"Is GOD Done With Israel ?"

 

Romans 11:1-36 "I say then, Hath GOD cast away HIS people ? GOD forbid. For I also am an Israelite of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. GOD hath not cast away HIS people which HE foreknew. Wot ye not what the Scripture saith of Elias ? how he maketh intercession to GOD against Israel, saying, LORD, they have killed THY prophets, and digged down THINE altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. But what saith the answer of GOD unto him ? I have reserved to MYSELF seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. What then ? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded (according as it is written, GOD hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day. And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them:

Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway. I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall ? GOD forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness ? For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the Apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: if by any means I may provoke to emulation (jealousy) them which are my flesh, and might save some of them. For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fattness of the olive tree; boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.

Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in. Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith, be not highminded, but fear: for if GOD spared not the natural branches, take heed lest HE also spare not thee. Behold, therefore the goodness and severity of GOD: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in HIS goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for GOD is able to graft them in again. For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree ? For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Zion the DELIVERER, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: for this is MY covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.

As concerning the Gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the father's sakes. For the gifts and calling of GOD are without repentance. For as ye in times past have not believed GOD, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. For GOD hath concluded them all in unbelief, that HE might have mercy upon all. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of GOD ! how unsearchable are HIS judgments, and HIS ways past finding out ! For who hath known the mind of the LORD ? or who hath been HIS counselor ? or who hath first given to HIM, and it shall be recompensed unto HIM again ? For of HIM, and through HIM, and to HIM, are all things: to WHOM be glory for ever. Amen.

     Supersessionism, in its extreme form, is the belief that the Jews are no longer considered to be GOD's chosen people in any sense. This belief is generally termed "replacement theology." It is true that, at this present time, the LORD has temporarily set aside HIS active working with the nation of Israel and is now calling out "a people for HIS name" known as the church (Acts 15:14 pictured above), comprised of both believing Gentiles and Jews (Ephesians 2:11-14 pictured above). JESUS declared to Peter, "I will build MY church" (Matthew 16:18 pictured above) but HE gave no indication that the church was a replacement for Israel.

     While replacement theology has numerous proponents and followers, it is difficult to understand how they ignore clear statements of Scripture that contradict this belief. "Fear thou not, O Jacob MY servant, saith the LORD. . .for I will make a full end of all the nations whither I have driven thee: but I will not make a full end of thee. . ." (Jeremiah 46:28 pictured above). "Behold, the eyes of the LORD GOD are upon the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from off the face of the Earth; saving that I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob, saith the LORD" (Amos 9:8 pictured above). "Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinance of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; the LORD of hosts is HIS name: if those ordinances depart from before ME, saith the LORD, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before ME for ever" (Jeremiah 31:35-36 pictured below).

     The sun, moon, stars, and roaring seas are still intact; therefore, GOD is not finished with the Jewish people and the nation of Israel. GOD is faithful and has plans for HIS chosen people. JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Hebrews 11 Series - The Faith of Abraham"

 

Hebrews 11:8-19 "By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: for he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is GOD. Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged HIM faithful WHO had promised. Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the seashore innumerable. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embrace them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the Earth.

For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore GOD is not ashamed to be called their GOD: for HE hath prepared for them a city. By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son. Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: accounting that GOD was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure."

     This lengthy passage describes the faith exercised by Abraham, considered to be the father of all who live "by faith" (believers of every dispensation). Abraham illustrated his faith through his actions.

     First, the LORD told him to leave all he had known and travel to a land completely unfamiliar to him (Genesis 12:1-6 two pictures above). Taking GOD at HIS WORD, Abraham did not hesitate or mull over this offer from the LORD. The word "obeyed" means that as GOD was calling him, Abraham was already submitting to HIS command (v.8). In other words, while the LORD was speaking, Abraham's heart was yielded in obedience. Note also: GOD did not tell him specifically where his destination would be, only that it was "unto a land that I will show thee" (Genesis 12:1 pictured above) -- Abraham was to travel to an undisclosed territory. Second, he illustrated his faith by willingly becoming a foreigner (v.9). Abraham arrived in the land of promise, not as an owner of it, but as an outsider. The word "dwelling" (v.9) indicates he was "a stranger in temporary dwellings," and in Genesis we find this transiency became the norm for Abraham for the rest of his earthly life. Yet, GOD had promised that Abrahm would one day live in the land as the owner of it, and he, along with Isaac and Jacob (Israel), trusted in this covenant, even if it would not be fulfilled until after their resurrection.

     Do you truly believe all that GOD has declared ? The benefits of our salvation are incredible to ponder (Ephesians 1:3-14; 2nd.Peter 1:3-4 pictured above). The same GOD WHO assured Abraham of a glorious future is the same LORD WHO has made promises to us (Romans 8:28-39). HE will fulfill HIS WORD. Display your faith by obeying immediately and continually. GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Hebrews 11 Series - Noah's Incredible Testimony"

 

Hebrews 11:7 "By faith Noah, being warned of GOD of things not seen as yet [rain], moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith."

     The LORD specifically warned Noah concerning the impending doom that was about to destroy the Earth's entire population. Noah subsequently took great care to exercise his absolute confidence in the LORD's declaration that "things not seen as yet" would indeed occur shortly. GOD amply warned Noah and provided him with the way of escape. For over 100 years, Noah constructed a massive ship in which a specific number of air-breathing creatures would be rescued from the judgment that GOD was about to execute upon the earth in the global deluge. The dimensions of the ark were adequate to carry other humans to safety, but they refused to hear and heed the dire warnings of Noah and his family. This ark, which saved the family of Noah, was a witness of condemnation against the rest of the Earth's population. Yet it was also a testimony that showed the justification of faithful Noah. The ark was not the means of salvation in the sense that the act of building the ark was what saved Noah's soul, but it revealed evidence of something he already possessed: a righteous standing before GOD. The ark demonstrated his faith that the LORD was going to do exactly as HE had described, though nothing like that had ever happened in the Earth's history. The globe had never before been deluged by water. Death had never occurred on such a massive scale prior to the flood. Likewise, the storms that raged (forty days and nights of torrential rain pouring down upon the entire planet) had never before been experienced either. Are you, like Noah, prepared to obey the LORD and be a witness for HIM ? Are you willing to be an ambassador for CHRIST in the face of open ridicule and hostility ? GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Hebrews 11 Series - Enoch's Rapture"

 

Hebrews 11:5-6 "By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because GOD had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased GOD. But without faith it is impossible to please HIM: for he that cometh to GOD must believe that HE is, and the HE is a rewarder of them that diligently seek HIM."

     The story of Enoch is one of the most intriguing in the book of Genesis. He was the son of Jared (Genesis 5:18) and a descendant of Adam's son Seth (Genesis 5:3). At the age of 65, which was significantly younger than most of those listed in the fifth chapter of Genesis, Enoch fathered Methuselah, a man who was destined to live longer than any other person recorded in Scripture (Genesis 5:27). The Bible specifically mentions that "Enoch walked with GOD" (Genesis 5:22) following the birth of Methuselah, during which time other children were born into his family for the next 300 years. At the end of that time, at the age of 365, Enoch was taken from this earth -- but not by death, for he was "translated" (v.5). The Hebrew text underlying Genesis 5:24, pictured above, literally reads, "He was there, and then he was not there anymore." Today's passage tells us, "Enoch was translated that he should not see death" (v.5). It was not just Enoch's rapture that marks him as being unique among those who lived prior to him as well as those who came later. Rather, he, like Abel, was a testimony of one who walked by faith; he lived in a manner that was pleasing to the LORD (v.5).

     We live in times when "evil men and seducers [are waxing] worse and worse" (2nd.Timothy 3:13 pictured above). Yet throughout the Scriptures we have the assurance that GOD is faithful and watches over HIS people in the midst of difficulties and dark days. And, we also have GOD's promises that HE will save us from HIS impending judgment upon this Earth (1st.Thessalonians 4:14-5:11). HE has delivered HIS saints before (v.5), and HE is perfectly capable of doing it yet again. Christian, "have faith in GOD" (Mark 11:22) -- we are safe in HIM ! GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Hebrews 11 Series - Abel"

 

Hebrews 11:4 "By faith Abel offered unto GOD a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, GOD testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh."

     Abel demonstrated his love for GOD and unswerving devotion to HIM by offering the blood sacrifice from his own flock of animals, an offering that GOD accepted (Genesis 4:4 pictured above). On the other hand, the LORD refused Cain's offering, and this led to the murder of Abel, his brother. In today's text, the SPIRIT of GOD emphasizes Abel's determination to obey the LORD; through this legacy, he is yet able to communicate what it means to walk by faith -- namely, to walk in obedience to the LORD. The sacrifice was not what justified Abel; rather, his justification was through faith alone in the true and living GOD. Abel's offering merely expressed his faith in GOD. Because of his willing obedience, Abel remains as a "witness" or example of those who live by faith, not sight. He believed, so he gave a sacrifice that the LORD regarded as "excellent." And since it was accepted by GOD, this revealed to all that Abel was a justified man -- he had a righteous standing before the LORD. He serves as a wonderful illustration of what it means to worship the LORD "by faith" and exemplifies what a life of faith truly entails.

     The Christian walk does not consist of merely following a set of rules and regulations. It is a life of joyfully obeying what GOD commands and a willingness to show our love for the LORD through submission to HIS WORD. Faithful service is not something we strive to do in order to appease an angry deity who is never satisfied. When we understand the ramifications of sin and the price paid to save us from those consequences, we will want to be like righteous Abel -- eager and willing to obey our LORD, regardless of the response of others, including those who are the closest to us. GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Hebrews 11 Series - By Faith"

 

Hebrews 11:1-3, 32-40 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the WORD of GOD, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. . .And what shall I more say ? for the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

Women received their dead raised to life again: and other were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: and others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonments: they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword; they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: GOD having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect."

     How do we know that living life "by faith" is possible ? How can we be sure it is not just possible but completely necessary if we are to ascertain and accomplish GOD's will as revealed in HIS WORD ? The eleventh chapter of Hebrews gives us remarkable examples of men and women who were faithful servants of the living GOD. Each one -- from Abel (v.4) to Samuel (v.32), as individuals or as part of a great company ("the prophets," v.32) -- reveals that serving the LORD "by faith" is not only possible but is the only way GOD can rightly be honored in our life each day.

     To live "by faith" means to serve and honor the LORD in an outward, tangible way, proving that we trust HIM to keep HIS WORD to us. Notice that in Hebrews 10:35-39, pictured above, the AUTHOR encourages the exercise of "patient endurance" on the part of HIS readers, in chapter eleven, HE then cites numerous examples from the Old Testament and shows how they exercised this fortitude throughout their lives. We can have this same victory in our own experience today. Several chapters earlier (Hebrews 6:12 pictured below), the AUTHOR commanded the readers to be "followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises"; the "Faith chapter" (Chapter 11) then gives examples of those who inherited GOD's promises.

     Finally, we note that the key word in this chapter is faith. It is found twenty-four times, translated once as "faithful" (v.11) and also "believe" (v.6). Having faith in GOD means we trust HIM absolutely and depend upon HIM for everything in life. These examples from the Old Testament ought to encourage our belief that GOD is wholly trustworthy and steadfast and will meet our needs according to HIS perfect plan. GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Hebrews 11 Series - The Great Hall"

 

Hebrews 11:1-3 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the WORD of GOD, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear."

     The eleventh chapter of Hebrews is known as the "Hall of Faith" for its great summary statements concerning many believers found throughout the pages of the Old Testament. This passage commences by describing exactly what faith is (v.1) and then presents an incredible object of our faith, namely, the creation of the universe out of nothing (v.3) -- and account that can only be understood "by faith."

     One essential principle concerning faith is that we do not trust in just those things we can see or that are tangible in our world (v.1). This entire universe was created when GOD simply spoke it into existence (v.3 cf. Genesis 1:3 ff pictured above); HE did not use previously existing matter in order to make this Earth, the seas, the plants, or the animals. When HE made man from the dust of the Earth and with HIS breath, as described in Genesis 2:7, man became a living soul created in the image and likeness of GOD (Genesis 1:27 pictured above). The LORD removed a rib from Adam's side to fashion a helper for him (Genesis 2:21); HE did not use evolution of any sort to bring about mankind's existence. HE placed Adam in a garden to work and till the land; it was a place of great beauty and sustenance for the benefit and enjoyment of man. GOD graciously and abundantly supplied all of their needs; however, Adam and Eve chose to rebel against the LORD and thus brough sin into the world (Genesis 3:6 pictured below).

     How do we know all of the above to be true ? We believe, "by faith," what is written in GOD's WORD. No one was there, except the LORD, to tell us what or how everything happened, but we do have the inerrant revelation of GOD. "By faith," we know that the Bible is absolutely reliable and true. Our eternal future depends upon its veracity. GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation