Pray For The Peace Of Jerusalem (2): Standing On The Promises Of God
1. Genesis 12: 1 The Lord had said to Abram, Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. 2 I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you. (7-Fold Blessings of Abraham)
2. Genesis 17:8 I Will Give to you and to your Descendants after you, the Land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.
3. Ezekiel 36:28 You will live in the Land that I gave to your fathers; and you will be My People, and I will be your God.
4. Numbers 14:15 Now if You kill these People as one man, then the Nations that have heard of Your fame will say,16 Because the Lord was not able to bring these people into the Land which He Promised to give them, therefore He slaughtered them in the wilderness.
INTRO: Pray For The Peace Of Jerusalem (Pt 2) “Standing On The Promises Of God”
Illustration: Mother-In-Law Dies In Israel
Genesis 9:12-16: What Does Rainbow Originally Represent? A creation of God proclaiming a covenant promise to never again judge the earth with flood. But the rainbow flag is now a symbol of gay pride. White House arrayed in gay flag lights June 26, 2015 when Supreme Court ruled gay marriage constitutional. God will never flood the entire earth again, as He will keep His rainbow covenant promise, but God will judge the Earth. What Is A Promise? A Personal Commitment People Make And Are Expected To Honor. Deuteronomy 23:21-23 When you make a vow to the Lord your God, you shall not delay to pay it, for it would be sin in you, and the Lord your God will surely require it of you.
Humans Make 3 Types Of Promises:
1. Concrete / Strong / Healthy Promises: Promises fully committed to keep. E.g. You can count on me. I will meet you for coffee at 8 am. I will complete my assignment on time.
2. Shallow Promises: Look like a strong promise, but an unspoken condition exists. E.g. Yes, I will go to the movies with you on Saturday if something doesn’t come up.
3. Criminal Promises: Promises we make but have no intention of keeping. E.g. I promise that I will marry you. (You have no intention to.)
The Bible Contains Three Kinds Of Divine Promises:
1. Limited Promises: Promises to specific people in particular circumstances for explicit purposes. Not for everybody. E.g. Israel in Ezekiel 37 / Virgin Mary in Gospels.
2. Conditional Promises. Philip 4:19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Jesus Christ.” Condition is the believer must be living for God & in submission to His will. Ps. 37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord; And He will give you the desires of your heart.”
3. Unconditional Promises. Unconditional promises require nothing of the believer. John 14:3 “I will come again and receive you unto myself”. Nothing anyone does can alter His plans.
LET’S LOOK AT GOD’S PROMISES TO US BEGINNING WITH JERUSALEM.
The 1st Mention Of Jerusalem Is Genesis 14:18 Where Referred To As Salem (Peace) In Reference To Melchidesek, King Of Salem. David captured Jerusalem from the Jebusites (2 Kings 5) and declared it the political / religious center of Israel. Ezekiel 5:5 Thus says the Lord God; This is Jerusalem: I have set it in the midst of the nations and countries that are round about her. But down through the centuries, Jerusalem has experienced little peace. Because of sin, Jerusalem has been attacked and laid waste many times. Since her destruction in 70AD, this city has been captured & destroyed by the Persians, Muslims, Crusaders, Egyptians, the Ottoman Turks and the British. Finally in 1948, Israel was given back to the Jews by British Mandate and became a state against all odds. That Was A Miracle. Ezekiel 11:17 This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will gather you from the nations and bring you back from the countries where you have been scattered, and I will give you back the land of Israel again. Isaiah 66:8 Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Can a land be born in one day? Can a nation be brought forth all at once? As soon as Zion travailed, she also brought forth her sons. 9 "Shall I bring to the point of birth and not give delivery?" says the Lord. "Or shall I who give delivery shut the womb?" says your God. How did this happen? He did it in the 1400BC and in 1948. God’s Promises Are Sure. Israel’s resurgence as a nation is all over the Bible – Ezekiel 37. However, when Israel was granted statehood, neighboring Arabs attacked her. Both the late Yasser Arafat and current Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas claim Jerusalem as capitol of Palestine. Iranian Ayatollah says: “Israel is a cancer in the Middle East to wipe out.” Jerusalem is still in conflict. Thus God command us to "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem?"
4 THINGS ABOUT ISRAEL & CHRISTIANS
1. Genesis 12:1 The Lord had said to Abram, Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. 2 I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.
2. Genesis 17:8 I Will Give to you and to your Descendants after you, the Land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.
Four Promises Of God To Israel: People: God Chose A People. Promise: God Gave His Word To Abraham, Isaac, Jacob. Property: Arid And Dry But Turns Green When They Till It. Presence Of God: God Will Always Be There.
FOCUS ON THE PRECIOUS PROMISES OF GOD!!!
Just How Many Promises Do You Think Are In The Bible? 100? 1000? 10,000? Approximately 30,000 in the Bible! 2 Peter 1:3-4 “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” There are promises regarding comfort, contentment, Courage, Death, Enemies, Fear, Food & Clothing, Forgiveness, Fruitfulness, suffering, protection, etc. Can a Mother Forget Her Nursing … / They that sow in tears… / The Steps of a Good Man … / Heaven and earth may pass away … / Be not deceived … / Touch not my anointed … / Seek Ye first … Though you go through the fire … / Of all of these promises, the ones that appeal to me most are those that say it will be alright even in the darkest hour. There Are 2 – 1 in OT, 1 in NT.
1. Job 23:1-10: Then Job Replied: 2 "Even today my complaint is bitter; his hand is heavy in spite of my groaning. 3 If only I knew where to find him; if only I could go to his dwelling! 4 I would state my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments. 5 I would find out what he would answer me, and consider what he would say. 6 Would he oppose me with great power? No, he would not press charges against me. 7 There an upright man could present his case before him, and I would be delivered forever from my judge. 8 "But if I go to the east, he is not there; if I go to the west, I do not find him. 9 When he is at work in the north, I do not see him; when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of him. 10 But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
2. I Peter 2:19 For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. 20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. I Peter 5:10 10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, will perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
Peter Calls These “Precious” Promises (2 Peter 1:4). Why? Because they come from a great God who does the impossible. Peter declares that claiming these precious promises makes us “partakers” with Christ. A “partaker” is a participant, partner or sharer. When we partner with Christ, we become like Him. Thus we share in the “Divine nature.” This new nature is not automatic. We must flee the corruption in the world. E.g. When you work for a government – authorities & powers. Peter describes the great effort we must exert to add to our faith these godly characteristics.
IN CLOSING LET US FOCUS ON FEW OF GOD’S PROMISES.
1. Numbers 23:19 Can God Lie? God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?
2. Joshua 21:45: Can His Promises Fail? Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to the house of Israel failed; everyone was fulfilled.
3. 2 Peter 3:9 Will God Keep His Promises To You? The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
4. Matthew 16:18: Can The Church Be Destroyed? No! Jesus Said: I Will Build My Church, And The Gates Of Hades Will Not Overcome It. Jerusalem has been in existence for 2000 years and will remain until the end. The church has faced attacks without and within. Satan continues to try to destroy it, but God protects her.
5. Isaiah 53:5 Can I Be Healed Of Illnesses? But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.
6. Isaiah 49:25 What About Your Enemies? Surely, thus says the Lord, "Even the captives of the mighty man will be taken away, And the prey of the tyrant will be rescued; For I will contend with the one who contends with you, And I will save your sons.
7. Matthew 28:20: Feeling Lonely? Jesus Said: “I Will Be With You Always.” To Joshua (Joshua 1:5): “No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.” To Paul (2 Tim. 4:16-17): “At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength.”
8. Isaiah 41:10: Are You Feeling Weak? So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through him who gives me strength.” Isaiah 40:29-31 29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
9. John 14:1-3: World Is A Mess. Jesus Said: Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”
10. Isaiah 43:2: He Promises To Protect You: When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you; when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, neither shall the flame kindle you.
11. Acts 1:8: God Promises Power: 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
12. Matthew 10:28: Should You Fear People? Do not fear those who kill the body, but cannot harm the soul.
13. Jeremiah 29:11 Does God Have A Plan For You? For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
14. Matthew 11:28-29 Can God Give You Rest? “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. John 14:27 27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
15. Philippians 4:19 Can He Supply All Your Needs? 19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
16. Romans 8 37 Can Anything Separate You From God? Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
17. Ezekiel 37: Can Dead Dreams Come Back To Life? 3 And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord God, thou knowest. 4 Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. 5 Thus saith the Lord God unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live. (Judean desert)
18. 1 Corinthians 10:13: Can You Overcome Temptation? “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
19. James 1:5: Wisdom To Deal With Trials In Your Life. “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”
20. 1 Peter 5:10: Are You The Victim Of Slander, Divorce, Disease? Can Anything Good Come Out Of It. "And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
21. 1 John 1:9 "Are You Shouldering A Tremendous Burden Of Guilt? If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
22. Read: Heroes Of Faith (Heb. 11) / Psalms 91:1-16 / Psalms 27:1-6 / Psalms 23
4 WAYS WE RECEIVE GOD’S PROMISES: NEW MEMBERS – GROWTH MUST COME…
1. We Must Do Prayerful Study Of Our Bibles. 2 Cor. 1:20 In Christ all the promises of God are yes. Search the Scriptures to find & claim each one. Jesus: Parable of stone (Matt. 13:46)
2. We Must Patiently Wait To Receive God’s Promises. Hebrews 6:15 And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised. Abraham waited 25 years - until he was 100 years old - between God’s original promise and the birth of Isaac.
3. We Need To Live In Obedience To God’s Will. Hebrews 10:36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.
4. We Must Receive God’s Promises By Faith. Heb. 11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we don’t see. This is what the ancients were commended for. Heb. 11:6 Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Walk by faith, not sight.
CLAIM THE PROMISES OF GOD OVER YOUR LIFE AND SITUATION!
Take The Promises Today. They Will Not Fail You. They Have Not Failed Israel.
