Speaking the Truth in Love

Speaking the Truth in Love

Is Jerusalem Holy Anymore?

IS JERUSALEM HOLY ANYMORE? [live call in: (865) 215-4337] In the news, we constantly hear about all the things happening in the Middle East. Many times the discussion is focused on the city of Jerusalem. Many religions still place a special importance on this city. One time I saw a billboard of a church that said "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem" (Psalm 122:6). All these things indicate that people place a sacred holiness to this city today. Our focus tonight will be on the question, "Is Jerusalem holy anymore?" Mentioned in Joshua 15:63 as the city of the Jebusites and became part of the tribe of Benjamin (Joshua 18:28, Judges 1:21). It is possible that the Salem referred to in Genesis 14, is the city which becomes Jerusalem later (Psalm 76:1-2). The purpose of Jerusalem in the Old Testament Kingdom and Temple - In Jerusalem (1 Kings 3:1. 3:15, 8:1, Hebrews 9:1-10) Priesthood - Levitical (Numbers 18:6-7) Worship - Done in the temple (2 Kings 18:22, Psalm 5:7, Psalm 135:1-4, 19-21) Sacrifice - By priests, physical sacrifices (1 Kings 8:62-64) Abode of God - Signified by a cloud (1 Kings 8:10-13) New Testament King - Jesus (Mark 16:19, John 18:37, Acts 2:32-36, 1 Timothy 1:15-17, Hebrews 1:3) Kingdom – Nation - The Church (Colossians 1:13, Hebrews 12:28, James 2:5, 2 Peter 1:11) Temple - Christians (1 Corinthians 3:16-17, 6:19-20) Priesthood - Christ is High Priest and Christians are priests (Hebrews 7:11-17, 1 Peter 2:5, 9, Rev. 1:5-6). Worship - In Spirit and Truth (John 4:19-24) Sacrifice - Spiritual Sacrifices (1 Peter 2:4-10) Abode of God - With us and in us (1 Corinthians 3:16, Acts 7:47-48, 17:24, 1 John 4:12-16) *Now no need for animal sacrifices, a physical throne, a special race of people, a physical kingdom! Heavenly Jerusalem King - Christ (Hebrews 8:1-6, Revelation 19:11-16) Kingdom - Heavenly Jerusalem, Mt. Zion (1 Corinthians 15:24, Hebrews 12:22-24) Temple - Throne of God (Revelation 21:1-5, 22:1-5) Priesthood - No more sacrifices, mediator, or intercessor (Revelation 22:3-5) Worship - Subjects worship God (Revelation 4:9-11, 19:1-6) Abode of God - With the Saints (1 Thessalonians 4:17, Revelation 21:3) CONCLUSION From our study tonight, we can see that Jerusalem was once the focus of the Israelites. Now Jerusalem has no special spiritual importance, because Jesus is reigning on the throne in Heaven over His Spiritual Nation (Hebrews 12:1-2). God's people now are Christians, saints who have had their sins washed away by the blood of Jesus. And one day God's people will be delivered up to be on earth no more. Jerusalem is a typical middle eastern city, with much religious confusion. God's people are now of a spiritual Kingdom that is everlasting. Do you want to be a part of God's spiritual kingdom? Believe and confess that Jesus is the Son of God, repent of your sins, humble yourself to the Lord by being baptized for the remission of your sins, and then be a willing subject of Jesus the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Why not become a member of God's Kingdom tonight? We invite all in our audience to our Bible studies on Wednesday at 7pm and Sunday morning at 9am. We would love to study God’s together with you! Please check the scriptures we have covered tonight. We want to help you in any way we can. Contact us for Bible studies by telephone, e-mail, or simply come to one of our assemblies. Contact: We assemble at 225 North Purdue Ave. in Oak Ridge at 9am on Sundays and 7pm on Wednesdays; oakridgechurch.com; david.barry@oakridgechurch.com, murray.wade@oakridgechurch.com; (865) 693-1416. Our next live program is planned for March 3, 2025 when we plan to study “A Day in Heaven” and we hope to see you next time on "Speaking The Truth In Love".