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The New Covenant With Israel V
SUB TOPIC: HOW THE GOSPEL WILL RETURN TO THE JEWS
We continued our teaching on the New Covenant with Israel. And we were made to understand that there has not been a time when God gave religion or denomination to man for his salvation. What God gave to man for salvation is His word. The word of God is what gives light to men. While you have light, believe in the light (John 12:36). This means that light will not be with you forever. So, keep the light when you still have it. Brethren, you are responsible for your soul. Don’t compare yourself with the world (unbelievers). You are not in the same dimension with them. How much of the word of God you allow to control your life is what makes you peculiar and different from the world. God has separated you and given you His word which is the Light! And this light is what separates you from darkness.
TEXT: Jeremiah 31:31-33, John 12:36, Romans 3:1-2, Romans 15:26-27, Luke 1:78-79, Luke 2:31-32, 1Thessalonians 4:17, 1Corinthians 1:26-29, Revelation 11:3-5, Revelation 1:5, 1King 17:1, James 5:17, Exodus 7:17-19, Romans 9:30-33, Romans 11:1-1, 1John 2:18
According to the plan of God, he has prepared a covenant which is much better than the covenant of law which he gave to the Jews. But the Jews have been blindfolded pending the time the New Covenant will be fulfilled upon the Gentiles. This New Covenant in God’s plan will return to the Jews after God has achieved His purpose for the Gentiles. Before the gospel will return to the Jews, the rapture of the Jews who believed before the New Covenant and the Gentiles who believed during the New Covenant would have taken place first. That is why you have to walk in the light before darkness will come. There is no second chance or new covenant for the Gentiles, it is only with the Jews.
After the rapture, God promised to raise two men with the anointing of Moses and Elijah who will preach the New Covenant in Israel (Revelations 11:1-6). These two men will be Jews not Gentiles. These men, to prove their anointing, will do things that are similar to what Moses and Elijah did in their days (1King 17:1, Exodus 7:17, 8:16).
Also, these two men will minister to the Jews for three and half years. It is through this ministry that God will open the eyes of the Jews and establish the New Covenant with them. God will take away their righteousness that is according to law, and bless them with the righteousness of Faith through grace. The ministry of these two witnesses will produce 144, 000 converts from the Jews. These two men will warn the world against the Anti Christ system which will rise from the Roman Catholic Church. But God will grant victory to his chosen ones through the ministry of the two men. And the chosen of God will not accept the mark of the beast.
Hallelujah!
Shalom, brethren.
The New Covenant With Israel IV
Shalom saints of God, we blessed the name of the lord for another opportunity to hear from God by his word, Today we expounded more on our current series treating a subtopic titled “The old testament circumcision versus the new testament circumcision”
TEXT: Genesis 17: Exodus 4:23, Joshua 5:2-7, Acts 10:42-46, Acts 11:2-18, Philippians 3:3, Acts 19:1-5, Colossians 2:11-13, Romans 2:28-29. 1Corinthians 7:19, Galatians 5:6, Ephesians 2:11
What is Circumcision?
Circumcision is a law in the Old Testament that separated the Jews from the world. Circumcision is a proof that God has established his covenant with you. When God came to Abraham to establish his covenant with him, he gave him the law of circumcision. Circumcision is a token that certifies that you are in the covenant of God. Without it, there’s no covenant between God and you. Circumcision is in two ways: circumcision of the foreskin in the Old Testament, and circumcision of the heart in the New Testament
THE OLD TESTAMENT CIRCUMCISION
One of the major ordinances that God gave to the Jews in the Old Testament is that every male child must be circumcised. In the Old Testament, every male child was to circumcise their foreskin. The circumcision of the foreskin was the only way a Jew could be separated from the rest of the world. It was as important as having the gift of the Holy ghost in the New testament circumcision. When God gave the law to Abraham at age 99, on that same day he had to circumcise himself, Ishmael and all his male servants. Abraham didn’t delay his circumcision. He trembled at the voice of God. (Do you still tremble at the voice of God?)
Circumcision in the old testament could not be seen by any other person except God. Because the part of their body that was circumcised was a hidden/private part. So, it was a token between God and man (Genesis 17:10).
THE NEW TESTAMENT CIRCUMCISION
In the New Testament, circumcision is of the heart not of the foreskin. The circumcision in the new Testament is the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 10:45). Also, in the New Testament, circumcision or uncircumcision of the foreskin is of no importance. What matters most is that you are a new creature in Christ Jesus after receiving the Holy Ghost (Galatians 6:15). The evidence that you are a child of the new covenant is your lifestyle at home and in public. How you yield to the Holy Spirit in your life will prove whether you have been circumcised in your heart – you have received the Holy Spirit or not. The Holy Spirit is a token (a sign) given to you, a believer for a proof that they are born again. It transcends knowing doctrines. It encompasses living the life of the Word of God that you hear or read everyday.
Please, brethren, seek the Holy Spirit immensely and get him. The Holy Spirit is the only one that gives deep and perfect peace.
God bless you, richly.
The New Covenant With Israel III
Shalom, brethren. Today, we expounded more on the topic, “The New Covenant with Israel” where we looked into the similarities and differences between the old and new covenant. May the Lord open your spiritual eyes as you read through.
Text: Hebrews 7 : 13-16, Hebrews 9 : 1 – 10, Romans 7 : 14, Numbers 17 : 8, Jeremiah 31 : 31-33
Believers must understand that every service done unto the Lord is spiritual. And this spiritual service is divided into two aspects namely: “Natural and Spiritual”. Many of us are good at the natural aspect of God’s service but the spiritual aspect that has to do with having the word of God dwelling in us is zero. Most times, we prefer to be seen in the natural aspect of service instead of the spiritual aspect of feeding our souls with the Word of God. Please, understand that as much as the natural aspect is spiritual and it will be rewarded by God, it does not save. What will give salvation is the spiritual aspect of God’s service which is to have the Word of God dwell in us richly. This understanding also applies to the two covenant God has established.
The old covenant is accompanied by Law. And the Law is spiritual, according to the explanation of Apostle Paul in Romans 7 : 14. But the law given in the old covenant required more of physical activities. For example, the Priests had to sacrifice animals for sin offerings, etc. Despite being physical or natural, they were spiritual services. Nevertheless, despite the fact that they rendered spiritual services before God, those services could not take away their sins. And that is why the new covenant was promised.
Also, the new covenant has both natural and spiritual aspects. An example of the natural aspect is “Water baptism”. Although baptism is a spiritual service, you still need to visit a river or where there is pool of water in order to be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ.
IS THE NEW COVENANT ACCOMPANIED BY LAW?
The New Covenant was not accompanied by Law. The new covenant brought two changes:
- Priesthood change (From the tribe of Levi to the tribe of Judah): The Priest in the old testament was chosen according to the order of Aaron, who was from the tribe of Levi. While the priest in the New Covenant was given according to the Melchizedek order of priesthood, and was from the tribe of Judah. The high priest given for the New Covenant is Jesus Christ.
- Law to Grace: The Old Covenant was established on Law, while the New Covenant was established on Grace.
These two changes occurred because the old covenant could not make man perfect (Hebrews 7 : 11). What can make perfect is the blood of Jesus Christ, our new high priest that surpasses the former.
The differences and similarities between the old covenant and the new covenant
To understand the difference between the two covenants and also how they are similar spiritually, Hebrews 9 gives a clearer picture. The first covenant which we refer to as the old covenant had most of its ordinances of divine services to be more of physical things. These things could be seen in the old testament temple, examples are: candlesticks, table, show-bread, veils to partition the temple, golden censer, the ark, golden pot that had manna, Aaron’s rod, the tables of covenant, etc. The listed ordinances and materials for services were not enough to bring perfection. They were symbols of the new covenant that was to come. And that is why it should baffle you if some sect still gather to practise the old testament way of service when we have the reality of God’s perfection in Christ Jesus.
Note that those physical things in the old covenant are spiritual symbols to us in the New Covenant. An example is the physical manna kept in the ark of covenant. To us in this dispensation of grace, it is the unadulterated Word of God which we feed on per time in God’s presence. To the Jews, the manna was a means of survival in their journey through to the promised land. Likewise, the New Testament believers can only survive this spiritual journey with the word of God in our hearts.
Another example is the rod of Aaron that budded. This happened when the children of Israel wanted to elect a high priest. Among other rods that was left till the next morning, only Aaron’s rod budded leaves and fruits (Numbers 17:8). That was how the high priest was selected in the old testament. Also, every priest in the New Covenant must be called by God. And we can only know those that are called through the Word of God that they preach. Every man’s word will be vindicated by God’s Word.
May God help you to appreciate this wonderful privilege he has given to you to feast on his Word. God has broken every barrier in order to call you into his light by blindfolding the Jews at this period. However, brethren, you need to respond to this love because the time of the Gentile is wrapping up and the gospel should go back to the Jews anytime soon. May God help you to be saved in this time of grace and not in the time of great tribulation.
Join us again on our new episode on this teaching.
Shalom, Saints.
The New Covenant With Israel II
From our last sermon review on this topic, we have been able to explain in details what the old covenant is, who it started with, and what the covenant entails. We also pointed out the actual reason why God had to institute both the old and new covenant which is because of the “Fall” in the garden of Eden. We also explained by the scripture that the reason for the fall of man in the garden of Eden was because of the sin of fornication and not eating of literal fruit. You can always check out our previous post for proper understanding. Having established the old covenant and it’s characteristics, we will move on to what the new covenant entails.
TEXT: Jeremiah 31: 32 – 34, Jeremiah 32:37, Romans 9 :1 – 5, Romans 11:7, Romans 11 : 25, Galatians 3 :23, Romans 3 :23, Jude 1:9, Romans 6:23, Romans 3:29.
DEFINITIONS
1. Jews: Israelites by birth.
2. Gentiles: Citizens of other nations or countries except Israel.
Origin of Abraham
Abraham is both the father of the Jews and of the Gentiles. Abram whose name was later changed to Abraham was first of all a heathen (Genesis 17:4-17). He was called out of his Babylonian way of life into God’s precious light. And this was done by separation. God separated him from every form of distraction, including family members, before he could make a covenant with him.
God’s promise to Abraham was that he would be a father of many nations (Jews and Gentiles). The bride in the Gentile dispensation are the spiritual children of Abraham who are beneficiaries of the promised covenant.
The Natural Seed Vs The Spiritual Seed
Genesis 17:19-21 gives a description of God’s mind toward Abraham. God first of all gave Abraham a natural seed (Isaac) to establish his everlasting covenant. Please note: the phrase, “everlasting covenant” simply means a covenant that has a beginning and that will surely have an end, and this was pointing to the old covenant. God did not only establish an everlasting covenant, he promised a new one (Jeremiah 31: 31). And that new covenant was in Jesus Christ who represents the spiritual seed that was to establish the new covenant.
What The New Covenant Entails
The New Covenant was the promised seed in Genesis 3:15. Jesus Christ was that promised seed who would bruise the head of the serpent. But because God is not the God of the Jews only but also of the Gentiles (Romans 3:29), he blindfolded the Jews against Jesus so that they could not accept him as their Lord and personal Saviour (Luke 4:24). Contrary to the position of the Jews towards Jesus, God opened the eyes of the Gentiles to accept Him. The Gentiles rely on grace but the Jews still hold on to the Law.
The Connection of The New Covenant With The Gentile Dispensation
God extended the new covenant to the Gentiles. So, the bride in the Gentile dispensation are currently the beneficiary of this new covenant by grace. He has given us one heart (one faith) and one way (Jesus Christ). It takes God to open one’s eye to accept this grace. Prior to the time that Apostle Paul encountered Jesus, he persecuted the Christians who believed Jesus (Romans 9:1-5). But he served God better when his eyes were opened.
May God help you to accept Jesus Christ into your life today if you haven’t.
Join us on our next series as we throw more light on this topic.
Peace be unto you.
The Importance of Fellowship
There are many things in life that we must engage in. They range from working for daily living to serving God. And as a matter of fact, your service to God is the most important of all other services you may be rendering to yourself and to others. Your relationship with God should as well be your priority. God appointed the High Priest and set up the Priesthood office because we have responsibility to God (Hebrews 5:1). Every human is placed on Earth to serve God.
TEXT: Hebrews 5:1-5, Romans 8:34-36, Job 1:1-8, Colossian 3:1, Hebrew 10:2, 10-12
God came down in the cool of the day to engage Adam and Eve (Genesis 2). He didn’t come down to just look around, he came to fellowship with his creatures. God takes fellowship very important. And the time you spend in the presence of God is the most useful period of your time. That is why God commanded that we should not forsake the assembling of one another.
While walking with God, there are certain things you can’t do by yourself. That is why God appointed a High Priest for us. And every High Priest is ordained for men to act as a link between God and man. That is the position Jesus Christ occupies. He is regarded as our High Priest, the one who is making intercession for us. His death on the cross of Calvary has paid for all our sins. He died for our sins once and can never die anymore. His blood is different from the blood of the lambs and bulls killed every year in the old testament for the remission of sin. Jesus Christ is the true Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the whole world.
Brethren, do not shy away from fellowship. The lockdown on churches has been lifted. So, do not rely so much on online services. Always find a way to come to the church premises for fellowship. Also,remember that fellowship:
1. Enhances your connection to God,
2. Develops your relationship with God,
3. Brings spiritual blessing.
God bless you, brethren.
God Has No Pleasure In The Death of A Sinner
We welcome you once again to our sermon review, it really a wonderful time in God’s presence and we trust God to speak to you as you take few minutes to digest today’s reminder of how God loves us and he his interested in making sure his investments over our lives are not wasted. In today’s sermon we expounded on Ezekiel 33 verses 10 – 19 revealing God’s salvation program on every soul who seek to turn to God from a sincere heart.
Text: Ezekiel 33:10-19, Matthew 19:30
Every unrighteousness is wickedness and it leads to death. God is not wicked. Today, He is calling you out. He doesn’t want you to die in wickedness. Come out of sin that you may not end in damnation. Jesus is so merciful. Even at the point of death, Jesus Christ still saved a sinner (the thief at his right hand side).
Jesus said, my father worketh hitherto (till now). God is working upon his children. He is not building a new world, He is building you. He is busy constructing you and I so that we may live to please him. Do not allow the death of Jesus be in vain in your life. Turn away from your sin. Turning from unrighteousness to righteousness is a decision that can be made deliberately.
I appeal to you that you examine yourself and turn your hearts away from wickedness. Do not rely upon your past righteousness. Rather, repent everyday and continue forever in righteousness (Exodus 33:13). The Bible says, “…the first shall become the last” (Matthew 19:30). This means that when a righteous man begins to do wickedness, he may become the last, and when a once wicked man begins to do righteousness, he may come out as first.
The day you begin to rely upon the good you did in the past, it means you are backsliding. And backsliding leads to destruction. The righteousness of a righteous man will not deliver him in the day that he turns to wickedness. Therefore, brethren, keep the Faith and press on.
Do not allow anything to take your place in the presence of God. Be steadfast in faith. Don’t look back. Press on, brethren. The grace of God is still available today. And even though the Devil tempts you, you are more than conquerors.
Amen!
Shalom, brethren!