Category Archives: Teaching

The One True Israel

Teaching,

Are There Two Israels?

The presence of a nation calling itself “Israel” today makes us ask the question: “Are there two “Israels”? According to the Scriptures there is only one true Israel, but there is also a false “Israel,” a pseudo-Israel.

So what happened to the Old Testament ten-nation tribe called “Israel”? We have the prophetic and historical accounts of their demise in the Bible.

The Word of the Prophets

The word was given to the prophets Amos and Hosea:

“Hear ye this word which I take up against you, even a lamentation, O house of Israel. The virgin of Israel is fallen; she shall no more rise: she is forsaken upon her land; there is none to raise her up,” Amos 2:1-2.

This was spoken by the prophet Amos in the years prior to 722 BC, the year that Assyria invaded and conquered the ten-tribe nation called “Israel.” For context read the entire book of Amos who further prophesied to that nation at that time, specifically Amos 5:2; 8:2, 14; 9:7-10.

This was also prophesied by Hosea who lived the allegory of God’s judgments against the unfaithful whoredoms of that nation called “Israel.” Read the book of Hosea for the context of the fall of Israel, specifically 1:4, 6, 9-10; 7:16; 8:8; 9:7, 17; 11:5; 13:9, 14, 16.

The historical record of this is found in 2Kings chapter 17. The reason for their fall was:

“Because they obeyed not the voice of the Lord their God, but transgressed His Covenant, and all that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded, and would not hear them, nor do them,” 2Kings 18:12.

“Therefore the Lord was very angry with Israel, and removed them out of His sight: there was none left but the tribe of Judah only,” 2Kings 17:18. Read chapters 17 and 18 of 2Kings.

We are warned in the Book of Revelation against those “who say they are Jews and are not“, (2:9; 3:9).  The laws in the pseudo “Israel” of today as well as their historical and daily practices are the religion of the Pharisees who were anti-Christ, “against-Christ.”  Romans 2:28-29 shows that only those in Christ are truly Jews.

There is now only one true Israel, the Israel of God, the Church, the Body of Christ.

Luke 16: A Lesson In Economics

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Luke Chapter 16

Luke chapter 16 gives us Jesus’ teaching about economics. Verses 1-13 are about the unjust steward. Verses 14-18 are about the sin of covetousness. Verses 19-31 are about the inequity between the rich man and Lazarus.

The Shrewd Unjust Steward

In the story of the unjust steward, when he had been caught at wasting his lord’s goods, went to the lord’s debtors and offered them a compromise on what they owed. His scheme was to make them indebted to himself so that when he got fired, they would take him in. Well, the lord became aware of his cheating and “commended him” for his shrewdness. But Jesus said that this kind of shrewdness would land you into the “everlasting habitations” with those who dealt in unrighteous mammon, verse 9.  Compromise does not work.

The Everlasting Habitations

Was Jesus recommending such “shrewd” business deals? No. In the following story of Lazarus and the rich man, we see that this rich man was received into the everlasting habitation of hell, verses 22-23. Both the rich man and Lazarus died, but their eternal destiny was reversed from their earthly conditions.

The Hopelessness of Hell

The rich man, in hell, prayed that someone be sent to his brothers who were still alive to warn them not to come there. However, the answer to him was that they already had their warning in the Scriptures, that is, Moses and the prophets. In hell, the rich man thought that surely if one returned to life and warned his brothers, they would repent. But no, Jesus said, “If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead,” verse 31.

This was proven true when Lazarus had been raised from the dead, but yet the Chief Priests failed to believe, John 12:9-10.

Foundations of Theology

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Basic Doctrinal Principles

Hebrews 5.12: “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. (13) For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. (14) But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

(6.1) “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection [maturity], not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, (2) Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. (3) And this will we do, if God permit.”

Elementary Truths

Here the “first principles of the oracles of God,” are the “foundations” of the structure of right doctrine.  The RSV translates them as “elementary truths.” These are for beginners in the study of the Word, and for “babes” in Christ who have not yet reached maturity. So these should be taught and learned before the deeper doctrines which actually depend upon these “first principles” for understanding.

These are the six principles:

(1) Repentance from dead works

(2) Faith toward God

(3) Laying on of hands

(4) Doctrine of baptisms

(5) Resurrection of the dead

(6) Eternal judgment.

(1) Repentance

The first thing a sinner needs to learn is repentance. RSV translates it as “the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death.” He must be convicted by the Holy Spirit of his sinful condition before he can truly repent.

To repent means not only to change one’s mind, but also must include a change of the heart and even of one’s identity. It is not merely a mental, logical, change of one’s opinions, but rather is a change of what one loves and hates. It is not merely a change of one’s will, but a complete rebirth, a new creation.

(2) Faith Toward God

Faith in God is a prerequisite for understanding Biblical doctrine. Without faith, one cannot believe in the doctrines and teachings of the Bible. All of the historical, archaeological, and scientific facts will not compensate for a lack of faith, – pure, simple, childlike faith that there is a God, that He is a Rewarder of them that diligently seek Him, and that He has given us His Word, Hebrews 11:6.

(3) Doctrine of Baptisms: (Scripture references are not exhaustive; you may find more.)

A. John’s baptism was “unto repentance,” Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3; Acts 13:24.

B. Water Baptism in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is commanded: Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 10:44-48.

C. Baptism symbolizes Death, Burial, Resurrection and Exaltation: Romans chapter 6;     Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:9-3:11; I Peter 3:18-22. Therefore, the young believer should  understand that water baptism indicates his total unconditional surrender, dedication and commitment to Jesus.

(4) Laying on of Hands

This is one of the “first principles” to be taught and learned by the babes in Christ.  It is one of the gifts of the Spirit which was in evidence in Acts 8:17-20, where the disciples laid their hands on the people and they received the Holy Ghost.

It was also evident in I Timothy 4:14 where it is stated that the laying on of hands of the presbytery and prophecy imparted to Timothy a spiritual gift.

Mark 16:18 says: “They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

(5) Resurrection of the Dead:

We must teach the resurrection of Christ. Romans 19:9: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”  I Corinthians 15 gives a full exposition of the importance of this doctrine.

It is also important to teach that Christ raised some from the dead during His earthly ministry. Ephesians 1:20 and 2:6 show that, in Christ, we are raised from the dead with Him, and exalted with Him.

(6) Eternal Judgment:

Romans 14:10; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Hebrews 9:27: “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.”

These basic principles underlie the more advanced study of the Biblical doctrines. For example, eschatology. Much confusion has resulted from the prominent and predominant teaching of “end-times” and “prophecy” without these basic principles.

Jerusalem To Be Destroyed

Teaching

 The Myth Of The Jewish Race

Years ago before the invention of DNA testing a major study was carried out regarding the racial identity of those who call themselves “Jews” throughout the world. That study showed conclusively that there was no difference between the racial characteristics of the “Jews” and those they lived amongst. This was published in a book: “The Myth of the Jewish Race.” Now that DNA testing can be done, several studies have found that there is no identifiable racial DNA linking today’s so-called “Jews” with the lineage of Abraham. So what does this mean? It means that these “Jews” are a religion and not a race and therefore:

  • 1. The Churches are deceived that teach that they are Biblical heirs of the promise to Abraham, a false doctrine.
  • 2. It means that our nation, the United States of America, has been deceived into full military and financial support for the Zionist state called “Israel.”
  • 3. It means that the B-illions and even TR-illions of dollars the USA has spent on that support has been in violation of the First Amendment to the Constitution.
  • 4. The religion of these so-called “Jews” is that of the Pharisees of the New Testament era as described by Christ in Matthew 23 and who suffered the destruction described in Matthew 24 and Revelation 18. They were then, and are now, anti-(against)-Christ, the original and continuing AntiChrist.
  • 5. The rise again of this evil doctrine has deceived all nations and is due to reap the same consequences of destruction. Yes, the so-called “State of Israel” is as certain to be destroyed as was Jerusalem and Judea in 70 AD of the first century.
  • 6. Our Churches and our nation are warned to repent and “Come out of her” lest we also be partakers of her sins and consequent plagues, Revelation 18:4.
  • 7. It means that we have to make a choice as a nation and as a Church: Will we follow Christ or the Anti-Christ? We know from the Biblical example of the Cross of Christ that there will be persecution and martyrdom but with it everlasting Life and victory over death, hell and the grave.

What shall we choose?

As the Lord spoke to Ezekiel:

“(17) Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at My mouth, and give them warning from Me. (18) When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die, and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.  (19) Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked ways, he shall die in his iniquity, but thou hast delivered thy soul. (20) Again, when a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand. (21) Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou has delivered thy soul. ” Ezekiel 3:17-21.

All Nations Are One Blood

Teaching

Racism.

It is a big issue and much discussed. What does Biblical Christianity say about it?

“34 Then Peter opened [his] mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.” – Acts 10:34-35 KJV

No “Chosen People”?

This means that there are no “chosen people” with special privileges before God. To call some people “chosen” is racism. It is called “respect of person” in James 2:1-3, 9 and is a sin:

“1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, [the Lord] of glory, with respect of persons. 2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; 3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: … 9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.” – James 2:1-3, 9 KJV

“17 And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning [here] in fear:” – 1 Peter 1:17 KJV

All nations are of one blood!

“24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; 25 Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; 26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; 27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: 28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.” – Acts 17:24-28 KJV

Christ died for all nations and is gathering them together in Himself:

“51 And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; 52 And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.” – John 11:51-52 KJV