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Christ's Kingdom and the End Times

Page 6 of 34

The Coming Kingdom Age – 1000 Years of Glory

March 25, 2023 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #272 ~

Here’s how I think about the future: we’re in the end-times and we’re running the last lap of this church-age race, which means it won’t be long before Christ returns to rapture the church and we’re glorified and in heaven. A few years after that, the kingdom age will begin, a 1000-year period during which Christ is perfectly reigning over this earth – and we’re all reigning with Him! God has much to say about this millennial kingdom, and that’s because He wants you to know what it will be like, and to be excited and looking forward to this unprecedented and most amazing time of justice, peace, love, and God getting glory like never before. Here are several things God wants you to know about this glorious kingdom age.

1. The millennial-kingdom age lasts exactly 1000 years. Revelation 20:2-7
2. The kingdom of God is in two parts, the millennial kingdom and the eternal kingdom. 1 Cor. 15:24-28; Eph. 1:21, 2:7; Rev. 20-21
3. The kingdom age is a good age, for Christ is reigning, compared to this present evil age when the devil is ruling. And the eternal kingdom will be a perfect age. Ps. 72, Gal. 1:4, 1 John 5:19
4. This cursed earth is restored and renewed in the kingdom age. Ps. 102:26, Acts 3:21, Rom. 8:19-22
5. Jesus Christ, the greatest King the world has ever seen, rules over all the earth and all the nations during His 1000-year reign. Psalm 2:6, 22:28, 47:2, 72:8; Zech. 14:9; Rev. 11:15
6. Satan, bound and thrown into the abyss for the entire millennial kingdom, is not influencing or affecting anyone or anything on the earth during this time. Revelation 20:2-3

7. Jesus Christ lives in Jerusalem, the capital of the world. Psalm 48:1-3, Zechariah 14:4-9
8. Jesus Christ, Savior, Lord, Shepherd, Judge, and King, is continually and wonderfully fulfilling all His duties, and believers are assisting Him. Is. 33:22, 43:3; Jer. 10:10; Ez. 34; Rev. 5:10
9. Jesus Christ, during His reign on earth, destroys all enemy authority, rule, and power, and He abolishes death. 1 Corinthians 15:24-26, 54-57
10. Jesus Christ rules with a rod of iron resulting in justice and peace. Psalm 2:9, 72:9; Isaiah 2:4
11. Jesus Christ is perfectly guiding the nations of the earth. His purpose, character, and work are known all over the world, and therefore He is praised by the people. Psalm 46:10, 67:3
12. Jesus Christ, the greatest teacher ever, is teaching people His word and His ways. Isaiah 2:3
13. Jesus Christ has mercy and compassion on the poor and needy, unlike anything we have ever seen before, except when He was here the first time. Psalm 72:4, 12-14
14. Jesus Christ, working for the cause of truth, humility, and justice, is always victorious. People and nations are being subdued and ruled by Him. Psalm 45:3-7, 47:3

15. Believers are co-heirs with Christ. He inherits the earth, and believers share that inheritance with Him, and together, they possess it forever. Ps. 2:8, 37:11; Dan. 7:18; Matt. 5:5; Rom. 8:17
16. At Christ’s coming, all believers are given brand-new, immortal, glorious, powerful, and spiritual bodies. They are perfect, and are helping Christ rule and reign over the whole world. Luke 19:17, 19; 1 Cor. 15:40-42; Rev. 5:10, 20:6
17. All believers, both Jew and Gentile, those from both Old and New Testament times and those born during this kingdom age, are unitedly worshiping and serving Jesus Christ. Ps. 37:9 – Matt. 5:5, Rom. 15:8-13, Heb. 11:39-40
18. During the church age, Christians are relatively unknown, but they are revealed with Jesus Christ during the kingdom age and, therefore, are seen and widely known. Colossians 3:3-4
19. The work that Christians do for Christ during the kingdom age is to a large degree based on the work they did for Christ during the church age. Matt. 25:19-21, Luke 19:15-19, Rev. 2:26-27

20. There are unbelievers, that is, sinners, living on earth during the kingdom age. Rev. 20:7-10
21. Every single person bows to Jesus Christ during the millennial kingdom. This includes unbelievers, but for them, it’s worship that is feigned and half-hearted. Psalm 22:27-29, Phil. 2:9-11
22. During the kingdom age, the gospel is being preached all over the world, and many people are turning to Christ and being saved. Psalm 96:1-3, 98:1-3
23. The mighty and wonderful deeds of God are proclaimed to all the earth, and therefore, God and Christ are known and glorified like never before. Psalms 46:10, 98:1-3, 145:1-7; Hab. 2:14
24. Many peoples and nations come to Jerusalem, for they are hearing amazing things about Jesus Christ, the Lord of lords and King of kings. And they see Him, bless Him, bow to Him, learn from Him, and bring gifts to Him. Psalm 68:9, 72:15; Isaiah 49:11-13, 60:5-6; Micah 4:2-4

25. During the kingdom age, God’s will is carried out on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10
26. The earth is increasingly seeing and experiencing the glory of God during Christ’s 1000-year reign. Psalm 72:19, Isaiah 6:3, Habakkuk 2:14
27. There is no war during the millennial kingdom – there is peace on earth and good will toward men. Psalm 46:9-10, Isaiah 2:4, Luke 2:14
28. Even the wild animals are living together in peace. Isaiah 11:7, 65:24-25
29. God is greatly blessing the world agriculturally during this 1000-year period. There is an abundance of food for the people living on earth. Psalms 65:9-13,
7:6, 72:16, 85:12
30. Some people die during this kingdom age, but at a much older age than now. Isaiah 65:20

31. The inhabitants of Jerusalem, are shouting for joy, for Jesus Christ, the One who loves them and has blessed them more than anyone else, is in their midst. Ps. 100, Is. 12:6, Zeph. 3:17
32. The boundary lines for Israel are different than today, for they are those God promised to Abraham close to 4,000 years ago, from the Nile River to the Euphrates River. Genesis 15:18, Exodus 23:31
33. The twelve apostles, working in Jerusalem with Christ, are judging and ruling over the twelve tribes of Israel. Matthew 19:28, Luke 22:28-30
34. The Jewish people are the most respected, well-known, blessed people on the face of the earth. Isaiah 54, Isaiah 61:6-9
35. The Jewish people are most noticeably seen in Israel, for God planted them in their land, not to be uprooted again. They rebuild the cities, make gardens and eat its fruit, have sweet fellowship, and help Jesus rule over the promised land. Ezek. 37:15-28, Amos 9:13-15, Joel 3:18
36. The Lord of hosts has a lavish banquet for His people. Isaiah 25:6
37. Jewish priests offer gifts and carry out sacrifices in the temple. Ezekiel 45:13-25, 46:1-20
38. Those living in Jerusalem and those visiting there will see the love, splendor, majesty, strength, and beauty of the Lord Jesus. Psalm 48:9, 96:6-8 
39. Jerusalem, the city of the great King, is the greatest, most important, most holy, most blessed city in the world, the joy of the whole earth. Ps. 48:2, Is. 2:2-3, Zech. 14:9-11
40. What happens during the kingdom age is based on promises God made to His people a long time ago (Gen. 12:2-3, 15:18-21, 17:3-8). And God keeps all His promises.

This world is in a mess, for we live in an evil age, and it’s getting worse. And yes, this is our time to live for the Lord and be a light to the people around us, but the struggles with sin, the flesh, our enemies, and the devil make life very difficult. This is why we need to keep looking to Christ, and why we need hope, why we need to look forward to the end of this evil age and the rapture and reigning with Him during the millennial kingdom age, where there will be justice, joy, peace, and more love than you have ever experienced, and God and Christ getting glory like never before. “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

P.S. The naysayers are numerous – they say there’s no 1000-year kingdom age, that the church in many respects has replaced the Jewish people, but they are wrong. We must be convinced and excited about what God has planned for us, what will be taking place sooner than we think. That’s why I have written a number of articles about the truth of the millennial kingdom age. I would encourage you to read them all: “Replacement Theology: It’s Not True – Part 1”, “… Part 2″, “… Part 3″, “… Part 4″, “… Part 5″. In the near future, I will be writing an article, the purpose being to include many of the verses that I listed in this post. I want you to read them for yourself.

Working Hard for God in the End-Times

March 11, 2023 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #271 ~

We are living in the end-times and, therefore, are end-times’ workers for God. What a privilege, what an opportunity to work for God at this time in history, “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). The Bible is filled with examples of people doing God’s work. Noah built an ark; Abraham was the father of the Jews; Moses led the Jewish people out of Egypt; Ruth was the great-grandmother of David; David was a king; Nehemiah built a wall; Esther helped save the Jews; Mary was Jesus’ mother; Anna prayed; most importantly, Jesus died for our sins and rose from the dead; Paul wrote epistles; Paul’s nephew warned Paul about being killed, etc. What about you? What is the work God wants you to do?

“We are God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared beforehand that we would walk in them” (Eph. 2:10). It can’t get any clearer – God has work for you to do. It’s good work. It’s work God wants you to do. It’s work He planned out in eternity past. It’s work you can do – God is enabling you to do the work He wants you to do. “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who is at work in you to will and to work for His good pleasure” (Phil. 2:12-13). Be glad and excited that you can do God’s work, that which has spiritual significance, that which eternally affects people’s lives, that which is part of God’s plan to bring about Christ’s coming, and that which will be greatly rewarded.

How do you know what this work is? What are some of the principles and keys to knowing and fulfilling God’s purposes, the work He has planned out for you?
1. Seek the Lord. Ask Him to show you exactly what He wants you to do. “Teach me the way in which I should walk… Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God.” Psalm 143:8, 10
2. Be holy. To do God’s work, you must be a holy vessel. “If anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.” 2 Timothy 2:20-21
3. Be humble. Be willing to do whatever God wants you to do. “Here am I, send me!” Isaiah 6:8
4. Give yourself to God, body, mind, soul, and spirit. “Present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.” Romans 6:13, 12:1

5. Be in a good church and do your part. “… grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part…” Ephesians 4:15-16
6. Use your spiritual gifts. The Spirit gives you gifts, spiritual abilities, so you can do God’s work. “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God”. 1 Peter 4:10-11
7. Obey God’s commands, for they specifically tell you the work you are to do. For example – “Abhor what is evil, cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor,… contributing to the needs of saints, practicing hospitality…” Romans 12:9-21
8. Be sensitive to God’s leading, to the leading of the Holy Spirit. “All who are being led by the Spirit, these are sons of God.” Romans 8:14

9. Work hard. Be diligent. Don’t be lazy. Have a mind to work. “The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops.” 2 Tim. 2:6; Neh. 4:6; Prov. 6:6-11, 10:4
10. Persevere, do not grow weary or give up, for then you will accomplish God’s work. “As for you, be strong, and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” 2 Chron. 15:7, Galatians 6:9
11. Learn from godly examples, from Jesus, Noah, Jacob, Moses, Hezekiah, Paul, John, etc. “In everything that he (Hezekiah) undertook in the service of God’s temple and in obedience to the law and the commands, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered.” 2 Chronicles 31:21   
12. Work with others. Don’t be a loner. Be a team player. “Two are better than one, for they have a good return for their labor.” Eccl. 4:9, Colossians 4:7-17

13. Do not love the world, and do not worry about the little things of life. Be praying – “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matt. 6:10). Be seeking – “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33
14. Never retire from God’s work. At the right time, retire from your job, your place of employment, but keep working for God until the day He takes you home. “David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep.” Acts 13:36
15. Always work for the glory of God. It’s not about you but about God and His glory. “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31
16. Your work is “whatever you do.” Your work is spiritual, not secular or spiritual. It may be shopping, washing dishes, working at a job, reading the Bible, praying, sharing the gospel, having lunch with a friend, etc. “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord, rather than for men…” Colossians 3:23
17. God rewards your work, everything you do for Him. “I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done” (Rev. 22:12). “Each one will receive his own reward for his own labor.” 1 Corinthians 3:8

What a blessing that we can work for God! And God has special work for you to do at this time in history, work that is part of His grand and global plan leading to Christ’s return to rapture the church, judge the world, save a remnant of Jews, and establish His kingdom on earth. Let me conclude with my favorite verses on this subject: “Do business with this until I come” (Luke 19:13). “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7). “I have brought You glory on earth by completing the work You gave me to do” (John 17:4). Might you “finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus” has given you. Acts 20:24

P.S. Here at the end of this church age we are running the last leg of this marathon relay, and might we be running for God. Jesus is cheering you on, waiting for you at the finish line. Might He say to you, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matt. 25:21). Here are two more posts on working for God: “Do Business Until I Come Back”, and “Working for God While Waiting for Christ.”

There’s Hope for the World

March 4, 2023 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #270 ~

I was encouraged by a recent study in the Psalms that showed God working in the lives of Jewish believers. We learn that they had hope, they believed the Messiah was coming to rule and reign on this earth – and having this hope helped them live a godly life. God is now working in the lives of Christians, and we too are to have hope, to be looking forward to Jesus Christ, the Messiah, coming back to rapture the church and establish His kingdom on earth.

Let me look at these Psalms as it relates to hope:
Psalms 1-2 – There’s the juxtaposition of God working with individuals (Ps. 1) and God working with nations (Ps. 2). He blesses the righteous and punishes the unrighteous, both individuals and the entire world. And God gives us hope – “As for Me, I have installed My King on Zion, My holy mountain” (Ps. 2:6-8). In the near future, we will see the realization of our hope, for Jesus Christ will return to judge the wicked, and then reign over this world for 1,000 glorious years.

Psalm 9 – This is all about a rejoicing Psalmist and wicked nations. The Psalmist is thankful that God justly dealt with his own enemies, but he is also hopeful, for he knows that God will judge the nations, and then punish them by casting them into Sheol. “You have sat on the throne judging righteously… You have rebuked the nations, You have destroyed the wicked… You have blotted out their name forever and ever.” Psalm 9:1-6

Psalm 11 – David is being chased by the wicked, and so he takes refuge in the Lord, knowing he will be delivered by Him. But he also has hope and it’s our hope too, that our holy God will rain fire, brimstone, and burning wind upon a world of sinners, and that He will forever bless us. “The Lord is righteous, and He loves righteousness; the upright will behold His face.” Psalm 11:7

Psalm 22 – Jesus Christ endured humiliation, great affliction, terrible pain, and then died on a cross. He knew that was the only way He could save millions and millions of sinners, and take back the world from Satan. So Jesus had hope. “All the families of the nations will worship before You. The kingdom is the Lord’s and He rules over the nations.” Psalm 22:27-28

Psalm 33 – The Psalmist sings praises and gives thanks to God because His word is right and His work is being done. It was God’s work of creation, His work of watching over the world, His hope of God’s work with Israel (Ps. 33:11-12), and His work in his life and the lives of other believers. “The eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope for your lovingkindness… our heart rejoices in Him because we trust in His holy name.” Psalm 33:18-22

Psalm 37 – David knew that believers were not to be afraid of the enemy but were to trust in God and do good, for He would rescue them. They also needed to know that God will judge the wicked (Ps. 37:12-15) and bless the righteous, which is in the future – “The humble will inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant prosperity” (Ps 37:11). This is true for Christians too.

Psalm 46 – Whenever we have problems, whether big or small, we are not to be afraid but are to trust God and take refuge in Him. We can do this because God is loving, powerful, sovereign, and He is always with us. Soon enough, He will put an end to wars and earthquakes, and Christ will return to rapture the church, judge His enemies, and reign over the world – and this is our hope! “Cease striving and know that I am God, I will be exalted among the nations.” Psalm 46:10

Psalm 67 – “Let the peoples praise You, O God… God blesses us that all the ends of the earth may fear Him” (Ps. 67:5-7). This promise is for both the Jewish people and the church. God blessed the Jews in the past and is blessing the church in the present, and our hope is that Christ will be ruling the world in the future, during the millennial kingdom. Then all believers, both Jews and Gentiles, will be supremely blessed, resulting in all the ends of the earth fearing and praising God.

Psalm 86 – David, a godly man, is being persecuted and he cries out to God, and experiences His grace, goodness, love, and comfort, for which he is very thankful. But David, seeing the future, has hope, knows better days are ahead. He says, “All nations… shall come and worship before You, O Lord,” which we now know takes place during the millennial kingdom. Psalm 86:9, Isaiah 2:1-4

Psalm 102 – A sad and severely afflicted Psalmist is praying to God. The answer is hope, for God enables the Psalmist to get his eyes off himself and on His plans for the future, when He has mercy on Israel, when the Lord appears and builds up Zion. This occurs during the kingdom age, when “the peoples and kingdoms are gathered together to serve the Lord.” Psalm 102:18-22

Psalm 105 – The characters in this chapter are involved in God’s plan to fulfill His promise to Israel – “He confirmed it to Jacob for a statute, to Israel as an everlasting covenant, saying, ‘to you I will give the land of Canaan.’” (Ps. 105:10-11). Like the Israelites of old, God has given you your own part and place in history, and He has given you hope. In the ages to come, you will share in God’s promise to Israel. “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:3

Psalm 121 – The Psalmist is thinking about how God is keeping and protecting him. He’s also thinking about God’s greater purposes, His plans for Israel, and that God will keep and bless them in the future, which he knows includes himself. “The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever” (Ps. 121:8). This hope is for all believers. John 3:16, 1 Peter 1:3-5

Psalm 125 – God’s goodness and protection is upon individual believers, those who trust in the Lord, but it’s also upon Jerusalem, upon Mount Zion, “which cannot be moved but abides forever” (Ps. 125:1). The promises in this Psalm pertain to the city of God and the people of God and will be fulfilled in the kingdom age to come. “The Lord surrounds His people from this time forth and forever” Psalm 125:1-2

Psalm 131 – God was working in the life of a believer and in the nation of Israel. Just as a believer is to be humble and trust in the Lord, so too, the nation of Israel is to trust, is to hope in the Lord. “O Israel, hope in the Lord, from this time forth and forever” (Ps. 121:3). Hebrews 11:39-40 makes it clear that this hope for the future is for both Jewish believers and the church.

Psalm 138 – King David is thankful for God’s love, truth, and strength. But he knows life is not just about him, for the time will come when “all the kings of the earth will give thanks to You, O Lord (Psalm 138:4). God works in the lives of the lowly and the kings, and His purpose, and our hope is for all people to glorify Him forever. “Your lovingkindness is everlasting.” Psalm 138:8

Psalm 145 – David is committed to praising his gracious and loving Lord forever, but he also knows that all believers will be blessing His name forever. This is the kingdom work of God and is our hope and our future. “I will praise Your name forever and ever” (Ps. 145:2). “Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom” (Ps. 145:13). “All flesh will bless His name forever.” Psalm 145:21

Here are some take-aways from these Psalms:
* These Psalms talk about God’s work in individual lives, ones who were afflicted, persecuted, struggling, and fearful. But they cried out to God, trusted God, rejoiced, and were thankful. And we can all relate, for God is now at work in our lives, helping us to live wholeheartedly for Him.

* The people in these Psalms lived for God and had hope, and their hope helped them to live for Him. We too need hope if we are to live rightly and strongly for God – we need to look forward to Christ’s return to rapture the church, judge His enemies, and set up His kingdom on earth. 

* God’s work in these believers was related to His work in the world at large. The same is true for you – like a puzzle piece, you are an important part of the big picture. God’s present-day work in you is part of His comprehensive plan to bring about Christ’s return. Be glad that you are part of God’s plan to send Christ to rapture the church and then reign over the world.

* We looked at all these Psalms that talked about hope, but you need to realize that there are many more passages, hundreds of verses in the Old and New Testaments that describe our hope, that clearly tell us our future.

* While the believers in these Psalms lived over 2500 years ago and had hope, we live in the end-times and we also have hope, knowing that it won’t be that long – 10, 20, 30, 40, or 50 years??!! – before our hopes are realized, before we see Jesus Christ coming back to take us to Himself and to heaven.

So how should you live? Love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength (Mark 12:30). Have faith in God (Luke 18:8). Pray for the coming of Christ and His kingdom (Matt. 6:10). Seek first the kingdom of God. (Matt. 6:33). Be involved in a church that is making disciples (Matt. 28:19-20). Be filled with hope. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Spirit.” Romans 15:13

P.S. This past Sunday our church was greatly blessed and sobered to hear Bob Hunt from Zion’s Hope speak about “The Collapse of a Nation.” Bob’s text was Isaiah 9-10, and these passages along with many examples from the United States of America, make it very clear that this country is in severe moral decline, is in grave danger. I strongly encourage you to listen to this message.

the machine-enhanced body or THE GOD-GLORIFIED BODY

February 18, 2023 /

~ A Saturday Morning Post #269 ~

By Steven J. Hogan

In the last 20 years or so, scientists have been trying to develop a machine-enhanced body. I’m talking about transhumanism, the use of nanotechnology, genetic engineering, artificial intelligence, etc. to augment a person’s physical and mental capabilities. Many scientists, humanists, and philosophers believe that improving people in this way is the answer to many of their problems. While I’m not dismissing some of these developments, I must say that I’m extremely concerned about the overall direction of transhumanism.

You see, unbelievers involved in this technology have turned away from God, have rejected His creation of man, and have little to no understanding of the human soul. Their definition of life is terribly messed up and eternally flawed. It seems these people are trying to postpone death by creating a new man in their own image, their own superman or, might I say, their own god.

They fail to see that a person’s real problem is his sin, resulting in physical and spiritual death. And the answer is not found in enhancing the physical and mental capabilities of a person. Sin is a problem of the soul, and no person can solve that problem. Only God can, and He already did, and it was through Jesus Christ’s death on the cross and resurrection from the dead. Those who repent of their sins and believe that Christ paid for their sins and rose again are saved, are given eternal life. This salvation, this eternal life, means they received a new spirit, and will receive a new body. (Rom. 8:30). And believers won’t have this new body until Jesus Christ returns to earth at the end of this age. 1 Corinthians 15:23

These last three posts have been all about a believer’s new body. But why is it so important that you know about this glorious body that God will be giving you?
1. Because God wants you to know all about it – it’s in His word, and it’s a huge subject.
2. Because your salvation is only complete when you receive your brand-new body. Phil. 1:6
3. Because there’s confusion about why, when, where, and how you receive your new body.
4. Because people are fixated on their weak, decaying human bodies, and God wants to make sure you know what He says about the powerful and immortal body that He will be giving you.

5. Because your temporal, earthly body is growing old and wearing out, and you need hope, you need to look forward to the eternal, heavenly body that you will be getting from God. Rev. 21:4
6. Because it won’t be long before you receive your new body. Christ is returning soon, and it’s at His coming that you will be given your perfect, Christ-like body. 1 Corinthians 15:23, 42-44
7. Because God wants you to know that He has a wonderful, glorious future for you, and your new body is absolutely necessary if you’re to eternally worship and serve Him in the way that He has planned out for you. Revelation 1:6, 5:10, 20:6

8. Because you can be too occupied with your own body, specifically as that relates to food, health, exercise, and clothes. Spending some time on these things is necessary, but too much time is a selfish and fruitless endeavor. “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matt. 6:25-33). “Bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and the life to come” (1 Tim. 4:8). “Do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God” (Rom. 6:13). God has given you a body so that you can now use it for His eternal purposes and glory, and then you will be forever blessed and glorified.

God gives us a great number of verses on your new glorified body, and here are most of them:
* Job 19:25-27 – “I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see Him with my own eyes – I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me.”
* Luke 20:34-36 – “Jesus said to them, ‘The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage, but those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage; for they cannot even die anymore, because they are like angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.’”
* John 5:21 – “Just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son also gives life to whom He wishes.”
* John 11:25-26 – “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die.”
* Romans 8:19 – “The anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God… we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoptions as sons, the redemption of our body.”

* Romans 8:29 – “Those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren.”
* Romans 8:30 – “These whom He predestined, He also called, and these whom He called, He also justified, and these whom He justified, He also glorified.”
* 1 Corinthians 1:30-31 – “By His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that just as it is written, ‘Let Him who boasts, boast in the Lord.’”
* 1 Corinthians 15:20-22 – “Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.”
* 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 – “So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown a perishable body, it is raised an imperishable body; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.”

* 1 Corinthians 15:50-53 – “Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed… for the trumpet will sound and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For this perishable must on the imperishable and this mortal must put on immortality.”
* 2 Corinthians 5:1 – “If the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For indeed in this house we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven… while we are in this tent we groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed but to be clothed, so that what is mortal will be swallowed up by life.”
– Ephesians 1:14 – “You were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession.”
* Philippians 1:10 – “I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”

* Philippians 3:10 – “… that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection… in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.”
* Philippians 3:20-21 – “Our citizenship is in heaven from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.”
* 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 – “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 5:23 – “May the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.”

* 2 Thessalonians 2:10 – “… when He (Lord Jesus) comes to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed.”
* 1 John 3:2 – “Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.”
* Revelation 7:9-10 – “Behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robles, 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.’”

P.S. What’s the extent of your salvation? It’s being justified, it’s being sanctified during this life, and then being glorified at Christ’s coming. I hope you are excited about all that God has in store for you. If you haven’t done it already, I encourage you to read the two previous posts: “Your New Body – Immortal, Powerful, Glorious, and Spiritual”, and “Absent from the Body and At Home with the Lord.”

Your New Body – Immortal, Powerful, Glorious, and Spiritual

February 4, 2023 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #268 ~

Why is it so important to know about your brand-new glorified body? Because it’s really good news!!! Because you live in a body that’s sin-prone, that gets sick, tired, and is getting old, and you need hope of a brand new body. Because we live in a world that is fixated on our mortal body, and God wants you to be thinking about the immortal body He will be giving you. Because your salvation is not complete until you receive your new body. Because there’s so much in the Bible on this subject. And because it won’t be long before it happens.

Today, we are looking at 1 Corinthians 15, gleaning several truths from it about your glorified body. To summarize: 1) We are reminded of the primacy of the gospel message, and that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead, the first person to receive a glorified body. 2) We learn that all believers, those who have already died and those alive at the coming of Christ, will be given a new body at that time. 3) We get a glimpse of our Christ-like body, that it is imperishable, glorious, powerful, and spiritual. 4) We learn that we need a perfect body that is fit for the future, that can fully worship and serve the Lord in the coming ages. 5) We are instructed how we are to live on this earth in view of the glorious future God has in store for us.

1) 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 states the essential truth of the gospel, that Jesus Christ died to pay for our sins, and was raised from the dead, proving His victory over sin and death. 1 Cor. 15:20 tells us that Christ is the first fruits, the first person to be raised from the dead and glorified, to be given an immortal and imperishable body. This took place about 2000 years ago.

2) 1 Corinthians 15:22-23 teaches that all believers are Christs and are in Christ, and will be made alive, will be glorified at His coming. That the resurrection and glorification of believers takes place at His coming is an extremely important point, shown by the fact that three other prophecy passages, Matt. 24:27-31, 1 Thess. 4:15-17, and 2 Thess. 2:1, tell us that believers are gathered to Christ at His coming, which again, is when we will be given our new glorified bodies. 

1 Corinthians 15:22-23 speaks of believers who are asleep, those who have already died and gone to heaven. God wants you to know that believers who die before Christ’s coming will not be getting their new body until that time. And Christ’s coming does not begin until sometime after the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week, and after the coming of the Antichrist. Daniel 9:27, Matthew 24:15, 29-31

1 Corinthians 15:51 talks about those believers who never physically die, who don’t fall asleep, who are alive on earth at the coming of Christ. It says, “we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed.” As 1 Cor. 15:22 told us, “All will be made alive.” All believers from all time, those living on earth at the end of this age, along with all those who have physically died and gone to heaven, will be glorified, will be made alive, will be changed at Christ’s coming, which occurs just after the “last trumpet.” 1 Corinthians 15:52

That there will be the sound of a trumpet before we are glorified is also stated in 1 Thess. 4:16 which calls it the “trumpet of God” and in Matt. 24:31 which says it is the “great trumpet.” At that time Christ descends from heaven, and “coming in clouds with great power and glory”, He quickly glorifies the believers, lovingly and immediately gathering them to Himself “from the four winds, from the farthest end of the earth to the farthest end of heaven.” Mark 13:26-27

There’s another point I want to mention as to when believers are glorified. 1 Thess. 4:15-16 states, “we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will not precede those who have fallen asleep… the dead in Christ will rise first.” Do you see what will happen? The believers who have physically died, those “who have fallen asleep”, the “dead in Christ”, will be glorified a split second before the believers who are still alive on earth at the end of this age, at Christ’s coming. Then together they will all “meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.” 1 Thess. 4:17

3) 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 gives a short summary of what our new bodies will be like. a) Our earthly body is perishable, but it will be raised imperishable. It will never get tired or old, and will not be subject to disease, decay, or death. It is immortal and incorruptible, living on forever. b) Now you live in a dishonorable body, but you will receive a glorious body. Our present body is imperfect, unable to be all that God desires. In the future, you will have a glorified mind, soul, body, and personality, one that will be ideal, excellent, faultless, impeccable, beautiful, out-of-this-world, altogether perfect, and always pleasing to God. c) You live in a body that is weak in every way, but it will be raised in power. The strength of our present-day superheroes, Superman, Ironman, and Captain America, etc., is nothing compared to the power and capabilities of your new body. Soon enough you will be able to do everything God wants you to do. d) Now you have a natural body, one able only to live on this earth, but in the near future, you will receive a body that is both spiritual and physical in nature, one perfectly suited to worship and serve God in heaven and on earth. The Lord Jesus Christ “will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory.” Philippians 3:21

4) 1 Corinthians 15:24-28 speaks of the coming kingdom ages, and this helps us see why we need to be glorified. We know that all believers will be glorified, will be made alive at Christ’s coming (1 Cor. 15:22-23). Then begins the millennial kingdom, which is when Jesus Christ reigns on earth and abolishes all rule and authority, and death too. Rev. 2:26-27, 5:10, 20:6 tells us that we will reign with Christ during this 1000-year period, assisting Him in His promised and glorious rule over the nations (Psalms 47, 67, 72). This is when our prayer, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven,” will be answered. Having a brand-new body will enable us to fully experience eternal life and to perfectly live for Jesus Christ during the ages to come.

5) 1 Corinthians 15:3-5, 10, 31-34, 42-44, 57-58 instructs you how you are to live in the end-times, in these last years leading up to Christ’s coming. You are to remember the truth of the gospel (3-5), live by God’s grace (10), die daily (31), not live in a worldly way (32), not be deceived and associate with bad people (33), be sober minded and stop sinning (34), have hope by understanding the truth about your Christ-like body (42-44), be thankful for the amazing victory Christ has given you (57), and “be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (58).

The good news is that we will soon be in heaven with our Lord and all the believers and in a new glorified body. “Sing the wondrous love of Jesus, Sing His mercy and His grace; In the mansions bright and blessed He’ll prepare for us a place. When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be! When we all see Jesus, we’ll sing and shout the victory.” Eliza E. Hewitt, Emily Wilson

P.S. No believers are fully saved – that won’t happen until Christ comes back and He gives us our new glorified bodies. This is something we should really be excited about. Here are two posts on this subject that I encourage you to read: “The Best Is Yet to Come”, and “The Believer’s Brand-New Body – Amen!”

Absent From the Body and At Home with the Lord

January 24, 2023 /

By Steve Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #267 ~

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Subject Index for this Prophecy Blogsite

January 14, 2023 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #266 ~

This elongated post is different than all the others for it’s a site directory, an alphabetized list of 25 subjects, followed by the titles of most of the posts I’ve written on each one. There are three reasons for this post:
1. If you are new to this blog site, you may be somewhat overwhelmed by all the different blog posts. Looking at the different subjects should make it easier to decide where you want to start reading.
2. This post is designed to help those interested in studying out one particular prophecy subject, whether that it’s in the present or the future.
3. To help you grow in your personal life as a Christian. Under “Living for God in the End-Times” you will find a number of posts specifically written to help you be living a godly life in these final years leading up to Christ’s Coming.

Under the “Archives” tab, you will find another subject index, and this too will be helpful in your study of end-times’ prophecy. May the Lord continue to teach you truths from His word on this most important subject. Then you will be a better watchmen, and more equipped to pass these timely truths on to others. “Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of his household to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes.” Matthew 24:45-46

Antichrist: (42) “The Antichrist is Coming Soon, and It’s Before the Coming of Christ”, (45) “From Many Religions to the Antichrist and One-World Religion”, (78) “That Evil Antichrist and His Short Rule on Earth” , (79) “Reasons for the Rise and Rule of the Antichrist” , (80) “The Mark of the Beast” , (121) “Antichrist Revealed and Then the Rapture” , (122) “The Antichrist Tries to Take Christ’s Place” , (123) “Presidents, Prime Ministers… Antichrist and Jesus Christ”, (193) “Questions and Answers About the Antichrist”

Bible Prophecy Passages: (175) “Psalm 2”, (179) “Psalm 11”, (134) “Psalm 47”, (148) “Micah”, (10) “Matthew 24”, (62) “Matthew 24”, (144) “Luke 21”, (197) “Romans 8:17-39”, (181) “Romans 11”, (235) “Ephesians 1”, (237) “Philippians”, (104) “Colossians 3:3-4”, (188) “1 Thess.”, (118) “1 Thess. 4:13-18”, (119) “1 Thess. 5:1-11“, (120) “2 Thess. 1”, (121) “2 Thess. 2:1-4”, (122) “2 Thess. 2:3-7“, (152) “Hebrews 11”, (147) “1 Peter 1:3-13”, (145) “Revelation 2-3”, (11) “Revelation 6”, (84) “Revelation 12”

Big Picture: (23) “The Divine Time-Table – Daniel’s 70 Weeks”, (38) “World History and International Studies”, (49) “First Coming to Church Age to Second Coming”, (66) “The Big Picture – The Present Age and the Age to Come”, (140) “From Earth to Heaven and Back Again”, (232) “Four Ages and Four Earths”, (235) “Ephesians 1 – A Big Picture Prophecy Passage”

Christmas and Prophecy: (49) “First Coming to Second Coming to Church Age”, (99) “The Christmas Story and Christ’s Second Coming”, (149) “Christmas Is More than Baby Jesus”, (201) “The True Meaning of Christmas”, (233) “It’s Not Just About Baby Jesus”, (264) “When I Think of Christmas…”

Church: (25) “Why the Jews Are Important for You and the Church”, (41) “The Gospel Will Be Preached to All the Nations – Then Christ Will Return”, (107) “Christ and the Church in the End-Times”, (128) “The World, the Church, and the King”, (143) “Why Don’t Churches Teach on Prophecy?”, (145) “End-Times’ Instructions for the Church”

Coming of Christ: (1) “Christ is Coming Again and He’s Coming Soon”, (46) “The Coming of Christ and the Triumph of the Church”, (69) “When is Christ Coming Back?”, (75) “What Will Happen When Christ Comes Back?”, (77) “Why Is Jesus Christ Coming Back?”, (85) “Christ is Coming for Both the Christians and the Jews”, (89) “Christ the King is Coming”, (174) “Christ is Coming Again, and Soon”, (192) “Questions and Answers About Christ’s Second Coming”, (200) “Is Jesus Christ Coming Again?”, (212) “Christ is Coming Back to Earth, and Soon”, (251) “Christ’s Coming – What You Need to Know”

Day of the Lord: (15) “The Day of the Lord and the Wrath of God on Earth”, (120) “Relief or Retribution – 2 Thess. 1”, (216) “Eating, Drinking, Being Merry – And Suddenly, Shockingly…”, (214) “Rescued from the Punishing Day of the Lord”, (215) “They Are Scared to Death”, (217) “The Fierce and Deadly Day of the Lord”, (254) “The Day of the Lord – God’s Righteous Wrath”, (255) “The Day of the Lord – the Destructive, Deadly Wrath of God”

End-Times: (12) “How Then Should We Live in the End-Times?”, (27) “How Do We Know We Live in the End-Times?”, (73)“Truths You Need to Know About the End-Times”, (125) “The Order of End-Time Events”, (126) “Earthquakes and the End-Times”, (145) “Revelation 2-3: End-Time Instructions for the Church”, (206) “Sinners and Saints in the End-Times”, (242) “The World Is Having Birth Pains”, (256) “Holy, Wholly Living in the End-Times”, (263) “Filling in the End-Times” Outline”

Glory of God: (29) “The Glory of God – The Most Important Thing of All”, (30) “More on the Glory of God, the Most Important Thing of All”, (134) “Worshiping the KING – The Greatest Celebration Ever”, (184) “Jews and Gentiles Unitedly Glorifying God”

Gospel of Jesus Christ: (28) “The Most Important Thing for You”, (41) “The Gospel Will Be Preached to All the Nations – Then Christ Will Return”, (94) “The Gospel of the Kingdom of God”, (114) “How to Defeat Death and Live Forever”, (241) “Death and Life in the End-Times”, (244) “The Answer to Death is Christ’s Resurrection”

Hope: (87) “In a Wicked World You Need Hope”, (112) “You Need Hope to Get Through Life”, (113) “Your Great Hope and Most Glorious Future”, (115) “Hope: The Who, What, When, How, and Why”, (116) “The Best Is Yet to Come”, (117) “Converging Hopes for Jewish and Gentile Believers”, (176) “When Life Is Hard, You Need Hope”, (177) “Important Lessons on the Hope God Has for You!”, (178) “Your Hope, Your Future, Your Reward”, (207) “The Believer’s Brand-New Body – Amen!”, (238) “Hope – Embedded in God’s Word, and in Your Heart”, (253) “Being in Heaven with Jesus and All the Believers”

Jewish People: (17) “The Suspension of God’s Plans for the Jews”, (19) “A Short Summary of God’s Work With the Jews”, (21) “Unfinished Business”, (22) “A Jewish Reading Lesson”, (25) “Why the Jews Are Important For You and the Church”, (37) “The Most Important Country in the World and It’s Not the United States”, (40) “The Persecution of the Jews from Pharaoh to the Antichrist”, (44) “God’s Plans for the Jews from Now to the Coming of Christ”, (83) “The Jews – Their Past, Present, and Glorious Future”, (85) “Christ is Coming for Both the Church and the Jews”, (183) “The New Testament  Tells Us God’s Plans for the Jews”, (260) “God’s Plans for the Jewish People Have NOT Been Cancelled”, (261)“God Keeps His Plans for the Jewish People”

Kingdom of God: (91) “The Kingdom of God”, (92) “The King in Your Heart and His Kingdom on Earth”, (93) “Kingdom Instructions for the Church”, (94) “The Gospel of the Kingdom of God”, (95) “God’s Kingdom Work”, (96) “The Present Church Age and the Future Kingdom Age”, (132) “Christ’s Kingdom is Coming”, (185) “The Coming Kingdom Age, 1000 Years of Glory”, (186) “Clear and Compelling Evidence for the Coming Kingdom”, (191) “A New Earth for the Coming Kingdom”, (195) “Questions and Answers About the Coming Kingdom”, (257) “What We Need In This World Is the King”

Living for God in the End-Times: (47) “God Will Keep You Strong to the End”, (54) Your Journey to the End – A Straight Road to Glory”, (67) “An Overview of Your Christian Life”, (71) “Journeying to the End to Be With Jesus”, (81) “Promises From a Loving Father to His Children”, (100) “Loving the Lord and Longing to See Him”, (104) “Your Entire Christian Life”, (108) “Christ-like Character God Wants You to Have”, (129) “The Right Way to Think About Your Life”, (142) “God Is in Charge of Your Life”, (150) “Loving God Today, Tomorrow, and Forever”, (169) “Being Spiritually and Emotionally Strong”, (187) “What Keeps Me Going to the End?”, (203) “Keys to Living for the Lord”, (210) “When Christ Comes, Will He Find Faith on the Earth?”, (228) “How To Keep Going for God?”, (250) “Singing – A Key to Sound Christian Living”, (256) “Holy, Wholly Living in the End-Times”

Millennial Kingdom: (96) “The Present Church Age and the Future Kingdom Age”, (130) “Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done”, (135) “A People-Blessing, God-Glorifying Kingdom”, (185) “The Coming Kingdom Age, 1000 Years of Glory”, (191) “A New Earth for the Kingdom Age”, (195) “Questions and Answers About the Coming Kingdom Age”

Persecution and Tribulation: (48) “The Persecution of the Church Before the Coming of Christ”, (57) “Christians Go Through Tribulation”, (58) “Christians Will Go Through Great Tribulation”, (120) “Relief or Retribution”, (138) “The Glory of Suffering for Jesus”, (139) “Suffering for Jesus in the End-Times”

Rapture: (5) “The Rapture of the Church at the Second Coming of Christ”, (6) “The Rapture, A Love Story”, (55) “The Timing of the Rapture”, (56) “The Rapture Occurs at the Coming of Christ”, (64) “The Immediate and Incredible Results of the Rapture”, (76) “When Does the Rapture Take Place?”, (103) “The Pre-Wrath Rapture of the Church”, (154) “What Happens When Christians are Raptured?”, (155) “Why the Rapture Is Not Imminent”, (156) “The Rapture Won’t Happen Until…”

Resurrection: (13) “The Resurrection and the Rapture of the Believers”, (61) “Christ’s Resurrection Means the Best is Yet to Come”, (118) “The Resurrection and the Rapture – 1 Thess. 4:13-18”, (211) “The Resurrection: Death to Life in Spirit – and Body”, (244) “The Answer to Death is Christ’s Resurrection”

Revelation: (11) “The Seals of Revelation 6 – The Storm Before the Son”, (80) “The Mark of the Beast”, (84) “Revelation 12 – The Jews, the Devil, and Our Victorious God”, (97) “Revelation, the Bridge from This Age to the Next Age”

Rewards: (219) “God Really Wants to Reward You”, (220) “Earthly Work that Results in Heavenly Rewards”, (221) “Your Reward is the Lord”, (222) “The Truth About Rewards, the Heavenly Prize”, (223) “Winning the Gold for the Glory of God”

Sin Is the Problem: (111) “A Sin-Wrecked World and the Coming of Christ”, (173) “Murder, Looting, and Anarchy – It’s Sin”, (206) “Sinners and Saints in the End-Times”, (209) “The Worst Lies and the Most Important Truth”, (229) “What’s Wrong with the United States?” (230) “What’s Wrong with This World?”, (249) “How Can We Live in This Sinful World?”

Special End-Time Subjects: (9) “Deception or Discernment”, (24) “Daniel’s 70th Week”, (74) “Immigration: As It Is, They Desire a Better Country”, (109) “For Pastors and Preachers in the End-Times”, (126) “Earthquakes and the End-Times”, (136) “JC Ryle’s Prophetic Creed”, (157) “The Coronavirus, Plagues, and the End-Times”, (160) “The Coronavirus – Fear and Panic, or Faith and Peace”, (209) “The Worst Lies and the Most Important Truth”, (213) “Holy Communion – From Christ’s Cross to Christ’s Crown”, (215) “They Are Scared to Death”, (236) “Marv Rosenthal – A Servant of God”, (239) “Russia at War Against Ukraine”, (247) “Baby Formula Shortage, Food Scarcity, Famine, and Thanksgiving”, (252) “My Top Thirty Charts Help You See the Future”, (259) “For Pastors, Preachers, and Teachers”

United States: (37) “The Most Important Country in the World and It’s Not the United States”, (39) “The Downfall of the United States Before the Return of Christ”, (72) “The United States, North Korea, and Peace on Earth”, (170) “The Pandemic, the U.S. Decline, and the End-Times”, (171) “Don’t Get Mad at the Government – Trust God”, (205) “A Troubled Country”, (229) “What’s Wrong With the United States?”

When Is Christ Coming Back?: (16) “Does Anybody Know What Time It Is?”, (27) “How Do We Know We Live in the End-Times?”, (36) “The World Is Now in Labor – This Means Christ Is Coming Soon”, (55) “The Timing of the Rapture”, (56) “The Rapture Occurs at the Coming of Christ”, (68) “Reflections on the Timing of Christ’s Return”, (69) “When Is Christ Coming Back?”, (70) “What Needs to Happen Before Christ’s Return?”, (76) “When Does the Rapture Take Place?”, (125) “The Order of End-Time Events”, (151) “Forecasting the Future of the World”, (153) “When Is Christ Returning to Rapture the Church?”, (155) “Why the Rapture Is Not Imminent”, (156) “The Rapture Won’t Happen Until…”, (159) “Step By Step Till We See Jesus”, (198) “The Reason We Know Christ Is Coming Soon”, (212) “Christ Is Coming Back to Earth, and Soon”

Working for God in the End-Times: (12) “How Then Should We Live in the End-Times?”, (18) “Do Business Until I Come”, (98) “Make Ready the Way of the Lord”, (158) “Being a Watchman for the Church in the End-Times”, (227) “Working for God While Waiting for Christ”

P.S. I am very, very thankful that God told us ahead of time all that He wants to know about the end-times, the return of Christ, and the ages to come. Be a good student and learn all that God wants you to know – and then you will be more excited about the future God has for you, and more excited about telling others.

God’s Plans for 2023

January 1, 2023 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #265 ~

What will God do in 2023? He will carry out His plans for you and every person, family, church, and country in the world. He knows exactly what He’s going to do, and it relates directly to His word, and to His will, what He decreed in eternity past. “My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish all my good pleasure” (Is. 46:10). That God will do what He has planned to do is so important and extremely encouraging. We can’t trust people, but we can trust God. More than you realize, God will fulfill His plans for you, the church, Israel, and the entire world. “The Lord nullifies the counsel of the nations… the counsel of the Lord stands forever.” Psalm 33:10-11

What God does this year must be seen in view of the fact that we live in the end-times. The two-minute warning has already been given. All that God does, every single thing that happens, somehow relates to the end of this age and the coming of Christ. God is continually and carefully putting each piece of His global end-times’ puzzle into place, and soon enough we “will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” Luke 21:27

I am going to tell you what God will be doing in 2023, and I’m not saying I had a special vision from God, I’m not sharing something “new” that no one else knows. I’m only passing on to you what God has specifically told us in His word, or that which is a necessary prerequisite to the fulfillment of His prophetic word. Here are some of God’s plans with regards to four areas, the unsaved, the saved, the church, and the world.

The unsaved, the sinners, the unbelievers
* In eternity past, God chose who would get saved, who would become His children. This year many unbelievers, because of their repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, will be born again and become members of God’s family. John 3:1-21, Eph. 1:4-7
* Most unbelievers will continue in sin and continue to harden their hearts against God. But God is sovereign, allowing them to sin only in the way that He wants, only in a way that is part of His end-times’ plan for planet earth, and only that which results in Him being glorified. Romans 9:17 
* Sinners will be used by God to help fulfill His work on this earth. For example, they will play a key role in God’s spiritual training of the saved, for the saved will learn to love and trust God, to share His truth, and to be forgiving, patient, persevering, and hoping. Gen. 50:20, Rom. 8:28
* Some of the unsaved who remain unsaved will physically die this year and be immediately taken from this earth. They will go straight to hell, a place of indescribable pain and the blackest darkness. Matt. 25:30,41,46; Luke 16:24

The saved, the believers, the Christians
* God will be raising up worshipers and workers. Psalm 145, Matt 9:36-38
* Believers are God’s workmanship. He will daily and faithfully work in their lives, teaching and enabling them to love Him, be fruitful, and be God-glorifying. Psalm 115:1, Eph. 2:10
* God will help believers grow in faith, love, hope, holiness, and wisdom. 1 Thess. 5:8-22 
* God will teach Christians to walk with the Spirit, be filled with the Spirit, be led by the Spirit, and have fellowship with the Spirit. Gal. 5:16, Eph. 5:18, Rom. 8:17, 2 Cor. 13:14
* God will be teaching individual Christians truths from His word. John 8:32, 16:13, 17:17
* God will train Christians to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, and He will open many doors for the gospel. Matt. 5:13-16, Col. 4:3
* God will ordain specific trials for believers, to discipline them, teach them His word, and provide opportunities for the gospel. Deut. 8, Ps. 119:71, Phil. 1:12-14
* God will sovereignly allow millions of believers around the world to be persecuted, and it’s all according to His plan and for His purposes and glory. 1 Peter 2:20-22, 3:14, 4:12-19, 5:10
* God will take many of His children home to heaven. Psalm 116:15, Phil. 1:21

The church, the body of Jesus Christ
* Jesus Christ will build His church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. Matt. 16:18
* Christ will raise up leaders for His churches, ones who shepherd the believers and teach them His word. Eph. 4:12-13, 2 Tim. 4:1-4, 1 Peter 5:2
* Christ will be working in His churches, teaching them to be holy, united, and loving. Eph. 4:1-24
* Christ will give His churches grace and peace, and enable them to go on in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Spirit. Acts 9:31, Ephesians 1:2
* Christ has ordained that some of His churches be greatly persecuted. 1 Peter 4:12-19
* Christ will enable churches around the world to be preaching the gospel and making disciples, resulting in the growth of the church. Matthew 16:18, 24:14, 28:19-20
* The entire church, the spiritual dwelling of God, will continue to be fitted and built together by Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22
* Christ will be protecting individual believers and His churches from the enemy. 2 Timothy 4:18
* By Dec. 31, 2023, we will be one year closer to the end of the age and to that time when the church is raptured from this earth and taken to Christ. Matt. 24:31, 1 Thess. 4:17

The world
* We will continue to hear about birth pains in various parts of the world – and some will experience them, these wars, earthquakes, plagues, famines, and economic distress. And many will die because of them. Matt. 24:4-8, 28; Luke 21:9-11; Rev. 6:1-8
* Lawlessness will continue to increase in countries all over the world. Matt. 24:12, 2 Tim. 3:13
* There will continue to be a reshaping, realigning, and repositioning of nations. The United States, because of all her sin, is now being judged by God and therefore, will keep declining in power. This will eventually lead to an Antichrist-led empire that will rule the entire world. Dan. 7:23-27, Rev. 13:1-8, Rev. 17:11-13
* There will be continued and increasing persecution against both Jews and Christians. But God will enable the Christians to endure, to persevere. Matt. 24:9-28, Mark 13:9-13 
* God, “with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on earth”, will continue to work “all things after the counsel of His will to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory.” Eph. 1:9-11, Romans 8:28-30. Notice that it says, “all things”, which means God is sovereignly working through all events, people, animals, things, leaders, and countries to the end that Christ will be glorified in the entire world. Isaiah 46:9-11

God, because He is holy, faithful, loving, powerful, and sovereign, will be fulfilling His word and His will this coming year. He will be carrying out His above stated plans in the lives of believers, unbelievers, the church, and the world around us, all leading to Christ’s return to rapture the church, judge the world, save a remnant of Jews, and begin His glorious reign on earth. I pray that you are excited about seeing God’s work in 2023, and that you keep working for Him, keep watching what’s He’s doing in the world, and keep waiting “for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.” 1 Thess. 1:10, Mark 13:34

P.S. As we start a brand new year, here are a few other posts to read that talk about the future: “Prophecy is Predicting the Future”, “Bible Prophecy Enables Us to See the Future”, and “Forecasting the Future of the World.” Have a most blessed and God-glorifying year.

When I Think of Christmas…

December 20, 2022 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #264 ~

I think of Jesus Christ when I think of Christmas, not the worldly, materialistic, and made-up one. And Christmas is not just about baby Jesus – there is so much more…

I think of Christmas being about Jesus Christ, not food, family, presents, vacations, and secular songs. That “the Word became flesh” means that Jesus is the Son of God and the Son of man, an amazing, wonderful, most important miracle. John 1:14

I think of a world that does not know Jesus, and does not understand the spiritual truth and relevance, the real meaning of Christmas, but instead uses this special season for physical and commercial purposes, for the fleshly desires of man instead of for the glory of God. 1 Cor. 10:31

I think of how Jesus was like each of us, a little baby, 7 or 8 pounds or so, with arms and legs and fingers and toes – and He was dependent on His mother and father, but much more so, on His heavenly Father. Psalm 22:9-10, Luke 2:7

I think of Jesus, and He was not like us, for He was God in the flesh. And not having a sin nature, He never sinned. As the “Holy One”, He was perfect in all He thought, said, or did. Mark 1:24

I think of Jesus existing in the “form of God” since eternity past, but on Christmas He “became flesh”, was “made in the likeness of men”, an incredible miracle we call the incarnation. And that was just the beginning, for Jesus humbled Himself and became a “bond-servant”, a slave, and in fact, the lowest of men, for He died in the worst way, as a criminal and on a cross. But it was for a reason, to save man from his sins and from eternal death, with the result that Jesus was “highly exalted” and His Father was greatly glorified. Philippians 2:5-11

I think of how Jesus was born to live with man, One we call Immanuel, “God with us”. He went from being a baby to a toddler to a young boy to a teenager to a young man to a man. For three years, Jesus ministered to people, He “dwelt among us, and we saw His glory”. Then He died for us, rose again, and ascended into heaven to be with His Father. It won’t be long before Jesus comes back to earth, and then we will see Him and be with Him forever. Hallelujah! Matt. 1:23, John 1:14, John 14:1-3

I think of God’s character being clearly displayed at Jesus’ birth and during His first coming – His love, power, holiness, goodness, wisdom, sovereignty, etc. Therefore, God was glorified and worshiped! Luke 2:9, 14, 20, 32

I think of Jesus becoming a baby, becoming human flesh, and how it shows the great and marvelous love of God for each one of us. “For God so loved the world, that He gave us His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16

I think of Jewish people in those days looking for a King, and they were correct in their understanding of Jesus being a King, and were excited about the prospect of Jesus being their King (Luke 19:38). But most did not recognize Jesus as their Savior, as the only One who could take away their sins. “You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

I think of Satan’s strong and continued opposition to Jesus’ birth, summarized in Rev. 12:1-5. Six different evil empires over the course of 2,000 years tried to wipe out Israel, but they were all unsuccessful. God’s plans for the birth of Jesus were never thwarted, for Israel “was with child, and she cried out, being in labor and in pain to give birth… but she gave birth to a son, a male child.” Psalm 33:10-12

I think of those God chose to be involved in Jesus’ birth and early years on earth. There were the angels, Zechariah, Elizabeth, Joseph, Mary, the shepherds, Simeon and Anna, and the Magi, and many others we don’t even know about. All were blessed to be part of the most important birth on earth – but consider this, that those of us alive at this time are also blessed, for we are God’s chosen servants in these last years leading up to Christ’s 2nd coming. Mark 13:34, John 15:16

I think of Christmas being about baby Jesus, but more than that, it led to His ministry years on earth, to His death, resurrection, and ascension, to shepherding the church – and at this time, to His return to rapture the church, judge the wicked, reign over the restored earth during the millennial kingdom, and over the new heavens and earth with His Father in the eternal kingdom. 1 Corinthians 15:20-28, Matt. 19:28

I think how we are much, much closer to Christ’s 2nd coming than His 1st coming. But keep both in mind, remembering that Christ’s work to save souls at His 1st coming will result in their salvation being completed at His 2nd coming, at which time God will give all believers glorified bodies. Jesus was born to die, but was raised again to redeem sinful man, and “when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.” 1 John 3:2; 1 Corinthians 15:20-23, 40-42

I think how God had all the details of His Son’s birth planned out, the time, the place, Joseph and Mary and many others, the census, the Satanic opposition, etc. Nothing was left to chance, for it was all part of God’s wise, holy, perfect, and glorious plan. Isaiah 46:9-11, Luke 2

I think how God predicted specific aspects of His Son’s birth long before it happened, for He wanted His people to be looking forward to His coming (Gen. 9:10, Deut. 18:15, Is. 7:14, Is. 9:6a, Mic. 5:2). So too, God has predicted many aspects of Christ’s 2nd coming, for in these days, He wants all Christians to be looking forward to His return. Matt. 24:3-31, 1 Thess. 4:15-17, Rev. 7:9-14

I think how in these end-times, all true Christians rightfully and joyfully look back at Christ’s first coming and see Jesus as a Savior, but sadly, most Christians are not expecting and looking forward to His second coming, to seeing and being with Jesus the King. Might we rightfully and joyfully sing – “Joy to the World, the Lord is come; let earth receive her King… Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns; let men their songs employ… No more let sins and sorrows grow, nor thorns infest the ground… He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove the glories of His righteousness, and wonders of His love.” From “Joy to the World”

I think how the Son of God, as a baby and a servant, came humbly, quietly, and secretly to the little town of Bethlehem. And the Son of God will come again, as a man and a King, this time in the sky and in power and great glory, with the trumpet of God and the voice of the archangel, and “every eye will see Him” (Rev. 1:7). “She gave birth to a son, a male child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, and her child was caught up to God and to His throne.” Rev. 12:5, Matt. 24:30-31, 1 Thess. 4:16

I think how Jesus was born to be a Savior (Psalm 22), but also to be a Shepherd (Psalm 23), a King (Psalm 24), and a Judge (John 5:22, Acts 17:31).

I think of how Christmas needs to be personal, and it is to me, for Jesus is my Savior, my Lord, my Shepherd, and my King. And I do love Him and rejoice in Him and trust Him and learn from Him and submit to Him and talk to Him and pray to Him and thank Him – and I cannot wait to see Him. “After my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see Him with my own eyes – I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” Job 19:26-27

Think about Christmas and Jesus Christ, and what it really means, how it should greatly affect your life, the church, and the world. And think how it won’t be long before Christ’s second coming, and all believers will forever be with Him in heaven and on earth (Rev. 21:1-7). “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace among men!” Luke 2:14

P.S. Here are some Christmas posts from the past – “First Coming to Church Age to Second Coming”. “The Christmas Story and Christ’s Second Coming”, “Christmas is More than Baby Jesus”, “The True Meaning of Christmas”. May the Lord bless you and your family during this Christmas season, in the new year, and forever more. Psalm 23:6

Filling in the End-Times’ Outline

December 10, 2022 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #263 ~

I’m so glad to be alive at this time in history, in these end-times, for we know that Jesus Christ is coming soon! Some say His coming is imminent, that He can return at any moment, but that’s not true, for God has told us many things that must occur before the end of this age and before the return of His Son (Mark 13:23). I’ve told you these things in the past, but I will share them again, for God’s plans for the future need to be firmly planted in your mind and heart.

Here is God’s end-times’ outline, what needs to happen before Christ comes back:
* There will be more false Christs, false teachers, and false prophets. Matt. 24:5, 11, 24
* Birth pains (earthquakes, famines, plagues, and wars) will be occurring. Matt. 24:4-8
* There will be a great apostasy resulting in believers being betrayed. Matt. 24:10, 2 Thess. 2:3
* Lawlessness will be increasing all over the world. Matt. 24:12, 2 Thess. 2:11-12
* A Jewish temple will be built in Jerusalem. Matt. 24:15, 2 Thess. 2:4, Rev. 11:1-2
* This temple will be desecrated – there will be “the abomination of desolation.” Matt. 24:15
* The Antichrist (beast) will be revealed, worshiped, and begin ruling the world. Rev. 13:3-8
* The Antichrist will cause people to worship his image and take his mark. Rev. 13:11-17
* The gospel of Jesus Christ will be preached to all the nations. Matt. 24:14, 28:19-20
* Both Jews and Christians will be greatly persecuted. Matt. 24:9, 16-22; Rev. 12:14-17
* Millions will be dying because of “birth pains” and “great tribulation”. Matt. 24:28, Rev. 6:1-9
* The end of this age will be marked by a massive earthquake, and by great signs in the heavens which will result in the world going dark. Matt. 24:3, 29; Rev. 6:12-14
* The coming of Christ and the rapture of the church will happen immediately after the end of the age. Matthew 24:29-31, 1 Thess. 4:15-17

God wants you to know these prophecies that must occur before Christ’s coming. As I’ve been watching the world around us, some of these things have already been happening. And I’ve been seeing other things that relate to, connect, or must precede the above signs, events, and conditions, things that are filling in this end-time’s outline. And I’m saying, “Wow!!!” More than ever before, God’s prophetic word is being fulfilled, giving us confidence that it won’t be long before Christ appears. (Heb. 10:25, 37). Here are some things I’ve been seeing and hearing:

* “Nation will rise against nation… There will be great earthquakes and in various places plagues and famines” (Luke 21:10-11). Fuel, fertilizer, and labor shortages, along with supply chain issues are leading to food shortages and famines in various parts of the world. Wars will continue to exist and there will be more earthquakes and plagues, just like God said in His word. Matt. 24:25

* “Evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived” (2 Tim. 3:13). Our country has become terribly and increasingly sinful and lawless in the past 20 years. Vicious assaults occur in broad daylight. Blatant smash and grab robberies are happening. The unborn are still being killed. There are more murders. There’s a tremendous lack of respect for people. Human trafficking is increasing. Massive government corruption is occurring. Women are becoming men and men are becoming women??!! There’s hate and greed. Truth is lacking, and there are all kinds of lies. Most people don’t love God, but instead love themselves, money, food, sports, pleasure, and all kinds of idols. And it will only get worse. Is. 59:14-15, Amos 6:4-7, 1 Cor. 10:7, 2 Tim. 3:1-4

* “The Lord said to Satan, ‘Behold, all that he has is in your power…’” (Job 1:6-12, 1 John 5:19). Seeing the escalating evil makes me think that God has given Satan more freedom to promote sin and carry out wickedness. And it’s God’s judgment upon our country, and part of His end-times’ strategy. The other day I read a flyer promoting an elementary school club in Chesapeake, Virginia. It said, “Hey kids, let’s have fun at (an) after school Satan club.” But remember, God is sovereignly and purposefully allowing Satan to do what He wants him to do. Romans 9:17

* “God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity… to degrading passions… to a depraved mind” (Rom. 1:24, 26, 28). Sexual perversion of the worst sort is occurring in our country, the sodomization of our society, and our children too. This gross and grave sexual sin is accepted and applauded by many, promoted by a few, and legalized by our lawmakers. It’s clear evidence of the depravity in our country, and that we will soon be removed from our position as the world’s #1 superpower. As most of you know, the moral decline and downfall of the United States must take place before the Antichrist can come to power and begin ruling the world. 

* “He causes all… to be given a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, and he provides that no one will be able to buy or sell, except the one who has the mark” (Rev. 13:16-17). Nations are becoming more authoritative and totalitarian. And their plan is to use recent technological advances to control people, advances that have to do with artificial intelligence, smart phones, digital ID’s, vaccine passports, surveillance systems, chip implants, social credit scores, and digital currencies. (The United States recently began working on an experimental currency, the Central Bank Digital Currency). Don’t you think this technology will sooner or later lead to the development and implementation of the mark of the beast, the means by which the Antichrist will control people? Isn’t it also true that people will get use to these advances in technology, for they will seem like they are necessary, and are making life easier? As one person recently said, “The time will come when we can’t live without the mark of the beast.”

* “They will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name” (Matt. 24:9). In the past few years, we’ve been witnessing the arrests and jailing of political enemies, of “domestic terrorists”. It won’t be long before Christians, labeled as “Christian nationalists” or “Christian terrorists”, will be looked upon as one of the main reasons for our country’s problems. It’s obvious that the stage is being set for an open war on Christianity, for the predicted and unjust persecution of Christians. Matt. 24:9, Rev. 6:9-11

* “As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom ten kings will arise; and another (the Antichrist) will arise after them, and he will be different from the previous ones” (Dan. 7:24, Rev. 13:1). In the end, there will be a kingdom of ten nations controlled by the Antichrist, the power base by which he will rule the world during Daniel’s 70th week. Bill Wilson, Koenig International Senior News Analyst, said this about our present global situation – “The G20 is a group of 19 nations plus the European Union committed to coordinating global economic, health, and travel policy… Among the G20 initiatives is the World Health Organization which at the last G20 meeting gained approval of its global authority to act as a ‘health’ control mechanism for international travel, pandemic management, food growth and distribution, and climate control. The G20 nations appear to have empowered themselves to build the vehicle that can be driven by an oligarchy of unelected leaders or a single leader to control the world and enslave its inhabitants.”

Then you read about the United Nations, the Global Reset, the World Economic Forum, and that political, financial, and tech leaders have this goal of globalization, of a one world order. I believe this kind of international coordination and control will eventually lead to the coming of the Antichrist and his dictatorial rule of the earth. No one knows exactly how and when this comes about but it will, and sometime after the United States has been dethroned from her position of power. “The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but they receive authority as kings with the beast (the Antichrist) for one hour.” Revelation 17:12

Never forget that God “works all things after the counsel of His will” (Eph. 1:11) with “a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ” (Eph. 1:10). God is directing the affairs and activities of the world, He is causing signs and events to happen, and He’s moving the pieces, the nations, rulers, and people into place. Be awake and alert. Be working and waiting. Be like the “men of Issachar, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do” (1 Chron. 12:32). And soon enough, we “will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” Luke 21:27

In a recent Zion’s Fire article, David Rosenthal said it this way, “The Author of the Universe has already written the last chapter. The epic conclusion will take place at His appointed time, and in harmony with His Sovereign purposes. When everything is aligned in accordance with His will, He will initiate the events of the Last Days and bring all things to a just and righteous consummation. I believe we are seeing the shadows of the coming alignment taking shape in the world today. Our responsibility as followers of Christ is to remain faithful, keep watching, be discerning, and be prepared.” Amen!

P.S. I get excited knowing what needs to happen before Christ returns, but saddened knowing that many don’t have a clue as to what will be taking place. That’s why I write this blog post, to help you understand God’s plan for the future. I strongly encourage you to read “Matthew 24 – the Most Important Prophecy Chapter in the Bible.” One more thing – as you know, we live in a world of sadness, sorrow, and depression. Here is last Sunday’s message, and it’s all about rejoicing in the Lord, and receiving His heart-lifting joy.

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