Category: The Nation Israel

Teach Them Diligently Unto Thy Children

Thursday, September 15, 2016

“And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up” (Deuteronomy 6:6,7 KJV).

Such wise words from so long ago!

Earlier, I overheard two women talking about raising kids in this very confused world. The boundaries of human sexuality have been blurred. Children are addicted to electronic entertainment. All we hear about violence. There is such uncertainty. Friends, this is going to sound harsh, but it is the truth. Most children these days have a very bleak future because their parents have such a very weak understanding of what really matters. They have religion, education, and material wealth, but they do not understand the things of God. They cannot stand by faith on the written Word of God because they do not know it. If they do not know it, they certainly cannot teach it to their children!

Today’s Scripture commanded the Jews to teach their children the Law of Moses. If those new generations of Israel did not faithfully keep that Mosaic Covenant, God would forcefully drive them out of that Promised Land. Israel treated this commandment very lightly. They did not faithfully pass on God’s Word to their children. About 900 years after Moses, Israel fell politically. Instead of holding to God’s Word, they had worshipped and served pagan idols. So, in righteous judgment, God fulfilled His Word to them. He forced them out of the Holy Land. Gentile armies robbed, ravished, imprisoned, and killed them! The Jews are scattered worldwide even today!

Friends, if we are worried about future generations today, we had better get them into God’s Holy Word rightly divided. Our King James Bible is a sure (reliable) basis for life. It will be here long after we leave this world. Religious tradition will not do it because it changes through time. Science will not do it because scientific ideas change through time. We had better get our young people especially into the Pauline epistles, Romans through Philemon, lest our society wind up like ancient Israel’s!

The King of Glory

Monday, September 12, 2016

“Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah” (Psalm 24:10 KJV).

Just who is “this King of Glory,” “the LORD of hosts?”

While the Psalms are often “devotionalized”—used for “everyday inspiration”—they are actually a series of songs God has used (and will use) to teach the nation Israel doctrine (especially prophecy). For example, in Psalm 22, we see Israel’s Messiah suffering on Calvary’s cross (verses 1-21) and then reigning in His glorious earthly kingdom (verses 22-31). Psalm 23 illustrates Israel’s believing remnant, suffering persecution during the seven-year Tribulation, anticipating that coming kingdom that will eclipse their distress. Today’s Scripture is the last verse of Psalm 24, the closure of the triplet (Psalms 22-24). Psalm 24 is the arrival of Israel’s Messiah, the Lord Jesus, JEHOVAH God, as He returns to Earth to destroy Israel’s enemies. He enters the city of Jerusalem for Father God to crown Him as King of Earth’s governments. This is His REAL triumphal entry!

Psalm 24 in its entirety: “[1] The earth is the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. [2] For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods. [3] Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? [4] He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. [5] He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. [6] This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah. [7] Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. [8] Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. [9] Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. [10] Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.”

What a day it will be when Jesus Christ is crowned as Earth’s King for all to see! 🙂

God’s Offer to the Nations

Sunday, September 11, 2016

“…[T]hat God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:19 KJV).

Today’s Scripture is God’s offer to all the nations of the world today.

September 11, 2001 was a day that changed our nation forever. It was the worst terrorist attack in our two-century national history. Afterward, many Americans began to talk about “God Bless America” and “God Save the United States.” These phrases are not as commonplace as they used to be.

In the 15 years that have passed since that awful day, it is a sad commentary that “God” is now the least of our nation’s concerns. With the redefining of marriage, controversial political arena, moral decay, skyrocketing national debt, and the uncertainty as to what constitutes a human life and what does not, obviously, the God of the Bible has been largely pushed out… until we need His help, and then we cry out to Him. Unless we need Him, we rather not think about anything He has to say.

While many argue that God is judging America today for its sins, the Bible does not support such an idea. Certainly, God dealt with Israel in that manner—“Do good and I will bless, but disobey and I will curse” (Leviticus chapter 26; Deuteronomy chapter 28)—but we have no relation to that Old Covenant of Law.

For the last 20 centuries, God has offered His grace to all the world’s nations, to have a right standing before Him by trusting Jesus Christ. People still die and go to hell, but today’s Scripture says that God is not judging nations for their sins. Through Jesus Christ’s finished crosswork, God offers reconciliation to sinners, whether here or around the world. However, that grace is exhaustible, and one day, it will be replaced with His wrath (Romans 2:1-16). Still, we believers are not appointed to God’s wrath; we are saved from all wrath through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:9; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:9).

The only hope for America—yea, for any nation—is faith in Jesus Christ alone!

*You can also see our 2011 Bible study commemorating the 10th anniversary of 9/11. It can watched here or read here.

What Will Ye Give Me?

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

“Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him” (Matthew 26:14-16 KJV).

What prompted Judas to consult with the chief priests at this specific time?

Israel’s chief priests, scribes, and elders had already begun to conspire to capture Jesus sneakily and kill Him (verses 3-4)—although the time was not yet convenient (verse 5).

Verses 6-13 continue: “[6] Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, [7] There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat. [8] But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste? [9] For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor. [10] When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me. [11] For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always. [12] For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial. [13] Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.” After this incident, today’s Scripture says Judas visited the chief priests. What specifically motivated Judas?

John 12:4-6, a similar event occurring just days before, provides a clue: “[4] Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, which should betray him, [5] Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? [6] This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.”

So infuriated and avaricious that the expensive ointment was “wasted” on Jesus in Matthew chapter 26, Judas scurried off to ask the chief priests just what they would give him to betray Jesus!

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Should Bible questions be discouraged?”

That Ishmael Might Live!

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

“And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee!” (Genesis 17:18 KJV).

Why did Abraham pray these words?

JEHOVAH God, after giving the nations nearly 2,000 years to come to Him by faith, scattered them because of their idolatrous rebellion (Genesis chapters 10 and 11). He isolated one pagan, Abram the Syrian. Genesis chapter 12: “[1] 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: [2] 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: [3] 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.”

God promised Abram he would father a nation, Israel, for His earthly purposes. Yet, Abram and wife Sarai remain childless for many years. Impatient, Sarai suggests Abram use her slave girl, Hagar, as a surrogate mother. Abram, in unbelief, follows his wife’s advice. Genesis 16:15,16: “And Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called his son’s name, which Hagar bear, Ishmael. And Abram was fourscore and six [86] years old, when Hagar bare Ishmael to Abram.”

Some 13 years later, in chapter 17, God appears to 99-year-old Abram. “Abram” (“high father”) is renamed “Abraham” (“father of many”) (verse 5). Furthermore, God tells Abraham his promised son, Isaac, will be born next year to Sarah (verses 15-17). Since Isaac is coming and Ishmael was not God’s plan, Abraham fears God will kill Ishmael. In today’s Scripture, Abraham pleads for Ishmael’s life.

The Bible continues, “[19] And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him. [20 And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.” Ishmael indeed lived, but, due to Abraham’s fleshly behavior, Ishmael fathered the Arabs—Israel’s most bitter enemies!

More About Jesus #5

Monday, August 29, 2016

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18 KJV).

The chorus of Eliza E. Hewitt’s classic 1887 hymn, “More About Jesus,” highlight’s today’s Scripture.

“More, more about Jesus,
More, more about Jesus;
More of His saving fullness see,
More of His love Who died for me.”

Notice how the chorus has “More, more about Jesus / More, more about Jesus.” The hymn writer wants to continue “growing in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” How greatly lacking is that desire today in the professing church. Lord, deliver us from such appalling ignorance!

I just sat with a dear, confused Christian and taught her the Bible rightly divided. A “babe in Christ,” she has only been saved for about a year. She is a slow learner; however, I did not mind repeating phrases and verses many times. Since she has a lot of unanswered questions, I want to give her as much “room” as I possibly can. After spending over six decades as a lost person in a false religion (!), she is saved and now genuinely trying to learn God’s Word. What is problematic is people who have trusted Christ decades ago, they are still asking their same questions. They have been so busy learning the traditions of men, those worthless denominational teachings got them nowhere in their Christian life! Thankfully, God’s Word is becoming clearer for this dear lady. She has learned “more, more” about Jesus, “more, more” about His Word, and “more, more” about His purpose and plan for her.

In today’s Scripture, the Apostle Peter admonished believing Israel to continue growing spiritually. There were apostates and unbelievers in their day (verses 1-17), just as there are today. These believers were to remain faithful to their kingdom doctrine about Jesus Christ, that they not go the way of those Bible scoffers and unbelievers. We too had better take heed, friends. Satan’s policy of evil wants to discourage us from also learning more about Jesus! Let us take our stand on the Word of God rightly divided, that we may learn “more, more about Jesus!” 🙂

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Are we praying to God ‘long-distance?’”

More About Jesus #4

Sunday, August 28, 2016

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18 KJV).

The fourth verse of Eliza E. Hewitt’s classic 1887 hymn, “More About Jesus,” highlight’s today’s Scripture.

“More about Jesus; on His throne,
Riches in glory all His own;
More of His kingdom’s sure increase;
More of His coming, Prince of Peace.”

Jesus Christ is understood most fully by approaching the Scriptures dispensationally. God gave the Apostle Paul the final installment of His revelation to mankind (cf. Colossians 1:23-29). We get the complete picture by acknowledging “the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery” (Romans 16:25). Not only is Jesus Israel’s Messiah (prophecy), He is the Head of the Body of Christ (mystery).

As our physical body takes orders from our brain, so we members of the Church the Body of Christ serve our Head (Jesus Christ). We learn more about Him, thereby learning more about what He is doing and more about what He wants us to do. Father God’s purpose in creation is not simply to glorify His Son Jesus Christ in Earth (with Israel). His purpose is also to glorify Christ in Heaven (with us!). Ephesians chapter 1: “[9] Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: [10] That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him.”

One day, saints, when this earthly life is over, and we the Church the Body of Christ are caught up into heaven, we will function in the heavenly places in the ages to come. We will glorify Father God by Christ Jesus there: “Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen” (Ephesians 3:21). With the Body of Christ beginning to functioning in Jesus Christ’s heavenly kingdom, He will return to Earth as Israel’s Prince of Peace to have Israel function in His earthly kingdom. His kingdom will increase, so our knowledge of it should surge as well!

Hiding Thyself

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

“Thou shalt not see thy brother’s ass or his ox fall down by the way, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt surely help him to lift them up again” (Deuteronomy 22:4 KJV).

What does today’s Scripture reveal about human nature?

The Mitzvot are the 613 commandments of the Law of Moses (Exodus through Deuteronomy). JEHOVAH God meticulously instructed Israel about literally hundreds of behaviors. Why? God gave Israel the Law not only so they would learn about Him, but also that they would learn about themselves.

In those laws, not only can we see God’s mind and heart, we can see our human mind and heart. All people are descended from Adam, so they share his sinful identity. Israel had to learn this lesson via the Law. Remember, “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin” (Romans 3:20).

Consider today’s Scripture. Why would God tell the Jews not to “hide” when they saw their brother’s livestock fallen down? The implication is that human nature is to “hide” when others need help. Unless we can gain something out of it, we will not bother to help others. That is the awful sin nature we all have from Adam!

Read the verses prior to today’s Scripture: “[1] Thou shalt not see thy brother’s ox or his sheep go astray, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt in any case bring them again unto thy brother. [2] And if thy brother be not nigh unto thee, or if thou know him not, then thou shalt bring it unto thine own house, and it shall be with thee until thy brother seek after it, and thou shalt restore it to him again. [3] In like manner shalt thou do with his ass; and so shalt thou do with his raiment; and with all lost thing of thy brother’s, which he hath lost, and thou hast found, shalt thou do likewise: thou mayest not hide thyself.”

Contrary to our human nature of hiding when others need help, God’s selfless nature (depicted in the Law) was further disclosed when He left heaven’s glory. He revealed Himself, to die on Calvary’s cross, and to save us who were wandering in sin!

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Does God give us ‘points’ for trying to be good?”

Be Still and See, Israel!

Sunday, August 21, 2016

“O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee” (2 Chronicles 20:12 KJV).

History and prophecy!

Judaean King Jehoshaphat has just received news of a great Gentile army coming against Jerusalem (verses 1 and 2). A frail man like us, he is struck with fear, seeks the LORD’S guidance, and thus proclaims a fast throughout Judah (verse 3). “And Judah gathered themselves together, to ask help of the LORD: even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD” (verse 4). Jehoshaphat prays before Israel (verses 5-13). Today’s Scripture is that prayer’s conclusion. Jehoshaphat’s closing words are: “Our eyes are upon thee.”

Jehoshaphat tells Israel in verse 17: “Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.” The Spirit of God comes upon Jahaziel, and, in verse 14, he had encouraged Israel: “Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s.”

This reminds us of what happened in Exodus 14:13-14, several hundred years prior to Jehoshaphat: “And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.” (God vanquished the Egyptian armies in the Red Sea!)

Read the rest of 2 Chronicles chapter 20 to see how God worked a mighty victory for Israel. The Jews never lifted one weapon! They merely sang and praised God, and He had their enemies kill one another! Prophetically, Israel needs to let God take care of their enemies. Like in history, they will just watch and let Him do all the work (Revelation 19:11-21)!

Bible Q&A #295: “What does ‘Lord of Sabaoth’ mean?”

“Missing” People?

Friday, August 19, 2016

“He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names. Great is our LORD, and of great power: his understanding is infinite” (Psalm 147:4,5 KJV).

If the LORD God Almighty can number and name the stars (which outnumber the grains of sand on every earthly beach combined!), knowing the whereabouts of every last human being is quite an easy task for Him!

While visiting a store, my eyes glimpsed a giant poster featuring information about and pictures of missing persons. Some of these individuals have been missing for nearly 20 years. One lady disappeared almost 40 years ago, still missing even today. Are they still living? Or, did they die long ago? We can only wonder what happened to them, and to all the countless others who have mysteriously disappeared throughout human history.

The good news is that there is a God, a loving and just God, and He will eventually set these things right. At the resurrection-rapture for Christians (Body of Christ—1 Thessalonians 4:13-18), or the resurrection for the Jewish kingdom saints before the Millennium (Revelation 20:4-6), or at the end of the Millennium for all the lost of the ages (Revelation 20:11-15), God will resurrect every single person who has ever lived. He has never lost track of even one of these 10 billion-plus souls or even one of these 10 billion-plus bodies. They are all somewhere, and while we may not know their whereabouts He certainly does!

Believers separated by time and/or tragedy will be united one day in heaven’s glory. Their relationships are not lost forever, only interrupted momentarily. People have a tendency to want God to “take care” of certain wrongful things, but if He is to “take care” of those disorderly things, He will have to force everything else to be right as well. That means “taking care” (in judgment) of every person without Jesus Christ. Friends, may we not hope for God to “take care” of all the world’s problems just yet. People still need to trust Jesus Christ and be saved from the wrath to come. Joyful reunions for us Christians will come in due time, but let us not rush it or worry about it! 🙂