Christ's Kingdom and the End Times

Category: Purpose (Page 2 of 5)

Blog posts about purpose.

Absent From the Body and At Home with the Lord

January 24, 2023 /

By Steve Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #267 ~

You are going to physically die – unless you are raptured. Either way, that’s wonderful news for the Christian, because he will be in heaven with Jesus, and will receive a brand-new body! People often see death as a bad thing, as something they don’t want to think about or talk about, as that which they even try to postpone. But if you are a Christian, you should be longing for it, for it’s a good thing – it means you have left your fleshly body and this evil world and are with the Lord.

The apostle Paul had the right perspective on life for he knew what happened after death. Life was very difficult, was extremely challenging for Paul. He wrote, “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Cor. 4:8-9). How could Paul say this? Because he understood the present “is Christ” and the future “is gain”, that death immediately led to an infinitely better life. (Phil. 1:21). Paul was convinced of this glorious truth, that “momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory, far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen, for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

What follows is 2 Cor. 5:1-10, verses that continue this theme, that sum up Paul’s thinking about life and death. Paul was groaning, was burdened, was tired and weak, but he persevered, he patiently and joyfully kept going. How did he do it? Paul knew he was living in a mortal body, an earthly tent, that his outer man was growing old, was decaying (2 Cor. 4:16; 5:1, 4), but he also knew he would be living in a heavenly and immortal body, and he was really looking forward to that.

Paul also knew that God had purposed and planned out both his life on earth and his eternity in heaven. (2 Cor. 5:5). He understood that “these whom He (God) predestined, He also called, and these whom He called, He also justified, and these whom He justified, He also glorified” (Rom. 8:30). Paul saw the outline of his life, the big picture, what God had already drawn up. Even though he experienced severe hardships, he was convinced that God “causes all things to work together for good to those who love God… for those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son” (Rom. 8:28-29). For Paul, the best was yet to come, for he was certain that he would be transformed and conformed, that he would receive a glorified body, like that of Jesus. “We eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory.” Philippians 3:20-21

Paul was at home in his earthly body, but he knew where he was going, that he would soon be at home with the Lord (2 Cor. 5:6-8). Surely, he was encouraged by the truth that death was not a stopping point, but a sending point, for it would result in the angels immediately taking him into Jesus’ presence. Paul was a godly man, a man of faith, a man of courage and good cheer, and a man of hope, and if you asked Paul whether he wanted to live or die, he’d say, “die!”, for that meant being with Jesus, which is what he wanted more than anything else – “having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better” (Phil. 1:23). I “prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.”  2 Corinthians 5:8

Paul kept walking by faith, kept believing God’s truth and obeying His commands. Like Abraham, he trusted God for his future – he too “was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God” (Heb. 11:10). Paul’s singular ambition, his ultimate and eternal goal, whether on earth or in heaven, was to please God, was to live for Him, to only do that which would glorify His Father. “To Him be the glory forever.” Romans 11:36

Something that motivated Paul to please his Lord was that he knew he would appear before the judgment seat of Christ. At the end of this age, he knew he would be judged by Christ for what he had done on earth, whether good or bad. (2 Cor. 5:10). That’s when Christ would present rewards, for “each will receive his own reward according to his own labor” (1 Cor. 3:8), and Paul wanted to be rewarded, to be recompensed, for that would mean he had pleased His Savior. He wanted to hear Christ tell him, “Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your Master.” Matthew 25:21

So what does your life look like? How are you living for the Lord?
* Do you love the Lord and have a desire to please Him, to do all that He wants you to do?
* Are you walking by faith, are you trusting God’s word and obeying His commands? 
* Do you see death as a good thing? Do you long to be at home with your Lord, to literally be with your Creator, Savior, Friend, Husband, King, the One who loves you far more than anyone else?
* Do you know that your burdens are to cause you to think about your future, when you’ll be out of your weak body and this wicked world, and with the Lord Jesus?
* Do you realize that the trials you go through, the aches, pains, tears, conflicts, weakness, tiredness, mourning, heartaches, struggles, suffering, difficulties, disappointments, and spiritual battles, are nothing compared to the eternal weight of glory you will receive in the future?
* Do you think about that time when you will appear before the judgment seat of Christ? Are you looking forward to receiving your rewards, and giving God all the glory, and being with Him forever? “When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.” Colossians 3:4

P.S. My good friend just left this earth and went to heaven, and is now “at home with the Lord.” God gave him a good life, a wonderful family, and many special friends. And now he’s in the best place – and I am so happy for him. I do look forward to joining him someday. Here are two encouraging articles that relate to this: “Being in Heaven with Jesus, and the Believers, and in a New Glorified Body”, and “‘Why Do Believers Die?’ – A Memorial Service Message”.

For Pastors, Preachers, and Teachers

October 12, 2022 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #259 ~

What does this country need? It needs men of God, men of faith, holy men, men of courage, men who love God and His word, who know that the only answer to a person’s problems and this country’s problems is God’s word and Spirit. And these godly men need to be abounding in the work of preaching the word of God, of proclaiming all the truths of God.

This country is ensnared in the deadly lies of the devil, lies that are destroying lives, marriages, families, schools, churches, government and, to be honest, our entire society. And godly men need to be preaching and teaching God’s word. We don’t need pastors who are entangled in the affairs of the world. We don’t need ministers who are men-pleasers, who are tickling ears and sharing fluff. We need men who are holy and wholehearted for God, who know that only His truth and His Spirit can defeat the lies of the devil and give us the life and purpose God wants us to have.

This country needs God-loving men teaching the basic truths of the Bible, summed up in Eph. 4:4-6 – one body (church), one Spirit, one hope (our future), one Lord (Jesus Christ), one faith (God’s word), one baptism (salvation), and one God and Father. Truth-loving men need to be faithfully, strongly, and clearly teaching about the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the truth of the gospel, the truth about man’s sin and the death-saving death and life-giving resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the truth about the church, righteous living, and our glorious hope.

There are many examples in the Bible of men faithfully teaching and preaching God’s word:
* Be like Ezra and set your heart on studying, practicing, and teaching the word of God. Ezra 7:10
* Be like Jeremiah and fearlessly warn people of the wrath to come. Jeremiah 1:11-19
* Be like Ezekiel, a watchman, a man aware of the times, who upon hearing God’s word, spoke to the people and warned them of what was to come. Ezekiel 3:17
* Be like John the Baptist and courageously make ready the way of the Lord. Luke 3:4
* Be like Apollos and boldly, accurately, and fervently be teaching about Jesus. Acts 18:24-26
* Be like Paul, who testified solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God to the lost, and who preached the whole purpose of God to the saved. Acts 20:24, 27
* Be like Paul who knew the importance of the entire word of God, that “all Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching.” 2 Tim. 3:16-17. “The sum of Thy word is truth.” Ps. 119:60
* Be like Paul, who was ready in season and out of season to preach the word and, note this, always in view of Christ’s appearing and His kingdom. 2 Timothy 4:1-4
* Don’t ever be deceived and led astray by false teachers. 2 Thess. 2:1-4; Matt. 24:4, 11, 24

These last few verses about not being in error are given in the context of the end-times and the Biblical hope God has given us. I plead with you pastors, in the final years of this church age, to preach on hope! I cannot say this strongly enough! Now is the time, in the calm before the storm, to clearly tell believers what God has planned out for our future. The Jews are back in Israel, birth pains are happening, lawlessness is increasing, and persecution is growing – these are all signs from God that it won’t be long before Jesus Christ returns to rapture the church.

Like never before, God’s prophetic word is pointing to the soon return of Jesus Christ. Sadly, most believers don’t have a good understanding of what God says about their future and the future of this world. Way too many Christians are confused, ignorant, or in error when it comes to what the Bible teaches about the end-times, the Antichrist, the coming of Christ, the rapture of the church, the day of the Lord, and the millennial kingdom – and this should not be. It’s not like God doesn’t say much about our hope. He does! It’s a huge subject with hundreds of New Testament verses. Pastors need to teach their people what the Bible says will surely come to pass, and what may take place in their lifetime.

Here are some more thoughts for you pastors, preachers, and teachers:
* Get quality time alone with God. This is the number one thing that has kept me going for God through all the years. “When can I go and meet with God?” Psalm 42:1-2, Mark 6:31
* “Take heed, behold, I have told you everything in advance” (Mark 13:23). Jesus told you ahead of time what He wants you to know about end-times’ prophecy, and you should find out everything He wants you to know, and then sensibly and faithfully teach others. Matthew 24:45
* Here are some key prophecy passages you should study and then teach your church: Daniel 7-12; Matt. 24; Mark 13; Luke 17:22:37, 21:5-36; 1 Thess. 4:13 – 5:9; 2 Thess. 1:5 – 2:12; 1 Peter 1:3-13; 2 Peter 3:3-13; Revelation. And I would encourage you to start with Matthew 24.  

* “Present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15) and, in this case, about prophecy, one of the most relevant, practical subjects in the 21st century. It’s your duty and responsibility to teach your church about our God-planned future. You don’t want to keep the truth from the sheep. You don’t want them to be naïve, confused, scared, or in error, but instead, to know and understand what God is now doing right before our very eyes. You want them to smile at the future, to be looking for the city which has foundations, to be desiring a heavenly country.

* Be humble and learn from godly and studious men on this subject of Biblical prophecy.
* Be “men who understand the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do” (1 Chr. 12:32). Not only should you teach on prophecy, but on how it relates to what’s taking place in the world and what the church should be doing.
* Properly taught Christians will realize that God’s prophetic word is being fulfilled, is unfolding before their eyes, and then see that Christ’s coming is drawing near. That Christ is returning soon is the most encouraging news in the whole world! Hebrews 10:25
* Explain to your people that the church will encounter great tribulation, and that they need to be willing to suffer, but God will give them all the grace they need. 1 Cor. 1:8-9, 2 Tim. 4:18

* Be more than just a teacher – be a pastor, one who cares, and a leader, one who is taking charge, fearlessly out front, courageously forging ahead. Joshua 1:6-9, John 21:15-17
* Completing the work of the church relates directly to the coming of Christ. Matt. 24:14 – “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.” Matt. 28:19-20 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations… teaching them to observe all that I commanded you, and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” You can’t miss it – when the work of the church, preaching the gospel to a lost world and discipling believers, is finished, then this age will end, and Jesus Christ will return.

* All the qualities listed below are essential to being a strong Christian, and what’s amazing is that each one is in the context of the end-times, and therefore, is necessary for godly living in the end-times. Preaching (Matt. 24:14), readiness (Matt. 24:44), discipling (Matt. 28:19-20), having faith (Luke 18:8), not worrying (Luke 21:14), serving (1 Thess. 1:9), being alert (1 Thess. 5:6), waiting (Titus 2:13), patience (James 5:7), fellowship (Heb. 10:25), encouraging (Heb. 10:25), hoping (1 Pet. 1:13), praying (1 Pet. 4:7), loving (1 Pet. 4:8), being holy (2 Pet. 3:11), overcoming (Rev. 2:7), not fearing (Rev. 2:10), and persevering (Rev. 13:10).

What a time to be alive! Just think, the end-times is our time! God put you on this earth “for such a time as this.” (Esther 4:14). Don’t be asleep, be awake, be alert, and be doing your job. Teach prophetic truth to your people so they know what will be taking place, so they are equipped, encouraged, and filled with hope, so they are serving God and waiting for His Son from heaven. “They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. And He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.” Matthew 24:30-31

P.S. I know what some of you might be saying, “I’m not pre-millennial like you. I’m post millennial, a-millennial, and don’t believe God has a future for the Jews, or something else, and I can’t even begin to think of teaching my church about Christ’s coming and the rapture, followed by His kingdom on earth.” If that’s the way you think I would suggest you read the following articles, and maybe you will see more clearly the truth of the pre-millennial position: “Replacement Theology: It’s Not True – Part 1”, “Replacement Theology: It’s Not True – Part 2”, “Replacement Theology: It’s Not True – Part 3”, “Replacement Theology: It’s Not True – Part 4”, “Replacement Theology: It’s Not True – Part 5 – (Why People Have Believed This Error.)”

My Top Thirty Charts Help You See The Future

July 14, 2022 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #252 ~

We are living in the end-times, and it won’t be long before Christ returns to rapture the church! It’s amazing how much information is in God’s word about the end-times, yet most Christians are confused, in error, and even ignorant about what’s going to happen. The purpose of this blog site is to help you understand and be encouraged by the future God has for you and for all His people.

I’ve tried to do this through blog posts and prophecy charts. In the charts, I’ve drawn out and displayed key prophetic truths on a Biblical timeline. I want to make it easy for you to see and understand the chronology of key prophetic events, and most importantly, Christ’s coming, the rapture, and the ages to come. You need perspective, you need to see your life in view of the end-times, or otherwise, you can get discouraged and stuck in your own little world. God wants to encourage you, to keep you looking ahead, to give you hope, and these charts are a way to do that. In these end-times, you need to be educated and excited about the future God has for you, the church, and the Jewish people.

It’s imperative that you see the big picture, where we’ve been, where we’re at now (the man in the charts), and where we’re going. And everything is going according to God’s plan, His promises and prophecies (Isaiah 46:8-11). I strongly encourage you to study these charts, for I’m convinced they will help you understand the big picture, and how you are an integral part of what God is presently doing in this world.

There are 280 charts on this blog site, and each one is instructive and forward looking. But that 280 number can be overwhelming – that’s why I have listed out 30 key charts, and I suggest that you examine each of them. I’m convinced they will help build and cement the truth of God’s prophetic word in your heart and mind. And remember to download them, print them, and pass them on to friends. 

* “The Kingdom of God” (#4) – God’s word tells us that we are living in the second of four ages, and it won’t be long before the start of the third age, when Christ reigns over the whole world.
* “A Biblical Prophetic Overview” (#6) – When we think about prophecy, it’s important to go back to the past, and see how that leads up to the present and future plans God has for us.
* “Daniel’s 70th Week” (#11) – End-times’ prophecy can only be properly understood when you learn about Daniel’s 70th week, a 7-year time frame that will begin in the near future.
* “Luke 21” (#20) – See how God is concurrently working with both Jews and Christians in these end-times.
* “Matthew 24” (#21) – This detailed chart helps to illustrate the most important end-time’s prophecy passage in the Bible.
* “The Antichrist is Coming” (#23) – Christ is coming to rapture the church, but the Antichrist must come first. God’s plan and timing for the Antichrist is seen in this chart.  

* “God’s Plan for the Jews in the End-Times” (#25) – God wants you to have a clear picture of how He will be working with the Jewish people in the coming years.
* “1 Thessalonians” (#29) – This chart focuses on the rapture and the day of the Lord.
* “2 Thessalonians” (#30) – This chart describes the coming of Christ and the Antichrist.
* “The Conflict of the Ages” (#54) – This chart pictures the past, present, and future spiritual battle between Satan and God – and God always, always wins.
* “Decline of the United States” (#62) – The United States is going down because of her sin. And this is all part of God’s plan, and soon enough, Antichrist’s kingdom will take over the world.
* “Harmonizing God’s word concerning end-time events” (#63) – God keeps telling us about the same coming events on earth – He wants you to be convinced about what will be taking place.   

* “How Then Shall We Live?” (#64) – You need to know, not just what will be happening in these end-times, but how God wants you to live your life during this time.
* “The Rapture is…” (#65) – It’s amazing how many things must occur before the church is raptured. You must know them or otherwise, you will be caught off guard when Christ returns.
* “Tribulation for the Believer, Wrath for the Unbeliever” (#66) – It’s true that Christians will suffer in the end-times, but nothing compared to the deserved, hell-fire experience of unrepentant unbelievers.
* “Our Christian Hope” (#69) – This picture of your hope, of how God will greatly bless you in the future, is very encouraging! It’s eternally worth it to live this very short life on earth for the Lord!
* “Woe! Woe! Woe!” (#79) – This is a sobering view of the eternal pain and punishment for those non-Christians who reject God’s mercy, and don’t know the Lord Jesus Christ.
* “Why is Jesus Christ Coming Back?” (#91) – There are many good reasons why Christ must come back to earth, and knowing them helps you understand God’s purposes.

* “What Will Take Place at the Coming of Christ?” (94) – It’s unbelievable all that God is going to do when Christ returns – and He predicted it and planned it all out.   
* “Living the Christian Life in the End-Times” (#108) – If you really want to know how to live for Christ in these end-time years, then look at all these second-coming verses.
* “Error or Truth” (#113) – There’s a lot of error when it comes to end-time’s prophecy, and you don’t want to be fooled, confused, or led astray. And so find out the truth.
* “God’s Promises to the Jews” (#115) – God makes three wonderful, world-changing promises to the Jews, all relating to you as a Christian, and they will surely come to pass in the near future.
* “The King of kings” (#131) – The prophesies in Daniel 2 and 7 regarding prominent kingdoms in our world all point to the return and reign of Jesus Christ.
* “The Regathering of the Jews to Israel” (#148) – Over the past 140+ years, God has been bringing the Jewish people back to their land, the clearest, strongest proof that we are in the end-times. 

* “The Past, Present, and Future – Acts 3” (#177) – Just a few verses in Acts 3 give you the big picture of God’s past, present, and future working with the church.
* “The Remarkable Results of the Rapture of the Church” (#198) – You will truly be encouraged when you see all the immediate, life-changing results of being raptured.
* “Our Father Who is in Heaven…” (#215) – Visualize what the Lord’s prayer says about prophecy, for it helps you understand what you are praying, and it enables you to see the future.
* “What Needs to Take Place?” (#226) – This one chart spells out 15 different things that must happen before Christ returns to rapture the church.
* “World Peace is Coming” (#249) – Find out when world peace is coming, and it’s sure not happening in this evil age. Only Christ can bring world peace, and He will, in the next age, the kingdom age.
* “Jesus Christ, the Lord, is Coming” (#258) – Jesus Christ is coming very soon, and then you will see Him as a most glorious Savior, Judge, Redeemer, and King. Hallelujah!

Day by day, week by week, month by month, and year by year, God is leading, moving, working, and His goal is to bring about the return of His Son to earth. He has told us this sequence of prophesied events that need to come about, specific plans that will be precisely and perfectly carried out. “Take heed; behold, I have told you everything in advance” (Mark 13:23). God told us ahead of time everything we need to know about these end-times, these last years leading up to the coming of Christ. Might these charts help you to know what’s coming, so that you will be excited and encouraged, “and all the more, as you see the day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:25

Singing – A Key to Sound Christian Living

June 24, 2022 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #250 ~

“Sing praises to Him” (Ps. 33:2). “Come before Him with joyful songs” (Ps. 100:1). “I will sing of Your love and justice” (Ps. 101:1). Christians are to sing to the Lord – and it’s for His glory. Singing is also good for your life, for it positively affects you, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally, instructing your mind and refreshing your soul. Without question, singing is a necessary and amazing attitude-adjuster – it is heart-tuning, soul-humbling, spirit-lifting, faith-restoring, joy-giving, and peace-producing. 

Many examples of singing are found in the Bible. Judah’s army was marching to war and leading the way was the choir, and they were singing, “Give thanks to the Lord, for His lovingkindness is everlasting” And their singing, their worship, was the key to God’s resounding victory – “When they began singing and praising, the Lord set ambushes against the sons of Ammon, Moab… so they were routed” (2 Chron. 20:21-22). Just before He was arrested, Jesus was singing with His disciples (Matt. 26:30). When Paul and Silas were in jail, they were “singing hymns of praise to God” (Acts 16:25-26). Then there are the Psalms, the biggest book in the Bible, and the best songbook ever written. I strongly encourage you to regularly read and sing the Psalms, for they address and will impact all aspects of your Christian life. 

As a Christian, you don’t want to be distracted, defiled, and controlled by fleshly and worldly songs. That’s why you need to be daily transforming your mind by heartily singing godly songs. “My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises… I will awaken the dawn… I will sing praises to You among the nations” (Ps. 57:7-11). “Be filled (controlled) with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord” (Eph. 5:18-19). Being in a godly-singing church is also instrumental in being a godly singer.

In these last years leading up to the rapture of the church, there will be tribulation and great tribulation, and singing to the Lord will be essential for your spiritual stability and success. I can’t stress enough the importance of knowing good Christian songs or, at least, having them on your playlist. And don’t just play them, sing them, and not just with others on Sunday morning, but by yourself during the week.

On this blog site, chart #’s 130, 133, 138, 143, 147, 149, 153, 160 contain lyrics about the end-times and Christ’s second coming. And singing songs that speak about your future and hope will undoubtedly help you be a more encouraged, forward looking, God-glorifying Christian. Listed below are some of them:

* Christ the Lord is Risen Today – “Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia. Foll’wing our exalted head, Alleluia. Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia. Our the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia.“
* There is a Redeemer – “When I stand in glory, I will see His face. There I’ll serve my King forever in that holy place. Thank You, O my Father, for giving us Your Son, and leaving Your Spirit till the work on earth is done.”
* Be Still My Soul – “Be still, my soul, the hour is hastening on, when we shall be forever with the Lord, when disappointment, grief and fear are gone, sorrow forgot, love’s purest joy restored. Be still my soul, when change and tears are past, all safe and blest we shall meet at last.”
* When the Roll is Called Up Yonder – “Let us labor for the Master from the dawn till setting sun, let us talk of all His wondrous love and care; then when all of life is over and our work on earth is done, and the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there. When the roll is called up yonder…”

* That Where I Am, There You May Be – “If I go prepare a place for you I will come back again. If I go prepare a place for you I will come back again. You know I am the way, the truth, the life – keep My commands, that where I am there you may also be.”
* Jesus Loves Me – “Jesus loves me, He will stay close beside me all the way; He’s prepared a home for me, and some day His face I’ll see. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me, the Bible tells me so.”
* On Jordan’s Stormy Banks – “When shall I reach that happy place and be forever blest? When shall I see my Father’s face, and in His bosom rest? I am bound for the promised land, I am bound for the promised land; O, who shall come and go with me? I am bound for the promised land.”
* It Is Well With My Soul – “And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight, the clouds be rolled back as a scroll, the trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend, even so, it is well with my soul. It is well with my soul. It is well, it is well with my soul.”

* All Hail the Power – “O that with yonder sacred throng we at His feet may fall, we’ll join the everlasting song and crown Him Lord of all; we’ll join the everlasting song and crown Him Lord of all.”
* Come Thou Almighty King – “To Thee, great One in three, eternal praises be, hence evermore, Thy sovereign majesty, may we in glory see, and to eternity love and adore.” —-
* When We All Get to Heaven – “Onward to the prize before us, soon His beauty we’ll behold; soon the pearly gates will be open, we shall tread the streets of gold. When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be, when we all see Jesus, we’ll sing and shout the victory.”
* Joy to the World – “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.”

As you know, this blog post is all about the end-times, the return of Christ, and His reign upon this earth. My purpose is not just to tell you what the Bible says will be happening in the future, but to help you live successfully for the Lord in the last years of this evil age. And there’s no doubt that singing to the Lord is a major key to your life as you journey on to the end. “I will praise God’s name in song.” Psalm 69:30

P.S. In a world saturated by secular and fleshly songs, it’s imperative that you daily sing to the Lord. It’s a way to worship God, a way to combat the flesh, and a means to working for God and living a victorious Christian life. As Christians, we are to worship and to work (Matt. 4:10). And I encourage you to read this article (#49) about work – “The Excellent End-Time’s Worker”.

HOPE – Embedded in God’s Word, and in Your Heart

February 11, 2022 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #238 ~

Do you ever notice verses about hope right in the middle of a Bible passage? It happens many times in the New Testament, and nine times alone in the book of Philippians. There’s no doubt that hope, looking forward to our future in heaven, greatly motivated Paul to keep living for the Lord on earth. What can you learn from Philippians about living for God and the need for hope?

Philippians 1:6 – “I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” This one verse is incredibly instructive and encouraging. 
1. Your salvation, from beginning to end, is the gracious work of God. He began His work in you – He justified you, and He will complete it – He will glorify you. Your salvation is not by your effort, but by Christ’s work on the cross and the Spirit’s work in you. God gets all the credit and glory.
2. Since your salvation is God’s work, then you can be confident that what He started in you, He will finish in you. No person or power can stop God from completely and eternally saving you. When He saves, He justifies, sanctifies, and glorifies. “These whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.” Rom. 8:29-30, John 10:27-29, 1 Cor. 1:8-9

3. Your salvation is not completed when you are justified, when you are born again; and it’s not completed if you physically die and go to heaven. It’s only completed on the day of Christ Jesus, when He returns, for that’s when the salvation God planned for you way back in eternity past will be perfected, and you will be glorified and be like Jesus Christ. Phil. 3:20-21, 1 John 3:2
4. One thing that helps you get through trials is remembering the end of the story, that God will finish the work He started in you. If God will glorify you, then surely He will enable you to endure and overcome all the little problems of life. “If God is for us, who is against us?… In all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:31-39

5. The day of Christ Jesus, a key prophecy phrase, refers to the time when you will be glorified, when your salvation will be complete, which happens just before the day of the Lord, a related phrase that refers to God’s judgment of the unbelievers. The glorification of believers occurs on the day of Christ Jesus, but the punishment of unbelievers takes place soon afterwards, during the day of the Lord. Luke 17:26-30, John 6:44, 1 Thess. 4:15 – 5:1-11
6. Paul was convinced of God’s saving work in himself, and here he expresses his confidence that God would complete His saving work in the Philippian saints. So too, be confident of God’s work in you, and encourage others by expressing your confidence of God’s work in them.

7. This truth that God will finish what He started in you appears at the beginning of Philippians. That’s because having assurance, being confident that God will complete your salvation, is foundational to all that Paul goes on to tell you about being a growing and fruitful Christian. If you have assurance of your salvation, then it means you are convinced that God truly and eternally loves you. “Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6, Romans 8:35-39

Philippians 1:9-11 – “This I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless, until the day of Christ Jesus, having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”
1. This is an important big-picture prayer. It’s about living for God, and knowing that how you live for God will be revealed at the end of this age, on the day of Christ Jesus. “When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you will also be revealed with Him in glory.” Col. 3:3-4, 2 Cor. 5:10
2. You are to pray that you have an abounding love for God by having His word in your heart. This results in making wise decisions which results in living a righteous, holy, and fruitful life. We can say it this way – “To live is Christ… will mean fruitful labor.” Phil. 1:21-22

3. You are to live for Christ until you physically die or are raptured. Then, on the day of Christ, you and all believers will be glorified and gathered together to meet Christ. (Matt. 24:29-31). Christ is looking forward to this most special day, and so should you. He told you, “Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done” (Rev. 22:12). The day of Christ is very important, for all believers will be with Christ, and all who truly lived for Christ will be rewarded. “Each will receive his own reward according to his own labor.” (1 Cor. 3:8-15). “Each man’s praise will come to him from God.” 1 Cor. 4:10
4. The ultimate aim, the overall purpose of your life is “for the glory and praise of God” (Phil. 1:11, Phil. 2:9-11). “By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit.” John 15:5-8

Philippians 1:21-24 – “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. But I am hard pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better, yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.”
1. “To live is Christ” – this sums up your life on earth. Christ is to be the center of your life, and it’s by His power and for His purposes that you can live for Him. Living for Christ means you are living for others. And living for others means you are loving them, serving them, praying for them, and telling them the Truth. The result is spiritual fruit that remains forever. John 15:16

2. Living for Christ can be difficult – there are trials, sadness, and suffering, and you get sick, old, weak, and tired. And there will be times when you want to leave this world so you can live with Christ. But is this not your God-appointed time to live on earth? And like a vapor, it will soon be over – and so make the most of it. (Eph. 5:15-17). It’s infinitely worth it to sacrifice your short life for God – it’s for the eternal glory of Christ, the eternal good of others, and your eternal blessing.

3. “To die…” The vast majority of Christians die during this church age, but I believe some of us will be raptured on the day of Christ Jesus. Just think, you may never die, but be “caught up together with them (those who have died) in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.” 1 Thess. 4:17 
4. “To die is gain.” To die – that’s wonderful! It means no more sin, pain, sickness, or sadness. It means your hopes are beginning to be realized. It means the next phase of your eternal life has begun. It means you are in heaven, an utterly magnificent place. Most importantly, it means being with Jesus Christ, the One who loves you far more than anyone else. Job 19:25-27, Rev. 21:3-7

5. At times you feel hard-pressed – you know the importance of staying on earth, but you really want to be in heaven with Jesus. And that’s a godly feeling, a good tension, a righteous desire. But now you are alive, and you have more work to do. It won’t be long before you leave this earth and are in heaven with Jesus, “… that where I am, there you may also be.” John 14:3

Living on this earth is to be God-exalting, is for the progress and joy of others. While you live on earth, be filled with hope, with the amazing truth of God’s future for you in your heart, and “press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12-14 

P.S. Might God help you notice all the hope verses as you read through His word, and see how they fit in the text and fit in with your life. Here are two recent posts on this same subject – “Philippians – Running to Win the Race” and “Ephesians 1 – A Big-Picture Prophecy Passage.” I encourage you to read them, and I am sure they will be instructive and encouraging.

Working for God While Waiting for Christ

October 3, 2021 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #227 ~

“You shall worship the Lord your God and serve Him only” (Matt. 4:10). This verse sums up our eternal purpose as Christians. Worshiping the Lord, loving Him, praising Him, singing to Him – and serving Him, working for Him, obeying Him, fulfilling His plans – this is what we are to do every day of our lives on earth, in heaven, and forever and ever. 

I am in my late sixties, and I ask myself, “What am I to do?” I am to worship and serve the Lord. I look around and see other people focused on food, fortune, fun, and fame (Luke 6:24-26), and I wonder, “What am I to do?” I am to worship and serve the Lord! I see others my age who are retired and engaged in all kinds of leisure activities (Luke 12:19), and I think, “And what am I to do?” I am to worship and serve the Lord! I hear of evil things happening around the world and, at times, get worried, distracted, and angry (Psalm 37:1), “But what am I to do?” I am to worship and serve the Lord! And now that we’re living in the end-times, that critically important period of time before the return of Christ to rapture the church, I think, “What I am to do?” I am to worship and serve the Lord!

I am convinced God chose me to be holy in His sight, that He called me, justified me, and left me on earth so I can worship and serve Him (Eph. 1:4-5, Phil. 1:21-26). I also know I am not my own, that Jesus Christ bought me with His own blood, and that I am now His slave and servant. This freeing truth means I am not a hell-bound slave of the devil lost in a heathen world doing what is sinful and worthless. Instead, I am a child and servant of God! (Rom. 8:12-17). To have a heavenly Father who dearly loves me, and to be able to love and serve Him during my life on earth is such a wonderful blessing. “Not one of us lives for himself… for if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord… therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lords.” Romans 14:7-8

Every Christian must learn what it means to serve the Lord and work for Him. When we talk about work, we usually think of an 8-4, 9-5, or part-time job, but I’m talking about working fulltime, 24-7 for the Lord. Jesus gives a parable illustrating this point, concluding with the statement – “When you do all the things which are commanded you, say, ‘We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done’” (Luke 17:7-10). This is instructive on two points. First, we are to work for God all the time, every day, every evening, and every week of our life. Second, whatever we do, we are working for God, whether it’s making a meal, cleaning house, raising children, praying, shopping, encouraging someone, serving in a ministry, or mowing the lawn. “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men.” Colossians 3:23

Jesus is the best example we have of one who worked fulltime for God. He knew He was God’s Son and also His Slave. “Christ Jesus, who although He existed in the form of God did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a slave.” (Phil. 2:5-6). To His disciples, Jesus said, “I am among you as One who serves” (Luke 22:27). To the Jews, Jesus said, “My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I, too, am working” (John 5:17). And Jesus worked like no man has ever worked – crisscrossing the nation of Israel, He was continually teaching, healing, praying, meeting needs, and training His disciples.

Jesus willingly and faithfully worked for and with His Father. He truly loved His Father and really wanted to please Him, and therefore loved to work, doing exactly what His Father asked Him to do. “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work” (John 4:24). Jesus was energized both by His Father’s love and by doing the very work His Father wanted Him to do. At the end of His earthly life, Jesus told Him, “I brought You glory on earth by completing the work You gave Me to do” (John 17:4). Jesus was overjoyed that He could work for His Father, thereby fulfilling His earthly mission.

Jesus’ example and this John 17:4 verse greatly motivate me. And through all the years, God has given me plenty of work to do. Now I have not been a perfect worker, but Paul’s example from Phil. 3:13-14 helps me – “One thing I do – forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” No matter my age, or what I have done, or what has taken place, or my weakness or sin, I am to say, “I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:12). What a privilege to be able to work for God, to do what He planned for me to do, and trained me to do. “We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

Now that we are in the end-times, we should be very thankful and excited that we can use our spiritual gifts to serve the Lord, that we can do our part, that we can help build the church and make disciples. We are on the very last leg of this ~2000-year church-age race, and it’s our turn, our time to run for Christ (Heb. 9:27-28, 12:1-3). It won’t be long before we cross the finish line, for in a very little while, we will either physically die or be raptured by Christ. Hebrews 10:37

These three end-time passages should encourage you in doing God’s work:
* Luke 12:42-43 – “Who is the faithful and sensible slave who 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.”  Your heavenly Master wants you to faithfully serve those in the church.
* Luke 19:13 – “He called ten of His slaves and gave them ten minas and said to them, ‘Do business with this until I come back.’” You are to use the gifts God has given you to do the work He wants you to do, right up until the return of His Son.
* 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 – “They themselves report… how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven…”  You are to be serving God while waiting for Christ.

Might you keep serving your heavenly Father to the very end, and then you will be able to say to Him, “I brought You glory on earth by completing the work You gave me to do” (John 17:4). And Jesus will say to you, “Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things. I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your Master.” Matthew 25:21

P.S. The immigration issue is an important one – and how does God want us to think? Here is a post that will help – “Immigration: As It Is, They Desire a Better Country.” And Covid-19 is important too. In fact. I am just getting over it – thankfully. And what does God want us to think about it? Here are two previous posts: “From the Coronavirus to Christ’s Coming and the Rapture” and “The Coronavirus: Fear and Panic, or Faith and Peace.”

Earthly Work That Results in Heavenly Rewards

July 2, 2021 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #220 ~

We all understand the importance of work, for this is how we survive, how we make a living, how we buy food and clothes, pay bills, and provide for our family. But first and foremost, you are to work for God. He is your Master – “it is the Lord Christ whom you serve”, and He will reward you for “from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance” (Col. 3:24). Knowing we are to work for God while we live on earth, and that we will be eternally rewarded in heaven is most encouraging.

Do you think about how God wants to richly reward you for your work for Him? Do you realize that your heavenly reward from God for working at a job is infinitely more than your earthly pay for working at that job (Eph. 6:5-8)? Do you understand that being rewarded relates not to whether your earthly employer sees you working, but knowing that your heavenly Father sees you working all the time (Matt. 6:3-4)? Do you realize that being rewarded has nothing to do with whether you are young or old, single or married, slave or free, rich or poor, black or white, sick or healthy, employed or unemployed, or retired (Luke 2:36-38)? Do you know that being rewarding is not so much about what abilities you have, but how you faithfully use your abilities (Matt. 25:21)? Do you see that working for God is not a part time thing or 40 hours / week, but a 24/7 week and years of godly living? Think about how God wants to greatly reward you for a lifetime of service to Him. “In keeping them, there is great reward.” Psalm 19:11 

What specifically can you do to be rewarded by your Father? “Whoever gives a cup of water to drink because of Christ… he will not lose his reward” (Mark 9:41). “Love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great” (Luke 6:35). “Sell your possessions and give to charity” and then you will receive “an unfailing treasure in heaven” (Luke 12:32). “Give to the poor”, “pray”, “fast”, for then “your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you” (Matt. 6:1-6, 16-18). Seek God for “He is a rewarder of those who seek Him” (Heb. 11:6). If people “insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me… your reward in heaven is great” (Matt. 5:11-12). By doing these things for the Lord, you will be wonderfully and everlastingly blessed.

The above verses clearly state how you can be personally rewarded for working for God. But keeping other commands also results in you being rewarded. Here are some of them: “let your light shine before men” (Matt. 5:16); “go make disciples” (Matt. 28:19); “love one another” (John 15:17); “weep with those who weep” (Rom. 12:15); “overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:21); “look out… for the interests of others” (Phil. 2:4); “put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness…” (Col. 3:12); “devote yourselves to prayer” (Col. 4:2); “encourage one another” (Heb. 3:13); “be holy yourselves in all your behavior” (1 Pet. 1:15); “as each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another” (1 Pet. 4:10). Yes, it takes time and effort to do these things; yes, you need to sacrifice your life, and sometimes suffer; but it’s for the glory of God, the good of others, and for your eternal benefit. There is no doubt that God will make your earthly work extremely and eternally worthwhile, that your work for Him in this world will result in untold and unbelievable treasures in heaven. 

In the Bible, there are many examples of godly people loving and serving the Lord. There’s Enoch walking with God, Noah building an ark, Abraham being obedient, Moses enduring ill treatment (“he was looking to the reward” – Heb. 11:26). There’s Rahab welcoming the spies, David conquering kingdoms, and others being stoned, sawn in two, and put to death with the sword. There’s Deborah being a leader, Jael killing Sisera, Ruth being loyal, Esther being courageous, and Mary being humble. There’s Peter preaching, Peter’s mother-in-law serving, Mary Magdalene loving Jesus, John writing the revelation, Anna praying, Stephen being fearless, Dorcas making all those clothes, and Paul being an apostle to the Gentiles (“there’s laid up for me the crown of righteousness” – 2 Tim. 4:8). There’s Prisca and Aquila risking their lives, Mary and Persis working hard, and Epaphroditus being a minister to Paul. All these saints will all be greatly rewarded for their love and service to God. Might the lives of these who served God in the past motivate you to serve Him in the present. “… fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” Rom. 12:11

What do you need to do to receive eternal rewards from your heavenly Father? “Whatever you do, do your work heartily… knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance” (Col. 3:23-24). Wow! It’s whatever you do! This means that every single thing you think, say, or do has potential to be rewarded by God. “Whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord (Eph. 6:8). “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done” (2 Cor. 5:10). These truths about rewards shows God’s incredible love for you, that He really wants to bless you forever for all you do for Him during your short time on earth? “In Your presence is fulness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever.” Psalm 16:11

“Whatever you do” – think about this for your own life. It can mean singing to the Lord, saying a quick prayer for a friend, joyfully doing the dishes, cheerfully mowing the lawn, faithfully doing the laundry, dutifully caring for your children, having lunch with a believer, diligently working at your job, wisely using your money, trusting God when you are sick, giving to a person in need, being kind to a stranger, compassionately caring for your elderly parents, encouraging someone who is discouraged, patiently driving in heavy traffic, lovingly texting a friend, thanking God for the weather, rejoicing when faced with a trial, attending a mid-week Bible study, etc., etc., etc.

What’s important is not just doing “Christian” things, but doing them for God with a right heart and right motives. “Wait until the Lord comes who will bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts, and then each man’s praise will come to him from God” (1 Cor. 4:5). What do these motives relate to? Paul speaks of “your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father, knowing, brethren beloved by God, His choice of you” (1 Thess. 1:3-4). It’s having faith in God, relying completely on Him. It’s doing what you do because you love God with all your heart and want to please Him. It’s having hope, knowing that your reward is not on earth, but in the future and in heaven. It’s walking with the Lord Jesus and God the Father, knowing that you are always with them and they are always with you, and that they always love you and see you. And “your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:4

Remember what Jesus told us, “I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done” (Rev. 22:12). That we are now living in the end-times means Christ is coming back very, very soon, and so it won’t be long before you receive your reward from Him. “The time came for the dead to be judged, and the time to reward Your bond-servants the prophets and the saints and those who fear Your name, the small and the great, and to destroy those who destroy the earth.” Revelation 11:18

P.S. As Christians, we know that we are to be working for God every day of our life. But many different things can short-circuit our desire to serve Him. One of them is worry and anxiety, which affect all of us to some degree or another. I recently finished a two-part series that talks about about how God wants us to give us victory over our worries, over being nervous: Do Not Be Anxious and Anxiety, Worry and Stress. I encourage you to take the time to listen to them.

God Really Wants To Reward You

June 24, 2021 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #219 ~

Do you think about how God wants to bless your life in the future? Do you understand that God will eternally reward you for your earthly service for Him? Most people have jobs during their time on earth – they work 40 hours a week or so and get paid for their work. But do you realize how much God will reward you when you are working for Him instead of for yourself? (This includes a mother staying at home whose work is raising her children.) Your reward from God will be out of this world, infinitely more than anything you will ever receive from some job on earth. You may have earthly bank and retirement accounts, but are you storing up “treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys”? Matthew 6:20

This subject of rewards is no small matter, no minor subject in the Bible, but sadly, most Christians don’t know much about it, or if they do, don’t think much about it. They are not focused on future blessings but on present fulfillment. They are thinking about their life on earth, on their jobs, house, money, friends, and fun things to do, but they are forgetting that God wants to greatly reward them in heaven. “Blessed are you who are poor… who hunger now… who weep now… be glad in that day and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven… But woe to you who are rich… who are well fed now… who laugh now… woe to you when all men speak well of you.” Luke 6:20-26

One of the keys to being rewarded by God is desiring to please Him, is realizing that you are not to seek praises from men but are to give glory to Him. “You are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:5-6

God wants to generously reward His servants for the work they do for Him, but it must be done by faith, it must be done by depending on Him, and not by trusting in self or living for self. “Without faith, it is impossible to please Him, but those who come to Him, must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who earnestly seek Him.” (Heb. 11:6). “By faith Moses… refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward.” Hebrews 11:24-26

God will reward each person’s work. God does not give out family rewards, church rewards, community rewards, only individual rewards. “Each will receive his own reward according to his own labor” (1 Cor. 3:8). The work, the faithfulness of each and every individual believer who has ever lived will be tested and judged by Jesus Christ. “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” 2 Corinthians 5:10

Only a person’s good deeds will be eternally rewarded. If a believer’s works are not done to please the Lord, if they are not done in faith, “if any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire” (1 Cor. 3:15). I hope you realize that receiving rewards from God has nothing to do with your salvation. And I hope you know that a true believer can never lose his salvation, but he can lose the rewards God wants to give him. By your good and faithful service to God, you will most certainly be wonderfully and forever blessed. “Watch yourselves… that you may receive a full reward.” 2 John 2:8

Isn’t it amazing that God watches you all the time with the mindset to reward you, to eternally compensate you for everything you do? On earth we think of getting paid for the 40-50 hours we work each week, but God is talking about your 24/7 week. Might you have the mindset that your entire life is for God, and that everything you think, say, or do has the potential to be rewarded by Him. We are incredibly blessed to have such a giving and gracious Father, One who carefully observes our life to see how He can personally reward us. “Your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you” (Matt. 6:4). “Whatever you do, do your work heartily as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.” Colossians 3:23-24

The real value of your life will not be known until the future, when Christ returns, and then you will learn what aspects of your earthly work were eternally profitable or only temporally profitable. “Each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. If any man’s work which he has built on it (the foundation, who is Christ) remains, he will receive a reward” (1 Cor. 3:10-14). Now we live in the end-times, and it won’t be long before Christ returns to rapture the church and give us our rewards. He has told us, “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what He has done” (Rev. 22:12). Knowing that God greatly loves you and wants to richly reward you in the future should super-charge your heart, and motivate you to love Him and live for Him all the more!

P.S. It’s important that you think about how your life after this life will be so dramatically affected by all the rewards God will pour out upon you. And when we talk about rewards, we are talking about one specific of our hope. Learn all you can about your hope, what God has planned out for your future. I encourage you to read these posts from the past –“You Need Hope To Get Through Life” and “Your Great Hope and Most Glorious Future.”

Keys to Living for the LORD

January 8, 2021 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #203 ~

I often think about the future, specifically that most wonderful moment when Jesus Christ returns to rapture the church and take us to our heavenly home. I also think about what leads up to that moment, that most difficult time when the Antichrist is on earth and Christians are going through great tribulation. And to think that God wants us to be alive at this time in history and be part of His end-time’s plans should both excite us and sober us. John 15:16, Acts 17:26

With this God-planned future in view, what should you do? First, you need to know what will be happening. Jesus says, “Behold, I have told you everything ahead of time” (Mark 13:23). That means you need to study prophecy passages like Matt. 24, Mark 13, Luke 21, 1 and 2 Thess., and Revelation. I also encourage you to read the posts and articles found on this blog site. Second, read His word and do what He has told you to do. Last week I went over seven key Bible truths about how you are to live: your relationship with Christ, your identify, faith, humility, prayer, purpose, and thankfulness. Today I will look at seven more. 

Obedience. The main way you fulfill God’s purpose for your life is by obeying His commands, many that are very basic, but so, so important. Mark 12:30 – “Love the Lord your God with all your heart.” John 15:17 – “This I command you, that you love one another.” 1 Pet. 1:16 – “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” Prov. 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart.” Eph. 5:18 – “Be filled with the Spirit.” Matt. 6:33 – “Seek first the kingdom of God.” Matt. 28:19 – “Go make disciples of all the nations.” When you carry out these commands God will be glorified, His purposes will be fulfilled, and you and the church will be forever blessed. Psalm 119:1-8

Holiness. As a Christian, you are perfectly righteous in God’s sight, you have been forgiven of all your sins, and you are a saint, which means a holy one. And now you are to live like a saint – you are not to be worldly or sinful, you are not to be angry, bitter, proud, lazy, selfish, dishonest, covetous, impure, or immoral. The main way this happens is by the work of God’s word and the Holy Spirit in your life. “Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You.” (Ps. 119:11). Some wonderful results of being holy are peace, a close relationship with God, spiritual growth, and being useful to God. 1 Jn. 5:5-9, 2 Tim. 2:21

Promises. The Christian life isn’t just doing what God wants you to do, but also knowing what He is doing for you. And much of what God does is seen in His promises to you, and the church. Here are some of them: Ps. 23:6 – “Goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life.” Ps. 32:8 – “I will lead you in the way that you should go.” Ps. 46:10 – “I will be exalted among the nations.” Matt. 16:18 – “I will build the church.” 1 Cor. 1:8-9 – “God will keep you strong to the end so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Heb. 13:5 – “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.” Rev. 22:20 – “I am coming soon.” These promises about the future, the hope God has for you, are crucial, for they help you get your eyes off yourself and onto God, and what He is and will be doing. 2 Peter 1:3-4  

Church. The church, comprised of those who are true Christians, is the body of Christ, the spiritual family of God. It is primarily by the church that God’s truth is taught, His purposes are fulfilled, disciples are made, and there’s spiritual growth. And so you need this family, and by being part of it, there’s real love, joy, fellowship, and encouragement. Be assured, Christ will build His church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. Matt. 16:18, Eph. 1:3-14

Relationships. God does not want you to be a loner – which is another reason why you need the church. God’s desire is that there are Christians you can be close to, spend time with, talk to openly, give you counsel, pray for you, care for you, and who you can share your life with. But good relationships are godly friendships that go both ways. That is, there must be mutual concern, care, and love. In all this, we are talking about relationships that are committed to Christ, that are focusing on Christ and fulfilling His purposes. Then there will be real blessing, unity, fellowship, and progress for the Lord. Rom. 1:11-12, Col. 4:7-14, 2 Tim. 1:3-4

Character. Life is not just about what you do – it’s also about who you are, that you have godly character. This means being loving, kind, forgiving, patient, truthful, thankful, faithful, hopeful, courageous, rejoicing, loyal, diligent, persevering, a hard worker, and a fighter for what’s right. Of course, only God can build this godly character in your life. By His word, by the Holy Spirit, by prayer, through trials, and by learning from others, you will surely grow in character, you will be more Christlike, you will be effective for God. Rom. 5:3-5; 1 Tim. 4:11

Sacrifice. God did not save you and leave you on earth so you could make a name for yourself. Jesus sacrificed His life to save you from your sins, and so you could sacrifice your life and make a name for Him (Ps. 23:4, Eph. 5:1). When you love people, when you are kind, giving, and patient, then you are sacrificing your life for them, and for Him. Yes, sacrifice can be extremely difficult, but it’s worth it, for the glory of Christ, the good of others, and for your eternal blessing. And it may be that you will sacrifice your life by dying for Christ, that you are a martyr, but remember, He died for you (Rev. 6:9). “I urge you, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God.” Rom. 12:1. Luke 9:23

Each of these truths are vital if you are to live successfully for God. Ask Him to help you spiritually grow up so you can “walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called” (Eph. 4:1). As you know, we presently live in a very sinful, troubled, divided, and changing country, and this means great challenges and pressures. But what does not change is who God is, what He plans to do, who you are in Christ, and how you are to live for Him. Never forget that! And so no matter what’s happening now or will be happening in the future, keep looking to Christ. And if you are still on this earth when the Antichrist is revealed and devilishly ruling, don’t be afraid, don’t stress out, just remember to keep doing what God has taught you to do. This is the secret to success! “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. Have I not commanded you! Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:8-9

P.S. Here is an article that also tells us how God wants us to live: “Spiritual Survival Food for the Coming Tough Times.” My plan for the future is to put up a post every other week, which means the next one will come out on January 22 – it will be all about our magnificent brand new body! But if events come up necessitating a post more often, I will do so.

It’s 2021?!?! – Now What Do We Do?

January 1, 2021 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #202 ~

Are you looking forward to 2021? Yes? No? Yes and no? 2020 was a rough and difficult year for many of us. It did not turn out how we expected, with the pandemic, lockdowns, wearing masks, people getting sick, many dying, others losing jobs, not seeing family, and not going to church. All this, coupled with other challenging trials, has led to worry, anger, fear, and frustration. Without question, 2020 was a tough year, a strange year, the kind of year you don’t want to see again. So what do you think about the new year? What do you think is going to happen in 2021? More importantly, what are you planning to do? But most importantly, how are you to live for God when life seems like it’s out of control, when people are becoming increasingly evil, and when the world around you is growing worse and worse?

First, recognize that we live in a sinful, devil-controlled world. There will always be problems, trials, and just plain wickedness. In fact, the closer we get to Christ’s return to rapture the church, the harder life will get. Second, understand that God is sovereign over all things, including every aspect of your own life. Third, remember that God never changes, and the way you are to live for God never changes. Fourth, know what God wants you to know, be who He wants you to be, and do what He wants you to do. And how to live for God, this knowing, being, and doing, is all found in God’s word.

Psalm 119:87 – “They almost destroyed me on earth, but I have not forsaken Your precepts.” Psalm 119:92 – “If Your laws had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.” Psalm 119:143 – “Trouble and distress come upon me, but Your commands give me delight.” Psalm 119:157 – “Many are the foes who persecute me, but I have not turned from Your statutes.” Do you see that we need God’s word in the midst of persecution, troubles, and affliction? Regardless of how many trials you face, the answer is to always keep trusting God and obeying His word. Holding on to God and His truth is the means to being truly safe and strong and being able to stay the course. No matter what happens in 2021, God and His unchanging word will keep you on the road He has planned out for you. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105

Here are seven truths you need to understand and apply to your life this year and for all time:
1. Your Relationship with God. Focus on your relationship with God. Know who He is, that He is the living God, your Creator, Lord, and Savior. Get to know Him, for He is loving, kind, wise, sovereign, holy, faithful, forgiving, gentle, and powerful. Love Him with all your heart. Worship Him. Enjoy Him. Stay close to Him (Ps. 63:8). Be satisfied by His love (Ps. 90:14). Spend time with Him (Phil. 3:10). Think of how Jesus got alone with His Father (Mark 1:35), how Mary sat at Jesus’ feet (Luke 10:40-42), and how Enoch walked with God. Gen. 5:21-24

2. Your identity. Believe what God says about you, not what the world says. Your identity is not about your race, color, sex, looks, build, upbringing, job, the money you have, the neighborhood you live in, or the things you own. It’s knowing that God Himself is your Creator, that you did not evolve from some animal, but that He made you in His own image. It means you have a soul, are eternal, are God’s most important creation, and are made to have a meaningful purpose in life. It means knowing you are a saint, a child of God, His servant, a temple of the Spirit, and a member of the church. These powerful and unchanging truths result in you realizing that you are special to God, and will help you fulfill His will for your life. Gen. 1:27, Eph. 1:4-5, 1 Cor. 6:19-20

3. Thankfulness. God commands you to thank Him, for it’s the right thing and a good thing to do. “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His lovingkindness is everlasting.” (Ps. 136:1, 1 Thess. 5:18, Col. 1:11-12). God has done so much for you, and if you don’t thank Him, you are ungrateful, you will be grumbling, and you won’t be spiritually happy – you will be miserable. Being thankful leads to more blessings, more fruitfulness, a positive attitude, and being a good witness.

4. Humility. Being humble is a result of knowing God for who He is, that He is the Lord God Almighty. It means you see who you are in relationship to Him, that He’s infinitely greater than you, that He’s your Master, and therefore you are His servant. Here are some benefits to being humble: you will fear God; you will praise God; you will pray to Him; you will serve God and others; you will learn from God and others; you will have good relationships; and you will be infinitely blessed. Always remember – “humble yourself in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.” James 4:10, Matt. 23:12

5. Faith. When you have faith, you are relying on God and not on yourself “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose trust is the Lord” (Jer. 17:17:7-8). You are to trust God, even when you go through trials (1 Pet. 1:6-7). You are to depend on Him to love you, and to give you wisdom, strength, and direction in life. Spiritual success, along with grace, peace, joy and hope, all come from having faith, from believing God and His word. Heb. 11:6, Rom. 15:13

6. Prayer. A person who is praying has faith, is believing that God actually hears and answers His prayers (1 Jn. 5:14-15). With respect to Elijah it is said, “the effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much” (James 5:16b). About Epaphras, Paul said, “(he is) always laboring earnestly in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God” (Col. 4:12). At all times and in all situations, pray to God, and then you will be useful to Him, blessed by Him, and at peace. Neh. 2:4, Dan. 6:10-11, Phil. 4:6-7

7. Purpose. The Bible records many stories of people who did God’s work, and so too, He has given you work to do. “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Eph. 2:10). And Jesus Christ is our #1 example – “I brought You glory on earth by completing the work You gave Me to do” (John 17:4). As part of His team, as a member of the church, God has special assignments He wants you to carry out, and oftentimes it relates to the spiritual gift He has given you (1 Pet. 4:10). Ask God to show you the work He has planned out for you; be willing to do what He wants you to do; and obey His commands, for they will outline and lead you in the work He has for you.

Who knows what will happen in 2021? People sure don’t know – none of us can predict the future. But God, our heavenly Father, knows exactly what will be taking place in our little world as well as throughout this world. Yes, life can be hard, and may even be more difficult in 2021 than it was in 2020. In fact some who are reading this may be here when the Antichrist is ruling the world and bringing great tribulation. But no matter what happens, you need to always and in everything keep looking to Him. There is no question that God, working through His word and the Spirit, will enable you to be and do all that He wants this year and in the years ahead, all the way to the end of your life on this earth. “Yet I am always with You; You hold me by my right hand. You guide me with Your counsel, and afterward You will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but You, and besides You, I desire nothing on earth.” Psalm 73:23-25

P.S. What a blessing to have a new year! Of course, we know that our lives and our time is for God and His purposes. Here is a good article on time – “The Time of My Life,” and more instructions about how we are to live for God now and in the future – “What Does God Want Me to Do in the End-Times?”

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