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Christ's Kingdom and the End Times

Page 8 of 34

My Top Thirty Charts Help You See The Future

July 14, 2022 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #252 ~

We are living in the end-times, and it won’t be long before Christ returns to rapture the church! It’s amazing how much information is in God’s word about the end-times, yet most Christians are confused, in error, and even ignorant about what’s going to happen. The purpose of this blog site is to help you understand and be encouraged by the future God has for you and for all His people.

I’ve tried to do this through blog posts and prophecy charts. In the charts, I’ve drawn out and displayed key prophetic truths on a Biblical timeline. I want to make it easy for you to see and understand the chronology of key prophetic events, and most importantly, Christ’s coming, the rapture, and the ages to come. You need perspective, you need to see your life in view of the end-times, or otherwise, you can get discouraged and stuck in your own little world. God wants to encourage you, to keep you looking ahead, to give you hope, and these charts are a way to do that. In these end-times, you need to be educated and excited about the future God has for you, the church, and the Jewish people.

It’s imperative that you see the big picture, where we’ve been, where we’re at now (the man in the charts), and where we’re going. And everything is going according to God’s plan, His promises and prophecies (Isaiah 46:8-11). I strongly encourage you to study these charts, for I’m convinced they will help you understand the big picture, and how you are an integral part of what God is presently doing in this world.

There are 280 charts on this blog site, and each one is instructive and forward looking. But that 280 number can be overwhelming – that’s why I have listed out 30 key charts, and I suggest that you examine each of them. I’m convinced they will help build and cement the truth of God’s prophetic word in your heart and mind. And remember to download them, print them, and pass them on to friends. 

* “The Kingdom of God” (#4) – God’s word tells us that we are living in the second of four ages, and it won’t be long before the start of the third age, when Christ reigns over the whole world.
* “A Biblical Prophetic Overview” (#6) – When we think about prophecy, it’s important to go back to the past, and see how that leads up to the present and future plans God has for us.
* “Daniel’s 70th Week” (#11) – End-times’ prophecy can only be properly understood when you learn about Daniel’s 70th week, a 7-year time frame that will begin in the near future.
* “Luke 21” (#20) – See how God is concurrently working with both Jews and Christians in these end-times.
* “Matthew 24” (#21) – This detailed chart helps to illustrate the most important end-time’s prophecy passage in the Bible.
* “The Antichrist is Coming” (#23) – Christ is coming to rapture the church, but the Antichrist must come first. God’s plan and timing for the Antichrist is seen in this chart.  

* “God’s Plan for the Jews in the End-Times” (#25) – God wants you to have a clear picture of how He will be working with the Jewish people in the coming years.
* “1 Thessalonians” (#29) – This chart focuses on the rapture and the day of the Lord.
* “2 Thessalonians” (#30) – This chart describes the coming of Christ and the Antichrist.
* “The Conflict of the Ages” (#54) – This chart pictures the past, present, and future spiritual battle between Satan and God – and God always, always wins.
* “Decline of the United States” (#62) – The United States is going down because of her sin. And this is all part of God’s plan, and soon enough, Antichrist’s kingdom will take over the world.
* “Harmonizing God’s word concerning end-time events” (#63) – God keeps telling us about the same coming events on earth – He wants you to be convinced about what will be taking place.   

* “How Then Shall We Live?” (#64) – You need to know, not just what will be happening in these end-times, but how God wants you to live your life during this time.
* “The Rapture is…” (#65) – It’s amazing how many things must occur before the church is raptured. You must know them or otherwise, you will be caught off guard when Christ returns.
* “Tribulation for the Believer, Wrath for the Unbeliever” (#66) – It’s true that Christians will suffer in the end-times, but nothing compared to the deserved, hell-fire experience of unrepentant unbelievers.
* “Our Christian Hope” (#69) – This picture of your hope, of how God will greatly bless you in the future, is very encouraging! It’s eternally worth it to live this very short life on earth for the Lord!
* “Woe! Woe! Woe!” (#79) – This is a sobering view of the eternal pain and punishment for those non-Christians who reject God’s mercy, and don’t know the Lord Jesus Christ.
* “Why is Jesus Christ Coming Back?” (#91) – There are many good reasons why Christ must come back to earth, and knowing them helps you understand God’s purposes.

* “What Will Take Place at the Coming of Christ?” (94) – It’s unbelievable all that God is going to do when Christ returns – and He predicted it and planned it all out.   
* “Living the Christian Life in the End-Times” (#108) – If you really want to know how to live for Christ in these end-time years, then look at all these second-coming verses.
* “Error or Truth” (#113) – There’s a lot of error when it comes to end-time’s prophecy, and you don’t want to be fooled, confused, or led astray. And so find out the truth.
* “God’s Promises to the Jews” (#115) – God makes three wonderful, world-changing promises to the Jews, all relating to you as a Christian, and they will surely come to pass in the near future.
* “The King of kings” (#131) – The prophesies in Daniel 2 and 7 regarding prominent kingdoms in our world all point to the return and reign of Jesus Christ.
* “The Regathering of the Jews to Israel” (#148) – Over the past 140+ years, God has been bringing the Jewish people back to their land, the clearest, strongest proof that we are in the end-times. 

* “The Past, Present, and Future – Acts 3” (#177) – Just a few verses in Acts 3 give you the big picture of God’s past, present, and future working with the church.
* “The Remarkable Results of the Rapture of the Church” (#198) – You will truly be encouraged when you see all the immediate, life-changing results of being raptured.
* “Our Father Who is in Heaven…” (#215) – Visualize what the Lord’s prayer says about prophecy, for it helps you understand what you are praying, and it enables you to see the future.
* “What Needs to Take Place?” (#226) – This one chart spells out 15 different things that must happen before Christ returns to rapture the church.
* “World Peace is Coming” (#249) – Find out when world peace is coming, and it’s sure not happening in this evil age. Only Christ can bring world peace, and He will, in the next age, the kingdom age.
* “Jesus Christ, the Lord, is Coming” (#258) – Jesus Christ is coming very soon, and then you will see Him as a most glorious Savior, Judge, Redeemer, and King. Hallelujah!

Day by day, week by week, month by month, and year by year, God is leading, moving, working, and His goal is to bring about the return of His Son to earth. He has told us this sequence of prophesied events that need to come about, specific plans that will be precisely and perfectly carried out. “Take heed; behold, I have told you everything in advance” (Mark 13:23). God told us ahead of time everything we need to know about these end-times, these last years leading up to the coming of Christ. Might these charts help you to know what’s coming, so that you will be excited and encouraged, “and all the more, as you see the day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:25

Christ’s Coming – What You Need to Know

July 4, 2022 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #251 ~

When you think about everything that’s happening in this sin-sick world, remember, Jesus Christ is coming again – and He will make things better. When you think about your life and the future God has for you, remember, Christ is coming again. When you think about prophecy, the #1 thing to know is that Christ is coming again. When you think about all the evil rulers, don’t forget that Christ, the King of kings, is coming soon, and He will be the best ruler this world has ever seen! Psalm 47; Rev. 11:15, 19:11-16

Over a hundred Bible verses specifically talk about Christ’s coming, and that’s because it’s such an important subject, and all the more now that we live in the end-times. And God has told you about it ahead of time because He really wants you to know what’s going to happen, and how then you should live (1 Chron. 12:32, Mark 13:23). Listed below are some of these verses.

* Matthew 24:27 – “For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even to the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” The coming of Christ will happen suddenly, like lightning, and be visible to everyone on earth. Luke 21:27, Rev. 1:7
* Matthew 24:36-37 – “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.” When Christ comes back, unbelievers will be doing normal everyday things – they will be eating, drinking, buying, selling, building, and planting. They don’t believe Christ is coming, and when He does, they will be shocked, completely caught off guard. Luke 21:26-28, 1 Thess. 5:1-3, Rev. 6:15
* Matthew 24:42, 44 – “Keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come… Be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.” God wants you to know the season of His Son’s return, the general time of His coming, but you won’t know the day or hour, the specific time of His coming. Be ready and watching! Matt. 24:32-36, 1 Thess. 5:4-8

* Mark 13:26-27 – “They will see the son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. Then He will send forth the angels and will gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest end of the earth to the farthest end of heaven.” When Christ returns, He will be seen in the clouds above the earth. At that time, Christ will gather together all the believers, those who have died and are in heaven and those who are still alive on earth. Matt. 24:31, 2 Thess. 2:1
* Luke 17:29-30 – “The day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. It will be just like this on the day that the Son of Man is revealed.” Just after Christ is revealed and Christians are raptured, and on that same day, God’s wrath will begin, and be poured out upon this wicked world. 2 Thess. 1:6-10; Rev. 8:1-13, 9:1-21
* John 17:24 – “I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory.” One of the main reasons Jesus is coming back is so He can be with you. Much more than you realize, Jesus wants you to be with Him in heaven. John 14:1-3, 1 Thess. 4:17

* Acts 3:20-21 – “… that He may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you, whom heaven must receive until the period of restoration of all things…” At Christ’s coming, He will renovate and restore this old earth, not perfectly so, like the new earth (Rev. 21:1), but much better than now. It’s during the coming age, the 1000-year kingdom age, that you will be reigning with Christ over this restored earth. Matt. 19:28, Rom. 8:21, Rev. 5:10
* 1 Corinthians 15:22-23 – “As in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. But each in His own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ’s at His coming.” Christians are made alive, that is, are glorified, are perfected, at Christ’s coming. In fact, this is the first thing to happen at His coming. 1 Cor. 15:42-44, Phil. 3:21-22, 1 Thess. 4:15-17
* Philippians 1:6 – “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Your salvation will be complete on the day of Christ, which is the day of Christ’s coming. This is a most special day, for then, all believers from all time, will be glorified. You were justified in the past, are being sanctified in the present, and will be glorified in the future.

* 1 Thessalonians 1:10 – “You turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, Jesus who rescues you from the coming wrath.” Christ is returning to rescue believers from the wrath that He will pour out upon this sinful world. And from this day until He comes back, you are to be working and waiting for Him.
* 1 Thessalonians 2:19 – “What is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when He comes – is it not you?” A very encouraging aspect of your hope is that you will be reunited with Christians you knew on earth. 2 Sam. 12:23, 2 Cor. 4:14
* 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.” Christ’s coming will be announced with the shout of an archangel and the sound of a trumpet. Immediately after that, Christians on earth will be raptured and glorified, and joining up with all believers who had died in the past and were just glorified, they will together meet the Lord in the air. Matt. 24:31, 2 Thess. 2:1

* 1 Thessalonians 5:2, 4 – “You know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night… But you brothers are not in surprise.” The day of the Lord, and therefore Christ’s coming, will be a complete surprise to unbelievers, but not to Christians. Matt. 24:32-41
* 2 Thessalonians 1:7 – “To give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with His powerful angels.” When Jesus Christ returns, believers will be going through great tribulation, but they will be given immediate relief, for they will be miraculously raptured, quickly taken from this earth to be with Christ.
* 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 – “Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and being gathered to Him, we ask you brothers… do not let anyone deceive you in any way for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction.” Christ’s coming, and the rapture, won’t happen until after the rebellion, the apostasy, and after the revealing and coming of the Antichrist, that devilish beast, that man of lawlessness. Matt. 24:10-31

* 2 Thessalonians 2:8 – “The lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of His mouth and destroy by the splendor of His coming.” Christ is returning to defeat and destroy the Antichrist, which takes place at His coming, specifically at the battle of Armageddon. Then he will be “thrown alive into the lake of fire”, where he will be greatly and eternally punished. Rev. 16:13-16, 19:19-20
* Titus 2:13 – “The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearance of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus…” This big-picture verse describes the entirety of your salvation. We can sum it up by saying that you are to live a holy life for Christ and are to look for His coming – and what a glorious, magnificent, and blessed appearance that will be. Luke 21:27
* James 5:7 – “Be patient until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too be patient and stand firm because the Lord’s coming is near.” In the end-times, God will save multitudes of people from their sin. For your part, you must be patient with people, be sharing the gospel, and persevere to the end. Matt. 24:13-14, Mark 13:9-13

* 1 Peter 1:13 – “Fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Don’t ever set your hopes on the things of this earth, but on the fact that Christ is coming to deliver you from this devil-run world and bring you to Himself and to heaven, and to bless you like never before. Psalm 16:11, Rom. 8:18-25
* 2 Peter 3:3-4 – “In the last days scoffers will come, scoffing, and following their own evil desires. They will say, ‘Where is this coming He promised?’” In the end-times, evil people will mock you, laugh at you, and think you are crazy because you are expecting Jesus Christ’s return, but you are not, for you know the truth and you love Jesus, and you are extremely excited to see Him. 
* 1 John 2:28 – “Dear children, continue in Him, so that when He appears we may be confident and unashamed before Him at His coming.” You are to abide in Jesus and have a close relationship with Him. You do this by trusting His word, and by loving and obeying Him. The result of walking with Jesus is that you will be a bold and confident Christian. Acts 4:13

* 1 John 3:2-3 – “When He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as he is pure.” At Christ’s coming, you will receive a new body, just like Jesus’ body. Thus, you will be able to perfectly love Him, have wonderful fellowship with Him, and wholeheartedly serve Him. Eph. 2:10, Rev. 21:3-7
* Revelation 22:12 – “Behold I am coming soon. My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what He has done.” You will be personally and greatly rewarded for your life of service for Jesus Christ – and this will happen when He returns to earth. Col. 3:23-24
* Revelation 22:20 – “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” Christ is coming soon – it won’t be long from now! We know this because we now live in the end-times, and because second-coming signs are being fulfilled. Matt. 24:4-35

No matter what happens – no matter what happens to you – no matter what trials or conflicts you go through – no matter what happens to family members or friends – no matter what happens to this country or in this world, know that Christ is coming again to rapture the church, pour out His wrath, save a number of Jews, restore this earth, and begin His reign over this earth. You should be excitedly looking for and praying for Christ’s return. “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:9-10

P.S. I cannot stress enough the importance of thinking about this glorious truth, that Christ is coming back, and soon. The benefits of having this truth in your heart are life-changing. I suggest that you read these two articles, for they will give you further understanding about Christ’s coming – “Over 100 New Testament Verses on Christ’s Second Coming” and “Thirty Important Truths About the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.”

Singing – A Key to Sound Christian Living

June 24, 2022 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #250 ~

“Sing praises to Him” (Ps. 33:2). “Come before Him with joyful songs” (Ps. 100:1). “I will sing of Your love and justice” (Ps. 101:1). Christians are to sing to the Lord – and it’s for His glory. Singing is also good for your life, for it positively affects you, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally, instructing your mind and refreshing your soul. Without question, singing is a necessary and amazing attitude-adjuster – it is heart-tuning, soul-humbling, spirit-lifting, faith-restoring, joy-giving, and peace-producing. 

Many examples of singing are found in the Bible. Judah’s army was marching to war and leading the way was the choir, and they were singing, “Give thanks to the Lord, for His lovingkindness is everlasting” And their singing, their worship, was the key to God’s resounding victory – “When they began singing and praising, the Lord set ambushes against the sons of Ammon, Moab… so they were routed” (2 Chron. 20:21-22). Just before He was arrested, Jesus was singing with His disciples (Matt. 26:30). When Paul and Silas were in jail, they were “singing hymns of praise to God” (Acts 16:25-26). Then there are the Psalms, the biggest book in the Bible, and the best songbook ever written. I strongly encourage you to regularly read and sing the Psalms, for they address and will impact all aspects of your Christian life. 

As a Christian, you don’t want to be distracted, defiled, and controlled by fleshly and worldly songs. That’s why you need to be daily transforming your mind by heartily singing godly songs. “My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises… I will awaken the dawn… I will sing praises to You among the nations” (Ps. 57:7-11). “Be filled (controlled) with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord” (Eph. 5:18-19). Being in a godly-singing church is also instrumental in being a godly singer.

In these last years leading up to the rapture of the church, there will be tribulation and great tribulation, and singing to the Lord will be essential for your spiritual stability and success. I can’t stress enough the importance of knowing good Christian songs or, at least, having them on your playlist. And don’t just play them, sing them, and not just with others on Sunday morning, but by yourself during the week.

On this blog site, chart #’s 130, 133, 138, 143, 147, 149, 153, 160 contain lyrics about the end-times and Christ’s second coming. And singing songs that speak about your future and hope will undoubtedly help you be a more encouraged, forward looking, God-glorifying Christian. Listed below are some of them:

* Christ the Lord is Risen Today – “Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia. Foll’wing our exalted head, Alleluia. Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia. Our the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia.“
* There is a Redeemer – “When I stand in glory, I will see His face. There I’ll serve my King forever in that holy place. Thank You, O my Father, for giving us Your Son, and leaving Your Spirit till the work on earth is done.”
* Be Still My Soul – “Be still, my soul, the hour is hastening on, when we shall be forever with the Lord, when disappointment, grief and fear are gone, sorrow forgot, love’s purest joy restored. Be still my soul, when change and tears are past, all safe and blest we shall meet at last.”
* When the Roll is Called Up Yonder – “Let us labor for the Master from the dawn till setting sun, let us talk of all His wondrous love and care; then when all of life is over and our work on earth is done, and the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there. When the roll is called up yonder…”

* That Where I Am, There You May Be – “If I go prepare a place for you I will come back again. If I go prepare a place for you I will come back again. You know I am the way, the truth, the life – keep My commands, that where I am there you may also be.”
* Jesus Loves Me – “Jesus loves me, He will stay close beside me all the way; He’s prepared a home for me, and some day His face I’ll see. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me, the Bible tells me so.”
* On Jordan’s Stormy Banks – “When shall I reach that happy place and be forever blest? When shall I see my Father’s face, and in His bosom rest? I am bound for the promised land, I am bound for the promised land; O, who shall come and go with me? I am bound for the promised land.”
* It Is Well With My Soul – “And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight, the clouds be rolled back as a scroll, the trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend, even so, it is well with my soul. It is well with my soul. It is well, it is well with my soul.”

* All Hail the Power – “O that with yonder sacred throng we at His feet may fall, we’ll join the everlasting song and crown Him Lord of all; we’ll join the everlasting song and crown Him Lord of all.”
* Come Thou Almighty King – “To Thee, great One in three, eternal praises be, hence evermore, Thy sovereign majesty, may we in glory see, and to eternity love and adore.” —-
* When We All Get to Heaven – “Onward to the prize before us, soon His beauty we’ll behold; soon the pearly gates will be open, we shall tread the streets of gold. 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.”
* Joy to the World – “Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns; let men their songs employ – while fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains, repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy, repeat, repeat the sounding joy.”

As you know, this blog post is all about the end-times, the return of Christ, and His reign upon this earth. My purpose is not just to tell you what the Bible says will be happening in the future, but to help you live successfully for the Lord in the last years of this evil age. And there’s no doubt that singing to the Lord is a major key to your life as you journey on to the end. “I will praise God’s name in song.” Psalm 69:30

P.S. In a world saturated by secular and fleshly songs, it’s imperative that you daily sing to the Lord. It’s a way to worship God, a way to combat the flesh, and a means to working for God and living a victorious Christian life. As Christians, we are to worship and to work (Matt. 4:10). And I encourage you to read this article (#49) about work – “The Excellent End-Time’s Worker”.

How Can We Live In This Sinful World?

June 16, 2022 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #249 ~

You may wonder why I keep talking about sin. Because it’s accelerating, it’s hyperactive, it’s on overdrive in our country. And it’s not just growing, it’s becoming much more wicked and perverted. We see all this evil in our schools, government, families, media, music, movies, and yes, even in our churches. Depravity is on full display, and is being celebrated and applauded. (Rom. 1:18-32). As a Christian, you need to understand this subject of sin and sinners so that you spiritually survive, and so that you live a godly, fruitful, victorious life. Don’t stop reading this post just because it’s not one of those feel good subjects. You must hear these truths so you can know how to live in this wicked world.

Here are several things you need to know about sin and sinners.
1. Sin is our biggest problem, for it results in spiritual death, and ultimately results in physical death, and if not righteously dealt with, eternal death, forever and infernally being separated from the living God. (Ezek. 18:4, Rom. 3:23, Matt. 25:46). Our root sin, our central sin, is not loving and worshiping God, our Creator, but instead, loving and worshiping the creation. Jer. 2:5, 13; Rom. 1:19-25

2. If you don’t see that sin is the #1 problem in a person’s life and the world at large, then you will wonder why evil and devilish things are happening. You may feel sick to your stomach. You may be extremely sad. You may be disgusted. You may get discouraged as you see our country growing more sinful. You may get scared by what’s taking place. You may get angry at the evildoers. Or you may feel hopeless, and want to just give up. But what does God say? “The men of Issachar understood the times, and knew what they should do.” 1 Chronicles 12:32, Isaiah 1
3. If you don’t realize that sin is our fundamental problem, then you may think that other bad things in our society are the real problems when, in fact, they are the result of sin. Rom. 3:23, 6:23

4. If you don’t know that sin is our real problem, then you won’t see the need for Jesus Christ, that He’s the only answer to sin. Christ came to earth to die on the cross to defeat sin and death. Only He can solve our sin problem, along with every other problem. Only He can set a person free from their sin. John 8:31-32, Rom. 5:8, 2 Cor. 5:21, 1 Pet. 3:18, Titus 3:3-8
5. If you forget that sin is the core problem, then you will forget the fact that Christ is the only answer, and get off track, and focus on fleshly and worldly solutions, things that may relate to education, racism, equity, inflation, the border, climate change, etc. But these are superficial answers, only band-aids, and they don’t get to the root, they don’t really solve our problem of sin. Psalm 146:3-5

6. Knowing that sin is our main problem should motivate you to fulfill a key aspect of God’s will for your life, which is being a witness for Jesus Christ, telling people how they can be delivered from sin, death, hell, and the devil, telling people how they can know God and Christ. Acts 1:8, 26:15-18
7. We live in the end-times which means this sin problem will get dramatically worse before the coming of Christ. “… lawlessness is increased…” (Matt. 24:12-13). Keep this in mind as you think about the future, as you carry out God’s purpose for your life, and as you persevere to the end of this evil age. 2 Thess. 2:3, Rev. 13

In this world of sin and sinful people, how should you think, how should you live?
1. Love God by living a holy life, by living like a child of God. Resist temptation, confess sin, walk in the light, and be a godly and righteous Christian. Rom. 6-7, Eph. 4, Col. 3, 1 Thess. 4, 1 John 1
2. Know that God is sovereign over sin and sinful people, over evil and evildoers. God allows and uses sin for His divine purposes and glory, and also for your good. Acts 2:23, 4:27-28; Rom. 8:28
3. As you live in this evil age, and in an increasingly sinful world, keep trusting God and keep looking to His word. Ps. 37, Ps. 119:81-88, Heb. 11

4. Be a light to the lost, be the salt of the earth, be Christlike in your words and actions. Show unbelievers what a believer looks like by being kind, gentle, patient, and forgiving. Matt 5:13-16
5. Love your enemies. Like Christ, be compassionate and patient towards sinners, for they are truly hurting – they’re lost, blind, empty, sad, deceived, and caught in their sin. Matt. 5:44, 9:36; 2 Cor. 4:4
6. Pray for sinners to be saved. Ask God to open their hearts so they see and are convicted of their sin and their need for Christ. Ask God to have mercy on their souls. Matt. 5:44, Rom. 10:1

7. Share the gospel with the lost. Tell them about sin, death, and hell. Tell them about Jesus, that He is the Lord, Savior, and coming King, that He is the bread of life and the light of the world. Tell them about His sacrificial and substitutionary death, and His resurrection. Tell them about heaven and hell. And share with them your testimony, what God has miraculously done in your life. Isaiah 53; John 1:12-13, 1:29, 3:16, 5:24; Rom. 3:23-26; Eph. 2:1-9; Col. 4:2-6, 1 Pet. 3:18
8. Don’t be angry with evildoers, with the wicked. Don’t be vengeful, don’t retaliate. God is closely watching each and every sinner and will deal with them in due time. He will either save them or judge them, show them mercy or show them wrath. Prov. 15:3; Rom 9:14-16, 12:19
9. Always stay close to Jesus. Be careful when you are with sinners, for you don’t want their sin to corrode your Christian life and result in you sinning against God. Psalm 63:8-10, 119:149-151; Jude 23  

10. It’s an honor and a blessing to be persecuted by sinners, for Jesus was persecuted. “Consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary…” Heb. 12:3, Matt. 5:10-12, John 15:18-25, 1 Pet. 2:21-23
11. A key to living in this devilish world is hope, is knowing Christ is returning to earth to rescue and glorify Christians, to put an end to sin and the evil doers who promote it, and to begin reigning as King over this earth. You must have hope, for it will help you live a holy life, and motivate you to keep going for God. Romans 8:18-25, Hebrews 11
12. God will justly punish sinners. Some of this may happen during this life. But for all who remain in their sin, who never repent of their sin during their time on earth, it will be a dreadful, deserved, eternal punishment in the lake of fire. Matt. 25:41, 46; 2 Thess. 1:7-9; Rev. 20:11-15

This last point, that God judges unrepentant sinners, is very important to understand. As I said, we should always love and pray for sinners, for those who don’t know God, for those who are opposed to Him and us (2 Cor. 2:14-17). But God won’t save every sinner, for many will stay in their sin, reject Christ, and forever be punished. What you must realize is that there are hundreds of verses about God’s righteous dealings with sinners, on earth and in hell. The whole Bible, book after book, talks about sin, sinners, justice, and wrath, especially the Psalms and Prophets, which are much more extensive in their discussion and detail of sin than other books.

Most of these Psalm verses are listed below. They talk about God’s present and future punishment of sinners. They educate you about God’s justice and wrath. They will help you be more holy and sober. They are an antidote to any wrong attitudes you may have about sin and sinners – like fear, worry, fretting, hopelessness, or unrighteous anger. And they remind you that sinners don’t win – they lose, and justly so. I strongly encourage you to read them, especially since we are living in a very sinful world, and are now in the end-times,

Psalm 1:6; Ps. 2:9-12; Ps. 3:7; Ps. 5:6-7; Ps. 6:10; Ps. 7:15-16; Ps. 9:3, 5-6, 15, 17; Ps. 10:15; Ps. 11:6-7; Ps. 17:13-14; Ps. 18:17-19, 48; Ps. 21:8-10; Ps. 25:19-20; Ps. 27:1-3; Ps. 28:3-4; Ps. 31:3-4, 8, 15, 17-18; Ps. 34:16; Ps. 35:1-8, 24-26; Ps. 36:11-12; Ps. 38:19-22; Ps. 40:14-16; Ps. 41:11-12; Ps. 44:4-8; Ps. 45:4-5; Ps. 52:1-7; Ps. 54:4-7; Ps. 55:15, 23; Ps. 56:4-7; Ps. 57:2-4; Ps. 58:1-9; Ps. 59:1-5, 12-16; Ps. 63:9-10; Ps. 64:6-8, Ps. 68:1-2, 21-23; Ps. 69:22-28; Ps. 70:1-3; Ps. 71:12-13; Ps. 73:16-20, 27; Ps. 75:7-10; Ps. 76:5-10; Ps. 78:42-52; Ps. 79:6-12, Ps. 81:13-15; Ps. 83; Ps. 91:5-10; Ps. 92:6-10; Ps. 94:1-11, 21-23; Ps. 97:1-3; Ps. 109:6-20, 29; Ps. 112:10; Ps. 119:21, 84, 118-119; Ps. 120:3-4; Ps. 125:5; Ps. 129:5-6; Ps. 135:8-11; Ps. 137:8-9; Ps. 139:19-20; Ps. 146:9; Ps. 149:5-9

Oftentimes, we read or hear about sinners in our country, sinners who are doing some of the most evil and perverted things, and who are encouraging others to do the same . And we want there to be justice, we want them to be punished for their sins. I encourage you to be patient, to pray for them, to ask God to have mercy on their souls. (2 Pet. 3:9-10). And if they don’t repent, they will be punished, justly and eternally so (Ps. 73:18-19). Indeed, there are degrees of punishment in hell. Matt. 10:15, 11:21-22; Heb. 10:20

Psalm 1:6 – “The Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.” John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” Psalm 11:6-7 – “Upon the wicked He will rain snares; fire and brimstone and burning wind will be the portion of their cup. For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness; the upright will behold His face.”

P.S. This subject of sin must be understood so you can deal with it in your own life, and so you can know how to relate and respond to the world around you. I cannot stress this enough. That’s why I encourage you to read and/or reread these other posts on sin and sinners – “Sinners and Saints in the End-Times”, “Living with Evil in the End-Times”, and “If the Foundations are Destroyed.”

Sinners and Saints in the End-Times

June 6, 2022 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #248 ~

Isn’t it true that you see, hear, and feel the sin most all the time? And you may be thinking it’s getting worse in this world, and it is. Then you may wonder why this country, along with other nations, are becoming so sinful, so evil, so wicked. What are the reasons for this?

Five things are currently contributing to and compounding the sin and the evil in our country:
* First, all people are sinners, and because they’re sinners, they sin. The following passages each give a list of specific sins – Mark 7:20-23, Rom. 1:28-32, Gal. 5:19-21, 2 Tim. 3:2-4, and Rev. 21:8.
* Second, we live in an evil age which is why we live in a sinful world. This age started with Adam’s sin and ends with cosmic disturbances suddenly darkening this entire planet. Matt. 24:29, Rev. 6:12-14
* Third, “the whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19). The devil wickedly and greatly affects every part of this world. And though not responsible for a person’s sin, he tempts and entices him to sin. “… the snare of the devil…” 2 Tim. 2:26, Gen. 3:1-5

* Fourth, from the 1960’s until now, there’s been a dramatic decline in our country’s character, and a corresponding increase in sin. People have been saying, “God is dead,” children have been told they can’t pray in school, evolution has been publicly taught, and there’s a steady decline in church attendance. Rom. 1:18-32 explains what’s happening, from rejecting God to immorality to homosexuality to depravity. God has given this country over to her sin and has also given the devil more freedom to fulfil his evil plans (Job 1:6-12). 2 Tim. 3:12 sums it up, “Evil men and imposters will go from bad to worse.”
* Fifth, we live in the end-times, and Christ told us that during this time, evil will increase. (Matt. 24:12). And don’t forget that the “man of lawlessness”, the Antichrist, is coming, and he will further fuel this sin, injecting evil into our world like never before. 2 Thess. 2:3, Rev. 13:7-8

As Christians, we should never be surprised by all the evil in this increasingly sin-sick world. What took place during the time of Judges aptly describes what’s now going on – “Everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25). And we can’t deny that it’s difficult to live in a world that hates God and hates us. The Bible gives examples of this: Lot was “oppressed by the sensual conduct of unprincipled men… (Lot) felt his righteous soul tormented day after day by their lawless deeds” (2 Pet. 2:7-8). David was harassed by sinners – “Evils beyond number surround me” (Ps. 40:12). Paul was persecuted by evildoers – “Jews… stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead.” Acts 13:9

Then there’s Jesus Christ, a “Man of sorrows.” And why? The Son of God knew and felt the core problem of our spiritually dark and dirty world far more than anyone else. Can you imagine how troubling it was for this perfect Man to live on this unholy earth? But He knew He was the Light of the World, the Savior, the Answer to our problem, the Victor over all sin and all sinners. As a Christian, be extremely thankful that Christ loved you and saved your soul from sin, death, the devil and hell! “You have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.” Psalm 86:12-13

But we’re still in this world, and being surrounded by all this sin is like like living in a filthy-dirty, clutter-filled house, and only much worse. This is when you need to understand that God is sovereign over sinners, and uses them for His eternal purposes and glory. Here are some examples:
* God sovereignly used sinners to bring about the death of His own Son. “This man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to the cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death, but God raised Him from the dead” (Acts 2:23-24). Back in eternity past, God planned that certain evil men would kill His Son, and they did, resulting in the salvation of millions, if not billions of sinners, and God being eternally glorified. Acts 4:27-28
* God raised up that wicked Pharoah, using him to terribly oppress the Jews, which led to their freedom, their exodus out of Egypt. “For this purpose, I raised you up, to demonstrate My power in you, and that My name might be proclaimed throughout the whole earth.” Romans 9:17

* God wanted Paul to be persecuted and put in prison for the preaching of the gospel. “… my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard.” Phil. 1:12
* In the future, God will sovereignly direct that most devilish man, the beast, the Antichrist, to carry out His plans. “God has put it in their hearts (the ten horns and the beast) to execute His purpose by having a common purpose.” Rev. 17:16-17

* Be encouraged by God’s power over sinners, for it relates to your life, and to all of life. Sinners will only do what God desires, what He allows them to do. Even today, the rulers in our country are fulfilling His purposes. “The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes” (Prov. 21:1). And yes, there are murderers and mass murderers, liars, rapists, robbers, cheaters, and false teachers, but God is sovereignly and wisely using them for His purposes. And don’t forget that God is just, and that all evildoers who never repent of their sins will be severely and eternally punished in the lake of fire. Matt. 25:46, Rev. 20:11-15

What about your own life? I am sure you are affected by sinners and their sin in a way that’s troubling, tiring, saddening, and yes, maddening. Seeing and hearing about their pride, anger, hate, and sensuality, makes you want to leave earth and go home to heaven. And this sin will only get worse the closer we are to the end of the age. 2 Thess. 2:9-12 says the sinners “took pleasure in wickedness.” Matt. 24:9 informs us, “They will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.” Luke 21:16 warns us, “You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death.” Rev. 13:7 soberly says, “It was given to him (Antichrist) to make war with the saints.”

Woe! This doesn’t sound good, but it’s true, and it’s what God wants you to know. When it comes to suffering, Jesus told you: “Remember the word I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than His master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20). He also said, “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad for your reward in heaven is great” (Matt. 5:10-12). Do look at 1 Peter, a needed epistle for the end-times, one loaded with truth about suffering for Jesus – 1 Pet. 1:7-8, 1 Pet. 2:20-24, 1 Pet. 3:13-18, 1 Pet. 4:1, 1 Pet. 4:12-19, 1 Pet. 5:8-11.

But it’s not just about suffering for Jesus – it’s about serving, soldiering, and sharing the gospel. A great many sinners will be saved and become saints in the last years of this age. Hallelujah! Know too that God is raising up an army of spiritually strong soldiers for the end-times, Joshuas, Deborahs, Davids, and Pauls, ones who will be bravely battling for God. They will stand firm (Eph. 6:10-13), be overcomers (Rom. 8:35-39), and be victorious (Rev. 7:9-12). God will give them and us all the faith, love, hope, courage, wisdom, grace, and peace we need to keep living and fighting for Him. “Onward Christian soldiers, marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before.”

In all this, remember the good news. The good news is Jesus Christ and the gospel message of salvation from sin. The good news is that God deeply loves you all the time. The good news is that God, through the Holy Spirit, is always with you. The good news is that it’s not totally dark in this world, for the true church is a light for Christ, a light to the lost. The good news is that it won’t be long before this evil age comes to an end, and Christ returns to rapture the church, glorify the believers, take us to heaven, and then judge this wicked world. The good news is that Jesus Christ will perfectly and gloriously reign over this world for 1,000 years, and we will reign with Him. “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts. The whole earth is full of His glory.” Isaiah 6:3

P.S. As a Christian, you must understand the nature of sin and sinners in the end-times, or you will get discouraged by what’s happening. Here are two other posts that will also help you understand sin, sinners, and what’s going on in our world today – “Living With Evil in the End-Times”, and “What’s Wrong With this World?”

Baby Formula Shortages, Food Scarcity, Famine, and Thanksgiving

May 20, 2022 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #247 ~

I never would have thought there would be a baby formula shortage in our country. Indeed, we live in a strange new world. So much has happened in our country and in the food industry in the past year that’s contributing to this specific problem. On a broader scale, we are hearing about increasing food scarcity around the world, and this could lead to famines, which God predicted would increase in the end-times.

Let me share why many people are thinking there could be food scarcity and famines:  
* There’s the Russia / Ukraine war, which directly affects the growing of wheat, one of the most important foods in the world, and Russia is one of the primary exporters of wheat. Not only that, but wheat prices have doubled in the past two years.
* Russia has also been a leading producer and exporter of fertilizer, and because of the war, it’s harder to get, and when people do get it, it’s much more expensive. This is severely impacting farmers and their ability to grow all the food that people need.
* Fossil fuel shortages are resulting in greatly increased fuel prices. And farmers need fuel for tractors, and shippers need it to run their trucks and trains. These growing fuel costs lead to increased transportation costs, which lead to higher food costs.
* Supply chain issues are dramatically affecting the shipping of food ingredients, parts, computer chips, cars, commodities, etc. More than ever before, we live in an interconnected world, and no nation can exist on its own – one country depends on the goods and services of other countries. 
* Inflation is the worst it’s been in forty years, and it’ affecting everyone, especially the poor. There are many reasons for this inflation, but the net result is rapidly increasing prices for food, gas, and most everything else. And this inflation is being seen in most countries around the world.
* Even our own President said there would be food shortages, and this was back in March. And just a few days ago, Bloomberg News said, “the age of scarcity begins…”

We are seeing the perfect storm as it relates to food shortages. The supply of food is going down – there’s food scarcity, and the price of food is going up – there’s food inflation. This is a huge problem. This is when we see empty shelves. This is when we see food protests, which has been happening in Sri Lanka and Chile. This is when we see famine. Now food shortages, food inflation, and famines are a greater problem in poorer countries, for there isn’t as much food to begin with, and a greater percentage of a person’s income is spent on food.

I readily admit that I don’t know for sure what’s going to happen with respect to these food problems. It may not end up being that bad, but it could be catastrophic, particularly in poorer countries – only God knows. What I do know is that there have always been food shortages and famines. What I also know is that God prophesied that there will be more famines in the end-times. And if it weren’t for the fact that we now live in the end-times I wouldn’t even be writing this post.

How do we know we live in the end-times? Because God’s word tells us. That the Jews have been gathering back to Israel, from about 25,000 people in the 1880’s to 6.9 million in 2022, is evidence that we live in the end-times. (Ezek. 36-37, Luke 20:21-24). During these final years leading up to Christ’s coming, there will be “birth pains.” Jesus tells us, “Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be great earthquakes, and in various places, plagues and famines.” (Matt. 24:6-7, Mark 13:7-8, Luke 21:10-11, Rev. 6:1-8). As we look at the world around us, it’s obvious that we are having “birth pains.” We shouldn’t be surprised by the recent plague (Covid), the present war (Russia – Ukraine), the present food scarcity and famines, and by future earthquakes.

There is much more that needs to be said about famines in the end-times:
* These famines won’t occur all over the world, but only in various places. What happens in the United State will probably be different than what happens in other countries. Matt. 24:7
* Birth pains are not always independent of one another. For example, wars, plagues, and earthquakes can contribute to and exacerbate famines.
* Famines often occurs in conjunction with inflation. With regards to famine in the end-times, Rev. 6:6 says, “A quart of wheat for a denarius.” This means wheat, and all foods, will be very expensive, for in the 1st century, a denarius was equivalent to a day’s wages.
* In reference to the birth pains, which includes famines, Jesus says, “All these things are merely the beginning of birth pains” (Matt. 24:8). Many more birth pains and, therefore, many more famines, will be taking place before Christ returns to rapture the church and then judge the world.

* Famines affect the poor more than the rich. That’s because poor people don’t have the money or the means to get the food they need when there’s famine. Rev. 6:6, in the context of famines, says, “do not damage the oil and the wine.” Oil and wine are considered luxury foods, and the idea is that a rich person can buy whatever he wants during a famine, but not a poor person. 
* Many people will die because of these famines. “Authority was given to them over a fourth of the earth to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence.” Rev. 6:8
* Both believers and unbelievers will be affected, and will suffer and die because of famines.
* God wants famines to wake up the world, to alert Christians about Christ coming to rapture the church, and to warn unbelievers about Christ judging the sinners who are left behind on earth.

What should Christians do with regards to what’s happening in our world at this time?
* Be awake and alert, for it won’t be long before Christ returns, and in the meantime, you have work to do. 1 Thess. 1:9-10, 1 Thess. 5:4-9
* Be prayerful and very thankful with regards to food, and how your heavenly Father graciously meets your needs. “Give us this day our daily bread.” Matt. 6:11, 1 Thess. 5:18
* Stock up on food, especially canned goods and dried goods. This is a very easy and important thing to do. In fact, the expiration date for most canned goods bought today is 2024. 1 Chron. 12:32 – “The men of Issachar understood the times and knew what they should do.” Prov. 6:6-11 – “Go to the ant…”
* Store up food, not just for yourself, but for others. When times are difficult, you want to be in a position where you can help others, especially those who are poor. Acts 20:35, Gal. 2:10
* Remember what’s most important. What people need more than anything else is spiritual food. Share with people the word of God. “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4). Be satisfied by Jesus, who said, “I am the bread of life.” John 6:48 
* Share the gospel with the lost. “Jesus said, ‘I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me shall not hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst'” (John 6:35). “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end shall come.” Matthew 24:14

P.S. This is the time that God has chosen for you to be alive, and to do the work He has planned out for you. Therefore, it’s important that you know that we are now in the birth-pain stage of the end-times. I want to encourage you to read these two other posts, “The World is Having Birth Pains” and “How Then Should We Live in the End-Times?”

God Tells Us The Future – Matthew 24-25

May 14, 2022 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #246 ~

We live in a sinful crazy world, and we often wonder where things are going! But as Christians, we are not to worry or be afraid. God wants us to know that He’s in charge, and everything that’s been happening on this planet is part of His sovereign plan, and it’s all leading to Christ’s return to earth. What’s amazing and so encouraging is that God has told us all you need to know about His Son’s coming and the end-times. He has not given us all the details of a future leading up to the rapture of the church, but a very good outline. “Behold, I have told you everything in advance.” Mark 13:23

The most important prophecy passage in the Bible is Matthew 24:3 – 25:31. It starts in vs. 3 with the disciples asking Jesus, “What is the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”, and He answers them by giving the big picture of the end-times, and how then we should live. He tells them, and us (Matt. 24:15b), God’s plans for the Christians, Jews, and unbelievers. Here is a short summary:

The birth pains – Matt. 24:4-8. There will be “birth pains”, different events and conditions signaling that Christ’s coming is getting closer. God is telling the world to wake up! These “birth pains” are false Christs, wars, earthquakes, famines, and plagues, and for some people, financial problems. All these things are now taking place and will continue, evidence that we are living in the end-times. Now they won’t be happening all over the world but only in various places – some people will experience them, and others will just hear about them. Matt. 24:4-8, Rev. 6:1-8

God’s work with the Christians – Matt. 24:9-14. Whereas the “birth pains” affect both Christians and non-Christians, vss. 9-14 is particularly relevant to Christians. These verses describe a most difficult and dangerous time for believers living on this earth in the coming years. What do we learn? First, Christians all over the world will undergo great tribulation – they will be hated for their faith, for loving Jesus, and many will be martyred. Second, there will be a great apostasy. Many so-called Christians will fall away, will defect, and will turn against Christians and turn them in to the authorities. Third, there will be false prophets, deceivers trying to trick true believers. Fourth, the world will be an exceedingly sinful place – lawlessness will cover the earth. Fifth, many Christians will persevere to the end, and be saved, that is, be raptured. Sixth, Christians are to keep preaching the gospel to all the nations, and then this age will come to an end. Jesus promised us, “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matt. 28:19-20

God’s work with the Jews – Matt. 24:15-27. These verses are about the Jews, and what happens to them directly impacts the Christians. Luke 21:20-24 gives a historical overview of the Jews, from being scattered (70 AD), persecuted, and then regathered (1880’s – present). That the Jews have been returning to Israel is the #1 reason we know we live in the end-times. From Matt. 24:15-26, we learn four major things that will affect the Jews. First, there will be the “abomination of desolation”, which is the Antichrist desecrating the temple in Jerusalem (Dan. 9:27). Second, the Antichrist will chase after the Jews but many will miraculously escape (Rev. 12:13-16). Third, there will be great tribulation, a great persecution of Jews starting in Israel and spreading to the world, with that evil Antichrist also making war with the Christians (Rev. 12:17, Matt. 24:9). Fourth, false Christs and prophets will try to deceive the Jews, saying the true Christ is on earth – but we learn that He will come from heaven. “Just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes even to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be.” Matt. 24:27

Death – Matt. 24:28. “Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.” Because of the birth pains and great tribulation, both Christians and non-Christians will be dying in the years leading up to Christ’s coming. “Authority was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, famine, and pestilence, and by the beasts of the earth… I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of God’s word.” Rev. 6:8-9

The end of the age – Matt. 24:29. This age is coming to an end. In the near future, during Daniel’s 70th week, and after the coming of the Antichrist, the skies will grow dark – “the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light.” This, along with a great earthquake, are God’s signs that this age has come to an end, and that the day of the Lord is at hand. Rev. 6:12-17

Christ’s coming and the rapture of the church – Matt. 24:30-31. Immediately after the end of this age, Jesus Christ will return to earth. His coming will be visible and obvious to all who are still alive, for the whole world will be lit up by His glory. “They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory.” The skies will suddenly go from dark to light, and Christ will be seen coming in the clouds. A split second later, Christians on earth will be raptured and together with believers who previously had died and gone to heaven, be glorified and gathered to Christ. 1 Thess. 4:15-17, 2 Thess. 2:1

The timing of end-time’s events – Matt. 24:32-34, 36. Two timing truths are given in these verses. First, we are to know the general time of Christ’s coming. The events prophesied in Matt. 24:4-29 will occur in the years leading up to the end of the age, making it clear that we are getting closer to Christ’s return to rapture the church. Heb. 10:25 says we will “see the day drawing near.” Second, we do not know the specific time of Christ’s return, for “of that day and hour, no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, not the Son, but the Father alone.”

Daniel’s 70th week relates to Matt. 24-25, helping us understand the timing of end-time events – Daniel 9:24-27. These verses talk about 70 weeks, each week consisting of 7 years. The 1st week began with the issuing of a decree to rebuild Jerusalem (444 BC), and the 69th week ended with Jesus being cut off, that is, crucified (30 AD). The 70th week, a most important prophetic period, has not yet started. At the beginning of the 70th week, a covenant (treaty) will be confirmed, allowing the Jews to build their temple in Jerusalem. At the midpoint of this week, this temple is desolated by the Antichrist (Dan. 9:27), at which time He is revealed as the “man of lawlessness” (2 Thess. 2:3-4). At the end of this 7-year period, a large remnant of Jews will be saved. It’s during the 2nd half of Daniel’s 70th week, at a time unknown to us, that Christ returns to rapture the church. Matt. 24:30-31

Unbelievers do not believe that Christ is coming back – Matt. 24:37-41. The unbelievers, the unsaved living in the end-times, are unaware of what will soon take place. The days of Noah and Lot illustrate how they are living in the years leading up to Christ’s return – “They were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage” (Matt. 24:38); “They were buying, they were selling, they were planting, they were building” (Luke 17:28). In fact, many unbelievers will mock Christians with regards to Christ’s return – “Where is the promise of His coming?” (2 Pet. 3:4). But when the earth begins to shake and the skies grow dark, these evil unrepentant unbelievers will be scared to death, for they know that God’s wrath has come (Rev. 6:12-17). And suddenly the Christians will disappear, flying up into the skies. “One will be taken, and one will be left.”

How Christians should live during the end-times – Matt. 24:42 – 25:1-13. Christians must be ready, be expecting, be looking for Christ’s return (Matt. 24:44). We must be sensible and faithful (Matt. 24:45), doing God’s work by serving the saints and witnessing to the lost. We must be prudent and wise (Matt. 25:2). We must be alert, spiritually sensitive to the Spirit, and physically aware of what is happening around them. “The men of Issachar understood the times and knew what they should do.” (1 Chron. 12:32). We must be living lives filled with faith, hope, and love. “Let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thess. 5:8-9

The certainty of Christ’s coming – Matt. 24:35. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.” This verse, conspicuously placed in the middle of this prophecy passage, is an exclamation point to all that Jesus said. What He told us is the absolute truth, truth you need to know inside and out, for what He said will dramatically affect all those living on this earth, both saved and lost. And you will literally see Christ’s words come to pass. What an exciting time to be alive! “Behold, I am coming soon!” Revelation 22:20

P.S. I cannot stress enough the importance of understanding Matthew 24-25. Please read it, study it, and learn what it says, for your sake, your family, and your church. I strongly encourage you to read “Matthew 24 – the Most Important Prophecy Chapter in the Bible“, and “What is the Main Message of Matthew 24?”

“I Press on Toward the Goal for the Prize”

May 4, 2022 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #245 ~

It always amazes me when I read about Paul’s life. How did he do all that he did? How did He endure all that suffering? (2 Cor. 12:23-28). There’s no doubt it was by grace (1 Cor. 15:10 – “by the grace of God I am what I am.”). But it was also by hope. One reason we know hope was so important to Paul is the book of Philippians, for it contains nine specific references to the future, which means hope was a key factor in him persevering to the end. In two previous posts, #238 and #243, we looked at the first six references – Phil. 1:6, Phil. 1:9-11, Phil. 1:21-23, Phil. 2:9-11, Phil. 2:14-16, and Phil. 3:10-11. Today, I will look at the last three, found in Phil. 3:12-14, Phil. 3:21-22, and Phil. 4:5.

Philippians 3:12-14 – “… I press on so that I may lay hold of that which also I was lay hold of by Christ Jesus” This important prophecy passage focuses on how, and how long you should run your race for God. What do we learn from these verses?
– First, if you are reading this, then it’s obvious you are still alive. As a Christian, you are to keep pressing ahead until the end of your life, until you die or are raptured. 

Second, you are to press on, which means to run, to follow after, to earnestly and energetically speed on toward the goal. It’s believing (Heb. 11:6), working (2 Tim. 2:6), struggling (Eph. 6:11), suffering (Matt. 6:10-11), and persevering (Matt. 24:13). The Christian life is not easy, for there are many trials, challenges, conflicts, ailments, persecutions, and devilish attacks – and whether you feel like it or not, you must press ahead. Diligently and faithfully, keep doing the work God has given you to do and, soon enough, you will cross the finish line and be in heaven.

Third, Paul says, “I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet” (vs. 13). If you are alive, then you have not yet completed your earthly work. Eph. 2:10 tells us, “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared beforehand…” Christ Himself has taken hold of you, and for good and godly reasons. You’re to love God and all the people He puts in your life; you’re to be a witness to the lost; you’re to make disciples; and you’re to use your spiritual gift. Wholeheartedly serve the Lord, doing all He wants you to do. Col. 3:23-24

Fourth, you are “forgetting what lies behind” (vs. 13). Successful Christians forget the past. Everyone makes mistakes and has missed opportunities and regrets. I’m sure you have experienced good and bad things, had achievements and failures, and you need to forget them. A basketball player must quickly forget both the shots he misses and the shots he makes, and keep playing until the end of the game. Older Christians may reminisce, rest on their laurels, and think their race is done. They too must forget what lies behind. If you are in an 8-lap race, and you just finished the 7th lap, then you are not to think about the 7 laps you just ran, but the one lap that remains.

You are “reaching forward to what lies ahead” (vs. 13). What is reaching forward? It conveys the idea of stretching a muscle to it’s limit, of a runner pushing himself, striving to win the race. For the Christian, it’s looking ahead and focusing on the future, it’s running with desire and giving maximum effort. It’s being in a race, and no matter how far you have gone, you are continuing to run, you are going forward, and finally, you will cross the finish line.

Fifth, you are to “press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (vs. 14). You are not just pressing on to do the work God wants you to do (vs. 12), you are pressing on toward the goal. There’s a finish line and a prize to be won when you reach the finish line, and you need to keep running until your race is over. A major aspect of hope is looking forward to receiving a generous prize for how you run the race, for competing “according to the rules” (2 Tim. 2:5), and for finishing the race. This prize, this eternal blessing for your earthly work, is also described as treasures (Matt. 6:20), recompense (Luke 14:15), rewards (Col. 3:24), crowns (2 Tim. 4:8), and inheritance (1 Pet. 1:4).

Here are more important points about this passage:
1. No matter who you are, wherever and whenever you live, how old you are, how long you have been saved, God has a race for you to run. “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.” Hebrews 12:1-2

2. Our culture talks a lot about retirement, and what you can do after you retire. Now maybe you are done working at a “job”, but you are never done with your heavenly work. Don’t let the “eat, drink, and be merry” attitude (Lk. 12:19) of many retirees affect how you live for God. Your work and your pace may change, but you need to complete the work God wants you to do. Acts 13:36

3. That we live in the end-times gives added weight to this passage. Just think, you may be raptured. If that’s true, then finishing your earthly race will coincide with Christ’s return to rapture the church. Here’s a hypothetical: if Christ comes back in 20 years, then you only have 20 years left to live and work for the Lord. If you’re now 25, then you will be 45 when Christ returns, or if you’re now 50, then you will be 70. In these end-times, don’t be so naïve to think that you will live what is thought to be a full life, to 70 or older. Whatever happens, keep pressing, keep doing God’s work until the very end – “be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

4. Ask God to give you the grace to finish strong, to keep racing until you “break the tape”, whether that’s by death or by rapture. Might you then say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. In the future, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me that day, and… to all who have loved His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8
5. God Himself will call you home to heaven. Whether you physically die or are raptured, it will happen soon, and be the best day of your life (Eccl. 7:1). Look forward to seeing Jesus, your Savior and Lord, the One who loves you more than anyone else!

Philippians 3:21-22. “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…” Our bodies get old, tired, and weak, and we still sin. But remember, your salvation is not yet complete, but it will be when Christ comes back, for then you will be wonderfully transformed. Your brand-new body will be like Jesus’ body – it will be beautiful, powerful, immortal, glorified, and perfectly fit for an eternity of worshiping God, of serving Him, reigning with Him, fellowshipping with saints, and experiencing His glory and His love. 1 Cor 15:42-44, 53-54; 2 Cor. 5:1-5; 1 John 3:2-3; Rev. 21:3-7

Philippians 4:5. “The Lord is near.” The word “near” can be defined as near in space or near in time. This two-fold truth is most encouraging, for we live in the end-times. Thus, we know two things, that the Lord is always and literally with us in a spiritual sense, and that it won’t be long before we will physically be with Him. “The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout… 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 5:16-17

Grace and hope must be an essential part of your daily life. The last two verses in the Bible remind us of this – “‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you all. Amen.” Revelation 22:20-21

P.S. What a privilege that God has called us to run in the greatest of races, the Christian marathon – a lifetime of serving the Lord. I would encourage you to read these two articles that I believe will help you successfully run for Him and carry out the work He wants you to do – “Your Spiritual Service: A Member of the Special Forces” and “The Excellent End-Times’ Worker.”

The Answer to Death is Christ’s Resurrection

April 15, 2022 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #244 ~

The second worst problem in life is death, is that people physically die. The old and the young die. The rich and the poor die. The wise and the foolish die. People die because of alcohol, drug overdose, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, influenza, and accidents. They die because of war, famine, earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, and pandemics. They die suddenly and they die slowly. And many people are afraid to die because they don’t know what happens after they die. Does death mean they cease to exist? Does death lead to something better, or something worse? What about heaven and hell? Will they see their loved ones again? What about reincarnation – is it true or just a lie from the devil? Is there any way to defeat physical death and keep living?

Doctors and nurses, with their treatments and medicines, can often help people physically live longer. But they can’t help people live forever by keeping them from dying. Recently, we have been hearing about transhumanism, about scientists tapping into a person’s mind and trying to hardwire it onto some microchip, so that when he dies, “he”, now a robot, can continue to “live.” Some call this a new version of eternal life, but is this “person” really living, and can “he live” forever? No! What about a person who is made in God’s image, and who, sooner or later, will die? Can this person really and truly defeat death?

Yes! Yes! Yes! God, who created man, has the answer to death. But before we can understand His answer, we must know why people die? And the reason people die is because of their sin – “The wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23). Sin is defined as not loving God, idolatry, greed, pride, disobedience, immorality, malice, selfishness, lying, etc. And sin always results in death, which is both physical and spiritual in nature. People physically die because of their sin (the exception are Christians alive at the end of the age who are raptured). And people are spiritually dead, are spiritually alienated from God because of their sin and, therefore, do not have the life of God in them. Without question, spiritual death is a person’s worst problem. “The soul who sins will die.” Ezekiel 18:4

You must realize that God can’t ignore sin – He can’t forget about it, He can’t just let it go, He can’t say it’s no big deal. God is holy, perfect, and righteous, and He has to punish sin. And this punishment is painful, eternal, and deserved. Jesus will say to the unsaved, “Depart from me accursed ones into the eternal fire” (Matt. 25:41). “These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life” (Matt. 25:46). “These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord, and the glory of His power.” 2 Thess. 1:9

What is the answer to sin and death? How can you escape being eternally punished? How can you be saved from God’s judgment, get victory over sin, and live forever? The only answer is Jesus Christ. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). It’s only through God’s Son, through Christ, that you can defeat sin and death, and won’t perish, won’t be punished, won’t go to hell, but will receive eternal life, will spiritually and physically live forever. 1 John 5:11-13

And what did Jesus Christ do? He died and rose again. He took your place and died on the cross to pay the penalty for your sins, enabling you to be forgiven – “Christ died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, to bring you to God” (1 Pet. 3:18). And He was raised again, thereby defeating death, enabling you to live forever. “God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power.” Acts 2:24  

Forgiveness of sins and eternal life is only for those who repent of their sins and believe in Jesus, that He died to pay for their sins, and then rose from the dead. Jesus told us, “The kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15). “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Rom. 10:9). If you have not turned from your sin and turned to Christ, then now is the time to do it. God really wants to show you mercy, and give you eternal life, and it’s only through Jesus Christ. “The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23

Much more needs to be said about the resurrection, vital truths that relate to your own life.
* The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a central and essential truth, foundational to all of Christianity, to the entirety of your life, now and forever. 1 Cor. 15
* Since death is caused by sin, then Christ rising from the dead proves His resounding victory over both death, and the sin that caused it. Acts 2:22-33
* Christ’s resurrection validates His work, His death on the cross, showing that God is satisfied with Christ’s death, for it is a completed and all-sufficient payment for our sin. 
* A person receives spiritual life when he is saved, when he is born again during his life on earth. But his spiritual life is hindered because he lives in a physical body that’s still tempted and prone to sin.

* A person is given a physical, spiritual, and glorified body at Christ’s coming, at which time believers on earth are raptured, and believers who have died are resurrected. Once a person has a new body, then he can spiritually and physically live a perfect life, just like God planned for him. 1 Cor. 15:42-44
* Christ speaks of the resurrection of life and the resurrection of judgment (John 5:29). The resurrection of life is for believers, occurring at the end of this age, at Christ’s coming. The resurrection of judgment is for unbelievers, and takes place at the end of the millennial kingdom. 1 Cor. 15:23, Rev. 15:11-15
* The resurrection is the cornerstone of Christianity for, without it, your preaching is worthless, your faith is useless, you are still in your sins, you do not have eternal life, you have no hope, you “are of all men most to be pitied”, and worst of all, you will be punished forever. 1 Cor. 15:12-19
* The resurrection is a message of hope, for it means you are victorious, you will be in heaven, you will receive a brand-new body, and you will be given a fantastic future. Rom. 8:18-30

* The truth of the resurrection means your short life on earth is only the beginning of an amazing and incredible life, of an endless and unbelievable eternity. 1 Peter 1:3-4
* Because of the resurrection, you were justified (Rom. 10:9), are being sanctified (Rom. 6), and will be glorified, will possess a perfect and immortal body. 1 Cor. 15:42-44
* Through the power of Christ’s death and resurrection, you have all the power you need to live every minute and every day for Him, now and forever. Eph. 1:19, Phil. 3:10
* Because of the resurrection, you do not need to fear death but, in fact, should look forward to it, knowing that you have already defeated death, and that the best is yet to come. Ps. 23:6, Heb. 2:14-15

Jesus said, “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. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26). That Jesus Christ died and rose again is the best news in the world, the news that will impact and change your life more than anything else! What a God we have who loves us so much that He gave us His Son to die for us so we can live forever with Him!! Thanks be to our great God and heavenly Father!!!

P.S. Here are three encouraging things to read that relate to this subject: something about the resurrection – “The Resurrection and Rapture of the Believers”, something about the present – “Death and Life in the End-Times”, and something about your future – “Being in Heaven with Jesus, and the Believers, and in a New Glorified Body.”

Every Tongue Will Confess That Jesus Christ is Lord

April 7, 2022 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #243 ~

Paul lived every day for Christ while also looking forward to the day of Christ. During his life, he suffered greatly for the Lord and, without question, had “far more labors… far more imprisonments” than other believers. (2 Cor. 11:23-30). How did Paul do it? He was motivated by love, strengthened by grace, and he had hope. It was worth it to Paul “to be poured out as a drink offering” (Phil. 2:17) for he knew God would greatly reward him in the future.

In his short letter to the Philippians, Paul speaks about hope nine different times! He wanted the Christians to truly understand their hope. “The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us…” (Rom. 8:18-25, Eph. 1:18). In a recent post, I looked at Paul’s first three references to hope, those in Phil. 1:6, 1:9-11, 1:21-24. Today, I will look at the next three, those in Phil. 2:9-11, 2:14-17, 3:7-11.

Philippians 2:9-11 – “God highly exalted Him… at the name of Jesus every knee will bow… every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
1. Christ was highly exalted by His Father because He humbled Himself by dying for sinners, for those who repent of their sins and trust in Him and His sin-defeating work on the cross. After His life on earth, Jesus went to heaven and was “exalted to the right hand of the Father.” Acts 2:33
2. The ultimate, most important aspect of hope is that God will be greatly glorified, and that we will be part of the God-worshiping heavenly assembly of saints. More than anything else, this is what we should look forward to. As Paul said, “we exult in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:3

3. All believers are worshiping Christ, our single greatest duty and joy. But unbelievers are deceived and are not loving the Creator, but loving the creation – themselves, others, animals, and things.   
4. In the future, “every tongue will confess” and “every knee will bow”. This universal exaltation of Christ will be seen during the millennial kingdom. All people, saved and unsaved, and all spirits, angelic and demonic, will confess, will admit that Jesus Christ is Lord. For the unsaved, it will be feigned obedience – they will have no choice but to bow to Christ, the King of the world.

5. This world is becoming increasingly corrupt and devilish. Rulers, false teachers, and sinful people are doing and saying some of the most evil things. Don’t be discouraged, for Christ will bring all this evil to an end – He will soon return to rapture the Christians and judge the sinners. Then He will reign over the world, and there will be “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.” Ephesians 1:10

Philippians 2:14-18 – “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God… holding fast the word of life so that on the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.”
1. Paul did not want to waste his life, to “toil in vain”. He wanted his life to count for Christ, to be purposeful and God-glorifying, and this meant sacrificially living for others. He had just said, “I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith” (Phil. 1:25). Paul was looking forward to the future, to the day of Christ, for that’s when he would really know the lasting fruit of his labors. “Who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming?” 1 Thess. 2:19-20

2. That Paul’s life was counting for Christ meant the lives of others were counting for Christ. Paul deeply loved the believers, and therefore exhorted them to work out their “salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil. 2:12), to be blameless, live by God’s word, and be lights in this evil world. He wanted them to know that they would see the eternal value of their earthly life on the day of Christ, and would rejoice with him for having lived victoriously for Christ.

3. Birthdays, graduations, and weddings are special days. But the day of Christ is infinitely more special, one of the most important times in history. When Christ returns, there will be the day of Christ, the conclusion and climax of this present age. Then all believers will be glorified; the fruit, the result of our earthly lives will be seen; we will be rewarded; and sinners will be punished. “The Lord works out everything to its proper end – even the wicked for a day of disaster.” Prov. 16:2, Col. 3:4

1 Cor. 3:12-14 speaks about this day of Christ – “If any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire… if any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward.” Matt. 6:4, 16:27; 1 Cor. 4:5, 5:10; Col. 3:24; Rev. 2:26, 22:12

Philippians 3:10-11 – “… that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings… in order that I may attain to the resurrection of the dead.”
1. Paul was sharing his testimony, making it clear that he wasn’t saved by his own works, but by the righteous and sufficient work of Jesus Christ.
2. Because Paul had gained Christ’s righteousness, then he could live a righteous life. He could experience the best and most blessed life possible, a life for and through Christ. Paul knew Christ, loved Christ, trusted Christ, lived for Christ, suffered for Christ, and then died for Christ.   

3. The culmination of Paul’s life on earth is the day of Christ – then he will attain to the resurrection from the dead, receive a glorified body, and see the result, the full and cumulative effect of all his work.
4. Paul knew he would attain “to the resurrection from the dead.” I believe Paul was thinking that he would physically die and go to heaven, and then be glorified on the day of Christ. When Paul said, “To live is Christ and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21), I believe he was thinking, not just about the death of others, but his own death. And he knew the immediate benefits of dying and being in heaven, but he also knew his salvation wouldn’t be complete until the day of Christ, which is still future. John 5:29

How do we live the Christian life? By living for Christ and living for others, and by having hope, by looking ahead to the most incredible and excellent future. We have looked at three essential elements of this hope, knowing we will be glorified on the day of Christ, knowing we will see the fruit of our labors on the day of Christ, and most importantly, knowing that God will be supremely and eternally glorified in the coming ages. “I will extol You, my God, O King, and I will bless You, and I will praise You forever and ever… Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom.” Psalm 145:1, 13

P.S. We ought to think more about the day of Christ, for it is that time when Christ returns, and completes our salvation by glorifying us, and when He reveals to us the results of our lives, hopefully ones that were lived full out for Him. Here are two good posts about how God wants to reward you for how you lived your earthly life for Him – “God Really Wants to Reward You”, and “Earthly Work that Results in Heavenly Rewards.”

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