New covenant prophecy for how we identify "Israel" (Jer 3:18, 16:14-15, 23:7-8, 24:5-7))

“This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Like these good figs, so I regard as good the exiles from Judah, whom I have sent away from this place to the land of the Chaldeans. I will keep My eyes on them for good and will return them to this land. I will build them up and not tear them down; I will plant them and not uproot them. I will give them a heart to know Me, that I am the LORD. They will be My people, and I will be their God, for they will return to Me with all their heart - Jer 24:5-7

 Jer 16:14-18

14) No longer people God rescued from Egypt

15) instead God brought pepole of Israel back to their own land from north and from all countries which he exiled them

15b) " For I will bring them back to this land that I gave their ancestors."

• My friend Steve Stang said his favorite reason to give why he believes the Bible is true is prophecy fulfilled about Israel. It's a people, place on the map and part of real history. 
• In those days the house of Judah will walk with the house of Israel, and they will come together from the land of the north to the land that I gave to your fathers as an inheritance. - Jeremiah 3:18
• So behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when they will no longer say, 'As surely as the LORD lives, who brought the Israelites up out of the land of Egypt.' - Jeremiah 23:7
• Instead they will say, 'As surely as the LORD lives, who brought and led the descendants of the house of Israel up out of the land of the north and all the other lands to which He had banished them.' Then they will dwell once more in their own land." - Jeremiah 23:8

Theme is seen in Isaiah 14:1 and Ezekiel 36:23-28

• On that day the Lord will extend His hand a second time to recover the remnant of His people from Assyria, from Egypt, from Pathros, from Cush, from Elam, from Shinar, from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea. - Isaiah 11:11
• For the LORD will have compassion on Jacob; once again He will choose Israel and settle them in their own land. The foreigner will join them and unite with the house of Jacob. -Isaiah 14:1
• I will show the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, the name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the Lord, declares the Sovereign Lord, when I am proved holy through you before their eyes.
• “‘For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land. I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. Then you will live in the land I gave your ancestors; you will be my people, and I will be your God. - Ezekiel 36:23-28

We are seeing this prophecy fulfilled today in the nation of Israel. Blessed are you who have eyes that see, ears that hear and heart that understands. 

• Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from the nations, that we may give thanks to Your holy name, that we may glory in Your praise. - Psalm 106:47
• Lord give us a heart of repentance, glorify your name in us. 
• God has not rejected Israel (Romans 11:1, 11:2, 11:11)
• “I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, 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 is My covenant with them when I take away their sins.’” Romans 11:25-27
• What Does the Bible Say About Restoration Of Israel?
  

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Parable of treasure (Israel) and the Pearl (Children of God) (Matthew 13:44-46, John 11:51-52)

Enjoying Be Loyal by Warren Wiersbe

Matthew13:1-23 starts with revealing the kingdom of heaven in the parable of the soils. Wiersbe ties these together through the definition of "parable" as "to cast alongside" - they are interrelated about the kingdom of heaven. The mystery of spiritual truth is understood by divine revelation, only to those "insiders" who learn from the Lord and obey Him. 

Jesus didn't teach parables to confuse or condemn people. He sought to excite their interest and arouse their curiosity. Parables would give light to those with trusting, searching hearts. But they would bring darkness to the unconcerned and unrepentant. 

Parables of Jesus are primarily about Salvation

Seven parables describe the spiritual course of "the kingdom of heaven" in this present age. In them, three stages of spiritual development

1. Beginning of the Kingdom (Matthew 13:1-9,18-23), preaching the Word of God (Heb 4:12, Rom 10:17, Matt 13:9, Mark 4:24, Luke 8:18) - "fruit" is the test of true salvation (Matt 7:16)
1. Holiness (Rom 6:22), Christian character (Gal 5:22-23), good works (Col 1:10), winning others to Christ (Rom 1:13), sharing what we have (Rom 15:25-28), praising God (Heb 13:15)
2. Persecution helps the believers to grow (like sunshine), but must be rooted in honest soil (Luke 8:15) in order not to be killed by it. 
2. Opposition to the Kingdom (Matthew 13:24-43), Satanic opposition (Matthew 13:4,19), planting imitator Christians - false growth, false doctrine (Matthew 13:24-30,36-43)
1. Counterfeit Christians (2 Cor 11:15) believe the counterfeit gospel (Gal 1:6-9), counterfeit righteousness (Rom 10:1-3), counterfeit church (Rev 2:9), counterfeit Christ (2 Thes 2:1-12)
1. Tares-fales Christians (Matthew 13:24-30,36-43), musterd Seed- outward false growth (Matthew 13:31-32) as birds in it's branches could connect to Matt 13:4,19, leaven-inward development of false docrtin and false living (Matt 13:33). Leaven pictured as hypocrisy (Luke 12:1), false teaching (Matt 16:6-12), wordly compromise (Matt 22:16-21), carnality in church (1 Cor 5:6-9), false doctrine (Gal 5:9) Sin like yeast puffs up (1 Cor 4:18-19;5:2;8:1)
2. I've always seen this parable in positive terms, teaching takin to heart will permiate into all parts of life (ie the gospel). However the Lord has shown me this week that my heart is deceitful and I need Him to search my heart and examine my mind (Jer 17:9-10, Romans 8:27) I still have prominent sin (Mark 7:21-22) only God can heal me (Psalm 139:23-24) and make me new (Eph 4:22)
2. Stay awake, don't let Satan's ministers into true fellowship, and do damage (2 Peter 2; 1 John 4:1-6). Not to pull weeds but to expose lies of satan.
3. Outcome of the Kingdom (Matthew 13:44-50)

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.

 - Isreal is the treasure. Jesus died for them with Joy (Hebrews 12:1-2)

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. - Matthew 13:44-46

 - Pearl is a unity, developed over time. Unlike a diamond it is not cut but shaped.

He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one. - John 11:51-52

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Faith comes by hearing the word about Christ (Romans 10:14-21)

AIM: Understand our responsibility is preaching the Good news
Romans 10:14-21
A) People believe and are saved when hearing the word about Christ
14) call to save unless they believe, unless they hear unless someone tells them
 Principle: People will call on God and be saved when they believe
15) go unless sent, "beautiful feet bring good news" (Isa 52:7)
16) not all welcome "who has believed our message?" (Isa 53:1)
17) Faith comes by hearing about Christ
 - Faith from witnessing God's power (Exodus 14:31), notice the belief, obey, witness progression here: (Exodus 11:1-15:21)
 - Faith because God's faithful, enduring love (2 Chronicles 7:6, John 3:16)
 - Faith because of personal experience, thoughtfully applied to God (Matthew 8:10,5-13)
 - Faith because of other people dragging us to Jesus (Luke 5:20,17-26) - Faith that causes us to go to Jesus and speak (Matthew 9:22,18-26)
Application: Our faith is a response to (and sustained by) God's faithfulness
B) Everyone is included in receiving God's mercy, even when previously failed to "get it"
18) Israel has heard, creation bears God's message (Ps 19:4)
19) Israel fails to understand about gentiles (Duet 32:21)
20-21) Found by those not seek me, shown to those who didn't ask, compassion to rebels (Isa 65:1-2)
 - Faith given to anyone with ears to hear (Rev 2:7, 1 John 2:5-6)
 Principle: Only God can give us ears that hear (Exodus 29:2-6)
Ears to hear and eyes to see - both are gifts from the Lord. (Proverbs 20:12)
There is a huge difference between believing and knowing
Application: Pray for God's prescription to be applied to our hearers, so they can understand and be saved.

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"Jesus is Lord" from a heart of faith (Romans 9:30-10:13)

 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Romans 10:9-10

Romans 9:30-10:13
A) Righteousness culminated in Christ, known by all who believe
30-33) righteousness obtained by faith, not the law - by works. "stumbling stone" (Isa 8:14, 1 Peter 2:6-8)
1-2) heart's desire/prayer for Israelites be saved, zealous for God not based on knowledge
3) didn't know the righteousness of God, establish their own not submitting to God's righteousness
4) Christ culmination of law, righteousness for everyone who believes

B) Faith submits to God's word at the heart level
5-7) righteousness by law, live by them but righteousness by faith don't say in heart who will ascend to heaven (down or up)

John 6:60) Disciples, “hard understand, how accept it?”
(61-62) Jesus (aware complaining) “offended? What to think see Son of Man ascend to heaven again”
-          Transfiguration was the first, the resurrection and ascension will the “again”
(63) Spirit alone gives eternal life, Human effort nothing; very words are spirit and life
(64-65) some don’t believe, only unless Father gives them

8) Word is near you, mouth and heart: faith we proclaim

 - 9) If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

10) heart believe God raised Jesus from dead, justified, mouth profess faith and saved 

 - Mouth speaks what's the in the heart (Matthew 12:34)

 - Non-believers don't know God, glory HIm or give thanks - thinking futile hearts darkened (Romans 1:21-22)

 - Believers - sons, God sent Spirit of his Son into our hearts, Spirit calls out Abba Father

11-13) Scripture affirms, believes not put to shame, all people (Romans 3:22, 29), Jesus Lord of all (Matthew 28:18)

 - Isaiah 28:16

 - 13)  everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (Joel 2:32)

Jesus the Bread from Heaven, offered to all offensive to most (John 6:41-71)

Never underestimate the power of God’s Word to change a person’s heart

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God's promises and sovereign will, seen in our lives (Romans 9:1-19)

Romans 9:1-29

AIM: Understand your choice within God's sovereign wrath and mercy

1) Speak truth in Christ, conscience confirmed by Holy Spirit
2-3) sorrow in heart, wishing self-cursed rather than kinsman Israel

• 4-5) adoption to sonship, divine glory, covenants (law, temple, promises), 
• patriarchs to Messiah (Matthew, Luke trace lineage)
• Messiah is God (John 1:1, Colossians 2:9)

6-9) God's word didn't fail, Abraham/Sarah, Israel's descendants are reckoned (Gen 21:12), not from birth but from promise (Romans 8:14, Galatians 3:16)
10-13) Rebekah/Isaac, twins, God's purpose, election (not works but him who calls) Jacob loved Esau hated (Mal 1:2,3)
14-15) Is God unjust? No, he says to Moses: mercy and compassion is God's sovereign choice (Ex 33:19)

• Yet our lives and decisions are part of this "choice". Jer 18:7-10, God announces people will be destruction or blessing but then if those people change for either good or bad - the Lord will not do as he said. Jonah 3:10 and Jeremiah 26:3 are also helpful to think about how God's sovereign choice interacts with our choice. 

16) No human desire or effort but God's mercy

• Remember Romans 8:28, Genesis 50:20, truth is same on the flip side of the Sovereignty coin

17) Pharaoh displayed God's power, God's name proclaimed in all the earth (Exodus 9:16,17, 14:4)

• Judgement, salvation to all humble, yet a remnant of wrath (Psalm 76:9-10)
• Think of Shadrach, Meshach, and Adeb-nego. By Nebuchadnezzar's wrath, God's glory was shown and proclaimed throughout the land (Daniel 3:15-27,28,29-30)

18) God mercy whom he wants, hardens whom he wants

• Who does God have mercy on? Think Beatitudes, The parable of the sower and faith comes by hearing (Seven blessings in Revelation explain faith, eternal life and sanctification)
• Who does God harden? Those who ignore, refuse or mock his call for salvation. (Lamb's seventh seal brings prayer and six trumpets for repentance)

19) Why does God still blame us? Who is able to resist his will?

• 20-24) Who are humans to talk back to the Creator, we are his work, for His purpose and glory
• Search scriptures like Paul to let the Holy Spirit reveal the mystery for you 
•  - mouthing off to God: Job 1:22,9:12,40:2 linked to clay/potter Isaiah 45:9
•  - clay and potter: Isaiah 29:16, 64:8, Jer 18:6 links to movement/ability Isaiah 10:15
•  Recurring theme in Paul's life: 2 Tim 2:20, gold/silver, wood/clay - common verses special use
• See God's kindness and forbearance/patients (Romans 2;4), The Lord works out everything to its proper end - even the wicked for a day of disaster (Proverbs 16:4)

25-29) Principle: Scripture interprets scripture. Application: How can you know how to live as God's loved, adopted children? Ho does obeying what you know, fulfill your God-given purpose? Where are you resisting God's will in your seeing, hearing, and understanding - when will you repent of this resistence?

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Israel and Rome are evidence of historical facts in the Bible

Arch of Titus Facts

Arches are built to commemorate military victories.  

Arch of Titus contains inscription records of the dedication of this arch by the Senate and people of Rome to the emperor after his victory over Judea (AD 70). Scenes from the conquest are sculpted on the inside: one panel shows the procession with the booty taken from Jerusalem, including the seven-branched candlestick; on the other is Titus on his chariot, followed by Victory and personifications of the people and the Senate; on the outside is the procession of the defeated Jews. In the Middle Ages the arch was incorporated into the fortification built by the Frangipane family, removed in 1821 by the architect Valadier.

 Here's a close up of the Arch of Titus in Rome I took in 2015 (anno domini) depicts the Jerusalem Temple's Menorah being paraded

The Golden Lampstand was commanded by God to be built (Exodus 25:31-40) as part of the tabernacle. Here's my sumary in contects

A) God shows Moses details of his dwelling place the Tabernacle

(25:1-9) LORD’s dwelling place tabernacle: bring offering supplies for my sanctuary, my pattern

(10-22) Ark hold covenant law: gold around acacia, permanent poles to carry, atonement cover, Lord above meets and gives commands

( 23-30) Table:  rings around where four legs, used to carry it, dishes are gold

(31-40) Lampstand: 3-1-3 almond flowers 1 piece of pure gold, according to pattern shown on mountain

(26: 1-6) Tabernacle: 10 curtains purple, blue, scarlet with cherubim woven into them

(7-25) eleven goat hair curtains tent over tabernacle, w/ ram skins, 20 frames, 40 silver bases, corners double bottom to top, 8 frames, sixteen bases silver 2 under each frame

(26-37) also make Crossbars 5 for frames on all sides and center, entrance embroidered

(27:1-8) Altar of Burnt offering: horn at each corner (one piece) bronze. Polls in rings mobile, hollow, shown on mountain (8)

(9-19) Courtyard: curtains and tent posts (100 cubits north, south, 50 cubits east, west)

(20-21) oil for Lampstand olive oil Aaron and sons keep it burning evening to morning for generations to come

http://www.gotquestions.org/BC-AD.html
http://www.hebrew4christians.com/Scripture/Parashah/Summaries/Tetzaveh/Menorah/menorah.html

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