How many times has that...
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How many times has that been sung by the Israelites? We now know that there are members of the lost tribes all around the world. Even some who came to our country with the Conquistadors discovered that they were Jewish when they realized that they had traditions that were different. They could not eat pork or work on the sabbath. They had converted to Catholicism to save their lives during the Spanish Inquisition. I have learned of others in India and Asia who discovered their Israelite ancestry. So God is still calling the remnants of Israel from all over the world.
It seems that God is calling Israel as his "firstborn," and we see it today in the nation of Israel which was formed from Jews all over the world -- many who were being persecuted. God has not forgotten his promise to Israel.
God's people in Israel are still suffering, so it seems we have to reach out further to descendants of God's "firstborn." I like to think that that means Jesus. In the New Testament we find that Christians of whatever background have become children of Abraham through our faith in Christ.
The implication is that we are to be missionaries to bring in the lost so that God will adopt them as he promised. That is one of our most important jobs. Yes we may build beautiful temples to our God, but our primary job is to reach out to others.
One of the discoveries we make on the mission field is how often converts may claim that the good news of the gospel has always been in their hearts. When they hear it, they recognize it.
When I was teaching Apaches, their name for God was Usen. When the early Spanish arrived and the priests who came with them preached the gospel, they recognized that Usen was their God. The only thing that almost destroyed their faith is what the Conquistadors did to them. Even the priests objected, but it did no good. This is a lesson that we should be careful how we treat the new convert.
What are we teaching the Muslims when we take our revenge just like they do? We are often no better than them, to our shame. I would rather die trying to convert the Muslim than die in the process of killing them.
Let us share the joy of this season with all the world. One thing that will convert the lost is when they see our joy! Don't let it fade!
It seems that God is calling Israel as his "firstborn," and we see it today in the nation of Israel which was formed from Jews all over the world -- many who were being persecuted. God has not forgotten his promise to Israel.
God's people in Israel are still suffering, so it seems we have to reach out further to descendants of God's "firstborn." I like to think that that means Jesus. In the New Testament we find that Christians of whatever background have become children of Abraham through our faith in Christ.
The implication is that we are to be missionaries to bring in the lost so that God will adopt them as he promised. That is one of our most important jobs. Yes we may build beautiful temples to our God, but our primary job is to reach out to others.
One of the discoveries we make on the mission field is how often converts may claim that the good news of the gospel has always been in their hearts. When they hear it, they recognize it.
When I was teaching Apaches, their name for God was Usen. When the early Spanish arrived and the priests who came with them preached the gospel, they recognized that Usen was their God. The only thing that almost destroyed their faith is what the Conquistadors did to them. Even the priests objected, but it did no good. This is a lesson that we should be careful how we treat the new convert.
What are we teaching the Muslims when we take our revenge just like they do? We are often no better than them, to our shame. I would rather die trying to convert the Muslim than die in the process of killing them.
Let us share the joy of this season with all the world. One thing that will convert the lost is when they see our joy! Don't let it fade!
