The story of Israel's rebirth as a nation on May 14, 1948, should amaze even the most cynical skeptic. Israel has been the apple of God's eye since the time God chose them as the means of fulfilling the promises He made to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3. Unfortunately, the history of Israel has included many highs and lows due to their cycles of faithlessness, disobedience, and idolatry. One such low was the period of time between A.D. 70 and May 14, 1948. The Roman General Titus destroyed the Temple in A.D. 70. The nation continued spiraling downward after that until it finally was unincorporated in A.D. 135. From then until May 14, 1948, Israel did not exist as a nation in the land God gave to it long ago.
The problem as far as prophecy is concerned is that Israel's existence as a nation, back in the land, is necessary if God's promises to Abraham are to come true. Fortunately, as Numbers 23:19 puts it: "God is not a man that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?"
The obvious answer to these questions is a categorical "NO!" And so, God was at work from A.D. 70 until 1948, orchestrating the hearts and minds of people in history to ensure the fulfillment of His word.
One thing God used to eventually put Israel back in the land as a nation was the nearly worldwide rejection of the Jews living in the other parts of the world. Isaiah 11:12 mentions the scattering of the Jews to "the four quarters of the earth." Indeed, by the end of the 1800's, Jews were living in various places all over the world, with the vast majority of them living in Russia.
Wherever they lived, for the most part, they lived under oppression. No nation was thrilled with the Jews living among them, especially Russia. As a result, people began to think of the Jews being back in their own land, as a recognized political entity, to solve this thorny problem. Thus, God began to work in the hearts and minds of people, with May 14, 1948, as the outcome.
Along the way, there have been numerous challenges to Israel's status in the land. Keep in mind, if the devil is able to destroy Israel or to keep them from occupying the land, he wins. He proves God is powerless, unable to fulfill the promises He made.
One example of the challenges facing the historic outcome of May 14, 1948, was the crazy notion of carving out a homeland for Jews, not in Palestine, but in Uganda. Fortunately, this idea was rejected by a Jewish congress of Zionists in 1905. Another example of the threat to the outcome God had in mind has been the military threat to Israel from day one of their existence. Even today Israel continues to live with that threat. In fact, it will be a military threat that ultimately brings on the return of Christ to rescue His people. Thus, Jesus said in Luke 21:20: "When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near."
You can learn more about the historical events leading up to Israel's return to the land here. As you study, keep in mind three things: (1) Israel's existence back in the land is by itself a fulfillment of Bible prophecy (see Isaiah 11:11-12; Isaiah 66:8; Jeremiah 32:36-44); (2) It a sign that Jesus' return is near; and (2) It is a sign of the faithfulness of our God.
All of this is so encouraging. God is at work, orchestrating events that will lead ultimately to Jesus' return. In the meantime, no matter what is going on in your life, you can count on the Lord for His sovereign help and provision. He is a faithful God!
Friday, October 30, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
Signs - Part 2
One of the signs indicating the impending return of Jesus centers on the role of Jerusalem in endtime events. Luke 21:20 tells us: "When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near."
We believe this verse refers primarily to the time just before Jesus' return. According to Revelation 19:11-21, Jesus will return with "the armies of heaven following him" to defeat the armies surrounding Jerusalem.
Jerusalem has figured prominently into God's plan for his people going back to Abraham's time (approx. 2000 B.C.). Genesis 14:18-20 tells us that the King of Salem (the original Bible name for Jerusalem) visited Abraham following Abraham's rescue of his nephew, Lot. The text also tells us that Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek, who is also identified as "priest of God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth." So from the time of this very first mention of Jerusalem, it is a city closely associated with God.
Jerusalem eventually became a Jebusite city before being captured by King David around 1000 B.C. (2 Samuel 5:6-10). David allowed the captured Jebusites to live and even to continue owning property. Eventually, the Jebusites either died off or intermarried with others so that they ceased to exist as a distinct people. Long before that time, however, David purchased the threshing floor of Araunah and turned it into a place of sacrifice (see 2 Samuel 24:18-25). That place became the place upon which Solomon's Temple was built, the place we now know as "the Temple Mount" in Jerusalem, where the al Aqsa Mosque stands.
After Solomon built and dedicated the Temple in 967 B.C., the Lord warned him and the people against turning away to follow other gods: "But if you turn away and forsake the decrees and commands I have given you and go off to serve other gods and worship them, then I will uproot Israel from my land, which I have given them, and will reject this temple I have consecrated for my Name. I will make it a byword and an object of ridicule among all peoples. And though this temple is now so imposing, all who pass by will be appalled and say, 'Why has the Lord done such a thing to this land and to this temple?' People will answer, 'Because they have forsake the Lord, the God of their fathers, who brought them out of Egypt, and have embraced other gods, worshipping and serving them--that is why he brought all this disaster on them.' (2 Chronicles 7:19-22).
This warning turned out to be prophetic. The people of Israel and their kings eventually did turn away from the Lord, prompting the Lord to send them into captivity under Nebuchadezzar for 70 years (2 Chronicles 36:15-21). In describing this judgment, the Bible associates the 70 years with the land finally being able to enjoy its sabbath rests (see 36:21). The implication is that Israel, among other things, had ignored the sabbath-year rules for 490 years, leading to a "sentence" of 70 years of captivity.
It is in this judgment that we see two things: (1) God dealing with Israel on the basis of a 490 year span of time; and (2) God dealing with Israel on the basis of 70 units of time (in this case, the units of time are years, thus 70 years of captivity).
Now, as it relates to the prophecy in Luke 21 regarding armies surrounding Jerusalem, it is necessary to turn to the Book of Daniel. In Daniel 9:24-27, we find yet another reference to God dealing with Israel in terms of 70 units of time (in this case, the units of time are 7 years each) over a total span of 490 years. This prophecy is popularly known as "the seventy 'weeks' of Daniel". The original Bible word translated "week" literally means "seven". We understand now that each "seven" stands for a "week" of seven years; thus, seventy "weeks" of seven years each or a total of 490 years.
We know that Daniel's prophecy centers on Jerusalem because Daniel is told in 9:24 the "seventy 'sevens' are decreed for your people and your holy city..."; in other words, for Jewish people and for Jerusalem. We know the prophecy is describing endtime events because of the six-fold purpose of all that is to happen: (1) to finish transgression; (2) to put an end to sin; (3) to atone for wickedness; (4) to bring in everlasting righteousness; (5) to seal up vision and prophecy; and (6) to anoint the most holy. All of these are ultimate, final purposes of God for Israel (and none of them have happened yet, by the way).
So, in telling Daniel, what to expect after the 70 years of captivity in Babylon, God lays out a plan of 490 more years of judgment on Israel and Jerusalem. According to the rest of the passage, these years will be divided into three segments: (1) the first 7 "sevens" or 49 years; (2) the next 62 "sevens" or 434 years; and (3) the last "seven" or 7 years.
We know the first two segments, a total of 69 "sevens" or 483 years have already been fulfilled historically (see the chart, which you can click to enlarge). The date marking the beginning of the first 7 "sevens" is fixed in history as 445 B.C., the year of Cyrus' decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem. Interestingly enough, if you count forward from that date to the time of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, you get exactly 483 years or the exact time frame when the prophecy says "the Anointed One will be cut off."
After the first 69 "sevens", it appears there is a break in time of unknown duration before the final "seven" begins. That break is called "the Church Age". This is the age in which we now live. We do not know exactly when it will end; however, we know it will end when God brings "the times of the Gentiles" to a conclusion (see Romans 11:25-27). When that day comes, the final period of "seven" will begin. And that period, we believe, will end with the armies surrounding Jerusalem just as Jesus said.
In the meantime, as we near the end of the Church age, it is not surprising to see animosity toward Israel and Jerusalem building among the nations. More about this on Sunday!
We believe this verse refers primarily to the time just before Jesus' return. According to Revelation 19:11-21, Jesus will return with "the armies of heaven following him" to defeat the armies surrounding Jerusalem.
Jerusalem has figured prominently into God's plan for his people going back to Abraham's time (approx. 2000 B.C.). Genesis 14:18-20 tells us that the King of Salem (the original Bible name for Jerusalem) visited Abraham following Abraham's rescue of his nephew, Lot. The text also tells us that Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek, who is also identified as "priest of God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth." So from the time of this very first mention of Jerusalem, it is a city closely associated with God.
Jerusalem eventually became a Jebusite city before being captured by King David around 1000 B.C. (2 Samuel 5:6-10). David allowed the captured Jebusites to live and even to continue owning property. Eventually, the Jebusites either died off or intermarried with others so that they ceased to exist as a distinct people. Long before that time, however, David purchased the threshing floor of Araunah and turned it into a place of sacrifice (see 2 Samuel 24:18-25). That place became the place upon which Solomon's Temple was built, the place we now know as "the Temple Mount" in Jerusalem, where the al Aqsa Mosque stands.
After Solomon built and dedicated the Temple in 967 B.C., the Lord warned him and the people against turning away to follow other gods: "But if you turn away and forsake the decrees and commands I have given you and go off to serve other gods and worship them, then I will uproot Israel from my land, which I have given them, and will reject this temple I have consecrated for my Name. I will make it a byword and an object of ridicule among all peoples. And though this temple is now so imposing, all who pass by will be appalled and say, 'Why has the Lord done such a thing to this land and to this temple?' People will answer, 'Because they have forsake the Lord, the God of their fathers, who brought them out of Egypt, and have embraced other gods, worshipping and serving them--that is why he brought all this disaster on them.' (2 Chronicles 7:19-22).
This warning turned out to be prophetic. The people of Israel and their kings eventually did turn away from the Lord, prompting the Lord to send them into captivity under Nebuchadezzar for 70 years (2 Chronicles 36:15-21). In describing this judgment, the Bible associates the 70 years with the land finally being able to enjoy its sabbath rests (see 36:21). The implication is that Israel, among other things, had ignored the sabbath-year rules for 490 years, leading to a "sentence" of 70 years of captivity.
It is in this judgment that we see two things: (1) God dealing with Israel on the basis of a 490 year span of time; and (2) God dealing with Israel on the basis of 70 units of time (in this case, the units of time are years, thus 70 years of captivity).
Now, as it relates to the prophecy in Luke 21 regarding armies surrounding Jerusalem, it is necessary to turn to the Book of Daniel. In Daniel 9:24-27, we find yet another reference to God dealing with Israel in terms of 70 units of time (in this case, the units of time are 7 years each) over a total span of 490 years. This prophecy is popularly known as "the seventy 'weeks' of Daniel". The original Bible word translated "week" literally means "seven". We understand now that each "seven" stands for a "week" of seven years; thus, seventy "weeks" of seven years each or a total of 490 years.
We know that Daniel's prophecy centers on Jerusalem because Daniel is told in 9:24 the "seventy 'sevens' are decreed for your people and your holy city..."; in other words, for Jewish people and for Jerusalem. We know the prophecy is describing endtime events because of the six-fold purpose of all that is to happen: (1) to finish transgression; (2) to put an end to sin; (3) to atone for wickedness; (4) to bring in everlasting righteousness; (5) to seal up vision and prophecy; and (6) to anoint the most holy. All of these are ultimate, final purposes of God for Israel (and none of them have happened yet, by the way).
So, in telling Daniel, what to expect after the 70 years of captivity in Babylon, God lays out a plan of 490 more years of judgment on Israel and Jerusalem. According to the rest of the passage, these years will be divided into three segments: (1) the first 7 "sevens" or 49 years; (2) the next 62 "sevens" or 434 years; and (3) the last "seven" or 7 years.
We know the first two segments, a total of 69 "sevens" or 483 years have already been fulfilled historically (see the chart, which you can click to enlarge). The date marking the beginning of the first 7 "sevens" is fixed in history as 445 B.C., the year of Cyrus' decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem. Interestingly enough, if you count forward from that date to the time of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, you get exactly 483 years or the exact time frame when the prophecy says "the Anointed One will be cut off."
After the first 69 "sevens", it appears there is a break in time of unknown duration before the final "seven" begins. That break is called "the Church Age". This is the age in which we now live. We do not know exactly when it will end; however, we know it will end when God brings "the times of the Gentiles" to a conclusion (see Romans 11:25-27). When that day comes, the final period of "seven" will begin. And that period, we believe, will end with the armies surrounding Jerusalem just as Jesus said.
In the meantime, as we near the end of the Church age, it is not surprising to see animosity toward Israel and Jerusalem building among the nations. More about this on Sunday!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Signs - Part 1
On Sunday, October 11, we began a study on biblical signs of Jesus' return. We believe the return of our Lord is imminent, meaning it could happen at any moment. Technically, the doctrine of imminence allows for the possibility of the Lord's coming occurring some time in the distant future. In other words, ever since the Ascension nearly 2000 years ago, the return of Christ has always been imminent even though it hasn't always been soon, obviously.
So in addition to imminent, we also believe the Lord's return is impending, meaning it will happen soon, perhaps even today! The reason for such optimism is our ability to recognize the fulfillment of biblical signs indicating Jesus' return is near.
Though there have always been people who have abused and misinterpreted the biblical signs, someone once wrote: "The signs are given so that some generation at some point in time would be able to read them alongside current events and be able to connect the two legitimately." We began our study of the signs this past Sunday with this reality in mind. As we look into the Scriptures alongside current events, what we are finding is one of three things: (1) events that are like those the Bible predicts for the end of the age; or (2) events that are the beginning of what we will see once the signs are completely fulfilled; or (3) events that literally and completely fulfill the sign that was given.
The way to distinguish between the three is by paying attention to the details of what the Bible says will happen. For their to be an actual fulfillment of the sign, the details must come true in their entirety. No detail can be left out if we are to conclude accurately that what we are seeing unfold in current events is the fulfillment.
The first sign we have begun to study concerns Jerusalem. Luke 21:20 reads: "When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near...." This sign indicates that Jerusalem will somehow be on center stage in world events in the days, months, and years just prior to Jesus' return. The Bible indicates Jesus will come back to rescue Jerusalem from this threat just in the nick of time. See Revelation 19:11-21.
The sign obviously also indicates there will be contempt for Jerusalem near the end, prior to Jesus' return. Today we see both of these things--contempt for Jerusalem and Jerusalem on center stage in world events. If you care to learn more, just Google "Jerusalem" for under the "news" tab. You'll find plenty to read or watch.
This coming Sunday, Lord willing, we will continue our study by digging deeper into the history of Jerusalem and why it plays such a prominent role in end times. Meanwhile, in addition to encouraging everyone to be on the alert for Jesus' return, let me also suggest checking out Psalm 122:6-7, which begins: "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem...." Such a prayer is another way of expressing our desire for the Lord to come back soon.
So in addition to imminent, we also believe the Lord's return is impending, meaning it will happen soon, perhaps even today! The reason for such optimism is our ability to recognize the fulfillment of biblical signs indicating Jesus' return is near.
Though there have always been people who have abused and misinterpreted the biblical signs, someone once wrote: "The signs are given so that some generation at some point in time would be able to read them alongside current events and be able to connect the two legitimately." We began our study of the signs this past Sunday with this reality in mind. As we look into the Scriptures alongside current events, what we are finding is one of three things: (1) events that are like those the Bible predicts for the end of the age; or (2) events that are the beginning of what we will see once the signs are completely fulfilled; or (3) events that literally and completely fulfill the sign that was given.
The way to distinguish between the three is by paying attention to the details of what the Bible says will happen. For their to be an actual fulfillment of the sign, the details must come true in their entirety. No detail can be left out if we are to conclude accurately that what we are seeing unfold in current events is the fulfillment.
The first sign we have begun to study concerns Jerusalem. Luke 21:20 reads: "When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near...." This sign indicates that Jerusalem will somehow be on center stage in world events in the days, months, and years just prior to Jesus' return. The Bible indicates Jesus will come back to rescue Jerusalem from this threat just in the nick of time. See Revelation 19:11-21.
The sign obviously also indicates there will be contempt for Jerusalem near the end, prior to Jesus' return. Today we see both of these things--contempt for Jerusalem and Jerusalem on center stage in world events. If you care to learn more, just Google "Jerusalem" for under the "news" tab. You'll find plenty to read or watch.
This coming Sunday, Lord willing, we will continue our study by digging deeper into the history of Jerusalem and why it plays such a prominent role in end times. Meanwhile, in addition to encouraging everyone to be on the alert for Jesus' return, let me also suggest checking out Psalm 122:6-7, which begins: "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem...." Such a prayer is another way of expressing our desire for the Lord to come back soon.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Exciting Nippon Initiative News
In 2007, we launched the Nippon Initiative as part of our church's Something Greater Project. The Nippon Initiative came into existence as the result of a trip Dale and I made there, along with Elliott, in the fall of 2006. Our hearts were overwhelmed with the obvious lack of a response to the Gospel visible there at every turn. We launched the Nippon Initiative with three purposes in mind: (1) to encourage exisiting ministries in Japan; (2) to raise awareness of the tremendous spiritual need there; and (3) to recruit college students and recent college graduates for both short and long term missions among the Japanese. Over the years since our initial trip, God has blessed tremendously with numerous contacts and instances of effective ministry, along with much insight into the work still needing to be done. Today, the sad statistic remains: less than 1/2 of 1% of Japanese people are believers in Christ.
The exciting news is, we have another fantastic team assembled for our next trip later this summer. Pastor Doug and I, and our families, will be leading a group of eight students from Faith Baptist Bible College, along with their missions professor and wife, to Japan from July 13-28.
Dale and I, Elliott, Mindy, and the Baker children leave Indianapolis for Tokyo on July 13. Pastor Doug will be meeting the FBBC students in Minneapolis on July 14 and then heading out from there with them to join us in Japan. Once in Japan, we will be doing some ministry all together and some in smaller separate groups. Dale, Elliott, and I will be returning July 23, several days earlier than the rest of the team, which will be coming back on July 28.
We covet your prayers for this team of young people as we mentor and share with them our burden for Japan. We will be working in several churches and ministering on at least one university campus in Tokyo. Pray that the students' hearts will be open to the Lord impressing them with a strong burden to reach more Japanese people. I know they are excited about the trip on this end of things. They have prayed and worked hard to raise the cost of their expenses for the trip, and they have been studying Japanese culture and history. I believe the Lord is going to give us a very successful time of ministry with them.
Finally, as you pray, please also remember the missionaries and pastors we will be working with. Many of them are discouraged at the slow pace of results there in Japan. Pray that God will richly bless their ministries and that He will allow us to be a source of special encouragement to them.
The exciting news is, we have another fantastic team assembled for our next trip later this summer. Pastor Doug and I, and our families, will be leading a group of eight students from Faith Baptist Bible College, along with their missions professor and wife, to Japan from July 13-28.
Dale and I, Elliott, Mindy, and the Baker children leave Indianapolis for Tokyo on July 13. Pastor Doug will be meeting the FBBC students in Minneapolis on July 14 and then heading out from there with them to join us in Japan. Once in Japan, we will be doing some ministry all together and some in smaller separate groups. Dale, Elliott, and I will be returning July 23, several days earlier than the rest of the team, which will be coming back on July 28.We covet your prayers for this team of young people as we mentor and share with them our burden for Japan. We will be working in several churches and ministering on at least one university campus in Tokyo. Pray that the students' hearts will be open to the Lord impressing them with a strong burden to reach more Japanese people. I know they are excited about the trip on this end of things. They have prayed and worked hard to raise the cost of their expenses for the trip, and they have been studying Japanese culture and history. I believe the Lord is going to give us a very successful time of ministry with them.
Finally, as you pray, please also remember the missionaries and pastors we will be working with. Many of them are discouraged at the slow pace of results there in Japan. Pray that God will richly bless their ministries and that He will allow us to be a source of special encouragement to them.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
The Social and Relational Impact of Lifestyle Decisions
Your decisions on how to use the liberty you have in Christ affect more than just yourself. That's why "Love your neighbor as yourself" is so valuable as a life-organizing principle. "Love your neighbor as yourself" oozes with relational and social implications. But so does any lifestyle choice based on the values of the flesh.
How you interact with popular culture or with the values of the world impacts others and influences their behavior. In the case of the Galatians, their works of discord, dissension, and faction-making (all "works of the flesh" according to 5:19-21a and evidence by their "biting and devouring one another" according to 5:15) brought them and others dangerously close to mutual destruction.
The Apostle Paul tells the Galatians to "live by the Spirit and you will not fulfill the desires of the flesh" (5:16). Paul's words do not constitute a legalistic approach to making lifestyle decisions, nor do they allow one based on license. Instead, they form part of a framework for ensuring that our lifestyle decisions are not only good for us, but also truly an expression of love for our neighbor.
We will look more closely at what it means to "live by the Spirit" in two Sundays. In the meantime, let me encourage you to raise your own awareness of the impact and influence of your own decisions about how to engage the world.
How you interact with popular culture or with the values of the world impacts others and influences their behavior. In the case of the Galatians, their works of discord, dissension, and faction-making (all "works of the flesh" according to 5:19-21a and evidence by their "biting and devouring one another" according to 5:15) brought them and others dangerously close to mutual destruction.
The Apostle Paul tells the Galatians to "live by the Spirit and you will not fulfill the desires of the flesh" (5:16). Paul's words do not constitute a legalistic approach to making lifestyle decisions, nor do they allow one based on license. Instead, they form part of a framework for ensuring that our lifestyle decisions are not only good for us, but also truly an expression of love for our neighbor.
We will look more closely at what it means to "live by the Spirit" in two Sundays. In the meantime, let me encourage you to raise your own awareness of the impact and influence of your own decisions about how to engage the world.
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