Understanding Our Roots: Support for Israel and Truth
Summary
The sermon begins with the pastor emphasizing the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding, warning against false teachings, and encouraging the congregation to support one another and Israel. He highlights the Jewish roots of Christianity, referencing Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman and the significance of the Jewish prophets, Jesus, and the Apostles. The pastor also emphasizes the importance of studying and understanding the correct interpretation of the Bible, urging the congregation to be diligent in their study.
The pastor then encourages the congregation to engage in discussions about a particular issue, using the Bible as a foundation for their arguments. He discusses the significance of the Old Testament and its relevance to the people of Israel, emphasizing that although the Israelites in the Old Testament were rebellious, they were still chosen by God and saved by Him. The pastor also discusses the alliance between God and Israel, stating that the Christian doctrine always defends this alliance.
The pastor addresses recent accusations made by Jasmine Porat, a survivor of the recent attacks in Israel, expressing concern over these serious allegations and the potential consequences they may have, particularly in fueling anti-Semitism. He emphasizes the need for believers to overcome in God's favor and not be influenced by the works of the Jews. The pastor also emphasizes the love of God for His people, particularly the people of Israel, and addresses the issue of antisemitism.
The pastor then discusses the current state of Israel and its relation to biblical prophecy, expressing concern that the current nation of Israel does not fulfill the complete prophecy. He discusses the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, emphasizing the importance of prayer during these times and encouraging the congregation to be discerning about the information they receive. The pastor also discusses the impossibility of the reconstruction of Israel and the fulfillment of prophecies, urging the congregation to remain alert and not be swayed by false information.
The pastor concludes the sermon by addressing the importance of the United States and Israel in protecting and guarding their citizens, emphasizing that unlike other countries, these nations prioritize the safety and well-being of their people. He highlights the significance of Jerusalem for Christians and the need to build the third temple, emphasizing that this is not just a preference for Jews but a part of God's plan that Christians should be attentive to.
Key Takeaways:
- The pastor emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding, warning against false teachings, and encouraging the congregation to support one another and Israel. He highlights the Jewish roots of Christianity and the significance of the Jewish prophets, Jesus, and the Apostles. ([12:45])
- The pastor discusses the significance of the Old Testament and its relevance to the people of Israel, emphasizing that although the Israelites in the Old Testament were rebellious, they were still chosen by God and saved by Him. He also discusses the alliance between God and Israel, stating that the Christian doctrine always defends this alliance. ([24:30])
- The pastor addresses recent accusations made by Jasmine Porat, a survivor of the recent attacks in Israel, expressing concern over these serious allegations and the potential consequences they may have, particularly in fueling anti-Semitism. He emphasizes the need for believers to overcome in God's favor and not be influenced by the works of the Jews. ([36:15])
- The pastor discusses the current state of Israel and its relation to biblical prophecy, expressing concern that the current nation of Israel does not fulfill the complete prophecy. He discusses the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, emphasizing the importance of prayer during these times and encouraging the congregation to be discerning about the information they receive. ([48:00])
- The pastor concludes the sermon by addressing the importance of the United States and Israel in protecting and guarding their citizens, emphasizing that unlike other countries, these nations prioritize the safety and well-being of their people. He highlights the significance of Jerusalem for Christians and the need to build the third temple, emphasizing that this is not just a preference for Jews but a part of God's plan that Christians should be attentive to. ([59:45])
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Nehemiah 4:7-8: "But when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the people of Ashdod heard that the repairs to Jerusalem’s walls had gone ahead and that the gaps were being closed, they were very angry. They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it."
2. Matthew 24:21: "For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again."
Observation Questions:
1. What were the reactions of Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites, and the people of Ashdod when they heard about the repairs to Jerusalem's walls in Nehemiah 4:7-8?
2. What does Matthew 24:21 predict about the future distress that will occur?
Interpretation Questions:
1. In the context of Nehemiah 4:7-8, what could be the significance of the unified opposition against the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls?
2. How might the "great distress" mentioned in Matthew 24:21 relate to the current state of Israel and its relation to biblical prophecy?
Application Questions:
1. Reflecting on Nehemiah 4:7-8, can you identify a situation in your life where you faced opposition while doing something you believed was right? How did you respond?
2. Considering Matthew 24:21, how can you prepare yourself spiritually for times of great distress?
3. In light of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, how can you incorporate prayer for peace in the Middle East into your daily routine?
4. Given the importance of understanding and correctly interpreting the Bible, what is one step you can take this week to deepen your Bible study?
5. Considering the significance of Jerusalem for Christians, how can you educate others in your community about its importance and the need to build the third temple?
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Jewish Roots of Christianity
Understanding the Jewish roots of Christianity is crucial for a deeper comprehension of our faith. It is important to seek knowledge and understanding, and to be wary of false teachings. The Jewish prophets, Jesus, and the Apostles play a significant role in our faith. ([12:45](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n61qOt8L-JI&t=750s))
Romans 11:17-18 - "If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches."
Reflection: How can you deepen your understanding of the Jewish roots of Christianity? Can you identify one area of Jewish history or tradition to study this week?
Day 2: God's Unwavering Alliance with Israel
Despite the rebellion of the Israelites in the Old Testament, they were chosen and saved by God. This alliance between God and Israel is a cornerstone of Christian doctrine. ([24:30](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n61qOt8L-JI&t=1455s))
Jeremiah 31:35-36 - "This is what the LORD says, he who appoints the sun to shine by day, who decrees the moon and stars to shine by night: 'Only if these decrees vanish from my sight,' declares the LORD, 'will Israel ever cease being a nation before me.'"
Reflection: How does understanding God's alliance with Israel shape your perspective on current events in the Middle East?
Day 3: Overcoming in God's Favor
In the face of serious allegations and potential consequences, believers are called to overcome in God's favor and not be influenced by the works of others. ([36:15](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n61qOt8L-JI&t=2160s))
1 Peter 2:9 - "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
Reflection: How can you demonstrate God's favor in your life today? Can you think of a specific situation where you can show grace and understanding?
Day 4: Discerning Truth in Times of Conflict
In times of conflict, such as the ongoing strife between Israel and Hamas, it is crucial to discern the truth and not be swayed by false information. ([48:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n61qOt8L-JI&t=2865s))
Proverbs 18:17 - "The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forward and questions him."
Reflection: How can you ensure that you are discerning truth in the information you receive? Can you identify a reliable source to learn more about the current state of Israel?
Day 5: Prioritizing Safety and Well-being
The United States and Israel prioritize the safety and well-being of their citizens, a principle that is also significant for Christians. The importance of Jerusalem and the need to build the third temple is part of God's plan. ([59:45](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n61qOt8L-JI&t=3570s))
Nehemiah 2:17-18 - "Then I said to them, 'You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.'"
Reflection: How can you contribute to the safety and well-being of your community? Can you think of a specific action you can take this week to make a positive impact?
Quotes
1. "Salvation comes from the Jews. The Jews' prophets, Jesus Jews, the Apostles Jews." [49:05]
2. "Israel is under danger at this moment. It is under danger at this moment. If people believe that Israel is safe because they have a strong army and because the United States is taking care of it, no, it is not safe. It is only safe with the care of God." [26:19]
3. "Theologically, the alliance of God with Israel will be manifested in the salvation of all Israel, as it mentions the Roman John 76, the election of Israel is irrevocable."
4. "Historically, Israel, its survival is a number of attempts to determine, showing the continuity of its election and inclination with God. The Resilience of Israel is a clear bridge of permanence and protection, of the divine promise of permanence and protection."
5. "In conclusion, it is also an optical, theological, convictory that Israel continues to be the Holy God, its eternal alliance, the divine election, and the fulfillment of prophecies indicate that the bond of God with Israel exists. The refutation of the gospel posts."
6. "The people of Israel never believed as the people, they have always lived a remnant, but that people have always been chosen by God and have been taken by God and have been saved by God."
7. "The Bible prophesies that when Israel regresses Israel, it will return back to God, that does not happen. So this nation that today we have, it is true that the blessing, because it is the people of God who is there, is not the complete prophecy."
8. "The construction of the temple is not something that will happen in six months, it is a gigantic and sacred construction. We need biblical knowledge to understand all these things."
9. "Israel was making great strides towards peace with the rest of the Middle East. They were rebuilding their walls and experiencing restoration. This provoked a ruthless attack that forced the Israeli government to respond in a congruent and violent manner."
10. "Imagine the blow that Christianity would receive if Jerusalem were to fall into the hands of extremists. What would happen to all the historical relics of Christianity? This is not just a threat to Israel, but to the stability of the region and Christianity as a whole."