Israel, the Church, and the Middle East (pt. 2)

As a natural overflow of our recent expository series on "Revelation 20:1-6 and the Kingdom of God" we recently started a special miniseries on Israel, the Church, and the Middle East at Lake Country Bible Church.  Specifically, I'm addressing "The Plight of Israel: a Historical, Biblical, Theological Study."

This study has been eye-opening on many fronts.  For one, I never realized how widespread Christian anti-Semitism, and/or Christian anti-Judaism has been among genuine believers.  Church history is both informative and, at times, quite painful.  Throughout our Sunday AM and Wednesday PM studies we are seeing just how practical and timely biblical prophesy and eschatology truly is.

The picture posted with this blog highlights some of my written resources for this teaching series.  I have tried to read broadly. By "broadly" I mean I have read historical/theological works by secular, Christian, and Jewish authors. I have listened to lectures by Jewish and Gentile professors from various backgrounds.  Most importantly I have attempted to put everything through the grid of Holy Scripture.

Join us on June 20th for Part 2 of our study.  If you do not live in Wisconsin or cannot make it tonight at 6:30pm you can find free audio/PowerPoint study-guide resources on our website (Click here).

Israel's Future Salvation and the Messianic Kingdom: Rev. 20; Luke 13:34-35

 Revelation 20:1-6 and Luke 13:34-35

Future Things: Israel’s Salvation and the Messianic Kingdom

(pt. 4)

INTRO:  “In God we trust.”  But should we: Can God and Christ be fully trusted?

(By the end of this sermon you should be able to explain how these questions relate to Luke 13:34-35 and how they’re connected with the biblical promises God made with Israel).

In effort to help us understand Revelation 20:4-6 we’re establishing 4 Central Affirmations of King Jesus Concerning the Forthcoming Kingdom of God.

   From Luke 19:11-44 and Luke 21:24 we’ve noted that:

I)                   When the Messianic King Comes, He Will Establish the Kingdom-- just not right away!

(Luke 19:11-27)

II)               For Rejecting her King, the Jewish People will be repeatedly trampled upon UNTIL

“the time of the Gentiles is complete.”

(Luke 19:28-44; Luke 21:24)

III) The Glorious Kingdom will be established WHEN national Israel finally welcome Jesus as Savior, Lord, and King!

(Luke 13:34-35)

To help us understand and apply Luke 13:34-35 in a God-honoring way we’re going to hang our thoughts on 4 “R’s”

I) RUEFULNESS-  Luke 13:34a; 19:41; Ezekiel 18:23

II) REJECTION  -  Luke 13:34b; 19:27; Acts 2:22-23; 3:13-15

The 3 Key Words of Biblical Prophesy

Let's keep it real.  Prophesy and Eschatology can be difficult subjects to grasp.  As such, American evangelicals are tempted to not study large portions of sacred Scripture. 

This particular sermon tries to summarize Biblical Prophesy in 3 words.  These three words highlight two essential concepts. 

If you understand this message you will understand the crux of biblical prophesy and eschatology (the study of end times).  This sermon can be downloaded here   

If you choose to ignore these three key words you'll likely view prophetic Scripture as a 'riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma."

If one believes that all Scripture is inspired and profitable (per 2 Timothy 3:15-17) then WE MUST TEACH THE WHOLE BIBLE.  To ignore the Old Testament is not an option.  To avoid eschatology and prophesy is not right either.  Hence this current series at Lake Country Bible Church.

On September 17 we will also begin a new series during the 9am Sunday School hour on Rediscovering Biblical Manhood and Woman in view of the contemporary issues of the day.