Trouble in the Middle East

Christian Zionism =  The Jews’ return to the land  is fulfillment of Biblical prophesy and a prerequisite  for the Second coming of Christ.

1. Founding of the state of Israel in 1948 key to “end times”  and Christ’s return.

2. Jewish sovereignty in the land is divinely ordained.

3. Jesus will reign from Jerusalem on David’s throne.

4. To support Israel is divine blessing, failing to do so is  divine judgment.

Jeff’s thoughts:

1. Israel today is a “civil” state, not to be compared to the Theocracy they were when formed by God to bring us the  Messiah.

2. Romans 9, 10, & 11 will answer questions about God’s  purpose, use, and the historical place of Israel in  Christianity.

Oh Jerusalem, Jerusalem

1. The early years:

1. A burial place, a natural defensive structure, watered by Gihon  springs.

2. A citadel known as Zion.

3. Inhabited by “Semites”, descendants of Shem.

2. Early sightings in the Old Testament:

1. Genesis 14:18-20,  “Salem,”  Melchizedek, “king and priest of  the God Most High.”

2. Genesis 22,  Abraham was to offer Isaac on Mt. Moriah.

3. Joshua 10:1-3,  Adoni-Zedek, the king of Jerusalem conspires  against the Gibeonites and face Joshua’s conquering army.

4. Joshua 15:8 & 18:28, Jerusalem allotted to Benjamin and  Judah.   Though conquered, the Jebusites continue living there.   Known as a city of the Jebusites.  [Joshua 15:63]

Jerusalem, the city of David!

1. II Samuel 5:1-13, Having reigned in Hebron for 7 years,  David begins his reign in Jerusalem.

2. II Samuel 24:17-25 / I Chronicles 21:9-30, David insists  on buying the threshing floor of Araunah, the Jebusite,  even though it was offered free.

3. II Chronicles 3:1-2,  Solomon begins to build the Temple  on Mt. Moriah, the former threshing floor of Araunah. 

Jerusalem, the most excavated place on earth!

Jerusalem, precious to Jews!

Jerusalem, the 3rd most holy place to Muslims!

Jerusalem, where Jesus walked!