Preview: The seed of Abraham, Israel, the children of God- all of these mean the same thing. They are the faithful servants of the Lord. This lesson explores the promises made to them and when and how they will be gathered into God’s reward.
Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 19:1-15.
Memory Verse: Romans 4:13.
1. What was promised to Abraham? Genesis 13:14-17.
2. How numerous were the children of Abraham to become? Genesis 22:17-18.
3. Who are the children of Abraham, and who can claim Abraham’s promises? Galatians 3:29.
4. Does this apply to all believers in Christ? Galatians 3:7.
5. Who can claim to be a Jew according to God’s definition? Romans 2:28-29.
Note: Those Scriptures need no comments. God’s promises to Abraham are for all nations that will accept Jesus. If the promises of Abraham were for the natural, fleshly Israel, many sinners would enter into the Kingdom of God, unconverted, when Jesus comes.
6. Did Abraham and the Patriarchs receive their promise from God? Hebrews 11:8-14.
7. Did Stephen understand that Abraham’s promises were still future? Acts 7:5.
8. What experience came to Israel because of disobedience? Jeremiah 34:17.
9. Will they ever be gathered? Jeremiah 19:10-11.
10. How long was Jerusalem to be trodden down? Luke 21:24.
11. Will the heathens be assembled in the Valley of Jehoshaphat? For what purpose? Joel 3:12-14.
12. Under whose influence are the nations to be assembled in Jerusalem? Revelation 16:13-14.
13. Is it necessary for the Jews to move to Jerusalem to accept Christ? John 4:20-24.
Note: The hour has come when it is not necessary to go to Jerusalem nor to the mountains to worship the Lord; but in Spirit and truth. The fleshly Jews have no promise of re-gathering. It is those who have accepted Christ by faith. They will be gathered for the Kingdom of God. The great mission today is: “Go to all nations and preach the Gospel, and Christ will go with us to the end of the world.” Almost all denominations are interested in the return of the fleshly Jew. It is the Spiritual Jew and Israel which will be gathered, which includes all that have accepted Jesus.
14. How did Christ speak of the gathering of His people? John 10:16.
15. When is the gathering of Israel to take place? Isaiah 11:11-12.
Note: This is a direct reference to the Spiritual Israel; those who have accepted Christ by faith.
16. Have we a New Testament promise of the gathering of all of the faithful? Matthew 24:31.
Note: It is true, there is a great excitement among many over the return of the natural Jews, and many believe it is the work of God. The Tower of Babel went up with great force and reached the clouds. I suppose they congratulated one another that God was with them.
17. Do we have a promise that Spiritual Israel will be saved? Romans 11:25-26.
18. Will God cast out His people? Romans 11:1-2.
Note: The gathering of the Spiritual Israel will take place by His angels when Jesus comes. Let no man deceive you by any means.
19. From where will Christ gather His children when He comes? Matthew 24:31 & John 10:16.
Note: It is clearly understood that Christ gathers His people from all parts of the world, not Israel and Jews, and no one else, but those who have accepted Christ and no one else.
20. Has God taken out a people from the Gentiles? Acts 15:14.
21. Will religious worshipers be rejected? Matthew 7:21-23.
22. Who will be accepted? Matthew 7:24.
23. How did Peter know Jesus had the truth? John 6:67-68.
24. Did Christ say He would take the Kingdom from the Jews? Matthew 21:43.