“Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in front of the entire congregation of Israel and spread out his hands.” 2 Chronicles 6:12 CSB
WRITTEN IN GOD’S OWN BLOOD ( Acts 20:28)
Jesus established the New Testament with His own blood. The perfect, sinless, unique Son of God suffered so that we who believe might have eternal life in His name and through Him. The words ‘New Testament’ occur 13 times in the KJV of God’s Holy word. Four of the verses that refer to the New Testament are particularly revealing. Three are direct quotes from Christ Jesus our Lord, written by gospel writers. The other is in the book of Hebrews. (Matthew 26:28,Mark 14:24, Luke 22:20, 1 Corinthians 11:25, 2 Corinthians 3:6, Hebrews 9:15). We will look at what Mark and Paul wrote…
And he said unto them, “This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.” Mark 14:24 KJV
“And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.” Hebrews 9:15 KJV
UNDER THE NEW COVENANT
CHRIST CAME WHO IS THE IMAGE OF THE INVISIBLE GOD – Colossians 1:15
HOLY SPIRIT CAME TO US – Acts 4
A WAY WAS MADE THAT MAN MIGHT BE RECONCILED TO THE FATHER – Romans 5:10
BELIEVERS RECEIVE ETERNAL LIFE IN CHRIST – JOHN 3:16, JOHN 10:28
‘The New Testament is both ‘In Christ’ and ‘Through Christ.’ Both The Old and New Testament were given to the house of Judah and the House of Israel by Almighty God. The old foreshadowed the new and better Way. Jeremiah prophesied of God’s plan to provide us with the New Covenant that whereby He would put His teachings within us and write His law on our hearts. Under this New Covenant believers, both gentiles and Jews may be cleansed by the blood of Jesus and regenerated by the Holy Spirit. In Christ, we who were once far off are now reconciled to the Father.
“Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:” Jeremiah 31:31 KJV
“But now hath he (Christ) obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.” Hebrews 8:6 KJV
Many translations translate the word diathéké: as Covenant. It means testament, will, or covenant. WHAT IS THE NEW COVENANT
Because our God loves His creation, He is a Covenant making God! He covenanted when He established day and night – Jeremiah 33:19-20, 25-26 . He covenanted with Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Moses, and David. All these covenants are found in the Old Testament. They are all important. The New Covenant, however, is the final covenant. It is God’s plan to provide the Way to forgiveness and eternal life for those who serve Him. It is the Way to be saved…
“And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written, The Deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob. And this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins… Oh, the depth of the riches and the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments and untraceable his ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? And who has ever given to God, that he should be repaid? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen.” Romans 11:26-27, 33-36 CSB
WHY DO WE HAVE AN OLD AND A NEW TESTAMENT?
When Jesus said, “This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many” a new Way was introduced. This new covenant meant that in heaven there will be a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, and people! I believe the Holy Bible is divided into Old Testament and New Testament because JESUS CHRIST THE RIGHTEOUS SON came into the world and the world was changed forever. He changed how we count time. He changed how we understood history. He made a way for millions to spend eternity with Him in paradise. Because of Him, because Christ Jesus, we rejoice!
“You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result — the survival of many people.” Genesis 50:20 CSB
The *LORD GOD ALMIGHTY is always at work in the affairs of mankind. His plans are to enable those who work for the furtherance of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (there is only one true gospel – 1 Corinthians 15:1-8) and for the good of His people. God’s people are those found ‘in Christ,’ God’s Messiah. *The LORD God Almighty takes what men do for evil purposes and uses it for the good of those who truly love Him. He uses it to save lives, sometimes earthly lives, but always for life eternal for those who will receive it.
The greatest example of God intending good when men intended evil is seen in the crucifixion of the Lord Christ. Satan believed he was destroying the anointed Messiah Of *LORD God Almighty, but instead he was an unsuspecting instrument in God’s plan to save mankind and an instrument whereby God brought many souls to glory. Satan planned to destroy creation and life, but LORD God, The Almighty planned and allowed The Son to come to earth in the form of a man, to fulfill the law in complete obedience to The Father, to suffer and die, and to rise again that we might live and overcome death.
GOD ALWAYS SEES THE END FROM THE BEGINNING
Almighty God allowed Joseph’s brothers to sin against him by casting him into a pit and selling him into Egypt. The brothers thought they were getting rid of a brother they despised, yet God used their evil to bring about His plan for the survival of many people.
Throughout history, in spite of the fallen state of mankind, LORD God Almighty, (YHVH ELOHIM SHADDAI) has taken what was meant by Satan and men for evil and used it for good in the lives of those who are His. We see this repeated in the scriptures and in human history. Examples cited could be Paul being imprisoned resulted in his writing the letters to the churches. Because he wasn’t able to be there in person he wrote to these fledgling churches. Now we have his letters in our New Testament to teach, rebuke, correct, and train us in righteousness. John being exiled on the isle of Patmos enabled Him to receive the Revelation that is our Book of the Revelation. The persecution of the early church caused Christians to scatter, and yet God used the scattering to spread His gospel and save millions.
Examples that are not in the Bible are available if we think about it. What peoples have suffered due to mankind’s evil intentions, and yet in spite of the suffering they had an opportunity to hear and believe the gospel of Jesus Christ that would not have happened without the suffering?
NEVER UNDERESTIMATE GOD
With evil intent, Cain rose up and killed his brother Abel, but God brought his brother Seth into the world and through him, Noah was born. Because of the righteousness of Noah many have survived.
GOD SAVES JEWS AND GENTILES
Pharisees and Scribes rejected their Messiah, but God used their rejection to bring light to the Gentiles.
“While he was still confined in the guard’s courtyard, the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah a second time: “The Lord who made the earth, the Lord who forms it to establish it, the Lord is his name, says this: Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and incomprehensible things you do not know. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says concerning the houses of this city and the palaces of Judah’s kings, the ones torn down for defense against the assault ramps and the sword: The people coming to fight the Chaldeans will fill the houses with the corpses of their own men that I strike down in my wrath and fury. I have hidden my face from this city because of all their evil. Yet I will certainly bring health and healing to it and will indeed heal them. I will let them experience the abundance of true peace. I will restore the fortunes of Judah and of Israel and will rebuild them as in former times. I will purify them from all the iniquity they have committed against me, and I will forgive all the iniquities they have committed against me, rebelling against me. This city will bear on my behalf a name of joy, praise, and glory before all the nations of the earth, who will hear of all the prosperity I will give them. They will tremble with awe because of all the good and all the peace I will bring about for them. In those days and at that time I will cause a Righteous Branch to sprout up for David, and he will administer justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will dwell securely, and this is what she will be named: The Lord Is Our Righteousness.” Jeremiah 33:1-9, 15-16 CSB
“…take notice therefore, that the offers of divine salvation are sent to the Gentiles, and they will receive them.” Acts 28:28
For I want you to know this secret, brothers, so you will not become conceited: Part of the Israelites have become insensitive [to God], until the fullness of the Gentiles occurs. Romans 11:26
“But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that I might fully preach the word and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil work and will bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever! Amen.” 2 Timothy 4:17-18 CSB
WHO IS THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY?
*LORD (YHVH) GOD (ELOHIM) ALMIGHTY (SHADDAI)-
*YHVH – יְהוָֹה – the proper name of the God of Israel – “I AM”
ELOHIM – אֱלהִים – A word meaning God which is always plural in form. Foreshadows our knowledge of Father, Son, and Spirit (Used in Genesis for God as He created all things)
SHADDAI – שַׁדַּי – Shadday or SHADDAI meaning self sufficient or omnipotent. (Some write God’s name as El Shaddai)
Every building has a foundation if it is to remain standing and useable. In the Old Testament we learn that the earth, also, has a foundation with a cornerstone. God is the builder who marked out the foundations of the earth (Proverbs 8:27-29 ) and set the stone (Psalm 104:5 ). A church building has a foundation which is built on a cornerstone. The true Church, the body of Christ, is built on the foundation of the gospel with Jesus Christ described as the Cornerstone as well as the builder. Jesus said, “…I will build my Church.” The writers of the epistles knew and taught that Christ is the cornerstone. God established the foundation of the physical realm for our well -being, just as He established the foundation of the spiritual realm for our well-being.
WHAT IS OUR SPIRITUAL FOUNDATION?”
“According to God’s grace that was given to me, I have laid a foundation as a skilled master builder, and another builds on it. But each one is to be careful how he builds on it. For no one can lay any foundation other than what has been laid down. That foundation is Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 3:10-11 CSB
Both foundations, the physical and spiritual are Christ. All of creation holds together by Christ. (Colossians 1:17)
Christ is worthy of our praise!
GOD’S THRONE
“Lord God of Armies, who is strong like you, Lord? Your faithfulness surrounds you. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; faithful love and truth go before you.” Psalms 89:8, 14 CSB
The Bible teaches that Jesus is our righteousness. (1 Corinthians 1:30) Jesus is a just judge. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of God’s throne! This tells us much about the importance of Christ Jesus the Lord!
A SOLID FOUNDATION AND CORNERSTONE
When people in the early church departed from the faith, Paul assured Timothy that regardless of the faithlessness of any person, this foundation that is Jesus Christ stands firm!
Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 2 Timothy 2:19
…built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. Ephesians 2:20
“The earth and everything in it, the world and its inhabitants, belong to the Lord; for he laid its foundation on the seas and established it on the rivers. Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not appealed to what is false, and who has not sworn deceitfully. He will receive blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. Such is the generation of those who inquire of him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob.Selah” Psalms 24:1-6 CSB
HOW SAFE ARE WE IF CHRIST IS OUR FOUNDATION?
Nothing will be able to shake us!
Therefore the Lord GOD said: “Look, I have laid a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will be unshakable. Isaiah 28:16
If a person places themselves in Christ’s care, they are eternally secure. Christ has power over all storms, over demons, over disease, over death, itself. SEE MARK 4:35-41 and MARK 5:1-43
There is a selection of scripture in Mark 4:35 – Mark 5:43 where we find these obey Christ immediately: 1) The wind and the sea 2) demons 3) sickness 4) death. Jesus has authority over all these!
WHO CALLED CHRIST JESUS, GOD?
Peter, Thomas, John, and Paul all called Jesus, God. John included the teaching most clearly in his writing and put it first, as though to be certain it was included in church doctrine.
JESUS PATIENTLY TAUGHT
Jesus did not have to teach the demons. They already knew who He is and His authority. People, however, needed to be taught and to observe His power.
In each gospel, we are able to see how Jesus took the time, and with great wisdom, led His disciples. He did this so that eventually, after His resurrection, they would see Him clearly and be able to see His deity, and teach others so that we might believe. He taught different groups differently because of their preconceived ideas, but He taught all the same Truth. That the disciples and the apostle Paul came to see His glory and the power of God in Christ is clearly shown in the statements and teachings of Peter, Thomas, John, and Paul in the verses below:
Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ.—2 Peter 1:1
Then Jesus said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and look at My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas replied,“My LordandmyGod!” John 20:27-28
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. …In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. John 1:1,4,14
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us that, having denied ungodliness and worldly passions, we should live discreetly and righteously and piously in the present age, awaiting the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us …Titus 2:11-14
WHY IS THE HOLY SPIRIT NECESSARY IN OUR LIVES?
Jesus taught His disciples well, but they had trouble fully understanding because of unbelief, preconceived ideas and sin. He sent The Comforter, God’s Holy Spirit to enable believers to see Him clearly after His ascension. The Holy Spirit does many good things. One of those things is revealing Christ!
THE HOLY SPIRIT LEADS CHRISTIANS TO THE TRUTH – TO JESUS –
“Nevertheless, I am telling you the truth. It is for your benefit that I go away, because if I don’t go away the Counselor will not come to you. If I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment: About sin, because they do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me; and about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged…When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. For he will not speak on his own, but he will speak whatever he hears. He will also declare to you what is to come. He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. Everything the Father has is mine. This is why I told you that he takes from what is mine and will declare it to you.” John 16:7-11, 13-15 CSB
WHY IS IT THAT RELIGIONS AND FALSE TEACHERS LEAD PEOPLE AWAY FROM THE TRUTH?
When false teachers, who take God’s name uselessly or in vain, approach a person to teach them strange and unbiblical doctrines the FIRST thing they will attack is Christ Jesus, His claim to deity, and His identify as Messiah, or God with us. They do this because a true follower of Christ will not follow them and thy are seeking followers. God’s word warns us many times about those who willfully deceive others. Here is one place:
See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ. Colossians 2:8
Those who do not know the Lord often seek a following. They creep into the lives of people who haven’t been born again and who may be searching for something. The first Truth they attack is Christ identity, His Person, and His mission. Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” When anyone, any group, any religion comes to you with another way, another “truth”, and no clear understanding of how one obtains salvation through Christ that provides eternal life in heaven, know that these are not of Almighty God. Jesus is the only Way! No organization or religion can take His place. Jesus is the Truth! The Truth will set you free. That means that only in Jesus Christ, can we find peace with God and freedom from the penalty of sin. Jesus is the life.
“In him (Christ Jesus) was life, and that life was the light of men.” John 1:4 CSB
HOW DOES A PERSON RECOVER FROM UNBELIEF OR FALSE TEACHING?
If you have been approached and deceived, or if there is unbelief in your heart, remember that Christ stands at the door and knocks. You may repent, by turning away from false teachings, and false organizations and turning to Christ. “He is able to save completely those who come to God through him, since He always lives to intercede for them.” This quote is from Hebrews 7:25.
Our God and Savior has power over the weather, over demons, over sickness and over death! Be not unbelieving, but believe and be safe in Christ.
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus…Now if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then he who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through his Spirit who lives in you.” Romans 8:1, 10-11
Christians have the privilege of coming to God in prayer. We are to come in the Name of Jesus and He will be attentive to our prayers. Perhaps these words of Solomon will help us pray that God will be with us and each person for whom we pray, as the matter may require.
Samuel wrote that he would not sin against the Lord by not praying for those the people.
A Prayer Of Solomons “May the Lord our God be with us, as He was with our fathers. May He not leave us nor forsake us, that He may incline our hearts to Himself, to walk in all His ways, and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His judgments, which He commanded our fathers. And may these words of mine, with which I have made supplication before the Lord, be near the Lord our God day and night, that He may maintain the cause of His servant and the cause of His people Israel, as each day may require, that all the peoples of the earth may know that the Lord is God; there is no other. Let your heart therefore be loyal to the Lord our God, to walk in His statutes and keep His commandments, as at this day.”” I Kings 8:57-61 NKJV
”For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink.” 1 Corinthians 12:13
MESSAGE TO JEWS
“Peter began to speak: “Now I truly understand that God doesn’t show favoritism, but in every nation the person who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. He sent the message to the Israelites, proclaiming the good news of peace through Jesus Christ — he is Lord of all.” Acts 10:34-36 CSB
“A man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly, nor is circumcision only outward and physical. No, a man is a Jew because he is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise does not come from men, but from God.” Romans 2:28-29
MESSAGE TO GENTILES
“At that time you were without Christ, excluded from the citizenship of Israel, and foreigners to the covenants of promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus, you who were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who made both groups one and tore down the dividing wall of hostility. In his flesh,” Ephesians 2:12-14 CSB
“I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying—my conscience testifies with me in the Holy Spirit 2 that I have great sorrow and continuous pain in my heart. 3 For I almost wish that I myself could be cursed and separated from Christ in place of my brothers, my relatives according to the flesh, 4 those who are Israelites. Theirs are the adoption as sons, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. 5 Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, came the Christ, who is God over all, eternally blessed. Amen. This does not mean that God’s word has failed, because not all who are descended from Israel are really Israel, 7 and not all who are descended from Abraham are really his children. On the contrary, “Your line of descent will be traced through Isaac.” 8 This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are counted as his descendants.9 For this is what the promise said: “I will arrive at this set time, and Sarah will have a son….Romans 9:1-9
What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who were not pursuing righteousness, have obtained righteousness, a righteousness that is by faith. 31 But Israel, while pursuing the law as a way of righteousness, did not reach it. 32 Why? Because they kept pursuing it not by faith, but as if it comes by works.They stumbled over the stumbling stone. 33 Just as it is written:
Look, I am putting a stone in Zion over which they will stumble and a rock over which they will fall. The one who believes[ in him will not be put to shame. Romans 9:30-33
HAS GOD FORSAKEN HIS PEOPLE, ISRAEL?
Paul was asked this question and his answer was “Certainly not! Read Romans 11 for an explanation. And God answered through the prophet Jeremiah that It is not going to happen.
“Thus says the Lord: “If the heavens above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth below can be explored, then I will cast off all the offspring of Israel for all that they have done, declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 31:37
PRAISE GOD AND GIVE THANKS
“But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in exchange for you. Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you, I give men in return for you, peoples in exchange for your life.” Isaiah 43: 1-4
Since the vicious, inhumane attacks against the people of Israel on October 7th by terrorist called Hamas, Israel has become front and center in world news headlines. Christians wonder if the prophecy in Zechariah 12 is being fulfilled:
“I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that sends all the surrounding peoples reeling. Judah will be besieged as well as Jerusalem. On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves.” (Zechariah 12:2-3)
THE USA AND ANTI-SEMITISM
In America, a place that has spent over a century working to eradicate racism and prejudice, the recent attacks on Israel and Israel’s subsequent national defense, along with demands for the return of hostages, has brought to light an ugly and raging racist, anti-Semitic movement that has been festering in our universities. Christians still support Israel, but the USA has lost our young college aged-generation. Today’s young people ridicule Christ, hate Jews, and are intolerant of Israel’s right to exist. They claim to hate racism and genocide while embracing a hatred for Jews and calling for their destruction.
HISTORY OF ISRAEL
The Bible is our primary resource when studying Israel. The word “Israel” occurs 2,568 times in 2,294 verses in the KJV of the Bible. The story of Israel, (along with God’s promises to the nation), is found in scripture. Israel begins with the man Jacob, evolves into a nation, is established permanently in Christ, and culminates in Christ’s Kingdom and New Jerusalem. It is a work of Almighty God!
“I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory.” Isaiah 46:13 KJV
Luke recorded the words of Simeon when he saw Christ Jesus. Simeon is described as a just man who was devout and the Holy Ghost was upon him. His words in Luke 2:30-32 reveal Christ as the glory of Israel.
GOD ESTABLISHES THE NATION
The nation begins with Almighty God and His promise to Abram. The promise is first recorded in Genesis 12:2. Six times God repeats His promise to Abram, who is later called Abraham…
”And I will make of thee a greatnation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing.” Genesis 12:2
The first mention of the nation by name is in Genesis 32: 8 where God tells Jacob:
“Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.”
The story of Israel, formerly called Jacob is given to us in God’s word. Israel has 12 sons from which God established twelve tribes and from these 12 tribes, God established the nation of Israel! The nation grew and eventually we read:
“And what one nation in the earth is like thy people, even like Israel, whom God went to redeem for a people to himself, and to make him a name, and to do for you great things and terrible, for thy land, before thy people, which thou redeemedst to thee from Egypt, from the nations and their gods?” 2 Samuel 7:23
”Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: and I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: and I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.“ Genesis 12:1-3 KJV
Some of what is written is written as factual information. An example is Deuteronomy
”It is a land the Lord your God cares for. He is always watching over it from the beginning to the end of the year.“ Deuteronomy 11:12 CSB
God promised Abram that He would bless those who blessed Abram.
The details of the history of Israel are found in the Torah or first five books of the Hebrew Bible. It became a country when the 12 tribes settled in Canaan and a Kingdom under King Saul. Rome conquered Israel between 63-37 BC. The Kingdom was dissolved following the destruction of Judea and the resulting diaspora around 114-155 AD. Israel ceased to exist until the creation of the modern State of Israel in 1947-1948 by the United Nations.
In February 1947, Great Britain gave up control of the land known as Palestine to the United Nations. On November 29, 1947, the General Assembly of the United Nations voted to provide Arabs and Jews with their own land. The rebirth of the nation of Israel was official and legal, but the Palestinians refused to accept Israel and war broke out almost immediately. Many, however view this as the fulfillment of the prophecy in Amos:
“I will restore the fortunes of My people Israel. They will rebuild and occupy ruined cities, plant vineyards and drink their wine, make gardens and eat their produce. I will plant them on their land, and they will never again be uprooted from the land I have given them. Yahweh your God has spoken.” Amos 9:14-15 HCSB
Battles continued until the United Nations Security Council called for a permanent armistice on December 29, 1948. On July 5, 1950, the state of Israel passed the Law of Return. Its opening line read: “Every Jew has the right to immigrate to the country.” The population more than doubled in the next five years as Jews returned to their homeland.
As the reborn nation struggled to meet the challenges of different Jewish groups, economic challenges and Arab resistance, life was often difficult. In the 1950s, the Arab world attempted to pressure Israel through economic sanctions; Israeli ships could not use Arab ports, and Israeli airplanes could not use Arab air space. In 1955, Egypt purchased large amounts of weapons from the Soviet Union and Czechoslovakia. The next year it announced the nationalization of the Suez Canal. These events led to intervention by the UN and eventually the six day war in 1967.
In May 1967, Egypt expelled the United Nations Emergency Force from the Sinai Peninsula and amassed 100,000 soldiers at the border with Israel. The Six-Day War began on June 5, 1967, when the IDF, led by Chief of Staff Yitzhak Rabin, preemptively attacked Egypt’s air force and Jordan attacked Israel.
WHY WAS THERE A PREEMPTIVE STRIKE BY ISRAEL?
May 14, 1967, the Egyptian Prime Minister, Nasser mobilized Egyptian forces in the Sinai. Then on May 18 he made a formal request asking for the removal of the UNEF (United Nations Emergency Force) that had been stationed there. On May 22 he closed the Gulf of Aqaba to Israeli shipping, which blockaded the port city of Elat in southern Israel. Seeing Egypt prepare for war, Israel tool action.
In these six days of war, Israel gained control of Jerusalem and the West Bank. Jordan had occupied this territory since 1948. Israel also gained control of the Gaza Strip (which Egypt had occupied since 1948), the strategic Golan Heights from Syria, and the Sinai Peninsula. No longer were Jews barred from the western wall or their own Jewish cemetery which was on Mount Olives. Land that God had originally given to them through Abraham was restored. Amazingly, when Israel gained East Jerusalem in 1967, it gave each religious group control over its own holy sites. Christianity, Islam, and Judaism – all consider Jerusalem to be a sacred place. Now each have a district in Jerusalem.
Jesus spoke of a future time when there will be a desolation of the city. This will be followed by the return of the Lord Jesus Christ and His millennial reign. Judgement follows this period and then, the New Jerusalem will be established that last eternally.
““When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then recognize that its desolation has come near. …But when these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is near! ” Luke 21:20, 28 HCSB
In America, a place that has spent over a century working to eradicate racism and prejudice, the recent attacks on Israel and Israel’s subsequent national defense, along with demands for the return of hostages, has brought to light an ugly and raging racist, anti-Semitic movement that has been festering in our universities. Christians still support Israel, but the USA has lost a generation. Today’s young people ridicule Christ, hate Jews, and are intolerant of Israel’s right to exist. They claim to hate racism and genocide while embracing a hatred for Jews and calling for their destruction.
According to the web-site, Israel Today, a majority (66%) of all Jewish Israelis believe that yes, the rebirth of the State of Israel has changed the way Christians see Jews. Three out of every four Israelis (75%) say that Christians (Evangelicals mostly) changed their attitudes towards Jews because they support Israel.
WHAT ARE WE WHO LOVE GOD AND LOVE ISRAEL TO DO?
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem means praying they will come to know and receive Messiah, Jesus the Christ (Yeshuah). Love the Jews and be a witness. Helped them know that Joel spoke of Jesus. The angels declared “Peace on earth good will to men” at His birth.
“Bethlehem Ephrathah, you are small among the clans of Judah; One will come from you to be ruler over Israel for Me. His origin is from antiquity, from eternity. Therefore, He will abandon them until the time when she who is in labor has given birth; then the rest of His brothers will return to the people of Israel. He will stand and shepherd them in the strength of Yahweh, in the majestic name of Yahweh His God. They will live securely, for then His greatness will extend to the ends of the earth.” Micah 5:2-4 HCSB
There are “religions” on earth today deceiving millions about who Christ is, about His Kingdom, and about how long He will reign? This deception is from Satan. Christ Jesus will rule and reign eternally! God, YHWH, makes this clear: not only is this clearly stated, it is stated in different ways to cast down all arguments and every high-minded thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, taking every thought captive to obey Christ! (found in 2 Corinthians 10:4-5)
The same way we learn that God sends Messiah, Emmanuel, into the world is the way we know! It is written…
”He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end“. Luke 1:33 HCSB
ABOUT CHRIST, OUR REDEEMER, WHO IS RIGHTEOUS AND JUST
”Zion will be redeemed by justice, her repentant ones by righteousness.“ Isaiah 1:27 HCSB
”Your throne, God, is forever and ever; the scepter of Your kingdom is a scepter of justice.“ Psalms 45:6 HCSB
”For to which of the angels did He ever say, You are My Son; today I have become Your Father, or again, I will be His Father, and He will be My Son?…And about the angels He says: He makes His angels winds, and His servants a fiery flame, but to the Son: Your throne, God, is forever and ever, and the scepter of Your kingdom is a scepter of justice.“ Hebrews 1:5, 7-8 HCSB
”I continued watching in the night visions, and I saw One like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was escorted before Him. He was given authority to rule, and glory, and a kingdom; so that those of every people, nation, and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will not be destroyed.“ Daniel 7:13-14 HCSB
…for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you. 2 Peter 1:11
”Christ died and came to life for this: that He might rule over both the dead and the living.“ Romans 14:9 HCSB
Sunday is the day we celebrate victory in Jesus. Resurrection Sunday!
Prior to Resurrection Sunday, Christian’s partake of the sacraments in obedience to Christ…
“This do in remembrance of Me.” Luke 22:19
Why do those who are in the New Covenant teach and preach Jesus and Him crucified, buried, and resurrected? It is because in Christ we have hope and a future! Without Christ there is no hope for the future and we are, as Paul said, most miserable or wretched. The entire message of the Bible is the gospel. Jesus was in the beginning (John 1:1), He led the Israelites…
They all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. 1 Corinthians 10:3-4
Christ was the fourth man in the fire with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and He was spoken of by all the prophets!
After His obedience, suffering, and passion, Jesus has been given the Name above all names, all power and authority in heaven and on earth. (Matthew 28:18, Philippians 2:9)
Jesus said we should follow Him and serve Him… He took on our sins, suffered and died so we might be clothed in His righteousness. There is no other way, no other Name – Jesus paid it all.
The Father has said, “Hear Him…”
Jesus said
”My sheep hear my voice, I know them, and they follow me.“ John 10:27
”If anyone serves me, he must follow me. Where I am, there my servant also will be. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.“John 12:26
”And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.“ Mark 1:17
”But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.“ Matthew 8:22
”And whoever doesn’t take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.“ Matthew 10:38
”If you want to be perfect,” Jesus said to him, “go, sell your belongings and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” Matthew 19:21
Peter, who had been with Jesus, said:
”He sent the message to the Israelites, proclaiming the good news of peace through Jesus Christ — he is Lord of all.“ Acts 10:36
”If you are ridiculed for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.“ 1 Peter 4:14
“There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
Paul said:
”The righteousness of God is through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe, since there is no distinction.“ Romans 3:22
“I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.“ 1 Corinthians 2:2
Writer of Hebrews: ”The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact expression of his nature, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.“ Hebrews 1:3
”Then he said to them all, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.“ Luke 9:23
After the resurrection Jesus instructed His disciples…
“And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.“ Matthew 28:9-10
Thanks be to God that we who follow Jesus have reason to celebrate!
When Peter and the Apostles preached Christ and Him crucified and resurrected, the Sanhedrin and Sadducees locked them in prison. An Angel released them, however, the Sanhedrin wanted to try and keep them locked up to stop them from telling others about Jesus. A Pharisee named Gamaliel had enough wisdom to speak out. Gamaliel was respected by the people and the Sanhedrin heard him and heeded his advice!
GAMALIEL’s ADVICE
”So in the present case, I tell you, stay away from these men and leave them alone. For if this plan or this work is of human origin, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even be found fighting against God.” They were persuaded by him. Every day in the temple, and in various homes, they continued teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.“ Acts 5:38-39, 42 CSB
Over 2000 years later, we can and do testify that the movement DID NOT FAIL.
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