SEA
SEA, THE
RIVER
RIVER
RED SEA
RED SEA, PASSAGE OF
EXODUS
RED SEA
I. The Bitter Lakes region
II. The Gulfs of Suez and Aqabah
JORDAN
I. Archaeological sites
II. Topographical features

a. CHURCH
This has created considerable dissension in the church over the years. Followers of ‘Replacement Theology’ believe that the church has replaced Israel as God’s chosen people. While this is true in the meantime, Scripture would not appear to support the argument in the longer term. It is true though, that the Jews and Gentiles have been made one through Jesus.

Just because the Jews (natural branches) have been cut off from the root (God) because of unbelief, it does not mean we are to be arrogant in our attitude to them, for they can be added back in again at any time through belief.

Replacement theologians tend to stop at this point. However, Paul goes on to say in the next verses…….

Paul explained to the Council at Jerusalem that the Jews would be restored after the chosen gentiles had come in, in line with Old Testament prophecy. As God has shown now mercy to the gentiles who believe, so He will with the Jews also.

In the natural world we know the Jews have been terribly persecuted for 2,000 years, but now have been restored to Israel where they survived against all the odds militarily, since 1948.

It is no good simply preaching Jesus to the Jews, for they have been so persecuted by the church that they are understandably, unlikely to listen. Also, many understand the first two-thirds of the Bible far better than we ever will, for it is their history! We must show them love in practical ways as Paul did when taking the collection from the gentiles for the poor believers in Jerusalem. For we have shared in the Jews spiritual blessings.

Supporting and witnessing to the Jews through love until their believers come into the kingdom is the tenth challenge facing the church today. For Jesus will not return until we do!

b. BELIEVERS
Individually we need to show love to the Jews, for the church has persecuted them for 2000 odd years. It is little wonder then, that their attitude towards Christians generally is not particularly positive.

We need to give the message of salvation that came from the Jews back to them.

It is not an easy task for they are generally not receptive. But more are becoming so.

But we need to persevere in order to heal the hurts that have become entrenched throughout history.

a. CHURCH
The biggest failure and difference of the modern church to the early New Testament one, has been the inability to understand, to believe, and to live out the basic truth that God’s people inherit His kingdom, NOW! True believers are living in the eternal life of the kingdom now.

Jesus confirmed this. The kingdom is not some intangible future benefit, it is current day reality.

20 Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, 21 nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is within you.” (Luke 17:20-21)

The following verses highlight the necessity to ‘live out’ rather than simply ‘believe in’ the faith.

The church is to preach and teach righteous living, not ‘easy Christianity’, for righteousness reflects the kingdom within. It requires a dramatic change from normal human thought and security patterns.

As Jesus (not David!) said;

And is to operate in the power of the kingdom.

Operating in power was not only for the early New Testament church! Is this statement of Jesus conditional? The power is available to those who inherit the kingdom.

Living the godly life of the kingdom, even through persecution.

For we only enter the kingdom by doing the will of the Father.

This will require a huge change in attitude by those in the church, particularly leadership. Titles and status are to be abandoned if we desire to enter the kingdom.

We must commit 100% to God, for many of those who are first now will be last in heaven.

As the church reaches this level of commitment and righteousness, preaching this gospel of the kingdom to the world, then the end will come. You see, when Jesus returns, is up to us!

Preaching, teaching and living the gospel of the kingdom is the eleventh challenge facing the church today. For Jesus will not return until we do!

As we consider the vital question of how, as individuals, are to live in God's kingdom now.

I understand that today's teaching may well be different to what you have understood previously. If so, I just ask you to study the Scriptures and take it to the Lord.

It was new once for me too!

ISRAEL

Merriam-Webster Map of Israel

Religious Affiliation: Jewish 81%, Muslim 14.5%, Other 4.5%

Official name: Medinat Yisra`el (Hebrew); Dawlat Isra`il (Arabic); State of Israel (English).

Form of government: multiparty republic with one legislative house (Knesset [120]).

Chief of state: President.

Head of government: Prime Minister.

Population (1998): 5,740,000.

Population projection: (2000) 5,911,000; (2010) 6,847,000.

Natural increase rate per 1,000 population (1997): 14.0 (world avg. 15.7).

Gross national product (1996): U.S.$90,310,000,000 (U.S.$15,870 per capita).

Source: http://www.bible-history.com