Christ's Kingdom and the End Times

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The Return of Christ and the Rapture of the Church

September 21, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #86 ~

As a Christian living on this earth, you will either physically die and go to heaven, or you will be raptured and go to heaven. Either way, it will be very, very good, the best thing to ever happen to you. Since we live in the end-times, the rapture, this climactic, dramatic, power-packed, devil-stopping, Christ-glorifying event, may occur during your lifetime. God tells you a lot about it in His Word, and that’s because it’s such an important truth for Christians to understand, especially at this time in history. Let me share with you the main things God wants you to know about the rapture.

At the end of this age, Jesus Christ will be seen coming on the clouds of the sky. Our Savior’s return to earth will be a global event, visible to the entire world. As soon as Christ arrives, Christians will be raptured, suddenly and rapidly taken from this earth to be with Him. As they are caught up in the air, that is, raptured, they will be joined by believers from all of history, all those who have already died and gone to heaven. This gathering together the believers will happen in a split-second, in the twinkling of an eye, at which time they will be given a brand-new glorified body, one that is perfect, powerful, spiritual and immortal, one that is like the body of Jesus Christ Himself. Matthew 24:29-31, Philippians 3:20-21, 1 Corinthians 15:42-57, 1 John 3:2

When will Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the King of kings, the Savior of sinners, and the Judge of all the earth, return to rapture the believers living on earth? It will occur after the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week, not at the beginning, like many Christians mistakenly believe. It will take place after the coming of the Antichrist, after great tribulation and the persecution of Jews and Christians, and after great signs in the heavens, “when the sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light” (Matthew 24:29-31). “The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

In the near future, Christians will be raptured, will be rapidly taken and transported from the earth to meet the Lord in the air, to be received by Christ Himself. But why else will Christians be raptured? To be given relief from tribulation! To be rescued from God’s wrath on earth! To be redeemed from their body! To be reunited with loved ones! To rest from their labors! Can you see why this is one of the most important events in all of history? I can’t wait!!! I’m telling you, this age will soon and suddenly come to an end, and Christians will be raptured, taken to Christ, and then taken up to heaven. 2 Thessalonians 1:7; 1 Thessalonians 1:10, 4:13-14; Luke 21:28; Revelation 14:13

Once Christians have made this two-leg journey, from earth to the clouds, and then from the clouds to heaven, they will literally stand before Jesus Christ and God the Father, excitedly, joyously and wholeheartedly, giving Them praise. “They cry out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Salvation to our God who sits on the throne and to the Lamb.’” Jesus’ promise to us will finally and wonderfully come true: “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

Right after the rapture, once all the believers are in heaven, comes the Day of the Lord, God’s just punishment of unrepentant unbelievers living on earth (Revelation 8-9). I hope you see what’s coming, for the sake of the saved and the lost. As for the saved, tell them all about the return of Christ and the rapture of the church. Remind them to be loving Christ, to be living for Christ, and to be looking for His return, “encouraging one another, and all the more, as you see the day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:25, 37

As for the lost, “Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter” (Proverbs 24:11). Now is the time to tell the unsaved the good news about Christ’s 1st coming. Tell them that they need to repent of their sins before it’s too late. Tell them to believe that Jesus Christ died for them, so they can be forgiven of their sins, become children of God, and receive eternal life. Warn them that it won’t be long before Christ’s 2nd coming, and if they don’t get saved, they will miss the rapture, be left behind and severely punished on earth during the day of the Lord, and then punished forever in hell. Matthew 25:30,41,46

As for you, look forward to the end of this age, when Jesus Christ returns for His church, His bride, rapturing her, and you, into heaven. Your heart should be so happy, and deeply moved, as you think of that moment when you will first see Jesus, who loves you so much more than anyone else in the world, who can’t wait to see you, and be with you forever. “At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. And He will send His angels and gather His elect from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven” (Mark 13:26-27). “I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand upon the earth… I myself will see Him with my own eyes – I and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” Job 19:25-27

P.S. The rapture of the church – what an important and heart-warming subject for you and me, and for all believers. Here is an encouraging post that talks about our relationship with Jesus, The Rapture, A Love Story. Also here is a very detailed and instructive article about the rapture, 50 Truths God Wants You to Know About the Rapture.

Christ is Coming for Both the Church and the Jews

September 14, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #85 ~

I have talked about the Jews in detail in many previous posts, and that’s because they are a central and important subject in prophecy. But many Christians say there’s no future, no God-promised plans for the ethnic Jews. They tell you that hundreds of Old Testament prophesies for the Jews have been cancelled, are null and void. But that’s not true, for God does not change His mind. Yes, His plans for the Jews were suspended, but they sure weren’t cancelled. You read the New Testament, which is about the church, and you can’t miss the many verses about the Jews, ones that prove there’s a future for Israel, but are also relevant to the church. Let’s look at some of these verses, and see why:

Matthew 24:15-27 takes us from the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week to the return of Christ and the rapture of the church. During this short time period, the Antichrist desecrates the temple in Jerusalem (“when you see the abomination of desolation… standing in the holy place”), chases after the Jews, and attempts to persecute them.

2 Thessalonians 2:3-6 further describes this end-times’ Jewish scene, when the Antichrist, “the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.” This is a most abominable and blasphemous act of the Antichrist, for he is stopping Jews from sacrificing, and setting himself up as God. It’s written in this letter to the church, for when it occurs, it will be a signal to the Christians that Christ’s return and the rapture will soon be taking place.

Revelation 7:1-8 gives us more information about God’s end-time work with Israel, and that is the sealing of 144,000 Jews. “I heard the number of those who were sealed, 144,000 sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel” (Revelation 7:4). Those sealed are not Gentiles, and are not saved during the church age, but are specially chosen Jews, ones who will be saved to worship and follow Jesus Christ. Revelation 14:1-5

Then there’s Luke 21:20-24, five verses that summarize the history of the Jews from the first century until the end of the still-future 70th week of Daniel. They describe the desolation of Jerusalem in 70 AD, and the death of many Jews. Those who don’t die are “led captive into all the nations; and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.” Since the Jews are now back in their land, we know it won’t be long before the coming of Christ, the rapture of the church, and the “times of the Gentiles are fulfilled,” and a remnant of Jews will be saved.

These are just some New Testament verses about the future of the Jews, and here are some more: Matthew 23:37-39; Luke 1:31-33, 54-55; Acts 3:20-21; Romans 11:25-27; Hebrews 8:7-13, 11:10-16, 11:39-40; Revelation 11:1-16, 12:1-16. All the verses I have referenced in this post are about the Jews, for they talk about “Judea”, “temple”, “Jerusalem”, “Sabbath”, “Judah”, “holy city” and “Israel”. You can’t say these verses are no longer relevant, and you can’t spiritualize them, saying they are now for the church. There’s no doubt God wants to instruct and remind the church about His future plans for the Jews, as it also relates to her future, the plans He has for her.

Why is that? Why are these verses important for the church? Matthew 24:15, tucked in a key prophecy passage, says, “Let the reader understand.” What does the church need to understand?
1. That God is faithful, and is still working with the Jews and is, at this time, fulfilling His plans for them.
2. That Christ is not just coming back to carry out His plans for the church, but to also carry out His plans for the Jews.
3.  That God’s work with the Jews in the end-times is in conjunction with His work with the church, and will be taking place in the same time frame. I say this because many New Testament passages about the future of the Jews are sitting right next to passages about the future of the church. Look at this: Matthew 24:9-14 (church) – Matthew 24:15-24 (Jews); Luke 21:12-19 (church) – Luke 21:20-24 (Jews); 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2a, 5-9 (church) – 2 Thessalonians 2:2b-4 (Jews); Revelation 7:1-8 (Jews) – Revelation 7:9-17 (church). These side-by-side passages about Jews and Christians make it clear that God’s end-times’ work with the church coincides with His end-times’ work with the Jews.
4. That the fulfillment of end-time prophesied events for the Jews are signals to the church, alerting her to the fact that Christ is coming soon to rapture her, and take her home to heaven.

Once we get to Daniel’s 70th week, God’s work with the Jews and the church really gets Revved up. Jewish events taking place, the peace treaty with Israel, the temple built in Jerusalem, and the Antichrist desolating the temple, will be siren-sounding signs to the church that Christ is returning soon, and that she will be raptured and heading to heaven. Soon after this, a remnant of Jews will be saved and the glorious kingdom age will begin. Then all believers, both Jews and Gentiles, will reign with Jesus Christ over this world. “Give praise to our God, all you His bond-servants, you who fear Him, the small and the great… Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty reigns.” Revelation 19:5-6

P.S. Hurricane Florence: The Perfect Storm – I say that because our God is sovereign over this major storm that has been hitting the east coast of the United States, and He knows exactly what He is doing. Might we continue to pray for all the people affected, for their physical safety, but also for their spiritual safety in Christ, the salvation of their souls. I wrote a number of posts concerning hurricanes last year at this time, particularly relating them to the end-times and the coming of Christ. I encourage you to read them – “A Hurricane is Coming – Be Ready, Watching and Working”, “The Alarm is Ringing – Wake Up America! The Storm is Coming”, “A Big Storm is Coming and I Don’t Mean Hurricane Irma”, and one more to calm your soul, to give you peace, “When the Storms Come, Don’t Be Afraid.”

Revelation 12: The Jews, The Devil and Our Victorious God

September 7, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #84 ~

The road for the Jews has been a rough one, but God is getting them through it. You see, God has promised them land, salvation, and a king – and Rev. 12 is a key passage confirming this, for it summarizes His work with the Jews throughout their history. This chapter takes us from the birth of the Jews to the birth of Jesus, skips the church age, and then focuses on the last half of Daniel’s 70th week. In spite of Satan’s continual attacks against the Jews for over 4,000 years, God has continually given them the victory. When we see the big picture of God’s working with the Jews, we must conclude that they are not losers, but winners, for God has, and will, fulfill His wonderful plans for them. Psalm 33:10-12

Revelation 12 starts with signs, the first being that of a woman, and she is not Mary, nor the church, but rather, is representing Israel and her twelve tribes (Genesis 37:1-11). The woman’s primary purpose was to give birth to Jesus, to bring Him into the world, but it was hard labor, a long 2000-year battle with the forces of darkness.

These evil forces are described in the next sign, that of a dragon (Revelation 12:3-4), and this is the Jew-hating devil who, with the help of 1/3 of the spirits, does all he can to devour the woman’s child, to thwart the Jews and abort the birth of Jesus. We see that Satan works through eight beast empires, the crowns on 7 heads referring to 7 devilish kingdoms who, in the past, have been opposing and oppressing the Jews: Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome, and I believe, Hitler’s third Reich. All this is leading to the future and final ten-horned 8th kingdom, one ruled by the Antichrist.

The 6th kingdom, the Roman empire, led by Herod and Satan, was not able to stop Israel from giving birth to Jesus, and also failed in her devilish scheme to kill Him by murdering little baby boys. The first 2000 years of Jewish history were extremely difficult, but by God’s grace, the woman persevered through the labor pains, and finally, Jesus was born. But nothing is said in Revelation 12:5 about Jesus being a Savior, about His sacrificial death and resurrection, and nothing is said about the church, just the fact that He will be the King ruling all the nations, and that, as we know, is at His 2nd coming. The church age is skipped over because the focus is on the Jews and on Jesus, and that He was taken to heaven, and that at the end of His 1st coming.

Revelation 12:6 summarizes God’s dealings with the Jews during the last half of Daniel’s 70th week, with verses 7-16 expanding on verse 6, giving more details about the last 3½ years of that most important week. There will be a great heavenly battle (Revelation 12:7-9), with Michael and his angels soundly defeating the devil and his demons, who will forever be cast out of heaven. This divine drama is far bigger than you can imagine, for the outworking of Christ’s crushing defeat of Satan at the cross is seen in that this deceiver, this accuser, will be thrown down to earth. Heaven will be so happy, for she will finally be done with the devil. But “woe to the earth,” for the devil will literally be on this earth, and he will be mad, full of wrath, his utter hate for God now focused now focused on both Jews and Christians.

But you must know that Satan’s time on earth will be very short. You need not fear, for God’s promise is that you will defeat the devil. By the blood of Jesus, you are saved, and forever safe in the hands of God. By the truth of God, by Jesus’ love for you and your love for Jesus, you will overwhelmingly conquer in all these things. Revelation 12:10-12

Once on earth, the devil empowers his man, and he becomes a beast, a superman, this Antichrist who pursues a remnant of Jews. But again we see God’s victory, for somehow, they miraculously get away from the Antichrist and his forces of evil, and are then nourished, taken care of for 3½ years (Revelation 12:13-16). Then that evil devil, who couldn’t get to the Jews, goes after the church (Revelation 12:17). As we know, Christians will also be victorious, for whether by death or by rapture, they will be taken up to be with Jesus. “Who will separate us from the love of Christ?” Romans 8:35

Over four thousand years ago, God’s plan for the Jews began, and they have been persecuted, murdered, and scattered throughout the earth. By the grace of God, they were successful in phase one, for 2000 years ago, they brought Jesus into the world. God’s plan for the Jews was then suspended, but has now been revived, for the Jews are back in their own land, and phase two is beginning, for now we live in the end-times.

It won’t be long before Daniel’s 70th week begins, and the Antichrist, that weakling, will again put up a fight. But at the end of that 7-year week, God will again get the victory for His people, the spiritual salvation of a Jewish remnant (Romans 11:25-27). That devilish Antichrist will finally be defeated, and cast forever into the lake of fire (Revelation 19:20). Then begins the millennial kingdom, when Jesus Christ will gloriously reign over the whole world with all the believing Jews and Gentiles. Hallelujah!!! Revelation 20, Psalm 47, Psalm 67, Psalm 72

P.S. Understanding God’s working with the Jews is critically important when it comes to understanding prophecy. If you haven’t read these already, I would encourage you to read A Jewish Reading Lesson  and Charting God’s Miraculous Work With the Jews .

The Jews: Their Past, Present and Glorious Future

August 31, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #83 ~

You can’t understand end-times’ prophecy unless you understand God’s working with the Jews. I believe you know their story, one that started about 4000 years ago with God promising Abraham a nation, land, and great blessing. This Jewish nation (Israel) was born in Egypt, and grew up and remained there for 400 years. Led by Moses, she miraculously escaped out of Egypt, and then was sovereignly stuck in the desert for 40 years. Finally, around 1400 BC, with Joshua leading the way, she entered and settled in the land God had promised her. Genesis 12:1-2, 13:14-17; Exodus; Joshua; Acts 7

Once in her land, instead of being a witness of God’s glory to the world, Israel began adopting the sinful customs of neighboring nations. Led by judges, God continued to show His mercy, but did not hesitate in disciplining her for her sin. Israel’s best years were from 1010 BC to 930 BC, when David and Solomon were kings, and the whole world saw how God wonderfully blessed her. But she quickly went downhill, seen in her sinful and shameful idolatry. The nation split into two parts, Israel and Judah, which were led by kings, both good and bad. From around 860 BC to 600 BC, God-appointed prophets preached repentance, judgment and hope to the proud Jewish people, and during this entire period, God was amazingly patient with them. The time came when God had no choice but to punish them, resulting in the death of many Jews, with most of the rest being exiled to godless nations. Judges, 2 Chronicles, Isaiah, Ezekiel

During this time of exile, Daniel the prophet, who had been taken to Babylon, recorded some incredible God-given visions about the far-distant future of Israel, the end-times. Then after 70 years, the Jews began to return to Israel, resettling their land. But God’s promises to the Jews about their future glory were not fulfilled at that time. Daniel, Ezra, Haggai

God’s grand and glorious plans for His people were still unfolding. Most importantly, God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to earth. This was His first coming, when He was born of a virgin, lived a perfect life, raised up disciples, died on a cross to pay for sins, and then rose from the dead. On earth for only 33 years, Jesus’ work was finished, and He went back to His Father in heaven. This began the church age with large numbers of Jews and Gentiles were being saved. But it wasn’t long before God’s promised judgment of the Christ-rejecting Jews took place. Around 70 AD, Jerusalem was destroyed, and close to a million Jews were either killed or scattered around the world. God’s plans for the Jews were suspended for a long time, but His plans for the church were continually being carried out. Matthew, John, Luke 21:20-24, Ephesians

What happened to the Jews? Many people said the Jews, because they had killed Christ, had forfeited their God-given promises. But God doesn’t lie, and He didn’t change His mind. Over 1800 years later, in the late 1800’s, God began regathering the Jews. With their religion, culture and language still intact, they started returning, coming back from all over the world, and resettling in their land. In the 1940’s, through that mad-man Hitler, came Satan’s slaughter of close to 6 million Jews. But in 1948, God used that massive and senseless killing to move world leaders to allow the Jews to once again be recognized as a nation. Since then, there have been many more wars, increasing anti-Semitism, and treaties too. By God’s grace, the Jews have defended their land and continued to grow. In fact, in 1967, the Jews took control of Jerusalem, a dream come true. In the eyes of the world, Israel was becoming a very prosperous nation. Ezekiel 36-37

Now in 2018, with Jews numbering 6.5 million in Israel, God continues to carry out His end-time plans. Not long from now, at the beginning of Daniel’s 70th week, the Jews will sign a treaty, but it will be a bad deal, a deal with the devil. Yes, they will offer sacrifices in their newly-built temple, but these will come to a sudden stop when the Antichrist, showing his devilish colors, is revealed, and desolates the temple. This beast of a man, this enraged Antichrist, will go chasing after the Jews, but many will escape to a safe and God-protected place. The great tribulation affecting the Jews will then be directed at the Christians. Daniel 9:27, Matthew 24:9-26, 2 Thessalonians 2:3-5

Soon there will be the second coming of Christ. The first event will be the rapture, the physical redemption of Christians, when they are suddenly taken from earth, gloriously transformed, and immediately brought to Christ. Right after that, the day of the Lord begins, God’s punishment of sinners still living on earth. This first phase of God’s wrath will be finished at the end of Daniel’s 70th week, at which time Christ returns to redeem the surviving remnant of Jews, this being a spiritual redemption, the salvation of their souls. 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17, Revelation 7-9, Isaiah 45:17, Romans 11:25-27 

The second phase of God’s devastating and deserved wrath will then be poured out upon the Antichrist’s kingdom, the enemies of the Jews. Then begins the millennial kingdom, a time when the Jews will repopulate the world, and aided by glorified Christians, will help Jesus Christ reign over the world for 1000 years. A most glorious and magnificent period this will be, for God’s promises to the Jews will be fulfilled, Christ will be perfectly, lovingly and powerfully ruling, and there will be peace on earth. Psalm 67:3,4,7 – “Let the peoples praise You, O God… Let the nations be glad and sing for joy… God blesses us (Jews), that all the ends of the earth may fear Him.” Psalm 47, Psalm 72

P.S. As I have said, understanding God’s working with the Jews is so important for you to be able to clearly understand end-times prophecy and God’s working with the church. I would encourage you to read or review Post 19, A Short Summary of God’s Working with the Jews, as well as Article 8, A Summary of the Prophetic Work of God, from the Time of Abraham to Christ’s Millennial Kingdom.

What About the Unrepentant Unbeliever in the End Times?

August 24, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #82 ~

You have seen the movies and read the books where the bad guys appear to be winning. They have locked up the good guys, taken control of the city, or hijacked the airplane, and things aren’t looking good. But these are just stories. When the Antichrist appears and takes over the world, it won’t be just a story, it will really happen. Truly, this will be a dark time in history, for the devil and his people will seem to be winning. Let me tell you what you need to know about unrepentant unbelievers in the end-times. They will be:

Unloving. Matthew 24:12 – “Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold.” In the end times, unbelievers will be increasingly lawless. They will be unloving, unholy, arrogant, lovers of self, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God (2 Timothy 3:1-4). We live in an evil age, and it’s going to get a lot, lot worse in the last few years before the return of Christ. But as Christians, we will be the light of the world.

Worshiping Satan. Revelation 13:4 – “They worshiped the dragon (Satan), and they worshiped the beast (Antichrist).” Unbelievers will hear about this man rising from the dead; they will see this 2nd beast perform great signs; and they will be amazed, in awe, and worship this man, this 1st beast, and also worship the devil himself. But believers will be loving God with all their heart, mind, soul and strength. Mark 12:30

Taking the mark. Revelation 13:16 – “He causes all, the small and the great, the rich and the poor, and the free and the slaves to be given a mark on their right hand or on their forehead.” Most unbelievers will take this mark of the beast, with the result that they will be able to openly buy or sell, do business, go shopping, or go out to eat.

Deceived and deluded. 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11 – “God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness.” Sinners will hate the truth, but will love their evil and wicked ways. Therefore, God will cause them to be deceived all the more, resulting in a rapid and dramatic increase in the depravity of the world.

Mocking Christians. 2 Peter 3:3-6 – “In the last days, mockers will come with their mocking, following after their lusts, and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming?’… But by His word, the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.” During the Antichrist’s rule, unbelievers will be mocking, taunting, ridiculing, and making fun of the Christians.

Hating and killing. Matthew 24:9 – “They will deliver you to tribulation and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.” After the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week, most unbelievers will see the Christians as a terrible menace, a harmful blight to the world. Non-Christians will be emboldened and impassioned in their hate for Christians, so much so that they will want to kill them, to rid the earth of them. “An hour is coming for everyone who kills you to think he is offering service to God.” John 16:2

Betraying family members. Luke 21:16 – “You will be betrayed by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death.” Many unbelievers will turn against their own family members, those who are Christians, and turn them in to the authorities, and some of these will be killed. Without a doubt, this will be one of the saddest and hardest things for Christians to go through in the end-times. “In all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:37

Eating and drinking. Luke 17:28 – “It was the same as happened in the days of Lot: They were eating and drinking, they were buying and selling, they were planting and building; but on the day that Lot went out from Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all.” There will be a pseudo-peace on earth during the Antichrist’s rule, and unbelievers will be happy, living like everything is just fine. But they will be so deceived, and will be shocked and scared when they see the sudden return of Christ.

Doomed. Revelation 6:12-17 – “There was a great earthquake… the stars of the sky fell to the earth… the sky was split apart like a scroll… and the kings… and the great men… and the rich and the strong and every slave and free man hid themselves in the caves… for the great day of God’s wrath has come.” Great signs in the heavens and on the earth will signal the end of this age and the return of Christ. Just after the rapture, the day of the Lord will come, and unbelievers will be doomed, eternally damned by God.

Punished in hell. Revelation 14:9-10 – “He will be tormented with fire and brimstone… and the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever.” Those who receive the mark of the beast will go to hell, and later be cast into the lake of fire, where they will be punished forever (Revelation 20:15). This will be the sad, but righteous, reality for the unrepentant, Christ-hating, Christian-hating unbeliever.

You need to know the truth about unrepentant unbelievers in the end-times, especially if you are alive during the rule of the Antichrist. These last few years before the coming of Christ will prove to be a great opportunity to serve the Lord, love your enemies, and share the gospel with them, with the result that some unbelievers will repent of their sins, and be saved. Don’t forget, God will give you all the grace and peace you need. And remember, God is completely in charge, for He is the sovereign Ruler. “To live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). “Behold, I am coming soon.” Revelation 2:20

P.S. Clearly, Christians will go through some very difficult trials in the end-times, and therefore, it is essential that we understand what God’s word tells us about them. A very comprehensive summary of God’s purposes for our trials is given in the article, A Biblical Perspective on the Trials of Life.  I’ll mention one more article that is very encouraging: Keep Yourself in the Love of God.

Promises from a Loving Father to His Children

August 17, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #81 ~

Life is not easy, and you know that. You have personal problems, job stresses, health issues, physical pain, relational conflicts, temptations, financial difficulties, pressures from the world, children to raise, trials, extreme trials, family disputes, church problems, concerns for others, the storms of life, and an adversary who hates you. Then you read this blog post about the end times, about birth pains, the Antichrist, persecution, and great difficulties in the days ahead, and you wonder how you are going to make it.

The answer is always God. As a Christian, you have the grace, power and strength of God; you have the love, kindness and mercy of Jesus Christ; and you have fellowship, a close relationship with the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 13:14). You have a church family and good friends. You have a God-given future, His perfect plans for your life. You also have the promises of God, and this is what I want to talk about today. These promises are not just optional features, spiritual add-ons. They are essential – you need them so you can fully experience the glorious life God has for you.

God’s promises are in His Word, and they are personal, from God to you. These promises bring God into the picture, into your life, and speak of what He will do for you. “God has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them, you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust” (2 Peter 1:4). Unbelievers lust after things that have no value, and are very harmful. But as a Christian, you are to trust God’s promises, for they are a primary means by which you can receive what is truly good. They are His guarantee of His grace for you, for today, for the near future, and for the far-distant future. Promises give you hope, a hope in your heart, a confidence of God’s gracious working in your life, in the church, in this age, and in the ages to come.

These promises help you to be holy, motivate you to do what is right, encourage you to endure, sustain you when you are tired, and enable you to get through the tough times of life. Hebrews 11 tells us that promises were one of the main ways the saints of old kept going for God. They believed what God said about His future plans for them. Consider Moses’ example: “By faith Moses… choosing rather to endure ill-treatment along with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, considering the reproaches of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward” (Hebrews 11:24-26). It was God’s promises that kept Moses going through that dangerous desert with those difficult Jews for those forty years. Psalm 136:16

What are some of God’s promises? Psalm 32:8 – “I will lead you in the way you should go. I will counsel you with My eye upon you.” Isaiah 41:10 – “Do not fear, for I am with you… I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Romans 8:28 – “We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God.” 2 Corinthians 4:17 – “Momentary light affliction is producing for you an eternal weight of glory.” John 14:3 – “I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may also be.” Psalm 23:6 – “Surely, goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” 2 Timothy 4:18 – “The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom.” Philippians 4:19 – “My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Psalm 27:5 – “In the day of trouble, He will keep me safe in His dwelling.” Matthew 11:28 – “Come to Me, all you who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 – “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 8:17 – “I love those who love Me, and those who seek Me will find Me.” Jude 24-25 – “Now 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.” Revelation 22:7 – “Behold, I am coming soon!” These are some of my favorite promises. Take these and find others, and get them in your head and in your heart. Believe them, and hang on to them, for they will help you to know God, and the love, joy, peace, and purpose that He has for you.

You can’t live without God, and you can’t live without His promises, these guarantees of God’s grace for your life. In all things and at all times, they will stir up your spirit, and strengthen your soul. They will enable you to keep going, to keep fighting until you die or are raptured, and are with the Lord in heaven. Unlike men, God will not fail you or forget you. He will be faithful to keep all His promises. 1 Corinthians 1:8 – “He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

P.S. An article that directly relates to this post is “You Have to Have Hope,” for without God’s promises you can’t have hope. As you probably know, I love lists of verses, and my all-time favorite one is found in the article, “Encouraging Verses that Express the Love, Grace and Peace of God.” This last article contains over 100 different truths and promises that, I guarantee you, will help you live the life God has for you.

The Mark of the Beast

August 10, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #80 ~

In this day and age, the mark of the beast is a popular subject. It’s talked about in movies and YouTube videos, and written about in prophecy publications. Sad to say, there’s a lot of confusion and error on this topic, but the Bible tells us the truth. The Antichrist will soon rule over the entire earth, his goal being a one-world order, a one-world religion, a one-world government, a one-world military, a one-world economy, and this “mark” will be one of the primary means by which he will control the world. Revelation 13:16-17 tells us, “He (the Antichrist) causes all, the small and the great, the rich and the poor, and the free and the slaves, to be given a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, so that no one will be able to buy or sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name.” Here are a number of things you need to know about the mark of the beast:

1. Having the mark of the beast is the only way a person will be able to openly and publicly buy, sell and do business when the Antichrist is ruling this earth. Revelation 13:16-17
2. This mark could be a stamp, a seal, an image, a microchip or a transponder. It will be specifically related to the name or number (666) of the beast, the Antichrist. Revelation 13:18
3. People will be receiving this mark of the beast after the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week, when this beast, the Antichrist, and a second beast, are in power. Revelation 13:5, 11
4. A Christian cannot and will not take the mark of the beast, for he or she is a child of God, and the Holy Spirit will not let any believer take this mark of the devil. Ephesians 1:13-14
5. Only unbelievers will take the mark of this beast. Revelation 14:9-11
6. Not all unbelievers will receive the mark of the beast, for some of them will be saved during what is called the great tribulation. There will also be a remnant of Jews who will be saved at the end of Daniel’s 70th week. Matthew 24:9-27, Revelation 12:13-17
7. People taking the mark of the beast won’t be making some naïve, unintended or careless decision. Though deceived, these unbelievers will know what they are doing, and will be agreeing with the Antichrist, his beliefs, his rule, and his purpose for this mark. 2 Thessalonians 2:10-11
8. Taking the mark of the beast is not just a financial decision, but is also a spiritual one. The person receiving the mark is pledging allegiance to the Antichrist, and is putting his faith in this evil, despicable and devilish man. “They worshiped the beast.” Revelation 13:4
9. Unbelievers taking the mark of the beast cannot reverse their decision. Once marked, their future is set, for they will forever be punished in the lake of fire. “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink of the wrath of God… and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb.” Revelation 14:9-11

We now live in the end-times, and when you look at the state of the world, you realize that we are rapidly moving towards that time when this mark of the beast will be a reality. For 100 years we have heard that leaders and countries are pushing for a one-world order and this global economy. You see it with the United Nations, the World Bank, the World Trade Organization, and the International Money Fund. This desire for globalism, that the desires of the world supersede the desires of the nations, is only going to increase in the years ahead. There will be more open borders, less autonomy, and more interdependence with regards to the countries of the world. And on a personal level, people want their bank accounts to be more secure, and their financial transactions to be simpler and safer.

What in the world is going to happen? A sophisticated system will soon be in place for the Antichrist and his partner to manage this global economy, utilizing the mark of the beast. Governing the whole world, having a universal monetary system, and overseeing billions of financial transactions, will require an ingenious and complex technology. We now live in an electronic information age, with smart phones, supercomputers, massive servers, microchips, the internet, and the ability to store, process and transfer mega amounts of data. We are beginning to see how this mark of the beast will be a key component in tomorrow’s world. In fact, it is routine for pets to get implanted microchips, and now it’s beginning to happen with people. In Sweden, many individuals receive surgically inserted microchips for their business dealings and other activities (Washington Post – 4/4/2017). In the near future we have a cashless and checkless society, our credit and debit cards will be gone, and the technology to implement the mark of the beast will be fully developed and operational.

Now is the time to tell unbelievers the truth about the mark of the beast, and more importantly, about salvation and forgiveness in Jesus Christ. As for you and your family, know that the Lord will take care of you. Be seeking His kingdom, and be praying, “Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:10-11). “This calls for perseverance on the part of the saints who obey God’s commandments and remain faithful to Him.” Revelation 14:12

P.S. There is no doubt that living during the time when the Antichrist is ruling the world will be extremely difficult. I encourage you to read this article, The Father’s Love For His Children, for this is what you will need to know and remember more than anything else.

P.P.S. Just a reminder ~ if you would like to be notified, via email, of the latest blog post, just go to the top of the home page and put your email address in the “subscribe” area and click on the subscribe button!

Reasons for the Rise and Rule of the Antichrist

August 3, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post  #79 ~

John was the only biblical author to use the term antichrist (the spirit of) he also referred to the Antichrist as the Beast. Description from regbos.wordpress.com. I searched for this on bing.com/images

As Christians, we need to study the subject of prophecy so we can learn what God is telling us about the future He has for us. Understanding what God’s word says about the end-times will enable us to more clearly see where things are going in the world, how everything is leading to the coming of the Antichrist, and to the coming of Christ. Know also that God’s work with the Jews in these days is in conjunction with His work with the church (Matthew 24:9-27). Let me explain.

Matthew 24:4-8 and Revelation 6:3-8 tell us that we will be hearing about these global “birth pains,” wars, earthquakes, famines and financial troubles, occurring in various parts of the world. As these “pains” get harder, people will be greatly distressed, wanting some relief, some peace, and yes, for some kind of a savior to help solve these problems.

What else will be happening? People will increasingly be rebelling against God and earthly authorities (parents, policemen, politicians and pastors). Sinners will be more depraved in their thinking, and therefore more evil, lawless and unloving. Their outright hate for truth, for righteousness and for Christians, will be obvious. The time will come when God will send a deluding influence upon these truth-rejecting sinners, and they will go from being bad to being wicked. (2 Thessalonians 2:10-13). There will be a marked polarization between Christians and non-Christians, and there will be persecution.

What about the Jews? For the past 140 years, God has been gathering them back to their land. Their present population is 6.5 million, and growing. But Antisemitism, this vehement hate for the Jews, is growing as well, and it won’t be long before they will be desperate for peace. Then at the beginning of Daniel’s 70th week, this coming Antichrist will help broker a peace treaty with Israel and other nations (Daniel 9:27). But these Jews will be deceived, for they will be making a deal with the devil.

During the first half of Daniel’s 70 week, these birth pains will be growing in intensity and frequency. Unbelievers will be united in their hate for both Jews and Christians. A Jewish temple will be built in Jerusalem. People will be wanting a one-world order, and with that, a one-world leader to bring peace. Conditions will be ripe for someone sharp, smart, proven and strong, to rise up and become ruler of the world. This is all part of God’s predetermined plan, and He will make sure this coming leader, groomed by Satan himself, will be increasing in power and popularity. When he is seemingly raised from the dead, he will become more famous than ever. “The whole world was amazed and followed after the beast.” Revelation 13:3

At the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week, the 3½ year mark, this coming world ruler will be clearly revealed, for he will desecrate the temple in Jerusalem, and set himself up as being God. (2 Thessalonians 2:3-9). Unbelievers will acclaim him as their new leader, and greatly love him. Believers, sobered, but not surprised by what has taken place, will know he is the Antichrist, and pray for the coming of Christ. The Jews will see this God-hating man as their worst enemy, and run for the hills. Matthew 24:15-20

This Antichrist is so proud, for his devilish dream has come true, and he can finally rule the world. What else happens? This beast of a man, being possessed by Satan, has great power and authority. Satan then raises up another beast, the false prophet, who as the Antichrist’s partner and promoter, performs great signs, further deceiving the people on earth. This second beast also causes unbelievers to worship the Antichrist by having them worship his image. He makes them take the mark of the beast, which is the means by which they can do business and live (Revelation 13:11-18). The fact that the Antichrist also has super-advanced, communication and surveillance systems in place, helps to make it all possible. The result is that the Antichrist will control the world – he will be in charge of the military, religion and the economy (Revelation 13:7, 15, 18). This Antichrist, this most evil beast, this wicked and lawless dictator, loves having power, loves being worshiped by the world, but hates the Christians and the Jews.

The Antichrist will chase after a remnant of Jews, but they will escape (Revelation 12:13-16), and later be saved (Romans 11:26-27). Then he will pursue Christians, persecuting and killing them. “They will deliver you to tribulation and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name” (Matthew 24:9, 21). Some Christians will die or be martyred, but the rest will endure to the end of this age. Then Jesus Christ, our victorious Savior and King, will return in the clouds, and triumphantly rescue and rapture His bride. “Behold, a great multitude which no one could count… standing before the throne and before the Lamb… and they cry out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.’” Revelation 7:9-10

Jesus Christ will then punish this wicked world, and cast that devilish Antichrist and his evil partner into the lake of fire. “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.” 2 Thessalonians 2:8

P.S. This post relates directly to last week’s post on the Antichrist. If you haven’t read that one, then you need to, for it will help give you a much better picture of the Antichrist to come. One other thing that is important for you to know and understand are the Key Terms, a glossary of 50 prophecy terms and their meanings.

That Evil Antichrist, and His Short Rule on Earth

July 27, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #78 ~

Related image

The most wicked and evil man ever, one called the Antichrist, will soon be ruling this world. There’s a whole lot in the Bible about this godless man, which means he’s an important subject, especially for the church, for she will still be on earth during his devilish rule. What does the Bible tell us about this end-times’ “antichrist” (1 John 2:18), this “Beast” (Revelation 13:3-8), this “man of lawlessness?” 2 Thessalonians 2:3-10

It tells us about his purpose. The desire of the Antichrist is to carry out the work of that murdering devil. This beast of a man will rule the world, bring a pseudo-peace, blaspheme God and Christ, persecute Jews and Christians, and be worshiped by unbelievers. The world will, being greatly deceived, will love this most hateful man. Revelation 13:4, 8

It tells us about his power. Revelation 13:2 says, “the dragon gave him his power and throne and great authority.” The Antichrist will seemingly be raised from the dead, and be possessed by Satan, whose goal is for him to usurp the rightful rule of Christ. Be assured that our sovereign God is in control, and will use the Antichrist to “execute His purpose… until the words of God will be fulfilled.” Revelation 19:17

It tells us about his authority. “Authority over every tribe, people, tongue and nation was given to him” (Revelation 13:7). This evil impostor will be the head of a one-world religion, for “the whole earth was amazed and followed after the beast” (Revelation 13:3). He will be commander of the military, for no one is able “to wage war with him” (Revelation 13:4). He will control the economy, for “no one will be able to buy or sell, except the one who has the mark… of the beast.” Revelation 13:17

It tells us about his character. This Antichrist will be the most vile, lawless, corrupt, perverted and God-hating man this world has ever seen. He will be super-proud, boastful, smooth-talking and mesmerizing, a devil of a man. “He will be insolent and skilled in intrigue… and he will destroy to an extraordinary degree.” Daniel 8:23-24

It tells us about his partner. There’s another beast, another extremely wicked man, a false prophet who is teamed up with the Antichrist. This second beast will “exercise all the authority of the first beast,” and will make those who “dwell on the earth to worship the first beast.” He will “perform great signs,” and will cause most of the unbelievers to take the mark of the beast, the mark of the Antichrist. Revelation 13:11-17

It tells us about his persecution of the church. The rapture of the church occurs at Christ’s coming, which takes place after the coming of the Antichrist (2 Thessalonians 2:1, 8-9). Therefore, the church will be on earth during the rule of the Antichrist, and be greatly persecuted by this most powerful pawn of the devil. If you are alive at that time, you will know that he “makes war against the saints” (Revelation 13:7). The evil forces aligned with him “will deliver you (Christians) to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name” (Matthew 24:9). But don’t be afraid, for “greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). And remember, Jesus Christ will be “with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20

It tells us about his time on earth. At the beginning of Daniel’s 70th week (Daniel 9:27), this coming Antichrist will confirm a peace treaty with Israel. He will then take control of ten kingdoms, his power base by which he will rule the world. In Jerusalem, at the midpoint of this 70th week, he will be revealed to all as the Antichrist, the one “who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.” This is the “abomination of desolation” (Matthew 24:15), for the Antichrist desecrates the very temple of God. There was given to him “authority to act for 42 months” (Revelation 13:5), the last 3½ years of Daniel’s 70th week. But during that 70th week, at a time unknown to us, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, will return. He will rapture the Christians, and then pour out His wrath upon the world, resulting in the Antichrist’s authority being greatly diminished. Shortly after the end of Daniel’s 70th week, at the battle of Armageddon (Revelation 19:20), the Antichrist and the other beast will be seized, and “thrown alive into the lake of fire.” They will get what they deserve, for they will forever be “tormented with fire and brimstone.” Revelation 14:10

I believe millions and millions of Christians will be alive on earth during this short reign of the Antichrist. If you are one of those chosen by God to be here at that time,  see it as a great privilege and opportunity to be part of His special forces. Pray for Christ’s kingdom to come. Share the gospel. Encourage the saints. Live for Him, and be willing to die for Him. “To live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). Yes, there will be this great struggle against the “world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness” but we have God’s promise: “They (Christians) overcame him (Satan) because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony” (Revelation 12:11). Finally, “be looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” Titus 2:13

P.S. As you know, the subject of the Antichrist is a very important one for the Christian to understand. That’s why I have already written a shorter post, The Antichrist is Coming Soon, and It’s Before the Coming of Christ, and a longer and more comprehensive article, The Coming of the Antichrist, the Devil’s Man on Earth. When you get time, I encourage you to sit down and read them.

P.S.S That “blood moon” taking place today (7/27/2018) has nothing to do with the signs in the heavens, spoken of in Matthew 24:29. That’s because the cosmic disturbances described in that verse (also in Revelation 6:12-14), will be occurring after the Antichrist is revealed, which takes place at the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week. Read What Needs to Happen Before Christ’s Return (Post 70).

Why is Jesus Christ Coming Back?

July 20, 2018 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #77 ~

Do you ever wonder what Jesus is thinking about, what’s on His mind? Millions of things I’m sure, but there is no doubt He is thinking about coming back to earth. There will come a time, not long from now, when Jesus Christ will suddenly return and interrupt all our earthly plans, and everything will gloriously change. I have recently written posts on when Christ is coming back, and what is going to happen when He does, but why is He coming back? Why will Jesus Christ soon leave heaven and come back to this world?

Why? The most important reason is that Jesus loves His Father, and wants to please Him by fully carrying out all His plans for this world. “The world must learn that I love the Father, and that I do exactly as the Father commanded me.” John 14:31

Why? For the church. Jesus Christ loves her and cannot wait to see her. She is His bride, and He wants to come and get her so she can be with Him, and can in a much greater way, see His glory and know His wonderful love. At the end of this age, Jesus Christ will return to rapture all the Christians on earth. Immediately they will be gathered together with believers who have already died, and then taken to be with Him. “I desire that they also… be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me.” John 17:24

Why? God’s character demands it. One of the primary themes in the book of Revelation is the holiness of God. “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come” (Revelation 4:8). God’s holiness and justice cannot be ignored or compromised. God cannot just let evil go – it must be punished. Once the church is rescued from this earth, and is safe in heaven with Christ, then God will pour out His deserved and devastating wrath on this wicked world. Revelation 8-9, 16

Why? For the Jews. Hundreds of Old Testament prophecies tell us that God will bring the Jews back to the land of Israel, redeem a remnant of them, and then fulfill His promises to them during the millennial kingdom. With regards to the Jews, His chosen people, God will not go back on His promises, and they, along with the glorified believers, will be assisting Jesus Christ in His reign over the world. “The counsel of the Lord stands firm forever… Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.” Psalm 33:10-12

Why? To defeat the Antichrist, and to silence Satan. At His first coming, Jesus Christ disarmed the devilish rulers and authorities, but the outworking of that victory has been seen throughout the years, and particularly so at His second coming when the Antichrist will be thrown into the lake of fire, and Satan will be imprisoned for 1000 years. “The beast was seized, and with him the false prophet… these two were thrown alive into the lake of fire” (Revelation 19:20). “He (the angel) laid hold of the dragon, the serpent of old, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.” Revelation 20:2

Why? To take this world back from Satan. Ever since the sin of Adam and Eve, we have been living in a world that lies in the power of the evil one. The effects of his rule during this age, the wickedness and corruption covering this planet, has been clearly seen. But this evil will end, for Christ will come back, regain what is rightfully His, and begin His glorious reign. Then there will be peace on earth. “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of he Lord.” Habakkuk 2:14

Why? So that you will be glorified, so your salvation will be made complete. Your present earthly body is sin-prone, weak and mortal, but at Christ’s return, you will receive a brand new and perfect body, one that is powerful, immortal and spiritual, one like His. “We know that when He appears, we will be like Jesus.” 1 John 3:2

Why? So God and Christ will be glorified. For the “summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on earth” (Ephesians 1:11). “So that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow… and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11). Indeed, Jesus Christ will be “a great King over all the earth… God reigns over the nations, God sits on His holy throne.” Psalm 47:2, 8

I am so glad Jesus Christ is coming back to earth! I am excited He is coming back! I can’t wait to see Him! It will be the best thing for the world and the best thing for believers. But sadly, many people don’t even think about this. They are sleeping, and are loving this world, but are not loving God and looking forward to His Son’s return. But whether they know it or not, Christ is coming back. He has promised it, and He has planned it. His character demands it, and His word guarantees it. There is nothing in this whole world that can stop Christ from coming back, for you and for me, and for the purposes and glory of God. “‘Behold, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” Revelation 22:20

P.S. I have published a new article describing the special kind of person God wants us to be in the end times, Your Spiritual Service: A Member of the Spiritual Forces. But I want to also encourage you to read an older article that expands on this present post, giving you many more details on why Jesus is coming back to earth.

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