fbpx
Bible Study
Bible Studies | Study Guides | Group or Individual study |

Make disciples!

Israel

Israel is of great significance to all the people of the world because the words of God were entrusted to them (Rom. 3:1-2). According to Romans 11:11-15, Israel is a blessing to the nations during their spiritually blinded state, and will be an even greater blessing to the world after their spiritual restoration. Because they are used as an example to warn us against disobeying God (1 Cor. 10:1-12), it is important that we pay close attention to them.

Calling, dispersion and restoration

A large part of the Bible deals with Israel. In a very special sense they are the chosen people of God. He called them to be a holy people and led them to the Promised Land; He then dispersed them among the nations because of their disobedience; and it is the same immutable covenant God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob who is restoring Israel to the land of their fathers in the end-time.

Calling and establishment in their land. The calling of Israel started with Abraham, who is the progenitor of Israel (Gen. 12:1-3; 13:14-15). The promise of the land was later confirmed to Isaac and Jacob (Gen. 26:3; 28:13). Before inheriting the Promised Land, the descendants of the founding patriarchs first spent 400 years as strangers in Egypt, where they became the slaves of the Egyptians (Gen. 15:13-14). Under the leadership of Moses and Joshua they were led out of Egypt to take possession of the land, which the Lord had promised to their fathers. This was their establishment in the land.

Dispersion. The Lord set a clear spiritual standard to Israel for the privilege of being called a people of God. Should they continuously fail to meet this standard, they would invite the displeasure and even the anger of God against them. Extended periods of national disobedience resulted in God surrendering Israel to their enemies. Through experiences such as this they learned the hard way the consequences of straying from God. After they had humbled themselves before the Lord and confessed their sins, He again restored them to their land (Lev. 26; Deut. 30). The Babylonian captivity of Israel, which was confined to one area, was obviously not the international Diaspora to all nations. The Diaspora only occurred in the first century AD, and was finally announced by Jesus after He was rejected as Messiah by Israel (Matt. 23:37-38; Luke 21:20-24). The siege and destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans in AD 70 was the start of the long international dispersion of Israel that lasted for almost two millennia. At some time during the Diaspora there have been Jewish exiles in all countries of the world.

Restoration. Never in all of Israel’s existence as a nation was there ever the slightest doubt of the validity of the unconditional promises that God made to the founding fathers of the nation (Lev. 26:44-45). Even if Israel is unfaithful, God remains a faithful covenant-keeping God who will again restore the nation to their land (Rom. 3:3-4). The restoration of Israel from their international dispersion has led to the establishment of the modern Jewish state in May 1948. The final objective with Israel’s physical restoration in the land of their fathers is their spiritual restoration (Ezek. 36:22-28). For this to be realised there will have to be a spiritual testing and purification after they have been gathered in their land. That will be a time of great affliction and tribulation (Ezek. 22:19-20; Jer. 30:7; Matt. 24:15-22). Only a remnant of the nation will be saved (Rom. 9:27) since the majority of them (as is the case among all nations) are spiritually hardened and unrepentant.

Jerusalem

Jerusalem is the only city in the world which was chosen by God to put His name there forever (1 Kings 9:3; 11:36). In Old Testament times the temple, as the house of the Lord, was built in Jerusalem. However, the greatest revelation of God to Israel and all of humanity was the coming of His Son, Jesus, to the world (Isa. 9:6-7; 49:6). In Jerusalem, that unique city of divine revelation, the Lord Jesus proclaimed the message of eternal life. He also taught in the temple. But the majority of the city’s inhabitants rejected the Messiah as well as His teachings. In so doing, they brought great peril upon themselves. During His entrance into Jerusalem on a colt Jesus wept over the city and its blinded inhabitants who rejected their Messiah-King to their own detriment and ruin (Luke 19:41-44).

The Lord Jesus was crucified on Golgotha just outside Jerusalem in the stone-quarry of Solomon. Here, He made atonement for our sins by paying the price for the transgressions of a lost humanity to God. Calvary will forever stand out as the expression of God’s condescending love and forgivingness, and as the only door to eternal life. There is no other name under the heaven given to us whereby we must be saved – only Jesus Christ and Him crucified (Acts 4:12).

Jesus was buried outside the gates of Jerusalem but rose from the dead three days later. Forty days after His resurrection Jesus ascended to heaven from the Mount of Olives. Just prior to His ascension He gave the Great Commission to His disciples. That ministry would only commence after something very important had happened in Jerusalem, which was the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8). The day when that happened was the birthday of the church of Christ in Jerusalem.

Many people wrongly argue that the divine purpose of Jerusalem was terminated when the disciples moved out of the city to preach the gospel in the rest of the world. What about God’s decision that His name would forever dwell in Jerusalem? Was that decision rescinded when Israel rejected Jesus and crucified Him? Not at all! The long-term future of Jerusalem was always, and still is, securely fixed in the divine counsel and purposes of God. The Lord Jesus told the Jews that Jerusalem would be destroyed and its inhabitants scattered across the world until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled – i.e. until the end of the church dispensation (Matt. 23:37-39; Luke 21:20-24). After their international Diaspora and physical restoration they will also be spiritually revived (Rom. 11:25-26). Biblical Jerusalem (the Old City) was recaptured from Jordan in June 1967 and declared to be Israel’s capital city in August 1980. That event ushered in the last generation of this dispensation.

The last seven years of the last generation are described as the 70th year-week of Daniel (Dan. 9:24-27) when Israel will, to their virtual destruction, conclude a covenant with the false messiah (John. 5:43). They will revoke their covenant with him when he declares himself to be God in the rebuilt temple in Jerusalem after 3½ years (2 Thess. 2:4). At the end of the tribulation period, when the true Messiah sets foot on the Mount of Olives during His Second Coming (Zech. 14:5), the remnant of Israel will look on Him whom they have pierced (Zech. 12:10) and be spiritually reconciled to Him (Zech. 13:1). They will reverently greet Him by exclaiming: “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Matt. 23:39).

The Messiah will restore the throne of David in Jerusalem, thereby fulfilling a prophecy in Luke 1:32. The Messianic reign of peace will then commence with Jerusalem as capital of the world (Isa. 2:2-4; Jer. 3:17). That will introduce a time of great glory for Jerusalem and the redeemed Jewish nation (Zech. 8:22-23; Isa. 33:20-22; 52:1; 60:3,11-12,14,18; Jer. 31:31-34).

In view of the wonderful future of Jerusalem we must earnestly pray for this city (Ps. 122:6; Isa. 62:6-7). Fervent prayers are needed because the enemies of God, of Israel and of Christianity will do everything in their power to drive Israel from their land and also to fight the Messiah when He comes to Jerusalem. On that day, the Lord will enter into judgement with the wicked world powers that will be deployed in Israel under the leadership of the Antichrist (Zech. 14:2-3,12-13, Joel 3:1-2; Rev. 19:19-21). In their relentless efforts to make room for a Palestinian state, the nations are undermining the rights of Israel, while also disregarding the decrees of God, by trying to divide the land that God gave to Israel (Joel 3:2). In this way, a stronghold is created for Israel’s enemies in their midst, thereby violating the divine mandate which Israel holds on the land.

Attitudes towards Israel

There are widely diverging attitudes among the nations towards Israel. This is a very important matter, since the judgements of God have been pronounced upon the enemies of Israel and His blessings upon those who support and bless them (Gen. 12:3). If we wish to be blessed by God we must bless Israel. Do not rush to condemn them because they crucified Jesus – remember Gentiles participated! It was indeed a wicked act of unbelief, but it was part of God’s plan of salvation for Israel and the nations. If the atoning death of the Lord Jesus had not taken place, you and I could not have been reconciled to God, nor become Christians.

Because Israel has rejected and crucified the Messiah, salvation has come to the non-Jewish nations. In their fallen state, Israel is a source of great blessings to us (Rom. 11:11-12). God says that in their spiritually restored state, during the Messiah’s coming reign of peace, they will even be a greater blessing to the world (Zech. 8:23). Christians owe a debt of gratitude, recognition, blessing, intercession, and support to Israel. They must be provoked to jealousy by our worshipping and serving their God, Yahweh Elohim, through their Messiah, Yeshua! Witnessing of this kind has already given rise to a small but significant increase in the number of Messianic Jews. The future of Israel is in the hands of those Jews who accepted, confess and serve Jesus Christ (Yeshua Ha Mashiach).

Personal commitment

What a privilege to bless Israel and witness of the Messiah to them! The Lord has promised to restore Israel to their land (Jer. 31:10), to revive a remnant of them spiritually (Ezek. 36:25-27), to establish Jerusalem and to rule the world from this city (Jer. 3:17). While the wicked nations of the world, in their foolishness, conspire together to destroy Jerusalem (Ps. 83:2-4; Zech. 12:3), we commit ourselves to bless the city and its inhabitants by proclaiming the promises that the Messiah made about this nation and their capital city, Jerusalem (Isa. 62:6-7; Jer. 31:38; Matt. 23:39). The Messiah is the Holy One of Israel, and the Jews will have no rest, prosperity or peace until they are reconciled to Him – He is their only hope.

Questions

1.    Mention two biblical promises on the end-time restoration of Israel.

2.    Mention three important future events that will happen in Jerusalem.

3.    What should our attitude be towards the unsaved Jewish people?

4.    What does the Bible say about the nations that harm, persecute and fight Israel?

5.    Who gave Israel’s land to them, and when did that happen?

Prof. Johan Malan

Pleasure and Profit in Bible Study

Pleasure and Profit in Bible Study

by Dwight Lyman Moody

We cannot overestimate the importance of a thorough familiarity with the Bible. I try to lose no opportunity of urging people by every means in my power to the constant study of this wonderful Book. If through the pages that follow, I can reach still others and rouse them to read their Bibles, not at random but with a plan and purpose, I shall be indeed thankful.

Go to this Bible study guide

Group or Individual Bible Study Guides
Studies available in English & Afrikaans.
Joshua

An Old Testament Type of Jesus

Joshua played an important role in Israel after they had been delivered from Egypt, thereby preparing him for his future role as leader when they crossed the Jordan to take possession of the Promised Land. His conquests in Canaan rendered proof that he was a special instrument in the hand of the Lord. Joshua was an Old Testament type of Jesus, who was sent by the Father to accomplish a much greater purpose, i.e. to deliver people all over the world from the bondage of sin.

Go to study

Josua

’n Ou-Testamentiese Tipe van Jesus

Josua het ’n belangrike rol in Israel se geskiedenis gespeel nadat hulle uit Egipte bevry is, en dit het hom voorberei om as leier op te tree toe hulle deur die Jordaan getrek het om die Beloofde Land in besit te neem. Sy oorwinningstogte in Kanaän het van hom ’n beson­dere instrument in die hand van die Here gemaak. Josua was ’n Ou-Testamentiese tipe van Jesus wat deur die Vader gestuur is vir ’n veel groter doel, naamlik om mense oral in die wêreld uit die slawerny van sonde te bevry.

Gaan na studie

Die Bybel in Geheel

Die Bybel in Geheel

Hierdie is 'n kort oorsig om vir jou 'n duideliker prentjie te skets voordat jy in diepte met Bybelstudie begin. Hierdie Bybel in Geheel studie, is 'n studie van die hele Bybel. Dit neem jou deur elke boek van die Bybel om vir jou 'n kort oorsig te gee oor elke boek, deur wie dit geskryf was en waarom dit geskryf was en lig ook dan belangrike dele uit en som die boek in kort op. Met hierdie notas saam sal verdere studies van die Bybel baie meer vir jou sin maak en help om sekere konsepte beter te verstaan.
Die Bybel in Geheel

Kort Oorsig

Die waarde van die Bybel / Om die Bybel te verstaan / Bybelse Uitdrukkings.

Lees meer

Die Bybel in Geheel - DEEL 1

Die Ou Testament

Die Ou Testament kan in 3 Dele opgedeel word: Deel 1 – Geskiedenis – Genesis tot Ester Deel 2 – Wysheid & Digkuns – Job tot Hooglied Deel 3 – Profesieë – Jesaja tot Maleagi

Lees meer

Die Bybel in Geheel - DEEL 2

Die Nuwe Testament

Die Evangelies is seker die mees bekendste deel van die Bybel. Baie mense ken dele van die Evangelies maar min mense verstaan die omvang en doel van hierdie vier boeke.

Lees meer

Studies Concerning the subject of Holiness

Holiness is a characteristic that is often talked about but hardly understood as to how it can be obtained. Too often holiness is considered an attribute of God that is not attainable to man. Holiness is considered something impossible.
1. Personal Holiness

2. The Holiness of God

3. Putting Sin to Death, Pursuing Holiness

4. Trained in Godliness

5. True Humility

6. Contentment

7. Self-Control

Open Studies

13 Studies in Christelike Heiligheid

13 Studies in Christelike Heiligheid

Hierdie 13 Wesleyaanse lesings oor heiligmaking is opgestel om weekliks oor ‘n tydperk van drie maande aangebied te word.

Sien Studies

'n Studie oor Heiligmaking

Die leer oor heiligmaking as 'n tweede genadewerk ná bekering help alle Christene om tot geestelike volwassenheid op te groei.

Hier is 12 studies wat in diepte kyk na hierdie onderwerp. Die studies is ook as klank studies beskikbaar.
Inhoud
1. Die Behoefte aan Heiligmaking
2. Die Stryd Teen Vleeslikheid
3. Die Eise van Dissipelskap
4. Oorwinning Oor die Vlees: Die Stap van Heiligmaking
5. Oorwinning Oor Swakhede: Die Proses van Heiligmaking
6. Vervulling met die Heilige Gees
7. Volkome Heiligmaking
8. Die Wil van God
9. Gawes en Vrug van die Gees
10. Bedieninge van die Heilige Gees
11. Die pelgrimsreis van God se Volk
12. Heiligmaking en die Wederkoms

Gaan na studie

Discipling New Believers
English & Afrikaans FREE printable studies.

8 Week study program

This can be used as a weekly study for new believers. These studies will help with assurance of salvation and will grow their Bible knowledge. These are the very basics of the Christian faith and will ensure a firm foundation. Give this to a young believer and go through all the answers with the person each week. Make sure they memorized the scriptures each week. Use the study's questions to lead conversations on subjects that the person do not yet understand.

/Study%201
WHAT HAPPENED TO ME?
/Study%203
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT GOD
/Study%204
IN CONVERSATION WITH GOD
/Study%206
WITNESSING FOR GOD
/Study%207
FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT OF GOD
/Study%208
TO BE ONE IN CHRIST
/Study%201%20to%208
All 8 studies in one
/Answer%20sheet
Study 1 ot 8

8 Weke studie program

Gebruik die kort studies om weekliks deur te gaan met 'n nuwe Christen. Dit sal hulle sekerheid gee en hulle Bybel kennis verbreed sodat hulle op 'n vaste fondasie kan bou. Gee dit weekliks vir die persoon en gaan dit dan saam met hulle deur elke week nadat hulle dit ingevul het. Toets hul teks memorisering Gebruik die vrae in die studies as leiding tot nodige gesprekke daar waar die persoon dalk dinge nie verstaan nie.

/Studie%201
WAT HET MET MY GEBEUR?
/Studie%202
‘N WANDELING MET GOD
/Studie%203
OM VAN GOD TE LEER
/Studie%204
IN GESPREK MET GOD
/Studie%206
OM VIR GOD TE GETUIG
/Studie%207
GEVUL MET GOD SE GEES
/Studie%208
OM EEN TE WEES IN CHRISTUS
/Studie%201%20tot%208
Al 8 studies in een
/Antwoordblad
Studie 1 ot 8

Articles on Bible Reading & Study

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."  - Psalm 119:105

The Prophetic Books of the Old Testament have been fitted into the narrative at the place where they are thought to have been written. The Epistles have been inserted into the Book of Acts in a like manner.
Praktiese wenke vir jong Christene.
Practical tips for young Christians.
by Rev. R. A. Torrey
Questions to ask when reading the Bible.
Vrae om te vra wanneer jy die Bybel lees.

Read and download these free booklets

Also great for group or personal Bible study.
Biblical Decision Making
Is it God’s will to “find” His will?
Exactly how should you go about making good, God-honoring decisions?

Read booklet

The Companionship Principle
Bringing Biblical Sanity to the Insanity of Dating
The real reason dating is often "insane" is Christian young people and parents have never consciously shaped their understanding of "dating" with the Bible.

Read booklet

Dinge van Belang
Dinge van Belang vir jong Christene
Hulp en raad aan jong Christene. Die boekie is vol waardevolle wenke en waarskuwings om jou te help op jou pad saam met die Here.

Lees boekie

Identifying False Teachers
A Biblical Checklist for Identifying False Teachers in the Church
The purpose of this booklet is simple: to give you a checklist so that you can identify and avoid Christian leaders whom God would call false.

Read booklet

Testing Today's Prophecy
Does today's "prophecy" measure up to biblical standards?
Should Christians accept the modern prophecy movement as a new work of God’s Spirit?

Read booklet