The Church Replaces the Jews? :: By Dennis Huebshman

Romans 11:1-6; 25-27, “I ask then, has God rejected His people [Jews]? By no means! For I myself [Paul] am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew. Do you not know what the scripture says of Elijah [1 Kings 19], how he appeals to God against Israel? Lord, they have killed your prophets; they have demolished your altars; and I alone am left, and they seek my life. But what is God’s reply to him? I have kept for myself, seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal. Even so, at the present time [including today], there is a remnant chosen by grace. But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise, grace would no longer be grace…

“Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers; a partial hardening has come upon Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And in this way, all Israel will be saved [after the Rapture], as it is written; The Deliverer will come from Zion; He will banish ungodliness from Jacob [Israel]; and this will be My covenant with them, when I take away their sins.” (all emphasis mine)

Finally, Romans 11:29, “For the gifts and the calling of God are Irrevocable.” God’s covenants are forever. His covenants with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and David are still in effect. Likewise, His covenant of “All” who call on the name of the Lord will be saved,” as given in Acts 2:21 and Romans 10:13; it still holds true. “All” includes the Jews and the Gentiles as well.

First of all, Jesus said; “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free” (John 8:32). What is the “truth”? John 14:6, “Jesus said, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 8:36 finishes this concept; “So if the Son sets you free, you shall be free indeed.”

When Paul spoke of the “fullness of the Gentiles,” he was referring to 1 Corinthians 15:51-53 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 – the Rapture. At that time, all true believers will be taken up to meet the lord in the air. This will include people from every race, creed and color that have accepted Jesus as their Messiah. It has nothing to do with any organized religion of any type. It is an individual choice that has been made.

Sadly, according to today’s count, that would be about 10% – 12% of the total world’s population, and this statistic applies to America as well. In the case of Messianic (believes in Jesus) Jews, that figure is even lower. Worldwide, there are approximately 1% – 2% of their total population that accept Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah. These believers will avoid the Wrath/Tribulation to come and miss the 7-year period of time that will be worse than ever before.

For the groups that say the “Church” replaces the Israelites, they are showing their lack of knowledge of the true word of the Lord. God knows this was going to happen, and He showed it through Peter about 2,000 years ago:

“Above all, understand this; in the last days, blatant scoffers will come, being propelled by their own evil urges; and saying ‘Where is His promised return? For ever since our ancestors died, all things have continued as they were from the beginning of creation’” (2 Peter 3:3-4). We are seeing a turning away from anything Christian more and more. Would you tend to believe we’re in the last days spoken of in Bible prophecy? I firmly believe we are.

All the signs are here as was foretold. The majority of the Jewish people do not accept Jesus, and the ones who do are ostracized by the unbelieving majority. So-called evangelical Christians are turning away from the truth, and they are listening to the words of false prophets and antichrists who are twisting the Bible all around. I have quoted this numerous times; Isaiah 5:20 is very evident today. Evil is portrayed as good, and good portrayed as evil.

Satanic worshipers are out in the open as never before. There are churches of Satan opening up in many states, and even throughout the old “Bible-Belt.” False prophets are taking over many evangelical services and gaining large crowds with their “entertaining” services.

Jesus came to this earth to save His people, the Jews; but He took it even further. John 10:14-16, “I am the good Shepherd. I know My own, and My own know me; just as the Father knows Me, and I know the Father [see verse 30]; and I lay down My life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not come from this sheepfold [Gentiles]. I must bring them too, and they will listen to My voice; so there will be one flock, and one Shepherd.”

All who believe in and accept Jesus are a part of His flock; again, no matter what ethnic origin they are.

John 1:11-13, “He came unto His own [Jews], and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God; even to them who believe on His name, which were born not of blood, nor the will of the flesh, nor the will of man, but of God.”

Even in Jesus’ day, there was a small minority of the total population that actually accepted Him.

Some organized evangelical religions today are saying that because the Jewish Council had Jesus crucified, they lost their position as God’s chosen. This is just not so. Take a look at how far modern Israel has come since May 14, 1948, and it is impossible to say God has abandoned them. In fact, prophecy has come to pass that they are very prosperous – ranked 8th in the world. No other nation on earth has ever come back after 2,000 years of being scattered around the globe, to once again become a thriving sovereign nation.

Yes, the majority do not accept Jesus, and this will be corrected in the Tribulation. The unbelieving majority that are here after the Rapture will go through a most horrible time. The Jewish people have disappointed the Father many times, but then again, who hasn’t? The only perfect person to ever walk this earth was Jesus who is actually God (again, see John 10:30). All throughout Bible history, when the people repented, God forgave them.

This is why that we as believers have a true pathway for the forgiveness of our sins, as given in 1 John 1:8-10. The people of the world (unbelievers) do not enjoy this awesome privilege. The blood shed by our Savior is there to cover any and all sin of those who truly repent, confess their sins, and ask Jesus to be their Savior. To not accept our Savior’s precious gift is the unforgivable sin, and carries an eternal sentence to the Lake of Fire. There is no exception to this.

False prophets are filling today’s churches with flashy productions; upbeat music; and messages that do not talk about sin. The Bible is used, but only to twist the God-given word to keep the seats and collection plates full. After all, if people were told they are sinners, and have to repent and follow Jesus, they would rather go to a service that makes them feel good; not guilty. People believe that church-goers are not satanic. If they aren’t getting the true word; are not truly asking the Savior for a real relationship; and are just one to two hour a week “Christians,” then they are of the devil, not Jesus. No one can serve both the Lord and the prince of this world.

It’s an “either-or” situation with no third option. This applies to every person on this earth – Jew or Gentile. No, the church hasn’t replaced the Jews, but many of them have chosen the wrong path. God will forgive all who truly turn away from evil and accept His Son as their only way to Him. After the Rapture, all who call out will still be saved, but most likely at the cost of martyrdom.

No matter who you are, and what your ethnic background, today would not be too soon to call out and establish a relationship with the One who willingly gave His life for us (John 10:18). No one will be turned away who truly calls out to Him. Tomorrow may be too late, and it is not promised to anyone. He will be coming for His “Church” – all believers – just about any day now. Satan’s lie that there is plenty of time, is still being believed. His other lie about many ways to Heaven is also being taken as true.

Jew, Gentile, whatever; accept Satan’s lies and spend forever with him in the Lake of Fire. Or, receive and accept the gift given to us by Jesus the Christ, and spend eternity in Heaven with Him. Doesn’t seem like a difficult choice; but, sadly, the majority will choose the world. Be an exception – Call on Jesus today. He has room for you in His flock.

Maranatha – Come, Lord Jesus

huebshman46@gmail.com

Peace, Be Still :: By Nathele Graham

“The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea” (Psalm 93:4).

It’s easy to get caught up in the hysteria of today. The news media is driving a frenzy that is causing a crisis of its own. The coronavirus is something we need to take seriously, be cautious, and take steps to stay as healthy as possible. An important step we need to take is to read God’s word. Reading Scripture is the way to calm our own fears as well as help us to give answers to others who are fearful. During times of turmoil, we need to remember that God is mightier than anything that comes our way. He won’t necessarily remove the turmoil, but He will give us peace as we face the dangers.

Today, the news media doesn’t seem to have enough time to keep up with all of the reports of this coronavirus spreading, and because of this, there are many empty shelves in stores as people rush to stock up on items needed, just in case we are all quarantined. We need to take care to wash our hands and cover our sneezes and coughs, but the panic and fear need to be soothed.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah” (Psalm 46:1-3).

This psalm goes on to remind us to look to God. He is with us whatever may befall. In the midst of war, earthquakes, famine, and pestilence, every Christian needs to understand that God will never leave us, and we can always find His peace.

“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah” (Psalm 46:10-11).

If we allow His peace to rule in us, we can share that peace with others. In times like these, the door for sharing the Gospel is wide open. We need to be ready with answers.

Fear can cause a person to act irrationally. Over the last week or so, I have heard some stories about how people are reacting to this crisis, and it is ridiculous how fear is causing people to react in unreasonable ways. Unless we truly know that Jesus is with us and “…is mightier than the noise of many waters…,” we will be just like the world and allow fear to control us.

The disciples were men who faced fears; and when troubles came along, they would sometimes forget that Jesus was with them. Maybe they didn’t truly know exactly who Jesus was (God Almighty) or understand His power and, like us, they sometimes lacked faith. Once when they were all in a boat at sea, a storm hit. Many of the disciples were fishermen and understood about storms at sea and knew how to handle a ship. In spite of that, they allowed the storm to confound them. Jesus was sleeping peacefully at the time, and the disciples thought He didn’t care if the storm sank the ship and they all drowned. Wrong. Even when we feel as if God has forgotten us, or is sleeping on the job, He’s right there with us. The disciples awakened Him in panic, and He took care of the situation.

“And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?” (Mark 4:39-40).

Those are two questions we all need to ask ourselves. Why are we so fearful? Where is our faith? Instead of running to Him in panic and fear, turn to Him in faith. Jesus spoke the same words found in the Psalms, “Peace, be still.” This command was to the storm. In calming the storm, Jesus calmed His disciples. We need to turn to Scripture for words of comfort because it is God’s word.

Satan uses fear as a means of drawing Christians away from our Lord. How many of us are keeping our eyes glued on TV, waiting for more news about where the virus is and how many people have died? They never tell us how many have lived. Shouldn’t we be more tuned in to God?

People are dying, and that fact is heartbreaking. Actually, people are dying because of many things, such as car accidents, heart failure (often caused by poor eating habits), war (people want what others have), AIDS (because most people won’t turn from their sin), murder (men’s hearts are cold), abortion (men’s hearts are cold), lung disease (people smoke), and many more causes. Part of the panic caused by the coronavirus is the fact that most of the world is afraid of death. That’s normal. Death is final and there’s no reversing it. An advantage Christians have and need to cling to is the fact that Jesus Christ conquered death. Everyone who is born into this world will, at some point, face eternity. Heaven is real, but so is Hell.

Only faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus will allow you to spend eternity in Heaven. We need to tell people about Jesus and give them hope. We are all born once, but then there needs to be a second birth, a spiritual birth. Jesus said so.

“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3).

Our first birth isn’t a choice on our part. It’s the second birth that is a choice.

It’s been said that God has no grandchildren. Nobody can make that choice for another person, not a parent for a child or husband for a wife. Christians need to share the Gospel with those around us who are so afraid of death right now and tell the lost about life in Christ.

I’ve heard people say that there will be a lot of friends in Hell to socialize with, so it will be like a party. Oh, how wrong that statement is. At the end of days, there will be a final judgment before the White Throne of God.

“And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works” (Revelation 20:11-12).

This is not the judgment that Christians will face. Our sins have been forgiven at the moment we accepted the blood sacrifice of Jesus for salvation. The White Throne judgment will be where those who have rejected Christ will stand, having their works judged. Sadly, there will be a lot of “good people” there…ones who have been kind and gentle, but have never put their faith in Jesus. Works cannot earn you a place in Heaven, and human kindness cannot come close to God’s standards.

If you haven’t asked Jesus into your life, then after the White Throne judgment you will face your second death.

“And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged everyman according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:13-15).

That doesn’t say anything about an eternal party, but it shows eternal suffering. God loves you and doesn’t want anybody to face this second death. You have the choice. Accept His free gift of salvation and you will be born again and won’t face eternity in the lake of fire. Nobody can make the decision for you.

There is a healthy fear. That is the fear of the Lord. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7).

When you fear the Lord, that means you will respect Him. You will desire to live to please Him instead of saying a few words at an altar, then stepping right back into your sin. Instead of fearing the coronavirus, turn to God. Respect Him and gain knowledge of Him. The way to do that is to talk to Him daily and study your Bible. The more you learn about Him, the less fear will control you.

God’s love is perfect love, and He is mightier than all fear. “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love” (1 John 4:18).

We are made perfect in God’s perfect love. That perfect love was manifest in the Lord, Jesus Christ. Turn to Him for peace in these troubling times and share your faith and hope with others.

Though the world is in turmoil and chaos, remember that God isn’t sleeping. “Behold he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep” (Psalm 121:4).

Not only does He keep Israel, but He keeps all who trust Him. He knows what’s happening all around us, but His love never fails. Though storms rage around us and the world is in panic, find peace in Him. Remember, even the storms are under His authority. Remember the words that Jesus used to rebuke the storm. “Peace, be still.” Don’t allow the turmoil to overwhelm you.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com

www.straitandnarrowministry.com

ron@straitandnarrowministry.com

Ron and Nathele Graham’s previous commentaries archived at https://www.raptureready.com/featured/graham/graham.html

All original scripture is “theopneustos” – God breathed.

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