The Eight Covenants of the Bible-Davidic and New

These are the notes from the last class that we had, (06/13/10):
1) The Davidic Covenant
A. The Scriptural references, (with the emphasis on Solomon), can be found in 2 Samuel 7:11b-16 and (with emphasis on the Messiah) 1 Chronicles 17:10b-14.
B. The Participants-God and David.
C. The Provisions-there are seven provisions:

1. an eternal dynasty-2 Samuel 7:11b, 16, 1 Chronicles 17:10b.
2. Solomon would be established on the throne after David-2 Samuel 7:12.
3. Solomon would build the Temple-2 Samuel 7:13a, (David could not build the Temple because he was considered a man of war by God).
4. The throne of David's kingdom would be established forever-2 Samuel 7:13b, 16.
5. Solomon would be disciplined for disobedience, but God would not remove His lovingkindness- 2 Samuel 7:14-15.
6. The Messiah would come from the seed of David-1 Chronicles 17:11.
7. The Messiah and His throne, house, and kingdom will be established forever-1 Chronicles 17:12-15

D. The Importance of the Davidic Covenant-it amplifies the Seed aspect of the Abrahamic Covenant.
E. The Status of the Covenant-this is an unconditional covenant and is still in effect today.

2) The New Covenant
A. The Scriptural References-Jeremiah 31:31-34.
B. The Participants of the Covenant-God and Israel.
C. The Provisions of the Covenant-there are nine provisions:

1. It is an unconditional covenant made with both houses of Israel. It includes the entire Jewish nation, (the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob), and NOT the Church-Jeremiah 31:31.
2. It is clearly distinct from the Mosaic Covenant-Jeremiah 31:32.
3. It promises the regeneration of Israel-Jeremiah 31:33, Isaiah 59:21.
4. This regeneration is to be universal among all Jews-Jeremiah 31:34a, Isaiah 61:9.
5. There is provision for the forgiveness of sin, more than a covering of sin as provided in the Mosaic Covenant-Jeremiah 31:34b.
6. There is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit-Jeremiah 31:33, Ezekiel 36:27.
7. Israel will be showered with material blessings-Isaiah 61:8, Jeremiah 32:41, and Ezekiel 34:25-27.
8. The Sanctuary will be rebuilt-Ezekiel 37:26-28.
9. Just as the Mosaic Covenant contained the Law of Moses, the New Covenant contains the Law of the Messiah-Romans 8:2, Galatians 6:2. Now if someone tries to tell you that we are still under the Law, you can smile and say, "Yes, we're still under the Law.......the Law of Christ!"  :)

D. The Importance of the Covenant-The importance of the New Covenant is that it amplifies the Blessing aspect of the Abrahamic Covenant, especially in relationship to salvation. It finally shows how the spiritual blessings of the Jewish covenants extent to the Gentiles.
E. The Relationship of the Church to the New Covenant-some confusion has arisen because the Covenant is made with Israel, but a number of Scriptures connect the New Covenant with the Church, (Matthew 26:28, Mark 14:24, Luke 22:14-20, 1 Corinthians 11:25, 2 Corinthians 3:6, Hebrews 7:22, 8:6-13, 9:15, 1-:16, 29, 12:24, and 13:20). Most main-line denominations simply say that the Church has replaced Israel, especially since she rejected her Messiah., while others claim that there is one Covenant with two aspects-one for Israel and one for the Church. However, the solution is described in two passages:
Ephesians 2:11-16 and 3:5-6. I'll quote from Dr. Fruchtenbaum: "This could be called the “partaker view.” The point of these passages is that God made four unconditional covenants with Israel: the Abrahamic Covenant, the Land Covenant, the Davidic Covenant, and the New Covenant. All of God’s blessings, both physical and spiritual, are mediated by means of these four covenants. However, there is also a fifth covenant, the conditional Mosaic Covenant. This was the middle wall of partition. Essentially, it kept the Gentiles from enjoying the spiritual blessings of the four unconditional covenants. For a Gentile to begin receiving the blessings of the unconditional covenants, he had to totally submit to the Mosaic Law, undergo circumcision, take upon himself the obligations of the Law, and, for all practical purposes, live as a son of Abraham. Gentiles, as Gentiles, were not able to enjoy the spiritual blessings of the Jewish covenants; hence, they were strangers from the commonwealth of Israel. They did not receive any of the spiritual benefits contained in the covenants. However, when the Messiah died, the Mosaic Law, the middle wall of partition, was broken down. Now by faith Gentiles, as Gentiles, can enjoy the spiritual blessings of the four unconditional covenants. That is why Gentiles today are partakers of Jewish spiritual blessings, not “takers over.”
The concept of partaking is also found in Romans 11:17: But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them, and did become partaker with them of the root of the fatness of the olive tree;
The Olive Tree represents the place of spiritual blessings of the Jewish Covenants. The types of branches partaking of the blessings: natural branches, which are the Jewish believers; wild olive branches, which are the Gentile believers."
F. The Gentile Obligation-Since the Gentile believers have become partakers of Jewish spiritual blessings, an obligation has been placed upon us according to Romans 15:25-27.
G. The Status of the Covenant-Since the New Covenant is the basis of the Dispensation of Grace for the Church, it is the basis for the Dispensation of the Kingdom for Israel and is therefore eternally in effect.
Once again, to quote from Dr. Fruchtenbaum, "All spiritual blessings are for believers in the Messiah, whether they are Jews of Gentiles. And through His death on the cross for their sins, believers reap spiritual benefits that would never be theirs otherwise. The eight covenants of the Bible are very explicit in their provisions and are valuable for a proper understanding of Scripture."




Fruchtenbaum, A. G. (1983). Vol. 21: The Messianic Bible Study Collection (38–39). Tustin, Calif.: Ariel Ministries.

The Eight Covenants of the Bible-Land

Last Sunday, (06/06/10), we discussed the Land Covenant as follows:
The main Scriptural text can be found in Deuteronomy 29:1-30:10. Deuteronomy 29:1 tells us that this is a different covenant and distinct from the Mosaic Covenant.
A. The Participants: God and Israel.
B. The Provisions: Deuteronomy 30:1-10 of which there are seven:
     1. Moses speaks of Israel's future disobedience and their consequential scattering-Deuteronomy 29:2-30:1
     2. Israel will repent-Deut. 30:2
     3. The Messiah will return-verse 3
     4. Israel will be regathered-verses 3-4
     5. Israel will possess the Promise Land-verse 5
     6. Israel will be regenerated-verse 6
     7. Israel will receive the full blessing, that of the Messianic Age-verses 8-10
As Arnold states: "The special importance of the Land Covenant is that it reaffirms the title deed to the Land as belonging to Israel. Although she would prove unfaithful and disobedient, the right to the Land would never be taken from her. Furthermore, it shows that the conditional Mosaic Covenant did not lay aside the unconditional Abrahamic Covenant. It might be taken by some that the Mosaic Covenant displaced the Abrahamic Covenant, but the Land Covenant shows that this is not true. The Land Covenant is an enlargement of the original Abrahamic Covenant. It amplifies the Land aspect and emphasizes the promise of the Land to God’s earthly Jewish people in spite of their unbelief. The Abrahamic Covenant teaches that ownership for the Land is unconditional while the Land Covenant teaches that the enjoyment of the Land is conditioned on obedience."
C. Confirmation of the Covenant: Confirmation can be seen in Ezekiel 16:1-63, (which is another study by itself).
D. Status: The Land Covenant is still in effect because of its unconditional status.
Hope you have a good weekend and we will NOT have class this Sunday since the choir is not singing.
Be blessed.
Your Chrbrotherist,
George


Fruchtenbaum, A. G. (1983). Vol. 21: The Messianic Bible Study Collection (31). Tustin, Calif.: Ariel Ministries.

Mosaic Covenant

The Eight Covenants of the Bible-Mosaic


This week, (05/30/10), we discussed the following:

1. The Scriptural reference for the Mosaic Covenant is Exodus 20:1-Deuteronomy 28:68.

2. The participants of the Covenant were God and Israel according to Exodus 19:3-8.

3. The key provision was the Law of Moses which contains 613 commandments and there were blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. Jews were no longer allowed to eat animals without restrictions. For example, seafood had to have fins and scales and animals could be eaten if they chewed the cud and were cloven-hoofed. Circumcision became more than a sign of being Jewish. It became an identifier for Jews to keep the entire Law. Also, any Gentiles that wanted to worship the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, were required to undergo circumcision and be obligated to keep all 613 commandments.

4. The key element of the Covenant was the blood sacrifice as found in Leviticus 17:11. This was not a removal of sin, but a covering of sin. Only the Messiah can remove sin.

5. The dispensation of the Covenant was the basis for the Dispensation of Law. As Dr. Fruchtenbaum states: "It was the one Jewish covenant that was conditional and ultimately came to an end with the death of the Messiah." We see this from Romans 10:4 and especially from Hebrews 7:11-12 due to a change from the Aaronic Priesthood to the Melchizedekian Priesthood. We discussed how some of the commandments transferred into the New Covenant, (which has caused some confusion for those who would like to believe that the Mosaic Covenant is still in effect), but that it has been rendered inoperative.

Next week we'll look at the Land Covenant.

Have a blessed week.

Your Chrbrotherist,

George

The Eight Covenants of the Bible-Abrahamic-Part 2


This week, (5/23/10), we continued exploring the three areas of the Covenant:

1. To Abraham-we learned through Scripture that he was to be the father of a great nation, Israel and possess all of the Promised Land. Even the Arab states descended, (and have been blessed), from Abraham. In fact, his name was to become great with Jews, Muslims, and Christians.

2. To the Seed- Israel. Besides possessing all of the Promised Land, it was to become innumerable and have victory over its enemies. Obviously this is still yet future.

3. To the Gentiles-There would be blessings for blessing Israel and cursings for cursing Israel. The Gentiles would receive spiritual blessings and would ultimately come through the Messiah, (also Abraham's seed). As Dr. Fruchtenbaum states: "While the physical blessings were limited to the Jews only, the spiritual blessings were to extend to the Gentiles, but only through the Messiah."



Dr. Fruchtenbaum points out that when the Abrahamic Covenant is boiled down, it contains three aspects as the basis for the development of other covenants: The land aspect which yielded the Land Covenant. The seed aspect which yielded the Davidic Covenant and the blessing aspect which yielded the New Covenant.



Next, we discussed the confirmation of the covenant through Isaac, which can be found in Genesis 26:2-5 and 26:24.

It was also confirmed through Jacob in Genesis 28:13-15 and through Jacobs' sons in chapter 49 of Genesis.



We finished up with a quote from Dr. Fruchtenbaum: "The Abrahamic Covenant is a good example of what was stated earlier: that a covenant could be signed and sealed at a specific point of time, but not every provision goes immediately into effect, but rather, three different things happen. Some went into effect right away such as the change of names and circumcision. Some went into effect in the near future, for there was a twenty five year wait for the birth of Isaac and a four hundred year wait before the conquest of the Land. Some provisions go into effect in the prophetic distant future such as the settlement of all of the Promised Land, which has not been fulfilled to this day."

Fruchtenbaum, A. G. (1983). Vol. 21: The Messianic Bible Study Collection (17). Tustin, Calif.: Ariel Ministries.



Have a blessed week and always be a blessing to others.



Your Chrbrotherist

George

Eight Covenants-Abrahamic-Part 1

The next covenant we studied was the Abrahamic on 05/02/10. This is an unconditional covenant made with Israel. In fact, Abraham couldn't nullify it if he tried! God went through the cut pieces of animals while Abraham was watching in a dream-state, therefore, God alone is responsible for its fulfillment. We can add this attribute to Him as we study Scripture and especially the covenants: God is a covenant-keeping God!
The Scriptural references are:
Genesis 12:1-3, 7; 13:14-17; 15:1-21; 17:1-21; and 22:15-18.
The participants were God and Abraham, whereas Abraham stood as the representative head of the Jewish nation, but not for all humanity, (as we saw with Adam and Noah as representative head for all mankind).
There are fourteen provisions concerning this covenant:

1. A great nation would come out of Abraham-Gen. 12:2; 13:16; 15:5.
2. He was promised a Land; the land of Canaan-Gen. 12:1, 7; 13:14-15, 17.
3. Abraham personally would be greatly blessed-Gen. 12:2b.
4. Abraham's name would be great-Gen. 12:2c, (we see this today with the major religions of the world).
5. Abraham would be a blessing to others-Gen. 12:2d.
6. Those who bless Israel would be blessed-Gen. 12:3a.
7. Those who curse Israel would be cursed-Gen. 12:3b.
8. Through Abraham all would be ultimately be blessed-Gen. 12:3c; 22:18.
9. Abraham would receive a son through his wife Sarah-Gen. 15:1-4; 17:16-21.
10. Abraham's descendants would undergo the Egyptian bondage-Gen. 15:13-14.
11. Other nations, (for example the Arab states), besides Israel, would come forth from Abraham-Gen. 17:3-4, 6.
12. His name would be changed from Abram, (exalted father), to Abraham, (father of a multitude)-Gen. 17:5.
13. Sarai's name, (my princess), would changed to Sarah, (the princess)-Gen. 17:15.
14. Circumcision would be a token/sign of the covenant-Gen. 17:9-14. We noted that other ancient cultures also circumcised there males, but the uniqueness of Jewish circumcision was that it was done on the eighth day, (a time when the baby's clotting is properly developed).

So we see that these provisions of the Abrahamic Covenant can be put into three categories:

1. Abraham
2. To the Seed, Israel
3. To the Gentiles

Next time we'll look more closely at these three categories and also their influence for the development of subsequent covenants.
Be blessed,
Your chrbrotherist,
George

The Eight Covenants of the Bible-Noahic

Last week, (04/25/10), we looked at the 3rd of the 8 Covenants: the Noahic Covenant.
The Scriptural text of the Covenant was read and is found in Genesis 9:1-17, with the participants being God and Noah. Noah, here, stood as the representative head for all of the human race, as Adam did.
There were seven provisions of the Covenant:

1. Man, again, was to repopulate the earth, with only 8 survivors after the flood.
2. The fear of man was put into animals, giving them a sense of self-preservation, (see #3 below).
3. Man's diet changed from vegetarian to every moving thing and the green herb.
4. Man was forbidden to eat blood. We see this reiterated in the Book of Acts 15:29 through a different covenant.
5. Capital punishment was introduced, (all murderers were to be executed).
6. God promised never again to destroy the earth by flood.
7. The sign or token of the covenant was the rainbow.

The status of the covenant is that it's still in effect. As  Arnold mentions: "The judgments of the Tribulation against the Gentiles will come because of violations of the Noahic Covenant. According to Isaiah 24:5–6, the judgment comes because humanity has violated the everlasting covenant, a name given to the Noahic Covenant in Genesis 9:16. For that reason, the prophet used the Noahic Flood motif, the windows on high and foundations of the earth in Isaiah 24:18. But next time, God will destroy the masses of humanity by fire."


Fruchtenbaum, A. G. (1983). Vol. 21: The Messianic Bible Study Collection (13). Tustin, Calif.: Ariel Ministries.
We also discussed the different dispensations associated with the previously mentioned covenants.
The Edenic Covenant was the basis for the Dispensation of Innocence.
The Adamic Covenant; the Dispensation of Conscience.
The Noahic Covenant; the Dispensation of Human Government.
Hope you have a great week and give Him the praise in all things.
Be blessed,
Your Chrbrotherist
George

This is the second of 8 covenants of the Bible class that we began last Sunday, (04/17/10).
The main body of Scripture can be found in Genesis 3:14-19.
The participants are God and Adam, where Adam is again representing the entire human race. We see that God addresses the serpent, Satan, Eve, and Adam.

There were three provisions concerning the serpent:

He was cursed above all other creatures.

He was to crawl on his belly, (which implies that he previously moved in an upright position).

He was to eat dust as his food. This was a Hebrew idiom that simply meant that he was especially cursed, (see Micah 7:17 and Isaiah 65:25).

There were four provisions concerning Satan:

Perpetual hatred between Satan and the woman.

The hatred was especially between Satan's seed, the Antichrist, and the woman's seed, the Messiah.

The serpent would bruise the heel of the woman's seed, (at the Crucifixion).

The woman's seed will crush Satan's head, (initially at the Resurrection-Hebrews 2:14-15), but finally with the Lake of fire, (Revelation 20:10).

Quoting from Dr. Fruchtenbaum:

The main point of this prophecy is that the Messiah would be of the Seed of woman. This goes against the biblical norm that teaches that genealogy is traced through the male line, not through the female line. The reason for this exception will not be known for centuries until Isaiah 7:14 revealed that the Messiah will be conceived and born of a virgin. The prophecy of Genesis 3:15 led to the events of Genesis 6:1–4 when Satan tried to corrupt the seed of the woman and will lead to the future supernatural conception of the Antichrist.

Fruchtenbaum, A. G. (1983). Vol. 21: The Messianic Bible Study Collection (10). Tustin, Calif.: Ariel Ministries.

Three provisions were given to the woman:

There would be intensification of menstrual pain and conception.

She would to give birth in pain.

The wife was to in subjection to the husband.

Dr. Fruchtenbaum adds: "This was already true before the Fall, but the new element was that she would now have a desire to rebel against that subjection and choose to try to rule him." See Genesis 4:7 for context.

There were five provisions for the man:

Since Adam was the representative of the human race, these judgments pass on to us all. Therefore, Adam, not Eve, is held responsible for the human condition.

The Earth was cursed, (as anyone who gardens can attest).

The human diet continues to be vegetarian.

Hard labor was implemented.

Physical death was introduced.

The status of the Adamic Covenant is that it is still in effect today.

Have a great weekend!

Your Chrbrotherist
George Haven

The Eight Covenants of the Bible-Edenic

This is a new study that we began on 04/11/10-enjoy.

Positional Truths 31-33

We've reached the end of this study on "33 Positional Truths." The final three truths are as follows:
31: United to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit-2 Corinthians 6:16 and has six facets:
a. The Believer is in God the Father-2 Thessalonians 1:1
b. The Father is in the Believer-Ephesians 4:6
c. The Believer is in the Son-John 14:20
d. The Son is in the Believer-Colossians 1:27
e. The Believer is in the Holy Spirit-Romans 8:9, Ephesians 2:22
f. The Holy Spirit is in the Believer-1 Corinthians 3:16
32: Access to God-Four things are true concerning access:
a. The Believer has access to God according to Romans 5:2 and can boldly approach the throne of grace according to Hebrews 4:14-16. Arnold reminds us that if a Believer stumbles, it's not because he/she doesn't have sufficient grace available, but have not appropriated the grace that's available to them to get through any temptation, any suffering, any trial or tribulation.
b. The Believer has access to God the Father according to Ephesians 2:18.
c. The Believer has assurance of his/her salvation-Hebrews 10:19, 22.
d. This access provides fellowship with God-1 Corinthians 1:9, 1 John 1:3.
33. Within the "much more" Care of God-According to Luke 12:24. This position has seven facets:
a. The Believer is the object of God's divine love according to Romans 5:8.
b. The Believer is the object of God's grace-John 6:27, Ephesians 2: 7-9.
c. The Believer is the object of God's power-Ephesians 1:19.
d. The Believer is the object of God's faithfulness-1 Corinthians 1:9, Hebrews 13:5.
e. The Believer is the object of God's peace-Romans 5:1, Philippeans 4:7.
f. The Believer is the object of God's consolation and comfort-2 Corinthians 1:3-4
g. The Believer is the object of God's intercession-Romans 8:27, Hebrews 7:25.
The following is Dr. Fruchtenbaum's conclusion of this study:

These are the thirty three things that happen to every believer at the moment he is saved. They happen instantaneously; they are not a process. It is very important that the believer grasp his position in Jesus the Messiah, because until the believer clearly understands what his position is, he will not fully understand what his authority is in that position. Not knowing what his authority is, he will not be able to exercise that authority. So it is very important that the believer understands his position, because this is his best defense in fighting the satanic and demonic front in spiritual warfare.
There are three fronts to spiritual warfare: the flesh, the world, and the devil and his demonic forces. As in any war, each has to be fought in different ways, in different styles, and by using different weapons. As far as the front against Satan and the demonic forces is concerned, the best defense is understanding positional truth, understanding what the believer’s position is in Yeshua the Messiah, understanding the authority that comes with it, and then exercising that authority. When Satan starts accusing and attacking the believer, the believer is able to stand on the basis of the Word of God. The believer never stands on the basis of his own merit; he never stands against Satan on the basis of his own righteousness. The believer stands on the basis of his position in the Messiah and on the fact that he has the righteousness of the Messiah imputed to him.
Fruchtenbaum, A. G. (1983). The Messianic Bible Study Collection (110:19-20). Tustin, Calif.: Ariel Ministries.

We will not be meeting for the next two weeks because of the musical celebration of His Resurrection. We will be resuming with, (what I believe, is), perhaps the most important study that a Biblically literate Disciple can undertake. The study of the eight covenants of the Bible. I personally don't think that one can properly discern between Biblical truth and much of what the modern church teaches without a working knowledge of the covenants that God has given us in His Word.
Be blessed, have a wonderful Passover season.
Your Chrbrotherist

Positional Truths 25-30

Last Sunday, (03/14/10), we covered the next six truths:

1. In Possession of Every Spiritual Blessing-We as Believers don't have to wait, pray for, or agonize over spiritual blessings because of Ephesians 1:3.
2. Believers are a Gift from God the Father to God the Son-We looked at John 6:37-40 and John 17:6 and discussed the eternal security aspect also in John 10:28-29.
3. Believers are the Messiah's Inheritance-according to Ephesians 1:18 and as Arnold states: "Yeshua has inherited the believer; because of this, the believer is the peculiar, private, individual possession of the Messiah."
   Fruchtenbaum, A. G. (1983). The Messianic Bible Study Collection (110:16). Tustin, Calif.: Ariel Ministries.
4. Believers are heirs-not only heirs, but co-heirs with the Messiah according to Romans 8:17, Galatians 4:7, and Titus 3:7.
5. Freed from the Law-this is particularly true of Jewish Believers. They and we are freed from the Mosaic Law according to Romans 6:14 and 10:4. Hebrews 7:11-12 gives us the theological reason for freedom from the Law. We also discussed that if someone wants to observe some aspects of the Law, (a Kosher kitchen, for example), that the Believer can certainly do so. It becomes improper when that person begins to demand that others do the same and becomes a point of legalism, especially if it becomes a sanctifying "works" issue.
6. The Judgment of the Old Man Unto a New Walk-Galatians 2:20 tells us that the old man has been co-crucified with Christ and the old man no longer has any binding legal authority over the Believer and no longer has any obligation to obey the old nature. Therefore the Believer has the power to walk in newness of life.

Have a blessed week. We'll finish up with the final 3 positional truths next Sunday and then begin looking at the 8 covenants of the Bible.

Your Chrbrotherist

Truths 22-24

We met last week, (03/07/10), and continued with the 33 positional truths as taught by Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum:

1. Light in the World-According to Ephesians 5:8, we are not only light in the world, but light in the Lord and we should be walking in that light. We listed an application that comes from 1 Thessalonians 5:4-9. The wrath in verse 9 is a time of darkness is the Great Tribulation, and because Believers are of the light and of the day, we will not go through the Tribulation. Stated another way,
   "Because of this position of being light in the Lord, believers will not go through the Tribulation."
   Fruchtenbaum, A. G. (1983). The Messianic Bible Study Collection (110:15). Tustin, Calif.: Ariel Ministries.
2. Heavenly Associations-I listed 7 facets to this positional truth:
   a) The Believer is now a partner with the Messiah in life-Colossians 3:3-4

b) A partner in position-Ephesians 2:6

c) A partner in service and "co-serves" with Him as a servant-John 17:18, 20:21

d) A partaker with the Messiah in sufferings-Romans 8:17, (so much for the health and wealth teachings by modern progressive preachers)!

e) A partner with the Messiah in prayer-John 16:23-24 and we must not forget this important Scripture, 1 John 5:14-15. This is one of the reasons why we pray in the name of Yeshua, (Jesus).

f) A partner in betrothal where the Messiah is the groom and Believers are the Bride-Ephesians 5:25-27.

g) A partner with the Messiah in expectation of His return-Titus 2:3 and Hebrews 9:28.

3. Completion- The Believer is complete or, according to Colossians 2:10, been made full. In practice there are many things lacking in our lives, but because of the Believer's position, he are complete.

Don't forget to set the clocks ahead by one hour tonight, (03/13/10).

Be blessed,

Your Chrbrotherist

Truths 19-21

We met on 02/21/10 and discussed the next 3 positional truths:

1. Adoption- according to Romans 8:15, 23 and Galatians 4:5. God chose to love us, because we were adopted into His family. The next position logically follows;
2. The Children of God- according to John 1:12 and Romans 8:16. Arnold tells us that there are four facets: the Believer has been begotten-1 John 5:1; made alive by Him-Ephesians 2:5 and Colossians 2:13; we are now "sons" or "followers" of God-Romans 8:14; the Believer is now a new creation-2 Corinthians 5:17. At this point, we discussed the ramifications that come with being the children and the fact that Gentiles now enjoy the spiritual blessings of the Jewish Covenants according to Ephesians 2:12-13 and 3:6.
3. Part of the Fellowship of the Saints- according to 1 John 1:3, 7 meaning that it is the basis for unity among Believers.

We didn't meet the following Sunday, but met again on March 7th, 2010.

In the meantime, be blessed,

Your Chrbrotherist,

George

Positional Truths 16-18

This week in class, (02/14/10-Happy Valentine's Day!), we looked at the next three items in our study:

1. Transferred into God's Kingdom-2 Peter 1:11, with 2 implications; a) the Believer has been transferred out of the power of darkness according to Colossians 1:13, (Satan has no legal authority over the Believer any more), and b) 1 Thessalonians 2:12 tells us to "walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory."
2. Citizen's of Heaven-Luke 10:20, Ephesians 2:19, and other Scriptures confirm this. We should keep in mind that we are actually foreigners here on Earth and focus more on the fact that Heaven is our true home.
3. In the Family of God-1 Corinthians 3:9 and Ephesians 2:19, 20 were read to show us that the Believer is now part of God's household. In the context of "family," we talked about being heirs as found in Romans 8:17 and Ephesians 3:6. I asked the question, "Heirs to what?" I told the class that I wanted them to start thinking of God in a little different way. We think about God and His attributes and that is good and proper, but I wanted them to start thinking of God as a covenant-keeper. I explained to them that we, (Gentiles), are heirs to the spiritual promises of the unconditional, eternal covenants that God has already established and said that soon we will have a class on the 8 covenants of the Bible and explain which are conditional and which are unconditional and how they apply to us today. Stay tuned.....

I hope you have a blessed week.

Your Chrbrotherist

George

Positional Truths 13-15

Last week during class, (02/07/10), we covered the next three positional truths, (13, 14, and 15), as follows:

1. Made Nigh-This especially applies to Gentile Believers rather than Jewish Believers because, according to Ephesians 2:13, we have been brought near to the spiritual blessings of the Jewish Covenants. We are partakers, not taker-overs' according to Eph, 3:6.
2. Members of a Holy and Royal Priesthood-resulting in the priesthood of all Believers. To Jewish Believers, (1 Peter 2:5, 9), and to Gentile Believers, (Revelation 1:5-6, 5:9-10). Paul give us one application in Romans 12:1-2 because the presenting of a living sacrifice is a priestly act. Another application that we discussed is found in Philippeans 4:18 which speaks of funds given to Paul to support his ministry. 2 Timothy 4:6 and Hebrews 13:15-16 were also talked about.
3. A Chosen Generation: A Holy Nation: A Peculiar People-Going back to 1 Peter 2:9, we see this being true more of Jewish Believers rather than Gentile Believers because Peter specifically wrote to Jewish Believers. This can be applied by the doing of good works according to Titus 2:14.

Be blessed,

Your Chrbrotherist

George

The unseen world

We veered slightly off track, (because of our home fellowship discussion on 01/29/10), and ended up discussing the various Biblical names for the unseen world.

1. Sheol, (Hebrew), Hades, (Greek). It's always downward and was/is a multi-compartmented place for the soul.
2. Abbadon, (Hebrew), Apollyon, (Greek), is the unbeliever's side of Sheol/Hades.
3. The Pit is synonymous with Abbadon.
4. The Abyss, (Greek), is not associated with humans, but always fallen angels, (except the Antichrist). The root signifies "netherworld" or "bottomless." It's that section of Sheol/Hades which is a temporary place of confinement for fallen angels.
5. Tartarus, (Greek), is somehow connected with the Sons of God in Genesis 6, (see 2 Peter 2:4 and Jude 6, 7).
6. Hell comes from a Teutonic root which means to hide or to cover. This is the unrighteous side of Sheol/Hades.
7. Abraham's bosom is discussed in the Matthew account of the rich man and Lazarus. It was the righteous side of Sheol/Hades.
8. Gehenna, (Greek). It consists of 2 Hebrew words, "Gei" and "Hinnom" or the "valley of Hinnom. It's outside the walls of Jerusalem and in the Old Testament, it was a place where some of the wicked kings of Israel practiced human sacrifice by burning. It is the eternal abode of the lost, both angels and humans. Sheol/Hades' punishment is for the soul, but Gehenna, (Lake of Fire), is for both body and soul.
9. Lake of Fire is the same as "Gehenna" mentioned above.
10. Heaven is another term for the unseen world. The first heaven is the atmosphere where birds fly. The second heaven is the place where the sun, moon, and stars are located and the third heaven is where God dwells. It is where Abraham's bosom is now, (after Christ proclaimed His finished work in Sheol/Hades-see Ephesians 4:8-10).
11. The New Jerusalem-Galatians 4:26. This is God's abode with the elect angels and redeemed man. It will be on the new earth and is synonymous with Heaven. One can see that the common view of Heaven and Hell is not always Biblically accurate and hopefully this will clear up some of these terms. Scriptural verses were supplied, thanks to Dr. Fruchtenbaum's study of this interesting subject.

Be blessed,

Your Chrbrotherist,

George Haven

We continued speaking about the 33 positional truths with numbers 10, 11, and 12 on 01/24.

1. First-fruits of the Holy Spirit-Romans 8:23. We learned about being born again, baptized by the Holy Spirit, indwelt, sealed, and filled by the Holy Spirit, with applicable Scripture.
2. In the eternal plan of God-2 Timothy 1:9. We did not discuss the ramifications of God's eternal plan, (His foreknowledge, predestination, election, chosen to be saved, and calling), because that should be covered at another time, since it's pretty hard to simply gloss over these truths.
3. Based upon the Rock; the Messiah-
   (Mat. 7:24–27; 1 Cor. 3:9–15; Eph. 2:20–22; 1 Pet. 2:4–6).
   Fruchtenbaum, A. G. (1983). The Messianic Bible Study Collection (110:11). Tustin, Calif.: Ariel Ministries.

We also discussed the Spiritual "Rock" in 1 Cor. 10:4 and 1 Peter 2:8 and why Moses didn't get to enter the Promised Land because he broke the "type" concerning Christ.

Be blessed,

Your Chrbrotherist,

George Haven

Our class returned from Christmas break on 01/16/10. Hope everyone had a blessed Christmas and we look forward to a Christ-centered New Year!
We continued with three more positional truths, making our total 9 of 33. They were:

1. Deliverance-rescue, deliver, redeem, ransom, reclaim, save mean to set free from confinement or danger. Rescue implies freeing from imminent danger by prompt or vigorous action rescued the crew of a sinking ship. Deliver implies release usu. of a person from confinement, temptation, slavery, or suffering, delivered his people from bondage. Merriam-Webster, I. (2003). Merriam-Webster's collegiate dictionary. Includes index. (Eleventh ed.). Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster, Inc. In our discussion, deliverance is from the power of darkness, (Acts 26:18; Eph. 2:1–2; Col. 1:13; Heb. 2:14–15).
2. Circumcision-This is not concerning the flesh, but the heart as found in Colossians 2:11 and putting off the deads of the flesh. I found three Old Testament references concerning circumcision of the heart:
   Deuteronomy 10:16
   Deuteronomy 30:6
   Jeremiah 4:4
3. Being acceptable to God-we are acceptable to God according to Ephesians 1:6 and 1 Peter 2:5. We also discussed five facets and read corresponding Scripture.

Be blessed,

George, your Chrbrotherist