Text: Genesis 21:9-13
From the beginning, there has been strife between Isaac & Ishmael. It continues today between Jewish & Arab peoples.
Misconceptions About the End
Is Armageddon Coming?
- Common concept of Armageddon — armies of Christ & armies of nations gathered in Israel; one final, great battle
- Bible depiction of Armageddon — enemies of Christ gathered at Har-Magedon (Revelation 16:13-16)
- Symbolic language, but clearly not the end (Revelation 16:21) — enemies weren’t completely wiped out
When Will the End Come?
- At an unknown time (Matthew 24:36,42)
- Without signs or warning (1 Thessalonians 5:2-3)
Misconceptions About Israel
Promised Land
- God promised the land of Canaan to Abraham’s descendants (Genesis 17:7-8) — this promise was conditional (Genesis 17:9)
- The land promise was fulfilled (Joshua 23:14) — he reminded the people that their keeping the land was also conditional (Joshua 23:15-16)
God’s Chosen People
- The Jews were God’s chosen people (Deuteronomy 7:6-8)
- But the Jews rejected God (Matthew 27:22-26; John 19:15) — so God cut them off (Romans 11:17,20)
- Who are God’s chosen people today? (Galatians 3:26-29; Romans 2:28-29)
- A Jew can be one of God’s chosen people today, but only if he comes to Christ (Romans 11:23)
Restoration of the Kingdom
- Before His ascension, the apostles asked Jesus about the restoration of the kingdom (Acts 1:6) — many people are still waiting for this
- Yet Jesus was clear that His kingdom was spiritual in nature (John 18:36)
- The Jews rejected Christ because He wasn’t bringing the kind of kingdom they expected — many also misunderstand the nature of the kingdom today
Read the article: Are the Jews Still God’s Chosen People Today?
