The healing of the nobleman's son

 

LIMAVADY INDEPENDENT METHODIST CHURCH

SERMON NOTES SUNDAY 3 DECEMBER 2023 pm

LUKE 4 VERSES 43 – 54

It was early in the earthly ministry of the Lord Jesus.  He had accomplished a great work for God’s honour and glory.  He had been transforming lives, bringing order to situations.  Many were taken aback by his ministry.  However hostility was beginning to show.  It is not long before evil begins to oppose Jesus.  He never stayed very long in a place where he was not wanted.  When he was in Cana he graced them with his power.  He received a favourable reception.  The people saw all the mighty things he performed in Jerusalem.  They saw the water turned into wine.  The effects of this next miracle would extend to Capernaum – a son being raised to life as well as the faith of the nobleman.

 

The conditions he faced – verses 46 and 47 “So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine.  And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum.  When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down and heal his son: for he was at the point of death.”  When sickness touches a home it is worrying but when it reaches the point of death it is terrifying.  This man’s heart was aching for his son in pain.  His pain would ultimately lead to his death.  Death was about to touch his home.  Nothing he could do to hold this impending problem before him.  His position and standing would have no bearing on this terrible situation.  The word “nobleman” only appears in John’s gospel.  It means a king’s officer.  He had an important position in the government.  A well to do man who had wealth and position but it did not exempt him from trouble.  How often do we not think money and position shields one from heartache and illness?  The truth of the matter is – the more money you have the greater the trouble you will have.  Never envy those in high places and holding great positions.  This nobleman was living a comfortable life but it did not disengage him from great trouble.  Not only affects the influential but also the young who was at the point of death.  Not his father or mother, his brother or sister but his son.  Young age does not exempt the young from problems.  The first grave ever opened on earth was that of a young man called Abel.  Not a father but a son.  Taken from this scene of time.  Everybody needs to be prepared for eternity regardless of their age.  Are you ready for the great eternity?  Are you prepared for death?  If the cold chilling hand of death was to fall on you today would you be ready?  Or perhaps like many you feel you have plenty of years ahead, you don’t need to worry about eternity.  Remember – eternity is tomorrow just out of view.  Are you ready?

 

Secondly, the company he favoured.  What was the nobleman going to do?  Who would he turn to in this time of trouble?  The nobleman heard about Jesus Christ – verse 47 “when he heard that Jesus was come out of Judea into Galilee.”  He heard about this great man who could do wondrous things.  There was no better person who walked on the face of the earth.  He heard about a man who could help him in his time of trouble.  Someone had to tell him about this wonderful man.  Are you telling others about the Saviour?  Does his lovely name be upon your lips?  Is his name heard in your speech?  Do you tell others about his so great a salvation?  About what he has done on the cross?  The only way people will hear about the master is if we tell them.  How will men and women turn in repentance if they don’t hear about him?  Romans 10 verse 14 “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher.”  It is our duty to tell otherwise how will they hear?  The nobleman heard about Jesus.  He came to Jesus Christ – verse 47.  Capernaum was not from Cana so he headed for Cana.  He wisely pursued Jesus while he was near.  He grasped the opportunity with both hands and came to the Lord.  Has the Lord been granting you opportunities to draw near to him?  Don’t waste the opportunity but “seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near.”  He could have lost his opportunity if he had waited too long.  The Lord will not always be found, he will not always be near.  Verse 47 “and besought him that he would come down.”  The word “besought” means to ask, to entreat, to plead.  The man begged the Lord to come.  People must ask, beseech, entreat, lay hold on the Lord until they receive assurance.  “Strive to enter in at the strait gate.”  Do you have the assurance in your heart?  Do you know without any doubt in your heart that you are saved?  If not it is time to lay hold of the Lord with great travail of soul.  It is time to beg of him and keep it up.  And this is the promise “and ye shall seek me and find me when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29 verse 13)

 

The command he fulfilled surely before this miracle – verse 48 “Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.”  He wanted faith not based on miracles alone but on his word.  The fact that he should say it should cause us all to believe it.  We should not want a sign to follow it.  He was confident in the Lord, adamant that the Lord had to be in Capernaum to perform the miracle.  He thought the Saviour had to be at the sons bedside before he could heal him.  He would learn through the command to rely on the Lord Jesus – verse 50 “go thy way thy son liveth.”  Faith is believing what God has said he will do.  Faith is just believing what God says he will do.  We will never get far in the Christian experience if we do not have faith in the divine word.  We must believe everything we read from Holy Scriptures.  Through the command from the Saviour he now learned to rely on the word of Christ.  He also learned to rely on the work of Jesus Christ.  His work is not limited by distance.  He wanted the Lord to see and heal his son.  By making such a request he limited Jesus.  He thought Jesus could not fulfil the miracle until he saw his son.  He would soon learn that Jesus’ power is not limited to an occasion.  The Lord Jesus does not need to be present in body in order to bring blessing upon his people.  As far as the Son of God is concerned distance is no obstacle.  Following the command the nobleman believed.  He rested his faith on what the Lord told him – verse 50 “the nobleman believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him and he went his way.”  The nobleman acted wisely.  He made the right decision to obey the Saviour.  This is a decision he would never regret.  Believing and obeying the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

The confirmation he found – verses 51 and 52 “And as he was now going down, his servants met him and told him, saying, Thy son liveth.  Then enquired he of them the hour when he began to amend.  And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.”  Before he reached home he had confirmation of the miracle.  The servants could not contain themselves, they had to run and tell him.  Notice the nobleman asked about the time of healing.  The answer given confirmed everything Jesus had said to him.  That was the same time that Jesus had said his son had been healed.  The healing was not gradual but instant.  When he asked when his son began to amend there was no beginning to the mending but rather it was complete healing. The fever left him.  The nobleman not only learned Jesus could heal at a distance but he can heal instantly.  This instant.  This healing reminds us of the instant saving ability of the redeemer.  Salvation is not a gradual process that takes a long period of time.  It happens immediately.  It occurs instantly without delay.  If you are not saved call upon the Lord for salvation with sincerity.  When you do he will save you instantly.  “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”  Would you not call on him if you are not saved?  Would you not come and partake of the immediate cure?  “Only trust him, only trust him, only trust him now.  He will save you, he will save you, he will save you now.”  This man faced a terrible situation.  His son was at the point of death but he heard about Jesus.  He came to Jesus Christ.  He asked of Jesus.  Whatever you are facing at the moment, you have heard about Jesus – are you going to come to him?  Are you going to ask of him?

Consider your ways

 

LIMAVADY INDEPENDENT METHODIST CHURCH

SERMON NOTES SUNDAY 3 DECEMBER 2023

HAGGAI 2 VERSES 10 – 19

We have been looking over these past few weeks to a series of messages from God to the children of Israel.  Sadly there were more words of rebuke than encouragement.  These words were words of chastisement because of their disobedience to God.  God was not a hard taskmaster who took advantage of liberties.  God had set them free from captivity in Babylon and brought them back to their own land.  Their first task was to build the temple of God.  However, some things had to be addressed by God.  Sin was affecting their work and witness for God.  He wanted them to do more for him then they would be blessed in abundance.  There were things in their lives that were not pleasing to God.  If he was going to use and bless them it was important they heard God’s word and obeyed it.  The clean and unclean aspects were important in the Levitical laws.  God used this to illustrate their condition before him.

 

First we see the presenting – verses 12 and 13 “If one bear holy flesh in the skirt of his garment and with his skirt to touch bread or pottage or wine, or oil, or any meat, shall it be holy? And the priests answered and said, No.  Then said Haggai, If one that is unclean by a dead body touch any of these, shall it be unclean? And the priests answered and said, It shall be unclean.”  At first glance where do you try and understand these things?  The Lord was practical in presenting his message to the people.  This was a common known thing among the Israelites.  They were steeped in Levitical law.  They could not make excuses.  They saw the Lord’s message as it was.  The second question focuses on touching a dead body or open wound – if someone did this they would be unclean.  A person would be separated from the rest of the people.  When separated there were certain rituals to be observed for such people to be reunited with the people.  Then the defilement would be put away and dealt with before returning to the people.  Those rituals would involve both to restore fellowship.  God was asking the people through Haggai 2 simple questions.  They would have known the Levitical law for the benefit of those standing around.  They needed to learn an important truth.  When someone presented an animal on the altar for sacrifice for uncleanness the meat was declared holy.  It became the Lord’s possession.  It belonged to him.  It was under the Lord’s ownership.  From then on it should be used by the priest and his family.  They were instructed to eat the portion offered.  They had to be careful how it was eaten, when it was eaten and where it was eaten.  In the first question they were asked – if a piece of consecrated touches a body does it make it unclean?  You cannot pass on holiness.  Even though the garment is holy and meat is sanctified it cannot be imported through the garment to a person.  It is impossible.  A bible commentator has said “clean does not make dirty clean.”  A healthy person cannot pass on their health to a sick person.  In the second question – if someone touches a dead body and becomes unclean could they make another unclean by their touch – yes.  Defilement can be passed on from one to another but holiness cannot.  The same bible commentator said “dirty does not make clean dirty.”  We can pass on infections and diseases but we cannot pass on the cure.  You can give many your sickness but you cannot give any your holiness or health.  This is what the Lord was driving home.  They could not communicate any holiness through the temple.  They could pollute it by their sin.  That is what he was saying.  There was a problem with the people working in the temple, doing the Lord’s work but they were not doing it with a pure heart, devoted to him.  “So is this people and so is this nation before me, saith the Lord and so is every work of their hands and that which they offer there is unclean.” (verse 14)  The work of their hands and offerings were unclean in the sight of the holy God.  On one hand they were making progress but on the other there were hindrances to the work.  Have we grasped this principle today?  It is not what we are doing for the Lord, it is whether we are clean and pure to do it.  Sin prevents the work of God.  It also robs us of any blessing.  God wants to impart to us – we cannot afford to sere the Lord with unclean hands and impure hearts.  He will withhold the blessing from us if we are not doing what he expects of us.  William McDonald the bible commentator said “Work and worship do not sanctify sin.  Sin contaminates work and worship.”

 

Secondly, the pondering – verses 15 and 16 “And now I pray you, consider from this day and upward, from before a stone was laid upon a stone in the temple of the Lord.  Since those days were, when one came to an heap of twenty measures, there were but ten: when one came to the pressfat for to draw out fifty vessels out of the press, there were but twenty.”  We have to bear in mind that Haggai was addressing a great company of people who were for a long time in a rebellious position against God’s commandments.  Haggai compared them to the stones of the temple – hard, awkward to work with.  During those years they experienced the discipline of the Lord.  They were not keeping the terms and conditions of the covenant that God had given to Solomon when he first built the temple.  Therefore God couldn’t bless them but rather chastise them.  How did he do it?  When the grain was standing in the field God smote it with hail and mildew so that there was not much left when brought it in.  God was at the back of their minds, not the front of their lives.  He warned that this would happen.  It wasn’t that they did not know the Lord.  Deuteronomy 28 verse 22 “The Lord shall smite thee with a consumption and with a fever, and with an inflammation, and with an extreme burning and with the sword, and with blasting and with mildew and they shall pursue thee until thou perish.”  What was God’s purpose in doing this?  It was to get them back on track, back to serving him wholeheartedly.  In the long term it was for their benefit.  He needed something to stop them in their tracks and ponder where they were going.  Things that come into our lives may seem destructive in their appearance but quite often they are for our benefit.  God has something more for us.  The unexpected is to bring us to our senses, to get us back on track.  It is never the Lord’s intention for us to wander carelessly in a direction.  That is not in his will.  He does not want us to wander but to stay close to him.  This calls for sensitivity.  When the testing times come we have to come before the Lord and search our hearts.  The trials of faith are not something we should find strange, they are expected.  That is what Peter said in his first letter, chapter 4 verse 12 “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.”  What should our response be to the trials sent on us?  A time to consider and ponder our ways.  Is that what this people did?  “yet ye turned not to me.” (verse 17)  The Lord used famine and barrenness to correct and bring the children of Israel back into line.  They went to receive 20 measures but only 10 were actually available.  It happened during times of storage.  Something wasn’t right.  They took 50 vessels to the winepress expecting to receive an abundance but they only received 20.  The failure of disobedience was not on their conscience.  The Lord didn’t want them to forget.  He wanted them to be at the forefront of their memory.  A reminder of how they treated God’s house and work.  To remember how God dealt with them in tender mercy.  To learn a lesson, not to trifle with the things of God.  The people failed the Lord by slothfulness to his work but it was not the final straw.  God could have come in wrath and wiped them off the face of the earth.  God in mercy gave them a future, to enable them to learn from their failings.  Peter was in the same position.  He could look back in dismay but also look forward in determination.  You might be in the same position today.  Maybe there is some area in your past when you failed the lord.  It is not the final straw.  We can look forward like Peter with determination.

 

Finally, the persevering – verses 18 and 19 “Consider now from this day and upward, from the four and twentieth day of the ninth month, even from the day that the foundation of the Lord’s temple was laid, consider it.  Is the seed yet in the barn? Yea, as yet the vine and the fig tree and the pomegranate, and the olive tree, hath not brought forth: from this day will I bless you.”  The Lord was calling them to give careful consideration to the time when the foundations of the temple were laid.  The Lord’s temple was at the centre of this controversy.  Haggai called on them to repent with the assurance of blessing to follow.  2 Chronicles 7 verse 14 “If my people which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”  It could have been dreadfully different.  If they had rebuilt the temple when they returned from Babylon blessing would have followed.  God’s heart was grieved because of the peoples sinfulness.  They heard that as a result their work had become defiled.  God asked “is the seed yet in the barn?” and they answered “no”.  Their barns were lying empty.  By this stage, late December the men had ploughed their fields to sow their crop.  The principle of putting God first would see everything else being added unto them.  If they put God’s interests before theirs he would take care of the rest.  God would bless them if they recognised him above everything else.  It reminds us of the Saviour’s words in Matthew 6 verse 33 “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.”  May that be our longing – to put God first in every area of our lives.  Have we been doing that?  Does God have first place in our hearts and lives today?  Each time we make a decision, no matter what it is, do we hold God’s best interests at heart or do we just carry on with our lives and never bring God in?  Do we just bring him in when it suits us?  When we put God first he will take care of everything else.  May we not put the things first but may we put the Lord first, the one who adds everything unto us.  Because of the people’s sins God called the people to look back and look within.  When they did so they saw God’s glory and holiness more vividly.  The Lord calls each of us to look back and look within.  When we think of the presenting he calls us to listen.  When we think of the ponder he calls us to consider and when we think of the persevering he calls on all of us to defend him, to put the Lord first in every area of our lives.

1 Timothy 1

 

LIMAVADY INDEPENDENT METHODIST CHURCH

NOTES FROM TUESDAY 21 NOVEMBER 2023

1 TIMOTHY 1 VERSES 1 AND 2

Timothy was a native of Lystra, a Roman colony in the province of Galatia.  His father was a Gentile and his mother and grandmother were Jewish.  Acts 16 verse 1.  As a result of Paul’s ministry in Lystra his mother and grandmother trusted the Lord as Saviour which meant Timothy was grounded in the scriptures from a child.  It was on Paul’s second missionary journey when Paul returned to Lystra that he met Timothy.  He impressed him so much that he decided to take him along with him.  They enjoyed a close relationship so much that he was like a father to Timothy.  Timothy went on to serve as Paul’s representative in the early churches.  Timothy was a young man prone to be timid and fearful.  Paul informed him “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power and of love and of a sound mind.  Paul urged him to be strong. Philippians 2 verse 22.   He was reminded not to neglect the spiritual gift given to him.  He was not to be ashamed to speak boldly for the gospel.  He advised him to take a little wine for his stomach sake.  It may have been nerve related.  Timothy was conscious of his age and lack of maturity.  Paul encouraged him to let no one look down on him because of his age and youthfulness.  It is hard to discover a clear cut outline to the epistle.  Paul seems to move from one issue to another throughout the epistle.  There is much material in this epistle for us to learn and apply to our own lives.

 

The commission he is said to fulfil – verse 1 “Paul an apostle of Jesus Christ.”  At the outset of the letter Paul gives a clear description of his occupation.  What does it mean by the word “apostle” – sent one.  Paul was simply stating he had been appointed to missionary work by the Lord.  It is God who separates out his servants and sends them forth.  He didn’t wake up and say “I am going to be a missionary one day.”  He didn’t choose the ministry as a livelihood nor was he sent by man.  He was called by God to teach, preach and suffer for the gospel.  As Timothy read these opening words “a servant of God” he knew he must be sent forth by God.  What a clear lesson for all who are considering full time service for the Lord.  They must make sure the Lord has placed a hand on their lives.  Called by God, sent one.  The commentator Matthew Henry said “none are allowed to go forth for God but those who are sent by him.”  A great encouragement to Timothy.  He was also sent.  He was a pastor in the church in Ephesus.  Timothy was doing what the Lord wanted him to do in the place where God wanted him to be.  It is important that God’s servants are doing what the Lord wants them to do and are in the place where God wants them to be in.  There is also a warning to Timothy.  His opponents, particularly those within the church who were giving him trouble need to remember that their pastor was there because God put him there.  Dear help any man in or outside contemplating touching the Lord’s anointed. There were those in the past who tried to remove the Lord’s sent one and make life difficult for them but the Lord mysteriously removed them.  “Touch not mine anointed and do my prophets no harm.” (Psalm 105 verse 15)  So the commission – “Paul an apostle of Jesus Christ”, a sent one.

 

Secondly, the command he had to obey – “by the commandment of God our Saviour.”  God always has his instructions for his people to follow.  Not for the believers deconstruction but for their good and benefit.  To reveal God’s plan.  When God has a plan for a believer’s life he will give a clear command that will be revealed.  God does not leave them in the dark as far as his will and plan is concerned.  Paul was called to be an apostle.  Both Timothy and Paul received a royal commission by the commandment of God our Saviour.  The master has a plan for every believers life.  He reveals it through his commands – Jeremiah 29 verse 11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”  Not only reminding Timothy that God’s thoughts for him are revealed through his commands but he wanted to remind him of the fulfilment of God’s plan.  Paul had to be willing to obey the command and fulfilment of God’s plan in his life.  Paul was always committed to do his master’ bidding.  God gives the command and then he waits for a willing response.  The Almighty has many commands for his people today, for he has great plans for his people but how many are willing, how many believers are willing to fulfil God’s plan in their lives?  John 5 verse 3 “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments and his commandments are not grievous.”

 

Thirdly, the companionship.  What Paul and Timothy had in common, shared interests and experiences.  “Unto Timothy my own son in the faith.”  Manifested same principles, spiritual and moral qualities as Paul.  It is important to keep company with other believers who are of a like mind, to be often found in the presence of those with the same moral and spiritual qualities.  To see the things as God sees them.  To work in harmony.  One common goal.  Philippians 2 verse 2 “Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.”  As Paul brings the opening remarks to a conclusion he says “grace, mercy and peace from God out Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.” Grace means all the divine resources needed for the Christian life and service.  The times in the Christian life and service when the going gets tough. Timothy would realise that certain needs would have to be met, there were trials to face but God said “my grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12 verse 9).   God’s mercy – compassionate, care and protection for the need.  Sheep are prone to wander off from the shepherds care.  He carries and protects them, brings them back to the fold.  Timothy was tempted to fail and give up but the Lord cared for him and protected him.  God’s peace – an inner calm that comes from the Lord.  When the child of God leans on the Lord they will know the peace of God. 

 

He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater
He sendeth more strength when the labors increase
To added affliction He addeth His mercy
To multiplied trials His multiplied peace

His love has no limit, His grace has no measure
His pow'r has no boundary known unto men
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again

 

LIMAVADY INDEPENDENT METHODIST CHURCH

TUESDAY 28 NOVEMBER 2023

1 TIMOTHY 1 VERSES 1 – 4

When we looked at the commission, the command and companionship at the outset of our study, we noted Paul’s occupation – sent one – “apostle of Jesus Christ”.  He was sent forth by the command of God.  Paul and Timothy worked well together.  They had a shared interest, a common course.  Timothy was his “son in the faith”.  They had a great companionship. 

Paul goes on to charge young Timothy.  He gave him much practical advice regarding the problems in the church.  In this instance it was false teaching.  Paul wanted Timothy to take a firm stand against all teaching that was contrary to God’s word.  We want to think of the loss of truth.  Paul’s greatest concern was losing the truth of scripture.  Paul told Timothy to stay in Ephesus - verse 3.  Paul and Timothy had been labouring there together at one time.  They had a common cause, a goal.  The language Paul uses here tells us he was compelled to leave Ephesus.  He was driven out of Ephesus. Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen caused a riot – Acts 20 verse 1 “And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.”  Whatever happened it did not affect Timothy in any way.  He was able to remain and continue on in the work.  Even though Paul was not able to be present in the work he now writes to him.  He charges him with the responsibility of exposing those not following and teaching the scriptures – verse 3.  It was more than a single direction or command, it was a continuous instruction.  This charge to Timothy would be ongoing.  Timothy had to maintain a long campaign against false teaching.  His standing for the truth was a never ending commission.  Those who were teaching false doctrine may have been numerous.  They embraced many errors.  They may have had much belief in their teaching, that it was correct.  It required much time and effort.  What a charge.  Teach no other doctrine other than that taught by the apostles.  It is a continuous task to stand against false teaching.  It is a long term calling.  How can we stand up for the truth and expose falsehood today, to keep it outside the door of the church?  By taking a continuous stand and taking a continuous charge.  Speaking the truth and living before others continually.  Do not merely speak the truth but live it openly and honestly with one another.  Be sincere.

The charge was extended in verse 4 – “neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies”.  Commentators believe the word “fables” refers to superstitions that were started up by the Jewish rabbis.  Some of the Jews living in Ephesus came from Jerusalem and were still holding onto these superstitions.  There are many silly superstitions in our land today, especially from educated people who live by them.  They are not of the Lord.  Paul was telling Timothy to tell the people to pay no attention to such nonsense.  The child of God is not to believe in such.  “Superstition is godless religion.”  There is also the mention of genealogies.  Jewish teaching and tradition kept careful records that distinguished their tribes.  The Messiah came and therefore distinction was useless, pointless.  Paul feared Jewish converts would continue with these Jewish traditions.  To keep the record of blood and birth – what would it do?  It would cause division.  “which minister questions”.  We could apply it to our own generation and even into the church.  We live in a culture steeped in tradition.  There is nothing wrong with that but when it comes into the church and causes a great deal of controversy and division then there are problems.  We can be so set in our ways and methods.  How we do things.  When someone suggests something new the cry goes up “we cannot be doing that, we have done it that way for 40/50 years, we cannot change our tradition.”  It causes a great amount of controversy and division if allowed to.  “The devil falls in when the saints fall out.”  This is the point – we can be so traditional in our ways that we lose out on the spiritual.  Will our ways settle permanent truth?  Will they bring salvation to a precious soul?  Will they build us up in our faith?  That was the danger.  Do things never produce edification in the faith?  Paul urges them to devote themselves to the great truth of the Christian faith.  They will not divide the people of God.  They will bless and inspire faith.  God’s plan of redemption was never meant to stir up doubts and disputes among us, rather it was meant to produce faith in the heart and minds of men.  May we ever provoke everyone to love and good works – Hebrews 10 verse 24.

Paul’s charge to Timothy – stand for truth, expose falsehood.  The effective way of standing against false doctrine is by speaking truth to others and living the truth before others.  He also charged him to not pay heed to fables and endless genealogies.  So many are taken up with tradition.  It ought not to be.  Superstition is found nowhere in the scriptures.  Tradition can cause great division if allowed.

A danger of drifting

LIMAVADY INDEPENDENT METHODIST CHURCH

SERMON NOTES SUNDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2023 - REV W PARK

HEBREWS 2 VERSES 1 - 4, CHAPTER 5 VERSES 11 - CHAPTER 6 VERSE 3

The book of Hebrews is one of those books that some people find different that all the other books of the New Testament.  Unless you have a knowledge of Leviticus you might find it difficult to follow.  The book seeks to honour and exalt God.  It is unique above other books in the New Testament.  There is no named author although some say it was written by Pal.    Majority of commentators are not sure it was written by Paul because of its style nor is it the language Paul would use.  Some claim it was written by Barnabas, others Apollo, some even say it was Priscilla.  They left her name out because they thought it would damage the reputation of the book.  What we do know is it is inspired by God - "all scripture is given by inspiration of God."  The message has come from God himself.  The interesting thing about the book that makes it different from other epistles, it is the only one that does not identify where it was sent from or to where it was sent to exactly.  Other letters state it is to Corinth, Ephesus, Colosse or Galatia.  It doesn't tell us who it was but there is a little indication in the last chapter and last verse - chapter 13 verse 24 "Salute, all them that have the rule over you and all the saints.  They of Italy salute you."  who it was written to is more clear, it is very obviously to those of a Jewish background.  They worshipped as Jews, they were familiar with the worship system of the Jewish faith because the book speaks a lot of the temple, the altar, the covenant and many of the Jewish practices.  He shows that Christ is superior to all of those.  It is written to those who had already trusted God.  The other thing by way of background, it is not only written to those who had already trusted God - notice in verses 1, 2 and 3 the word "we".  He identified himself with the people - "we have heard" and "how shall we escape if we neglect".  Chapter 3 verse 1 "wherefore holy brethren partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus."  Chapter 4 verse 14 "let us hold fast our profession". Chapter 4 verse 1 "let us therefore fear".  In chapter 3 verse 12 he calls them "brethren".  Again for those reasons I believe it was not only written to those of a Jewish background but those already in Christ, not those who stopped short of coming to salvation.  There were those who had drifted and gone back, some had stayed as babes.  They were immature.  This background to the epistle helps us to understand something of what is written as a word of exhortation.  In chapter 13 verse 2 we read that this is a "brief word of exhortation."   Exhortation means to keep going on with Christ because there is a danger of drifting.  Our subject tonight is the danger of drifting in our spiritual experience.  Nero was the emperor.  He was ruthless in his persecution particularly of Christians.  Yes it was legal to be a Jew.  Yes it was legal to worship in the synagogue but it was not legal to meet as Christians together.  The people were thinking "if we went back to the synagogue we would be worshipping the same God and we could be spared much of the persecution and suffering."  The only problem was that before they were accepted back into the synagogue they had to renounce Jesus, deny that Jesus was the Messiah.  That explains why so much in this book speaks about Christ.  He is better than the angels and angels had a prominent place in Jewish religion.  He was better than Moses the lawgiver and Aaron the great high priest who offered a greater sacrifice.  He brought in the new covenant which is better than the old and is preparing us for a better sanctuary in heaven.  In comparing what Christ offers to the Jewish religion there is nothing to fall back to.  He was better even though it cost him something.  It was better to remain true and faithful to Christ.  There are lessons we an learn from that today.  The danger of drifting or exhortation to endurance - chapter 2 verse 1 "lest at any time we should let them slip".  Another translation says "lest at any time we drift away from it."  Many preaches and commentators use the illustration of a little boat tied in the harbour that slips its moorings.  The boat drifts away.  The danger of drifting.  I read a story some time ago of a student in America who had a few days off from college.  She decided to spend a day on the beach.  She packed her inflatable and when she arrived got it out.  She placed her drink in its holder and her mobile phone in the other. She put her earplugs in with her music to relax too.  She relaxed so much that she fell asleep and drifted.  When she woke again she found she had drifted 2 1/2 miles from where she had started out.  Fortunately she had her phone with her so was able to phone for help and was brought back to safety.  When we think of drifting we think of that story.

Firstly, when we drift we move away from where we once where.  There are those drifting away from the truths they were once taught.  They let them slip, they drifted away.  Perhaps the convictions they once held strong and were popular then, now the temptation is to let them slip.  Some drifted from the fellowship they once enjoyed.  The place where they once were, they are now going away from meeting with God's people.  Godly habits formed over time have drifted.  When we drift we move away from where we once were.  Tonight as we look back over the course of our spiritual journey can anyone say "I have drifted from where I once was."

Secondly, it happens incrementally - little by little.  They hardly notice it is happening, unintentionally.  It happens gradually, unnoticed, unintentionally.  They did not plan to do it.  C S Lewis "as a matter of fact if you examined 100 people who had lost their faith how many have been reasoned by honest argument, do not most of them drift away."

Thirdly, we move from where we once were, it happens gradually and unintentionally and we don't drift very far until we become helpless too.  The book of Hebrews is written as an exhortation to endurance.  A warning against the danger of drifting.  The possibility of drifting.  Many of us were saved and as young converts were full of it.  It was so very real.  We enjoyed the Lord and the fellowship of God's people.  We never had any intentions of drifting or going back or growing cold in our hearts but it did happen.  Not only does it happen to me but many others as well.  It is not usually young converts that drift but it is more often those settled in their way.  Slack and negligent about the things of God.  This book was not written to those who had stopped short of a right relationship with God.  The warning is to those who have a personal relationship with Christ who have drifted in their relationship.   It can happen to preachers - Demas a fellow worker with Paul left the faith "Demas hath forsaken me having loved this present world." (2 Timothy 4 verse 10) It did not happen all of a sudden.  The world got a grip on him.  He dropped out from the work of God.  It can happen to churches.  Remember the church at Ephesus in Revelation 2 verse 4 "I have somewhat against you, because you have left thy first love."  You don't love me the way you used to love me.  They had begun to drift.  Galatia - "ye did run well who did hinder you?" (Galatians 5 verse 7)  It is possible for this to happen.  Most of us have known well people that have drifted.  Beware of the danger of drifting.  That is why there is a warning.

The cost of drifting - what is it that causes us to drift?

Firstly, we lose our focus on Christ.  When we are reading the book of Hebrews we are reminded of the need to keep our eyes on Christ.  Chapter 2 verse 9, chapter 3 verse 1, chapter 12 verses 1 - 3. When we get our eyes off Christ something or someone else takes the place of Christ.  This is when we are in danger of drifting, the danger of getting away.  It can happen in the business world or in the family or in self seeking pleasure.  Some times the world gets in.  If we lose that singularness of heart for God that is when we begin to drift.  Our mind is occupied with things other than God.  It is a slippery slope and a dangerous place.

Secondly, there is a loss of discipline in our lives.  Paul said "I keep under my body and bring it in subjection; lest that by any means, when I have peached to others, I myself should be a cast away." (1 Corinthians 9 verse 27)  The natural physical appetites in the body - if we don't control and discipline them they can lead us astray.  They can master our human desires, master our interests.  We need to be in the prayer meeting and attending the weekly services.  We need to discipline our lives so that they don't take us away from things.

Thirdly, there is a loss of passion.  When we started out on our journey with Christ we had a passion for Christ.  When we lose that passion, that desire, that enthusiasm for the things of God that makes us begin to drift.  

In Hebrews 5 we read of the consequences of drifting.  What happens whenever we drift?

There is an inability to hear - verse 11.  Some had drifted within the church "seeing as ye are dull of hearing."  An inability to grasp spiritual truths.  There are some truths that are not easy to grasp.  There are some truths in the gospel we cannot understand it all from the beginning but as we grow God reveals more of it.  Then we can become dull or crowded in our mind.  Even pastors can make subjects complicated.  When God is speaking, unless the mind is open and keen to learn we do not grasp spiritual truths.

Secondly, it inhibits our usefulness for God - verse 12.  Here were people who should have been able to know how to teach others.  God should have been able to use them in his work as leaders.  Instead of being able to lead others they needed someone to come and teach them again.  They were still immature.  The bible speaks of us being in a battle.  You never put weaklings in a battle because they are not fit for it.  If they are still weak and immature they are not fit for battle.  They have to develop and learn until they become mature.  Then they will be sent out to win the battle.  Galatians 6 verse 1 "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted."  We need to be spiritual ourselves in order to do that.  

Thirdly, spiritual stagnation, never grow to maturity.  The consequences of spiritual drifting.

Recovering from spiritual drifting - chapter 6 verse 1.  Chapter 4 verse 11 "let us labour therefore to endure into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example."  Be diligent, honest in searching.  Chapter 12 verse 15 'looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you and thereby many be defiled.".  Let us resolve to go forward.

Respond to the dealings with God.  In chapter 12 we have the picture of earthly parents disciplining their children and the point is that we do it for their good.  In verse 11 we read that Christ disciplines us.  "Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous; nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby."  God disciplines us, chastises us, speaks to us.  When he puts his hand on our life we may not enjoy it but it is for our good - "it yieldeth peaceful fruit of righteousness"  We don't rebel or run from it, we yield to it, obey God and it bringeth the peaceful fruits of righteousness into our lives.

Haggai chapter 2 - a time of reflection, a time of resolve, a time of reassurance

LIMAVADY INDEPENDENT METHODIST CHURCH

SERMON NOTES FROM SUNDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2023

HAGGAI 2 VERSES 1 TO 9

By the time we reach the opening verses of this chapter, the Children of Israel had realised their waywardnes and submitted themselves to the will and word of God.  While working on constructing the temple the Lord has another word for them.  Their hands were maybe keen to do the work but their heads and hearts were not.  People were becoming discouraged, looking behind them.  They were thinking of previous victories and blessings.  In this reading they were assured of God's presence with them.  God reassured them.  They had no need to fear for the Lord was with them.  The timing of this message to Haggai on October 17th was the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles.  A period of time devoted to God, thanking God for the harvest and their time in the wilderness.  But this was also a reminder of King Solomon when he dedicated the first temple - 1 Kings 8 verse 2 "And all the men of Israel assembled themselves unto king Solomon at the feast in the month Ethanim, which is the seventh month."  Rather than being discouraged from building the temple they were reminded by Haggai that God was with them.  They were being encouraged.

A time of reflection - verse 3 "Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory ad how do ye see it now? is it not in our eyes in comparison of it as nothing."  In this verse the people are asked 3 searching questions.  They are asked to think backwards and then forwards.  There is a reference to the glory of the first temple.  It was addressed to the older generation of Jews.  Haggai was curious to know how many saw the construction and dedication of the first temple.  We know that the people were in captivity for 70 years and this chapter took place some 15 years after their return to the land and since the foundations had been laid for this temple.  There were young people participating in the construction of this temple who knew nothing of the previous temple.  They were not around when the glory of Solomon's temple was on display.  This was all a new work, they had never experienced it before.  They had a real zeal and excitement as they started building.  That was going to change.  They would no longer be enthusiastic.  They would become disappointed and their gusto would soon lag.  The older generation would be looking on at the work in the temple.  The more the building took shape the more their faces were put out of shape.  They were comparing Solomon's temple with all its gold.  The older people made their feelings known to the young men.  They could remember the gold and precious stone with its magnificent porch.  They were living in the past.  It blurred their vision for the future.  It is not wrong to reflect on past blessings but we shouldn't let it affect the present.  We can learn from the past but we are not to learn from the past.  A grandmother was telling her grandchild the stories of the bible when her granddaughter said "wasn't God exciting then?"  Perhaps that is how many of us feel today.  God is no longer exciting.  He was only for a past age.  Too many Christians are focused not on what God is going to do in the present and future but rather look to the past.  Do you believe that what God is able to do in the past he is able to do in the present and future?  It weakened the hands of the young men who were working.  What desire would they have to press onwards when their old men were looking backwards?  Let's look forward - Ecclesiastes 7 verse 10 "Say not thou, what is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this." Let's look to the future with expectancy and anticipation.  A time of reflection

A time of resolve - verse 4 "Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the Lord and be strong O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest and be strong all ye people of the land, saith the Lord and work; for I am with you, saith the Lord of hosts."  After facing much discouragement they were to receive encouragement to the soul.  This took the form of a threefold encouragement to 3 different categories of people - "be strong O Zerubbabel", "be strong O Joshua" and "be strong all ye people."  Although the message was the same it was personal to every group of people.  God wanted this people to continue on and finish it.  There were no drop outs in the Lord's work.  Even with all the discouragement.  It is one thing to start something and another to finish it.  There are many casualties, many who never finished their calling.  Dropped out because of discouragement and disillusionment.  Maybe you are on the verge of giving up.  You started out well and yet received so many knocks.  You were tempted to give up and walk away.  That is not what the Lord wants from those called by him.  He expects his own people to finish building the temple.  When God calls us to do something for him we must strive on and finish the work.  Paul said "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4 verse 7)  Discouragement will come, there is no question of that but may we be determined with God's help to finish the course.  The people of God who were working had no need to be discouraged.  They had the presence of God with them  That is the greatest encouragement anyone can have when labouring for the Lord.  It came with a freshness to the people of Israel.  It was not the first time they had been told this - chapter 1 verse 13 "I am with you saith the Lord."  He had told them then that he would be with them.  He sought to give them encouragement, to be a strong consolation.  Maybe you need that fresh word of encouragement today.  Whatever you are doing for the Lord he is with you.  When you give your testimony, share with a work colleague, hand out a tract, stand before a Sunday School class or preach the word of God.  He is before us, he is around us, he is behind us.  "Fear thou not for I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." (Isaiah 41 verse 10)  The leaders of the people of Israel who were involved in this great work were assured of his presence but also of his power - verse 5 "According to the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, so my spirit remaineth among you, fear ye not."  God was reminding them once again that they would be empowered with the Holy Ghost.  We need that power to do anything for Christ today.  Philippians 2 verse 13 "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure."  If we are going to be used as instruments of God we need to rely on the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Often people are so strong in their own minds that God cannot use them.  Think of King Uzziah - 2 Chronicles 26 verse 15 "And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong."  When we are weak before God we will be empowered by God.  "If God were to take the Holy Spirit out of the world much of what we are doing in our churches would go right on and no-one would know the difference." A W Tozer.  As we go forward to build the kingdom of God we need the Spirit of God, the power and presence of God.  They will be ours if we depend on the Lord.

A time of reassurance - verses 6 and 7 "For thus saith the Lord of hosts, Yet once, it is a little while and I will shake the heavens and the earth, and the sea and the dry land. And I will shake all nations and the desire of all nations shall come; and I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts."  Haggai was looking forward to the second coming of Christ.  God will shake the nations and come in mighty power.  The unbeliever dreads this event because God will have ultimate control.  The believer does not fear this day because the future is in God's hand.  The words 'the desire of all nations' refers to both the Christian and Jewish nation.  The title is used by both to refer to the Messianic title of God.  He is the one people yearn for.  The Lord is the only one who can fulfil the deepest longing of the earth and bring peace to the world.  He is the only one who will satisfy our soul.  The Lord Jesus Christ is peace.  The Lord assured these people of his provision in time of deprivation - verse 8 "The silver is mine and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts."  The workers building the temple had no need to worry about getting supplies.  They would receive it from the hand of the Lord when they needed it.  This gave them courage to continue on with their work.  God will not supply us with resources for a lifetime of work in a day.  He will provide it for our needs day by day.  Knowing that truth should make us more willing to work for him.  "My God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4 verse 19)  There would come a time when Zerubbabel's temple would be destroyed.  Some would ask the question "what is the point of rebuilding the temple if ultimately it was going to fall?"  "It is better to fail in an endeavour you will ultimately succeed in than succeed in an endeavour you know will ultimately fail." Warren Wiersbe.  There would be a more glorious temple in its place that no-one could destroy or defile.  The weakened hands would be strengthened to complete the work.  May we not be discouraged by living in the past.  We are living in a new day.  We need to wait for strength for today, don't allow it to blur our vision for the future.  What God has done in the past he can do in the future.  The times may change but the Lord never changes, he is the same yesterday, today and forever.  May we not only reflect on the good old days but may we strive for good days yet to come.  May we strive for God to encourage us, help us, provide for us.  A time of reflection.  A time of resolve.  A time of reassurance.

Israel - a land that will not go away

 

SUNDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2023

LIMAVADY BAPTIST CHURCH

PASTOR DENIS LYLE

READING: JEREMIAH 31 vs 31 – 40

ISRAEL – THE NATION THAT WILL NOT GO AWAY

Israel not the United States, not Russia, not United Kingdom, not Ulster is the most important nation on the earth.  Why?  You cannot understand the future, or biblical prophecy or the whys and wherefores and workings of God if you do not understand Israel.  The word Israel is found 2565 times in 2293 verses in KJV.  Jerusalem is mentioned 811 times in 764 times. The Jew is God’s yardstick, God’s measuring rod, God’s blueprint, God’s plan for the future.  Israel is God’s alarm clock.  In Ezekiel 5 verse 5 we read “Thus saith the Lord Jesus this is Jerusalem, I have set in the midst of the nations and countries that are round about her.”  Israel is set in the midst of 3 continents where Europe and Asia and Africa merge together.  It is the spiritual centre of the world.  Here the Lord Jesus was born, here he lived and here he died, and it is here he ascended back to heaven.  One day he will return back from heaven to live and rule and reign.  The Muslim race, the Islamic race and the Christian race all claim their spiritual capital as Jerusalem.  Israel is the prophetical centre of the world.  The bible could be summed up in 3 words - Jesus, Jerusalem and Jews – all inextricably interwoven.  Israel is the geographical centre of the world, the spiritual centre of the world, the prophetical centre of the world but Israel is also the political centre of the world.  Here Armageddon, the last great war will be fought.  Israel we justly confess Amazing Grace, and Amazing Place.  What God has done for that nation, to that nation, for that nation, through that nation is remarkable.  As a race the Jew was old when Rome was young.  Is it not remarkable that he has outlived every nation that has persecuted him?  Is it not remarkable that in the field of endeavour the Jew has known outstanding success?  Is it not remarkable that he has defined the laws of history and preserved his racial identity though scattered in 100 countries for hundreds and hundreds of year?  Even though her neighbours outnumber her 50 to 1 she has proved militarily stronger than anyone.  Israel is the nation that will not go away for 3 reasons.

 

Israel is the nation that will not go away because of its past history.  Jeremiah 31 verse 1 “at the same time” refers to God restoring Israel to her land.  God loved this nation, called her, enriched her, blessed her.  The history of Israel is unique.  The history of other nations was written largely after it happened.  Israel was written before.  The selection of this nation relates to a race.  So many have said “how odd of God to choose the Jews.”  When God called Abraham he gave him a promise – Genesis 12 verse 1 – 3.  Interestingly I believe that still holds.  Those who bless Israel will be blessed.  Those who curse Israel will be cursed.  Personal blessings – “I will bless thee.”  Universal blessing – “in thee shall all the nations be blessed.”   National blessing – “I will make of thee a great nation.”  Through the seed of Abraham we have the Saviour, the scriptures, an ethical code that most of nations use, the decalogue, the 10 Commandments.  The fulfilment of national blessings still have to be realised.  God promised Abraham a seed – Genesis 17 verse 15.  Islam claims that Ishmael had the right of inheritance to the Promised Land but God promised Abraham that he would have a son who would be the heir.  Abraham was 100 years old, Sarah was 90 years of age.  Reproductive powers were dead – is anything too hard for the Lord?  Abraham believed God.  Ishmael was not the son of God’s promise.  He was the son of Abraham’s and Sarah’s unbelief.  It is God who holds the title deeds to the land of Israel.  When Isaac was born the promise was conferred to him.  He had 2 sons Esau and Jacob, the promise was reiterated to Jacob.  Jacob had 12 sons – all these are the tribes of Israel.  When the Jews went down to Egypt there were 70 people, when they came out there were 2.5 million.  They were chosen because of a choice. They are chosen because they are chosen by God. Their selection relates to a place, one particular place - Israel is both the name of a people and a land.  The most important place to play in God’s prophetic plan.  “A land which the Lord thy God careth for: the eyes of the Lord thy God are always upon it from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year.” (Deuteronomy 11 verse 12)  The donation of the land – “unto a land that I will shew thee.”  Genesis 15 verses 18 – 21 the dimensions of the land.  Far beyond the present dimensions of the land.  That would embrace an area 2 and half times the size of Great Britain and Ireland.  Exodus 3 verse 8 a description of the land – “a land flowing with milk and honey.”  Genesis 13 verse 15 the duration of Israel’s tenure in the land – “to thy seed forever.”  God has put a reservation mark on the land, has reserved it for Israel.  The title deed was signed by God 4000 years ago.  The Jews are continually identified as the chosen people belonging to the God of Israel, the God of the bible.  He is called the God of Israel 203 times and he is never called the God of any other nation.  What blessings the Lord has bestowed upon this nation.   Notice the defection of this nation – when God founded the nation of Israel he gave Israel 4 things – a land, a law, a language, a Lord but Israel defiled the land, they defied the law, deserted the language and they denied the Lord because of their rebellion against the Lord.  He allowed them to be taken from the land as a chastisement and a discipline The Lord predicted this to happen - “For it shall come to pass that as the Lord rejoiced over you to do you good and to multiply you; so the Lord will rejoice over you to destroy you, and to bring you to  nought; and ye shall be plucked from off the land whither thou goest to possess it.  And the Lord shall scatter thee among all people, from the one end of the earth even unto the other, and there thou shalt serve other gods; which neither thou nor thy fathers have known even wood and stone.  And among these nations shalt thou find no ease, neither shall the sole of thy foot have rest.” What God predicted actually happened.  Israel rebelled and was rejected God.  She was overwhelmed by pagan nations.  They were deported from the land.  After the death of Solomon in 930 BC the kingdom was divided.  The northern kingdom in 722 BC was taken into Assyria, the southern taken into Babylon in 597BC.  After 70 years they returned and remained for 600 years until 70 AD when the national scattering was completed.  “And they shall fall by the edge of the sword and shall be led away captive into all nations and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.” (Luke 21 verse 24)  For 2000 years the Jews have been dispersed, dispelled, displaced and despised by the other nations.  God is not through with the Jews.  The correction of this nation.  God disciplines his covenant people but never rejects them Psalm 89 verse 32 “Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes.  Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fall.  My covenant will not break, not alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.  Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David.  His seed shall endure for ever and his throne as the sun before me.  It shall be established for ever as the moon and as a faithful witness in heaven”  A great principle – discipline is not denial, discipline is not dispersal.  Jeremiah 31 verse 10 “Hear the word of the Lord, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock.”  Ezekiel 36 verse 24 “For I will take you from among the heathen and gather you out of all countries and will bring you into your own land.”  The Jew cannot be eliminated or assimilated.  Where are the Philistines, Hittites, Amelikites and Assyrians today? They are no more but the Jew still stands.  14 May 1948, a most important date when a nation was born, a nation that was dead and dormant was raised.  Protection of this nation.  When the Jewish state was born and recognised by United National there were 650,000 Jews living in the land, surrounded by 40 million Arabs.  The Jews fought and won against such opposition.  In 1967 the famous war 6 Day War, Israel were outnumbered but they had defeated Egypt, Syria and Jordan.  They amassed 3 times the land by the time the war was ended.  There is an invisible hand on these people.  Israel is military strong, economically robust and spiritually active.  Sheer providence.  Israel is indestructible people.  Jeremiah 31 verse 35.  “then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me for ever.  Thus saith the Lord; if heaven above can be measured and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done.”  Israel is the nation that will not go away because of its past history.

 

Secondly, Israel is a nation that will not go away because of its present reality.  God is working out his plan tonight for the Jews.  There is the sign of a revived nation.  3 different trees are used in the bible to speak of the Jewish people – the vine (her past), the olive (her future) and the fig tree (her present.  “Behold the fig tree and all the trees.  When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is no nigh at hand.  So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away till all be fulfilled.” (Luke 21 verses 29 – 32)  The fig tree Is blossoming.  “Israel shall blossom and bud and fill the face of the world with fruit.” (Isaiah 27 verse 6)  Rocks are being turned into diamonds, dry land into farm land.  The law has been reinstituted.  The foundation of their law, the Sabbath has been established and it is the law of the land.  Many restaurants are closed and buses don’t run, televisions are not turned on.  The language has been resurrected.  The 39 books of the Old Testament were written in Hebrew.  Paul testified that God spoke to him in Hebrew (Acts 26 verse 14) yet it is a dead language.  Ben-Yehuda was one man who had the vision to revive the language but until 23/9 1922 it was not recognised as a language in the world.  The Jews also succeed.  God has left a mark on history.  Not great number 1/10^th of 1% percent of world is Jewish.  We are affected by Jews every day in our medicine (the inventor of aspirin was Jewish), the founder of the Salvation Army had a Jewish mother and the scientist Albert Einstein came from Jewish parents.  When you look at the Jewish nation there is a sign of a restored nation.  Every year the Jews in exile pledge to each other “next year in Jerusalem.”  “If I forget thee of Jerusalem let my right hand forget her cunning.  If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.” (Psalm 137 verses 5 and 6)  The whole city is in the hand of Israel, Jerusalem is the eternal capital much to consternation of Palestinians.  The times of the Gentiles will end when God comes in great power.  In the 6 Day War Israel defeated the Arabs – never imagined would take so little time to do so.   The Jew is back in the land Jerusalem.  Jerusalem belongs to the Jew tonight.  The signs all seem to say his coming is not far away.  The sign of a rebuilt temple.  The aspirations of Jews are expressed in a prayer said each day.  Jewish people are worshipping at the western wall today, the only bit left of Herod’s temple.  The bible prophesises the rebuilding of temple.

 

Israel is a nation that will not go away because of its prophetic destiny.  Is God through with the Jews?  Has God cast away his people.  Romans 11 verse 1.  Many say the church has replaced Israel.  It is called replacement theology.  “Hast God cast his people? God forbid.”  In other words “may it never be”.  The strongest negative declaration in the bible – never!  Jeremiah 31 verse 31 “Behold the days come saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah ….I will remember their sin no more.”  It is going to happen.  How?  4 things.  Israel will be restored to the land.  Are we not witnessing a continuation of that restoration today – today there are millions of Jews in Israel.  Is Israel to be restored to the land – yes.  Israel has a population of 7 million Jews today and they are still coming home.  Israel will be reassured of the antichrist – “And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.” (Daniel 9 verse 27).  There will be a peace settlement in the Middle East to end the Arab Israeli conflict for ever thereby guaranteeing Jewish security.  The temple will be rebuilt – the Jews will be deceived into believing it is the Messiah that has come but during the 7 year period of the anti-Christ, Israel will return to the land, refined through the tribulation.  One of the great purposes is to purify Israel, there will be a time of great trouble for Israel when rebelliousness will be purged.  Refined through the nation.  Redeemed and restored by the Lord.  Zechariah 14 verse 2 “For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then shall the Lord go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle.”  The Lord will come at the last minute when the nations will be gathered against Israel.  At that moment Israels response “And I will pour upon the house of David and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications; and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.” The scales of blindness will fall from Israels eyes and their hearts will be softened to the Lord.  They will be saved spiritually and physically.  God’s programme for the end is concerned with Israel’s blindness “for I would not have you ignorant.”  The blindness of Israel is not permanent.  The fullness of Gentiles will come in.  When the Lord comes to the air the fullness of Gentiles will be fulfilled.  The veil of blindness will be removed from the Jews.  They will see Jesus as he really is.  One day they will recognise Jesus as the Messiah.  So all Israel shall be saved.  The only hope for Israel is not in a land but in the Lord.  Not in missiles, not in might, not in money, not in manpower, not in a master, not in the USA, not in the UK.  Their only hope is in a person and his name is Jesus.  The king is coming - are you ready?  Are you saved?