“…waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of glory of our Great God and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Titus 2:13
Our study in Romans 11 takes us out into the future. Events that are yet to come, but nevertheless foreknown by our Sovereign Father.

In Acts 1 the apostles asked Jesus a question: “Will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” Obviously, this indicates an expectation on their part that Jesus was going to restore the Davidic throne and kingdom as had often been foretold in the Old Testament prophets.Jesus did not correct their question by telling them- “no, you got it all wrong. The prophesies about Israel in the Old Covenant are now going to be spiritually fulfilled by my new Covenant people- the church.” Rather He simply said: “It is not for you to know the times and seasons that the Father holds in His hand.”
This reply indicates that the premise of their question was correct: He will restore the Kingdom to Israel. He simply says, the timing is none of your concern- just go and be my witnesses after the Holy Spirit has come upon you.

So when will Jesus restore the Kingdom to Israel? Well, the time is not ours to know. But this we do know: preceding His glorious appearing Israel will “look upon Him whom they have pierced and they will mourn because of Him.”
This mourning will translate into faith as multitudes of ethnic Israelites receive Jesus as their Messiah.

Accompanying this great outpouring of God’s Spirit upon the nation of Israel, a great harvest will sweep through the nations. Parallel to this great revival Satan will be sowing rebellion and hatred toward Jesus.
War will break out, Christ will win, the Kingdom will come.

Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus!

Because of grace,
Tim

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The American dream is built upon the equality of all men. In many places and in many ways, our founding documents and founding fathers espoused this doctrine. Although America has always had its blemishes and sin’s; nevertheless its constant aspiration has been to lift up the down trodden and to care for the needy. Regardless of race or creed. These are some of the things that make America Great.

Where did this belief in equality come from? It didn’t suddenly arise from a vacuum and it sure did not rise from the enlightened thinking of European rationalism. It came from the Bible and from Christianity.

The purpose for which Puritan Pilgrims came to these shores seeking freedom was to advance the Kingdom of Christ. This was clearly stated in the Mayflower Compact as well as other early documents. In 1643, some 30 years after the Mayflower and founding of Plymouth; the 4 existing colonies banded together in a loose Confederation pledging to each other mutual support and defense. In the Articles of Confederation which they drew up they begin with these words:

“Whereas we all came into these parts of America with one and the same end and aim, namely to advance the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ and to enjoy the liberties of the gospel in purity and peace…”

It is clear from these statements that these simple believers were coming to these shores for one purpose- to Advance Christ’s Kingdom. As we look back at these past 400 years and compare our world with theirs- it is clear that the Lord has blessed the fruits of their efforts. Yes, the kingdom of darkness has not been idle. Yes, the Devil and his fiends have been active sowing tares among the wheat. And yes, many times even Christ’s church has failed to be the salt and light of the world that we desire to be. But O how vastly different things are in this world because of Pilgrim faith to plant seeds of freedom. The Kingdom has advanced.

There are souls yet to reach, there are elect yet to come into the fold, but Advance it has. May it be so in years yet to come.

Because of grace,
Tim

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“My Kingdom is not of this world”
John 18:36
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit,
Rule in all our hearts alone…

Today we study a Carol of Charles Wesley named “Come Thou long expected Jesus”. It is a rich hymn that begins with a plea (“Come”) and repeatedly stresses the reason why He came and why he will return- “To establish His rule.”

A few weeks ago we studied Jesus’ confession before Pontius Pilate. In that confession Jesus stated that His Kingdom is not of this world.
This does not mean that His kingdom will never come to this world- it simply points to the reality that His kingdom does not originate in this world.

The Kingdoms of this age are characterized by the taint of original sin. They do Satan’s bidding and are under his sway.
Satan once tempted Jesus by showing him all the kingdoms of this earth. Satan then stated- “Bow down to me and I will give them to you- for they are mine to give.” When Satan made this statement, Jesus did not refute it. He simply rebuked Satan for seeking worship by quoting Scripture: “You shall worship the Lord God and Him only shall you serve.”

This does not mean that Satan has sovereign control over the nations of men- no he is under the direct command of God. However, it does reinforce the reality that Satan is “the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience.”

The rule of Jesus in this present age is in our hearts, and as Wesley states: He desires to rule in our hearts alone. No rivals. It is the rule of His Spirit over all our inclinations, desires, and actions.
It is the reason for which He came.
To set us free from sins and fears. To rule as Lord in our everyday lives.

As we join with Wesley in expressing this desire, we are seeking His Spirit to come and rule in this way. We are also expressing a desire for Him to “come again” to receive us to Himself, that where He is we may be also.
This expectation and desire is expressed in the Biblical word “Maranatha!”, “come!”.

So come Thou long expected Jesus- come to set thy people free. Maranatha!
Because of grace,
Tim

Listen to the related message below.

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