land where they were exiled, and He was present with them during their entire 70-year stay. Jer. 29:5-7 – “Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. Take wives and become the fathers of sons… Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile.” Ezek. 6:8 – “I will leave a remnant, for you will have those who escaped the sword… when you are scattered among the countries.” Ezek. 11:16 – “Thus says the Lord God, ‘Though I had removed them far away among the nations… yet I was a sanctuary for them a little while in the countries where they had gone.’”

What did God’s prophets say about the Messiah, the Israelites, and their land during their exile? They had a great deal to say, especially about the far distant future, about the end-times and the coming kingdom age. These prophecies make it very clear that God is committed to the Jewish people and committed to communicating His plans to them and to Christians too. The advantage we have at this time in history is that we can look back and better understand God’s plans for the Israelites, and how it now relates to us. Ezek. 36:6 – “Prophesy concerning the land of Israel…” Ezek. 36:24-28 – “I will… gather you from all the lands and bring you into your own land… I will give you a clean heart and put a new spirit in you. You will live in the land that I gave to your forefathers, so you will be My people and I will be your God.” Ezek. 37:21-28 – “I will take the sons of Israel from among the nations where they have gone, and I will gather them from every side and bring them into their own land… They will live on the land that I gave to Jacob my servant in which your fathers lived… I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant with them.”

Ezekiel 38:7 – “In the latter years you will come into the land that is restored from the sword, whose inhabitants have been gathered from many nations… it shall come about in the last days that I will bring you against My land, so that the nations may know Me when I am sanctified through you before their eyes, O Gog.” Ezek. 39:25-28 – “I will restore the fortunes of Jacob and have mercy on the whole house of Israel; and I will be jealous for My holy name… They will know that I am the Lord their God because I made them go into exile among the nations and gathered them again to their own land.” Dan. 9:25-26 – “You are to know and discern that from the issuing of a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Messiah the Prince there will be 7 weeks and 62 weeks… After the 62 weeks the Messiah will be cut off and have nothing, and the people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary.”

God promised the Jewish people that He would bring them back to their land. He told His people that they would be exiled out of their land (Jer. 25:8-11) and then return 70 years later (Jer. 29:11-13) – and this took place just as God promised. Deut. 30:1-5 – “When all of these things have come upon you… and you return to the Lord your God and obey Him… then the Lord your God will restore you from captivity… the Lord your God will bring you into the land which your fathers possessed…” Jer. 16:14-15 – “I will restore them to their own land which I gave to their fathers.” Jer. 29:10-11 – “When seventy years have been completed for Babylon, I will visit you and fulfill My good word to you, to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.” Ezek. 11:17 – “I will gather you from the peoples and assemble you out of the countries among which you have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel.’’

Why do I spend so much time on Israel and her land? Because there’s so much written in God’s word about Israel and her land, which means she is extremely important to God. And because you need to know God’s plans for Israel if you’re to truly understand His plans for the church. Yes, there are people who question Israel’s purpose and place in the world, but what did God tell us in His word? You need to carefully study what God says about Israel in the Old and New Testaments, and then you will know the real truth and relevance of God’s plans for her and for you. Matt. 24:9-31, Rom. 15:8-13, Rev. 21:10-14

I am amazed and in awe when I see God’s works and ways through the years, whether it relates to me, the church, Israel, or the world. Be thankful that you can be part of God’s plans and can serve Him in the last years of this church age. Might you say, “Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone works wonders, and blessed be His glorious name forever; and may the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen, and Amen” (Ps. 72:18-19). And be looking forward to when you can say, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory.” Isaiah 6:3

P.S. I am writing all these posts about Israel and her land because she is the most important country in the world, and because its relevant to our world today and in the future. I encourage you to read my previous posts on this subject: “God Promised ‘the Land’ to Israel”, “‘The Land’: God’s Promise and Plans, and Israel’s Possession”, “Israel’s Long Stay in ‘the Land’ and God’s Glory.”

“The Land”: God’s Promises and Plans, and Israel’s Possession

November 23, 2023 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #291 ~

About 4,000 years ago, God promised to Abram and his descendants a very special piece of land. And through all the years God has been keeping His promise to His people. As Christians, it’s imperative that we understand this incredible journey of the Jewish people, and how it relates to us. Today, from Genesis to Joshua, we will learn about God’s promises about the land to God’s plans for the land to Israel’s possession of the land.

1) God’s promises of land for Abraham and his descendants: Genesis 13:14-15- “The Lord said to Abram after Lot had separated from him, ‘Now lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward; for all the land which you see, I will give it to you and your descendants forever.’” Gen. 12:1-3, 15:6-7, 15:18, 17:6-8, 26:3-5, 35:10-12, 50:24; Ex. 32:13; Lev. 26:42; Num. 34:2-12; Deut. 9:4-6; Josh. 1:1-6. God repeated His promise of land because He wanted everyone to be convinced of its truth and its eternal and utmost importance.

2) God’s plans for the Jewish people instructed them how to live in their land: God created the Israeli nation, raised her up, cared for her, provided for her, protected her, led her – and He had His plans for them written down so they would know how they were to live in their land. God dearly loved the Jewish people, for they were special to Him, a treasured possession. He wanted to greatly bless them and their land and, through them, the entire world. Most of all, God wanted them to worship and serve Him forever. Psalm 67:7

In Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, God’s plans for the Jewish people are precisely written out. Here are some of them: Deut. 4:1 – “Listen to the statutes and the judgments which I am teaching you to perform, so that you may live and go in and take possession of the land which the Lord, the God of your fathers, is giving you.” Deut. 4:37-38 – “Because He loved your fathers, therefore He chose their descendants after them. He personally brought you from Egypt by His great power, driving out from before you nations greater and mightier than you, to bring you in and to give you their land for an inheritance.”

Deut. 8:7 – “The Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, flowing forth in valleys and hills; a land of wheat and barley, of vines, fig trees, and pomegranates, a land of milk and honey… when you have eaten and are satisfied, you shall bless the Lord your God for the good land which He has given you.” Deut. 11:12 – “… a land for which the Lord your God cares; the eyes of the Lord your God are always on it, from the beginning even to the end of the year.” Deut. 11:16-17 – “Beware that your hearts are not deceived, and that you do not turn away and serve other gods and worship them. Or the anger of the Lord will be kindled against you, and… you will perish quickly from the good land which the Lord is giving you.”

Here are several more verses from Deuteronomy about the plans God wanted His people to follow while they were living in their land: Deut. 4:5, 4:13-14, 4:25-31, 4:35-40, 5:31-33, 6:1, 6:10-15, 6:22-25, 7:1-6, 7:12-15, 8:1, 8:6-10, 9:1-6, 10:11, 11:8-12, 11:16-25, 11:31-32, 12:1-4, 12:29-30, 15:4-5, 15:11, 16:20, 17:14-15, 18:9-14, 19:8-10, 21:22-23, 23:19-20, 24:14-15, 25:13-16, 26:1-3, 26:8-11, 26:15-19, 27:1-3, 29:25-29, 31:3-8, 32:45-49.

These verses tell us about the sacrifices the Israelites were to perform, many of which picture the coming Messiah who would atone for their sins, who would save those who believed in Him. They describe their celebrations and feasts, ones which would give them opportunities to worship Him. We learn about God’s plans regarding kings, war, sin, justice, tithes, marriage, divorce, food, aliens, being exiled from their land, etc. God was clearly instructing His people how they were to live for Him, be blessed by Him, and glorify Him in their land.  

Now think about this: is there any other country in the world that God chose and loved, and then wrote out specific plans instructing them how they were to live in their land? Did God give any other nation laws that they were to obey so as to be blessed, and so God would be glorifed. No! Never! It’s critically important that you understland God’s amazing and awesome work with the Jewish people.

3) Finally, the land becomes Israel’s possession. It was over 600 years after God promised the land to Abram that He directed his descendants to go in to possess their land. These verses from Joshua and Judges tell us a little bit of what happened.
* Joshua 1:4 – “From the wilderness and this Lebanon, even as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and as far as the Great Sea toward the setting of the sun will be your territory.” God reminded Joshua of His promise to the Jewish people about their land and its boundaries.
* Joshua 1:11 – “… you are to cross this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the Lord your God is giving you.” The land the Israelites were receiving from God, the land they were to possess and occupy, was a most wonderful gift – and they did not earn it or deserve it.
* Joshua 2:24 – “All the inhabitants of the land have melted away before us.” The people living in this land were afraid of Israel, and were quickly and easily driven out by her armies.

* Joshua 10:42 – “Joshua captured all these kings and their lands at one time, because the Lord, the God of Israel, fought for Israel.” That God Himself fought for Israel is, in itself, compelling evidence that He wanted Israel to possess and keep the land.
* Joshua 11:23 – “Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the Lord had spoken to Moses, and Joshua gave it for an inheritance to Israel according to their division by their tribes.” God divided up the land, and Joshua allotted to each of the twelve tribes their portion.

* Joshua 21:43 – “The Lord gave Israel all the land which He had sworn to give to their fathers, and they possessed the land and lived in it.” Over 600 years after God initially made His promise to Abram, the Israelites took possession of their land and began to live in it. That God kept His promise about the land clearly shows the fulfillment of His purpose and plans for His people. Isaiah 46:9-10
* Judges 2:1 – “I brought you up out of Egypt and led you into the land which I have sworn to our fathers… I said, ‘I will never break My covenant with you.’” God’s promise of land for Israel is an eternal covenant and will never be broken. Israel will live in her land forever and ever.

When we look in God’s word and at world history, we can’t help but see God’s faithful working with the Jewish people. They first entered their land around 1400 BC, and lived there for about 800 years, until 606 BC. Then they were exiled out of their land, but 70 years later, in 536 BC, reentered their land. They were in their land for over 600 years, but in 70 AD, were again removed from their land. Then in the late 1800s, Jewish people started returning to their land, and in 1948 they miraculously became a nation. And here we are, 75 years later, and there are a great multitude of Israelis living on their land, 7.2 million strong. Not surprisingly, Israel is now in the middle of another punishing conflict, the Hamas / Palestine – Israeli war.

What is going to happen? We know that God is not finished with Israel – He has much more in store for them. The Bible tells us that the years leading up to Christ’s return and the rapture of the church will be difficult and painful for both Christians and Jews (Matt. 24:8-31). But shortly after the rapture, a large remnant of Jewish people will be spiritually saved. And in the coming kingdom age, Jewish believers, along with Christians, will inherit the land, that is, the entire earth. Together with Jesus Christ, they will reign over this rennovated world for 1,000 glorious, Christ-exalting years. “They will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years.” Rev. 20:6; Psalms 47, 67, 96; Heb. 11:39-40

P.S. I cannot stress enough the importance of understanding God’s promise of land for the Jewish people, and there possession of it. I would encourage you to read this history article of the Jewish people – “A Summary of the Work of God from the time of Abraham to Christ’s Millennial Kingdom.” And here’s a good article on this Thanksgiving Day – “Being Thankful – the Character of a Christian.”

Subject Index for this Prophecy Blogsite

January 14, 2023 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #266 ~

This elongated post is different than all the others for it’s a site directory, an alphabetized list of 25 subjects, followed by the titles of most of the posts I’ve written on each one. There are three reasons for this post:
1. If you are new to this blog site, you may be somewhat overwhelmed by all the different blog posts. Looking at the different subjects should make it easier to decide where you want to start reading.
2. This post is designed to help those interested in studying out one particular prophecy subject, whether that it’s in the present or the future.
3. To help you grow in your personal life as a Christian. Under “Living for God in the End-Times” you will find a number of posts specifically written to help you be living a godly life in these final years leading up to Christ’s Coming.

Under the “Archives” tab, you will find another subject index, and this too will be helpful in your study of end-times’ prophecy. May the Lord continue to teach you truths from His word on this most important subject. Then you will be a better watchmen, and more equipped to pass these timely truths on to others. “Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of his household to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes.” Matthew 24:45-46

Antichrist: (42) “The Antichrist is Coming Soon, and It’s Before the Coming of Christ”, (45) “From Many Religions to the Antichrist and One-World Religion”, (78) “That Evil Antichrist and His Short Rule on Earth” , (79) “Reasons for the Rise and Rule of the Antichrist” , (80) “The Mark of the Beast” , (121) “Antichrist Revealed and Then the Rapture” , (122) “The Antichrist Tries to Take Christ’s Place” , (123) “Presidents, Prime Ministers… Antichrist and Jesus Christ”, (193) “Questions and Answers About the Antichrist”

Bible Prophecy Passages: (175) “Psalm 2”, (179) “Psalm 11”, (134) “Psalm 47”, (148) “Micah”, (10) “Matthew 24”, (62) “Matthew 24”, (144) “Luke 21”, (197) “Romans 8:17-39”, (181) “Romans 11”, (235) “Ephesians 1”, (237) “Philippians”, (104) “Colossians 3:3-4”, (188) “1 Thess.”, (118) “1 Thess. 4:13-18”, (119) “1 Thess. 5:1-11“, (120) “2 Thess. 1”, (121) “2 Thess. 2:1-4”, (122) “2 Thess. 2:3-7“, (152) “Hebrews 11”, (147) “1 Peter 1:3-13”, (145) “Revelation 2-3”, (11) “Revelation 6”, (84) “Revelation 12”

Big Picture: (23) “The Divine Time-Table – Daniel’s 70 Weeks”, (38) “World History and International Studies”, (49) “First Coming to Church Age to Second Coming”, (66) “The Big Picture – The Present Age and the Age to Come”, (140) “From Earth to Heaven and Back Again”, (232) “Four Ages and Four Earths”, (235) “Ephesians 1 – A Big Picture Prophecy Passage”

Christmas and Prophecy: (49) “First Coming to Second Coming to Church Age”, (99) “The Christmas Story and Christ’s Second Coming”, (149) “Christmas Is More than Baby Jesus”, (201) “The True Meaning of Christmas”, (233) “It’s Not Just About Baby Jesus”, (264) “When I Think of Christmas…”

Church: (25) “Why the Jews Are Important for You and the Church”, (41) “The Gospel Will Be Preached to All the Nations – Then Christ Will Return”, (107) “Christ and the Church in the End-Times”, (128) “The World, the Church, and the King”, (143) “Why Don’t Churches Teach on Prophecy?”, (145) “End-Times’ Instructions for the Church”

Coming of Christ: (1) “Christ is Coming Again and He’s Coming Soon”, (46) “The Coming of Christ and the Triumph of the Church”, (69) “When is Christ Coming Back?”, (75) “What Will Happen When Christ Comes Back?”, (77) “Why Is Jesus Christ Coming Back?”, (85) “Christ is Coming for Both the Christians and the Jews”, (89) “Christ the King is Coming”, (174) “Christ is Coming Again, and Soon”, (192) “Questions and Answers About Christ’s Second Coming”, (200) “Is Jesus Christ Coming Again?”, (212) “Christ is Coming Back to Earth, and Soon”, (251) “Christ’s Coming – What You Need to Know”

Day of the Lord: (15) “The Day of the Lord and the Wrath of God on Earth”, (120) “Relief or Retribution – 2 Thess. 1”, (216) “Eating, Drinking, Being Merry – And Suddenly, Shockingly…”, (214) “Rescued from the Punishing Day of the Lord”, (215) “They Are Scared to Death”, (217) “The Fierce and Deadly Day of the Lord”, (254) “The Day of the Lord – God’s Righteous Wrath”, (255) “The Day of the Lord – the Destructive, Deadly Wrath of God”

End-Times: (12) “How Then Should We Live in the End-Times?”, (27) “How Do We Know We Live in the End-Times?”, (73)“Truths You Need to Know About the End-Times”, (125) “The Order of End-Time Events”, (126) “Earthquakes and the End-Times”, (145) “Revelation 2-3: End-Time Instructions for the Church”, (206) “Sinners and Saints in the End-Times”, (242) “The World Is Having Birth Pains”, (256) “Holy, Wholly Living in the End-Times”, (263) “Filling in the End-Times” Outline”

Glory of God: (29) “The Glory of God – The Most Important Thing of All”, (30) “More on the Glory of God, the Most Important Thing of All”, (134) “Worshiping the KING – The Greatest Celebration Ever”, (184) “Jews and Gentiles Unitedly Glorifying God”

Gospel of Jesus Christ: (28) “The Most Important Thing for You”, (41) “The Gospel Will Be Preached to All the Nations – Then Christ Will Return”, (94) “The Gospel of the Kingdom of God”, (114) “How to Defeat Death and Live Forever”, (241) “Death and Life in the End-Times”, (244) “The Answer to Death is Christ’s Resurrection”

Hope: (87) “In a Wicked World You Need Hope”, (112) “You Need Hope to Get Through Life”, (113) “Your Great Hope and Most Glorious Future”, (115) “Hope: The Who, What, When, How, and Why”, (116) “The Best Is Yet to Come”, (117) “Converging Hopes for Jewish and Gentile Believers”, (176) “When Life Is Hard, You Need Hope”, (177) “Important Lessons on the Hope God Has for You!”, (178) “Your Hope, Your Future, Your Reward”, (207) “The Believer’s Brand-New Body – Amen!”, (238) “Hope – Embedded in God’s Word, and in Your Heart”, (253) “Being in Heaven with Jesus and All the Believers”

Jewish People: (17) “The Suspension of God’s Plans for the Jews”, (19) “A Short Summary of God’s Work With the Jews”, (21) “Unfinished Business”, (22) “A Jewish Reading Lesson”, (25) “Why the Jews Are Important For You and the Church”, (37) “The Most Important Country in the World and It’s Not the United States”, (40) “The Persecution of the Jews from Pharaoh to the Antichrist”, (44) “God’s Plans for the Jews from Now to the Coming of Christ”, (83) “The Jews – Their Past, Present, and Glorious Future”, (85) “Christ is Coming for Both the Church and the Jews”, (183) “The New Testament  Tells Us God’s Plans for the Jews”, (260) “God’s Plans for the Jewish People Have NOT Been Cancelled”, (261)“God Keeps His Plans for the Jewish People”

Kingdom of God: (91) “The Kingdom of God”, (92) “The King in Your Heart and His Kingdom on Earth”, (93) “Kingdom Instructions for the Church”, (94) “The Gospel of the Kingdom of God”, (95) “God’s Kingdom Work”, (96) “The Present Church Age and the Future Kingdom Age”, (132) “Christ’s Kingdom is Coming”, (185) “The Coming Kingdom Age, 1000 Years of Glory”, (186) “Clear and Compelling Evidence for the Coming Kingdom”, (191) “A New Earth for the Coming Kingdom”, (195) “Questions and Answers About the Coming Kingdom”, (257) “What We Need In This World Is the King”

Living for God in the End-Times: (47) “God Will Keep You Strong to the End”, (54) Your Journey to the End – A Straight Road to Glory”, (67) “An Overview of Your Christian Life”, (71) “Journeying to the End to Be With Jesus”, (81) “Promises From a Loving Father to His Children”, (100) “Loving the Lord and Longing to See Him”, (104) “Your Entire Christian Life”, (108) “Christ-like Character God Wants You to Have”, (129) “The Right Way to Think About Your Life”, (142) “God Is in Charge of Your Life”, (150) “Loving God Today, Tomorrow, and Forever”, (169) “Being Spiritually and Emotionally Strong”, (187) “What Keeps Me Going to the End?”, (203) “Keys to Living for the Lord”, (210) “When Christ Comes, Will He Find Faith on the Earth?”, (228) “How To Keep Going for God?”, (250) “Singing – A Key to Sound Christian Living”, (256) “Holy, Wholly Living in the End-Times”

Millennial Kingdom: (96) “The Present Church Age and the Future Kingdom Age”, (130) “Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done”, (135) “A People-Blessing, God-Glorifying Kingdom”, (185) “The Coming Kingdom Age, 1000 Years of Glory”, (191) “A New Earth for the Kingdom Age”, (195) “Questions and Answers About the Coming Kingdom Age”

Persecution and Tribulation: (48) “The Persecution of the Church Before the Coming of Christ”, (57) “Christians Go Through Tribulation”, (58) “Christians Will Go Through Great Tribulation”, (120) “Relief or Retribution”, (138) “The Glory of Suffering for Jesus”, (139) “Suffering for Jesus in the End-Times”

Rapture: (5) “The Rapture of the Church at the Second Coming of Christ”, (6) “The Rapture, A Love Story”, (55) “The Timing of the Rapture”, (56) “The Rapture Occurs at the Coming of Christ”, (64) “The Immediate and Incredible Results of the Rapture”, (76) “When Does the Rapture Take Place?”, (103) “The Pre-Wrath Rapture of the Church”, (154) “What Happens When Christians are Raptured?”, (155) “Why the Rapture Is Not Imminent”, (156) “The Rapture Won’t Happen Until…”

Resurrection: (13) “The Resurrection and the Rapture of the Believers”, (61) “Christ’s Resurrection Means the Best is Yet to Come”, (118) “The Resurrection and the Rapture – 1 Thess. 4:13-18”, (211) “The Resurrection: Death to Life in Spirit – and Body”, (244) “The Answer to Death is Christ’s Resurrection”

Revelation: (11) “The Seals of Revelation 6 – The Storm Before the Son”, (80) “The Mark of the Beast”, (84) “Revelation 12 – The Jews, the Devil, and Our Victorious God”, (97) “Revelation, the Bridge from This Age to the Next Age”

Rewards: (219) “God Really Wants to Reward You”, (220) “Earthly Work that Results in Heavenly Rewards”, (221) “Your Reward is the Lord”, (222) “The Truth About Rewards, the Heavenly Prize”, (223) “Winning the Gold for the Glory of God”

Sin Is the Problem: (111) “A Sin-Wrecked World and the Coming of Christ”, (173) “Murder, Looting, and Anarchy – It’s Sin”, (206) “Sinners and Saints in the End-Times”, (209) “The Worst Lies and the Most Important Truth”, (229) “What’s Wrong with the United States?” (230) “What’s Wrong with This World?”, (249) “How Can We Live in This Sinful World?”

Special End-Time Subjects: (9) “Deception or Discernment”, (24) “Daniel’s 70th Week”, (74) “Immigration: As It Is, They Desire a Better Country”, (109) “For Pastors and Preachers in the End-Times”, (126) “Earthquakes and the End-Times”, (136) “JC Ryle’s Prophetic Creed”, (157) “The Coronavirus, Plagues, and the End-Times”, (160) “The Coronavirus – Fear and Panic, or Faith and Peace”, (209) “The Worst Lies and the Most Important Truth”, (213) “Holy Communion – From Christ’s Cross to Christ’s Crown”, (215) “They Are Scared to Death”, (236) “Marv Rosenthal – A Servant of God”, (239) “Russia at War Against Ukraine”, (247) “Baby Formula Shortage, Food Scarcity, Famine, and Thanksgiving”, (252) “My Top Thirty Charts Help You See the Future”, (259) “For Pastors, Preachers, and Teachers”

United States: (37) “The Most Important Country in the World and It’s Not the United States”, (39) “The Downfall of the United States Before the Return of Christ”, (72) “The United States, North Korea, and Peace on Earth”, (170) “The Pandemic, the U.S. Decline, and the End-Times”, (171) “Don’t Get Mad at the Government – Trust God”, (205) “A Troubled Country”, (229) “What’s Wrong With the United States?”

When Is Christ Coming Back?: (16) “Does Anybody Know What Time It Is?”, (27) “How Do We Know We Live in the End-Times?”, (36) “The World Is Now in Labor – This Means Christ Is Coming Soon”, (55) “The Timing of the Rapture”, (56) “The Rapture Occurs at the Coming of Christ”, (68) “Reflections on the Timing of Christ’s Return”, (69) “When Is Christ Coming Back?”, (70) “What Needs to Happen Before Christ’s Return?”, (76) “When Does the Rapture Take Place?”, (125) “The Order of End-Time Events”, (151) “Forecasting the Future of the World”, (153) “When Is Christ Returning to Rapture the Church?”, (155) “Why the Rapture Is Not Imminent”, (156) “The Rapture Won’t Happen Until…”, (159) “Step By Step Till We See Jesus”, (198) “The Reason We Know Christ Is Coming Soon”, (212) “Christ Is Coming Back to Earth, and Soon”

Working for God in the End-Times: (12) “How Then Should We Live in the End-Times?”, (18) “Do Business Until I Come”, (98) “Make Ready the Way of the Lord”, (158) “Being a Watchman for the Church in the End-Times”, (227) “Working for God While Waiting for Christ”

P.S. I am very, very thankful that God told us ahead of time all that He wants to know about the end-times, the return of Christ, and the ages to come. Be a good student and learn all that God wants you to know – and then you will be more excited about the future God has for you, and more excited about telling others.

Filling in the End-Times’ Outline

December 10, 2022 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #263 ~

I’m so glad to be alive at this time in history, in these end-times, for we know that Jesus Christ is coming soon! Some say His coming is imminent, that He can return at any moment, but that’s not true, for God has told us many things that must occur before the end of this age and before the return of His Son (Mark 13:23). I’ve told you these things in the past, but I will share them again, for God’s plans for the future need to be firmly planted in your mind and heart.

Here is God’s end-times’ outline, what needs to happen before Christ comes back:
* There will be more false Christs, false teachers, and false prophets. Matt. 24:5, 11, 24
* Birth pains (earthquakes, famines, plagues, and wars) will be occurring. Matt. 24:4-8
* There will be a great apostasy resulting in believers being betrayed. Matt. 24:10, 2 Thess. 2:3
* Lawlessness will be increasing all over the world. Matt. 24:12, 2 Thess. 2:11-12
* A Jewish temple will be built in Jerusalem. Matt. 24:15, 2 Thess. 2:4, Rev. 11:1-2
* This temple will be desecrated – there will be “the abomination of desolation.” Matt. 24:15
* The Antichrist (beast) will be revealed, worshiped, and begin ruling the world. Rev. 13:3-8
* The Antichrist will cause people to worship his image and take his mark. Rev. 13:11-17
* The gospel of Jesus Christ will be preached to all the nations. Matt. 24:14, 28:19-20
* Both Jews and Christians will be greatly persecuted. Matt. 24:9, 16-22; Rev. 12:14-17
* Millions will be dying because of “birth pains” and “great tribulation”. Matt. 24:28, Rev. 6:1-9
* The end of this age will be marked by a massive earthquake, and by great signs in the heavens which will result in the world going dark. Matt. 24:3, 29; Rev. 6:12-14
* The coming of Christ and the rapture of the church will happen immediately after the end of the age. Matthew 24:29-31, 1 Thess. 4:15-17

God wants you to know these prophecies that must occur before Christ’s coming. As I’ve been watching the world around us, some of these things have already been happening. And I’ve been seeing other things that relate to, connect, or must precede the above signs, events, and conditions, things that are filling in this end-time’s outline. And I’m saying, “Wow!!!” More than ever before, God’s prophetic word is being fulfilled, giving us confidence that it won’t be long before Christ appears. (Heb. 10:25, 37). Here are some things I’ve been seeing and hearing:

* “Nation will rise against nation… There will be great earthquakes and in various places plagues and famines” (Luke 21:10-11). Fuel, fertilizer, and labor shortages, along with supply chain issues are leading to food shortages and famines in various parts of the world. Wars will continue to exist and there will be more earthquakes and plagues, just like God said in His word. Matt. 24:25

* “Evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived” (2 Tim. 3:13). Our country has become terribly and increasingly sinful and lawless in the past 20 years. Vicious assaults occur in broad daylight. Blatant smash and grab robberies are happening. The unborn are still being killed. There are more murders. There’s a tremendous lack of respect for people. Human trafficking is increasing. Massive government corruption is occurring. Women are becoming men and men are becoming women??!! There’s hate and greed. Truth is lacking, and there are all kinds of lies. Most people don’t love God, but instead love themselves, money, food, sports, pleasure, and all kinds of idols. And it will only get worse. Is. 59:14-15, Amos 6:4-7, 1 Cor. 10:7, 2 Tim. 3:1-4

* “The Lord said to Satan, ‘Behold, all that he has is in your power…’” (Job 1:6-12, 1 John 5:19). Seeing the escalating evil makes me think that God has given Satan more freedom to promote sin and carry out wickedness. And it’s God’s judgment upon our country, and part of His end-times’ strategy. The other day I read a flyer promoting an elementary school club in Chesapeake, Virginia. It said, “Hey kids, let’s have fun at (an) after school Satan club.” But remember, God is sovereignly and purposefully allowing Satan to do what He wants him to do. Romans 9:17

* “God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity… to degrading passions… to a depraved mind” (Rom. 1:24, 26, 28). Sexual perversion of the worst sort is occurring in our country, the sodomization of our society, and our children too. This gross and grave sexual sin is accepted and applauded by many, promoted by a few, and legalized by our lawmakers. It’s clear evidence of the depravity in our country, and that we will soon be removed from our position as the world’s #1 superpower. As most of you know, the moral decline and downfall of the United States must take place before the Antichrist can come to power and begin ruling the world. 

* “He causes all… to be given a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, and he provides that no one will be able to buy or sell, except the one who has the mark” (Rev. 13:16-17). Nations are becoming more authoritative and totalitarian. And their plan is to use recent technological advances to control people, advances that have to do with artificial intelligence, smart phones, digital ID’s, vaccine passports, surveillance systems, chip implants, social credit scores, and digital currencies. (The United States recently began working on an experimental currency, the Central Bank Digital Currency). Don’t you think this technology will sooner or later lead to the development and implementation of the mark of the beast, the means by which the Antichrist will control people? Isn’t it also true that people will get use to these advances in technology, for they will seem like they are necessary, and are making life easier? As one person recently said, “The time will come when we can’t live without the mark of the beast.”

* “They will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name” (Matt. 24:9). In the past few years, we’ve been witnessing the arrests and jailing of political enemies, of “domestic terrorists”. It won’t be long before Christians, labeled as “Christian nationalists” or “Christian terrorists”, will be looked upon as one of the main reasons for our country’s problems. It’s obvious that the stage is being set for an open war on Christianity, for the predicted and unjust persecution of Christians. Matt. 24:9, Rev. 6:9-11

* “As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom ten kings will arise; and another (the Antichrist) will arise after them, and he will be different from the previous ones” (Dan. 7:24, Rev. 13:1). In the end, there will be a kingdom of ten nations controlled by the Antichrist, the power base by which he will rule the world during Daniel’s 70th week. Bill Wilson, Koenig International Senior News Analyst, said this about our present global situation – “The G20 is a group of 19 nations plus the European Union committed to coordinating global economic, health, and travel policy… Among the G20 initiatives is the World Health Organization which at the last G20 meeting gained approval of its global authority to act as a ‘health’ control mechanism for international travel, pandemic management, food growth and distribution, and climate control. The G20 nations appear to have empowered themselves to build the vehicle that can be driven by an oligarchy of unelected leaders or a single leader to control the world and enslave its inhabitants.”

Then you read about the United Nations, the Global Reset, the World Economic Forum, and that political, financial, and tech leaders have this goal of globalization, of a one world order. I believe this kind of international coordination and control will eventually lead to the coming of the Antichrist and his dictatorial rule of the earth. No one knows exactly how and when this comes about but it will, and sometime after the United States has been dethroned from her position of power. “The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but they receive authority as kings with the beast (the Antichrist) for one hour.” Revelation 17:12

Never forget that God “works all things after the counsel of His will” (Eph. 1:11) with “a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ” (Eph. 1:10). God is directing the affairs and activities of the world, He is causing signs and events to happen, and He’s moving the pieces, the nations, rulers, and people into place. Be awake and alert. Be working and waiting. Be like the “men of Issachar, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do” (1 Chron. 12:32). And soon enough, we “will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” Luke 21:27

In a recent Zion’s Fire article, David Rosenthal said it this way, “The Author of the Universe has already written the last chapter. The epic conclusion will take place at His appointed time, and in harmony with His Sovereign purposes. When everything is aligned in accordance with His will, He will initiate the events of the Last Days and bring all things to a just and righteous consummation. I believe we are seeing the shadows of the coming alignment taking shape in the world today. Our responsibility as followers of Christ is to remain faithful, keep watching, be discerning, and be prepared.” Amen!

P.S. I get excited knowing what needs to happen before Christ returns, but saddened knowing that many don’t have a clue as to what will be taking place. That’s why I write this blog post, to help you understand God’s plan for the future. I strongly encourage you to read “Matthew 24 – the Most Important Prophecy Chapter in the Bible.” One more thing – as you know, we live in a world of sadness, sorrow, and depression. Here is last Sunday’s message, and it’s all about rejoicing in the Lord, and receiving His heart-lifting joy.

God Keeps His Promises to the Jewish People

November 9, 2022 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #261 ~

Some people think God’s plans for Israel were invalidated by their crucifixion of Christ, but that’s just not true! God’s plans are still valid, and one of the primary reasons we know this is because He has already carried out His promise to bring back the Jewish people to their land, and this sets the stage for the fulfillment of the rest of His promises to them. And what happens to the Jews relates directly to what happens to the church. Matt. 24:4-22, Luke 21:10-28, 2 Thess. 2:1-19, Rev. 7:1-14, Rev. 12:13-17 all show God’s side-by-side plans with the Jews and the Christians in the end-times. 

Another reason we know God has not given up on His plans for the Jewish people is that there are at least 20 New Testament passages that talk about their future. And these passages are in the New Testament because they’re part of God’s church age / kingdom age plans. Last week we looked at 10 of them and today we will look at 10 more. These verses, in addition to a large number of other Old Testament prophecies, prove that God will fulfill His promises to the Jews. Let’s go over them:

* Luke 21:20-24 – “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then recognize that her desolation is near… these are days of vengeance… they will fall by the edge of the sword and will be led captive into all the nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.” Jesus predicted the future of the Jewish people, that Jerusalem would be destroyed, which happened in 70 AD, and that the Jews would be scattered all over the world. But in the last 140+ years, a great multitude of Jews have miraculously come back to their land. That means the times of the Gentiles will soon be fulfilled, and that a large remnant of Jews will soon be saved. Ezek. 36-37, Rom. 11:25-27

* Matthew 19:27-28 – “Truly I say to you, that you who have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” Jesus tells the apostles their reward for being His followers, that they will rule with Him, specifically that they will be judging the 12 tribes of Israel. This occurs during the millennial kingdom, “in the regeneration” (physical new birth – Rom. 8:20-21). This is more evidence that God has a future for Israel and the Jewish people, as was promised in the Old Testament, especially in the Psalms and Prophets. Psalm 37:9, 22, 29; Psalm 105:6-11; Ezekiel 37:21-28

* Romans 11:25-27 – “A partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fulness of the Gentiles has come in, and so all Israel will be saved, just as it is written ‘The Deliverer will come from Zion, He will remove ungodliness from Jacob. This is my covenant with them, when I take away their sins.” During this church age, the Jewish people are experiencing a partial hardening of heart and, therefore, are not as receptive to the gospel as the Gentiles. At the end of this age, “the fulness of the Gentiles” will have come in, Christ will return, the church will be raptured, the world will be judged, and a large number of Jewish people will be saved. Psalm 130:7-8, Isaiah 45:17

* Romans 15:7-13 – “Christ has become a servant to the circumcision (the Jews) on behalf of the truth of God to confirm the promises given to the fathers (Abraham, etc.), and for the Gentiles to glorify God… ‘Therefore, I will give praise to You among the Gentiles, and I will sing to Your name… Rejoice O Gentiles, with His people… Let all the people’s praise Him… He (Jesus) who arises to rule over the Gentiles…’” The Jewish people have a magnificent future, and that’s because God will carry out His incredible promises for them. Vss. 7-13 speak of a very important aspect of their hope, and Gentile Christians will share in that hope, which is that all believers, both Jew and Gentile, will unitedly be worshiping the Lord Jesus in the ages to come. Might God fill your heart with this hope. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope.” Romans 15:13

Hebrews 8:8-12 – “‘Days are coming’, says the Lord, ‘when I will affect a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah… I will put My laws into their minds, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they shall be My people… for all will know Me, from the least to the greatest. For I will be merciful to their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.’” The book of Hebrews was written to Jews, many of whom were wondering about God’s plans for them. The New Covenant, the key part of these plans, first written down in Jer. 31:31-34, is quoted here in Heb. 8. It’s true that God made this covenant with Israel, with the Jews, but during this church age, its primary beneficiaries are the Gentiles. God wanted the Jewish people back then and throughout this age to know that He has not forgotten His promise to them. And at the end of Daniel’s 70th week, which isn’t long from now, all Israel, all Jews, will share in this “new covenant” promise, and be saved, be forgiven of all their sins. Daniel 9:24-27, Isaiah 45:17, Ezekiel 37:21-28

Hebrews 11:13, 39-40 – “He (Abraham) lived as an alien in the land of promise… for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God… All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance… all these… did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect.” God continues to assure the Jewish people that He has not cancelled His plans for them. Heb. 11 speaks of believers who were, and still are, expecting the fulfillment of these plans. And in this church age, both Jewish and Gentile believers are looking forward to that time when Christ comes back, when all believers will be “blessed by Him” and “will inherit the land” (Ps. 37:22, Matt. 5:5). Vss. 39-40 tell us an amazing truth, that promises to the Old Testament saints will be carried out in conjunction with His promises to the church. God wants you to know that His plans for all His people are converging, are coming together in the end-times. Matthew 24:15-31

* Revelation 7:1-8 – “I heard the number of those who were sealed, one hundred and forty-four thousand sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel: from the tribe of Judah twelve thousand were sealed…” In the future, a large number of Jewish people, exactly 144,000, 12,000 from every tribe, will be sealed and set apart for Jesus Christ. This occurs during the 2nd half of Daniel’s 70th week, close to the time of the rapture. We know this because Rev. 7:9-14 goes on to talk about the rapture, how a great multitude of Christians will come out of great tribulation and then be in in heaven worshiping God and Christ. Then Rev. 14:1-5 tells us that these 144,000 Jews become devoted worshipers and servants of Christ – “The Lamb was standing on Mount Zion and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His name and the name of His Father written on their foreheads.”

* Revelation 11:1-15 – “Get up and measure the temple of God… they will tread underfoot the holy city for forty-two months. And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for twelve hundred and sixty days.” This is another informative passage about the future of the Jewish people in the end-times. Here are the main points:
– The events talked about in this passage take place in the holy city, the city of Jerusalem.
– The Jewish temple is to be measured, which means it will be rebuilt sometime in the future.
– Two godly, God-protected witnesses, probably Moses and Elijah, are performing miracles, and are prophesying, that is preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.
– The beast, the Antichrist, kills the witnesses, but after 3½ days, God raises them from the dead.
– The time frame for these events is forty-two months or twelve hundred and sixty days, which is referring to the second half of Daniel’s 70th week, the last 3½ years.
– Immediately after these events, the seventh trumpet is blown, and soon after that, Jesus Christ, from the city of Jerusalem, begins His 1000-year reign upon the earth.

* Revelation 20:2,3,4,5,6 – “… a thousand years… the thousand years… a thousand years… the thousand years… a thousand years… the thousand years.” Many Old Testament promises to the Jewish people speak about the Messiah, the Christ, reigning over His kingdom. (2 Sam. 7:16, Psalm 2). These verses in Rev. 20 repeatedly and clearly tell us that the first part of Christ’s coming reign will last exactly 1,000 years. Immediately after that, there’s the eternal kingdom, when Christ and His Father reign over the world forever and ever. 1 Corinthians 15:24-28

* Revelation 21:10-14 – “… the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God… it had a great and high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names were written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel.” This describes the holy and eternal city, the new Jerusalem. The names of the twelve tribes of Israel are written on the twelve gates, which means the Jewish people are eternally important, and that God’s promises to them will come to pass. All believers from all time will be living together in this holy city, and be eternally worshiping and serving God.  

At least 20 New Testament passages talk about the future God has for the Jewish people. You can’t ignore them, or say they’re not important, or that they’re not true for Jews. Go back over them and study them. Might you see their relevance to both Jews and Gentiles, to believers from Old Testament times and the church age. Since we live in the end-times, we know these glorious plans for God’s people will soon come to pass. And as a believer, you will see it all happen. “I am God, and there is no one like Me, declaring the end from the beginning… saying, ‘My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish all my good pleasure’; calling a bird of prey from the east, the man of My purpose from a far country. Truly I have spoken; truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, surely I will do it.” Isaiah 46:9-11

P.S. I have many charts that really help you see the big picture for the Jewish people and God’s plans for them. Here are four I would encourage you to look at: “God’s Plan for the Jews”, “Promises for the Jewish Remnant”, “Micah and the Millennial Kingdom”, “The Regathering of Jews to Israel”.

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

October 22, 2022 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #260 ~

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

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

* Luke 1:31-33 – “You shall name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High… He will reign over the house of Jacob forever and His kingdom will have no end.” The angel is referring to and reminding Mary of the Davidic Covenant (2 Sam. 7:12-13, 16), and telling her that God’s Son will be her Son, One who will rule forever over the Jewish people, His chosen ones, and as we know now, over all believers in Christ. Psalm 89:1-4, 19-29, 34-37

* Luke 1:54-55 – “He (God) has given help to Israel His servant, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our Fathers, to Abraham and His descendants forever.” God tells Mary, and us too, that He will fulfill His promises to Abraham and to Israel, some of which have already come to pass, and others which will be carried out in the future, ones that will affect all His descendants, both Jewish people and Gentiles. And you see that these promises are eternal, that they will last forever, which means they cannot and will not be revoked. Gen. 12:1-3, Gen. 13:14-17, Gen. 15:4, and Gen. 17:1-8

* Acts 3:20-21 – “… that He may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you, whom heaven must receive until the period of restoration of all things which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from ancient time.” The prophets made many predictions about the Jewish people, which have been and will be coming true. One in particular is the “restoration of all things”, which will be an incredible blessing to both Jews and Gentiles who are living on this earth during the millennial kingdom. Psalm 98, Isaiah 65:17-23, Matthew 19:28, Romans 8:21

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

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

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

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

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

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

The woman is referring to the Jewish people, who brought Jesus into the world (vs. 5). You realize that there’s close to a 2000-year gap between vs. 5 and vs. 6, and now we’re in the end-times, the last years of the church age. Not long from now, the Jews will be fleeing into the wilderness (vs. 6). As 2 Thess. 2 and Matt. 24 tell us, the Jews will be persecuted by the Antichrist. But she will miraculously escape, be physically saved by the power of God. Shortly after her escape, she will be spiritually saved by Christ and, in fulfillment of God’s promise to David, He will become their King and rule over them and all the nations. “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever.” Revelation 11:15

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

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

Marv Rosenthal – A Servant of God

January 19, 2022 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #236 ~

Just recently, Marvin Rosenthal, a servant of God, and my friend, went to heaven to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Marv served the Lord for over 60 years. For the first part of that time, Marv was pastoring churches. Then he began leading ministries that proclaimed the gospel, especially to the Jewish people, and that taught about our hope, the glorious future God has in store for every Christian. There’s no doubt that Marv, by the grace of God, affected and impacted countless numbers of people all over the world, and I was one of them. Let me tell you what happened.

In the summer of 1993, a friend gave me a book written by Marv Rosenthal, the Pre-Wrath Rapture of the Church. I had always been interested in Biblical prophecy, and so I read it with great interest – and it made sense, particularly Marv’s view on Christ’s coming and the rapture, which I now know is God’s view. What struck me and my wife the most was the first chapter, which showed Marv’s love for the truth, and his willingness and courage to teach it no matter the cost.

In the summer of 1994, my wife Marsha and I heard that Marv was doing a three-day prophecy conference at Sandy Cove, Maryland, not far from where we lived. We were excited to go and hear him speak, and his subject just happened to be the book of Revelation. Marv never made it through all 22 chapters, but I tell you, I was not disappointed. I loved his teaching, and his history lessons and stories, and that he patiently answered all my questions. In October of 1995, we were thrilled to be able to go back to Sandy Cove and again hear Marv teach on prophecy – and we learned so much.

My wife and I were so thankful that God wanted us to cross paths with Marv. And it was obvious that God had given us a love for Bible prophecy, and that he was using Marv to help us learn key truths about Christ’s coming, and the rapture of the church. Then we started receiving Zion’s Fire, the magazine Marv and His staff put together. It contained important information about end-times’ prophecy as well as truths about the gospel of Christ and the glory of God, along with encouraging stories about their mission work in Jerusalem.

Thanks to God, and to Marv’s example, I was extremely motivated to study Bible prophecy. Much of my free time in the mid to late 1990’s was spent carefully going over Daniel, Matt. 24, Luke 21, 1-2 Thess., and Revelation – I was learning about the end of the age, the 70 weeks of Daniel, great tribulation, the rapture, the Day of the Lord, and the Antichrist. I was growing in my understanding of our God-planned, God-prophesied future, and even taught a weekly Bible study at my church – and it was on the book of Revelation.

One of the biggest highlights of my life was when Marsha and I went on a Zion’s Hope sponsored tour of Israel in the spring of 1998, one led by Marv and his son David. What a phenomenal time, seeing and walking where Jesus lived, taught, and performed miracles. Of course, Marv was the main speaker, and a great speaker and teacher he was, helping us understand the Biblical significance of the places we visited. Then there was that time when we were sitting together with Marv and David on the roof top of our hotel in Petra, Jordan – we will never forget the specialness of that time.  

In 1989, Marv, his wife Marbeth, and David moved to Orlando, Florida where they set up their ministry, Zion’s Hope. Lo and behold, ten years later I was transferred to a church in nearby Tampa. How wise and good of God, for now we saw Marv more often, went to the Holy Land Experience, and attended prophecy conferences. Not only that, but the new church I was helping pastor (Hope Bible Church), began supporting their mission work in Israel. What a blessing that we could support a church located in Jerusalem that was reaching out to Jewish people.

Since Marv lived so close to Tampa, we started having him come to our church to teach an annual prophecy conference, which went on for nearly ten years. Our little church loved Marv and hearing him teach on prophecy. One thing Marsha and I looked forward to was going out to eat and having fellowship with Marv and Marbeth the night before the conference began. Marv was so loving and kind, for he would always ask how we, our children, and our small church were doing. He genuinely cared about us, which meant a lot to us. We also talked about what was happening in the world as it related to prophecy – Marv had so much insight and discernment, and we were thankful that we knew him personally, and could learn from him.

At a couple of those Sunday morning sessions at our church, he talked about being a servant of God, and truly, that was not just how he thought of himself, but how he lived his life. Over the years, I have witnessed it myself. Ever since he was saved, he has sacrificially served the Lord, used his talents and time to advance the cause of Christ, proclaimed the truths of Christ’s 1st coming and 2nd coming, gave glory to God, and helped men like myself. 

More than anyone else, Marv motivated me to serve the Lord by teaching on prophecy. About 12 years ago, I started a prophecy Bible study at our church – it was on the first Wednesday of every month, and it continues on today. I was glad to be in a position where I could keep studying prophecy and keep teaching it – it was good for me, and I am sure for all the people who have come to it over the years. And it was exactly five years ago, January of 2017, that I began this blog site, ChristsKingdom.org. Like Marv, my desire is for people to know what the Bible says about Christ’s coming and His kingdom on earth. I am absolutely convinced that we are living in the end-times, and I want people to be excited about living for God in these last years before Christ’s return and the rapture of the church.

I am very thankful that God wanted me to meet Marv so I could learn from him, have him as a mentor, be encouraged by him, and know him as a friend, and as a fellow servant of God! What an immense blessing he has been to me – what a precious gift from God! And yes, it wasn’t Marv alone, but God working through Marv, for he saw himself as a weak and humble vessel, and yet one who was filled, empowered, and led by the Holy Spirit.

Just last week, it was time for Marv’s departure from this earth, for the days God had ordained for him came to an end (31,497 days). His work was finished, and so he went home to be with His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. How happy and excited Marv must have been to suddenly leave this earth and immediately be in heaven. “How precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones” (Ps. 116:15). I am sure Jesus was glad to meet Marv, and upon his arrival, tell him, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your Master.” Matthew 25:23

Just think, on January 8th, 2022, the truth of Heb. 12:22-24 became a life-changing reality for Marv – “You have come to Mount Zion and the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the general assembly and church of the first born who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant.” It is so encouraging to know that Marv is literally in heaven, with Jesus who loves him so, so much, with all those angels, and with all the saints who have gone on before him.

Marv is undoubtedly filled with love, joy, and peace, and the satisfaction of knowing that he lived a meaningful and God-glorifying life, that he fought the good fight, finished the course, and kept the faith (2 Tim. 4:7). “To live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21). And it won’t be long before we will all be in heaven with Jesus, Marv, and all the saints. Those great rapture verses tell us what will happen – “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. Therefore, comfort one another with these words” (1 Thess. 4:16-18). “Give praise to our God, all you His bond-servants, you who fear Him, the small and the great.”… “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty reigns.” Revelation 19:5-6

P.S. I would encourage you to check out Zion’s Hope, the ministry Marv began – you will find it most instructive and encouraging. Let me also mention three articles I have written that focus on our hope, our wonderful and glorious future – “You Have to Have Hope”, “Being in Heaven with Jesus, and the Believers, and in a New Glorified Body” and “Why Do Believers Die?”

Four Good Years and Praying for More

December 18, 2020 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ Special Post ~

Thankful: I am very thankful that God has stirred me and helped me to write these prophecy blog posts for the past four years. I must say, I have been extremely motivated and excited about serving the Lord and you in this way, and trust that it has been a blessing to your life. In this special post, there are a few thoughts I want to share with you.

The Plan: After the first of the new year, I am planning on writing posts on an every-other-week basis. Many more end-time’s subjects and Bible passages need to be covered and explained to you. In all this, I have three main goals: 1) to share with you the hope God gives you in His word; 2) to prepare you for the future, for what I believe will prove to be very strategic yet difficult times; 3) to equip you so you can teach others about what God has in store for us. These last years leading up to Christ’s return to rapture the church are critically important times in the life of the church. Even though this past year has been tougher than usual, I believe we are still living in the calm before the storm, before the birth pains grow stronger, and before persecution increases. Take advantage of this time to learn all you can about the future God has planned out for you and the church. “Behold, I have told you everything ahead of time.” Mark 13:23 

Download: I encourage you to download all the posts, articles, and charts. You never know when the powers that be will shut the site down. It doesn’t take that long to download this important information, and then you will have it for yourself, and also be able to share it with others. You may even want to give the downloads to friends and family members, and what could be an eternally valuable and long-lasting Christmas gift for them.

Recent messages: I continue to pastor a small church in Tampa, Florida. My weekly Sunday messages to the church can be found in two places – Sermon Audio and Facebook (Hope Bible Church). In the past two months all my sermons have related to the future, to the hope God has given us. Even my Christmas message (12/20/20) covers the big picture, that is, both the first and second comings of Christ. I also want to say that I greatly appreciate your prayers for my ministry in the church and the writing of these blogposts. If you have any suggestions or questions about the subject of end-time’s prophecy, please email them to me.

Other prophecy sites: Here are two other instructive and helpful prophecy sites that I have mentioned in the past but want to remind you of: Eschatos and Zion’s Hope. Do take the time to check them out, and I am sure you will be very encouraged by them.

One of My Favorite “Christmas” Songs: Let me conclude by sharing the words of one of my favorite Christmas songs, “Joy to the World.” What is so unusual about this song is that it doesn’t focus on Christ’s first coming. It truly is a second coming carol, containing some of the most encouraging words about the millennial kingdom age. I am sure you will find it instructive and heart-warming.  “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, and heaven, 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 sounding joy, repeat, repeat the sounding 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, far as, 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, and wonders, wonders of His love.”

Christmas Post: I will post a special Christmas message this next Monday (12/21/20).

Merry Christmas to you and your family!!! Steve Hogan

Is Jesus Christ Coming Again?

December 11, 2020 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #200 ~

Yes! Yes! Yes, Christ is coming again – and He’s coming soon. Jesus Christ, the Creator of heaven and earth, God in the flesh, the Son of God and Son of Man is, without question, coming back to this world. You need to know this and be convinced of this, and be looking forward to Christ’s return to rapture the church and reign over this earth.

About 2000 years ago Jesus Christ lived on this planet for the first time. In fact, many Old Testament verses predicted His coming, and also His purpose on this earth. Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53 say it best, that Jesus came to suffer, die, and pay for the sins of sinners – and all those who repent of their sins and believe that He died for them will be forgiven. After Jesus died, He rose from the dead, ascended into heaven, and now sits at the right hand of the Father, awaiting that time when His Father sends Him back to this earth. Psalm 22:27-29, Acts 3:14-21

What does God’s word say about Christ’s coming? Jesus Himself promised that He was coming back. “The coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah” (Matt. 24:37). “I will come again and receive you to myself” (John 14:3). “Behold, I am coming soon” (Rev. 22:7, 12, 20). Peter talked about “the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Pet. 1:13). John told us, “We know that when He appears, we will be like Him” (1 John 3:2). James instructed us, “Be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord” (James 5:7). He went on to say, “The Judge is standing right at the door” (James 5:9). Paul spoke of “the day of Christ Jesus,” referring to His return (Phil. 1:6). Paul talked about those “who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord” (1 Thess. 4:15). He also tells us, “Wait for His (God’s) Son from heaven” (1 Thess. 1:10). The angel told the apostles, “This Jesus… will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11). Truly, truly, Jesus Christ is coming back to this earth, and much sooner than most people think.

How is Christ coming back? Jesus is not coming back meekly or quietly like a lamb, but like a lion, with power and glory – “They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory” (Matt. 24:30). To unbelievers, Jesus is coming back suddenly and surprisingly – “The day of the Lord will come just like a thief… destruction will come upon them suddenly…” (1 Thess. 5:2-3). To all people, Jesus will come back visibly, not secretly – “Behold, He is coming with the clouds and every eye will see Him” (Rev. 1:7). “Just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be” (Matt. 24:27). Christ’s coming will be announced – “The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God…” 1 Thess. 4:16-17

When is Christ coming back? Heb. 10:37 tells us that it won’t be long from now, “For yet in a very little while, He who is coming will come, and will not delay.” Rom. 10:11-12 says that “Salvation is nearer to us than when we first believed. The night is almost gone, and the day is near.” In answer to the disciples’ question, “When will these things happen, and what is the sign of your coming?” (Matt. 24:3), Christ gave them numerous signs that must occur before His return – birth pains (vss. 5-8), false prophets (vs. 11), increasing lawlessness (vs. 12), preaching the gospel to the world (vs. 14), the abomination of desolation (Antichrist – vs. 15), great tribulation (vss. 9, 21), and heavenly signs (vs. 29). End-time Christians who are waiting and watching will see that Christ’s coming is drawing near. In other words, you can know the general time of Christ’s return, but you cannot know the exact time, “For of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son of Man, but the Father alone” (Matt. 24:36). Encourage one another “as you see the day drawing near.” Heb. 10:25

Why is Christ coming back? What is His purpose in returning to earth? Here are the reasons:  
1. To rapture the church – “We who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.” 1 Thess. 4:17, Matt. 24:31
2. To give us relief from tribulation – “… to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven.” 2 Thess. 1:7; Matt. 24:21-22, 29-31
3. To deliver us from God’s wrath – “… to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is, Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come.” 1 Thess. 1:10, Rev. 6-9
4. To redeem us from our sinful bodies – “They will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory… your redemption is drawing near.” Luke 21:27-28, Eph. 1:14
5. To glorify the believers – “… in Christ all will be made alive (glorified). But each in His own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ’s at His coming…” 1 Cor. 15:22-23
6. To be with us – “we… 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 Thess. 4:17, 5:10
7. To take us home to heaven – “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 also be.” John 14:3, Heb. 12:22-24
8. So believers can see Christ’s glory – “Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory.” John 17:24
9. To judge the world – “He is coming to judge the earth; He will judge the world with righteousness.” Psalm 98:9, 2 Thess. 1:6-10, Rev. 8-9
10. To defeat the Antichrist – “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, that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan.” 2 Thess. 2:8-9, Rev. 19:11-20
11. To save a remnant of Jewish people – “… all Israel will be saved… ‘The Deliverer will come from Zion; He will remove ungodliness from Jacob’… ‘I take away their sins.’” Rom. 11:25-27
12. To begin His reign on earth –“He placed His right foot on the sea and His left on the land… in the days of the voice of the seventh angel.” (Rev. 10:2,7). “… the seventh angel sounded… The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever.” Rev. 11:15, Zech. 14:9
13. To be worshiped by believers – “After these things I looked and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes, peoples, and tongues… clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; and they cry out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Salvation to our God who sits on the throne and to the Lamb.’” Rev. 7:9-10, 5:13
14. To give us our inheritance – “… who according to His (God’s) great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance… a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” 1 Peter 1:4-5, Eph. 1:14
15. To be worshiped by the whole world – “… that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Phil. 1:10-11

The greatest event taking place in the world in the not-too-distant future is the appearing, the revealing, the coming of Jesus Christ, our Lord, Savior, and King. Might you believe in Him, love Him, tell others about Him, be waiting for Him, be saying to Him, “Come, Lord Jesus” (Rev. 22:20), and be praying to the Father, “Thy Kingdom come.” Matt. 6:9

P.S. When it comes to end-time’s prophecy, the soon coming of Jesus Christ is the single most important subject. Many details need to be understood, but this one fact is what you need to remember. Three posts that talk specifically about Christ’s coming are: “When is Christ Coming Back?”, “Why is Jesus Christ Coming Back?”, and “What Will Happen When Christ Comes Back?”

God’s Guarantee That You Will Be Glorified

November 13, 2020 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #196 ~

How are you going to successfully make it to the end of your life, especially when times get really tough? How will you be glorified? And how will you ever get from earth to heaven so you can be with Jesus, and other believers who went on ahead of you? It is certainly not by what you do. Here is the simple answer –“‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord” (Zech. 4:6). An expanded answer is given in Romans 8:18-39, for it tells you that your hope, your future, is guaranteed, for your salvation, from beginning to end, is the work of God, the work of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. What does it say?

Romans 8:26-27. Your salvation is by the work of the Spirit. Let’s be honest, you are physically weak for you get tired, sick, and have aches and pains. You are spiritually weak for you struggle in life, still sin, and don’t always obey God. “We ourselves groan within ourselves” (Rom. 8:23). “My iniquities have overtaken me” (Ps. 40:12). This is why God gave you the Spirit, and a most wonderful gift and help He is. “He saved us… by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5). “He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever, that is the Spirit of truth” (John 14:16).“By the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body” (Rom. 8:13). “… being led by the Spirit” (Rom. 8:14). “… the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (Eph. 4:30). “… the fellowship of the Spirit.” 2 Cor. 13:14. How incredibly encouraging, knowing that God gave you the Spirit, and that you have Him now and forever!

Now the main point of Rom. 8:26-27 is that the Spirit is praying for you, interceding for you according to God’s will. Because you’re weak, you can’t make it without the Spirit’s continual prayers. And His prayers are fervent and intense, “groanings too deep for words.” The Spirit wants God’s will to be carried out in your life more than you do, and He is praying that this happens. As for the Father, He knows exactly what the Spirit is asking and is answering those prayers, meeting spiritual needs you don’t even know about. And if it’s God’s will for you to be on earth when the Antichrist is persecuting the church, remember that the Spirit will be with you, and be praying for you, asking the Father to give you whatever you need so you can keep living for Him all the way to the end. Be very thankful that the Holy Spirit is your Helper and will keep doing His part to make sure you make it to heaven to be with Jesus Christ. 

Romans 8:28. Your salvation is by the sovereign work of God. This favorite verse of many describes God’s personal and meticulous work in your life. He is purposely, powerfully, lovingly, and wisely working, ensuring that all His plans for you are carefully being carried out. “God causes all things” – good things, bad things, trials, conflicts, temptations, sins, your family, your church, friendships, sickness, enemies, death – “to work together for good.” Life may seem like a gigantic puzzle, with a million different pieces seemingly scattered all over the place, but God is perfectly putting all the pieces together, making one beautiful picture.

This “good” can refer to the results of God’s work in your daily life. I am sure you have seen God causing both little things and big things to happen in just the right way at the right time with the right person, something only He can do. You plan out your way, but God directs your steps – He continually intervenes in your life and carries out His plans. This “good” also refers to the final part of your salvation, which is described in vs. 29.

Romans 8:29. Your salvation will not be complete until you become like Jesus. Have you forgotten that your salvation won’t be finished until you are glorified? In eternity past God foreknew you, meaning that He knew all about you, that He had you in His heart and loved you long before you ever loved Him. And in eternity past, He determined and predestined all the details of your life. The time came when you were born, and then you were saved, were born again. But at this point in time, you’re not fully saved, your salvation is not yet complete. Only when Christ returns to rapture the church will you be fully saved, be glorified, that is, be “conformed to the image of His Son.” To experience life to the full, you need to be like Jesus (1 John 3:2), you need to be raised in glory, raised in power, and raised with an imperishable body (1 Cor. 15:40-42). Then, in unimaginable and extraordinary ways, you will be able to wholeheartedly worship Him, learn from Him, fellowship with Him, be satisfied by Him, and serve Him!

Romans 8:30. Your salvation is what God Himself planned and will do for you, from beginning to end. The right way to think about your salvation is that it is all the work of God. First, God predestined you – He determined and planned out all the intricate details of your life so you could be saved. Second, the time came for you to be physically born, and then God called you, for His Spirit worked in your heart, convicted you of sin, and revealed Christ to you. Third, He justified you, meaning you were made righteous in God’s sight, and forgiven of all your sins. Fourth, you were glorified, you received a brand-new, Christ-like body. But notice that “glorified” is in the past tense, meaning that what God planned to do for you will surely be done, for He sees the end from the beginning. Once a person is foreknown and predestined, it’s an absolute certainty that he will be called, justified, and glorified. Rom. 8:30 is one of the greatest assurance verses, giving you confidence that you are a child of God, and that nothing can or will stop God from completing your salvation, from making you like His Son, and which happens at His coming. 1 Cor. 15:23, 50-53; Phil. 1:6; 1 Thess. 4:15-17

Romans 8:23-39 is needed truth for every Christian, especially for those living in the end-times, and that’s because it’s truly a prophetic passage. For many people, 2020 has been a most difficult year, but I must tell you that life will be getting tougher and tougher as times goes on, as we get closer and closer to Christ’s return. With increasing birth pains, lawlessness, and persecution, life will only get harder. But remember, since the Holy Spirit is praying for you and the Father is working in you, then God will finish what He started in you. Knowing God’s overall plan for your life, His unwavering commitment to you and His continued faithfulness, should give you much confidence and motivate you to keep serving the Lord until the very end. “He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful.” 1 Cor. 1:8-9

P.S. Knowing that God Himself is responsible for your salvation is essential to know, for it results in joy, peace, confidence, and a heart that zealously wants to follow and obey the Lord. “The Sovereignty of God, A Most Important Truth” is an article that is extremely helpful in knowing how God is personally lovingly, wisely, and powerfully involved in your life.

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