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Christ's Kingdom and the End Times

Page 9 of 34

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.”

The World is Having Birth Pains

March 26, 2022 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #242 ~

Wow! Do you see what’s going on? Difficult and distressful things are happening all over the world! There was a pandemic, and now there’s war in Ukraine, higher prices in the U.S., a famine in Afghanistan, and recently, an earthquake in Japan. These are but a few examples that the world is having birth pains. But they aren’t just happening – God is at work! “… God troubled them with every kind of distress” (2 Chron. 15:6). The Bible talks extensively about these birth pains, and it’s vitally important that you know how they relate to the future, to the end-times and the coming of Christ.

1. What are these birth pains? Wars, famines, plagues, earthquakes, and financial problems. Over 2000 years ago, Jesus told us there would be these catastrophic and calamitous events taking place before the end of this age, before His coming. Matt. 24:3-8, Mark 13:7-8, Luke 21:7-11, Rev. 6:1-8

2. Why are these birth pains happening? We live in an evil age, and in a very sinful and evil world (Gal. 1:4). Our holy and mighty God is sovereignly allowing these birth pains, these troubling events, to get our attention, so that we humble ourselves and turn from our sin and trust in Him. They are also signs, designed by God to wake us up to the fact that we live in the end-times, and to let us know that it won’t be long before His Son returns to earth.

3. These birth pains won’t be experienced by every person on the planet. “You will be hearing of wars… in various places there will be famines and earthquakes” (Matt. 24:6, 7). Many people will be hearing about these birth pains but won’t be affected by them. And they won’t be happening in every country but only in various places. Mark 13:7-8, Luke 21:9-11, Rev. 6:8

4. These birth pains affect Christians and non-Christians. These birth pains are not part of the day of the Lord wrath that will be experienced by unbelievers. We know this because Rev. 6-9 tells us that the birth pains come before the day of the Lord. The birth pains, affecting both saved and lost, are discussed in Rev. 6:1-8; the rapture, which is for Christians, is referenced in Rev. 7:9-14; and the day of the Lord, which afflicts only non-Christians, is described in Rev. 8-9. Thus, we can conclude that Christians will be here for the birth pains, but not for the day of the Lord.

5. A great number of people will die because of these birth pains. Rev. 6:8 informs us that these birth pains will impact one fourth of the earth, but it’s not clear whether one fourth is numerical or geographical. Either way, millions and millions of people will die. Matt. 24:28

6. These are beginning birth pains. “All these things are merely the beginning of birth pains” (Matt. 24:8). That these birth pains are happening doesn’t mean this age is coming to an end right away. “When you hear of wars and disturbances, do not be terrified, for these things must take place first, but the end does not follow immediately” (Luke 21:9). Many more things need to occur before Christ comes back (Matt. 24:9-25). As bad as these beginning birth pains are, they will only increase in frequency and intensity – it’s going to get worse before it gets better, before Christ returns to rescue us from this wicked world and the wrath to come. 1 Thess. 1:9-10

7. What are these other events that must happen, and conditions that must be met, before this age comes to an end? There will be a great apostasy, the confirming of a treaty between the Jews and other nations, the Jews building their temple, many false teachers, increasing sin and lawlessness, a great persecution of Christians and Jews, the desolation of the temple, the evil rule of the Antichrist, false wonders, most people taking the mark of the Antichrist, cosmic signs in the heavens, and a great earthquake. Matt. 24:9-26, 2 Thess. 2:1-12, Rev. 6:9-17, Rev. 13

8. It’s 2022, and the world is now in the birth pain stage. As we think of the timeline of earth’s history from the creation of the world to Christ’s coming, we must realize that we are now in the birth pain stage. God has given us these birth pains so we can know where we are at in the big scheme of things and, specifically, where we are at in God’s end-time’s plan for the world. Why else would God give us so much information about the end-times (Matt. 24, Luke 21, Mark 13, 1 Thess. 4-5, 2 Thess. 1-2, Revelation)? As a good watchman, you need to understand God’s prophetic word and see how it is presently being fulfilled in the world. Then you are to tell others what is happening, and what is yet to come, “… encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:25

9. Our world is changing, leading to the coming of the Antichrist and his devilish control of the world. “Wisdom and power belong to God. It is He who changes the times and the epochs. He removes kings and establishes kings (Dan. 2:20-21). There’s Xi Jinping, Putin, Zelenskyy, Macron, Biden, etc. There’s the rapid and visible decline of the United States. There’s the realigning and reshaping of nations. There are global energy problems. There are rulers forcing their policies upon the people. There’s the growth of artificial intelligence. There’s talk of a great reset, a one world order. There’s global control and conformity. There’s increasing evil and wickedness. There’s all this plus all the birth pains! It’s obvious that this world is changing right before our eyes. And only God knows exactly how all this relates to His Son’s returns to rapture the church, judge the world, and then set up His kingdom on this earth. Revelation 6-20

10. Without question, this is a very tough time to be alive. It is easy to wonder and worry about this confusing and crazy world we live in. But God’s prophetic word has told what we need to know about the condition of the world in the years leading up to coming of Christ. God has given us the big picture, the general outline of what He is doing in the last years of this age, and how things will end. How then should we think, and how then should we live at this time in history?

* Learn what God says about the end-times, Christ’s coming, the rapture, and the age to come. 
* Do not be afraid. Be at peace. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth should change, and the mountains slip into the heart of the sea… the Lord of hosts is with us… He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth… Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted above the nations.” (Psalm 46). “Peace I leave with you… do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” John 14:27
* Know that God is sovereign, He is completely in charge. He is working out every detail, every event, working through every person, carrying out His grand plan to bring about the return of His Son “… with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ… we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will.” Ephesians 1:9-11
* Do your job, do the work God wants you to do. “Do business with this until I come back” (Luke 19:13). “Do not be worried about your life… seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:25, 33

P.S. God gives us a lot of information about the start of the church in Acts and the Epistles, and a lot of information in the Epistles and Revelation about how this church age will come to an end. Learn what God wants you to know. Do read the posts on Ukraine, “Russia at War Against Ukraine – Matthew 24”, “God, You, and the War in Ukraine”. I also encourage you to read the article, “Matthew 24 – the Most Important Prophecy Chapter in the Bible”.

Death and Life in the End-Times

March 16, 2022 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #241 ~

It’s heartbreaking to see the horrific results of this war in Ukraine. Through the media, the reality and brutality of it is being brought into our homes – and into our hearts. There’s unbelievable damage and destruction, and the horrendous human toll, the shattered lives and refugees. “Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, for they were distressed and downcast, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matt. 9:36). Might we too feel compassion for them and be praying for them. “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations.” Mark 11:17

Then there are the deaths, the deaths of men and women, of adults and children, of soldiers and civilians. And yes, people have been dying since the creation of the world – that people die is a fact of life. We see it with family members, friends, and in our churches, and we see it in the Bible and history books. Do you remember reading about the flood, when everyone in the world drowned, except eight people? Did you know that nearly 15 million Ukrainians died during World War II? But this present war is in our time, and it’s hard because the horrors of it are fresh in our minds, and because “innocent” people are dying – suddenly, senselessly, tragically, and mercilessly.

Did you know Jesus predicted there would be wars like this in the end-times, in the years leading up to His return to earth? And now we actually live in the end-times. Jesus also warned us that there would be earthquakes, plagues (pandemics), famines, and financial problems (Matt 24:4-8, Mark 13:5-8, Luke 21:8-11, Rev. 6:1-8). Then He tells us that large numbers of people will die because of these catastrophic events – “Where the corpse is, there the vultures will gather” (Matt. 24:28). What a shocking, sobering verse, one that’s right in the middle of Matt. 24, a key prophetic chapter. Just think, there will be all these corpses, these dead and unburied bodies, which leads us to conclude that vast numbers of people will die in the last years of this age.

Revelation 6:8 tells us the same thing, that massive numbers of people will die during this time. “Behold, an ashen horse; and he who sat on it had the name Death; and Hades was following with him. Authority was given to them (four living creatures) over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and pestilence and by the wild beasts of the earth.” There’s death, and Hades, which is where unsaved people go after they die. A fourth part of the earth is affected, which is either numerical, the actual number of people who die, or geographical, that one fourth of the earth’s land mass is severely impacted by these events. Regardless, millions if not billions of people will die and meet their Maker during the final years of this age.

We are talking about the physical deaths of people in the end-times. But God wants us to know that a person’s physical death is not his primary problem – it’s not dying because of war, disease, starvation, an earthquake, sickness, or old age. A person’s #1 problem is spiritual death which is a result of his sin. “The wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23). Every person is spiritually dead, is separated from God, and therefore, is not worshiping God and not experiencing His love, joy, and peace. Sin and spiritual death is by far a person’s single greatest problem.

Spiritual death is infinitely worse than physical death, for if you are spiritually dead when you physically die then you will be eternally dead – spiritually dead and forever in hell. Jesus said, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do. I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him” (Luke 12:4-5; Matt. 25:41, 46). Don’t worry about whether someone can kill you, but be dreadfully alarmed if you are not right with God before you die and are then cast into hell! “It’s a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Hebrews 10:31

Now if you are spiritually alive when you physically die, then you will be eternally alive, you will be spiritually and forever alive with Jesus in heaven. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will (spiritually) live even if he (physically) dies. And everyone who (physically) lives and believes in Me will never (spiritually) die” (John 11:25-26). But how can Jesus save us from sin, death, and an eternity in hell? What did He do to enable us to live forever? Let me explain.

Jesus Christ came to earth, became a Man, and was God in the flesh. He lived a perfect life and then died to pay for the sins of people. “Christ died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God” (1 Pet. 3:18, Rom. 5:8, 2 Cor. 5:21). “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” (John 3:16). God grants complete forgiveness and an eternal, super-abundant life to all who repent of their sins and believe that Christ died to make the full and final payment for their sins.

All who turn from their sin and turn to Christ for mercy become children of God, are righteous in His sight, and will soon be with God and Christ in heaven. This is the absolute best news in the world! Indeed, Jesus is the only answer to this problem of spiritual death, and therefore, physical death. Jesus told us, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me” (John 14:6). If Christ isn’t your Savior, if you have not been forgiven of your sins, go to God now and ask Him to save you from sin and death and give you eternal life, and He will. “He who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.” John 5:24

Here is more good news! Salvation is not just being saved from sin, death, and hell, but it’s also receiving a brand-new body. Our bodies are sinful, imperfect, and perishable, but when Christ returns, He will give every true believer a glorified, perfect, and immortal body. “Our citizenship is in heaven, from which 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

The last years of this age are extremely important! Be thankful that you are alive at this time in history, and that you are on earth for a reason, “for such a time as this.” (Esther 4:14). People are dying and will continue to die in the end-times, and in much greater numbers. As a Christian, you have the only answer to a person’s spiritual and physical problem of death, and it’s Jesus Christ. Love and pray for the lost, and be in a church which is committed to telling people the good news about Jesus. And remember Jesus’ promise, that He’s with you to the very end of the age (Matt. 28:19-20). “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 24:14

P.S. As a Christian, you must not be sullied and dulled by the world, but you are to stay close to God, be holy, and remember that your purpose is to love and serve Him with all your heart. Here is an article that summarizes how God wants you to live, now and to the end of this age – “What Does God Want Me to Do in the End-Times?”

God, You, and the War in Ukraine

March 4, 2022 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #240 ~

There’s a war in Ukraine, and it’s terribly evil, unbelievably cruel, sadly tragic, utterly heart-breaking, and deadly. I’m not going to comment on it militarily, politically, or societally. I leave that up to others, to the so-called experts. My desire is to help you know how to think spiritually, to help you realize that this war in Ukraine relates to you as a Christian, and to point out that Jesus prophesied that wars like these would happen in the end-times, the final years leading up to His return to earth. So what do we need to know and do?

1. God is in control, He is in total charge of this war. God is not surprised by what is taking place in Ukraine. He is sovereign over all things, even that most evil Russian ruler. And you can’t understand the ways of God, why He allows this evil to happen, but we do know He is holy, righteous, purposeful, and merciful. (Lam. 3:37-38; Isaiah 40:12-26, 55:8-9; Rom. 8:28, 9:17). What we also know is that we live in the end-times, which means this Russo-Ukrainian war is directly related to Christ’s return to earth to rapture the church. Christ told us that it’s one of the “birth pains” we will be “hearing of”, that it “must take place”, but that it “is not yet the end.” Matt. 24:6-8

2. Be at peace and give glory to God. Knowing that God is sovereign over this war, that it’s part of His end-time purposes, should give you hope and peace. Trust God, for He will help you, watch over you, and protect you and all Christians from evil. (2 Tim. 4:18). God is now receiving glory through all that is going on, and will receive even more glory in the future, when Christ comes back to take over and reign over this world (Ps. 72:19, Phil. 2:9-11). “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble… He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth… cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations.” Psalm 46:1, 8, 10

3. Jesus Christ is building the church. With this war dominating the news, you may have forgotten that Jesus Christ is still building the church, whether it’s in the United States, Colombia, Nigeria, Romania, China, Russia, or anywhere else in the world, even Ukraine. This war will not stop Christ from doing His work in Ukraine but, in fact, is part of His plan to build the church. Remember Jesus’ promise – “I will build My church and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” Matthew 16:18

Here are three examples: 1) Last week, I read about a Christian ministry that has trained 900 men to be pastors in Ukraine since 1991, men who have gone to all parts of Ukraine. That’s extremely encouraging! 2) Franklin Graham explained this past Sunday how his organization, Samaritan’s Purse, is working with 3200 churches in Ukraine which have been distributing 660,000 gift boxes to children. Pray that the children receive them and, along with their parents, are greatly moved and affected by them! 3) I remember two mission trips I took to Kiev in 1994-1995. I can still see some of the faces of the people we ministered to, and I believe God is still working in their lives. (John 15:16). In the future, we will hear many stories of how Jesus Christ, through His church, caused light to shine in darkness, brought good instead of evil, showed mercy instead of wrath, and defeated the devil. Matthew 28:19-20

4. There’s spiritual warfare in Ukraine. You see the physical warfare, the soldiers, hurting people, and bombed out buildings, but more-so, there’s spiritual warfare, a struggle not against “flesh and blood, but … against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness” (Eph. 6:10-12). Whereas you are not actually engaged in the physical fight, you are a soldier for Jesus Christ, and are engaged in a spiritual fight, a fight for the truth, the gospel, and the souls of men and women. Yes, you should care if people physically die but, most importantly, you should care about people who are spiritually dead, who are spiritually separated from God and, if they physically die and are without Christ, will be apart from God forever. Jesus said, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him.” Luke 12:4-5

5. Pray for the church in Ukraine. “My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations” (Mark 11:17). Pray for a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Pray that the Christians would draw close to God (Psalm 23, Eph. 1:17). Pray for God to supernaturally protect the believers. Pray He would give them a great abundance of grace and an extraordinary amount of peace. Pray for the Christians’ faith, and that they are strong and courageous. Pray they have a deep love for one another and encouraging fellowship. Pray they have hope, that they understand what Christ said about His return, how they will soon be glorified and be in heaven with Jesus. Pray they are not afraid to die, however that may happen, that they know that to die is gain, is the best thing that ever could happen to them. Pray they would be sharing the good news of Christ. Pray they understand that any affliction is momentary and light and is producing for them an eternal weight of glory. Pray that God leads the pastors and church leaders, gives them much wisdom, a special love for the people, and the truth their flock needs to hear. Pray for the parents, for grace, wisdom, and endurance, and for the children, that they would look to God for help and mercy. And pray for all their needs to be met, both physical and spiritual. Matthew 6:9-13

6. Pray for the lost, the unsaved in Ukraine, for those who don’t know the mercy and love of God. Pray they would see the love of the saints, that they would be convicted of their sin, that they would understand the truth of the gospel, that they would realize that the physical problem of the war is small compared to their spiritual problem of sin, and that it must be dealt with, or they will pay “the penalty of eternal destruction away from the presence of the Lord” (2 Thess. 2:9). Pray that many unbelievers turn from their sin, turn to Jesus Christ, and trust Him for forgiveness, eternal life, and peace. “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1

7. Share God’s truth with your friends, family, fellow church members, and others you happen to meet. This is a special moment in history, and God has ordained the present events in Ukraine to wake people up, to not be worldly, but to be spiritually minded, to be humble, to get them to look to Himself for truth, life, joy, and peace. As a Christian, you are to share the truth, whether it’s gospel truth for the lost or comforting truth for the saved. Be ready to tell both Christians and non-Christians about Christ’s 2nd coming to rapture the church and judge the world. Tell them that real peace on earth takes place during Christ’s 1000-year kingdom, when He is righteously and perfectly ruling over the world. Take advantage of the opportunities God gives you – He wants to use you in a special way at this time. “Conduct yourself with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity,” Col. 4:2-6, Eph. 5:15-17

In dark times like these, God wants you to spiritually shine, to be lights in the world, to be holy and loving truthtellers, to be doing your part. Know that God is causing all these events that are happening, whether it’s in this country or other parts in the world, to hasten the return of His Son. “Since we are of the day, 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… Therefore, encourage one another, and build up one another.” 1 Thessalonians 5:8-11

P.S. I encourage you to read my last post, “Russia at War Against Ukraine – Matthew 24:6”. Here are three other articles you should read sometime – “Matthew 24 – The Most Important Prophecy Chapter in the Bible”, “The Father’s Love For His Children”, and “The Coming of the Antichrist – the Devil’s Man on Earth.”

Russia At War Against Ukraine – Matthew 24:6

February 25, 2022 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #239 ~

Another war is taking place! This time it’s Russia invading Ukraine! None of us know what this is leading to, but humanly speaking, it doesn’t look good. How will this affect Asia, Europe, the United States, and the rest of the world? Only God knows – and I say that sincerely, for it’s the truth. And it’s not just that God knows what will happen, but that what will happen is part of His overall purpose and plan for the world at this time in history.

We live in the end-times, the last years leading up to Christ’s return to rapture the church and take over the world. And Christ told us there would be wars during this time. He said, “You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.” Matt. 24:6-7

But there’s a lot more than just wars taking place before the coming of Christ. Matt. 24:7 goes on to tell you that there will be famines and earthquakes. And further on in Matt. 24, and in other Bible passages, we discover that much more needs to happen. In fact, Christ said, “Take heed; behold, I have told you everything in advance” (Mark 13:23). What then does Christ want us to know? The following, from God’s word, is a detailed list of signs and events that need to take place, and conditions that need to be met.

1. Jews are once again living in Israel – Ezekiel 36-37
2. False christs and false prophets are deceiving people – Matt. 24:5, 11, 23-24
3. Wars – Matt. 24:6
4. Famines – Matt. 24:7
5. Earthquakes – Matt. 24:7
6. Plagues (like Covid 19) – Luke 21:11
7. Financial problems (includes inflation) – Rev. 6:6
8. A desire for globalism, a one world order (God’s global reset) – Dan. 7, Rev. 13
9. Nations reformed and realigned (God’s new world order) – Dan. 2, 7
10. Increasing Anti-Semitism – Matt. 24:15-26, Luke 21:24, Rev. 12:6-16
11. Increasing sin and lawlessness – Matt 24:12, 2 Thess. 2:3, 2 Tim. 3:1-5
12. A very unloving and hostile world – Matt. 24:12
13. Confirmation of a peace treaty between Israel and the Antichrist – Dan. 9:27
14. Offering sacrifices in a newly built temple in Jerusalem – Dan. 9:27, 2 Thess. 2:3-4
15. Great apostasy, a falling away of so-called believers – Matt. 24:10, 2 Thess. 2:3
16. The decline of global powers before the Antichrist rules (e.g., the United States) – Rev. 13
17. The rise, revealing, and rule of the Antichrist – Dan. 9:27, 2 Thess. 2:3-9, Rev. 13:3-7
18. The desolation of the temple by the Antichrist – Dan. 9:27, Matt. 24:15, 2 Thess. 2:4
19. The use of modern technology by the Antichrist to help him rule the world – Rev. 13:15-17
20. Powerful signs and false wonders performed by the 2nd beast – 2 Thess. 2:9-10, Rev. 13:13-14
21. Two godly and powerful witnesses in Jerusalem – Rev. 11:3-12
22. Great persecution of Christians and Jews – Matt. 24:9-10, 21-25; Luke 21:12-19; Rev. 13:7
23. The gospel being preached to all the nations – Matt. 24:14, Matt. 28:19-20
24. The sign of the end of the age, the signs in the heavens – Matt. 24:3, 29; Rev. 6:12-14
25. The sign of the Son of Man – Matt. 24:3, 30
!!THE COMING OF CHRIST AND THE RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH – Matt. 24:31, 2 Thess. 2:1!!

Let me share some thoughts about this:
1. Much needs to happen before Jesus Christ returns to rapture of the church. Wars are only one of 25 different things. God wants you to see the big picture, to know all that needs to take place before He sends His Son back to this earth.
2. Conditions in this world are going to get much worse before they get better, that is, before Christ comes back to rapture us, and begin His reign over this world. Psalms 2, 46, 67
3. Don’t be afraid. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble… Cease striving and know that I am God… I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46). Have promises, trust in the Lord, walk in the Spirit, depend on God’s grace, be in a good church, and have good fellowship.

4. God is sovereign, is completely in charge. The world and all that needs to occur before Christ’s coming is like a giant trillion-piece puzzle being put together, and every piece is an integral part of God’s end-time’s plan. He is divinely and wisely directing every thing, every person, and every event in just the right way at just the right time, and it’s all leading to Christ’s return. This war Russia is having with Ukraine, and all that results from it and how it affects the world is part of this puzzle, part of His perfect end-time’s plan. It may now look confusing, but when the church is raptured, the Jews are saved, the world is judged, and Christ begins to reign, it will be beautiful and glorious. “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God. “ Rom. 8:28, Eph. 1:9-11, Isaiah 46:9-11

5. It’s imperative that you have a clear understanding of Biblical end-times prophecy. Don’t be naïve, mistaken, or in error. And be careful that you don’t watch too much news, for it can lead to fear and wrong priorities. What’s most important is not what people say, but what God has declared in His word, for what He says is altogether true and will come to pass. (Matt. 24:25). I encourage you to read the posts I have written, and look at the charts, for they will help you understand what is to happen and how then you are to live. But take the time to study this out yourself, especially Matt. 24, Luke 21, 1 Thess. 4-5, 2 Thess. 1-2, and Revelation. Then tell your family, friends, fellow church members, and others. “I have appointed you a watchman.” Ezekiel 3:17, 1 Chronicles 12:32

6. God predetermined and predestined you to be alive at this time in history, in the last years of this church age, just before the coming of Christ and the rapture of the church. God wanted you to be alive “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14), in this place, with certain people, and to do your part. Love God, love people, be faithful, be diligent, and do all the work God wants you to do. “Do business until I come back.” Luke 18:13
7. Be filled with hope. As you work for God, keep looking forward to the future, to the return of Jesus Christ, to seeing Him face to face, and being forever with Him and all the believers. “They will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” Luke 21:27

8. Keep praying for the Christians in Ukraine as they go through what is most likely the toughest, most challenging time of their life. Pray that God would give them an extra measure of grace, peace, wisdom, and protection, and use them for His special purposes. Pray too for the lost, that many would turn to the Lord, and be saved.

P.S. Our church had a special guest this past Sunday who spoke on 2 Thessalonians 2. It was an excellent message on the timing of end-time events, and I really encourage you to listen to it.

HOPE – Embedded in God’s Word, and in Your Heart

February 11, 2022 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #238 ~

Do you ever notice verses about hope right in the middle of a Bible passage? It happens many times in the New Testament, and nine times alone in the book of Philippians. There’s no doubt that hope, looking forward to our future in heaven, greatly motivated Paul to keep living for the Lord on earth. What can you learn from Philippians about living for God and the need for hope?

Philippians 1:6 – “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.” This one verse is incredibly instructive and encouraging. 
1. Your salvation, from beginning to end, is the gracious work of God. He began His work in you – He justified you, and He will complete it – He will glorify you. Your salvation is not by your effort, but by Christ’s work on the cross and the Spirit’s work in you. God gets all the credit and glory.
2. Since your salvation is God’s work, then you can be confident that what He started in you, He will finish in you. No person or power can stop God from completely and eternally saving you. When He saves, He justifies, sanctifies, and glorifies. “These whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.” Rom. 8:29-30, John 10:27-29, 1 Cor. 1:8-9

3. Your salvation is not completed when you are justified, when you are born again; and it’s not completed if you physically die and go to heaven. It’s only completed on the day of Christ Jesus, when He returns, for that’s when the salvation God planned for you way back in eternity past will be perfected, and you will be glorified and be like Jesus Christ. Phil. 3:20-21, 1 John 3:2
4. One thing that helps you get through trials is remembering the end of the story, that God will finish the work He started in you. If God will glorify you, then surely He will enable you to endure and overcome all the little problems of life. “If God is for us, who is against us?… In all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:31-39

5. The day of Christ Jesus, a key prophecy phrase, refers to the time when you will be glorified, when your salvation will be complete, which happens just before the day of the Lord, a related phrase that refers to God’s judgment of the unbelievers. The glorification of believers occurs on the day of Christ Jesus, but the punishment of unbelievers takes place soon afterwards, during the day of the Lord. Luke 17:26-30, John 6:44, 1 Thess. 4:15 – 5:1-11
6. Paul was convinced of God’s saving work in himself, and here he expresses his confidence that God would complete His saving work in the Philippian saints. So too, be confident of God’s work in you, and encourage others by expressing your confidence of God’s work in them.

7. This truth that God will finish what He started in you appears at the beginning of Philippians. That’s because having assurance, being confident that God will complete your salvation, is foundational to all that Paul goes on to tell you about being a growing and fruitful Christian. If you have assurance of your salvation, then it means you are convinced that God truly and eternally loves you. “Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6, Romans 8:35-39

Philippians 1:9-11 – “This I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless, until the day of Christ Jesus, having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”
1. This is an important big-picture prayer. It’s about living for God, and knowing that how you live for God will be revealed at the end of this age, on the day of Christ Jesus. “When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you will also be revealed with Him in glory.” Col. 3:3-4, 2 Cor. 5:10
2. You are to pray that you have an abounding love for God by having His word in your heart. This results in making wise decisions which results in living a righteous, holy, and fruitful life. We can say it this way – “To live is Christ… will mean fruitful labor.” Phil. 1:21-22

3. You are to live for Christ until you physically die or are raptured. Then, on the day of Christ, you and all believers will be glorified and gathered together to meet Christ. (Matt. 24:29-31). Christ is looking forward to this most special day, and so should you. He told you, “Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done” (Rev. 22:12). The day of Christ is very important, for all believers will be with Christ, and all who truly lived for Christ will be rewarded. “Each will receive his own reward according to his own labor.” (1 Cor. 3:8-15). “Each man’s praise will come to him from God.” 1 Cor. 4:10
4. The ultimate aim, the overall purpose of your life is “for the glory and praise of God” (Phil. 1:11, Phil. 2:9-11). “By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit.” John 15:5-8

Philippians 1:21-24 – “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. But I am hard pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better, yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.”
1. “To live is Christ” – this sums up your life on earth. Christ is to be the center of your life, and it’s by His power and for His purposes that you can live for Him. Living for Christ means you are living for others. And living for others means you are loving them, serving them, praying for them, and telling them the Truth. The result is spiritual fruit that remains forever. John 15:16

2. Living for Christ can be difficult – there are trials, sadness, and suffering, and you get sick, old, weak, and tired. And there will be times when you want to leave this world so you can live with Christ. But is this not your God-appointed time to live on earth? And like a vapor, it will soon be over – and so make the most of it. (Eph. 5:15-17). It’s infinitely worth it to sacrifice your short life for God – it’s for the eternal glory of Christ, the eternal good of others, and your eternal blessing.

3. “To die…” The vast majority of Christians die during this church age, but I believe some of us will be raptured on the day of Christ Jesus. Just think, you may never die, but be “caught up together with them (those who have died) in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.” 1 Thess. 4:17 
4. “To die is gain.” To die – that’s wonderful! It means no more sin, pain, sickness, or sadness. It means your hopes are beginning to be realized. It means the next phase of your eternal life has begun. It means you are in heaven, an utterly magnificent place. Most importantly, it means being with Jesus Christ, the One who loves you far more than anyone else. Job 19:25-27, Rev. 21:3-7

5. At times you feel hard-pressed – you know the importance of staying on earth, but you really want to be in heaven with Jesus. And that’s a godly feeling, a good tension, a righteous desire. But now you are alive, and you have more work to do. It won’t be long before you leave this earth and are in heaven with Jesus, “… that where I am, there you may also be.” John 14:3

Living on this earth is to be God-exalting, is for the progress and joy of others. While you live on earth, be filled with hope, with the amazing truth of God’s future for you in your heart, and “press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12-14 

P.S. Might God help you notice all the hope verses as you read through His word, and see how they fit in the text and fit in with your life. Here are two recent posts on this same subject – “Philippians – Running to Win the Race” and “Ephesians 1 – A Big-Picture Prophecy Passage.” I encourage you to read them, and I am sure they will be instructive and encouraging.

Philippians – Running to Win the Prize

January 29, 2022 /

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #237 ~

Most of the epistles contain verses or passages on end-time’s prophecy, on the future God has for you and the church. Some epistles, like 1-2 Thessalonians and 1 Corinthians, contain entire passages; others, like Ephesians, Philippians, and 1 Peter, have verses here and there, prophetic truths weaved in the fabric of the text, sovereignly and purposely placed there by God.

Many Christians read their Bible but skip over and ignore verses like these that speak of our future on earth and in heaven. Why? Maybe they don’t know what they mean, or don’t see how they fit in the context of the passage, or just don’t think they are relevant. But these verses about our future are critically important for how we live our current life on earth. That’s because a key ingredient for how we live in the present is having hope for the future.

Life can be very difficult, stressful, and wearing, and hope helps you to be encouraged, energized, and to keep persevering. What does it mean to have hope? You are convinced that the best is yet to come; you believe that God has the most wonderful future planned out for you; you are expecting God to bless you, to pour out His goodness upon your life in the ages to come; you are looking forward to being in heaven with Jesus and fellow believers and in a new glorified body.

As a Christian, you need hope, you need something to look forward to. That’s why God placed all these prophecy verses in His word, ones that enable you to see the future and that motivate you to keep living for Him. It’s worth it to sacrifice your life for God, to carry out His work, for it brings glory to Him and results in you being rewarded in the future. Your life on earth has direction and a destiny, and hope keeps you hopeful, keeps you looking ahead to a much more glorious time.

I think of athletes running a race, and they are looking ahead. They are running for a reason. They have a goal, there’s a finish line, an end to the race. They know there’s a prize, a trophy, if they stay on track, if they compete “according to the rules” (2 Tim. 2:5), and win the race. Paul talks about this when he says, “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.” 2 Tim. 4:7-8

So too, the Bible talks quite extensively about your life in the future, for God wants you to know how He will bless you for running “the race that is set before us” (Heb. 12:1). That’s why it’s necessary for you to understand prophecy passages and verses. Today, we will be looking at all the prophecy verses in Paul’s letter to the Philippians, ones that I am sure will instruct and encourage you.

Philippians 1:6 – “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.” This gives the big picture of your salvation, that it began at a point in time (justified), and will be carried out, will be completed on the Day of Christ (glorified). When God saves, He justifies, sanctifies, and glorifies – He saves completely and eternally. Rom. 8:28-30

Philippians 1:9-11 – “… so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ, having been filled with the fruit of righteousness…” Living for God means being holy and making wise decisions, resulting in you being fruitful now, and being rewarded in the future, on the day of Christ. 2 Cor. 5:10

Philippians 1:20-23 – “… to live is Christ and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. But I am hard pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better.” There’s a spiritual tension you experience in life, continuing to live for Christ on earth, which means bearing fruit for Him, or wanting to be with Christ in heaven, which is better for you. Either way, whether you are on earth or in heaven, Christ will be exalted and you will be blessed.

Philippians 2:9-11 – “For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.” Jesus Christ is now exalted over all powers and beings, but only in the future will they all bow down to Christ and confess Him as Lord. This will take place during the millennial kingdom, when “the Lord will be King over all the earth.” Zech. 14:9

Philippians 2:14-16 – “Do all things without grumbling or disputing so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation… so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain.” We will know that our earthly work was successful on the day of Christ, that people we loved and influenced lived godly lives, and then we will rejoice.1 Cor. 15:58

Philippians 3:11 – “… in order that I may attain to the resurrection of the dead.” Paul was looking forward to the resurrection of the dead, which occurs on the day of Christ, for then he and all believers would be glorified, would become like Christ, and be with Christ. Phil. 3:20-21

Philippians 3:14 – “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” At some point in the future, God will call you home to heaven, either when you physically die or are raptured. You are to keep pressing ahead, to keep working for Christ until that time, knowing that it will be worth it, for then you will be supremely blessed and rewarded. 2 Tim. 4:6-8

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 conforming with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.” You don’t know whether you will physically die and go to heaven or be raptured and go to heaven. Either way, at the coming of Christ, you and all believers from all time will be glorified, will receive brand-new bodies, ones like Christ’s. 1 Cor. 15:21-23, 40-42

Philippians 4:4 – “The Lord is near.” This can mean that the Lord is near in a spiritual sense, or that the Lord is near in a physical sense. That we now live in the end-times means both are true. We can say that Christ is near, and that the day of Christ is near. Amen! John 14:1-3, 16-17

Living for Christ (witnessing – Phil. 1:12-13, suffering – Phil. 1:29, serving – Phil. 2:3-4, being holy – Phil. 2:14-15, pouring out your life – Phil. 2:17, pressing on – Phil. 3:14, praying – Phil. 4:6, going hungry – Phil. 4:12) is to be done with hope in mind, in view of the fact that this part of your life will soon be over, that Christ will return, rapture the church, glorify the believers, give out rewards, judge the sinners, save a remnant of Jews, and begin reigning over the world with you. Hope needs to be an essential part of your daily thinking, for having hope will help you to truly live for Christ, bear fruit for Christ, and bring glory to Christ. Jude 24-25

P.S. Sad to say, but many Christians don’t understand hope, and how successfully running the race for Christ relates directly to knowing the wonderful future God has in store for you. Might God increase your hope, and then you will have a more fruitful and God-glorifying life. Here are three good posts about hope – “In a Wicked World, You have to Have Hope” , “Your Great Hope and Most Glorious Future” and “Hope: the Who, What, When, How, and Why“.

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