Participants: Chris Shelton (Host), Kenny Shelton
Series Code: BTLP
Program Code: BTLP000036
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00:41 Hello, and welcome to "Behold the Lamb Presents."
00:44 It's a program that is dedicated to preparing 00:47 a people to be ready for our Lord and Savior's soon return. 00:51 I'm Chris Shelton, your host, and as always it's a blessing 00:54 to be with you today. 00:55 Today's message is the first 00:57 of a two part series that we've entitled, 01:00 "Is it Time for the Jews to Return?" 01:03 You know, many people throughout Christendom, 01:05 as well as various other faiths, 01:07 they have their eyes and their ears 01:08 focused intently on the Jewish people 01:11 and their possible return to Israel. 01:13 Do Biblical time prophecies point to this event, 01:17 and if so, why? 01:18 What is about to happen and how will it affect the Jews? 01:22 Perhaps more importantly, how may it affect us? 01:26 What should we be doing at this time in our world's history? 01:30 There are so many concerns and questions 01:32 that need to be addressed and answered. 01:34 So stay tuned as Pastor Kenny Shelton 01:37 shares with us what God has shared with him. 01:40 But first, we're blessed to listen to 01:43 "How Long Has it Been" as sung and played by 01:46 Lyndon Carriger from the 3ABN's Worship Center. 02:03 How long has it been since you talked with the Lord 02:14 And told him your heart's hidden secrets 02:26 How long since you prayed how long since you stayed 02:37 On your knees till the light shone through 02:50 How long has it been since your mind felt at ease 03:01 How long since your heart knew no burden 03:12 Can you call him your friend how long has it been 03:25 since you knew that he cares for you 03:37 How long has it been since you knelt by your bed 03:47 and prayed to the Lord up in heaven 03:59 How long since you knew that he'd answer you 04:10 And he would keep you the long night through 04:22 Tell me how long has it been since you woke with the dawn 04:33 and felt like the day is worth of living 04:45 Can you call him your friend, 04:51 how long has it been since you knew that he cares. 05:02 Since you knew that Jesus cares 05:07 Oh, since you knew that He cares. 05:13 Oh, since you knew for that Jesus cares 05:18 Oh, yes He does, since you knew 05:22 Oh, since you knew, since you knew, oh 05:34 Since you knew that Jesus cares for you, for you. 06:01 Thank you, for joining us today at Behold the Lamb. 06:03 And we're so very grateful and thankful for that, 06:05 that music, I know it blessed your heart. 06:08 Today, we're going to be studying 06:09 a subject that needs to be examined a whole lot closer 06:14 than maybe you have examined it in the past. 06:17 We're going to be looking about 06:18 and because there's so much stir in the world today, 06:21 is it time for the Jews to return? 06:25 What, return what? Back to their homeland. 06:28 This is supposed to be a sign of the coming of Jesus, 06:32 and you know what, the whole world is watching 06:35 the Jews and many people are selling their property, 06:39 the Jews, and they're heading back to Palestine, why? 06:44 Well, the Protestant world says, 06:45 man, we need to keep our eye on this 06:46 because it tells of a coming Savior. 06:50 If this be true, we need to really study some facts, 06:53 but before we do, what do we always do? 06:56 We pray and ask for the power of the Holy Spirit, 06:59 because I tell you, we need 07:01 the power of the Holy Spirit. 07:02 You need it in your life, I need it in mine, 07:04 and we're gonna pray that the Holy Spirit 07:06 takes control of my mind and heart 07:08 and the same with you today. 07:09 So would you, where you can, 07:11 how about kneeling with me, if you can't, 07:13 send up a prayer that the Holy Spirit 07:15 will consume us today by His power and strength 07:18 that we may learn a lesson that will help us for eternity. 07:24 Merciful Father in Heaven, 07:25 we thank You for loving us today. 07:28 Help us to realize that You're God, 07:30 that You have an everlasting love for us. 07:32 As we come before thee 07:33 we pray for the power of Thy Holy Spirit. 07:36 We pray that You'll unlock our brain today 07:39 that we may somehow comprehend 07:42 these beautiful words that You have for us. 07:46 We realize that spiritual things 07:47 are spiritually discerned so we pray earnestly 07:50 for the power of the Holy Spirit. 07:52 To give us the words of truth 07:54 that will sanctify us, prepare us for heaven. 07:57 Lord, open the ears of each one of your children today, 07:59 those who are desiring to know what truth is, 08:01 answer that prayer I pray, in the name of Jesus today, 08:06 illuminate this beautiful truth, clearness of mind. 08:09 And may we hear from the Throne room 08:11 of God today is my prayer. 08:13 In Jesus' name, amen. 08:17 Again, the subject to me is, 08:19 it's a fascinating one and it's one that needs 08:23 to be addressed and you say, 08:25 yeah, but it's always been addressed before, 08:27 it's exactly right, you know what, 08:28 you'd probably sang, you know, a beautiful song, 08:30 "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" 08:32 and probably in your Christian experience 08:34 you'd probably sang that song probably two or three 08:36 four, five hundred times not exaggerating. 08:39 And so it's gonna be the old, old story 08:41 but we pray the Holy Spirit 08:42 will illuminate these truths in such a way 08:46 that we need to know whether it's truth or not. 08:49 Do I need, must I being watched 08:54 what the Jews are doing right now in returning? 08:57 And if so, I need to heed the promises 09:01 that You have made to Israel as a nation. 09:05 Is this what God is saying in Old Testament 09:07 and in the New Testament. 09:10 Oh, I was just excited as I studied on this 09:14 because, listen, you say well again, 09:16 why take time to do it? 09:19 The subject that we're going to address 09:21 in this two part series, 09:23 because it deals with the second coming of Jesus. 09:27 There is a biblical truth about the second coming of Jesus 09:31 and in the subject it deals with the second coming of Jesus. 09:35 Some will say it deals with the Secret Rapture, 09:38 others will say it deals with the Rapture of the Church. 09:42 Some are saying there is a two part coming of Jesus, 09:45 it deals with a, the 70 Weeks Prophecy 09:50 of Daniel 8 and 9 which we say what, 2,300 day years. 09:54 Now remember, I am touching on 09:56 a lot of truth, a lot of subjects 09:59 that we need to understand what truth is, 10:02 on this one that we're dealing with. 10:04 Also it deals with seven years, 10:08 seven year time period, as we say the 2,300 days 10:11 and how some people look at the seven years 10:14 and what's going to takes place during those seven years. 10:17 It also covers the subject of the millennium, 10:20 a thousand years. 10:22 Some people believe that the thousand years 10:25 is going to be a thousand years of peace. 10:28 And so do we not, do we need to understand 10:30 the truth on the millennium, 10:31 do we need to understand the truth of-- 10:33 if there is a Secret Rapture or the second coming? 10:37 Yes, we do, 2,300 year prophecy, yes. 10:41 Also in the study, it deals with the Antichrist 10:45 and I'm telling you, with all of these studies 10:47 right here that many people -- 10:49 the Protestant movement have a lot of different thoughts 10:53 but there must be a truth to this because, 10:56 you know, who is the Antichrist? 10:58 And how do we deal with the Antichrist, 11:00 and then it deals with the destruction 11:02 even of the wicked. 11:03 So we need to know what happens with the wicked. 11:06 We need to know about the Antichrist, 11:07 we need to know about the thousand years 11:10 when it takes place. 11:11 We need to know if there is a Secret Rapture. 11:12 If there is a second coming. 11:15 That seven year period and again, 11:17 repeating, all of these are truths. 11:20 They can be truths in God's word, 11:21 but we need to know what has the devil done? 11:24 Has he somehow changed some of these 11:27 beautiful truths in God's word into a lie? 11:32 These are things that we must examine. 11:33 Now we won't cover them on these two parts 11:35 but boy, how it's quick in my heart to say, 11:37 as we set up, as we set this study up, 11:41 that there'll be a need to come back and say, 11:43 you know, considering what we've discussed 11:46 as we look at Israel, who is Israel? 11:48 Do we need to go back? 11:51 And if not, then you need to say well, 11:53 what is the truth of this issue? 11:55 Who's Abraham's seed? 11:57 Who's heirs according to the promise? 12:00 Is it just the Jew, is it a nationality, 12:03 is it a race, is it a certain group of people 12:07 or is it the whole world? 12:09 See these are truths, friend, 12:11 that we need to understand. 12:13 There's truth here. 12:15 We're gonna have to understand 12:16 what it's all about. 12:17 You have your Bible, why don't you turn with me, 12:18 and again, this is setting the premise of our study. 12:22 But we're gonna have to come back 12:23 and really dissect some of these things 12:25 because as end results as we study I'm gonna say, 12:28 you know, what, but here is what God says. 12:31 Here's what God says on this subject, 12:34 so we'll have to take each one of those individually 12:36 and spend some time on it. 12:38 First John, if you have your Bible 12:39 and you're jotting down, 12:40 First John, Chapter 5 verse 4. 12:43 Listen to these powerful words. 12:45 First John what, good. 12:47 First John Chapter 5 verse 4. 12:48 Here's what the Bible said. 12:51 "For whosoever is," notice 12:53 "whosoever is born of God overcometh the world, 12:57 and this is the victory 12:59 that overcometh the world, even our faith." 13:04 Let's read verse 5, this is fascinating. 13:07 "Who is he that overcometh the world," 13:09 do you wanna know who overcomes the world? 13:12 The one it says, "He that believeth 13:14 that Jesus is the Son of God." 13:17 Is it time for the Jews 13:20 to return to Israel or to Palestine? 13:25 The Bible says here, for who -- 13:27 what or whatsoever is born of God, 13:30 whoever, whatever is born of God 13:32 overcometh the world. 13:33 So first of all we must be what, 13:35 good, born of God or born-again. 13:38 This is a victory, 13:40 but the victory is established upon 13:42 as the Bible says there, even our faith, 13:45 so we must have faith, we must be born-again, 13:49 we must believe in Jesus Christ. 13:52 Verse 5 said that, "He that overcometh 13:54 the world and believeth 13:55 that Jesus is the Son of God." 13:59 So our eyes need to be fixed upon people, 14:02 individual, a group who had been what? 14:05 You got to be be born-again 14:06 if you're gonna enter the Kingdom of God. 14:08 You're going to have to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. 14:10 You're gonna have to have a-- 14:12 there's gonna be a people of faith, 14:14 without faith it is impossible to please Him. 14:16 So with that little premise and that foundation 14:19 that we will build upon, 14:21 keep in mind of the beliefs and teachings 14:25 of some other people in the world, 14:27 let's just leave it at that for the moment. 14:29 Let's keep these things in mind becausebecause 14:30 there are some things in scripture that I, 14:33 I tell you-- if you just read it 14:35 you'll say, oh, that is it. 14:38 But, you know, you surface readers, 14:39 bless your heart, shame, shame on you. 14:42 You can't--we don't study the word of God 14:44 by just reading up a line or two, 14:47 we've got to do study the Bible. 14:50 Line upon line, right precept 14:51 upon precept, here a little 14:52 and there a little to find out the truth. 14:54 You'll see this as we study because 14:57 over and over as I study my Bible 14:59 and scripture there's promises 15:01 that are made to Israel. 15:04 See I need to know about Israel. 15:06 Now again, people don't listen -- 15:07 I'm gonna repeat this two or three times as we go. 15:10 But the majority of the Protestant world 15:13 does not agree with the teachings 15:15 of the Jewish people, they just don't. 15:18 But how is it then, they're so interested 15:21 in about what's taking place 15:23 and why they're going back to their homeland. 15:27 It deals with what, good, the second coming of Jesus, 15:30 and I tell you that dirty devil, 15:32 if he can confuse the minds 15:34 about the Second Coming of Jesus 15:35 and all that, you know, that surrounds it. 15:39 Oh, he is going to be happy, but let me tell you 15:42 the Bible exposes him and by God's grace 15:44 we're going to expose him. 15:46 But in scripture, over and over, 15:49 the promises are made to the Jews 15:51 even though they're scattered 15:53 all over the world. 15:56 And so they're listening that, 15:57 and that, you know, it's time to return 16:00 and so we need to look 16:02 at several of these passages that-- 16:06 that we can't ignore them. 16:08 Now let me just give you one 16:09 so that you catch what I'm talking about here. 16:12 You can't ignore this, 16:14 oh, you can if you want to 16:15 and some people do, you know, 16:17 some just ignore the truth, 16:19 you know, I like that song which said 16:20 "I'd Rather Have," what, 16:22 "Jesus than Houses and Lands." 16:24 But some of you hadn't had Jesus, 16:25 you'd rather have the houses and the lands, 16:27 and friend, we have to make 16:28 a change in our life. 16:31 If we'd rather have our houses and lands, 16:32 you know, what I'm -- oh, let me just be bold, 16:34 we're gonna burn with the houses and the lands. 16:37 There's only one that can save us 16:39 and that is Jesus Christ. 16:41 So we're looking what, at a change that needs 16:43 to take place in our hearts and in where, 16:47 good, and in our lives. 16:49 So let me read this one and somebody will say, 16:52 oh, like a judge, you know, pound, 16:54 that settles it, that's done. 16:56 Well, now don't you close that too soon here 16:59 'cause I want you to pay attention. 17:00 This is found in the Book of Romans 17:02 Chapter 11 verse 26. 17:04 Now I'm just gonna say a line here 17:06 because I wanna get your attention. 17:07 Here's what the Bible said, 17:09 the Bible says, "And so all 17:12 of Israel shall be saved." 17:16 Wow, that's--how can I argue that fact? 17:21 And so all of Israel shall be saved, 17:25 but we read awhile ago and again, 17:28 this will be a controversy, we're gonna have to go back 17:30 and see because it says that we have 17:33 to believe in Jesus Christ to be saved. 17:35 Him that overcometh the world. 17:37 Revelation, "He that overcometh will I grant 17:39 to sit with me on the throne." 17:41 You have to have a faith in Jesus Christ, 17:43 you have to have faith that He came that He died, 17:46 that He can forgive our sins, but yet when I read this, 17:49 this is it and so all Israel shall be saved. 17:53 Well, some of you realize there's, there's a movement 17:56 that we mentioned awhile ago in the land, 17:58 it is sponsored by the Jewish people. 18:01 Oh, yes. They're aiming to restore 18:04 the Jewish nation in Palestine. 18:08 They're working towards this very hard 18:11 and many people feel what? 18:13 that it is a sign because there's activity going on, 18:16 that something big is about to take place 18:19 as these individuals are returning. 18:23 Should I take note of that? Shall I take a trip over? 18:26 Should I be there? If I need to be I want to be. 18:32 If I'm not supposed to, then I don't want to. 18:36 Is it a truth or is it something 18:38 that the devil has conjured up. 18:41 That's, but when I read 18:42 and so all Israel shall be saved, 18:44 I have to stop and think this over. 18:46 I have to read the scripture. 18:48 Based upon certain passages and what is, 18:52 you know, taking place in the world today, 18:55 so we must sincerely study this subject 18:58 with an open mind. 19:01 And I believe if we do 19:02 it's going to help a lot of people. 19:05 I'm talking hundreds of thousands of people 19:08 maybe discover maybe for the first time that, 19:12 you know, who is the real true Israel of God? 19:16 Who is the true Israel? 19:18 Well, the Bible says, all Israel shall be saved 19:20 and so I wanna find out 19:21 who is the true Israel of God 19:22 and if I need to be at certain place 19:24 at a certain time I want to be there, 19:26 if that's what it's gonna take. 19:28 Then I still have a problem because I-- 19:30 you know, I'm not blood 19:33 and if I'm not blood, then how am I 19:34 going to be saved? 19:36 These are issues-- these are questions 19:38 that we've got to answer. 19:41 The Bible says Israel and-- 19:42 I'm gonna turn to my Bible 19:44 and won't you do it too, come on, 19:45 some of you are slacking a little bit there, 19:47 you know, you're falling asleep, 19:48 I don't want, not that business, 19:49 well, turn with me to the Book of Exodus. 19:53 The Bible says, Exodus Chapter 19, 19:55 Exodus Chapter 19. 19:57 I want you to notice these words with me. 20:00 I believe they'll make some sense, 20:01 some of you probably read these in times past 20:04 or you've heard maybe sermons preached upon it. 20:06 But Exodus Chapter 19, I'm just gonna read, 20:10 let's see, I'm gonna read verses 5 and 6, yeah. 20:13 Exodus 19 verses 5 and 6, here's what the Bible says, 20:17 "and therefore," now notice this 20:18 "now therefore," now remember, 20:19 God is doing what, God is making a what, 20:23 a covenant with Israel. 20:27 God is making a covenant. 20:28 God is making a contract with Israel here. 20:31 So I need to pay attention if God is making it-- 20:34 is that contract is it conditional? 20:37 If it is, then I need to pay attention 20:38 to it or does it just mean because I've been born, 20:41 I've been born in this family I'm gonna make it. 20:43 Listen, well somebody needs 20:44 to pay attention to the scripture. 20:47 The Bible says verse 5, "Now therefore," 20:50 listen, "if ye will," o--oh this word, obey, 20:55 "obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, 21:01 then you shall be a," what, "peculiar treasure unto me 21:07 above all people, for all the Earth is mine." 21:11 God's saying to Israel, oh, because you are a peculiar. 21:17 He wants you to be a peculiar treasure, 21:19 he wants you to be, verse 6 notice, 21:21 "And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, 21:25 and an holy nation. 21:27 These are the words which thou shalt speak 21:29 to the children of Israel." 21:31 Man, what a covenant, 21:32 but it's interesting we'll say, 21:34 well, we'll say to the Israel as the nation. 21:37 God said, I want you, you're a peculiar treasure, 21:39 number 1, number 2, he said you're going to be kingdom, 21:42 a kingdom of priests and number 3 21:45 you're gonna be a holy nation. 21:47 And some people just take that and say this is what we are, 21:49 man, we're all three of these sayings 21:51 but the Bible says it's conditional. 21:54 "If you'll obey my voice and keep my," 21:58 what, good, "my covenant." 22:02 So, we've been to see that there is something, 22:03 the people of God. 22:06 See God gave that law, do you remember the law? 22:09 I'm gonna just pull just a little bit from here 22:11 but we're gonna get right back in it 22:12 because it's important here. 22:13 God said, if you'll keep my covenant, the law. 22:16 Now, here's some homework for you, 22:18 you take your Bible right, 22:19 and your pencil and paper and I want you to 22:20 write down right now that you're gonna take time 22:23 to be able to jot this down. 22:25 I want you to read several chapters 22:26 in the Book of Exodus. 22:28 Exodus Chapters 19 through 24, 22:32 you're gonna save me a lot of time 22:33 and it will be a good homework for you to do. 22:36 But let's just put it in a nutshell, 22:37 shall we, quickly here. 22:40 Because God says, He's giving the law to His people. 22:43 What does that, you know, when you think about, 22:45 what does that really, what does that really mean? 22:47 Here's Moses, Moses going up on the mountain. 22:50 Think quickly with me now, come on, on the mountain, 22:53 and some of you, you've been doing 22:54 some study you'll know that a cloud, listen, 22:57 a cloud--God called Moses and He said, 23:00 get ready I want you to come up on the mountain 23:02 and he was going to take the preacher 23:04 or the minister, Joshua, with him. 23:08 And so He said come on up here 23:09 and so Moses was ready for when God said come. 23:13 But you know what, there's a big cloud 23:15 that covered that mount 23:16 and it was covered for six days 23:20 and no communication with God. 23:23 There was nothing going on and so Moses waited 23:26 Joshua--waited for God to speak. 23:29 But listen to me very carefully friend, 23:31 they waited for six days. 23:36 Wow, why did God-- telling them to get ready 23:41 to come up on the mountain 23:42 and then He covers the mountain 23:44 and then no communication for six days. 23:47 Nothing happened, they just waited for God to call. 23:53 What were they doing during this time? 23:55 Oh, I want this to fit. I want somebody to get this. 24:00 Notice what Moses-- they waited patiently, 24:03 and while they waited patiently they were tested, 24:09 their patience was tested, their faith was tested. 24:14 This was a time of preparation, 24:17 listen, oh, boy, six days of preparation 24:23 ready to meet your God, even Moses a man of God, 24:29 that God said I'll speak to him face-to-face 24:32 was in no position to go directly 24:35 to see the glories of God. 24:37 There had to be a preparation to be able to meet God. 24:42 It was a time of self-examination 24:44 and that's exactly what Moses did. 24:48 We can't stand before God without preparation. 24:52 Moses had six days, six days and was prepared 24:59 to--his encounter with God. 25:02 And listen carefully, and on the seventh day, 25:06 the Sabbath, that's exactly, that's right. 25:08 Seventh day the Sabbath God called for Moses 25:14 to come into His presence. 25:16 I hope some of you are getting that, 25:17 some of you Doubting Thomas' 25:18 and some of you maybe forgotten. 25:20 You know what, God gives you six days 25:22 to prepare to meet Him on the seventh day Sabbath. 25:25 To be able to come into His presence, 25:28 it takes six days to get the world out, 25:30 self-examination, what do I need before 25:33 I come on my knee before God. 25:36 Yet, some of us come in the church, 25:37 you know, on the seventh day Sabbath 25:38 and we're no more ready to meet God, 25:42 maybe I'll just leave it at that. 25:45 This is such an example for God's people, 25:50 a preparation to meet Him, self-examination. 25:58 Psalms 135 verse 4, please notice the truth here. 26:04 Psalms 135 verse 4, it says, "for the Lord hath 26:08 chosen Jacob unto himself," this is interesting 26:11 the Lord has chosen Jacob unto himself 26:14 "and Israel for His" what, "peculiar treasure." 26:19 So there's something was going on here, 26:20 so the finger is still pointed that God said they're still 26:23 a special people, they're still my people. 26:26 I am going to be working through and with, but why? 26:30 Why are they so different 26:31 than all the surrounding nations? 26:35 And does the Jew really an have edge 26:39 on you and me as Christians? 26:42 Do they have an advantage over, may I say, as a gentile? 26:50 Do they have some kind of an edge, some kind of a, 26:52 you know, that we'll call a pass, that I don't have. 26:58 That's kind of interesting, 27:00 you know, worth, to me, worth examining. 27:03 You know, in God's word, yet Paul said it like this, 27:06 he said in Romans 3:1-2. 27:08 And I'm just gonna get right down 27:10 to nitty-gritty it says, 27:11 when he is talking about the Jews and it says, 27:14 you know, do they really have an advantage? 27:16 But I want you to pay attention to how this 27:17 because some of us close our mind 27:19 when we hear parts of it and then we say, 27:21 oh yeah, that's the way that it is. 27:22 Notice he says, when he was asked the question, 27:25 he said, yes, they do, "much in every way," 27:29 Why? "Chiefly," Paul says," because that unto them 27:34 were committed the oracles of God." 27:38 Do they have an advantage? Oh, yes, they did. 27:41 Now what--mean they're going to heaven 27:42 because of bloodline, didn't say that yet 27:44 and we're still studying. 27:46 But Paul said, they do because God chose them 27:49 and delivered unto their hands what, 27:52 the oracles, the Ten Commandments of God. 27:55 And so they became what, 27:56 more responsible, they should have. 27:59 They were the ones that God had chosen 28:00 to what, give light and truth to the world. 28:04 Man, that's an advantage. 28:05 You realize what an advantage 28:06 it is for us today as you study the world 28:08 and you find out what truth is. 28:11 That gives you an advantage doesn't it? 28:13 But it also holds you accountable, 28:15 oh yes, because to Him that knoweth to do good 28:17 and what, come on, doeth it not to him it is sin. 28:23 Wow, so even the--we're talking about the covenant, 28:28 you know, the oracles that's--the teachings, 28:31 the utterances, the commandments. 28:34 See even the covenant was a contract with Israel 28:38 and--to be honest, it was not with the gentiles. 28:42 It was made with Israel so there's something 28:44 going on here that we need to decipher. 28:47 It was made with--not gentile, 28:49 this covenant was made with those who would be saved. 28:54 Hebrews 8 verse 10. 28:56 So the covenant was made 28:58 with the people who would be saved. 29:01 Wow, you say, well I'm not sure, 29:08 just is what it says there in Hebrews 18, 29:10 for "This is the covenant that I will make 29:13 with the house of, " who, good, "of Israel, 29:15 after those days saith the Lord." 29:18 So the Lord said, I'm making a covenant with Israel. 29:22 Other words those who should be saved. 29:24 So we're saying Israel then are the people, 29:28 the ones He had deposited as it were the oracles of God 29:31 the teachings is to be the light of the world, 29:35 these are the ones that I had designated to be saved 29:38 wow, well be careful. 29:44 Now how could some of these passages then be explained? 29:49 How can you explain this 29:50 and let me read this one in Jeremiah 30 verse 3. 29:53 See I'm gonna challenge you 29:56 because the world is involved in these things 30:00 that I'm talking about dealing with 30:02 the second coming of Jesus 30:03 and the enemy trying to confuse our minds 30:06 on every area that will take place. 30:11 Here's what Jeremiah said, he said, 30:13 "For, lo, the days come, saith the Lord, 30:15 "that I will bring the captivity of my people 30:19 Israel and Judah, saith the Lord," 30:22 and I, listen, this is where they get it 30:25 "and I will cause them to return to the land 30:29 "that I gave them to their fathers, 30:31 and they shall possess it." 30:35 That's what Jeremiah said, 30:37 that the day will come that Israel, 30:40 they're gonna be caused to what, 30:42 to return to their land and I'm gonna give them 30:44 the land that I promised their fathers. 30:46 Well, I need that-- who's Israel? 30:49 What is this all about here? 30:53 And I believe this with all my heart. 30:55 There is a belief, there is a stir in the religious realm 31:02 that something decisive is about to take place. 31:06 The second coming of Jesus Christ 31:11 and then I believe this. 31:13 The enemy then is just as busy or more so 31:17 trying to mislead people, to lead them astray. 31:22 He wants us to be busy occupied on something else 31:26 rather than the second coming. 31:28 He wants people to misunderstand 31:31 the truth of the second coming of Jesus. 31:35 He wants us to misunderstand the prophecies of the Bible, 31:41 and I believe there's many honest, sincere, 31:44 God-fearing people today. 31:47 They're searching the scriptures. 31:51 They're wanting to know what truth is 31:54 but they hear a lot of different things 31:56 and they're not sure, they read something 31:58 in the Bible and they're studying 31:59 and somebody else is telling them something else. 32:04 Some are telling them keep your eyes on the Jews 32:09 because they will return just, 32:11 to their land, just before Jesus comes. 32:14 Okay, so there's many that believe that, if that's a truth, 32:17 now still we're still studying, aren't we? 32:20 We're still trying to find out, so we don't close our minds. 32:23 So if I'm one of those that believe it, 32:26 then I may not get serious with God 32:29 until I see a vast majority of the Jews returning 32:34 or all returning to Palestine, Israel. 32:39 So if I don't see a great big movement 32:41 I may not be too excited 32:43 because the preacher told me this was the truth. 32:45 So all I have to do is wait till that happened 32:47 and then I'll get onboard. 32:49 Um oh, it's kind of risky isn't it? 32:54 Frightening may be, it might be too late. 33:01 You may not get a flight over there. 33:04 You know what, I'm talking about. 33:10 The world says it's a sign. 33:13 What do you think today as we study, 33:15 and remember, not just a sign to the Jews 33:20 but it's a sign to the Protestant world. 33:26 And do we dare leave these things covered up 33:30 or do we try to expose and to bring to the surface 33:34 the truth of God's word so that others may join in. 33:38 What is Israel, where's the hope for us today? 33:42 What did God mean? I mentioned a while ago 33:47 remember most of the Protestants 33:48 don't really agree with the teachings of the Jews 33:50 but they somehow agree on this one teaching. 33:54 And it's interesting again, 33:55 it deals with what, good, the second coming. 33:59 They believe that Christ will return to the homeland, 34:03 to His homeland and they want to be there. 34:08 This is dealing with such an important subject 34:10 that it cannot be left alone 34:12 because what we just read some of those subjects, 34:14 that you've got t o say what's going on here? 34:19 Is this the truth, have I missed it? 34:24 And if you really believe it with all of your heart 34:26 that this is what's going to take place 34:28 and what if it doesn't, all of your hopes 34:31 and all of your dreams, 34:34 everything that you've been studying 34:36 and you've been working-- your expectations 34:39 and may be even your salvation will be destroyed. 34:44 Then what would happen to you? 34:47 Because you believe that all of Israel shall be saved 34:52 and many are returning. 34:54 The world is looking with great anticipation 34:59 and is it not time to stand up 35:01 and study the issue and look at it square 35:04 in the face and say, 35:06 what was God telling us in his word, 35:08 the old and-- doesn't really matter 35:10 what one believes on this issue. 35:14 Some people say, it really doesn't matter what I do 35:16 or really what I believe if I'm of the bloodline, 35:19 I'm gonna make it anyway, and a lot of other people 35:22 in the world say, well I'll just a good Joe 35:24 and I'm gonna make it, it's okay, 35:26 well that's not what the Bible teaches at all. 35:28 We need to really look at the square, 35:31 the issue square in the face, does it really matter? 35:35 You know, I can say, well, yes and you can say, 35:37 well, no, look we're gonna see what the Bible says. 35:40 The Bible says in Second Thessalonians 2 verse 13, 35:43 let me read that for you 35:44 in case you haven't looked it up lately, 35:45 it says, "God hath from the beginning," 35:49 are you still with me, 35:51 "God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation," 35:56 notice, "through sanctification 35:58 of the spirit and the truth." 36:02 Now what does that mean? 36:05 God chose you from the beginning 36:06 but he's chosen you what, we're talking about salvation 36:09 but it's through what, sanctification of His spirit 36:13 and through what, belief of the truth. 36:16 So we must understand what truth is, 36:18 we must by faith believe that truth, 36:21 let it occupy us fully completely 36:24 day in and day out. 36:26 No part time Christian, no part time I love Jesus 36:29 one day and I don't like Him the next, 36:31 are you still there? 36:34 We're talking about getting serious with God, 36:37 salvation is promised to those 36:40 who are sanctified by the Spirit. 36:43 John 17:17, "sanctify them through thy," 36:45 what, "thy truth, thy word is truth," the Bible says. 36:48 Belief of the truth, so if, well, 36:51 what we're studying here, you know, you say, oh, 36:53 well I, listen it either is the truth or it's not, 36:56 is a lie of the devil if it's not the truth. 37:00 You will not be sanctified by it. 37:01 You'll be confused by it if it's not the truth. 37:05 That's why we're spending time on it and yes, 37:07 should it excite us as a people? 37:08 Yeah, because millions believe, 37:13 millions believe to what we've just been talking about today. 37:18 So if we're sanctified by, you know, 37:20 talking about the truth and belief of the truth, 37:22 then to me there will an opposite to that 37:24 and that's very clear in Matthew 15 verse 9. 37:27 The Bible says, "But in vain do they worship me, 37:30 teaching for," what, good, 37:31 "doctrines the commandments of men. 37:34 In vain do they worship me if they're teaching," 37:37 what, "doctrines of commandments of men." 37:39 I want that to soak in, I'll just read it again. 37:45 And what do we do 37:46 with First Thessalonians 5:21 it says, 37:50 "Prove all things, and hold fast to that which is good." 37:56 There's indicators in scripture 37:57 that we must hold fast to that which is good. 38:01 We have to prove all things. 38:05 Don't just be because the preacher 38:06 said it you believe it. 38:09 Your life is on the line, brothers and sisters. 38:12 My life is on the line. 38:15 I'm gonna just study, 38:16 show myself approved unto God. 38:18 I will have time, here's what I wanna do. 38:21 I usually don't spend a whole lot of time 38:27 on certain teachings and I won't say this in a way, 38:31 in a balanced way, because I'm not 38:35 so much interested in what different churches believe 38:38 as what God teaches in His word. 38:39 I hope that make sense to you. 38:42 And I don't have time nor do I want to study 38:45 what everybody else is believing and teaching 38:47 and bumbling out there. 38:48 I'm wanting to spend that time in God's word. 38:53 To know what truth is and then 38:54 I'll be able to identify the false. 38:57 Now, let's just get kind of a quick rundown 39:00 before we really begin to identify, 39:02 should we be going back, are we Israel or is it just 39:05 Israel over there, what are we gonna do? 39:09 Can we be saved? 39:12 Let's do just a quick look at the teachings 39:15 of various Protestant denominations. 39:19 Now, my heart kind of ached when I begin to realize 39:24 and I'd talked to a lot of people, 39:26 I know you have too. 39:28 Who believe just what I'm getting ready to throw out 39:30 to you and I've studied and done the best I can-- 39:34 I pray that I'm very close to their teaching but, 39:37 you know, again I'm not gonna spend a whole lot of time. 39:39 If I want to know about the second coming 39:41 I'm going to the Bible. 39:44 I think you get what I'm talking about. 39:49 And I wanna call it, you're talking about this 39:51 the various Protestant denomination 39:53 but I'm looking at, listen, 39:55 an interdenominational movement. 40:01 You talk about interdenominational movement 40:03 cause attention to the second coming of Jesus, 40:07 that's good isn't it. 40:09 But it addresses four areas that you and I 40:12 should be very concerned about. 40:16 The second coming, the purpose of the second coming. 40:19 Number 1, jot that down, you're gonna forget that. 40:24 Some of you be jotting down the grocery list 40:26 but you won't be jotting down what I'm telling you right now. 40:28 And you'll scribble over the top of it, but listen, 40:31 don't worry about the other goodies you'll get your food, 40:33 but look I'm talking spiritual food right now. 40:36 Second coming of Jesus, there is a purpose number 1. 40:41 Number 2, there's a manner of the second coming. 40:46 Three, there are signs of the coming, 40:50 coming of Jesus, isn't it? 40:52 And number 4, there's special events 40:55 that will be taking place. 40:57 So unless we, we need to be examining these areas, 41:01 we may be fooled, 41:02 but yet this interdenominational movement 41:05 in Protestant world, their mind is on the second coming. 41:09 You can talk to almost any Christian of any church 41:12 that calls themselves a believer of Jesus Christ. 41:15 They will say, I believe that Jesus is coming soon. 41:19 And then they have all of these different beliefs 41:21 just like you do, like I do, 41:25 of certain things that's gonna take place 41:26 in a certain order and if they don't take place 41:30 and they believe it like they think, could they be fooled. 41:33 I could be, you could be too, unless we're what, 41:36 really dug in deep into the word of God. 41:42 This interdenominational, let's just put it that way, 41:45 movement believes this. 41:48 They believe in two phases of the second coming. 41:52 What do you mean? 41:54 Two phases of the second coming. 41:57 You know, I've-- 41:58 I believe that you know when Jesus comes, 42:00 He comes and of course there's a lot of things 42:01 that happens, so I know there is purpose, 42:04 I know there is manner, I know there is signs, 42:05 I know there is events 42:07 but here's what, the folks believe this. 42:09 The first of all, two phases, 42:11 first of all, He's coming for His church, did you get it? 42:16 And thus say, He's coming for His church 42:19 but it is a Secret Rapture. 42:24 It's an invisible coming. 42:26 It is a catching away of His church, 42:32 that's the first part. 42:33 Remember two parts they say about the return of Christ. 42:37 The second part is and this is later on down, 42:40 there is events that takes place, 42:41 it said, Christ is coming with His church, very interesting. 42:48 Now, if you study your Bible say, 42:50 well there will be a time that He will come back 42:52 with His church but let's see how this is all been-- 42:55 remember the enemy likes to put err 42:58 as close as he can to what, truth. 43:01 So he incorporates what, come on somebody, 43:04 help me, he incorporates what, 43:06 some truth, but then he always gives 43:10 some err in there to lead us in a wrong direction. 43:15 And when He's coming for His church 43:18 everyone is going to be aware of that. 43:22 So that's talking about two phases of it. 43:24 Now they believe this, they believe that there's, 43:27 again on these two phases that there's 43:31 seven years in between, did you get it? 43:35 Seven years in between, now where did they get 43:37 this seven years? 43:38 Things that we need to be studying apart. 43:40 They believe, now listen, boy, I'm telling you, 43:43 you have to be a studier of the word of God. 43:45 They believe that seven years or that, 43:48 the last week of the 70 weeks 43:51 of the prophecy of Daniel 8 and 9 43:57 but no mention is-- 43:59 I don't give that of the 2,300 days they're just 44:02 talking about the 70 here and so the last week. 44:10 But then when Jesus comes, they teach as He comes 44:13 the second time, after it's complete 44:16 and the church is ruptured, then, listen, 44:21 then the Jews return to Israel, to Palestine. 44:26 Listen, listen 44:28 when the Jews return to Palestine 44:32 they still at this time do not believe in Jesus Christ. 44:39 There's a lot that's going on here. 44:43 There's a lot being said here, but when they're called 44:48 back they return. 44:53 We're talking about after the second coming 44:55 as prophesied, it gets a little confusing 44:57 here but you have to stay with it, 44:58 this is what they're teaching. 44:59 I'm saying just what the Bible says. 45:01 I'm saying this is what they're teaching, 45:03 and millions believe this. 45:08 The Jews will return to their homeland 45:10 and still not believing. 45:13 Now, this brings into play the Antichrist. 45:19 We talked about the Antichrist. 45:22 So during this time the Antichrist, 45:24 he appears and they say they're not really sure, 45:27 it's a man and this man will head all nations. 45:33 Wow, and he rules for the seven years, wow. 45:39 Listen, while Jesus and His people, 45:43 listen to me, are still in the air. 45:50 So evidently, when Jesus comes back, 45:53 the two phases they're talking about here, 45:55 is that He goes and takes His people in midair 45:58 and they stay there for seven years. 46:03 Something to think about. 46:06 The first three and a half year, 46:08 now remember, this is the teaching 46:13 that the world is grasping and saying this is truth. 46:19 It's interesting the first three and a half year, 46:22 you notice in Bible prophecy the 70 weeks, 46:25 you know, of years it's divided 46:28 three and a half isn't it? 46:29 So here they're taking part, 46:30 oh, three and a half years that the-- 46:34 of the seven, the Antichrist is not detected. 46:37 So when he appears and takes over they think 46:39 he's a real McCoy and so three and a half years later, 46:42 oh, first three and a half year oh, 46:44 yeah and then all of a sudden what, oh, oh, 46:47 wait a minute something's wrong, 46:48 something's wrong here. 46:51 When they detect him, they're teaching, 46:54 when they detect him, when he begins to set himself up 46:58 as God in God's temple, 47:02 there's a lot we'll have to go on here. 47:06 And then as he sets himself in the Temple of God, 47:09 see eyes are over here see and he sets himself up there, 47:12 then he demands the world to worship him, 47:16 that's their teaching. 47:20 I got to make this straight. 47:21 I don't want anybody calling riots, 47:23 say oh man, where are you going with that-- 47:25 I'm simply telling about what some folks 47:27 really believe by the millions. 47:31 And either it's truth or it's not the truth, 47:33 and either it's preparing a people 47:35 to meet Jesus or it's not. 47:39 And if it's not the truth it needs to be exposed 47:41 for what it is, a lie of the devil 47:45 and the Bible will do that. 47:49 Now it's interesting it doesn't close 47:51 here in their teaching. 47:54 The Antichrist then is exposed. 47:57 When he demands the whole world to worship him, 48:01 and by this time, remember, oh, 48:03 by this time the Jews, you know, 48:05 they've all found their way back to Israel. 48:08 That's interesting, a lot of things happened, 48:09 they say after Jesus comes. 48:14 Second chance, third chance, 48:19 but now they're saying, well look, 48:21 but as they all come and they all did, 48:23 they say what, we still don't believe 48:26 we're not believers but they say this, 48:28 we refuse to worship the Antichrist. 48:32 So they finally wake up to the fact 48:33 their teaching is they-- 48:35 they're saying we're not going to worship 48:36 the Antichrist and when the Jews said we will not worship 48:39 the Antichrist, a death decree they say, 48:42 goes out against them. 48:44 Wow, see some of the terminology, 48:48 some of the wording you hear, 48:49 many of you are familiar and some of the things 48:51 that will take place as you study the Book of Daniel 48:53 and Revelation but notice the order in which these things 48:57 and directions that they go. 49:01 When the death decree goes out, 49:05 the teachings of this group, 49:09 says that there will a time of Great Tribulation 49:13 such as the world has never known, 49:15 you remember in Daniel? 49:18 Wow, so I'm hearing some words that I'm familiar 49:21 with and then the seven year period comes to an end. 49:27 Jesus comes and saves them all, 49:31 well, it's not quite finished yet you're saying, wait a minute 49:35 can I get this right in my mind. 49:41 I found some, you know, things in scripture that 49:45 the word of God when God speaks to us, 49:50 that it becomes simple in our mind, not confusing, 49:58 not all intertwined with different things 50:00 that you're not sure of but it's, 50:01 God makes it so simple one, two, three 50:06 or in His covenant, 1 through 10. 50:11 God's very clear, very concise. 50:17 Because when Christ comes there's an end to things 50:23 but notice, they're saying it goes, it goes on. 50:29 But the Jews said, when Jesus finally does come, 50:34 it brings salvation to them. 50:38 And people who, you know, 50:40 and not everyone will have the 50:42 opportunity to be saved now. 50:45 Wow, that's good, does it, if that be true. 50:49 So during the millennium they call it, 50:53 God is going to use the Jews to spread 50:57 the gospel around the world. 50:59 Ah, interesting, and they teach this, 51:04 the whole world will be converted. 51:08 The whole world will be saved and then there comes 51:12 the thousand years of peace. 51:16 Wow, but after the thousand years it's time for what, 51:21 I mean, Satan is going to have to be defeated. 51:25 There's a battle that goes on and Satan is defeated. 51:30 Now there's a lot of other little things to go in 51:32 and I don't wanna confuse your mind but this is, 51:34 they tell the teachings, a vast majority of people, 51:39 so when you hear about the seven years 51:40 or thousand years of peace, 51:42 about two different comings of Christ and, 51:44 you know, you have to, 51:46 in the scripture you will realize that Jesus came 51:48 once to this Earth didn't He? 51:49 Says He's gonna come the second time 51:51 to take the saints and yes, 51:52 He does come the third time with His saints. 51:56 But what about all of these other teachings? 52:00 See, are they contrary to scripture? 52:03 If they're contrary to scripture 52:06 this is gonna lead to what, 52:07 a bitter disappointment for many, many people. 52:10 These people are gonna become discouraged. 52:14 The people will become discouraged, 52:15 you believe in the second coming, 52:17 but listen here's the thing, 52:19 they will be unprepared to meet Jesus, 52:23 that's what the enemy wants because of what, 52:27 because of their belief. 52:30 Remember Moses needed some time 52:32 before he met with God, 52:34 that's called the time of what, preparation. 52:36 I know some of you have read so, oh, now you know, 52:38 he uses the word preparation, 52:40 I still use it because I believe 52:42 that its truth of God's word. 52:43 There's a time of preparation, there's a time of probation, 52:46 there's a time of test and God gives that to all of us. 52:53 And so we need to study and this is what brings us down 52:56 then to find out the real truth, 52:58 is it time for us to return? 53:01 Is it time for the Jews to return? 53:03 What is the hope for the gentiles? 53:05 And who is Israel, is it the Jews only? 53:10 So if we study the purpose, number 1, 53:14 and the promises and the prophecies of God, 53:20 then we will be able to establish what is truth, 53:25 did you get it? 53:26 See Second Peter 1:12 says, 53:28 we need to be, listen, established in present truth. 53:35 These are issues that need to be addressed. 53:41 Is it always pleasant to address them? 53:43 No, but they need to be addressed, 53:46 we cannot allow without-- 53:48 God help us, without just 53:49 being indifferent to say if someone is believing a lie, 53:52 that we need to try, if given the opportunity, 53:55 to present the truth, that's what will change them. 54:00 See it all started with, 54:02 as a promise that God made to Abraham. 54:05 This way we're gonna wrap it up for the day 54:07 and come back with our second part. 54:08 But it all started with the promise 54:09 that God made to Abraham, 54:11 that all the families of the Earth should be what, 54:15 should be blessed. 54:17 Wow, all of the families of the Earth should be blessed. 54:21 Now you can read that also in Genesis Chapter 13 54:24 and read verses 14 through 17. 54:27 So we don't have enough time to read all those 54:29 but that's again homework for you to do. 54:31 So I'll look at this quickly today and I say, 54:34 the territory of this promise then, 54:37 as we just read, includes the whole Earth. 54:43 So maybe it's not just one group or one nationality 54:46 or one bloodline but the promise made to Abraham, 54:50 oh, what, includes the whole Earth. 54:54 So we must contemplate that the promises was to be, 55:00 was going to be fulfilled but not through what, 55:03 just a one bloodline, not through just a race 55:06 or not because of, you know, 55:08 how you're born. 55:11 I want you to contemplate and pray about these sayings 55:13 because next time we're really gonna get into things 55:15 that may be deep, may be eye opening. 55:17 Let's pray about it shall we, right now, 55:18 in the few seconds that we have left together 55:20 that the Holy Spirit will lead us and guide us in truth. 55:23 Merciful Father in Heaven, 55:24 thank you for Your precious word today. 55:26 May our eyes, our hearts, 55:27 and our ears be open to the truth of Your word. 55:29 We thank You in the precious name of Jesus 55:31 and for His sake, amen. 55:34 It's always a treat that we have the opportunity 55:37 to come into your home and again, 55:38 we wanna be challenging, we wanna stir you up 55:41 a little bit to study to see whether these things be so. 55:43 Jesus is coming, we need to be ready. 55:45 We appreciate your support, continue. 55:47 This is the only means that we have 55:49 are your freewill offering. 55:50 So continue to support us and we're gonna again 55:53 support you with the truth of God's word. 55:55 I'll see you next time. 55:58 Hello again, wasn't that an interesting study? 56:01 And praise the Lord, there is more to come. 56:04 You know, this is such a hot topic being discussed around 56:07 the world and we pray that as you piece together 56:11 God's word as presented in this study that you will have 56:14 valid answers and a peace in knowing what the truth 56:18 about this subject really is. 56:20 You know, therefore we are making this two part 56:23 series available to you for a love gift 56:25 of just $15.00 or more. 56:27 And remember, friends, each dollar of support 56:30 that you give will enable us to continue 56:33 to bring these timely messages to you each and every week. 56:37 We understand that money is tight, you know, 56:39 it's extremely tight for us as well. 56:41 But only by the grace of God 56:43 are we marching forward in faith, 56:45 and it is our earnest prayer that you will partner up 56:49 with us and march together. 56:52 You may begin to do this by simply calling 56:54 in and asking for today's series entitled, 56:57 "Is it Time for the Jews to Return." 57:00 You may do this by calling area code 618-942-5044, 57:07 Central Standard Time here in the United States, 57:10 or write us to Behold the Lamb Ministries, 57:12 PO Box 2030 Herrin, Illinois 62948. 57:17 Or email us 57:18 at BeholdTheLambMinistries@ Yahoo.com. 57:21 Or as always you may order on our website 57:23 at www. BeholdTheLambMinistries.com. 57:29 Friends, until next time may our precious 57:31 Lord continue to richly bless you and yours. |
Revised 2014-12-17