Covenants #5: What is so Important about Israel?

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May they prosper who love you’” (Psalm 122:6).

Fewer places in the world have experienced as many wars & nearly constant conflict as the land of Israel. In December of 2016, President Obama refused to use the USA’s veto power concerning a UN Security Council vote allowing Palestinians to build in Jerusalem. President Obama’s actions were said to undermine our relationship with one of our closest allies. Senator John McCain called this an “outrageous attack” on Israel. Speaker of the House of Representatives called this “absolutely shameful.” Many Democrats expressed similar concerns. But why make such a big deal over a chunk of ground that is just barely bigger than the state of New Jersey? The reason is completely religious at its root.

Is the land of Israel sacred? Who does it belong to? Why is it important to us? Why are there such contentions and how should we respond to them?

According to many adherents of Christianity, Islam and Judaism (which make up over half of the world’s population), yes it is sacred. Jews dating back to Abraham have considered the land of Israel, the Promised Land, to be home. Muslims consider the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem to be the third holiest site in Islam. Christians likewise consider Israel important, with its origins in Judaism, Jesus’ entire earthly ministry was focused in Israel, and the early church was founded in Jerusalem.

In order to answer these questions we have to consider the life of Abraham. In roughly 2,000 B.C. God calls Abraham to leave his homeland of Ur of the Chaldeans (Acts 7:2-3, modern day Iraq), and travel to a land that God will show him. God’s calling of Abraham included a covenant that involved the blessing of land, a great nation including descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky, a great name/reputation, and a blessing that would come to the entire world on account of him. The blessings of this covenant were solely based on Abraham’s faith in the Lord (James 2:22-23). Abraham responded in faith and went to the Promised Land.

The nature of the blessings God promised to Abraham reveal much of the controversy concerning the Middle East, and specifically, the Land of Israel. God promised Abraham a very special land (Gen. 12:1), and He reiterated His promise on several occasions (Gen. 13:14-18; 15:18-21; Deut. 30:1-10; Josh. 24:3; Ezek. 33:24; Heb. 11:9-16; etc.). On account of this, many believe that the land of Israel belongs to Abraham’s descendants.

However, this is where the real question lies, who are the true descendants of Abraham? Muslims believe that they are the true descendants through Abraham’s first son Ishmael, while both Jews and Christians see their family tree through Isaac. Thus the contentions over a plot of land.

For some Christians, they believe that God still has a very special plan specifically for the Jews & the land of Israel, while others believe that the Church, aka Christians have replaced the Jews as the spiritual Israel. Yet what does the Bible have to say concerning this matter? That is a topic for another time, but hopefully this has helped to explain why the Middle East has been and will continue to be a hotspot for decades to come, and enjoy the blessings of father Abraham.

 In His service,

        Matt

Elder’s Corner: “Lord, Soften My Neck, Please”

In Proverbs 29:1, we find this: “A man who hardens his neck after much reproof will suddenly be broken beyond remedy” (NASB). You can take a piece of wire and bend it back and forth until finally it breaks. I dropped a glass vase on a concrete floor once and no amount of glue could have restored it.

This phrase “hardens his neck is not a common one today.” But we do have some similar: “he is so stubborn he will cut off his nose to spite his face” or “I’ve never met a more obstinate person.” Another phrase that God used to describe His people who refused to be obedient was the term “stiff-necked people,” as in Exodus 32:9 (NKJV). “And the LORD said to Moses, "I have seen this people, and indeed it is a stiff-necked people!” This was after God had been so good to them and delivered them from Pharaoh and the Egyptians. The people cast a molten golden calf to worship instead of the God who saved them. In Acts 7, we read of Stephen’s (martyr) sermon to the “religious leaders” and he uses this narrative in verse 51 (NASB). “You men who are stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears are always resisting the Holy Spirit; you are doing just as your fathers did.” This verse points out that “these people” had the appearance of being holy and righteous—they had done the legal requirements (circumcision) but their hearts hadn’t changed.

So what does it all mean? It sometimes scares me, because I think it means I can sit in church with others who appear to be followers, and yet if I am unwilling to let God have total control of my life, I am no better than those who have hardened their necks and won’t listen when God wants us to change, be tender-hearted, and obedient to Him. Sometimes, He speaks to me through the advice of a real friend who sees in me something that I need to change. Which reminds me of a favorite Proverb, “Wounds from a friend are better than kisses from an enemy” (27:6 NLT). So I hope your prayer will be like mine: “Lord, soften my neck, please” because I sure don’t want to end up like that vase, broken beyond remedy.

—Alan    

Covenants #4: The Blessings of the Rainbow

 God said to Noah, “I am giving you a sign of My covenant with you and with all living creatures, for all generations to come. I have placed My rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of My covenant with you and with all the earth (Gen. 9:12-13 NLT)

Ever since I was a kid, I have always admired the beauty of rainbows. They do not happen that often in our area, but when they do, they are one of the most beautiful things to observe in all of creation. Of course, who can forget to look for the pot of gold at the end? Yet if you find it, it belongs to me since I been searching for it for years, but that’s a different story. ;)

Regardless, the symbolism of the rainbow has drastically changed from what it originally meant! Even still, the point of this article is not to consider the topic of LGBTQ, but rather to consider the original meaning of the rainbow, and how it is a symbol of something for us today, and not that of the LGBTQ community.

As stated in the Bible and quoted above, the rainbow is a symbol of God’s covenant and promise to Noah and all of creation since his time. God’s covenant with Noah is often called “The Noahic Covenant,” and it is found in Genesis 8:20-9:17. Noah formally agreed to this covenant by making a sacrifice to the Lord (Gen. 8:20-21). But why was this covenant necessary? 

Mankind had become exceedingly wicked, and the trend and direction of their lives were focused on their own sinful desires (Gen. 6:5). It is interesting to note that in context, this came as a result of believers marrying unbelievers (Gen. 6:2; see also Matt. 22:30; Rom. 8:14, 19). God had been patient and merciful with the people for hundreds of years. However, eventually the love and justice of God had to respond. Otherwise, God would not truly be loving and just. So God destroyed the entire world with a flood. But, God saved 8 people, Noah, the only righteous person on the planet at that time (Gen. 7:1), and Noah’s family.

While the global flood of Noah’s day took place over 4,000 years ago, there are 3 parts to God’s covenant with Noah that are important for us to understand today. First, we need to understand that the Noahic Covenant is universal and unconditional.  God made this covenant with every living creature and for all succeeding generations from the time of Noah until the end of time (Gen. 9:12). This covenant does not depend upon anything Noah or his descendants had to do. Therefore, regardless of how wicked and immoral our world is becoming (and one does not have to look very far to realize that society is far from where we should be) yet God promises that He will never again destroy the earth with a global flood.

Second, we need to understand that the creation mandate has been restated and expounded. The creation mandate was originally given to Adam and Eve as a part of the Adamic Covenant, stating that mankind is made in the image of God and is to be fruitful, fill the earth and have dominion over it (Gen. 1:27-28). These same principles were restated to Noah, his wife, three sons and their wives, likewise they apply to all people since then (Gen. 9:1-7).

Additionally, from this point forward mankind is allowed to eat meat, with the exception of blood, and animals will now fear mankind as a result. Some teach that Christians should be vegetarians since mankind was originally. However, that no longer applies. Yes, we can find other dietary restrictions which did apply both during the Patriarchal and Mosaic Ages. But today in the Church Age, the only dietary restriction is the prohibition of eating blood (Acts 15:29; Rom. 14:20). God explained that the creature’s life is in its blood and was to be used for atonement (Lev. 17:10-16). (Remember, it is by Christ’s blood that we are saved.) Additionally, some cultures then and even now use it in their idolatrous practices. 

Lastly, capital punishment was now a Biblical means of handling those who commit murder. This is restated in the New Testament (Rom. 13:4). It is important to note that the enforcement of capital punishment has always been through God ordained authorities, namely, governments (Rom. 13:1). Likewise, the Bible is not against self-defense, especially as it relates to means by which the government has deemed legal (Luke 22:36).

The third thing that we need to understand about the Noahic Covenant is God’s promise still applies. The promise is based upon God’s faithfulness alone. God has always been faithful to do just as He promised. This can be seen in how He dealt with Adam and Eve, promising to send One who would destroy the Devil, namely Jesus (Gen. 3:15; Heb. 2:14). God was faithful to Noah and his family, keeping them safe in the Ark. God was faithful to Abraham, Moses, David, the prophets, and even the people of Israel in spite of their unfaithfulness. God was faithful with His people in the early church. And He is still faithful to us, regardless of how faithless we are. God is always faithful to His promises. Yes, some of His promises are conditional, yet the promise to never again destroy the entire world with a flood is not one of them.

Therefore, when you see the rainbow in the sky, I want to encourage you to remember its true meaning: (1) God’s faithfulness to all creation. And (2) His amazing grace: God was patient with the people, giving them a 120 year opportunity while Noah built the ark to turn to Him. God likewise extended grace to Noah and his family to be saved even though He could have easily have wiped them out as well. Similarly, God has been gracious with every single one of us. He has provided a means that we can be saved from the wrath that is to come—through a relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ (1 Thess. 1:10). For one day, God promises that He will destroy the earth with fire (2 Peter 3:10, 11).

R.C. Sproul said, “The Noahic covenant is God’s pledge that He will preserve the stability of nature, a stability that will allow His people to flourish and that will provide an arena for Him to enter history and bring salvation (John 1:14). Moreover, our Creator’s love for all that He has made is seen in the pledge that He will never again destroy the world (with a flood), which is also an early sign that one day all creation will be renewed” (www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/noahic-covenant-1670/). I pray that you are encouraged by the true meaning of the rainbow.

In His service,

        Matt

The Christian Atheist #2: Customized Christianity

 “Sin whispers to the wicked, deep within their hearts. They have no fear of God at all. In their blind conceit, they cannot see how wicked they really are” (Psalm 36:1-2 ^NLT).

“Have it your way.” Burger King’s slogan is really the motto of the American society. We like to have things our own way. We like to pick and choose pretty much everything, from what we have, to what we do, and to what we believe, etc. 

There are a lot of people who approach Christianity in this way. They believe in God, but they only want to accept certain elements of Christianity. It is like as one writer said, “God created us in His image and we take and return the favor.” We make God in the image we want Him to be in. “I’ll take the love of God; but, I don’t want His wrath. I want the mercy of God; but, I don’t want His righteous judgment. I want His blessings in my life; but, that whole take up your cross and follow Him daily is just not for me.”

We tend to love the part of the Bible that tells us that God has a wonderful plan for our lives, but there are parts of the Bible that seem so outdated to us. Like for example, we think, “Who actually practices sexual purity anymore?” We tend to like the fact that God was generous with us, giving His One and only Son on the Cross. And we like that He promises to provide for our daily needs. However, we don’t like that God’s Word commands us to tithe and be generous to others, so “Let’s just skip those parts.” And we like the promises that He will work all things out for our good, day in a day out. But we think, “Weekends are mine, so I don’t care if God commands me to worship Him corporately and encourage other believers on Sundays, that’s my day to play and get things done.”

Sin has a way of whispering into our hearts. Then we rationalize our decisions, not even realizing what we are blinding ourselves to sin. This is a very dangerous place to be according to the Bible. Take for example the account of two men, Nadab and Abihu (Lev. 10:1-2). These two individuals sincerely desired to worship God but in their own way, rather than the way He had commanded. And as a result, God struck them dead. Now, I’m not saying that God is going to struck you dead (and I’m praying that He will not). :)

We could look at other examples from Scripture of people who practiced Customized Christianity, however, none of them ended with results they wanted. Therefore, I implore you to learn to reverently and lovingly fear (respect) the Lord. We need to follow Him as He directs throughout the Bible, not just the portions that we like. (Did we not learn this from our parents—we have to obey all of their rules, not just some of them? Of course we all did.)

The Bible says that the fear (a healthy fear, and respect) of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Pro. 9:10). “Fear of the LORD is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from the snares of death” (Pro. 14:27). And Proverbs 22:4 says, “True humility and fear of the LORD lead to riches, honor, and long life.” Learning to fear the Lord, following Him as His Word commands is not a bad thing; rather, it leads to blessings. So may we fear the Lord, and follow Him completely.

In His service,

      Matt 

The Christian Atheist #1: Do You Personally Know The God of the Bible?

“They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny Him…” (Titus 1:16)

Do you believe in God? Chances are, you do. A recent study showed that 3 out of every 4 Americans claim to believe in God. And about 7 in 10 actually claim to believe in the Trinitarian God of the Bible. However, when we look at society and even in the church, it does not take long to see that there is a vast difference between the lifestyle and theology that the Bible teaches and that which the majority of those who claim to be Christians live out.

For example, more than half of those who claim to follow the God of the Bible reject Jesus’s eternal nature (Isa. 9:6; John 8:58; Col. 1:17; Heb. 1:11, 12; 13:8; Rev. 1:8). Those who know God understand what He is like. Another shocking statistic is that 70% of those who claim to be Christians agree that there’s only one true God. However, 64% also thought that this God accepts the worship of all religions, including those that believe in many gods (http://thefederalist.com/2016/10/10/survey-finds-american-christians-actually-heretics/). Therefore, even though the majority of Americans claim to be Christian, they do not actually know the Christian God. This is one sense in which there is virtually no difference between many of those who claim to be Christians and those who claim to be atheists. Craig Groeschel, the pastor of one of the largest churches in America has rightly labeled individuals like this as “Christian Atheists.”

The question that needs to come to our minds is this: do you actually know the God whom you claim to follow? The Bible says that the demons fearfully believe in God (James 2:19); however, they do not know God through a personal relationship with Him. Similarly, there are many who know God intellectually, the Pharisees were like this, but they did not know God personally (John 8:54-55). There are a lot of people who will miss heaven by 18 inches: they know God in their minds but not in their hearts. Those who truly know God long to spend time with Him. David said, “O God, You are my God, earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You, my body longs for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water” (Ps. 63:1). Does this match the relationship that you have with God? 

Lastly, those who truly know God obey what He commands. The Apostle John said, “We know that we have come to know Him if we obey His commands. The man who says, ‘I know Him,’ but does not do what He commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1 John 2:3-4). Are you obedient to what God commands?

Those who genuinely know God understand what He is like, they long to spend time with Him, and they obey what He commands. Are these 3 things apparent in your life? Or are you like most who claim to believe in the God of the Bible, but in reality are a Christian Atheist?

I pray that you may know Him and His love that surpasses knowledge, for if you do, it will make all the difference in the world! God bless!

In His service,

            Matt 

Covenants #3: Take Me Down to the Paradise City

Yes, I used to be a big fan of the hard rock band “Guns & Roses.” I know, I’m probably going to hell because of that (just kidding)! :) While your idea and my idea of a paradise city might be two totally different things, yet who doesn’t like the idea of going to a paradise city, and even living there?

The Garden of Eden, where Adam and Eve lived was a place of paradise. The New Testament describes Heaven as being very similar to that paradise (Rev. 2:7; 22:1-2, 14, 17). However, when Adam and Eve broke the covenant that God had with them, they were evicted from paradise (Gen. 3:24). And as a result of Adam and Eve’s disobedience, thorns and thistles, childbirth pains, toil, cancer, disease, etc., and even death entered the world. Thus, just as other people’s actions affect us today, so too did Adam and Eve’s actions make a difference on other people. But since they were the first individuals, their actions had even larger implications on the world. On account of them, we all await the same fate, physical death (Rom. 5:12). 

It does not take long to understand just how impactful the terms and conditions of the Adamic Covenant are upon the entire human race. Some will unnecessarily attempt to divide the covenant that God made with Adam and Eve prior to their committal of sin with the words that God speaks to them after they sinned. In reality, the words that God spoke to Adam and Eve after they sinned merely further explained to them their punishment for the violation of the covenant. However, the heart of the covenant remained. Adam and Eve, and all mankind for that matter, are given the privilege/obligation of being fruitful, multiplying, and filling the earth ultimately with people who will worship the One True God, and having dominion over all of creation (Gen. 1:26-28). 

The spirit of the law that Adam and Eve violated in the Garden is the same as that of the sins that people struggle with today. Adam and Eve’s sin involved 3 parts (Gen. 3:6; 1 John 2:16). First, the lust of the flesh as they saw that the forbidden fruit was good for food. This is the foundation of all sexual sins, gluttony, drug addictions, and narcissism. Second, the lust of the eyes as the forbidden fruit was a delight to one’s sight. The lust of the eyes is the foundation of all greed, selfishness, envy, and slothfulness. And third, the boastful pride of life as the forbidden fruit was able to make one wise. This is the foundation of all ungodly cravings for attention, position, authority, identity, and appreciation.

Therefore, by having an understanding of the Adamic Covenant helps us understand the origin of our own struggles with sin. But even greater still is understanding the promise that we get to enjoy in spite of our failure to keep the covenant. While it is true that all people die physically (Rom. 5:12), the eternal consequences of Adam and Eve’s actions, and our own for that matter, have been nullified on account of what Jesus did for all mankind on the cross (Rom. 5:17-18).  This is the promise that Adam and Eve received in the Garden (Gen. 3:15), and it is the promise that we have today.

Furthermore, one day the Bible promises that paradise will be restored. One commentator explained it in the following way. “When we look back to the Garden of Eden, we long for the restoration of its perfection, beauty, and peace. And God will not disappoint us.

He will restore Paradise to us, a much better Paradise than the Garden of Eden. In this Paradise Perfected—the new heaven and new earth—our Savior Jesus Christ is the Living Water, who gives eternal life to all. In this heavenly Jerusalem, He is the Tree of Life, who nourishes our body and soul forever.

In this holy city, John says Christ is the Light, giving the city its radiant glory, illuminating its perfection, beauty, and peace. It is a heavenly city whose builder and architect, Christ, came down from heaven to earth, to clothe it with His righteousness. Today there are still many tears shed because of this sin-infested world; so much loneliness, sickness, and death. But in Paradise Perfected, there will only be rejoicing.

God will dwell with us forever, and we will see our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ face to face. We will have perfect communion with Him. Do you want to be assured of eternal life in the holy city? Do you want to be healed of sin and death? Jesus invites you to drink from the Living Water and eat from the Tree of Life. By placing your faith in Him, you will have eternal life, and your souls will be nourished forever” (http://twoagespilgrims.com/pasigucrc/index.html/a-better-paradise-restored/).

 In His service,

        Matt

Elder’s Corner: “Are You Privileged?”

A couple of weeks ago when the wind storms hit the area, I had my scanner on to keep track of the weather. The following came across from the public utility dispatcher “There is a tree down on Sunset Ave.”  Then the following comment “it is in the city councilman's yard.”  The implication was clear “you better get to it right away.”  Maybe you have heard the quote “Rank has its privilege.” 

Maybe you feel like you're not important to anyone—not even God. But consider the following from Psalms 139:13-14 NASB “For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. . .” God has been with you since the beginning (and even if you have left Him for a time—He has never left you). “I will never leave you nor forsake you,” He tells us in Hebrews 13:5. 

Now let's get back to the thought that on earth some are treated differently than others.  It's true. Some are treated better because of the money they possess, some better because of their educational degree, some because of the color of their skin, some because of who they’re related to. It isn't that way with God and I hope you never feel that He plays favorites. He is for Everyone Equally! Consider Romans 1:16 TEV “For I have complete confidence in the gospel; it is God's power to save all who believe. . .” Here's how God describes us in 1 Peter 2:9 NASB “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that you (we) may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” Why does God see us this way, all equal and yet each important? Because He knows the price that was paid was the same price for everyone—the blood of his precious son. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16 NASB).     

—Alan