Truth in History

Can you believe there are Christians who don't view Jesus as divine? Some assert Jesus was simply a man who attained godhood, while others believe He was God's messenger. They make this assertion based on their interpretation of various biblical texts. Consider Genesis 3 where Eve and Adam consume the forbidden fruit. Subsequently, they gain the ability to perceive their nudity, signifying a spiritual enlightenment that left them exposed before a holy God. A voice is heard in the garden, which I argue is Jesus Christ's voice. Deuteronomy 4:6 promotes monotheism, asserting there's only one God. But this God exists in three forms. The same voice in Genesis 3 speaks to Saul, who later becomes Paul. In Genesis 18:1, Abraham receives three guests, one of whom is the Lord, according to the King James Bible. They discuss Sarah conceiving a son in her old age, revealing that the Lord was Jesus Christ in human form before His virgin birth. In John 8, Jesus and the Pharisees discuss His age. When asked about His connection to Abraham, Jesus responds, "before Abraham was, I am." In Exodus 3, Moses encounters a burning bush where God identifies Himself as "I am". This voice was the voice of God, implying it was Jesus Christ. Joshua 5 tells of Joshua meeting a man with a drawn sword who identifies himself as the captain of the Lord's host, implying Jesus Christ. Isaiah 6 recounts Isaiah seeing the Lord on a throne, an experience later interpreted in John 12 as seeing the glory of Jesus Christ. Ezekiel 1 presents a vision of God on a throne, a vision echoed in Revelation 1, where John encounters Jesus Christ. He recognizes Jesus as Alpha and Omega, the first and last. Revelation 4 and 5 further elaborate on John's vision, showcasing the Lamb of God, a clear reference to Jesus Christ. Those present worship Him, as did Joshua, indicating His divinity. These instances imply the presence of Jesus Christ throughout the Old Testament. Even before His physical birth, He appeared in various forms, showing that He was indeed divine.

The stories of Jesus healing a woman with an issue of blood and reviving a dead young girl in the New Testament have profound symbolism connecting to the Old Testament. The woman with the issue of blood represents the Southern House of Judah. Despite her affliction, she's alive, reflecting the survival of Judah's people, even after the destruction of their nation in 70 AD. Jesus, healing her, signifies His divine mission to restore not only the Southern House but also the Northern House of Israel, symbolized by the young girl considered dead, similar to Joseph in Genesis. Joseph, presumed dead by Jacob, can be seen as representing Ephraim and the Northern House, just as the young girl in the New Testament stories. Ezekiel 37 further emphasizes this analogy where the prophet brings back to life a valley of dry, dead bones, symbolizing the whole house of Israel. These metaphors elucidate the work of Jesus - healing Judah (the woman with the issue of blood) and reviving Israel (the dead girl), depicting His role as the singular shepherd overseeing both houses. Interestingly, the following story in Matthew Chapter ten, tells about two blind men, which could represent both the houses of Judah and Israel. Jesus’s act of giving sight to them suggests His mission of restoring spiritual vision and hearing to His people. These stories are part of the Gospel of the Kingdom, emphasizing salvation, physical healing, and restoration. Matthew Chapter 24 propounds that the Gospel of the Kingdom would be preached globally, prefiguring the work of apostles like Paul who spread the Gospel far and wide, reaching places like ancient Britain, signifying the message reaching the Northern House. The modern interpretation, asserting Jews as the House of Judah, doesn't align with the Scripture. The Fig tree, though leafy, lacks fruit, suggesting absence of righteousness. However, there's hope in the Gospel that Jesus Christ came to save the house of Israel and fulfill the covenant made to the fathers. While it might seem dismal in the face of rampant sin and questionable government actions, the return of Jesus Christ offers hope. He'll be vindicated when he returns, bringing justice to the wicked and solace to the righteous. This understanding of the Gospel, grounded in historical events and spiritual truths, gives us hope for the future. It reminds us to live for Christ, as He is our prophet, our priest, and our soon-coming king.

Has it ever crossed your mind if our God, the one who formed a deep covenant of love with us, has abandoned His chosen people, Israel? Today's political, moral, and economic conditions might lead one to question the state of the divine promises of restoration and rejuvenation of His covenant nation - Israel. Let's delve into the Book of Micah, Chapter 5, Verse 2, penned in the King James style. It talks about a ruler's birth in Israel, prophesying, "But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." To interpret, it foretells the birth of a ruler in Judea who wouldn't rule the Jews, as they refused him, despite the prophetic sign of his star. Herod, disturbed by this news, sought information about Christ's birthplace. The chief priests and scribes responded, Bethlehem of Judea. They quoted the Prophet, confirming that the ruler would govern His people, Israel, not just Judah. The prophecy envisioned a future where this ruler would govern Israel. However, when Micah's prophecy was delivered, where was Israel, the Northern House, Ephraim, or the House of Joseph? Referencing Matthew 10:5-6, Jesus sends forth the Twelve, instructing them to go to the lost sheep of the House of Israel, affirming the scattered Israelites' existence. In Matthew 15:24, Jesus reasserts His mission, "I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel." He consistently refers to this scattered house, signifying His divine mandate to reach them. Matthew 9:36 portrays Jesus's compassion for the weary and scattered masses, akin to shepherdless sheep. Contrary to some beliefs, these sheep weren't lost or amalgamated among the nations. Jesus perceived His sheep, affirming His role as their shepherd. John 10:11-12, and verse 14, feature Jesus asserting His role as the Good Shepherd. He insists His sheep are present and that He knows them. He speaks of other sheep not present that day but who belong to His fold, highlighting His role to bring them together as one fold under one shepherd. Jesus spoke of another fold of sheep scattered throughout the Mediterranean, across the Caucasus Mountains, and dispersed in northwestern Europe and the British Isles. These are His scattered house, His other fold, who He must also gather. His mission was to unite all under His guidance as one shepherd. It's important to note that the House of Judah, the tribe of Judah, are the true Judeans. The real Israelites have already been united by Jesus Christ's blood. John 7:28 recounts Jesus asserting His divine mission and origin. Even though some sought to seize Him, they couldn't because His time had not come. Many believed in Him, signaling that there were Israelites other than Jews during Jesus's time.

In today's study, we delve into the first chapter of Romans. Our discussion is centered on the teachings of Apostle Paul, urging you to rely on his teachings, rather than my interpretations. In his opening remarks in the book of Romans, Apostle Paul acknowledges Jesus Christ as the divine Son of God. Found in verse three of the first chapter, he attests to Jesus being born of David's lineage, confirming his dual status as the Son of God and the son of David. This introduction targets the Israelites who are conversant with the Old Testament, underscoring its significance to them. If his audience was purely pagan or as commonly referred by Christians, "Gentiles," his letter would lose its intended impact. Therefore, put your faith in Apostle Paul's teachings in the book of Romans. He asserts that during his time, all 12 tribes of Israel were present, a fact that should remain true to date. Now, let's delve into the evidence provided by Paul. Due to the wealth of information available, I will quickly cover the material. In Romans chapter ten, I urge you to have your Bible for easy referencing. The first point to note is Paul's yearning. His earnest prayer to God for Israel is their salvation. If he doubted Israel's existence, his prayer would be futile. He holds both the House of Israel and the House of Judah in equal regard, pointing out their zeal for God, albeit devoid of proper knowledge. Paul outlines four pieces of evidence in Romans chapter 11. Firstly, he includes himself as living proof of God's enduring covenant with Israel. Secondly, he identifies as an Israelite, implying the survival of Jacob's descendants. Thirdly, his affiliation with the seed of Abraham alludes to their continuous existence. Lastly, his identification as a tribe member of Benjamin demonstrates a detailed understanding of his lineage. Paul then turns to the Prophet Jeremiah's words in Jeremiah 33, challenging the claim that God has abandoned his chosen people. He also refutes the prevailing theories that the Jews represent Israel, the Christian church substitutes for Israel, and the amalgamation theory, which asserts that the Old Testament Israelites assimilated into pagan cultures. He adamantly states that these theories are unfounded, asserting that all 12 tribes of Israel are still present today. Paul's mission is clearly described in Galatians chapter one. He felt called by God to preach among the "heathen," a term he uses to represent both Israelites and non-Israelites. Lastly, Paul was willing to sacrifice himself for three fundamental beliefs. Firstly, the name of Jesus, for which he was prepared to face death in Jerusalem. Secondly, the concept of resurrection, a belief that had called his legitimacy into question. Lastly, the restoration of Israel, a promise he strongly believed in, despite accusations from the Jews. He closes his argument by pointing out that the 12 tribes of Israel continue to serve God diligently. Furthermore, he notes that he is imprisoned due to his steadfast hope for Israel's restoration. He was always prepared to face death for his steadfast beliefs in the name of Jesus, resurrection, and the restoration of Israel. For those interested in learning more about Apostle Paul's ministry to Israel, I recommend our latest magazine issue. It explores his journey to ancient Britain, a mission that has been supported by many scholars and which consequently influenced our Christian faith today. Remember, Jesus Christ is our prophet, priest, and our future king. God bless you.

saiah 66:8, a verse often misunderstood, doesn't refer to a political establishment, like Israel's 1948 formation, but a spiritual birth. Israel's initial birth around 1453 B.C. at Mount Sinai was physical, while its rebirth during Pentecost in 31 A.D., as depicted in Isaiah 66:8, was spiritual, born of the Spirit, not the flesh. The verse's phrase "as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children" symbolizes Jesus's crucifixion, followed by the birth of the spiritual Israel, the church. Ezekiel 37:15, involves two sticks for Judah and Joseph (Ephraim), symbolizing two houses becoming one nation under Jesus. The current Israeli state doesn't meet these conditions as they haven't united under Jesus nor merged the two houses. Isaiah 51:11, misinterpreted by many as the Jews' return to their land, refers to the redeemed under the New Covenant (Hebrews 12:22-24). The chapter discusses the true Zion and the heavenly Jerusalem, signifying spiritual restoration of true Israelites. Jeremiah 31 criticizes the misconception that Israel's 1948 formation fulfilled the prophecy of a nation born in a day. It highlights the New Covenant and God's mercy on scattered Israelites, who were once rejected but redeemed through Jesus, as explained in the Book of Hosea. The Gospel, brought to the British Isles by Apostle Paul, later spread to the United States. Therefore, Isaiah 66:8's "nation born in a day" isn't the 1948 political state of Israel, but the spiritual nation born through Jesus's sacrifice and the Holy Spirit's outpouring at Pentecost. This marked the rebirth of True Israel and True Judah, emphasizing Jesus and the Holy Spirit, not a geographical nation.

Babylon's Downfall: The Epic Collapse of Evil and the Dawn of God's Reign The world seems to be in turmoil with wars, natural disasters, pandemics, and moral decline. However, there's a message of hope in the midst of chaos. As we look at the Bible, particularly the book of Daniel, we see a prophetic vision of a stone that would destroy the statue representing the world's kingdoms. This stone is symbolic of God's kingdom, which will replace the corrupt systems of the world. Prophecy is not about an anti-Christ, but rather about the rise of God's kingdom on earth. Futurism may suggest that we simply wait for the rapture and leave the world to its doom. However, God's plan is to establish the fifth kingdom, the kingdom of God, which will overthrow the worldly system. This stone represents the Abrahamic family that grows and eventually smashes the statue at its feet. Jesus Christ is the one who will lead this kingdom, with all other powers beneath Him. We must focus on the glory of Jesus Christ and not be consumed by the wickedness of the world. In the story of the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ, Peter, James, and John witness His glory. Similarly, we must fix our eyes on Jesus and be surrounded by the great cloud of witnesses mentioned in Hebrews Chapter 11. These heroes of faith inspire us to persevere in our race, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. The book of Revelation also provides a God's-eye view of the world. It shows us that Jesus has won the victory on the cross and will eventually execute the fullness of His victory on earth. The Lamb of God is on our side, and we cannot be defeated if we follow Him. Judgment may come to America and the world, but Jesus knows His people and will watch over them. The Book of Revelation speaks of Babylon's fall, and we can take heart in knowing that the wicked systems will eventually crumble. We are called to come out of the corrupt religious systems and follow Jesus. Ultimately, we can choose to focus on the negative or the positive. The Book of Revelation reveals a new heaven and a new earth, the holy city of New Jerusalem coming down from God, where He will dwell with His people. This is the glorious future that awaits us when Jesus returns. A songwriter penned these hopeful words: "I want to see Israel marching. I want to hear that kingdom call. I want to see Zion's mountain. I want to see Great Babylon fall. I want to see Jesus raining upon King David's royal throne. Or won't that be a glorious sight to see when Israel comes marching home?" This message of hope is what we need to hold onto as we face the trials of this world, knowing that Jesus Christ, our prophet, priest, and king, is coming again.