fbpx

Christ's Kingdom and the End Times

Page 13 of 34

It’s 2021?!?! – Now What Do We Do?

January 1, 2021 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #202 ~

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The True Meaning of Christmas

December 21, 2020 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #201 ~

Most people, even many Christians, don’t understand the real meaning of Christmas. We know it’s not about presents, family, food, football, decorations, and singing “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” but it’s not just about baby Jesus either. Yes, He is the reason for the season, but do you understand the whole story? Do you see the big picture? Do you realize that the Bible stories of Jesus’ birth are not just about Him being a baby, but about His entire, eternal purpose? What does God’s word say about Christmas and it’s true meaning?

In the Old Testament we find many prophecies about Christ’s 1st coming and 2nd coming. Isaiah 7:14 says, “Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.” Isaiah 9:6-7 tells us, “A child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God… There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace on the throne of David and over His kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore.” These are remarkable, hope-producing predictions about this baby, this child, a son, and that He would miraculously be God in the flesh, would literally be with us on this earth, and then be a King who will rule over this world forever and ever. 

Micah 5:2-5 says, “But as for you Bethlehem Ephrathah, too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you one will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity… He will arise and shepherd His flock… He will be great to the ends of the earth. This one will be our peace.” This too speaks of the Messiah, this eternal one who would be born in that little town of Bethlehem, and then become a ruler, bringing peace to Israel and to the whole world during what we know to be the millennial kingdom.

The New Testament tells us that these Old Testament prophecies were and will be fulfilled, for they describe Jesus’ birth, but much more than that. In Matt. 1:20-23, we learn that Joseph found out from an angel that Mary’s child was “‘Immanuel’, which translated means, ‘God with us,’” this fulfilling Isaiah 7:14. Joseph was told that the baby’s name was to be Jesus which means Savior, for He would “save His people from their sins.” Matt. 2:1-12 goes on to tell us about the Magi worshiping this baby Jesus, for He was the King of the Jews, thus fulfilling the Micah 5:2-5 prophecy. To sum it up, the Christmas story as stated by Matthew makes it explicitly clear that Jesus wasn’t just a baby but God in the flesh, a Savior and a King.  

Luke 1-2 says the same thing. First, there’s an angel telling Mary, “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end” (Luke 1:26-33). Mary, a holy and humble young woman, was surprised but excited to hear that her baby would not just be her son, the son of man, but also the Son of God, and that He would be a King, fulfilling the promise given to David. (2 Sam. 7:12-16). Then there’s the angel bringing “good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11

Zacharias, the priest, upon learning from the Holy Spirit that baby Jesus was to be the Savior, proclaimed that He would bring forgiveness of sins to His people, to both Jews and Gentiles (Luke 1:68, 77). He also knew Jesus would be the greatest King ever and would fulfill God’s promise to Abraham about his descendants being rescued from their enemies, receiving land, and living in peace. (Luke 1:71-75, 79). Finally, there’s Simeon, who actually held baby Jesus when He was in the temple with Joseph and Mary – and the ever-hopeful Anna was there too, one who had long been praying for that day. They knew this little baby was the Messiah, the Christ, and also the King who would bring lasting peace to Israel. Luke 2:25-32, 36-38

Indeed, the message of Christmas is infinitely and eternally bigger than just a story about the baby Jesus. I hope you clearly understand the meaning of the Christmas story, as told by Matthew, Luke, and the prophets, that Jesus is the Lord, God in the flesh, and that He came to this earth to be both a Savior and a King.

A little over 2000 years ago Jesus was born on this earth, and He grew up to become the most important Man, a perfect Man who died on a cross to pay the penalty for all your sins. You see, all people have sin-blackened souls and are guilty before God. And not you nor anyone else can save your soul – only Jesus Christ, the Son of God and son of man, can save you, can take away your sins. If you repent, if you tell God that you are truly sorry that you have sinned against Him, and believe that Christ, and Christ alone, satisfied God’s wrath by dying for you, then you will be born again and become a child of God. Your soul will be cleansed from all your sins, and you will receive eternal life, a needed, satisfying, and most wonderful relationship with the living God, one that will last forever and ever. “Repent and return, so your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you.” Acts 3:19-20

We are coming to the end of 2020, a year that for many has been most difficult and troubling – and so the true and timeless message of Christmas is particularly relevant at this time. While some may think this is the time to just relax, eat good food, sing songs, get presents, and be with family, let me strongly say that now is when you need to know the real meaning of Christ, that Jesus Christ is a Savior and wants to deliver you from your sins, that He is Lord and wants to use your life for God’s purposes, and that He is King, and will soon return to rule over this world during the kingdom age.

That a great many Jewish people have come back to their land means we are now in the end-times and this church age is about over. We are a lot closer to Christ’s 2nd coming than we are to His 1st coming. It won’t be long before we “see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory” (Luke 21:27), before we will be saying, “glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace among men” (Luke 2:14), and before “the whole earth is full of His glory.” Isaiah 6:3

Let me share a truth-centered, super-encouraging, 1st and 2nd coming Christmas carol, “Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus.”
1 – “Come, Thou long-expected Jesus, born to set Thy people free; from our fears and sins release us; let us find our rest in Thee. Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth Thou art; Dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.”
2 – “Born Thy people to deliver, born a child, and yet a King; Born to reign in us forever, now Thy gracious kingdom bring. By Thine own eternal Spirit rule in our hearts alone; By Thine all-sufficient merit raise us to Thy glorious throne.”  

May the true message of Christmas live in your heart and be lived out in your life, bringing blessing to your life and great glory to God!

P.S. What a wonderful time of the year to think about Jesus Christ, our Savior and King. Here are two previous posts that tell us how the Christmas story relates to Christ’s 2nd coming and the hope that God has for every believer – “First Coming to Church Age to Second Coming” and “The Christmas Story and Christ’s Second Coming.”

Four Good Years and Praying for More

December 18, 2020 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ Special Post ~

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

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

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

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

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

One of My Favorite “Christmas” Songs: Let me conclude by sharing the words of one of my favorite Christmas songs, “Joy to the World.” What is so unusual about this song is that it doesn’t focus on Christ’s first coming. It truly is a second coming carol, containing some of the most encouraging words about the millennial kingdom age. I am sure you will find it instructive and heart-warming.  “Joy to the world! the Lord is come; let earth receive her King; let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven, and heaven and nature sing.   Joy to the earth! The Savior reigns; let men their songs employ; while fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy, repeat, repeat the sounding joy.   No more let sins and sorrows grow, nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make His blessings flow far as the curse is found, far as the curse is found, far as, far as the curse is found.   He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove the glories of His righteousness, and wonders of His love, and wonders of His love, and wonders, wonders of His love.”

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

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

Is Jesus Christ Coming Again?

December 11, 2020 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #200 ~

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Prophetic Connection Between Israel and the Church

December 4, 2020 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #199 ~

Did you know that God’s future plans for Israel relate to His future plans for you and the church? Many Christians are unaware of the great blessings God has in store for the Jews, and what that means for the church. Today I want to talk about the future of Israel, and how this specifically relates to prophecy, to the church, and to God’s work in the world in these last years leading up to the coming of Jesus Christ, our Lord, Savior, and King.   

1) In the Old Testament times God focused on Israel. But since Christ’s 1st coming, God has been focusing on the church, and now, 2000 years later, we are getting close to the end of this age and Christ’s 2nd coming and the rapture of the church. After the rapture, the day of the Lord, and the salvation of a remnant of Jews, the kingdom age will begin and God will greatly bless both Jews and glorified believers (OT saints and the church) with the result that they will be a beautiful witness to the world and a glory to Jesus Christ. Psalms 67, 96, 117

2) Israel is Israel. Israel is not the church, as some wrongly say, and there is nothing in God’s word that says the church has replaced Israel, that the church is now the sole recipient of some or all God’s promises to her. God has very specific and special plans for Israel with regards to her future, and all these plans will be carried out. “The Lord nullifies the counsel of the nations… The counsel of the Lord stands forever… Blessed is the nation (Israel) whose God is the Lord, the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.” Psalm 33:10-12, Isaiah 60-62

3) Three key promises were given by God to Israel: a) They will inherit a vast portion of land (Gen. 13:14-17, 15:18-21). b) A large remnant of Jews will be saved at the end of Daniel’s 70th week (Jer. 31:31-34). c) Jesus Christ will reign as Israel’s King during the millennial kingdom. (Ezek. 37:21-23, Zech. 14:9). Indeed, God remembers His promises to the Jewish people and will faithfully fulfill every one of them. “He has remembered His covenant forever.” Psalm 105:8-11

4) The phrase “end-time” comes from Dan. 12:9 – “Go your way, Daniel, for these words are concealed and sealed up until the end time.” Dan. 7-12 contains a great deal of information about God’s plans for Israel in these last days leading up to Christ’s return to become King of the world. (Dan. 7:13-14). That the Jews have returned to their land is God’s signal to the church that we are in the end-times, that He is once again actively working with Israel, that the prophecies contained in Dan. 7-12 are about to be fulfilled, and that Christ will soon return to rapture the church and set up His kingdom on this earth.

5) Luke 21:20-24 must be understood if we are to know how God has been working with the Jews during the church age. We learn that they were punished and scattered all over the world, which began around 70 AD. And they “will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled,” and then Christ will become King of this world. “When you see these things happening, recognize that the kingdom of God is near.” Luke 21:31

6) Romans 11 must also be understood if we are to know how God has been working with the Jews during this church age. “God gave them (Jews) a spirit of stupor, eyes to see not and ears to hear not, down to this very day” (vs. 8), and “they (Jews) were broken off for their unbelief” (vs. 20). During this church age, God is not focused on saving Jews, but on saving Gentiles. “By their transgression salvation has come to the Gentiles… and their failure is riches for the Gentiles” (vss. 11-12). But “God has not rejected the people whom He foreknew,” for we read that “a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fulness of the Gentiles has come in; and so all Israel will be saved… when I take away their sins” (Vss. 25-27). God will save a large number of Jewish people at the end of Daniel’s 70th week. Is. 45:17, Dan. 9:24

7) The Jewish people have been gathering back to their land, the #1 sign that we are in the end-times, and that the times of the Gentiles will soon come to an end. This miraculous return, beginning in the 1880’s, has resulted in close to 6.7 million Jews presently living in Israel (Hosea 3:4-5, Amos 9:14-15). The fulfillment of end-time prophecies and promises for both Jews and Christians is contingent on the Jews being back in their land. For the Antichrist to desolate the new Jewish temple requires that the Jews be back in their land (2 Thess. 2:1-4). For the church to be raptured necessitates that the Jews are living in Israel (Matt. 24:15-31). You cannot overstate this amazing miracle that millions of Jews have returned to Israel, and what it means for them, the church, and God’s eternal purposes.

8) That many New Testament prophecy passages for the Jewish people sit next to prophecy passages for the church means that God wants you to see that His end-times’ work with the Jews is in conjunction, is coinciding with His end-times’ work with the church. God’s present and future work with the Jews should be of utmost interest to all Christians. Knowing how God is working with the Jews helps you understand the timing of His dealings with the church in the years leading up the rapture, and should motivate you to pray, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth…” (Matt. 6:10). I encourage you to read the following passages that describe God’s end-times’ work with both Jews and Christians. Matt. 24:4-31, Luke 21:7-31, Rom. 11, 2 Thess. 2:1-10, Rev. 7, Rev. 12:13-17

9) A listing of God-planned prophetic events taking place in the years ahead: a) Birth pains will be affecting people in various parts of the world. b) Both Jews and Christians will face increasing persecution. c) A peace treaty between Israel and the coming Antichrist will be signed at the beginning of Daniel’s 70th week. d) At the midpoint of that 7-year week, the Antichrist will be revealed, and then be recognized by Christians and discerning Jews. e) The rapture of the church will happen sometime during the last half of that 70th week. f) The day of the Lord, the outpouring of God’s wrath upon the earth, will begin after the rapture, occurring during the last part of that 70th week. g) God will save a remnant of Jewish people at the very end of that week. h) Jesus Christ will then begin His 1000-year reign over the entire world.

10) During the millennial kingdom, both Jewish and Gentile believers will be worshiping the Lord (Rom. 15:9-15). Both will inherit the land (Ps. 37:11, Matt. 5:5). Both will be blessed by the Lord (Ps. 67:7, 1 Pet. 1:4). Both will reign with the Lord (Matt. 19:28, Rev. 5:10). Both will be serving the Lord (Ez. 40-48, Matt. 25:20-21). Both will be witnessing for the Lord (Ps. 96:2-3). How encouraging and exciting it will be to see God blessing both Jewish and Gentile believers – “All these (Jewish believers), having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us (the church), so that apart from us they would not be made perfect.” Hebrews 11:39-40

At this time, with so many problems, difficulties, and conflicts, it may seem like the world is spinning out of control, as if God is ignorant of what is going on, as if God doesn’t care, or as if God is unable to do anything about it. On the contrary, our wise, loving, faithful, powerful, and purposeful God is constantly working, and sovereignly directing all things and all people towards that singular moment when He sends “Jesus, the Christ appointed for you, whom heaven must receive until the period of restoration of all things about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from ancient time” (Acts 3:20, Eph. 1:9-11). It won’t be long before we “see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory” (Luke 21:27). Be encouraged for “your redemption is drawing near” and “the kingdom of God is near” (Luke 21:28, 31). Then we will “tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples. For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised.” Psalm 96:3-4

P.S. The following will help you understand God’s working with Israel, something you need to know – “A Summary of the Prophetic Work of God, from the Time of Abraham to Christ’s Millennial Kingdom.” Here is a suggestion for an inexpensive but very valuable Christmas gift – I encourage you to download our articles, posts and/or charts to give to friends and loved ones! Downloads

The Reason We Know Christ is Coming Soon

November 27, 2020 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #198 ~

The single biggest reason we know Jesus Christ is coming soon is that the Jewish people have been gathering back to their land, just as God promised over 2500 years ago. That the Jews have been returning to their land for the past 140 years is an amazing work of God, one of the greatest modern-day miracles, and the strongest evidence we have that we are now living in the end-times. As Christians we need to know this, for the rapture of the church is the 1st thing to occur at Christ’s coming.

The story of the Jewish people began about 4000 years ago with Abraham, the father of the Jews. The birth of the nation of Israel took place in Egypt where, in a 430-year time span, they grew from 75 people to about 2 million. Led by Moses, they escaped that devilish Pharaoh, took a forty-year journey through the desert, and with Joshua as their leader entered the land of Canaan. Not only had God promised them this land (Gen. 13:14-15), but also salvation (Jer. 31:31-34), and a King (2 Sam. 7:12-16). Sadly, for most of the next 800 years, the nation failed to fear and love their Maker, “the living God and everlasting King” (Jer. 10:10) and therefore, kept sinning against Him. During that time, God exhibited great patience, but finally He punished them, with many dying of famine and the sword, and others being exiled.

Yet, for their sake and His sake, God promised that a remnant of Jews would return to their land in 70 years, which is just what happened (Jer. 25:12). Led by Ezra, Nehemiah, and others, thousands of Jewish people came back to Israel and again began to worship the one true God. But for many it was short lived, for it did not take long before their faith faded, and their worship turned into a worthless, ritualistic religion. Yet God was faithful, and kept His most important promise (Micah 5:2), for He sent His Son to earth to be the Savior – “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…” John 3:16

For 33 years, Jesus Christ, the Son of Man, lived a perfect life, loving, teaching, and healing tens of thousands. Finally, He died on a cross to satisfy His Father’s wrath and pay for people’s sins, and was then raised from the dead. After commissioning His apostles to go and make disciples, He ascended into heaven (Matt. 28:19-20). But most Jews were proud and rejected Jesus, refusing to repent of their sins and believe in Him as their Lord and Savior. For their grievous sin, God rejected them and again drove them out of their land. Luke 19:41-44

Luke 21:20-24 summarizes how God punished them: “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then recognize that her desolation is near… there will be great distress upon the land and wrath to this people… they will fall by the edge of the sword, and will be led captive into all the nations; and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot…” History soberly gives us many distressing stories of the Jews being greatly persecuted throughout the centuries. But Luke tells us that this would be come to an end, for we read “… until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.”

God was determined to fulfill His promises to His people about receiving land, a King, and salvation. In fact, He had already told them He would gather them again. Jer. 32:37, Ezek. 36:24-28, Hosea 3:4-5, Amos 9:14-15, Micah 4:6-7, Zech. 8:7-8, Zeph. 3:14-20 all prophesy the gathering of the Jewish people back to their land so that God’s plans for them would be fulfilled. For those who say this gathering took place after the Babylonian captivity, you need only know that His promises to them about the land, the King, and salvation were not all fulfilled at that time. Not only that, but Isaiah 11:11 tells us, “The Lord will again recover the second time with His hand the remnant of His people… will gather the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.”

The prophecy that best sums up God’s regathering plans for the Jews is Jer. 31:10 – “Hear the word of the Lord, O nations, and declare in the coastlands afar off, and say, ‘He who scattered Israel will gather him and keep him as a shepherd keeps His flock.’” Three keys words stand out – “scattered”, “gather”, and “keep.” The scattering began around 70 AD and continued up to 1880. Since then, God has been gathering them back to their land so that there are now close to 6.7 million Jews in Israel. In our lifetimes, we have truly been witnessing one of God’s greatest miracles. What is also astounding is that the Jewish people have been returning to their land with their identity, language, religion, and culture still intact. The “keep” part of Jer. 31:10, that the Lord will “keep him as a shepherd keeps His flock,” is both a physical and spiritual keeping and has not yet taken place, but it will, and it won’t be long from now. And it relates to the salvation of a remnant of Jews at the end of Daniel’s 70th week. Dan. 9:24

This brings us to the New Testament and to prophecy passages for the Jews, and right away you see that God placed them next to prophecy passages for the church. You cannot overstate the importance of these prophecies for the Jews and the Christians sitting next to each other in the text. God wants Christians to see that His end-time’s work with the church is in conjunction with His end-times’ work with the Jews, that His last-days’ work with the Jews coincides with the final years of the church age.

What specifically do we learn? From Matt. 24:9-22, we read about the abomination of desolation in Jerusalem, and great tribulation afflicting both Jews and Christians. From Luke 21:24-32, we see that the times of the Gentiles will come to an end, that the church will be redeemed (raptured), and that Jesus will set up His kingdom for the Jews and the church. From 2 Thess. 2:1-4, we learn that the wicked Antichrist will proudly declare himself to be God in the Jewish temple in Jerusalem, after which Christ returns to gather the church. From Rom. 11 we find out that a remnant of Jews will be grafted in, be saved, this taking place once the fulness of the Gentiles has come in, and once this church age is over (Rom. 11:25-26). From Rev. 7 we discover that 144,000 Jews will be sealed just before the church is raptured. Indeed, God is fulfilling His end-time plans for both Jews and Christians at this time in history, leading to the soon coming of Christ. I hope you realize how extremely blessed you are to be part of what God is now doing on planet earth.

To know how God wants you to respond to this, note the first part of Jer. 31:10: “Hear the word of the Lord, O nations, and declare in the coastlands…” The clear instruction is for the nations, including Christians, to hear this prophetic word, believe it, and declare it to the world. Since this prophecy is now being fulfilled, shouldn’t we excitedly be telling people that God is presently carrying out His plans for the Jews, and this is all leading up to Christ’s second coming for the church and the Jews? Yes, yes, yes!!!

The #1 sign to the church, the signal to all believers everywhere that we are now in the end-times is this single fact that the Jewish people have returned to their land. O Christian, be greatly encouraged and filled with joy, for the Jews are back in their land and the birth pains are taking place, which means Christ is coming soon to rapture the church, pour out His wrath, save a Jewish remnant, and set up His kingdom on earth, a glorious kingdom for both Jewish and Gentile believers. Psalm 37:11, Matthew 5:3

P.S. All Christians need to understand God’s historical and present working with the Jewish people, for it relates directly to His plans for the church. To learn more, I encourage you to read “A Short Summary of God’s Working With the Jews,” and “Unfinished Business.”

One of My Favorite Prophecy Passages – Romans 8:17-39

November 20, 2020 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #197 ~

Romans 8:17-39 starts off by stating that we are “heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ,” super-encouraging truths for every Christian. We learn that we will be redeemed and be glorified, that is, be delivered from our sinful body and be given a brand-new one. In addition, we see that this corrupt earth will be set free from sin’s curse and be wonderfully restored. This is our hope and our future, what we ought to be eagerly waiting for, and what will surely and soon take place.

How will this happen? How will we keep going for the Lord during our time on earth, and then get to heaven? We don’t have the power in ourselves to stay strong for the Lord, and in the future somehow transform our bodies so we can then rocket from earth to heaven to be with Jesus. From beginning to end, our salvation is from and for the Lord God Almighty – it’s an awesome and powerful work of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. 2 Cor. 13:14

Romans 8:26-39 explains how this happens, how we will be victorious and glorious Christians. It’s through the Spirit’s sealing, helping, leading, comforting, and by His prayers to the Father on our behalf (Rom. 8:26-27). It’s believing that God is sovereign, that He lovingly, wisely, and continually causes all things to work together for good (Rom. 8:28). “… having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will.” Eph. 1:11

It’s also knowing that God will faithfully and forever carry out His plans for us (Rom. 8:29-30). In eternity past He foreknew us, chose us, and predestined us, planning out all the details of our lives so we would be eternally saved – “… having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation” (Acts 17:26, Ps. 139:16). At the right time, He caused us to physically be born on this earth, and then He called us, working in our lives so as to lead us to Himself. At the right time God caused us to be born again, forgiving us and giving us His perfect righteousness. He still needs to glorify us, that is, complete our salvation by conforming us to the image of His Son. And never forget that God is God, and what He desires to do, He will do. Do not doubt Him in this – do not question His ability to fully carry out His purposes and plans for your life here on earth. “I am confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Phil. 1:6, 1 Cor. 1:8-9

To strengthen this point, Paul emphatically states a “no” answer question, “If God is for us, who is against us?” (Rom. 8:31-34). These powerful words, that the living God is for you, mean that no one can truly be against you. God showed you His amazing, out-of-this-world love by sending His Son to die for you, pay for your sins, and be raised again. Now this isn’t some sentimental love God has for you – what Christ did for you is the rock-solid truth, is factual and foundational to His plan to forever save you from your sins, and is truly the single greatest demonstration of His love (Rom. 5:8). Since God did this for you, be confident that He will keep doing whatever it takes to make sure you are successful and safe on earth, and will then be gloriously transformed so you can be with Him in heaven (Phil. 3:20-21). An example of God’s present work is that Jesus Himself is now praying for you, “who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.” Heb. 7:25

Be assured that no angel, no devil, no demon, not you or anyone else, can change or thwart God’s personal and eternal plans for you. How can anyone condemn you for any unrighteous thought, word, or deed when Christ has already died for you and dealt with all your sins? Always remember that you have been perfectly and forever justified by Christ, and that you are now, and will be, continually and eternally loved by God. Psalm 103:8-17

As much as anything, God wants you to be 100% convinced that nothing will ever stop Him from carrying out all His plans for you, and therefore, nothing will ever stop Him from loving you. “Who will separate us from the love of God?” (Rom. 8:35-37). This question hits at the heart of God’s motivation to save you from your sins, which is His unconditional and unfailing love for you. “I have loved you with an everlasting love” (Jer. 31:3). And when tough times come your way, remember the gentle and compassionate love that God has for you. (Matt. 11:28-29). “I have come to know and have believed the love that God has for me.” 1 John 4:16

Paul then uses some very strong words to describe the trials you may experience as a Christian – tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, and sword. God gives you these worst case scenarios so that if any of them happen, you still know that He loves you and will get you through the devilish darkness of this evil age and make sure you make it all the way to heaven so you can be with Jesus. “The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever.” 2 Tim. 4:18 

To further convince you that nothing can separate you from God’s love, Paul gives a more comprehensive list, specifically mentioning death, life, angels, principalities, powers, things related to the past, present or future, things geographically, or any created thing. (Rom. 8:38-39). As a Christian, you may be afraid of someone or something; you may doubt whether you are really saved; you may think some grievous sin will keep you away from Jesus and out of heaven; you may feel like the devil is too strong for you; you may feel like God has left you; or you may be so discouraged by circumstances that you think God doesn’t love you anymore. A great many Christians have been afflicted and harmfully affected by thoughts like these. That’s why it’s imperative to hang onto these truths from Rom. 8:17-39, for you will need them, especially when times are much harder than they are now. Psalm 13, Matt. 24:4-14

That we live in the end-times means life will grow increasingly difficult, for there will be birth pains, false teachers, a wicked Antichrist, betrayal, and great persecution. Always remember that you are a child of God, that you have hope, that the Spirit is praying for you, that your Father’s plans for you will be fulfilled, that Jesus died and rose again for you and is also praying for you, and that God Himself really loves you. “Keep yourselves in the love of God… 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, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.” Jude 24-25

P.S. What a joy to know that God is faithfully working in our lives, that He is control, that His plans for our lives will be carried out, and that in the future we will be glorified, and greatly glorify God. Here are two encouraging posts to read – “God Is In Charge of Everything,” and “God Will Keep You Strong to the End.”

God’s Guarantee That You Will Be Glorified

November 13, 2020 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #196 ~

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Questions and Answers About the Coming Kingdom Age

November 6, 2020 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #195 ~

1. What is the coming kingdom age? In the near future, after this present evil age comes to an end, there will be a good age. This age will last exactly 1000 years, during which time there will be one king ruling the entire world. Jer. 10:10a, Gal. 1:4, Rev. 20:3-7

2. Who will be the king during this kingdom age? Jesus Christ will be the King, the King of kings. “His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace” (Isaiah 9:6-7). Jesus will be holy, righteous, loving, merciful, good, and wise, a most excellent and perfect King. Psalm 67, Zech. 14:9, Rev. 19:16

3. What will Jesus Christ be doing during the kingdom age? He will be reigning over all the nations of the world. He will be perfectly leading, guiding, judging, and governing, resulting in awesome deeds of righteousness, abundant blessings, soul-satisfying goodness, and peace to those who live on this earth. Psalms 47:7-8, 65, 72; Dan. 7:14

4. When does the kingdom age start? The millennial kingdom age will begin at the sounding of the seventh trumpet, which happens soon after the end of Daniel’s 70th week. Rev. 10:7, Rev. 11:15

5. What is the general nature of this age? The earth will be full of the glory of the Lord. “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory” (Is. 6:3). Compared to our present evil age, it will be a good, holy, and peaceful age. It will be a time when Jesus Christ is feared and worshiped by all who live on the earth. Ps. 72:18-19, Hab. 2:14, Gal. 1:4, Phil. 2:9-11

6. What are some of Christ’s objectives during this age? During Christ’s reign, He will abolish all rule, authority, and power, and He will defeat death, the last of His enemies. His ultimate goal is to be worshiped so that His Father is glorified. John 17:4-5, 1 Cor. 15:25, Phil. 2:9-11

7. What will the devil do during this time? Nothing. The devil will be chained up for the entirety of this 1000-year period. At the end of this time, the devil will be released, and then deceive the nations, gathering them together to fight against Christ. But Christ will quickly and easily defeat the devil, and then cast him into the lake of fire, where he will be severely and eternally tormented and punished. 1 Cor. 15:25-28, Rev. 14:9-11, Rev. 20:7-9

8. What will Old Testament and church age believers be doing during this age? First, know that they will have been glorified, will possess immortal, powerful, and spiritual bodies. Therefore, they will be able to perfectly worship Jesus Christ, reign with Him, and serve Him, using their talents to carry out His work on earth. They will also spend time with Christ and other believers, having intimate fellowship with them. Psalm 145:1-2, Luke 19:16-17, 1 Cor. 15:40-42, 1 Thess. 4:13-15

9. What will the newly saved Jewish people be doing during this kingdom age? A remnant of Jewish people, those saved at the end of Daniel’s 70th week, will be worshiping Christ, learning from Him, and having fellowshipping with Him. Many of the Jews will be serving Him by carrying out various duties that specifically relate to Jerusalem, Israel, and the new temple. Psalms 65:1-4, 96; Isaiah 2:1-5, 12; Ezekiel 40-48; Romans 8:25-26

10. How will the Jewish people be blessed? They will be blessed in physical, spiritual, societal, and relational ways, and therefore, be a wonderful witness to unbelievers, with the result that God and Christ will be greatly feared and glorified all over the world. Gen. 12:1-3, Psalm 67, Psalm 98:1-3, Psalm 117, Isaiah 4:2-6, Isaiah 12

11. What do we understand about the unbelievers during this time? Though the devil is chained and there is no world system, the unsaved will still be sinning, proving that a person’s core problem is the evil in his own heart. Yet, many unbelievers will travel to Jerusalem to learn from Jesus Christ, bring Him gifts, and worship Him. Psalms 68:29, 98:1-3; Isaiah 2:1-3; Isaiah 12

12. Will people be getting saved during the millennial kingdom? Yes, an enormous number of people will be affected by the lives of the Jews during this age and be saved by Jesus Christ. Psalm 67:1-2 says, “God be gracious to us, and cause His face to shine upon us, that Your way may be known on the earth, Your salvation among all nations.” Psalm 96:2 instructs us, “Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day.” Psalm 98:2-3 tells us, “All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.”

13. Will there be a Jewish temple during the millennial kingdom? Yes, there will be a Jewish temple, and it will be in Jerusalem. As Christians, we have the Lord’s supper to remind us what Christ did for us, and during the kingdom age the Jews will offer memorial sacrifices, not to take away sin, for Christ’s death already did that. These sacrifices will remind them that Christ the King is also Christ the Savior, “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” John 1:29, Ezek. 40-48

14. What will the physical earth be like? The earth will be in a restored and renovated condition, and that’s because the curse of sin will be removed. Magnificent and most beautiful this creation will be, for the stars, birds, fish, animals, plants, etc., will be set free from their slavery to corruption. And yes, even the animals will be at peace with one another. Psalm 98:7-8, Isaiah 65:25, Acts 3:21, Romans 8:23-25

15. What happens to unbelievers at the end of this kingdom age? The devil will be thrown into the lake of fire. Then Jesus Christ, sitting on His great white throne, will judge all unbelievers, and then cast them into the lake of fire, “the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels”, a place where there will be “eternal punishment,” and “weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matt. 24:51, 25:41, 46; Rev. 20:7-15

16. What will happen at the conclusion of this kingdom age? Jesus Christ will hand “over the kingdom to the God and Father… then the Son Himself also will be subjected to the One who subjected all things to Himself, so that God may be God in all” (1 Cor. 15:24, 28). That Jesus humbles Himself before His Father shows His love for His Father, and their perfect unity. Then “the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up” (2 Pet. 3:10). “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first earth passed away.” Rev. 21:1-7

17. Will Jesus Christ reign forever and ever? Yes, Jesus Christ will reign forever and ever! “I will establish the throne of His kingdom forever and ever” (2 Sam. 7:12-13). “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever” (Psalm 45:6). “Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom” (Psalm 145:13). Jesus Christ will be perfectly and powerfully reigning over the world during the millennial kingdom, and then He and His Father will be reigning together forever and ever.

18. What should be one of our prayers at this time? “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven.” (Matt. 6:9-10). We should have hope, be looking forward to the next age when we will be with Christ and reign with Him over this world, but we should also be praying and asking Our Father to send His Son to rapture the church, pour out His wrath, and then set up His kingdom. “Come, Lord Jesus.”

19. Why does God want there to be a 1000-year kingdom age? God wants this age to be a glorious display of His Son in action. We live in an evil age with imperfect people ruling this world, with the result that there are all these problems, all this corruption, and all this grief and sadness. But God wants us to see Jesus Christ executing perfect justice, caring for the poor, blessing the earth, and bringing peace. Not only that, but He wants us to be reigning with Christ, helping Him carry out His purposes. What a joy to be able to reign with Christ during the 1000-year kingdom age and see His glory and goodness on display all over the world. Rev. 5:10, 20:6

20. Why do I spend time thinking about the millennial kingdom? Because it motivates me to keep living for the Lord, and to finish the work He has given me to do. I must say that I am super excited about this kingdom age. I get tired of continually struggling with the world, the flesh, and the devil. I get so tired of imperfect leaders and corrupt governments. And I get very tired of seeing and hearing about all the crime, hate, murder, conflict, and war. I really want to see God’s promises and plans fulfilled for all His people (Psalm 33:10-12). I can’t wait to be glorified, to be with Jesus, and be able to perfectly worship and serve Him during this new kingdom age. And I am really looking forward to spending quality time with friends I knew on earth. “Sing praises to our King, sing praises. For God is the King of all the earth.” Psalm 47

P.S. There is a lot of important things said about the kingdom age in the Bible, and it would do you good to study them out. Here are two very helpful posts to read on this subject: “Christ the King is Coming,” and “The Present Church Age and the Future Kingdom Age.”

the next president and THE COMING KING

October 30, 2020 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #194 ~

Never in my life have I seen people so passionate about an election. All this money that’s being spent, all these ads, mailers, debates, signs, and tweets, and all this campaigning and commentary, and for what? Yes, the person who gets elected will affect this country in some small ways, but as Christians, we must keep things in perspective. An earthly leader cannot solve the problem of sin and death, cannot meet our need for love, joy, and peace, and cannot bring real peace to this earth. What the world really needs is a Savior and a King!

A long time ago, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to this earth. He lived an absolutely perfect life, continually taught the truth, did all these amazing miracles, and then died on a cross to pay for people’s sins. Whoever repents and believes Jesus Christ died to pay for his sins and then rose from the dead, is forgiven and becomes a child of God. Indeed, Christ is the one person people need to know, the gift people need to receive, the life people need to have, and the reason people need to live. “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Cor. 5:21). “To live is Christ and to die is gain.” Phil. 1:21

Shortly after Jesus rose from the dead, He talked with His disciples about the kingdom of God. It was obvious they wanted Him to stay and set up His kingdom on earth, but that was clearly not God’s plan at that time. Jesus reminded His disciples what He had told them before, that they were to be His witnesses to the world – and then He ascended into heaven. As they gazed into the sky an angel told them that Jesus would be coming back, and they knew that meant He would be returning as a King. In the meantime, the church is to do the work of being a witness to the world and spiritually building the kingdom of God. Matt. 6:33, 28:19-20

So here we are in 2020, and quite the year it has been with the impeachment, the pandemic, sickness, death, lockdowns, riots, fires, hurricanes, and now this election. But as Christians we’re not to be fearful and get sidetracked, we’re to be sober-minded, we’re to stay focused on Christ and on the work He wants us to do (1 Thess. 5:4-9). That we live in the end-times means Christ will soon be coming back to earth. Should we not be excited about this? Should we not be diligently working for Christ while we are patiently waiting for Him. Should we not know that life on earth will dramatically and wonderfully change when He returns?

Christ is longing to come back, and when He does, you will see Him in action – without delay, He will rapture the church, transform the bodies of believers, pour out His wrath on the world, redeem a remnant of Jews, defeat the Antichrist, bind up that evil devil, and begin His reign on a restored earth. You ought to be thinking about these things, that the King of kings will return to this world, take charge, and then rule like no leader has ever ruled before. What the world needs is a Savior, and now, more than ever, a King. “‘Behold, I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Come Lord Jesus.” Rev. 22:21

This theme of Jesus Christ being the King of the world is seen throughout God’s word:
* 2 Samuel 7:12-13 – “I will raise up your descendant after you… and I will establish the throne of His kingdom forever.” Jesus, our eternal King, is a descendant of king David.
* Psalm 2:6 – “Yet, I have set My king upon Zion, My holy mountain.” God the Father gave the world to His Son, and the authority and power to be King and rule over it.
* Psalm 45:6 – “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom.” Jesus Christ, the most righteous King, will reign forever and ever.
* Psalm 47:7-8 – “God is the King of all the earth… God reigns over the nations.” Jesus is God and He will be King of the entire world, over every single nation on the earth.
* Psalm 48:2– “Beautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth, is Mount Zion in the far north, the city of the great King.” Jesus, our King, will be reigning from the city of Jerusalem.
* Isaiah 9:6-7 – “A Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us… there will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over His kingdom.” Jesus will perfectly govern, His kingdom will keep growing, and there will be peace.
* Daniel 7:14 – “To Him was given dominion, glory and a kingdom, that all peoples and nations of every language might serve Him.” Everyone in the world will serve King Jesus.
* Micah 5:2-5 – “But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah… from you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity.” The coming King, the One who is eternal, is also a man, for He was born as a baby in Bethlehem.
* Luke 1:31-33 – “Do not be afraid Mary… behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son, and you shall name Him Jesus… and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.” Mary was the mother of the Son of God, the King of kings.  
* 1 Corinthians 15:24-25 – “Then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be abolished is death.” One of Christ’s purposes during His millennial reign is to defeat death, His chief enemy.
* Revelation 11:15 – “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever.” Jesus Christ will officially become King of this world at the end of Daniel’s 70th week, at the sounding of the seventh trumpet.
* Revelation 19:16 – “On His robe and on His thigh, He has a name written, King of kings, and Lord of lords.” Christ the King, the One with authority over all kings, will defeat the Antichrist.
* Revelation 20:6 – “They will be priests of God and will reign with Him forever and ever.” Christians will reign with Christ the King, and not just for 1000 years, but forever and ever.

There’s great turmoil in our country, and with that, great difficulties; and in the near future, there will be great tribulation for both Jews and Christians. But don’t be sad, upset, or fearful. Get your eyes on God, and think how blessed you are, for you have been saved from sin and death, have eternal life, and now and forever have the honor of worshiping and serving Jesus, your Savior and King.

It won’t be long before you leave this earth and then you will see Jesus. Soon after that you will be back on earth, again worshiping and serving Him, and more than that, reigning with Him over this world. Just imagine how magnificent and gloriously wonderful this will be? This is no made up story, no dream – this is the truth, your future, that you will happily live forever with the King of kings. “To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood – and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father – to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him.” Rev. 1:5-6

P.S. Psalm 146 instructs us not to “trust in princes, in mortal men,” but to put our hope in the Lord God. Always remember that God is the answer, not men or women. And this is true today, and especially as we think about this election. Here is a related post that tells my own story on this subject – “Politicians, Judges, and Jesus, Our Coming King.”

« Older posts Newer posts »

© 2025 Christ's Kingdom and the End Times

Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑