Pastor John Hagee - "Israel: God's Chosen People"

Summary

Pastor John Hagee delivers a powerful sermon on the distinct role of Israel in God's divine plan, emphasizing the importance of supporting Israel and recognizing its biblical significance. He highlights key elements such as Israel's adoption, glory, and promises, alongside prophetic events that have shaped its history. The pastor calls for action against anti-Semitism and encourages Christians to bless Israel. He concludes with a hopeful message, urging believers to rejoice in their salvation and eagerly await the return of Christ, the King of Glory, with a focus on the eternal life promised to believers.

Takeaways

• 😀 Israel was adopted by God as His chosen people and has not been replaced by the Church in God's plan.
• 😀 The glory of God is a tangible, overpowering presence that transforms lives and brings power, assurance, and hope.
• 😀 Christians are not bound to follow the 613 laws of Moses, but are called to love one another as a core commandment of faith.
• 😀 God made over 3,000 promises to Israel that reveal His faithfulness and provide hope for believers.
• 😀 The Jewish patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph—play a central role in God's plan for Israel and humanity.
• 😀 Jesus Christ, who is Jewish, is the ultimate gift of Israel to the world, and salvation is from the Jews.
• 😀 Those who bless Israel and the Jewish people will receive God's blessings in return, as promised in Scripture.
• 😀 Anti-Semitism is condemned as a sin that brings judgment, and Christians are called to stand against it.
• 😀 Israel's history, including its exile and regathering, was predicted in biblical prophecy and has been fulfilled, especially the return of Jews to Israel in 1948.
• 😀 Christians are urged to live out their faith by loving others, standing against injustice, and reflecting the light of Jesus in a world full of hate and division.

Q & A

What are the eight distinctive features of Israel mentioned in the script?

The eight distinctive features of Israel are: adoption by God, the glory of God, the covenants, the law of Moses, the promises of God, the Patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob), the gift of Jesus Christ, and the unique role of Israel in Bible prophecy.

What is the concept of 'replacement theology,' and how does the speaker address it?

'Replacement theology' is the belief that the Church has replaced Israel in God’s covenant. The speaker refutes this idea, emphasizing that Israel remains God’s chosen people and that God’s promises to Israel have not been revoked.

How does the speaker explain the concept of 'the glory' in relation to Israel?

The 'glory' refers to the visible and tangible presence of God among His people, which can be felt deeply. The speaker explains that the glory of God is something that brings power, assurance, confidence, and hope, and it was first manifested in the cloud by day and fire by night over the Tabernacle in the wilderness.

What is the significance of the law of Moses in the sermon?

The law of Moses, which consists of 613 commandments, was given specifically to the Jewish people. The speaker emphasizes that Gentiles were never expected to follow these laws for salvation, but Christians are given a new commandment to love one another as Jesus has loved us.

Why does the speaker stress the importance of supporting Israel?

The speaker stresses that blessing Israel brings blessings to those who do so, citing the biblical principle 'I will bless those who bless you.' Supporting Israel aligns with God's plan and brings favor and blessings to individuals and communities.

What role does anti-Semitism play in the sermon, and how is it addressed?

Anti-Semitism is condemned as a sin that brings judgment from God. The speaker calls Christians to stand against anti-Semitism and emphasizes that mistreating Jewish people is not only morally wrong but also biblically sinful, leading to curses on those who practice it.

What is the connection between Jesus Christ and Israel in this sermon?

The sermon emphasizes that Jesus Christ was Jewish, and that salvation is of the Jews. Jesus’ Jewish identity is vital to understanding God’s plan for humanity, as He came to fulfill God's promises to Israel and to be the Savior for all.

How does the speaker suggest churches can support Israel?

The speaker suggests that churches can support Israel by hosting events like 'Nights to Honor Israel,' praying for the peace of Jerusalem, educating congregations about the importance of Israel, and standing against anti-Semitism.

What personal anecdote does the speaker share to illustrate the blessings of supporting Israel?

The speaker shares the story of Cornerstone Church’s 'Nights to Honor Israel,' which have brought abundant blessings to the church and its ministries. The speaker also recounts how supporting Israel led to miracles and favor, including a special award from Israel for the church’s support.

What biblical prophecy regarding Israel does the speaker emphasize?

The speaker highlights several prophecies regarding Israel, including the prediction of Israel's return to the land after being scattered among the nations, which was fulfilled in 1948 when Israel became a nation again. The speaker also references Jesus’ prophecy about the destruction of the second temple in 70 AD.