fbpx
Christ's Kingdom and the End Times

Category: Sin – Wrath (Page 4 of 4)

Blog posts about sin and wrath.

It’s Going to Get Worse Before It Gets Better

November 10, 2017 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #43 ~

There’s a lot of sin in this world, and it’s going to get a whole lot worse before the return of Christ and the rapture of the church. “In the last days, difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving… lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God… evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse” (2 Timothy 3:1-3, 13). During this present evil age, we see all this sin, but this world will only get more and more wicked the closer we get to the coming of Christ.

Matthew 24 is all about the end times, and verse 12 warns us, “Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold.” In these years before Christ’s coming, the non-Christians will increasingly be mean, cruel and hateful. Then there’s 2 Thessalonians 2:3, 8-12, and it actually calls the Antichrist the “man of lawlessness.” One reason why there will be this escalating sin in the end times is because this Antichrist, this man of sin, will not just be permitting evil, but will be promoting it.

What does this sin look like? 2 Timothy 3 gives us some details, but Galatians 5:18-21 further describes it by saying, “the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities… drunkenness, carousing.” In Mark 7:21, Jesus says, “out of the heart of men proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries… envy, slander, pride and foolishness.” In the years leading up to Christ’s return, unbelievers will be blatantly sinning, unashamedly sinning, defiantly sinning and greatly sinning. Sin will be rampant, openly seen in families, in leaders, in schools, in government, at work, on the internet, and in media, music and movies. I know you may not want to hear this, but this is the truth, this is what God says in His Word, and this is what He wants you to know.

In the end times this entire planet will be filled with people who have cast off moral restraint, who hate God and love their sin. 2 Peter 2:10 talks of “those who indulge the flesh in its corrupt desires and despite authority.” People will be shaking their fists at God, rejecting those in authority, and doing what is right in their own eyes. Sinful behavior will be completely accepted and normalized. It will be like the days of Noah when “the wickedness of man was great on this earth, and every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only continually evil” (Genesis 6:5). Remember the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life,” when Bedford Falls is imagined to be Pottersville, a dark, evil, perverted and partying place? Sadly, this will be similar to the condition of our world.

Let’s be honest, these latter days will be very difficult for Christians. I’m reminded of that wicked city of Sodom when “Lot, oppressed by the sensual conduct of unprincipled men… while living among them, felt his righteous soul tormented day after day by their lawless deeds.” But remember the promise that follows, “The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment” (2 Peter 2:7-9). Christians living on earth in these coming days will go through great tribulation for a short time, and then be raptured, and then be with the Lord forever. But God’s enemies will not escape His wrath, for they will be punished forever. It won’t be by a flood like in the days of Noah, but by fire during the day of the Lord, and then in Hades for 1000 years, and then in the lake of fire for all eternity. Revelation 20:15

When you look at the world, you see how people are so polarized, on opposite sides in so many areas, but it’s only going to get worse. There will be right or wrong, light or darkness, those who do good or those who do evil. And then, like never before, the non-Christians will be hating and persecuting the Christians. But God is so patient, “not wishing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). As we live in this dark world, might we too be patient, and see this as an opportunity for our light to shine (Daniel 12:3). Might we love our enemies and give them the gospel, knowing that some will turn from their sin and turn to Christ, being forgiven and becoming children of God. May God give you the grace to persevere, to stay the course, and to keep making disciples right up until the end of the age and the return of Christ (Matthew 28:19-20).

“Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved (raptured). 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.” Matthew 24:12-14

P.S.  When life is difficult, we always need to have hope.  I encourage you to read my article: You Have to Have Hope!  It will be a blessing to your life!

The Downfall of The United States Before the Return of Christ

October 13, 2017 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #39 ~

Image result for united states

Jesus Christ cannot come back until the United States declines in power. That’s the truth, and on one hand I hate to say the U.S. is going down, for I like living in this country that’s been greatly blessed by God. But it’s going to happen, sooner or later – it has to. That’s because the Antichrist needs to be in power just before the coming of Christ. Therefore, the United States can’t be number one in the world at the same time the Antichrist and his ten-nation kingdom is ruling the world. The U.S. has to go down before the return of Christ and the rapture of the church.

The Bible tells us in great detail what happens when nations reject God. “The nations have sunk down in the pit in which they have made… Let the nations be judged before You.” (Psalm 9:15-20). “Ephraim is joined to idols; let him alone” (Hosea 4:17). “I have cut off nations, their strongholds are demolished” (Zephaniah 3:6). “In the generations gone by God permitted all the nations to go their own ways” (Acts 14:16). But it’s Romans 1:18-32 that outlines the downward moral progression of a person or a country that rejects God and His truth. Three times it says, “God gave them over.” When people abandon God, then God abandons them and lets them alone in their sin. Their sin is the reason why they are judged, and more sin results, and that increasing sin becomes the actual judgment of their sin.

One of the first visible signs of God abandoning the United States to her sin was seen in the open sexual immorality that began in the 1960’s. The second sign was when homosexuality was accepted, lawful and promoted in society, which has been taking place in the past 15-20 years. The third sign of a country’s decline is when God gives the people over to a depraved mind “to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil, envy, murder, strife… haters of God… disobedient to parents… unloving” (Romans 1:28-32). Sad to say, but this list of sins increasingly describes our country. More and more people are totally disregarding the truth of God’s Word, consciences aren’t functioning rightly, there’s open rebellion against authority, and lawlessness is becoming more rampant. “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil.” Isaiah 5:20, Ezekiel 16:48-50

For many years, this moral and spiritual decay has been affecting the character of our country, and like a cancer it has been spreading, resulting in the educational, political, economic and entertainment sectors of our nation becoming terribly sick. Not only that, but we’re gradually becoming more anti-Semitic – “the one who curses you (Israel), I will curse” (Genesis 12:3). Then there’s the severe financial indebtedness of this country, which could result in a nationwide economic collapse. Add to that, the significant societal and political divisions we see in this nation (which I believe is irreversible) – “any kingdom divided against itself cannot stand” (Mark 3:24). Yes, it is true that there is some good in the United States, and that she is still being used by God for His purposes. But the fact remains that she is now in decline, paving the way for other world powers to arise, unless the Antichrist and his kingdom are the next in line to take over, and if so, then they will rule the world.

Most countries gradually go down in power; the decline doesn’t usually happen in a day, a month or a year – it takes place over decades and sometimes centuries. When will the United States no longer be the number one power in the world? No one but God knows, but her downturn, along with all the other events signaling Christ’s return, indicate to me that it will be sometime in the near future. There could even be catastrophic events accelerating the downfall of this nation – more terrorist attacks, a great California earthquake, a super-volcano, electromagnetic pulse weapons, etc. This country is in serious decay, and any major cataclysmic event could be “the straw that breaks the camel’s back,” that which quickly weakens her beyond repair.

For a number of years, this world has been trending towards globalism, which needs to take place before the Antichrist can come to power. As you know, this country recently elected a nationalistic and populist President. But this is only a temporary shift, for it won’t be long before globalism becomes the great desire and cry of this and most every country. People will be desperate for a world leader to solve global problems, like war, famine, plagues, earthquakes, the economy, and yes, putting a stop to Christianity, too.

The main point of all this is that the United States will lose her first place status in the world, and become subservient to the power structures that are being raised up in Europe and the Middle East, and eventually to the Antichrist himself. Daniel 2:31-45, 7:15-28, 9:24-27 and Revelation 13 explain this more fully. As Christians, we must not be overly concerned with the politics and policies of this country. Our real goal is not to have a moral majority, or get dominion over this country, or to make America great – it is to preach Christ crucified, to make disciples of all the nations until the end of this age and the return of Christ, and to pray – “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:9-10

P.S. I would encourage you to read another post I have done called “That Evil Antichrist and His Short Rule on Earth.”

World History and International Studies

October 6, 2017 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #38 ~

As people living in the 21st century we need to know  how God has been working in the world with regards to the nations, and I’m not talking from a geopolitical perspective. I’m not talking about what the United Nations says, that weak body of leaders that will never bring unity or peace to this world. I’m not talking about what Presidents, prime ministers or politicians say, and surely not what the news media says. I’m talking about a Biblical perspective, a Biblical framing of the nations, past, present and future. What does God’s word say about the nations? Where in the world are things headed?

Genesis 10-11 tells us that the nations of the world are divided into two main groups – the Gentile nations, from Noah’s sons, Ham and Japheth, and the nation of Israel, from Shem, Noah’s other  son. The promise we must never forget is what God said to Abram in Genesis 12:1-3, “I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you… and in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.” Do you see this, that all true blessing in this world, both spiritual and physical, comes through Abram and his descendants, through Israel?

The main theme of most of the Old Testament, specifically Genesis 12 – Malachi 4, centers on the nation of Israel. You can only understand the Old Testament as you understand God’s sovereign and special working with Israel and how that affects the rest of the world. God’s dealings with all the other nations relate directly to their relationship with Israel.

Psalms 1-2 says that God works through individual people and nations. Psalm 1 tells us about individuals, the righteous who will be forever blessed (remember that God wants to use your life for His purposes), and the unrighteous who will perish, and be eternally punished. Psalm 2 talks about Gentile nations taking their stand against God. In their defiant pride they fail to see that Christ is King, and that He will inherit the nations and then begin His reign from Zion, from Israel. And if nations, kings and people don’t worship and serve the Lord and King, then they will be utterly destroyed.

Revelation 12:1-3 says that Satan has been strongly opposing the nation of Israel from the beginning. His devilish work has especially been seen in these “beast” nations – Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome I and Rome II. The Bible tells us how God has continually rescued and preserved this nation of Israel and, in the future, will enable them to help fulfill His plans. Psalms 33:10-12, Isaiah 40-66, Esther

God’s judgment of the nations for their sin is a major theme in the Bible, and is described in great detail, particularly in the prophets. Yet, God shows extreme patience with sinful nations, and for over 1500 years we see this with Israel, but His patience has a limit. In Isaiah 1:4, 26, God promises to judge Judah, “Ah, sinful nation, a people loaded with guilt… I will turn my hand against you.” Isaiah goes on to declare God’s wrath against Moab, Babylon, Ethiopia and Egypt. In Hosea 9:7, God says to Israel, “The days of punishment have come”. Obadiah tells us about God’s judgment against Edom.

Every nation has been judged or will be judged by God. The Bible and world history make this very clear. And since we’re now in the end times then it won’t be long before God’s wrath will be poured out on both people and nations. God’s global judgment is most sobering, a divine, devastating wrath that takes place right after the rapture of the church, but right before Christ’s reign over the world. Joel 3:2 tells us, “I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the valley of Jehoshaphat.” Psalm 9:5 informs us, “You have rebuked the nations, You have destroyed the wicked.” Revelation 8-9, 16

In these days before Christ’s return, God must realign the nations of this earth. (Ezekiel 36-38:1-6, Daniel 2:31-45). God has brought the Jews back to Israel, and He’s getting other nations ready as well. Yes, this world is rapidly changing, but you look at countries like Israel, Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Libya, Russia and the United States, and it’s obvious that we’re not there yet. And Antichrist’s 10 nation kingdom hasn’t even come to power, but it will. Yes, Christ is coming soon, but many more things still need to take place before we see Him return in power and great glory. Matthew 24:27-41

God is holy, but He is also merciful. During the Old Testament days Israel was to be a light to the nations. In Psalm 96:2-3 the Jews were told, “Proclaim good tidings of His salvation… Tell of His glory among the nations.” But in these days the church is to let her light shine, and is to “make disciples of all the nations… even to the end of the age,” and then Christ will return to reign over the entire world. Matthew 28:19-20, Revelation 11:15

After the church age, the great glory of God will be seen in the nations during the millennial kingdom. Psalm 47:8 – “God reigns over the nations.” Psalm 67:2,4,5 – “Your salvation among the nations… let the nations be glad… You will guide the nations on the earth.” Psalm 86:9-10 – “All the nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O Lord, and they shall glorify Your name. You are great and do wondrous deeds.”

P.S. Next week I will be sharing about the present and continuing decline of the United States, and how in the near future, she will no longer be the leading world power. She must go down, and then sooner or later, God will raise up the Antichrist’s kingdom.

 

The Day of the LORD: The Wrath of God on Earth

April 28, 2017 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #15 ~

In Love with the Wrath of God

The great majority of people in this world have no clue, no concept of the devastating destruction that will soon be affecting this entire earth, what God calls the “Day of the Lord.” They are ignorant of God’s fiery wrath that will be directed towards all the sinners on earth at that time. But God’s wrath is nothing new, for God has been judging guilty sinners ever since Adam and Eve. He has given us many examples in the Bible to warn us that He does not excuse, tolerate or put up with sin. He punishes those who reject Him, hate Him or ignore Him, whether it’s individuals, families, cities, countries or the whole world. “The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all unrighteousness.” Romans 1:18. “The Lord is coming to judge the earth; He will judge the world with righteousness.” Psalm 98:9.

We are living in the end times, and it is obvious that this world is spiritually and morally going downhill – that most people are not lovers of God, but lovers of sin and self. Pride, lying, hate, violence, anger, selfishness, immorality and rebellion are seen all over the world, and it’s getting worse and worse. Then in God’s time, the Antichrist, the “man of lawlessness” will be revealed, promoting sin and fueling this judgment all the more. Seeing all the people who have rejected His offer of mercy, and have taken the mark of the beast, God will have no choice but to judge the entire earth, but this time it won’t be with a flood, but with fire. Revelation 14:9-13

This is so sad that the sinners on earth are ignorant of what will soon be taking place. They are and will be mocking us, laughing at us, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming?” But they have no idea of this coming wrath, and how catastrophic and deadly it will be. “It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Hebrews 10:31. “Destruction will come upon them suddenly.” 1 Thessalonians 5:3

You might ask, “What about the Christians?” In the not too distant future, all people living on earth will see the skies suddenly become dark – this is the sign of the end of this age, the sign right before the day of the Lord. Acts 2:20. Then Christ will appear and will gather, glorify, and bring all the believers to Himself, and then to heaven. “One will be taken, the other left.” Luke 17:36. But the unbelievers who are left behind are “fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the earth.” Luke 21:21-26. These sinners are scared to death and say to the mountains, “Fall on us and hide us … from the wrath of the Lamb.” Revelation 6:12-17. For about 30 minutes these trapped sinners will be worrying about what’s going to happen, and then the first trumpet will blast, signalling that God’s wrath has begun on earth. Revelation 8:1-7

This wrath of God, this day of the Lord, is the Trumpet and Bowl Judgments of Revelation 8-9, 16. But this “day” is not referring to a 24 hour day but to a time period starting during Daniel’s 70th week. It will not be quick like the Noahic flood, but  painfully prolonged and altogether righteous – a series of “hell” on earth type judgments that will afflict all the unbelievers. A third of the earth will be destroyed by fire; all unbelievers will be tormented by demonic locusts for five months; a third of mankind will be suddenly killed; all people will be covered with sickening sores and then scorched with fierce heat; a great earthquake will flatten the cities; and 100 pound hailstones will pound the people. And there is much more. “Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth.” Revelation 8:13. “The day of the Lord is near… I will punish the world for its evil, and the wicked for their iniquity.” Isaiah 13:6-11

The day of the Lord has been promised by God – it is certain to come. The day of the Lord is the righteous judgment of God – don’t complain. The day of the Lord will be totally unexpected by the unbelievers – “the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night”. 1 Thessalonians 5:2. The day of the Lord will devastate the earth – this world, as we know it, will come to an end. Zephaniah 1:2

How should you be affected by the wrath of God that is coming upon this earth?  1) Never think God is wrong in these judgments. “Righteous are You, …O Holy One, because you judged these things.” Revelation 16:5.  2) Be thankful. It is only because of Christ’s mercy, because Christ suffered the wrath you deserved that you will escape God’s wrath on earth, and His wrath in hell.  3) Fear God. Be holy. Why do sinful things for which God’s wrath is coming upon this world? “Come out of her so that you will not participate in her sins.” Revelation 18:4. 4) Warn people about this wrath, this bad news, and tell them the good news about Jesus Christ. Tell them that forgiveness of sins can be granted when they repent of their sins and believe that Christ died for them. Tell them to turn from their sin and to trust in Christ before it’s too late.

P.S.  The audio messages from our April 1-2, 2017 Florida Biblical Prophecy Conference are now all available at  Hope Bible Church of Tampa at Sermon Audio.  The speakers were: Alan Kurschner, of Eschatos Ministeries; Marv Rosenthal, of Zion’s Hope; and I, Steve Hogan.   We were grateful to host this conference for God’s glory and the good of His people!

 

Everything on this Earth is Going to Change

April 21, 2017 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #14 ~

2 Peter 3:3-4 – “In the last days, mockers will come with their mocking, … ‘Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.’” In these last days, sinners are saying that nothing will dramatically change on this earth, that everything is going to basically stay the same. But they are deceived and wrong! Peter goes on to say that they don’t realize what took place in the past, the cataclysmic flood that God used to judge sinners and destroy the world; and they do not know what is going to happen in the future, the fiery judgment of this world and the “destruction of ungodly men.” 

Don’t be deceived like the unbelievers, and don’t be sleeping. Be awake, and aware of what God’s Word clearly tells us, and alert to the events that lead up to Christ’s return to rapture the church. Today, I am listing a series of monumental, earth-shaking, life-changing, God-promised events that will be taking place when Christ comes back. Please listen up – you, your family, and your church need to know what will be occurring on this earth, for everything is going to dramatically change!

This present age will come to an end. This present age that began with Adam’s sin is an evil age, for the whole world has been in the power of the devil. But this age, and this church age (the last days), is soon coming to an end, and a glorious new age will begin. Ephesians 1:19-21

All believers will be glorified. At Christ’s coming, at the rapture, those who have died and are in heaven, along with all those who are alive and remain on earth, will become like Christ and the angels, receiving perfect, powerful, immortal and spiritual bodies. 1 Corinthians 15:42-44

All believers will be gathered together to be with Jesus Christ. “We will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.” 1 Thessalonians 4:17-18. Think of finally being with Christ and all the other believers! What love, what joy, what peace, what glory!

God will pour out His righteous wrath upon the earth after the rapture. This terrifying and fiery Day of the Lord is the righteous punishment of all the unbelievers still living on earth at Christ’s coming, ones who rejected Him and took the mark of the beast. “She (the earth) will be burned up with fire”. Revelation 8-9, 18

“The Lord will be King over all the earth.” Zechariah 14:9. The devil will no longer be in charge, for Jesus Christ will take complete control of the earth. Hallelujah! “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and Christ; and He will reign forever.” Revelation 11:15

A great number of Jews will be saved at the end of Daniel’s 70th week. Romans 11:26-27 – “And so, all Israel will be saved… This is my covenant with them, when I take away their sins.” God’s glorious promise to the Jews will finally come true. Ezekiel 37:21-23; Psalms 67, 72

The Antichrist will be defeated. The most wicked man in the history of our world will be dictator over the earth in the last 2-3 years before Christ’s coming, but this “beast was seized and with him the false prophet… these two were thrown alive into the lake of fire.” Revelation 19:20-21

Satan is bound and thrown into the abyss. Our chief enemy, “the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world,” will be chained up for 1000 years, and will not be able to hurt or harm any person on the earth during that time. Then he will be thrown into the lake of fire. Amen! Revelation 20:2

All glorified believers will begin to reign with Christ. “You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth.” Just think, we will worship and serve Lord and King for 1000 years – this will be so exciting, fulfilling, and rewarding! Revelation 5:10, 20:6

Each of the above events is huge in and of itself – and in the near future, starting sometime during the 2nd half of Daniel’s 70th week, they will be taking place one after another. Do you see what is going to happen? Things will not be the same. We get so used to our homes, families, church, jobs, schools, cities, leaders, and way of life. But do you see that Jesus Christ, the Lord, Savior, Judge and King, is coming back soon? And He will lovingly, powerfully, and righteously change everything on this earth! Wake up to what will be happening. And fear the Lord, love Him, serve Him, and be excitedly looking for His return. “He who sits on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new… these words are faithful and true.’” Revelation 21:5

P.S. I encourage you to read these other posts and articles – I am sure they will be helpful to you: “God, You, and the War in Ukraine”, “How Then Should We Live In the End-Times?”, “Daniel’s 70th Week, One of the Keys to Unlocking the End-Times”, and “Why is Jesus Coming Back to Earth?”

Newer posts »

© Steven J. Hogan and ChristsKingdom.org, 2018. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Steven J. Hogan and ChristsKingdom.org with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

© 2024 Christ's Kingdom and the End Times

Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑