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Four Ages and Four Earths

December 7, 2021 / stevenj777

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #232 ~

As Christians, we need to see the big picture, where we have come from and where we are going, and how that fits in with God’s overall plans. Having this perspective of His plans for our lives and the world greatly affects how we think about life and live for Him. As you know, people have all kinds of ideas about what has happened in the past, and what they think will take place in the future. Personally, I believe there are four distinct ages, and we are now living in the second one. You may have a different opinion on this, but this is what I believe God says in His word. Let me explain what I mean by these four different ages and four different earths:

The first age was a perfect age and Adam and Eve, perfect people, were living on a perfect earth. There were no sins, problems, or imperfections affecting mankind, animals, or nature – everything was perfectly good. “God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created them. God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it’… God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good” (Gen. 1:27-28, 31). Genesis 1-2 describes this age when God created this sinless world and Adam and Eve were perfectly ruling over it.

The second age is an imperfect age, an evil age (Gal. 1:4), the time in which we now live. It began with the sin of Adam and Eve (Gen. 3:1-7), sin which resulted in death (Gen. 2:17), and which spread to all people (Rom. 5:12-21) and to all generations, corrupting mankind, animals, and nature. “Cursed is the ground because of you… for you are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Gen. 3:17-19). “The creation was subjected to futility… the whole creation groans… even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body” (Rom. 8:19-23). Adding to man’s sin is the fact that the devil rules the world during this second age. “The whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 Jn. 5:19). Because of the devil and this deadly curse, life can be spiritually, physically, and relationally difficult for Christians living during this sinful age.

Most of the Bible, from Gen. 3 to Rev. 19, focuses on this evil age. During this long period of time, God has worked through the Jews, sent His Son to die for our sins, and is now building the church. As part of the church, it’s now our time to love God, live for Him, and be a bright shining light in this dark world (Matt. 5:16). We know this age has ended when we feel a great earthquake and see great signs in the heavens. Rev. 6:12-14

The third age is the millennial kingdom age, that 1000-year period when Jesus Christ, the perfect One, perfectly rules this world. This world will be restored (“the period of restoration of all things” – Acts 3:21), be regenerated (“in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne” – Matt. 19:28), and be set free from sin (“the creation itself will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God” – Rom. 8:21). Jesus Christ cannot rule over a corrupt earth, but only over one that has been restored and regenerated. There will be sin during this age, but there will be perfect justice, for Christ will rule this world with a rod of iron (Ps. 2:9. Ps. 72). And yes, there will be death, but it will be rare, for “the one who does not reach the age of one hundred will be thought accursed.” Isaiah 65:20

This kingdom age, spoken of six times in Rev. 20, is described in detail in the Old Testament. There we read about the reign of Christ – “God is the King of all the earth (Ps. 47:7, Zech. 14:9), Jews and Gentiles being blessed – “God blesses us so that all the ends of the earth may fear Him” (Ps. 67:6-7, Gen. 12:2-3), and a renovated earth – “Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy.” Psalm 98:8, Isaiah 65:25

It is at this time that “He (God) has put all things in subjection under His (Christ’s) feet” (1 Cor. 15:27, Ps. 2:6). Therefore, “God (Christ) reigns over the nations” (Ps. 47:8). Glorified believers (Rom. 8:23, 1 Cor. 15:40-42) will have inherited the earth (Ps. 37:11, Matt. 5:5), and will be reigning with Christ (Rev. 5:10, 20:6). “Then comes the end (of the kingdom age), when He (Christ) hands over the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule, authority and power. He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be abolished is death.” 1 Cor. 15:24-26

The fourth age is the eternal kingdom age. “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth passed away” (Rev. 21:1). The new city of Jerusalem will come down to earth (Rev. 21:1-3). There will be no more sin and death, and the devil, along with all demons and unbelievers, will be gone from this world, for they are forever being punished in the lake of fire (Rev. 21:4, 8; Rev. 20:14-15). All believers will be completely satisfied by God (Rev. 21:5-7, Rev. 22:1-5), and be living with Jesus in the holy city of Jerusalem (Rev. 21:9-27). God will be all in all (1 Cor. 15:28). Heaven and earth will be filled with God’s glory (Is. 6:3). All believers will be eternally worshiping and serving God and the Lord Jesus Christ. Psalm 145:1-2, Rev. 22:3

There you have it, four ages and four earths. Each of these ages is associated with a distinct earth related to God’s purpose for that period of time. During the 1^st age, when there is no sin and death, there is a perfect earth ruled by Adam and Eve (Gen. 1-2). During the 2^nd age, when there is sin and death, there is a corrupt earth ruled by Satan (Gen. 3 – Rev. 19). During the 3^rd age, when there is still sin and death, there is a restored earth perfectly ruled by Jesus Christ. (Rev. 20, Psalm 67:4). During the 4^th age, when there is no sin and death, there is a perfect heaven and perfect earth ruled by God and Jesus Christ. Rev. 21:1 – Rev. 22:5

Here are a few more points about these ages, particularly as it relates to the future.
1. Once this present evil age comes to an end, the church will be raptured, God’s wrath will be poured out upon this wicked world, a remnant of Jews will be saved, the Antichrist will be cast into the lake of fire, and the devil will be chained for 1000 years (Rev. 7-19). Then the next age (Rev. 20) will begin.
2. The fact that we live in the end-times means this age is almost over, and in a little while the millennial kingdom age will begin, and we will be reigning with Christ over this world.

3. 1 Cor. 15:20-28 speaks about the last three ages, this age (vss. 20-23), the millennial kingdom age (vss. 24-27), and the eternal kingdom age (vs. 28).
4. Eph. 1:21 and Eph. 2:7 also speaks of these three ages. Eph. 1:7 says, “… in this age but also in the one to come,” which refers to this present evil age and the coming millennial kingdom age. Eph. 2:7 tells us, “… so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace,” which speaks of the millennial kingdom age and the eternal kingdom age.

5. Knowing what God says about this age and future ages helps you understand the errors of unbelievers, who say this earth may catastrophically come to an end by nuclear war, meteorites, climate change, etc.
6. Be encouraged and excited by the fact that we now live in the end-times of this second age, that it’s our turn to “run the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith….” Hebrews 12:1-2
7. It won’t be long before Jesus Christ returns to rapture the church and, shortly after that, we will begin reigning with Him over a restored and glorious earth. “The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord.” Habakkuk 2:14

P.S. God wants you to know some things about the future, and it’s an amazing and incredible future that He has planned out for you. Here are some very instructive and related posts – “The Big Picture: the Present Age and the Ages to Come,” and “The Present Church Age and the Kingdom Age.”

This Evil Age is Coming to an End, And Soon!

November 22, 2021 / stevenj777

By Steven J. Hogan

A Saturday Morning Post #231 ~

Some people think life on this planet will keep going for 100’s if not 1000’s of years. Others believe there are acts of man or forces of nature that will either gradually or suddenly destroy this earth. They talk about how a super virus, meteorites, a solar flare, climate change, or a nuclear war may devastate the entire world, or at least a major part of it. But what does God say? He has made it clear that this present age, as we know it, will come to an end, and He has told us exactly how that will happen – and it’s not what people are telling you.

God goes into great detail about this age, especially the last years of this age. That’s because He doesn’t want you to be surprised by what will be happening or be led astray by the lies and errors of non-Christians. “Where is the wise man?… Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?” (1 Cor. 1:20). These sinners don’t know what they are talking about, but God does, and His word spells out the truth about the future. Here’s what He wants you to know about this present age, and how it will end.

* This age we live in is an evil age, a very sinful age. “… the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might rescue us from this present evil age…” Galatians 1:4
* This age started with the sin of Adam and Eve. Their sin resulted in this entire earth and all of mankind being cursed and corrupted. Genesis 3, Romans 8:20-22
* Satan rules the world during this evil age. “The whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19). Yet God is sovereign over everything and everyone, including Satan. Daniel 4:34-35
* Most people living during this age are sinners, are unbelievers. “The gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.” Matt. 7:13-14

* That there’s another age after this age means this one must come to an end. In Eph. 1:21, God says, “… not only in this age, but in the one to come.” Eph. 2:7 speaks of “the ages to come.”
* That the Jews are back in their land is the reason we know we live in the last years of this evil age, what is often called the end-times. Ezekiel 36-37, Daniel 12:4, Luke 20:24
* That we live in the end-times means it won’t be long before this age comes to an end. Matt. 24:3-42, more than any other prophecy passage, describes what the end-times will look like.
* God will announce when this age comes to an end with two earth-waking signs – cosmic events and a great earthquake. “… a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth made of hair, and the whole moon became like blood… The sky was split apart like a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.” Rev. 6:12-14; Matt. 24:3, 29

*This present age will end when we feel this great earthquake and see these cosmic events. Thus, we must conclude that this age will not end because of a global flood, a nuclear war, a solar flare, or anything else. “You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end (of the age) … all these things are merely the beginning of birth pains.” Matt. 24:6-8
* Many prophesied events will be taking place before this age comes to an end. There will be birth pains, an Israeli treaty, increasing lawlessness, temple sacrifices in Jerusalem, great tribulation, apostasy, the preaching of the gospel, and the Antichrist ruling the earth. “When you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door.” Matthew 24:33
* Discerning Christians will physically see and spiritually sense that this age is coming to an end. By reading God’s word and observing what’s happening in the world, we will “understand the times” (1 Chron. 12:32) and “see the day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:25
* God wants Christians to be holy and obedient. We are “to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously, and godly in the present age.” Titus 2:12

* As Christians, our primary purpose is to preach the gospel right up until the end of this age. “This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end (of this age) will come.” Matthew 24:14
* Christians are to “make disciples of all the nations”, always remembering Jesus’ encouraging promise – “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
* Christians are to persevere to the end of the age. “The one who endures to the end (of the age), he will be saved (raptured and glorified).” Matthew 24:13 “* The present age ends during the last half of Daniel’s 70^th week, after the Antichrist has been revealed and has been ruling for a short while, and just before Christ returns to rapture the church and defeat that devilish man. 2 Thessalonians 2:7-9

* Most unbelievers don’t believe what God says about the end of this age. They say, “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.” They think everything is going to stay the same, and that they won’t be judged, but they are badly mistaken. “The present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.” 2 Peter 3:3-7
* After this age is over, God will judge the unbelievers still living on earth. “The tares are the sons of the evil one; and the enemy who sowed them is the devil, and the harvest is the end of the age.” Matthew 13:38-39
* When this age is over, Jesus Christ will rapture the church, pour out His wrath, and redeem a remnant of Jews. Then the next age will begin, and Christ will reign as King upon a renovated and restored earth. Psalm 98, Matthew 19:27-29, Acts 3:19-21

As Christians, don’t be fooled or scared by what sinners are saying, for they are sadly and terribly ignorant of what God is planning to do. We need to wake up to the fact that we live in the last years of this age, and that it won’t be long before Christ returns to rapture the church and judge the world. Then the next age, Christ’s 1000-year reign, will begin. You can’t imagine how dramatically and wonderfully different everything will be during the millennial kingdom age. “Great and marvelous are Your works, O Lord God, the Almighty; righteous and true are Your ways, King of the ages.” (Rev. 15:3). “Let the nations be glad and sing for joy; for You will judge the peoples with uprightness and guide the nations of the earth. Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise You.” Psalm 67:4-5

“God will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.” 1 Corinthians 1:8-9

P.S. Here are two other posts about how this age, and that it is going to end: “This Age Is Coming to an End, and Then the New Age Will Begin” and “The Big Picture: the Present Age and the Ages to Come.” Here is an article about the importance of thanksgiving – “Being Thankful – the Character of a Christian.”

What’s Wrong With This World?!?

November 7, 2021 / stevenj777

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #230 ~

What’s wrong with this world? The problem is SIN. It’s not the economy, guns, the climate, schools, police, lack of food, corrupt leaders, or bad laws. The root problem, the real problem is sin, a spiritual cancer that corrupts (Rom. 8:21) and kills. “The soul that sins will die” (Ezek. 18:4). And it’s related to all our other problems. Here are some important lessons to learn about sin:

Sin, the sinner, and its consequences:
* Sin is not worshiping God, the Creator, but instead, is worshiping the creation. Sin is idolatry. It’s rebellion. It’s disobedience. It’s pride. It’s not trusting God. It’s trusting self. Sin is evil, vile, sickening, wicked, wrong, revolting, devilish, and deadly. Deut. 5:7-9; Jer. 2:5, 13; Rom. 1:20-23

* Sin starts in a person’s heart, in his soul, in his innermost being. A sinner’s soul is spiritually blackened, thoroughly dirty, altogether disgusting, and completely detestable to God. Sin is revealed in a person’s thoughts, words, and actions. Ps. 10:3-11, 36:1-4, 51:5-6; Rom. 3:10-18

* The root sin of not loving God is manifested in many ways. In His Word, God describes 100’s of specific sins because He wants us to know what they are and the consequences of committing them. Mark 7:20-23, Rom. 1:28-32, 1 Cor. 6:9-10, Gal. 5:19-21, 2 Tim. 3:1-4, etc.

* God demands a payment for a person’s sin, and it’s death. “The wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23). Sin, the most serious crime, is against God Himself, and He must punish it, and its death. This death is spiritual, physical, and may be eternal (the person who never turns to Christ is forever punished and separated from God). “These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of God” (2 Thess. 1:9). “Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire.” Matthew 25:41

* Some people are inwardly sinful but appear outwardly righteous. “You are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness… hypocrisy and lawlessness” (Matt. 23:27-28, Luke 18:9-14). Other people are inwardly sinful and outwardly sinful. “There was a woman in the city who was a sinner” (Luke 7:37). Either way, sin is utterly deadly and must be dealt with, or else there will be hell to pay.

* Many people do not believe in sin. The world often classifies sin as a person’s personality, an addiction, mental illness, or behavioral disorder (anxiety, eating, conduct, etc.). Yes, some people’s problems are strictly mental in nature, but most are spiritually based. Most sinners want to forget, excuse, ignore, or gloss over their sin, for admitting it would mean that God exists, and that they are guilty and deserve to be judged. “If we say that we have no sin… the truth is not in us… if we say we have not sinned, we make God a liar.” 1 John 1:8, 10

* God judges a sinner at different times: 1) During his life on earth – “The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all unrighteousness” (Rom. 1:18, note Deut. 28:15-68). 2) The day of the Lord – for those sinners living on earth at the end of the age (Rev. 8-9, 16). 3). In Hades after his life on earth (Luke 16:23). 4) In the lake of fire at the end of the millennial kingdom. Revelation 20:11-15

Jesus Christ is the only answer to sin:
* Jesus Christ pays for a person’s sins by His death on the cross, or a person pays for his own sins by being punished forever in hell. If a person repents and believes Christ died for him, then he’s forgiven, has eternal life, and goes to heaven. “Christ died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, to bring you to God” (1 Pet. 3:18). “God made Christ who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Cor. 5:21). “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy.” Titus 3:5

The Christian’s response to sin, and his purpose in life:
* God commands you to keep yourself holy in this evil world. People clean their house, wash the dishes, take a shower, weed the garden, etc., but what’s most important is keeping your soul clean. By God’s word, by God’s Spirit, and by being in a good church, you can live a holy life, and you need to, for only then can you please the Lord and be useful to Him. “Flee youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, with those who call on the Lord.” 2 Timothy 2:22

* Don’t focus on the sin in this world. Don’t be occupied by the bad news and bad things in this world. Don’t think much about the crime, corruption, and conflicts, or you’ll find yourself fretting and getting discouraged. Look to God, do what is good and right, and carry out the work He gives you to do – that’s what can make a difference, and what’s eternally important. “As for you, be strong, and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” 2 Chron. 15:7, Neh. 6:1-4, Psalm 37:1-6

* As a Christian, be an ambassador for Christ. You are to be a bright shining light in this dark and evil world. Be a witness to the lost by your life and words. Share with people the gospel of Christ. Exhort them to turn from their sin and turn to Christ. Tell them that Jesus Christ is the only way to God. “We beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God” (2 Cor. 5:20-21). “Repent and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:15, Eph. 5:8-13, John 14:6

* To successfully get through life, you need hope. It’s eternally worth it to live for God during your short life on earth – He has a magnificent future in store for you. Your hope is that you will literally be with Jesus (John 14:1-3), that you will be in heaven where there’s absolutely no sin, that you will have an immortal, powerful, perfect, and glorious body (1 Cor. 15:40-42), that you will be with your Christian friends as well as all believers from all time (Heb. 12:22-24), that you will be greatly rewarded for serving God and suffering for Him (Matt. 5:11-12), and that you will be reigning with Christ during the millennial kingdom. Revelation 2:26-27, 5:10, 20:6

The nations, the world, and the end-times
* God judges an individual nation because of its collective and cumulative sin. God’s word gives many examples and history proves it. You should pray, “Arise, O Lord, do not let man prevail. Let the nations be judged before You” (Ps. 9:19, Rev. 6:9-11). The final judgment of the nations, the outpouring of God’s wrath, occurs just after the rapture, during the day of the Lord. (Rev. 8-9, 16). “You have rebuked the nations; You have destroyed the wicked.” Psalm 9:5

* Sin is the worst problem, engulfing the entire world, yet God is sovereignly causing all its evil to result in His purposes being fulfilled. God used Herod and Pilate to carry out the worst sin ever, the crucifixion of Christ, but it was the best thing that ever happened (Acts 4:27-28). So too, all this sin is part of God’s plan to bring about Christ’s return and the rapture, His wrath, and His 1000-year reign. “All the nations You have made will come and worship before You, O Lord; they will bring glory to Your name. You are great and do marvelous deeds. You alone are God.” Psalm 86:8-10

* The United States is being judged for her sin. Rom. 1:18-32 describes the reason for God’s wrath, a 4-stage progression of sin, which is what we have seen in this country over the past 60 years. We have gone from rejecting God to immorality to homosexuality to depravity (Isaiah 5:20). God has been righteously and severely judging our country, with the result that she is being diminished in power, and sometime in the future, Antichrist’s kingdom will be ruling this earth (Rev. 13). (And don’t ever think that the government, leaders, laws, capitalism or socialism, or conservatism or liberalism are the answers. Remember, sin is our real problem, and only Jesus Christ is the answer. And there’s no doubt that we will see His victory over sin in this age and the next age). Psalms 67, 96; Phil. 1:9-11; 1 Cor. 15:24-28, Rev. 19:11-21

* The world will become increasingly sinful as we get closer to Christ’s coming. For the Christian, this will be an extremely treacherous place to live. That’s because “lawlessness is increased” (Matt. 24:12); “the man of lawlessness (Antichrist) is revealed” (2 Th. 2:3); they “took pleasure in wickedness” (2 Th. 2:12); and “evil men… will proceed from bad to worse” (2 Tim. 3:13). And there will be great tribulation – “They will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name” (Matt. 24:9). Yet, this is the time God wants you to be alive. Remember, God will give you all the grace you need to be holy, to be a good witness, and to do the work He wants you to do (2 Cor. 9:8). “The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” Romans 13:12

You must understand this subject of sin, especially in the end-times, and here’s why: #1, for your own life and conscience, and so you can be loving God with all your heart; #2, so you can be a “vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master” (2 Tim. 2:21-22), and a good witness to the lost; and #3, so you are not confused, upset, or discouraged by what’s going on in this terribly wicked world, but rather, are a good servant and soldier for Christ. “The men of Issachar understood the times and knew what they should do.” 1 Chron. 12:32

P.S. As Christians, this subject of sin must be understood, or you will have problems growing in the way God wants, and difficulty helping others, both saved and lost. I would encourage you to find the time to read these three articles, for they will be extremely helpful now and in the years ahead: Evildoers in the End-Times; A Little Suffering and A Lot of Glory; and Your Spiritual Service: A Member of The Special Forces.

What’s Wrong With the United States?

October 20, 2021 / stevenj777

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #229 ~

Very bad things are taking place in the United States! There’s the border crisis, growing inflation, continuing Covid-19, problems in schools, the supply-chain dilemma, drugs and death, the tragic Afghani situation, loss of global status, increasing crime, atheistic philosophies, and false teaching. These are all major problems, and they are not just random or accidental. God has sovereignly directed them and are His way of judging our country. “In those days… God was troubling them with every kind of distress” (2 Chron. 15:5-6). “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people.” Rom. 1:18

Why are these bad things happening? Why does God cause / or allow them to occur? Why does He want us to suffer like this? Because God is holy, and He wants to wake us up to the fact that we’re sinning against Him, and that sin is our primary problem. As a country, we’ve turned away from God, and are not loving our Creator, but instead, are idolatrous, are loving the creature, are greatly sinning. Rom. 1:19-25

A massive amount of sin has infiltrated every city and town of the United States, and it’s worse than ever been before. You know that cancer can kill – well our sin is like a malignant cancer that’s close to killing our country. We are in critical condition! And sadly, most people, even some Christians, don’t realize that sin is our main problem. This country has been very concerned about Covid-19, the physical virus that has infected 100’s of millions of people all over the world. But what should really upset us is sin, that deadly spiritual virus that has affected every single soul on this planet and is terribly and eternally worse than Covid-19.

What exactly is sin? God’s word explicitly and continually describes sin. That’s because God wants us to know exactly what it is, and convince us that it’s our most serious problem. And it must be dealt with or else there will be horrible consequences. Today I want you to look at some verses on sin. Read them slowly, for its vitally important that you understand this subject of sin, for its our root problem, our #1 enemy, one that attacks the soul and the mind.

First, here are some verses about sin in general:
* Exodus 20:3-5 – “You shall have no other gods before Me… you shall not make for yourself an idol… you shall not worship them.”
* Psalm 14:1 – “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, they have committed abominable idolatries.”
* Psalm 36:1, 3 – “There is no fear of God before his eyes… he has ceased to be wise.”
* Psalm 78:22 – “They did not believe in God and did not trust His salvation.”
* Isaiah 5:24 – “They rejected the law of the Lord… and despised the word of the Holy One.”
* Jeremiah 2:5 – “They went far from Me and walked after emptiness and became empty.”
* Romans 1:21, 24, 26, 28 – “They did not honor Him as God or give thanks… (they) exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man… God gave them over to sexual impurity… to degrading passions (homosexuality)… to a depraved mind.”
* 1 John 3:4 – “Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness.”

Here are a number of verses that specifically describe this sin:
* Exodus 22:21 – “You shall not wrong a stranger… you shall not afflict any widow or orphan.”
* Exodus 23:1-3 – “You shall not bear a false report… you shall not follow the masses in doing evil… nor shall you be partial to a poor man in his dispute.”
* Psalm 10:3 – “The greedy man curses and spurns the Lord… his thoughts are, ‘There is no God.’”
* Psalm 119:69-70 – “the arrogant… Their hearts are callous and unfeeling.”
* Proverbs 6:16-19 – “There are six things which the Lord hates, yes, seven… haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that run rapidly to evil, a false witness who utters lies, and a man who stirs up dissension.”
* Proverbs 19:15 – “Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle man will suffer hunger.”
* Isaiah 3:16-26 – “The daughters of Zion are proud and walk with heads held high, flirting with their eyes, going along with mincing steps… In that day the Lord will take away the… headbands, crescent necklaces, dangling earrings, bracelets, veils… finger rings, nose rings, festal robes, capes, cloaks, purses, and mirrors… destitute, she will sit on the ground.”
* Isaiah 5:20 – “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil.”
* Isaiah 5:21 – “Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes.”
* Isaiah 5:22-23 – “Woe to those who are heroes in drinking wine… who justify the wicked for a bribe, and take away the rights of the ones who are in the right.”

* Jeremiah 5:27-28 – “They have become great and rich. They are fat, they are sleek, they also excel in deeds of wickedness.”
* Jeremiah 23:31 – “I’m against those who prophesied false dreams… and led My people astray.”
* Ezekiel 16:15 – “You trusted in your beauty and played the harlot because of your fame.”
* Ezekiel 16:49 – “… the sin of your sister Sodom: she and her daughter were arrogant, overfed, and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and the needy.”
* Hosea 4:2 – “There is no… knowledge of God in the land… There is swearing, deception, murder, stealing, and adultery. They employ violence, so that bloodshed follows bloodshed.”
* Amos 6:1-5 – “Woe to those who are at ease in Zion… who recline on beds of ivory and sprawl on their couches and eat lambs from their flock… they have composed songs for themselves… they anoint themselves with the finest of oils… they have not grieved over the ruin of Joseph.”
* Malachi 2:7-8 – “The lips of a priest should preserve knowledge… but as for you, you have turned aside from the way and by your teaching have caused many to stumble.”
* Malachi 2:14-16 – “You have broken faith with her, though she is your wife… I hate divorce.”
* Matthew 7:15 – “Beware of the false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”
* Matthew 12:36 – “Every careless word that people speak, they shall give an account for it on the day of judgment.”

* Mark 7:21-22 – “Out of the hearts of men proceed the evil thoughts, sexual immorality, thefts, murders, adulteries, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness.”
* Luke 6:24-26 – “Woe to you who are rich (fortune)… who are well-fed (food)… who laugh now (fun)… woe to you when all men speak well of you (fame).”
* Luke 12:15, 19 – “A man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions… ‘Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.’”
* Romans 1:29-31 – “They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they are senseless, faithless, heartless, and ruthless.”
* 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 – “Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards… will inherit the kingdom of God.”
* Galatians 5:19-21 – “The deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry… strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger… envying, drunkenness, carousing.”
* Ephesians 5:4 – “There must be no filthiness, silly talk, or course jesting, which are not fitting.”
* Philippians 2:14 – “Do all things without grumbling or complaining.”
* Colossians 3:18-22 – “Wives, be subject to your husbands… Husbands, love your wives.”
* 2 Timothy 3:2-4 – “People will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.”
* James 5:5 – “You have lived luxuriously on the earth and led a life of wanton pleasure… you have condemned and put to death the righteous man.”

Each of these verses describe the sin in our country, and help you understand the heart of our problems. Indeed, the United States is sick with sin, so sick that she’s on her death bed. This is extremely sad and sobering and should greatly concern every single person in this country. What’s really wrong with our country is not climate change, the schools, the economy, crime, guns, the police, the politicians, the government, or the Russians or the Chinese. Our #1 problem is our sin, and it’s directly related to everything else that’s bad in our country.

Thankfully, there’s an answer to this deadly sin, and it’s the person of Jesus Christ (Rom. 6:23). That’s because He dealt with our sins by dying on a cross, thereby paying for them. And only those who admit they have sinned, and repent of their sins, and believe that Christ died to pay for them will be forgiven, be perfectly holy, and be forever with God in heaven. “God made Him (Christ) who knew no sin to be sin that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Cor. 5:21). “God demonstrates His own love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8). “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13

I’ve been observing things as a Christian for close to 50 years now, since the early ‘70s, and it’s obvious that our country is spiritually and morally much worse – and I don’t see things getting any better. It’s quite clear that the people “do not know nor do they understand; they walk about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken” (Ps. 82:5). Look at our churches, families, schools, and culture – generally speaking, they have been going downhill, and are now in very bad shape. Not only that, but we live in the end-times, the last years before Christ’s return and the rapture of the church, when the Bible tells us that “lawlessness is increased.” Matt. 24:12

Dear friend, these are extremely dark and difficult days, and increasingly so. There’s going to be more sin, evil and wickedness in this world, and yes, God will keep judging it. But what a time to be alive, to live for God, to share the gospel, and do our part in ushering in the kingdom of God! “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matt. 6:10). “Come Lord, Jesus.” Revelation 22:20

P.S. The United States is quickly and tragically going downhill, and it’s all part of God’s end-time plans. Here are two other posts that will help you understand His plans for this country at this time in history: “Afghanistan and America – Lessons to Learn” and “The Downfall of the United States Before the Return of Christ.”

How to Keep Going for God

October 9, 2021 / stevenj777

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #228 ~

As you know, life can be difficult and, at times, extremely difficult. There are internal struggles, the fight against sin, and relational conflicts. There are problems at home and at work. There is sickness, chronic ailments, and old age. There is government oppression. There is slander, persecution, and attacks from the devil. There are the daily challenges of living in an evil and fallen world. Add to this the normal trials of life. And the Antichrist isn’t even here yet, and with him, the great tribulation Christians will go through. How do we keep going? How are we to keep loving God and living for Him? How are we to persevere?

God will keep you going to the end. “I am always with You. You hold me by my right hand… You will take me into glory” (Ps. 73:23-26). “He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 1:8). “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:6). “The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom” (2 Tim. 4:8). God promises you that He will keep you going. He is your spiritual Father, and He won’t let you slip and fall by the wayside and fail to make it to your heavenly home. But what part do you play in persevering for the Lord? What are the divine means by which you can victoriously keep going through all the years of your life? Here are some keys, some God-given truths that will enable you to endure to the end.

1. The word of God. Knowing, believing, and holding on to God’s word is essential if you are to persevere and be a successful, God-glorifying Christian. “His delight is in the law of the Lord and on His law he meditates day and night… Whatever he does prospers” (Ps. 1:2-3). As for me, I love Psalm 119, for it explains in great detail the benefits of loving and living by God’s word. “I have hidden Your word in my heart” (Ps. 119:11). Matt. 4:4, John 8:32, 2 Tim. 3:16-17

2. Your relationship with God is all important. You need to know that God is your Father, and you are His child, His chosen and holy one. Walk with God and, as you do, you will love Him, listen to Him, pray to Him, enjoy Him, and obey Him. “Let him who boasts, boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth” (Jer. 9:23-24). “This is eternal life, that they may know You.” John 17:3

3. Knowing Jesus Christ is vital. First and foundational you need to believe that Jesus Christ died to pay for all your sins. That’s just the beginning, for then you are to love Him, trust Him, and grow in your relationship with Him. He is to be your best friend. “I know My own, and My own know Me” (John 10:14). “I want to know Christ” (Phil. 3:10). “Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:3

4. Having a close relationship with the Holy Spirit is critical for perseverance. It is truly miraculous that the Spirit is in you, and that He is with you forever. (John 14:16). And He wants to lead you (Rom. 8:14), comfort you (John 14:16), teach you (John 14:26), strengthen you (Eph. 5:18), keep you holy (Gal. 5:16), and have fellowship with you (2 Cor. 13:14). He is a perfect and precious gift from God, a daily companion and helper, One you can always count on.

5. God’s grace is indispensable. Grace is a general word that speaks of God’s generous gift to you, the divine power and enablement you need every day in every area of your life. Only by God’s grace can you live and keep going for Him. Paul wrote extensively about this – “Grace to you” (Eph. 1:2). “God is able to make all grace abound to you” (2 Cor. 9:8). “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9). “I became a servant… by the gift of God’s grace.” Eph. 3:7

6. Knowing God’s great love is necessary for perseverance. This love is personal, from God to you, for it’s what you need and when you need it. His love is powerful and energizing. His love is specific, for it’s forgiving, patient, good, compassionate, and gentle. Because the Christian is strengthened by God’s love, he can continue on to the very end. “Surely, goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life” (Ps. 23:6). “Keep yourself in God’s love.” (Jude 21). “His love is everlasting.” Psalm 136

7. God’s purpose enables you to stay on the highway to heaven. Believing you have a purpose motivates you, keeps you forward-looking, and results in God being glorified and people being blessed. It’s by knowing and obeying God’s commands that you have purpose, direction, and a reason to live. Paul was passionate about fulfilling his purpose (Acts 26:14-18) – might we be like him. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

8. God’s promises are a means to persevere. God’s commands tell you what to do for God, but His promises tell you what He will do for you. Knowing God’s promises is a daily source of His love, life, and grace, and are needed for progress, joy, and endurance. Here are three: “He will lead you in the way you should go” (Ps. 32:8). “I will never leave you” (Heb. 13:5); “Those who wait for the Lord… will run and not get tired… will walk and not get weary.” Isaiah 40:30-31

9. Be in a godly church, a church where there’s good teaching, agape love, true holiness, real devotion, where there’s faith, fellowship, friendships, and encouragement, and where you can use your gift to serve others. Be an active part of the body of Christ. “Christ Jesus… in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.” Eph. 2:20-22, 3:14-21, 4:11-16

10. Walk by faith. Faith is needed for every facet of your life. It’s believing God and relying on His word. It’s central to your relationship with God, experiencing His grace, knowing His love, and fulfilling your purpose. Faith isn’t based on feelings (2 Cor. 5:7) but comes from God and His word (Rom. 10:17). Learn from others who, by faith, pleased God and gained approval from Him (Heb. 11). “Trust in the Lord with all your heart” (Prov. 3:5). “Have faith in God.” Mark 11:22

11. Hope is essential for perseverance. Hope is knowing that the future is infinitely better than the present, that living for God on earth results in eternal blessings in heaven. Hope is being excited about being with Jesus, being in heaven, being with friends, and being glorified. Hope is looking forward to the future, to receiving your inheritance and all these rewards. “We have this hope as an anchor of the soul.” (Heb. 6:19) “… You will abound in hope by the power of the Spirit.” Romans 15:13

12. Remember the past. “I will remember the deeds of the Lord… I will meditate on all Your works” (Ps. 77:10-12). You are not to focus on the past, but you are to think about it and thank God for what He has done for you. This is encouraging, for you will more clearly understand how God has wisely, lovingly, faithfully, and sovereignly worked in your life. Then you will see the continuity of your life, that what God has done in the past connects to the present, and this helps you to persevere, to keep moving ahead into the future. “Thus far the Lord has helped us” (1 Sam. 7:12). “Your way, O God, is holy. What god is so great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles.” (Ps. 77:13-14). Psalm 18:30-32

All these truths are keys to persevering, to going strong and successfully to the end. “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to work for His good pleasure” (Phil. 2:12-13). It is by God’s grace that you do your part and work out your salvation, which means it is God who keeps you persevering, who enables you to endure all the way to heaven. “I press on to take hold of that for which Christ took hold of me… I press on to toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward.” (Phil. 3:12-14). “To Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Jude 24-25

P.S. The Christian life is truly a marathon. You need to learn to persevere for God, to keep going day after day and year after year. Look to God, pray to Him, and He will help you to endure to the end. Then finally, you will see the Lord Jesus face to face. Another similar and helpful post is “What Keeps Me Going to the End?”

Working for God While Waiting for Christ

October 3, 2021 / stevenj777

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.”

The Blessing of Working with God in the End-Times

September 20, 2021 / stevenj777

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #226 ~

The Christian life is knowing God and the work He is doing and joining Him in His work. Since we are in the end-times, this means work that must be done before Jesus Christ returns to rapture the church. Jesus said, “My Father is always at His work, and I too am working” (John 5:17). Realizing that our heavenly Father, along with Jesus Christ, is always working is extremely encouraging. Only they know all the work that needs to be done and are then able to get it done. But what should you know about God and His glorious work, and how that directly relates to the work He wants you to do at this time in history?

God made the heavens and the earth, He made all the angels, and He made every person who has ever lived. “O Lord, how many are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all; the earth is full of Your possessions” (Ps. 104:24). And God made you! “I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it well” (Ps. 139:14). God made you just the way you are so you can do what He wants you to do (Jer. 1:4-10). And might you, like Jesus, glorify God by doing the work He wants you to do. “I brought You glory by completing the work You gave me to do.” John 17:4

God is working powerfully and mightily, spiritually and physically, in big things and little. “One generation shall praise Your works to another and shall declare Your mighty acts” (Ps. 145:4). God is working truthfully, wisely, according to His Word, and with full knowledge of everything in the universe. “The word of the Lord is upright, and all His work is done in truth… He sees all the sons of men… He who fashions the hearts of them all, He who understands all their works” (Ps. 33:4, 13-15). God is lovingly, kindly, and patiently working. “The Lord is gracious and merciful; slow to anger and great in lovingkindness. The Lord is good to all, and His mercies are over all His works. All your works shall give thanks to You.” Psalm 145:8-9

God is working purposefully and faithfully, doing all that He has planned to do. “I am God, and there is no one like Me, declaring the end from the beginning… ‘My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure’” (Is. 46:9-11). Most importantly, God is working for His glory and honor. “All Your works shall give thanks to You, O Lord, and Your godly ones shall bless You. They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom and talk of Your power.” Ps. 145:10-11

The greatest work of God is the work of salvation, that Christ came to earth, lived a perfect life, died on the cross to pay for peoples’ sins, rose from the dead, appeared to His disciples, and ascended into heaven. Only when you repent of your sins and believe in Christ and His work of salvation will you be truly saved and forgiven of your sins. “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent” (John 6:29). Those who turn from their sin and turn to Christ become holy in God’s sight, and receive eternal life. “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy, He saved us.” (Tit. 3:5, Rom. 3:21-26). Once you are saved and begin to experience God’s mercy and love, then you will love Him and serve Him, “doing the Lord’s work” (1 Cor. 16:10) and being “zealous for good deeds.” Titus 2:14

Since God is completely righteous, then all who reject God’s offer of forgiveness remain unrighteous and must be punished after they die. “Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire… these will go away into eternal punishment” (Matt 25:41, 46). And in the context of God’s final wrath on earth, we read, “Great and marvelous are your works, O Lord God, the Almighty; righteous and true are Your ways, King of the nations. Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Your name? You alone are holy.” Revelation 15:3-4, 16:1

The Bible is an accurate record of God’s work, from Genesis to Revelation, from creation to Adam to Noah to Abraham and the Jews, to Joseph to Joshua to Deborah to Ruth to Ahab to Hezekiah to Isaiah to Malachi to Mary to Jesus Christ to Judas to Peter and the church, to Paul to Timothy to the Antichrist to Jesus Christ, to the kingdom ages to come. God’s most important work is that which is done in the lives of people. Whether it’s Abraham and faith, Noah and obedience, Moses and patience, David and love, Esther and courage, Mary and humility, or Paul and perseverance, we know that God is working and His work is being done. God’s word is the only book in the world that gives a super-clear picture of the perfect, powerful, holy, loving, wise, purposeful, purposeful, and glorious work of God.

When you study God’s work in Bible characters, you realize there’s direction, movement, connectivity, and continuity, that there are no gaps or mistakes, that His purposes are fulfilled just like He planned them. You see this when you examine the Old Testament record and compare it with Jesus’ genealogy in Luke 3. You see this when studying the life of Ruth, that she is David’s great-grandmother. You learn that one thing leads to another, that one person leads to another, that God’s work is chronological, cumulative, conclusive, and most important.

God is working sovereignly, always in control, always carrying out His will. “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28). Whether it’s our lives, families, or church, God is working all things together for our good and for His purposes. The synergistic work of God is truly miraculous, a super-massive global puzzle precisely being pieced together over the millennia. God is perfectly fitting together billions of people and trillions of situations and events. And this is true in the church – “the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:19-22

Sometimes God works alone (as the Trinity), sometimes He works with angels, and sometimes He works with people, but He is daily, purposely, and always carrying out His predetermined plans. “Bless the Lord, you His angels… Bless the Lord, all His hosts… Bless the Lord, all you works of His, in all places of His dominion; bless the Lord, O my soul.” Psalm 103:19-22

Jesus’ primary work is building the church, the local and universal church, with the result that people are being saved, believers are growing, and disciples are being made. There is “the equipping of saints for the work of service” (Eph. 4:12), the “proper working of each individual part” (Eph. 4:16), and spiritual growth, that is humility, gentleness, patience, tolerance, love, unity, compassion, and forgiveness. (Eph. 4:1-3, 32). It’s sad that we live in a sick, crazy-wicked world, but don’t be discouraged, for the Lord is always victorious. No one will ever stop Him from carrying out His purpose for His church, from fully reaching His goal. “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Phil. 1:6

“We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them” (Eph. 2:10). As you walk with the Lord, as you learn from Him, trust Him, pray to Him, and obey Him, then you will be doing His work. “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure” (Phil. 2:12-13). As Christians, there are no excuses, for God enables and empowers us to do the work He planned out for us. “I was made a minister, according to the gift of God’s grace which was given to me according to the working of His power.” Ephesians 3:7

It’s now 2021. Do you know what time it is? It’s the end-times, the last years leading up to the end of this age and the coming of Christ. Do you know what needs to take place before God sends His Son back to earth? God said there would be birth pains – plagues, famines, wars, and earthquakes; a realigning of nations (the US is clearly in decline); a Jewish temple in Jerusalem; the coming of the Antichrist; surveillance, identity-marking technology (Rev. 13:14-17); the gospel being preached to all the nations; and the persecution of Christians and Jews.

All these things will be fully carried out by the sovereign, powerful, purposeful working of God. He will completely finish all the work that must be done before His Son returns to rapture the church – and He wants you to join Him in His work by doing your part, that which He has already planned out. I hope you are excited that God chose you to work for Him at this time in history, in the last days of this church age. What a privilege, what an honor! “My beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your work in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Cor. 15:58). Remember God’s promise – “Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with Me, to give to everyone according to the work He has done.” Revelation 22:12

P.S. It’s very important that we focus on God and what He is doing, on His work, for that helps us to know what we are to do. I would encourage you to read these two posts, “God Is In Charge of Everything,” and “God Is In Charge of Your Life,” for they help you to see God and His way of working.

Laboring for the Lord, Now and Forever

September 6, 2021 / stevenj777

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #225 ~

You can never say that a Christian is unemployed. What I mean is that we work for God, and we will always have work. As long as we are alive on this earth, God has work for us to do, and it’s not part-time but full-time. And it’s good work, productive work, eternal work, God-glorifying work, with blessings and benefits that are out of this world. Colossians 3:23-24

On this Labor Day, I am writing about work. I just finished publishing, what I believe, is a helpful article on work – “The Excellent End-Time’s Worker.” It lists 40 different truths and principles that show you how to be a great worker for God in these last years before the return of Christ. I am also planning on writing two other posts on work which will come out in the next few weeks.

But today I want to share with you one main thought about work, and it’s from Eph. 2:1-10. The first nine verses are all about the gospel, the work of Christ in saving us from sin and death, and that it’s by the grace of God. Then verse 10 says, “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Do you see what God is telling you, and it’s the very first thing after the gospel? That you are saved to work? You are saved by the work of Christ so you can do the work of Christ. God saved you and left you on earth so you can worship Him, and work for Him. (Matt. 4:10). You are now employed by God and are one of His permanent workers, and you will never be laid off, but will be working with Him and for Him, now and forever. In Ephesians 2:7, you will find another wonderful reason why God saved you.

“Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your work is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:57-58). “Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21

I encourage you to take the time to look at “The Excellent End-Time’s Worker.”

Afghanistan and America – Lessons to Learn

August 25, 2021 / stevenj777

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #224 ~

How do you feel about the ongoing situation in Afghanistan, and the role of our country? Shocked, bewildered, concerned, angered, betrayed, outraged, disheartened, frustrated, confused, defeated, embarrassed! What in the world is happening?! What is the United States doing, and why? (Yes, I believe we should get out of Afghanistan, but it’s how it’s being done that’s upsetting). But what is God doing? That’s the question that needs to be answered. Anytime something disastrous happens, it’s essential that we look to God and learn from Him. “Your way, O God, is holy. What god is as great as our God?” (Psalm 77:13). What are some of these things that God wants to teach us?

First, God is sovereign, He is in charge. We need to know that God has control over all people, events, countries, and rulers. No person and no President can do what he wants apart from God’s decrees, apart from His will. Anything that happens is always in accordance with His perfect, eternal, and glorious plans. Rest and rejoice in the fact that God is sovereign over all the actions and words of every single person in the world, including all those in Afghanistan and the United States. “God does as He pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back His hand or say to Him, ‘What have you done?’” Daniel 4:35

Second, God is holy and just. He is altogether righteous and must punish all sin. Therefore, God deals with all the evildoers in Afghanistan, in His way and in His time. But there’s a ton of evil in the United States too, and it’s because of her awful sin that she is declining in power, status, and influence around the world. This downhill slide that’s been going on in our country the past 90 years is explained in Rom. 1:20-32. It starts when the people reject God (vss. 20-23) which leads to immorality (vs. 24), then to homosexuality (vs. 26), and then to depravity (vs. 28 – people saying evil is good and good is evil – Is. 5:20). Fret not, for God is righteous, and He will not be mocked – in due time, He will punish all sinners who rebel against Him. “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth.” Romans 1:18

Third, God is good, that is, He works all things together for good in the lives of Christians. You may be upset or saddened when you think of Afghans and Americans being persecuted for their faith but, remember, God is working this out for their good, and His glory. And pray for them. In the United States, we are seeing increasing crime, rising inflation, border problems, Marxism being taught, the continuing Covid crisis, and again, God is in complete control, and is working all this out for the good of the Christians. He is helping us grow in character (Rom. 5:3-5), is causing the spread of the gospel (Mark 13:9-11), and is carrying out His end-time plans. “In Christ we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory.” Ephesians 1:10-12

Fourth, God is merciful. Whenever I hear about some calamity, I think of the gospel and how God desires to show mercy to those in trouble, and I am not just talking physically, even though that is desired in this Afghan situation, but spiritually. He wants the afflicted and hurting to know that their real problem is not the war, a fire, a hurricane, a virus or whatever, but their sin – and death that results. What people ought to be really concerned about is sin and death. And Jesus Christ is the only answer, sent by His Father to this earth to die on the cross and rise again from the dead to pay for the sins of all the people who would repent of their sins and believe in Him alone for forgiveness and eternal life. When you hear that people are experiencing problems of any kind, then pray that they would turn to Christ, and that God would have mercy on them, and save their souls, and bring them into His eternal family. “Jesus Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God.” 1 Peter 3:18

Fifth, this is God’s will, part of His eternal purpose. All that is now happening, whether it’s in Afghanistan, the United States, or in your own life, is part of God’s end-time and eternal plans. God is wisely and faithfully working in the life of every single person, directing every single event, and working in every single church and every single country, all which is leading to that most glorious time when Christ returns to rapture the church. “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.” Matthew 24:30

Specifically, what is happening, and what are His plans?
1. This present conflict is part of the birth pains. Jesus told us that wars (Afghanistan), along with plagues (Covid), earthquakes (Haiti), famines (Africa), and economic problems (inflation) would happen in the end-times and would increasingly get worse before Christ’s coming. “Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be great earthquakes, and in various places plagues and famines.” Luke 21:10-11, Rev. 6:5-6

2. The United States needs to lose her position as the #1 global superpower so that, sooner or later, Antichrist’s kingdom can come to power. This nation is in spiritual decay, witnessed by her moral, political, financial, academic, and international decline. This nation is experiencing big-time domestic and foreign problems, solid and sobering evidence that God is judging her for her sin, leading to her downfall. “Look among the nations! Observe! Be astonished! Wonder! Because I am doing something in your days – you would not believe if you were told… I am raising up the Chaldeans… You, O Lord, have appointed them to judge.” Habakkuk 1:5-6, 13

3. These recent events in Afghanistan are leading to changing global power structures and new alliances among nations, which, as God predicts, must happen before the rise and rule of the Antichrist. This once great nation, now in grave danger, is visibly going down, and this will have a dramatic impact on the present world order. I don’t believe it will be long before that devilish beast, the Antichrist, is revealed and becomes dictator of the world. “The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but they receive authority as kings with the beast (Antichrist) for one hour.” Revelation 17:12

4. Israel, the most important nation in the end-times, will definitely feel the effects of these recent events. That’s because anti-Semitic nations have been ordained by God to be her enemies (Psalm 83), and are presently being emboldened. You can’t imagine how happy Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Lebanon, Pakistan, etc., are to see the United States, the “Great Satan”, leaving that part of the Mideast. In the months and years ahead, we will see these countries more united than ever before in their fight against Israel and the United States. They truly want to wipe them off the map – but God is sovereign, and His purposes will prevail. “The Lord nullifies the plans of the nations… the counsel of the Lord stands forever… blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.” Psalm 33:10-12

5. God wants you to serve Him and help Him fulfill His purposes. As a Christian, you are a key player in what God is and will be doing in this world. Like a piece of a puzzle, He is fitting you together with others, and using you to bring about His end-time plans, Christ’s return to earth, the rapture of the church, and the day of the Lord. “Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep, for salvation is nearer to us than when we first believed… Let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” Romans 13:11-12

I have spoken of God’s character and purpose, which you must know if you’re to be a hope-filled, Spirit-filled, Christ-glorifying believer. But what are you to do? First, love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength (Mark 12:30). Second, don’t be distracted by the evil that’s happening in the world, and thereby keep you from doing the work God wants you to do (Neh. 6:1-4). Third, trust God, believe that He is in control, is building the church, and will use you for His purposes (Eph. 2:20-22). Fourth, obey God’s commands, use your spiritual gifts, and do your part in making disciples and building the church. Matthew 16:18; 28:19-20

P.S. There’s lots God wants you to know about the end-times and the coming of Christ. Three posts that relate to this particular post that I would encourage you to read are: “The Downfall of the United States Before the Return of Christ”, “What Needs to Happen Before Christ’s Return?”, “Truths You Need to Know about the End-Times.“

Winning the Gold for the Glory of God

August 6, 2021 / stevenj777

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #223 ~

Could you have ever competed in the Olympic games and won a gold medal, or a silver or bronze for that matter? I could have never done that – I have never been even close to being that athletic, that physically talented. But God wants each Christian to know that they are to run the race He has set before them, and be winners, and then He will give them a “gold medal”, a crown, a prize, a reward. To every Christian, God gives unique gifts and talents that they are to use for Him – and it’s not what or how many gifts or talents God has given you, but are you wisely and wholeheartedly using what He has given you to serve Him? If you do, you will be a winner, and in the coming ages, you will be infinitely blessed and God will be supremely glorified.

Today we will look at how God describes these future, eternal, and glorious blessings.

1. CROWNS. “In the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day… and to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Tim. 4:8). In the first century, crowns were the wreaths awarded to winning athletes at the Olympic games. For the Christian, receiving a crown from the Lord means you ran the race God gave you to run, you competed according to the rules, you persevered, and you were victorious (Heb. 12:1, 2 Tim. 2:5, Rev. 2:17). Can you imagine the exhilarating joy you will experience when you receive a crown from the Lord, and when you hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant”? Being blessed in this way shows that God is very pleased with you, for you gave it your all. The Bible also speaks of the crown incorruptible (1 Cor. 9:25), the crown of life (James 1:12), the crown of glory (1 Pet. 5:4), and the crown of rejoicing (1 Thess. 2:19), crowns which show God’s hearty approval, but also relate to blessings that He will lavish upon you in the future.

2. PRIZE. “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:14). This is referring to the crown, the wreath an athlete receives for winning an event at an athletic game. This word emphasizes the fact that God Himself is the righteous Judge, the One who rules, who perfectly decides the prize you will receive for your labor of love (2 Tim. 4:8). 1 Cor. 9:24-27 instructs you to “run in such a way that you may win” the prize. It’s good to learn from successful athletes, especially the need to discipline your body, to exercise self-control in all things. Indeed, the Christian life is a long race, a life-time race, a marathon. But remember, God is always with you, watching you all the way, and helping you win the prize He wants you to give you. Psalm 73:23-24

3. REWARDS. “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). The word “reward” in also translated as wage. John 4:36 says, “Already he who reaps is receiving wages and is gathering fruit for life eternal.” Rom 4:4 tells us, “Now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but what is due.” In Matt. 6:4 we read, “Your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” God’s promise is that He will reward you when you work for Him, for that is what is due you, it is what you earned. Now as Christians, we are all in the church, all on the same team, all working for Christ, but each of us “will receive his own reward according to his own labor” (1 Cor. 3:8). Whereas all Christians will be in heaven with Jesus and in a new glorified body, each of us will be rewarded differently, in accordance with how we, by God’s grace, worked for Him. And those who live full out for the Lord will be richly rewarded for their faithful service to Him. “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you… rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great.” Matt. 5:11-12, Heb. 6:10

4. RECOMPENSE. “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 (recompense) of in inheritance.” (Col. 3:23-24). This word reward or recompense literally means “a giving back in return” (Vines Exp. Dict.). It’s amazing, and encouraging, that whatever you do, whether working at a job, serving someone, praying for someone, sharing the gospel, raising your child, cooking a meal, cleaning your house, mowing your lawn, etc., God will graciously and generously reward your efforts. It is truly astounding that “whatever you do” for the Lord will be justly compensated, eternally rewarded. As to when, Luke 14:14 says “you will be repaid (recompensed) at the resurrection of the righteous.”

5. TREASURES. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… store up for yourselves treasures in heaven where neither most nor rust destroys, for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt 6:19-21). All of you know people who have lots of earthly things, who through the years, have been collecting lots of stuff. “Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.” (Luke 12:15). God wants you to invest your life and money wisely, not for this world, but for your eternal future. Now I believe it is a good practice to regularly set aside money for your earthly “retirement,” for that time when you are not fully employed. But you should never love your money and trust in it. You don’t want to be the person who “lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God” (Luke 12:21). Love God and trust Him (“In God We Trust”) and use your money for His purposes, knowing that He will bless you now and for all eternity.

6. INHERITANCE. “Blessed are the gentle for they shall inherit the earth” (Matt. 5:5). “Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matt 25:34). Can you imagine that? You will inherit the kingdom, and inherit the earth! That’s unbelievable! An earthly heir receives money, property, and goods from his parents, that which may have some worldly value. But Christians are children of God and heirs of God, and will receive an inheritance that has infinite value, which is “imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Pet. 1:3-4). Then you learn that you are a fellow heir with Jesus Christ and will share in His possessions. Wow! (Rom. 8:17). God gives you an abundance of verses on this subject because He wants you to be excitedly looking forward to being in heaven with Him, your loving Lord and Father. (Matt. 19:29, Luke 12:32, Acts 20:32, Rom. 8:16-17, Gal. 3:29, Eph. 3:6, Titus 3:7, Heb. 1:14, James 2:5, 1 Peter 1:3-4). Gal. 4:7 – “You are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God.” Just think, you are an heir of God, and He won’t just give you good things, but Himself. “The Lord is my portion.” Lam. 3:2

7. GRACE. “God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us… made us alive together with Christ… so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace…” (Eph. 2:4-7). Do you see what God is saying, that He wants to show you “the surpassing riches of His grace”? Everything about your future, your inheritance, blessings, crowns, treasures, and rewards, result from God’s love expressed in His grace to you. Your entire and eternal life is wonderfully blessed because of God’s grace. But you are only at the very beginning of your Christian life – you have the rest of this life and the ages to come to experience God’s grace. There’s the 1000-year kingdom age when Christ is reigning over the earth, and then the eternal kingdom age when everything is completely perfect, glorious, and altogether beautiful. “Fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:13

8. GLORY. “Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world” (John 17:24). What an encouraging prayer, that Jesus is praying to His Father so that you may see His amazing glory when you are in heaven. But what is this glory? It’s a big word that speaks of who God and Christ are, their essence and nature, their truth, omniscience, omnipresence, omnipotence, eternality, supremacy, etc. It speaks of their character, their love, holiness, wisdom, goodness, justice, righteousness, sovereignty, and mercy, etc. Their glory is also seen in who they are, in what they do, in the creation, in Christ’s life and work, in the lives of believers, in His dealings with unbelievers, in our glorified bodies, in the millennial kingdom, and in the new heavens and earth. And there’s no doubt that God’s glory is directly related to the blessings and rewards He will be giving you. “We exult in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:3

God’s glory is the single most important truth for the Christian, for it relates to everything about God and our life, now and forever. We have been, and will continue, through all eternity, to know, see, and grow in our understanding of the glory of God and Jesus Christ. And then we are to give Them the honor and glory they rightly deserve – “To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever.” Revelation 5:13

All that we have talked about – crowns, prize, rewards, recompense, treasures, inheritance, grace, and glory – is speaking of the HOPE God has given us with regards to our future. God has given us plenty to think about with respect to what He has in store for us, and that’s because He wants you to be looking forward to the future and being with Him. “In your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever” (Ps. 16:11). What our future exactly looks like, we don’t know. (1 Cor. 2:9). Yes, God has given you a general idea, but the specifics won’t be known until you get to heaven, and even then, they will be forever unfolding for all eternity. “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints” Ephesians 1:18

P.S. An incredibly important and encouraging subject is heavenly rewards, one that most Christians don’t know much about. If you haven’t yet read the previous posts on this subject of how God wants to greatly bless your life in the future, then take the time to read: “God Really Wants to Reward You”, “Earthly Work That Results in Heavenly Rewards”, and “Your Reward is the Lord.”

Christ's Kingdom and the End Times

Page 10 of 34

Four Ages and Four Earths

This Evil Age is Coming to an End, And Soon!

What’s Wrong With This World?!?

What’s Wrong With the United States?

How to Keep Going for God

Working for God While Waiting for Christ

The Blessing of Working with God in the End-Times

Laboring for the Lord, Now and Forever

Afghanistan and America – Lessons to Learn

Winning the Gold for the Glory of God

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