We shall look at the significance of these three mentioned in the Parable.
The vine in the parable did not want to lord over men. The joy that wine gave was unlike anything like wooing the ungovernable and wicked like the trouble sea. No one ever ruled over hoi polloi and laid aside reins unscathed. In nature rabble were like snarling dogs when checked. Oh no the vine that the Lord gave was heavenly. "The vine that makes the heart of men glad" (Ps.104:15) is associated with Jesus Christ, the true Vine. "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."( John 15:5)
Fig tree is a metaphor for Israel. "I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness; I saw your fathers as the firstripe in the fig tree at her first time:"(Hos.9:10)
Finally the olive tree is set down in the Bible for the Spirit found it as a tree planted by God. Its oil which make the grace of God work effectively so worship of man is found pleasing in His sight. God instructed Moses and we read thus: "The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee" (Nu.6:24)
The significance of face in the Scripture is spiritual interface between God and man.God a Spirit (and the invisible) assures,"I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye."(Ps.32:8; "knowledge in the face of Jesus Christ"-2 Co.4:6)
'The Spirit moved upon the face of the waters.'Here face is where God can work with 'the waters'. So the olive tree is synonymous for man to know God and grow in the knowledge of the glory of God. The burning bush from which God called out Moses is an apt illustration. Having said this let us look at the olive tree mentioned by St Paul in Romans Ch.11. "but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy."(11:11)
Hi Jema. I have to say I honestly don't understand your reasoning. If the 10 commandments were only for the Jews, then why do Gentiles obey 9 of them even today? You say to love God and others "hang on all the laws and prophets (which is true) then you negate that by saying they were only for the Jews?? Also, you and others in thus discussion keep calling the Commandments of God laws. They are not laws, those were the statues, ordinances and laws God gave to Moses to expand on the Commandments for the Jews to fully understand. If these Commandment and what He gave Moses weren't for the Gentils of the OT then what justification did God have to punish the heathen Gentils? He had justification because there were always men who believed and lived Godly lives from the time of Adam to tell them and show them. After the Commandments and laws were given they knew even more of God and who He was. Christ became the one and only needed sacrificial Lamb for our salvation, so, of course, sacrificial laws were done away with but, obviously, the 10 Comandments weren't. If you don't believe the 2 new Commandments that Jesus gave us don't teach us the same as the 10 Commandments then please give me a scriptural reason why and explain why we still obey them today. The reason the Commandments weren't laws is because laws can be rewritten, added to or abolished but the Commandments were written by God with His own hand and they can't be treated as laws unless mankind disobediently tries to unsuccessfully. My point about this whole discussion with everyone is God commands us to take a good, relaxing rest one day a week. It is a wonderful command. Way do believers not want to obey it? You can if you trust God to make the way.
What do you think, in the light of the scripture, is going to happen to Israel and the Jews?
Please pray for us to choose our contractor wisely. We have two bids now, maybe a third. We just want to choose the one who will do good work in a timely way for us. as we repair the damage of the leak we had a week or so ago.
Hey Momsage, it is an exercise in futility. You see my "unkindness" earlier in this? As was mentioned before, you can tell the vast wisdom of scriptual "enlightenment" that some on here have acquired? Oh yes, massive dissertations, pages of deep understanding into the deepest depths of scripture. Knowledge far surpassing any of us, "childlike" people. 2 Peter 3:16 comes to mind. So smart and can't even discern Paul's teachings about the ceremonial law and the moral law. Shake the dust off your feet, I've been through this before, they too scared to walk out in faith in this truth, simple as that. Too busy "explaining" it away, the ONE commandment that starts with remember, these highly "skilled" deep thinking bible "scholars" try to teach people to forget. So be it, the Lord will judge.
If I'm misunderstanding what you are saying, I apologize. But if not, I find your comments very harsh and insulting to me as a true believer in Christ. To accuse me of these harsh things is hard to understand just because I am sure God intended for mankind to take a day off once a week and rest. I can't possible understand how you can believe the 10 commandments are not perfect, written by the hand of a perfect God. They are only given for the good of mankind from a good God. Jesus did give the 2 new commandments but he just simply combined the 10 into 2. The first one tells us to love God with all our hearts, minds and souls, this covers the first 4 of the 10; worship the one true God, do not use His name as a cuss word, don't worship false gods, and devote one day a week to rest in Him. The second one covers the last 6 which deals with treating your fellowman with how you would want to be treated; honor your parents, don't kill (ratsach: murder, slay) (even in your heart as Jesus also added), no adulatry (including in your heart as Jesus also added), no stealing, no lying ( little or big) and no coveting.
I was very hesitant to reply to you because of the unkind way you expressed your opinion, I wanted to ignore you, but I didn't because others will read your reply and I feel, in righteous indignation. that I need to debunk what you have accused me of. If you are going to accuse someone of being a heretic and holding on to garbage learned in a cult (I was never in a cult) you are being insulting and should not be on this forum which calls for kindness and love. You didn't do that. I am a true Christian, dedicated to my precious Lord and I do live my life as He would want me to based only on His word, and please don't come back with a snarky "you must think your perfect then," because I'm not. I do have my weaknesses and faults (not sins) but the Holy Spirit is always helping me to overcome them and is helping me to grow in the Lord. Again, if I am wrong, sorry.
Fear not according to a site online (I won't name it in case that is an issue) is listed 365 times in the Bible. I am aware of the message of the angels about Christ the Savior being born to the shepherds as the verse which Charles Schultz included in the famous Peanuts Christmas story when Linus dropped the security blanket as a symbolic gesture.
Of course Franklin Roosevelt gave the quote "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself." That is true to some extent; because the enemy of our souls can only do what God allows; but of course the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; which is found in numerous scriptural passages as well. It has been said that the opposite of fear is faith; and of course true love casts out fear ( 1 John 4:18). This is something only the Lord can give; for Jesus Himself had martyrdom to face daily; and Revelation 2:10 is one example given for the church; as well as the verse where Christ said to not fear what can be done to the body but the one who can cast body and soul into hell. ( Matthew 10:28). The enemy also likes to remind us as the accuser of the brethern of our sins and our condemnation which Christ took at the cross for true believers. (see Revelation 12:10). The Lord will convict us when we grieve the Spirit but that is out of love. The power of sin is death ( 1 Cor. 15:56). Jesus overcame death and the grave and took our sins on Himself at Calvary. We need to be daily reminded of these basic Gospel truths as we can become hardened to it for various reasons.
There is hope for us after death and hope is for things yet unseen ( Hebrews 11:1). Surely with the world in the state it is today we need that future expectation for any joy to be maintained; whether emotionally or as a fruit of the Spirit. Being part of the BODY of Christ is imperitive as to our identity so that we may together strive for unity in fulfilling the Great Commission and prayer and fellowship with one another for strength.
We come before you today with humble hearts and grateful spirits. We thank you for the blessings you have bestowed upon us, for the love you have shown us, and for the gift of life itself.
We pray for those who are suffering, and for those who need healing, comfort, and strength. May they feel your presence and know that they are not alone.
We pray for those who are struggling with fear, doubt, and uncertainty. May they find peace in your promises and hope in your unfailing love.
We pray for our world, for the leaders of our countries, and for those who work tirelessly to bring about justice, peace, and unity. May your wisdom guide them in all their decisions, and may they work towards the greater good of all people.
Thanks so much for your replies to me , I have enjoyed reading them and appreciate your time and energy . One thing I would say is that not all the Jews rejected Jesus , the common people heard him gladly and the first Christians were of course , Jewish people . Thanks again , I always enjoy your posts .
From the discussion let me conclude by saying that God called us before the worlds began .
1. God's Will is complete
and the cloud of witnesses is a visible manifestation of the will of God. God's will would never need correction. But one third of the stars falling of applies believers who either received the Son and who shall abide in him by faith or rejected him. Three is a Command number to indicate the Son.
All the blessings of God continue from the sixth day. It is unstoppable. So when a voice from heaven announces,"Behold the tabernacle of God is among men" it is the body the Bride and it is descending to the mid-air. Jerusalem and Israel as political entities are finished. They are cast off as reprobate silver. (Re.21:3) God's Will is fulfilled by the Son. All those who were broken off were determined by their response to Christ Jesus.
2. Trees of righteousness is different than the Olive tree (Ro.11)
God blessed Abraham accordingly. "All families in earth do not mean Israel exclusively. (Ge.12:3) Abraham believed and it was counted to him for righteousness. Faith is the DNA that Israel did not show. Their rejection brings the Gentiles to the fore.
St Paul talks about grafting. It is about physical and not of the true Vine that Jesus Christ represents.
3. There is only one foundation for the Church
Wild olive branches carry Babylon, Medeo- Persia Rome. With the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD the miry clay refers to the Christian church founded on a pagan foundation, All the heresies that are being aired in this forum owe to the confusion. Miry clay is not of the body of Christ.
John 15:1-5 "true Vine" "Without me you can do nothing" This is addressed to miry clay who say they are Christians but rejecting the Power of God and the doctrine of Christ. What do they end up a mongrel church so Israel or USA as nations play prominent role. There are only two nations: nation of saints in light or children of wrath.
Asking for extra strong protection, peace, joy, love, strength, wisdom, righteousness, deliverance, healing, salvation (for those not saved), and an outpouring of the Holy Spirit for us and all in need.
You write about,"Israel is one nation . So in the old testament when God talks about Israel , He isn't just talking about physical Israel , the Jews , He's talking about us Christians also that have been grafted in."
When God talks about Israel he speaks about Christians as well. "That the Lord appeared to Solomon the second time, as he had appeared unto him at Gibeon./And the Lord said unto him, I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication, that thou hast made before me: I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put my name there for ever; and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually. "(1 Ki.9:2-3) When the Spirit writes,'perpetually' or forever it is with reference to the Son. In the night vision of Daniel, we have God giving one like unto the Son of man, "And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed." (Dan.7:13-14). Before the worlds began this everlasting kingdom has been given to the Son. Psalm 2 refers to the decree and his dominion.
However 'the Christians have been grated is not about the true Vine Christ was talking about. Olive tree is not vine. One is earthy and the other is heavenly. St Paul is talking about olive tree planted by God from which Israel has been broken off and 'wild olives' are graffed in. It is more appropriate in terms of grafting to think in terms of the king's dream where iron and miry clay try to fit with each other.
Another point to mention is the lost sheep of Israel they would have none of Jesus Christ. So the Spirit introduces Seventy other disciples ( Luke 10) there is no mention of Israel for a reason. They were cast off. Luke 10 refers to 'After these thing' He is referring to the kingdom of God. "No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." (9:62)
You make a point here "why did Christ need to fulfil the law by loving God and us to the extent that he laid down his life , as God asked him to , for our sakes ? This makes me think that Jesus fulfilled the law of Moses for the benefit of the children of Israel , for their salvation."
Jesus Christ is the Savior of the mankind. So Israel is included. He fulfilled the Law of Moses as well. Thus after healing the leper he said,"but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them." (Matt.8:4). After the multiplying loaves and fishes we read so many baskets of broken bread were gathered. 12 and seven baskets were testimony to his Father of the Gospel for which his body as the Word become flesh and as testimony to the Word. Number Seven explains fulfillment and his origin as the Lord from heaven. (Satan has Seven heads and seven crowns; so has the beast as the son of perdition the same number Re.12:3;13:1- Seven indicates his origin as fallen angel). Humanity of Jesus demanded testimony to his Father in heaven while his human parent observed the Law of Moses concerning his birth.
God of Israel applies only to the nation of Israel while we are adopted into the Fellowship of God with Man for which both Gentile and Israel are included. So no exclusivity exists for Israel per se. Faith in both cases determine the DNA of parentage. Israel must pass the paternity test as any other. God of all mercies apply to man. Gospel of John speaks of the Law of Moses; alongside he adds, Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ which explains a different approach for us. Law of Moses are done away with for good.
Yes I agree , the two commandments are to love God and to love everyone as we love ourselves , on these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets . Then I think about who the law was given to....the Israelites . The law was not for us gentiles , it wasn't given to us gentiles . We are and have always been under the grace of God , who has always made the sun to shine on the just and on the unjust and He still does . Grace and Truth came through Christ . So....the question is , why did Christ need to fulfil the law by loving God and us to the extent that he laid down his life , as God asked him to , for our sakes ? This makes me think that Jesus fulfilled the law of Moses for the benefit of the children of Israel , for their salvation . Jesus came first and foremost for the lost sheep of the house of Israel who were ( supposed to be ) living under the law of Moses . We heathen have always been a law unto ourselves , only surviving by the grace of God . For sure Christ died for us and our sins but we were never under the law , the law was for natural Israel . We are under the Grace of God which gives us the light of life in Christ , we no longer walk in darkness and ignorance . We are one with the Israelites , in Christ . If we are Christ's then are we Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise . Israel is one nation . So in the old testament when God talks about Israel , He isn't just talking about physical Israel , the Jews , He's talking about us Christians also that have been grafted in . Just as there is no make or female there is no Jew or gentile , we are one in Christ . So all the future prophecies about 'Israel' are about physical Israel the Jews and spiritual Israel us Christians . We are all the Israel of God . None of us are preeminent , we are one body .
I am surprised that you still hold on "ALL of the 10 commandments were given to mankind until the end. We obey all of them except the 4th. Some believers say Sunday is suppose to be that day."
Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the Law and his death and resurrection opened the Way. It is what we believe as entering into the rest of God. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away."(1 Co.13:10) How often so called believers though claim to the liberty which is in Christ carry, also their 'baggage' as Rachel did. (Ge.31:34) so Roman Catholics may leave behind Mariolatry but clutch something else. In all humility I ask you to examine your life in order to see if you are struggling under an error. In the 80s I was with a cult group and a decade or so after leaving it it gave me great many shocks their pernicious teachings could spring up in unguarded moments.
Jesus reduced the ten commandments into two. He did it as the Lord of the heaven and as the Word become flesh. The great dragon had ten horns and the Command number 10 merely an indication of judgment. Satan is already judged. Similarly the beast (Re.13:1). "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;/Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;" (1 Ti.4:1-4) It is thus those who follow doctrine of the devils have their consciences seared as with hot iron: Number Ten. Be not deceived Momsage.
"Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified."(Gal.2:16) Faith means resting in the promises of God. This is what abiding in Christ means.
Hi Jema. Your comment made me so sad. What you expressed is the exact result of why the Sabbath was abolished by Satan. Not that what you're doing is sin, I just mean the result of Christians abandoning this commandment to live the privilege of having this day of rest every week is no longer believed it can even be lived because of his deceitfulness, but it can. May I say, please stop wishing for it and start praying instead :) and believing for it. God knows in your heart you want to obey Him in this and He WILL make a way. Of Course, I don't know what things keep you so busy that you can't find this rest but I do know a good, good, God who gives us the desires of our hearts, especially, when it is a desire to please Him in obedience. If you understand God's intentions for this commandment you will understand that it was commanded and told to be "remembered" for our own special needs as a human. God knew that a day to rest with Him and family and at times Christian friends in fellowship would refresh us mentally, physically and spiritually until He returns. ALL of the 10 commandments were given to mankind until the end. We obey all of them except the 4th. Some believers say Sunday is suppose to be that day. This is fine but they imply the commandment was given for fellowship and worship like a church service when all God asked was for us to rest on that dayn to cease from our labor. The early church did follow the Sabbath, resting from their labor and also gathering together to break bread and worship. What better day to do that and also be in obedience to God then on the Sabbath? I'm not going to pray that God will grant your wish, but answer your prayer in providing this blessing for you. As you pray, just believe and let God do the work, don't try to figure it out for yourself as we are all so tempted to do. I love you dear sister and I look forward to seeing what God has planned for you. Jerimiah 29:11 God Bless :)
I have been blessed by the Holy Spirit to have this love for God and a strong desire to learn from His word all my life. These two blessings have been like hedges beside me to guide me down the path of life. These "hedges" kept me from straying too far to the left or right and kept me going forward in my walk with our Lord. I could look back to see that path I had traveled, but being made short of stature, not being able to see over the "hedge" to see much of what the world was doing has kept my desires for worldiness in check. Yet, I have not walked perfectly with God as Jesus always did, and so thus I need Him every day to help me stay away from the "prodigal road".
The church of Jesus is made up believers whose path in life is unique to them. Many have gone down the prodigal road and were drawn back into the life of the church in Jesus Others were dead to God through adulthood when they were made alive in Him through the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit. Others, like myself, were brought up by believing parents who taught us and went to church with us so that all of our childhood was deeply rooted in the faith. Some with this kind of upbringing have had a fervent walk with Christ, and others, nominally until the Holy Spirit lit a fire of faith and desire in them to follow God, no turning back, others have stayed the course of faith strongly all their life like I have. But it is the same God who elects, calls, saves, and sanctifies all of us. He will glorify us with Christ in the resurrection when we get the fullness of our inheritance in Christ.
God bless my sister-in-law Nancy so that she will be free from transient ischemic attacks (TIA's) and strokes in the future, and recover fully without any lingering aftereffects. Made the good Lord Bless her so that the soft mass in her abdomen is benign and of no consequence, and grant her good health and happiness. Amen!
The Vine, the Olive and the Fig
We shall look at the significance of these three mentioned in the Parable.
The vine in the parable did not want to lord over men. The joy that wine gave was unlike anything like wooing the ungovernable and wicked like the trouble sea. No one ever ruled over hoi polloi and laid aside reins unscathed. In nature rabble were like snarling dogs when checked. Oh no the vine that the Lord gave was heavenly. "The vine that makes the heart of men glad" (Ps.104:15) is associated with Jesus Christ, the true Vine. "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."( John 15:5)
Fig tree is a metaphor for Israel. "I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness; I saw your fathers as the firstripe in the fig tree at her first time:"(Hos.9:10)
Finally the olive tree is set down in the Bible for the Spirit found it as a tree planted by God. Its oil which make the grace of God work effectively so worship of man is found pleasing in His sight. God instructed Moses and we read thus: "The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee" (Nu.6:24)
The significance of face in the Scripture is spiritual interface between God and man.God a Spirit (and the invisible) assures,"I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye."(Ps.32:8; "knowledge in the face of Jesus Christ"-2 Co.4:6)
'The Spirit moved upon the face of the waters.'Here face is where God can work with 'the waters'. So the olive tree is synonymous for man to know God and grow in the knowledge of the glory of God. The burning bush from which God called out Moses is an apt illustration. Having said this let us look at the olive tree mentioned by St Paul in Romans Ch.11. "but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy."(11:11)
What do you think, in the light of the scripture, is going to happen to Israel and the Jews?
God Bless :)
Please pray for us to choose our contractor wisely. We have two bids now, maybe a third. We just want to choose the one who will do good work in a timely way for us. as we repair the damage of the leak we had a week or so ago.
I was very hesitant to reply to you because of the unkind way you expressed your opinion, I wanted to ignore you, but I didn't because others will read your reply and I feel, in righteous indignation. that I need to debunk what you have accused me of. If you are going to accuse someone of being a heretic and holding on to garbage learned in a cult (I was never in a cult) you are being insulting and should not be on this forum which calls for kindness and love. You didn't do that. I am a true Christian, dedicated to my precious Lord and I do live my life as He would want me to based only on His word, and please don't come back with a snarky "you must think your perfect then," because I'm not. I do have my weaknesses and faults (not sins) but the Holy Spirit is always helping me to overcome them and is helping me to grow in the Lord. Again, if I am wrong, sorry.
Of course Franklin Roosevelt gave the quote "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself." That is true to some extent; because the enemy of our souls can only do what God allows; but of course the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; which is found in numerous scriptural passages as well. It has been said that the opposite of fear is faith; and of course true love casts out fear ( 1 John 4:18). This is something only the Lord can give; for Jesus Himself had martyrdom to face daily; and Revelation 2:10 is one example given for the church; as well as the verse where Christ said to not fear what can be done to the body but the one who can cast body and soul into hell. ( Matthew 10:28). The enemy also likes to remind us as the accuser of the brethern of our sins and our condemnation which Christ took at the cross for true believers. (see Revelation 12:10). The Lord will convict us when we grieve the Spirit but that is out of love. The power of sin is death ( 1 Cor. 15:56). Jesus overcame death and the grave and took our sins on Himself at Calvary. We need to be daily reminded of these basic Gospel truths as we can become hardened to it for various reasons.
There is hope for us after death and hope is for things yet unseen ( Hebrews 11:1). Surely with the world in the state it is today we need that future expectation for any joy to be maintained; whether emotionally or as a fruit of the Spirit. Being part of the BODY of Christ is imperitive as to our identity so that we may together strive for unity in fulfilling the Great Commission and prayer and fellowship with one another for strength.
We come before you today with humble hearts and grateful spirits. We thank you for the blessings you have bestowed upon us, for the love you have shown us, and for the gift of life itself.
We pray for those who are suffering, and for those who need healing, comfort, and strength. May they feel your presence and know that they are not alone.
We pray for those who are struggling with fear, doubt, and uncertainty. May they find peace in your promises and hope in your unfailing love.
We pray for our world, for the leaders of our countries, and for those who work tirelessly to bring about justice, peace, and unity. May your wisdom guide them in all their decisions, and may they work towards the greater good of all people.
We ask all these things in your holy name, Amen.
God made man in his image and when you look at male and female you will see God. Both are adopted and loved by God.
From the discussion let me conclude by saying that God called us before the worlds began .
1. God's Will is complete
and the cloud of witnesses is a visible manifestation of the will of God. God's will would never need correction. But one third of the stars falling of applies believers who either received the Son and who shall abide in him by faith or rejected him. Three is a Command number to indicate the Son.
All the blessings of God continue from the sixth day. It is unstoppable. So when a voice from heaven announces,"Behold the tabernacle of God is among men" it is the body the Bride and it is descending to the mid-air. Jerusalem and Israel as political entities are finished. They are cast off as reprobate silver. (Re.21:3) God's Will is fulfilled by the Son. All those who were broken off were determined by their response to Christ Jesus.
2. Trees of righteousness is different than the Olive tree (Ro.11)
God blessed Abraham accordingly. "All families in earth do not mean Israel exclusively. (Ge.12:3) Abraham believed and it was counted to him for righteousness. Faith is the DNA that Israel did not show. Their rejection brings the Gentiles to the fore.
St Paul talks about grafting. It is about physical and not of the true Vine that Jesus Christ represents.
3. There is only one foundation for the Church
Wild olive branches carry Babylon, Medeo- Persia Rome. With the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD the miry clay refers to the Christian church founded on a pagan foundation, All the heresies that are being aired in this forum owe to the confusion. Miry clay is not of the body of Christ.
John 15:1-5 "true Vine" "Without me you can do nothing" This is addressed to miry clay who say they are Christians but rejecting the Power of God and the doctrine of Christ. What do they end up a mongrel church so Israel or USA as nations play prominent role. There are only two nations: nation of saints in light or children of wrath.
You write about,"Israel is one nation . So in the old testament when God talks about Israel , He isn't just talking about physical Israel , the Jews , He's talking about us Christians also that have been grafted in."
When God talks about Israel he speaks about Christians as well. "That the Lord appeared to Solomon the second time, as he had appeared unto him at Gibeon./And the Lord said unto him, I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication, that thou hast made before me: I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put my name there for ever; and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually. "(1 Ki.9:2-3) When the Spirit writes,'perpetually' or forever it is with reference to the Son. In the night vision of Daniel, we have God giving one like unto the Son of man, "And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed." (Dan.7:13-14). Before the worlds began this everlasting kingdom has been given to the Son. Psalm 2 refers to the decree and his dominion.
However 'the Christians have been grated is not about the true Vine Christ was talking about. Olive tree is not vine. One is earthy and the other is heavenly. St Paul is talking about olive tree planted by God from which Israel has been broken off and 'wild olives' are graffed in. It is more appropriate in terms of grafting to think in terms of the king's dream where iron and miry clay try to fit with each other.
Another point to mention is the lost sheep of Israel they would have none of Jesus Christ. So the Spirit introduces Seventy other disciples ( Luke 10) there is no mention of Israel for a reason. They were cast off. Luke 10 refers to 'After these thing' He is referring to the kingdom of God. "No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." (9:62)
Dee give praise to God Almighty and please Him every day. God Bless You.
All the honor and glory are unto You, Lord God Almighty. Amen
You make a point here "why did Christ need to fulfil the law by loving God and us to the extent that he laid down his life , as God asked him to , for our sakes ? This makes me think that Jesus fulfilled the law of Moses for the benefit of the children of Israel , for their salvation."
Jesus Christ is the Savior of the mankind. So Israel is included. He fulfilled the Law of Moses as well. Thus after healing the leper he said,"but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them." (Matt.8:4). After the multiplying loaves and fishes we read so many baskets of broken bread were gathered. 12 and seven baskets were testimony to his Father of the Gospel for which his body as the Word become flesh and as testimony to the Word. Number Seven explains fulfillment and his origin as the Lord from heaven. (Satan has Seven heads and seven crowns; so has the beast as the son of perdition the same number Re.12:3;13:1- Seven indicates his origin as fallen angel). Humanity of Jesus demanded testimony to his Father in heaven while his human parent observed the Law of Moses concerning his birth.
God of Israel applies only to the nation of Israel while we are adopted into the Fellowship of God with Man for which both Gentile and Israel are included. So no exclusivity exists for Israel per se. Faith in both cases determine the DNA of parentage. Israel must pass the paternity test as any other. God of all mercies apply to man. Gospel of John speaks of the Law of Moses; alongside he adds, Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ which explains a different approach for us. Law of Moses are done away with for good.
I am surprised that you still hold on "ALL of the 10 commandments were given to mankind until the end. We obey all of them except the 4th. Some believers say Sunday is suppose to be that day."
Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the Law and his death and resurrection opened the Way. It is what we believe as entering into the rest of God. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away."(1 Co.13:10) How often so called believers though claim to the liberty which is in Christ carry, also their 'baggage' as Rachel did. (Ge.31:34) so Roman Catholics may leave behind Mariolatry but clutch something else. In all humility I ask you to examine your life in order to see if you are struggling under an error. In the 80s I was with a cult group and a decade or so after leaving it it gave me great many shocks their pernicious teachings could spring up in unguarded moments.
Jesus reduced the ten commandments into two. He did it as the Lord of the heaven and as the Word become flesh. The great dragon had ten horns and the Command number 10 merely an indication of judgment. Satan is already judged. Similarly the beast (Re.13:1). "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;/Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;" (1 Ti.4:1-4) It is thus those who follow doctrine of the devils have their consciences seared as with hot iron: Number Ten. Be not deceived Momsage.
"Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified."(Gal.2:16) Faith means resting in the promises of God. This is what abiding in Christ means.
Thanks and God bless.
You're welcome. Thank you for your kind reply.
I have been blessed by the Holy Spirit to have this love for God and a strong desire to learn from His word all my life. These two blessings have been like hedges beside me to guide me down the path of life. These "hedges" kept me from straying too far to the left or right and kept me going forward in my walk with our Lord. I could look back to see that path I had traveled, but being made short of stature, not being able to see over the "hedge" to see much of what the world was doing has kept my desires for worldiness in check. Yet, I have not walked perfectly with God as Jesus always did, and so thus I need Him every day to help me stay away from the "prodigal road".
The church of Jesus is made up believers whose path in life is unique to them. Many have gone down the prodigal road and were drawn back into the life of the church in Jesus Others were dead to God through adulthood when they were made alive in Him through the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit. Others, like myself, were brought up by believing parents who taught us and went to church with us so that all of our childhood was deeply rooted in the faith. Some with this kind of upbringing have had a fervent walk with Christ, and others, nominally until the Holy Spirit lit a fire of faith and desire in them to follow God, no turning back, others have stayed the course of faith strongly all their life like I have. But it is the same God who elects, calls, saves, and sanctifies all of us. He will glorify us with Christ in the resurrection when we get the fullness of our inheritance in Christ.
Can't wait.
For in my hope Jesus Christ will appear to me for what I have done to recieve and be done .I will receive the love of God for me and the atonement.