Category: The Nation Israel

Two Trees With Two Different Roots

Friday, December 16, 2011

“For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not” (Jeremiah 10:3,4 KJV).

Currently, Christmas trees decked with “silver and gold” tinsel and ornaments are commonplace. Interestingly, today’s Scripture describes such an object… a Gentile idol.

The prophet Jeremiah declared (circa 600 B.C.): “Hear ye the word which the LORD speaketh unto you, O house of Israel: thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them” (verses 1,2). Jeremiah then proceeds to tell Israel of the heathen’s ways (today’s Scripture). The heathens (Gentiles) chop down trees, set them elsewhere, and fashion idols by decking them with “silver and gold.” (This is why some Christians prefer not to display a Christmas tree in their homes.)

Jeremiah continues (verses 5-7): “They [the pagan idols] are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good. Forasmuch as there is none like unto thee, O LORD; thou art great, and thy name is great in might.”

Pagan Gentiles bowed and prayed to these wooden, worthless, mindless idols which did nothing for them… except distract them from worshipping the only true God. Sadly, Israel was just as guilty of this pagan worship, having “idols under every green tree” (Deuteronomy 12:1-4; 1 Kings 14:22,23; 2 Kings 17:7-23; et al.).

Like the pagan idols of old, the Christmas tree keeps people preoccupied with the wrong tree! The Christmas tree decorated with hanging ornaments and tinsel is nothing compared to Calvary’s tree decorated with the hanging body of Jesus Christ. Rather than silver and gold, it was decked with crimson red, the precious blood of God’s Son and our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Unlike the Christmas tree, Calvary’s tree has no pagan roots.

The Outpouring of the Holy Ghost

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

“(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified)” (John 7:39 KJV).

Why was the Holy Ghost poured out in Acts chapter 2? From the Scriptures, we can list at least three reasons:

  1. TO FULFILL PROPHECY: Circa 800 B.C., JEHOVAH God told Israel:  “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: and also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit” (Joel 2:28,29). According to the Apostle Peter, this was fulfilled in Acts 2:16-18.
  2. TO EMPOWER THE TWELVE APOSTLES AND DISCIPLES: Jews from every nation under heaven had gathered in Acts chapter 2 to celebrate the feast of Pentecost. In order to evangelize these lost Jews, the apostles had to speak human languages they had never formally learned. This problem was solved by the gift of tongues brought on by the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:1-11). The Holy Ghost would also bring Jesus’ teachings to the apostles’ memories. Jesus had told them: “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:26; cf. John 14:16-18, John 15:26,27, and John 16:7). Furthermore, the Holy Ghost  empowered the apostles to perform miracles, signs, and wonders (Luke 24:49; Mark 16:17-20).
  3. TO SIGNIFY JESUS’ EXALTATION/GLORIFICATION AT HIS FATHER’S RIGHT HAND: After Jesus died on Calvary’s cross, and was buried and resurrected, He would be glorified by sitting at His Father’s right hand (Psalm 110:1). Father God would then send His Holy Spirit to indicate Jesus was exalted/ascended: “[Jesus] therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear” (Acts 2:32-36; cf. today’s Scripture).

The Wisdom of Solomon

Sunday, December 11, 2011

“And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king: wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee;…” (2 Chronicles 1:11,12 KJV).

If there was one notable attribute of King Solomon, it was his wisdom. How did Solomon ever acquire this wisdom? Today’s Scripture says that God gave it to him! But why?

In verse 6, God was pleased with Solomon’s faith that motivated him to offer “a thousand burnt offerings” to God. So, the LORD asks Solomon what he desires (verse 7). Solomon asks not for wealth, riches, honor, his enemies’ lives, or for a long life. Instead, he asks for wisdom and knowledge so that he can guide God’s people, Israel (verses 8-10). What wise choices!

“And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and large of heart… And Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt. For he was wiser than all men…” (1 Kings 4:29a,30,31a).

Solomon’s great, divinely-given wisdom is demonstrated in 1 Kings 3:16-28. Two harlots (prostitutes) are arguing over which of them is the mother of a baby. They come before wise King Solomon for a solution. Solomon tells the women he will divide the baby in half, and give each woman a piece. He thereby exposed the mother because she showed great emotion for the child (she would rather have the other woman keep her own child than have him killed).

Interestingly, the wisdom God gave to Solomon (a type/preview of Christ) is the same wisdom with which Christ Jesus will rule Israel forever once He establishes His earthly kingdom (at His Second Coming). When the Bible says in 1 Kings 3:28, “the wisdom of God was in him, to do judgment,” it was not only speaking of King Solomon, but also of King Jesus Christ!

The Little Flock #4

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

“Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32 KJV).

When Jesus Christ came to the nation Israel, He came to fulfill hundreds of Old Testament prophetic statements. He was the Messiah-King of whom God’s holy prophets had spoken for centuries. Israel’s long-prophesied kingdom was finally going to be established!

But, most Jews rejected Jesus as King-Messiah (John 1:11), eventually demanding the Romans crucify Him. In John 19:15 they cried, “We have no king but Caesar!” The few Jews who trusted in Jesus as their Messiah received John the Baptist’s water baptism (Matthew 3:1-6; Mark 1:1-5). They became Israel’s believing remnant (this was “the church” that followed the twelve apostles’ doctrine in early Acts [2:41-47]; cf. John 21:15-17).

John also warned that Jews who refused his message and water baptism would be “baptized with fire” (Matthew 3:7-12; Luke 3:7-9, 16-17). We know this as the period of God’s wrath, the seven-year Tribulation. The twelve apostles in Acts chapters 1-8 were unsuccessful in converting every Jew (a prerequisite for the kingdom). Now, God was about to pour out His wrath on rebellious Israel. But, God temporarily paused Israel’s prophetic program, and postponed that wrath and earthly kingdom.

Today, we live the Dispensation of Grace, separate from Israel’s kingdom program. But, when our dispensation ends (at the rapture), God will return to Israel and begin the seven-year Tribulation. God will continue the “little flock” by saving one-third of Israel, bringing them through that wrath (Zechariah 13:8,9; Matthew 24:15-21; Revelation 13:6,14-17). But, unbelieving Jews, as John predicted, will burn up in God’s wrath (cf. Matthew 24:36-44).

After Christ’s Second Coming to conclude the seven years, the “little flock” of the Tribulation will join the resurrected members of the “little flock” of Christ’s earthly ministry and early Acts, and the resurrected Old Testament believers. This entire group will inherit that earthly kingdom (today’s Scripture; Matthew 25:34).

The “little flock” should not be confused with us, the Church the Body of Christ. We believers in this dispensation will inherit God’s kingdom in the heavens (2 Corinthians 5:1; Ephesians 1:3; Ephesians 2:6,7; 2 Timothy 4:18).

The Little Flock #3

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

“Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32 KJV).

According to the Abrahamic Covenant, God’s purpose in forming the nation Israel was to make her a kingdom of priests through which He would send salvation and blessings to the world (Genesis 12:1-3; Exodus 19:5,6; et al.). Sadly, during the 2,000-year period between Abraham and Christ, sinful Israel drifted from JEHOVAH. Furthermore, Satan kept Israel from becoming what God wanted her to be. The devil sent false prophets to deceive and encourage Israel to embrace pagan idol worship (Deuteronomy 13:1-18; Jeremiah 6:13; 2 Peter 1:21–2:3; et al.).

Just before her Messiah-King Jesus comes, the Jews are “the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 9:36; Matthew 10:6; Matthew 15:24). So, God sends John the Baptist to “make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (Luke 1:17). John preaches, “Repent ye, the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2).

The Jews who believe and obey John’s message of “the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins” form the “little flock,” the believing remnant in Israel (Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3; Acts 13:24). Contrariwise, the remaining Jews refuse John’s baptism and message, and thus willingly continue in apostasy and spiritual blindness (Luke 7:29,30).

When Jesus’ ministry begins, shortly after John began his ministry, He preaches to Israel the message John proclaimed: “the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15; cf. Matthew 4:17). John’s converts now begin to follow Jesus (their Messiah); this includes the twelve apostles (John 1:40ff).

Jesus then sends the twelve apostles to convert the rest of Israel and continue forming the “little flock” (Matthew 10:5-7). Once Jesus dies, is buried, is raised again, and is ascended, He again sends the twelve apostles to convert the remaining Jews (the first eight chapters of Acts).

Unfortunately, most of Israel remained in unbelief, so God temporarily paused their program and opened our dispensation. But, Israel’s program will resume one day. Then, as today’s Scripture says, God will give the “little flock” their earthly kingdom!

The Little Flock #2

Monday, December 5, 2011

“Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32 KJV).

When God promised the Abrahamic Covenant, He intended to form a nation (Israel) in the earth through Abraham’s son Isaac, and Isaac’s son Jacob (Genesis 12:2). Then, God would establish His earthly kingdom, and through the Jews, God would send salvation and blessings to the Gentiles (Genesis 12:3; Genesis 22:18; Exodus 19:5,6; Isaiah 60:1-3; Zechariah 8:20-23; et al.). Throughout the Old Testament, God continued to form His nation Israel.

However, some 2,000 years after Abraham, during Christ’s earthly ministry, Israel is “the lost sheep” (Matthew 9:36; Matthew 10:6; Matthew 15:24; et al.). Satan has so confused sinful Israel that she has strayed from the commandments and doctrines JEHOVAH gave her through Moses. Israel, as a whole, is in unbelief. As long as Israel is lost (unsaved), she cannot be God’s vessel to bring salvation to the Gentiles.

So, God sends John the Baptist to warn Israel that her kingdom is near and to declare Jesus as her Messiah-King (Matthew 3:2; John 1:6,7; John 1:29-34; Acts 13:23,24; cf. Isaiah 40:3 and Malachi 3:1). The few Jews who listen to John the Baptist’s preaching receive his water baptism and become “a people prepared for the Lord” (Luke 1:13-17; cf. Mark 1:1-9; et al.): they form Israel’s believing remnant.

Now, God will not give that earthly kingdom to just any Jew—only Jews who are members of the “little flock” (see today’s Scripture). Matthew 21:43 says God will only give that earthly kingdom to Jews who “bring forth the fruits thereof [the kingdom of God]”—the Jews of faith!

Thus, when the Bible says, “For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel” (Romans 9:6), it means that not every descendant of Jacob (a biological Jew) is God’s Jew (a born-again, saved Jew; see Romans 2:28,29). Not every descendant of Jacob (Isaac’s son) is saved. Only saved Jews (the believing remnant in Israel, the “little flock”) can inherit that earthly kingdom (cf. John 3:3,5).

One day, as today’s Scripture indicates, the “little flock” will receive their earthly kingdom!

The Little Flock #1

Sunday, December 4, 2011

“Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32 KJV)

Christendom enjoys claiming the previous verse, “But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things [the material goods of verses 24-30] shall be added unto you” (verse 31). Yet they do not enjoy the verse after today’s Scripture (verse 33): “Sell that ye have, and give alms….” Today’s Scripture identifies the audience of verses 31 and 33—“the little flock,” not us!

Throughout the Bible, God refers to Israel as sheep (Matthew 9:36; Matthew 10:6; et al.). In one parable (Matthew 18:12-14; Luke 15:3-7,10), Jesus likens Himself to a shepherd, who has 100 sheep (the nation Israel). One sheep is lost and cries for help, so He seeks that one sheep. This one sheep symbolizes Jews who acknowledge their lost (unsaved) condition. The other 99 sheep (most Jews) willingly continue in spiritual ignorance.

Notice the adjective “little” in the term “little flock.” Even after Israel saw her Messiah Jesus perform miracles, signs, and wonders, most of them ignored Him. Very few Jews trusted in Jesus as Messiah—the Bible says only 120 believers were in Jerusalem at the end of Christ’s earthly ministry (Acts 1:15). The “little flock” was little indeed!

Although 8,000 Jews were saved during early Acts (Acts 2:41; Acts 4:4), that was just a fraction of Israel. Millions of Jews did not believe. Those who did believe during John the Baptist’s ministry followed his water baptism: the little flock is “a people prepared for the Lord” (Luke 1:17). Any Jew who was saved in early Acts obeyed Peter’s instructions of Acts 2:38, and joined that little flock of Jewish believers from Christ’s earthly ministry.

The “little flock” encompasses all Jewish believers from Christ’s earthly ministry, early Acts (pre-Acts chapter 9), and the Tribulation (it does not include any Jewish believers today). In Galatians 2:9, the little flock is called the “circumcision” and in John 21:15-17 they are called “sheep” and “lambs.” Unlike us, they are not members of the Church the Body of Christ. As today’s Scripture indicates, the little flock is the recipients of Christ’s earthly kingdom.

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I Pray Thou Discardest Thy Prayer Books #2

Friday, December 2, 2011

“This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me” (Matthew 15:8 KJV).

In today’s Scripture, the Lord Jesus quoted Isaiah 29:13 to describe the religious Jews of His day. These individuals spoke like believers and claimed to love and obey the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Their lips and mouths praised His name, yet God was unimpressed. Why? Because “their heart is far from [God].” It was all put-on (hypocritical, faithless activity)!

Psalm 62:8 says: “Trust in him [God] at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah [Rest].” God wants you to “pour out your heart before Him.” Tell Him your thoughts/heart. Prayer is simply you speaking to and fellowshipping with God in light of His Word. It is not mindlessly uttering some prescribed phrases in a prayer book.

Pray to God in an intelligent, understandable manner (1 Corinthians 14:15): pray as a grace saint, a member of the Body of Christ, not as a member of Israel. We need not pray Israel’s prayers like the “Lord’s Prayer” of Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4 (that was God’s will for them, not for us). Also, let us not be guilty of stealing Israel’s prayer promises (i.e., Matthew 18:19; John 14:14; et al.).

Paul’s epistles describe what God is doing today, so let us pay attention to the things for which our Apostle Paul prayed. Ephesians 1:16-23, Ephesians 3:14-21, Philippians 1:9-11, and Colossians 1:9-12 are valid things for which to pray in our dispensation (these describe God’s will for us). Pray for 1 Timothy 2:3,4 to come to pass—that lost souls would be saved, and Christians would be edified (strengthened, built up).

Exact words to pray are not the issue: the heart attitude (faith in God’s Word to us) is the issue. Note that God has given us some model prayers in Paul’s epistles. Thus, if we pray in accordance with them, we will be praying for God’s will to be accomplished. So, I pray thou discardest thy prayer books!

I Pray Thou Discardest Thy Prayer Books #1

Thursday, December 1, 2011

“This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me” (Matthew 15:8 KJV).

Recent news in Christendom surrounds a controversy resulting from the re-translation of decades-old prayers. Church members complain that the re-wording is “difficult” and “confusing.” One dear congregant voiced his frustration: “I am so tired of being told exactly what I have to say, exactly what I have to pray!”

How our souls mourn that these sincere people are not being taught the truth of God’s Word. Not only are they commanded to work their way to heaven, but they are also led to believe that prayer is nothing more than mindlessly repeating a catchy creed that some man wrote! Like the religionists in today’s Scripture, these poor people “draweth nigh unto [God] with their mouth,” yet “their heart is far from [Him].”

Today, you can purchase a variety of prayer books. Oftentimes, these “Christian” books are the devil’s way of having you follow Israel’s program (steal Israel’s prayers, claim the promises God only gave Israel, et cetera). As long as you focus on what God did in time past, you will be totally ignorant of what He is doing today in the but now, our Dispensation of Grace!

God only speaks to us through His written Word, the Bible. Prayer is our way to speak to God. God can certainly read our hearts and minds, but He wants us to verbalize. He wants us to talk to Him personally, not mindlessly recite vain religious tradition. Talk to Him about your life. We who have trusted in Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour, we have the assurance that we can come to our heavenly Father at any time in prayer.

Pray as a grace believer, in accordance with what God is doing today, and not praying for things that God did with Israel. For instance, notice what our Apostle Paul prayed for in Ephesians 1:16-23, Philippians 1:9-11, and Colossians 1:9-12. Exact words are not important—the attitude of the heart is. I pray thou discardest thy prayer books!

A Righteous Politician

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn” (Proverbs 29:2 KJV).

God established a governmental structure in both heaven and earth: “For by him [Jesus Christ] were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:” (Colossians 1:16). These governments were originally designed to bring God glory. Unfortunately, Satan has usurped both governments, causing rebellion against God (sin) in heaven and on earth (2 Corinthians 4:3,4; Ephesians 6:12).

As today’s Scripture states, people mourn the inauguration and tenure of corrupt politicians. The news, historically and presently, abounds with stories of scandals (and cover-ups), resignations, and impeachments of governmental officials. We can expect nothing more in this sinful, fallen world that is ruled by Satan (Matthew 4:8-10; Luke 4:5-8; 2 Corinthians 4:3,4; Ephesians 2:2).

Today’s Scripture also declares, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice.” Despite the few reliable, honest politicians who serve and benefit the people they represent, Satan’s evil governmental powers still seemingly triumph today. The wicked majority has inflicted great damage that the honest minority cannot reverse.

However, the Bible speaks of a glorious day when the governments of Satan (this evil world system of politics, economics, religion, and education) will be demolished forever. A benevolent, worldwide monarchy awaits planet earth. “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it will break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever” (Daniel 2:44).

The “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS,” Jesus Christ, at His Second Coming, will restore earth’s governments to God (Revelation 19:16; cf. Colossians 1:20). Zechariah 14:9 says: “And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.” Indeed, when this Righteous King will rule, the people will rejoice!