S1: Last week was Jerusalem Day. Should people still care about
S1: the city of Jerusalem, especially followers of Jesus? Well, stay
S1: with me. We'll talk about that in just a moment. Hello, friends.
S1: Welcome to Open Line. This is Moody Radio's Bible study
S1: across America. My name is Michael Ray. I'm the academic
S1: dean and a professor of Jewish studies and Bible at
S1: Moody Bible Institute. I'm so grateful to be joining you
S1: around the radio kitchen table. We're talking about your questions
S1: about the Bible, God and the spiritual life. I'm so
S1: happy that we can have this Bible study across America.
S1: That's what really, this is people calling from all over
S1: the country with their questions about the Bible, God and
S1: the spiritual life. If you have a question and you'd
S1: like to call the phone number, here is (877) 548-3675. You know, there's, uh,
S1: so many times people say I can't get through. Best
S1: time to call. To get through is the beginning of
S1: the program. Or at least the beginning of the hour. Again,
S1: the number (877) 548-3675. Tricia McMillan is our producer. Murals behind
S1: the board. They're taking care of everything. Merle Saint James,
S1: all things technical. Uh, Lisa's helping out, and we're glad
S1: for the whole team here. That's trying to do our
S1: best to answer your questions about Scripture. Um, the phone
S1: number again. (877) 548-3675. I want to thank. A couple weeks ago,
S1: Mike Faber sat in for me while I was handling
S1: graduation at the Moody Bible Institute. That went great. And
S1: then last week we had a prerecorded program. Thank you, Tricia,
S1: for putting that together. And now I'm glad to be back.
S1: Live with you. So it's time to go get yourself
S1: a cup of coffee. I've got mine right here. Bring
S1: your Bible, because we're going to study the scriptures together.
S1: So I've heard a lot, in fact, just this very
S1: past week about how believers, now that we follow Jesus,
S1: who is not just the King of Israel, but the
S1: King of the whole world, that we shouldn't really care about,
S1: the city of Jerusalem, the city of Jerusalem, or the
S1: Jerusalem Day, is a celebration of the reunification of Jerusalem
S1: into one city. Both the ancient city of Jerusalem and
S1: the modern city into one city. In 1967, during the
S1: Six-Day War, when Jordan attacked Israel. The result was that
S1: the city was united. And so since 1967, almost 60 years,
S1: that has been celebrated in late May, early June, depending
S1: on when the Jewish calendar counts the day. This past
S1: week it was May 25th and 26th. We celebrated Jerusalem Day.
S1: It's the reunification and people think, well, it shouldn't really matter,
S1: and that it's sort of a negative that that Jewish
S1: people celebrate the reunification of Jerusalem. Here's what one Christian
S1: author wrote about Psalm 48, which is a celebration of Jerusalem.
S1: It says Psalm 48 records the pride and overconfidence of
S1: Israel's view of land. It was a national possession guaranteeing
S1: divine privilege, and it was very negative about Psalm 48.
S1: But I think Psalm 48 shouldn't be viewed negatively or
S1: viewed as a negative about what Jewish people think of Jerusalem. Rather,
S1: it should teach us how we should think about Jerusalem.
S1: Let me read Psalm 48. The Lord is great and
S1: highly praised in the city of our God. His holy mountain,
S1: rising splendidly, is the joy of the whole earth. Mount
S1: Zion on the slopes of the north is the city
S1: of the Great King. God is known as a stronghold
S1: in its citadels. Look! The kings assembled. They advanced together.
S1: They looked and froze with fear. They fled in terror.
S1: Trembling seized them their agony like that of a woman
S1: in labor. As you wreck the ships of Tarshish with
S1: the east wind. Just as we heard. So we have
S1: seen in the city of the Lord of hosts, in
S1: the city of our God, God will establish it forever. God,
S1: within your temple we contemplate your faithful love. Your name,
S1: God like your praise reaches to the end of the earth.
S1: Your right hand is filled with justice. Mount Zion is glad,
S1: glad the towns of Judah rejoice because of your judgments.
S1: Go around Zion. Encircle it. Count its towers. Note its ramparts.
S1: Tour its citadels so that you can tell a future
S1: generation this God, our God, forever and ever. He will
S1: always lead us. So how should we think about Jerusalem today?
S1: Here's four perspectives on Jerusalem. First of all, it's the
S1: capital of the city of the Great King. It's called
S1: the city of our God, his holy mountain. It's called
S1: the city of the Great King in verse two. This
S1: is the city of the King Messiah. So we often
S1: think of it as our city, or a city of Judaism,
S1: or a city of Islam. People want to say it's
S1: that because of the Islamic conquest in the eighth century. No,
S1: we have to remember this is the city of the
S1: messianic King. When it says the city of our God,
S1: the city of the great King, the great King is
S1: the Lord Jesus. It's his city. So we should consider
S1: it the city of the King Messiah. Secondly, it's the
S1: city of the great King will defend at the end
S1: of days. The Psalms need to be read, looking forward
S1: to the end of days. And this describes the kings
S1: assembling and advancing toward it in verses four and following.
S1: And it says that the nations will freeze in terror
S1: when they come to attack Jerusalem. That's described in Zechariah 14,
S1: when all nations gather against Jerusalem. And the Lord Jesus
S1: returns and his feet stand on the Mount of Olives
S1: to bring deliverance. One day when the nations gather, they
S1: will be seized in terror. When the Lord Jesus comes
S1: to defend the city. And then it says in verse
S1: eight that the Lord of hosts in the city of
S1: our God, that he will establish it forever. It will
S1: become the permanent capital of the great King. So it's
S1: the city of the messianic King. It's the city that
S1: the Great King will defend at the end of days. Third,
S1: it's the city from which the great King will rule
S1: the nations. It says in verse ten that your name, God,
S1: like your praise, reaches to the ends of the earth,
S1: and your right hand is filled with justice. What this
S1: is saying is that, yes, one day in the Messianic kingdom,
S1: the Lord Jesus will reign from Jerusalem, but his reign
S1: will extend all the way to the ends of the earth.
S1: In a sense, Jerusalem will not just be the capital
S1: of Israel, but it will be the capital of the
S1: whole world. And so it's the city of the messianic King.
S1: It's the city of the great King that he will
S1: defend at the end of days. It's the city from
S1: which the Great King will defend and rule over the nations.
S1: And lastly, it's the city we should celebrate today because
S1: of what the Great King will do in the future.
S1: Here's what the psalmist says. He says, this is a
S1: psalm of the sons of Korah. The sons of Korah say,
S1: go around Zion, encircle it, walk around its towers. One
S1: of my favorite things to do is when I'm in Jerusalem,
S1: is to walk on the walls of the old city
S1: and just walk around the city and enjoy the beauty
S1: of everything around me so that we can tell a
S1: future generation. Verse 13. This God, our God, forever and ever,
S1: he will always lead us. He led the founding of Jerusalem.
S1: He led the establishment of Jerusalem. He will reign from Jerusalem.
S1: This is his city. So should we not care about Jerusalem?
S1: That's a mistake. We have to celebrate. always. The city
S1: of the Great King. Well, we're going to go right
S1: to the phones. But before anything else, I would really
S1: like to talk with you about our current resource. You know,
S1: one of the things I really want to encourage people
S1: to do is to build a biblical library. I probably
S1: shouldn't have you do that because that will put me
S1: out of business. You know, if you have a great library,
S1: you won't call Open Line with your questions. But I
S1: still think it's important that you're able to study for yourself.
S1: And what I think is so crucial is to have
S1: one of the books you should have. We should all
S1: have is a Bible dictionary. And when you wonder who
S1: is this person here in the Bible? Or why is
S1: that place mentioned? Where is that? Or what's this event
S1: that's being described. Here's a holiday that I don't understand.
S1: When it's all mentioned in the Bible, the best place
S1: to go is to a Bible dictionary. And when you
S1: give a gift of any size, we'd like to say
S1: thanks by sending you the Ultimate Bible Dictionary. It's published
S1: by BNA, the same publisher that produced the Holman CSB
S1: that I like so much, my favorite Bible translation. Anyway.
S1: BNA produced the Ultimate Bible Dictionary. It's easy to carry,
S1: it's easy to use. It's it's just a small book
S1: with a lot of great content. It's a great resource.
S1: And if you'd like a copy, it's yours. When you
S1: give a gift of any size, just go to our website,
S1: openlibrary.org or call (888) 644-7122. And by the way, I thank
S1: all of you who have given gifts and I know
S1: you appreciate the resources we send as a thank you,
S1: but thank you for your generosity so much. And if
S1: you've never given to open line and you appreciate the, uh,
S1: the learning that we're doing together here on the program.
S1: I hope you'll decide to give a gift, because this
S1: is a great resource to get. Don't miss out. It's
S1: one of my favorite resources we've ever given away. So
S1: thank you. Uh, once again, call (888) 644-7122 or go to
S1: open line radio.com. Well we're going to talk to Daniel
S1: in Grand Rapids, Michigan listening on GNB. Welcome to Open
S1: Line Daniel. How can I help you today?
S2: Um, my brother goes to a Pentecostal church, and he
S2: was saying that they taught him that the souls of
S2: the dead go to the bosom of Abraham. What is
S2: all this? The bosom of Abraham. I remember singing a song.
S2: Rock my soul in the bosom of Abraham when we
S2: were kids.
S1: Mhm. Well, I don't think this is a distinctively, uh, um. Uh,
S1: Pentecostal teaching. It's a pretty common teaching that in the
S1: Old Testament, when believers die, they go to a place
S1: called Abraham's bosom. And that's from the story of Lazarus
S1: and the rich man. You know that story where Lazarus
S1: is a parable and Lazarus dies and he's being comforted
S1: by Father Abraham, and the rich man sees in the distance.
S1: You know that story, don't you?
S2: Oh, yes, indeed, very much so.
S1: Yeah. And so what people have said is, before the
S1: death and resurrection and ascension of Jesus, that believers, instead
S1: of going to heaven into the presence of the father,
S1: they went to a place called Abraham's bosom. I think
S1: that misunderstands that verse, because all it means is Lazarus,
S1: who suffered immensely in this life as poverty stricken believer.
S1: He is now finding comfort and peace Through the father Abraham,
S1: who's bringing him comfort, who's holding him, kind of hugging him.
S1: That's the idea. It's not a location. It's it's the place.
S1: He's being comforted by the patriarch. Now, why God chose
S1: chooses Abraham. Maybe because he was a special prophet or
S1: something like that. That's why Abraham is doing that. But
S1: I think that believers go into the presence of God.
S1: And in the Old Testament or the New Testament, we
S1: just go right into our spirits, go to the presence
S1: of God until the great resurrection that will take place
S1: in the future. So that's what I think that is. Uh, however,
S1: there are many, many believers who teach that Abraham's bosom
S1: is a location sort of pre heaven, so to speak,
S1: a place of comfort. Okay.
S2: You know, it confuses the where we're going to go
S2: after we die if they teach that.
S3: Yeah.
S1: But they're, they're not talking about believers today. They're talking
S1: about Old Testament believers. They're not talking about believers today. Uh,
S1: they would say that absent from the body is present
S1: with the Lord. That when we die as followers of Jesus,
S1: we go right into the presence of the Lord. Okay.
S2: Yes. Thank you for talking with me today. And straighten
S2: some things out there and God bless Israel.
S1: Oh thank you. Thanks for calling. We're going to take
S1: a break here. Uh, and when we come back, we're
S1: going to take more of your questions. Uh, your calls. Uh,
S1: try our best to give you a biblical answer. The
S1: phone number (877) 548-3675. Give me a call. We'll talk about
S1: your questions on this Bible study across America. My name
S1: is Michael Rey Dominik. I'll be right back with you
S1: in just a moment. Welcome back to Open Line. My
S1: name is Michael Rey. I'm so glad to be with
S1: you every week. It's had a couple of weeks where
S1: I wasn't here live last week. Pre-recorded program the week
S1: before that graduation. Kind of a big deal for me.
S1: That was my last graduation where I'm going to call
S1: the names. Uh, I'm grateful that I've had the privilege
S1: of serving at Moody as a professor for almost 32 years,
S1: and grateful also that, uh, the last few years I've
S1: been the academic dean of the undergraduate school, so I
S1: had to call the names. That's great. But, uh, starting
S1: July 1st, I'll be, uh, sort of a emeritus faculty
S1: member dean. And, uh, that which is a really kind
S1: gift that the board of trustees gave me to. Uh,
S1: it does. I think it means that I get business cards,
S1: but it's a nice title, uh, to me. And I
S1: still have a moody email and all those kinds of things, but, uh,
S1: it's a very, very kind gesture and, start a new
S1: focus of radio ministry and things like that beginning July 1st.
S1: Teaching adjunct different places and especially at Moody. So that'll
S1: be kind of great. Uh, I'm looking forward to that. Um,
S1: you know, one of the things I'm really looking forward
S1: to is continuing radio with Open Line and being with
S1: you on a regular basis to study the scriptures together
S1: and see how, uh, God really gives us the answers
S1: that we're looking for in the Word of God. And
S1: I know a number of you listen all the time
S1: and and really are participants in the program, not just
S1: by calling in with questions, but by looking at the
S1: answers and engaging with that. If you are a regular,
S1: we really appreciate it. Uh, those of you who listen, also,
S1: there are many of you who give regularly, uh, and
S1: I appreciate that so much. And then there are others
S1: who have chosen to become kitchen table partners. They become
S1: part of the team. They want to keep us on
S1: the air, air every week by giving every month. And
S1: that is so appreciated. And if you're listening and you
S1: think I'd like to become a kitchen table partner too,
S1: I would appreciate that as well. Uh, what you have
S1: to do is call (888) 644-7122 or go to open line radio.org.
S1: And you can become a kitchen table partner. If you do, uh,
S1: we Trish and I produce a Bible study moment every
S1: other week. In your email, you get a audio Bible
S1: study designed exclusively for our kitchen table partners. It's a
S1: way that we can say thank you for being part
S1: of the team. And again, if you want to become
S1: a kitchen table partner, the phone number is 886447122 or
S1: go to open Line radio.org. We're going to talk to
S1: Wayne in Lexington, North Carolina. Listening online. Welcome to Open Line. Wayne.
S1: How can I help you?
S4: Hi. Thank you. Good morning, Michael, and thank you for
S4: your many faithful years of ministry. And may the Lord
S4: bless you as you transition. I have a family member
S4: who's wondering if he can be saved because he thinks
S4: Jesus might have been created from verses like Hebrews five
S4: five where God says of Christ, you are my son,
S4: today I have begotten you. So my question is, how
S4: are we to understand that you know, God the Son
S4: I believe, wasn't created. He's always existed in eternity past.
S4: But how do we explain that somebody and how does
S4: that view impact one's salvation?
S1: Well, it starts with understanding, as you say, that that
S1: God the Son existed eternally in John one one, in
S1: the beginning was the word, and the word was with God,
S1: and the word was God. And that and then it says, God,
S1: that the word became flesh and dwelt among us. So
S1: that's talking about the Lord Jesus. Uh, that's one thing.
S1: Also in Colossians it says there was nothing made that
S1: he didn't make. And so that's crucial to understand. He's
S1: the eternal one. He's the creator. So and of course,
S1: it's not just Hebrews five which calls him the begotten one. Uh,
S1: the begotten Son of God. We know the very famous
S1: John 316. You know every football game. You see the
S1: guy there with the sign For God so loved the
S1: world that he gave his only begotten son. Right. That's
S1: John 316 that whosoever would believe in him should not
S1: perish but have everlasting life. Let's not forget that. So
S1: I think the root of the Hebrews five five quote
S1: really helps us if we go back to where it's from.
S1: It's from the book of Psalms. Arms. And in Psalm
S1: chapter two is where you get that from verse seven,
S1: I will declare the Lord's decree. He said to me,
S1: you are my son. Today I have become your father. Right.
S1: And that's actually today I have begotten you. It's literally
S1: how it's written in Hebrew. And that's where Hebrews is
S1: quoting it from Psalm two seven. Now Psalm two needs
S1: to be understood as an enthronement psalm, and what that
S1: means is at the king's coronation. This is not just
S1: true in Israel, but, uh, in throughout the ancient Near East.
S1: For example, in Egypt, when Pharaoh took the throne, even
S1: though he had existed, was alive before um, and was
S1: considered the son of one of the gods before, when
S1: he took the throne. When he was crowned king. A
S1: coronation song was sung declaring him to be come, the
S1: Son of God. And the same thing is true here
S1: in Psalm two. It is a declaration of his sonship
S1: at his coronation. This is an enthronement psalm. When he
S1: takes the throne, he is declared once again to be
S1: the only begotten of the father. It doesn't mean that's
S1: when he became the Son of God. It means that's
S1: when he takes his throne. And Psalm two is talking
S1: about this in terms of he is declared the Son
S1: of God, and it's talking about the day he takes
S1: the throne over Israel, sort of like what I talked
S1: about in the opening word about reigning from Jerusalem. That's
S1: when this is focused on Psalm two is talking about
S1: that day. But in Romans one, here, as I look
S1: at it, Romans one says, he was declared to be
S1: the Son of God with power through the resurrection. So, uh,
S1: verse four, and who has been declared to be the
S1: powerful Son of God by the resurrection from the dead
S1: according to the spirit of holiness? So there are there's
S1: not just one time when he is declared to be
S1: the only begotten. Uh, he is declared the only begotten
S1: son at his coronation. He will. That's when he will be.
S1: He was declared the Son of God at his resurrection.
S1: He was also declared the Son of God at his birth. Uh,
S1: when it says the the Annunciation to Mary, it says. That, uh,
S1: the child that was is in You will be called
S1: the Son of God because the Holy Spirit will come
S1: over you and this will be a miraculous birth. And
S1: he won't have a human father, and as a result,
S1: he will be declared the Son of God. That's what, um, uh,
S1: Luke chapter one, verse 35 says, The Holy Spirit will
S1: come upon you. The power of the Most High will
S1: overshadow you. Therefore the Holy One to be born will
S1: be called the Son of God. So there are lots
S1: of different times in the eternal ministry of the Son
S1: of God, that he is declared the Son of God,
S1: and to be the only begotten is, uh, when he
S1: is declared the Son of God at his enthronement. But
S1: he is always the son. He is forever the Son
S1: of God, not just at his birth, not just at
S1: his resurrection, not just at his enthronement, but eternally, the
S1: Son of God. Does that help at all, Wayne?
S4: That that helps a lot. Thank you so very much.
S1: Yeah I appreciate your call. That's something I think that
S1: can confuse people. Uh. So. Uh, we're going to talk
S1: to Wayne. That's it. I'm sorry. We just talked to Wayne.
S1: We're going to talk to Aaron in Florida, listening to keys.
S1: Welcome to Open Line. Aaron, how can I help you today?
S5: Yes. If Jesus was baptized to reveal his identity to Israel,
S5: to fulfill all righteousness and to enter a royal priesthood,
S5: what specifically does it mean to fulfill all righteousness? And
S5: I am referring to Matthew 315. In the middle of
S5: Matthew 313 through 17, where he gets baptized and he's
S5: rejected John, saying, I don't baptize you, you baptize me.
S5: But Jesus goes, no, we need to do this to
S5: fulfill all righteousness. I just don't understand what that means.
S1: Yeah, Well, uh, I'll tell you, there are a lot
S1: of different views as to what that would mean. Uh,
S1: some people think he has to fulfill all righteousness, uh,
S1: to be identifiable with sinners. I don't think that's what
S1: it's talking about. Uh, when the Lord Jesus is baptized,
S1: it's because he's entering the office as our great high priest.
S1: That's when he begins his public ministry. And so, because
S1: he's blending the public ministry in Exodus 40, verses 12
S1: through 15, it describes the ritual washing, like baptism that
S1: the high priest goes through before he can enter into
S1: his role as high priest. And so what it what
S1: the Lord Jesus says is that he has to fulfill
S1: all righteousness. He has to fulfill the requirement of the
S1: law to become our great High priest. And that requires,
S1: when he enters into his public ministry as our great
S1: high priest, he has to be baptized. It's according to
S1: the law. He kept the law perfectly. That's how he
S1: fulfills all righteousness. And that's why he's our great high
S1: priest that represents us to the father. Because he did that,
S1: he fulfilled all righteousness. Thanks for your question, Mailbags coming
S1: up with Tricia, so don't go away. This is Michael
S1: Ray Olney on Open Line. Welcome back to Open Line.
S1: We're so grateful for the Far Eastern Broadcasting Company that
S1: they partner with Open Line to bring you the weekly
S1: Febc mailbag. It's a terrific organization. It brings the good
S1: news to people via media and personal engagement. Check out
S1: the Febc podcast until all have heard by going to Febc.
S1: That's Febc. And joining me right now with the Febc
S1: mailbag that she has put together is Tricia McMillan. Hey, Tricia.
S6: Hi. How are you?
S1: I am doing really well. I'm so glad to see you.
S1: It's been a couple of weeks. We haven't been together.
S6: I know we are. We got to have Mike Fabares
S6: in the studio with us a couple weeks ago. And,
S6: you know, I was on the mailbag last week with you.
S1: Yeah. Well, here's the thing. You were with Mike Fabares,
S1: and he was raving on the program. I listened to
S1: the program afterwards on the podcast, and he was talking
S1: about how wonderful you are. And I thought, I'm so
S1: glad that he said that, because I say it all
S1: the time how much even I love you. And, uh,
S1: and then I thought, well, people think I'm just biased.
S1: And so I'm glad that an independent source confirmed that
S1: you are indeed a wonderful person, so thank you. Hey, uh,
S1: I do have a. You remember I mentioned that I'm
S1: taking a group to Israel in September?
S6: Yes.
S1: Yeah, well, that we only have a couple more weeks
S1: to get people registered for that, and we have limited
S1: space available. We have like 11 or 12 spots left
S1: entirely for the trip. And, uh, and I thought, I
S1: better mention it to you now, I probably should have
S1: mentioned it when I talked in the opening word about
S1: walking around the walls of Jerusalem, but because we're going
S1: to walk all over Jerusalem. But, uh, just a I
S1: was thinking 11 or 12 spots. I don't remember what
S1: it was. Sarah, a friend of mine told me about that. But, uh,
S1: I think that people, if they're interested in going to Israel,
S1: they might be concerned. Is it safe? We're not going
S1: to go to any places where there's war. It's a
S1: safe place to go. We wouldn't go anyplace that's not safe.
S1: And it's a beautiful and really wonderful experience to see
S1: the Bible come alive. And you did that with me.
S1: I wanted you to mention that.
S6: I did, I did, it was wonderful. The teaching is
S6: just fantastic because at each of the spots you teach
S6: us something the Bible. Try to teach the Bible of
S6: something that either happened at that place or or was
S6: heard at that place, or will happen at that place. Yeah,
S6: it's really good. What are the dates of that trip?
S1: September 7th through the 18th. We're pretty excited about it.
S1: The best way to find out about the trip is
S1: go to Openline radio.org, and scroll down and click on
S1: the link. That's my personal web page. It says you
S1: can check out Michael's personal web page. That's where you
S1: can find the information about that trip. It's pretty exciting.
S6: And when I get off the air right now, like
S6: after this segment, when I get off the air, I
S6: can add a direct link to right on that main
S6: page so people can find it a little easier. That's great.
S6: I will do that. So good.
S1: Okay. Well, listen, we better answer some of these questions.
S6: Okay. Um, first question is from Jeffrey in Illinois. Listens
S6: to WNBA, wants to know in January 1st seven, Daniels
S6: name and the names of his three friends are changed
S6: from Hebrew to Chaldean. Um, he did look it up
S6: in the Moody Bible Commentary, and the meanings were different.
S6: And so their their Hebrew names meant God is my
S6: judge and God has been gracious. And who is what
S6: God is? And the Lord has helped two things that
S6: were more, um, Babylonian like Bel protect him and the
S6: command of Aku. Um, so in the remainder of the book,
S6: Daniel usually continues to get called Daniel, but Hananiah, Mishael,
S6: and Azariah, which were the Hebrew names, are now called Shadrach, Meshach,
S6: and Abednego, which we know from lots of songs even
S6: like we know those names. Why are they called by
S6: the Chaldean names? But Daniel continues to be called Daniel.
S1: Well, clearly, first of all, why were their names changed?
S1: I think it was an attempt to force them to assimilate,
S1: to abandon their faith of their fathers, the faith that
S1: they had of believing in l. Daniel. God is my judge.
S1: L is the name of the title of God. Their
S1: God is my judge. It means God. And then, for example, uh,
S1: he is changed to Belshazzar, which has the name Bel,
S1: which is a Babylonian god, and Aku is a Babylonian god.
S1: Nebo is a Babylonian god. So what what they were
S1: doing is trying to force them to assimilate to Babylonian religion.
S6: Which which even in those first the first chapter, when
S6: it's like they were trying to force them to eat
S6: the way that they ate to. And and Daniel did
S6: put up a fuss on that one. It was like, actually,
S6: can we. Yeah. Can we try it this way instead?
S1: They were resistant to assimilation. And then, of course, in
S1: chapter two they went by the the Jewish friends, three
S1: Jewish friends of Daniel. They resisted worshiping the false god.
S1: They wouldn't do it. And even though their names are
S1: being used, those are names that were given to them.
S1: It showed that they still wouldn't give in. They wouldn't
S1: worship Babylonian gods. They would only worship the God of Israel.
S1: And so that's a good thing. Now, why is it
S1: that Daniel is called Daniel? And, uh, I think Daniel's
S1: name is mentioned 75 times, and 65 of them are
S1: Daniel and ten. It's the Babylonian name, whereas the friends
S1: of his, they're only mentioned about 15 times, about five
S1: times with their Hebrew name and ten times with their
S1: Babylonian names. So I think that the, you know, no
S1: one knows the reason why Daniel is called by his
S1: Hebrew name predominantly, and they are not. But I would say,
S1: first of all, that they are not mentioned all that much.
S1: They're done in chapter two. Chapter three. They're done. Uh,
S1: the book goes on for nine more chapters and they're
S1: never mentioned again. So, uh, maybe if they were mentioned
S1: later on, they would be mentioned by their Hebrew names. But, uh, secondly, uh,
S1: they are mentioned. I think that the main reason is
S1: that Daniel was a very famous character by the time
S1: his book was accepted. He's mentioned in the book of Ezekiel. Uh,
S1: and so I think just for the sake of the readers,
S1: because he was a famous prophet, uh, in Israel, and
S1: the book was written really to Israel, they they decided
S1: to use the name just because he's the main character. Uh,
S1: the author, probably Daniel himself, said, I'm just going to
S1: use my name that everyone knows me by. Okay.
S6: And if.
S1: He.
S6: But and if he's.
S1: But we don't know for sure.
S6: Right. And if he's writing it, would that have have uh,
S6: would that also have played a part? Because that's what
S6: he is seeing himself as.
S1: I bet he called his. I bet he called his
S1: friends by their Hebrew names, too.
S6: That's probably so. Yeah.
S1: Yeah. I don't I don't know why, but I think
S1: it's because he was such a significant character and he
S1: was the main character of the book.
S6: Okay. All right. So thank you. Um, this one does
S6: not have to do. I don't think with the Bible,
S6: but Ellie in Illinois wanted to know when the Star
S6: of David became a symbol of the Jewish people.
S1: Well, it's it's quite ancient. Uh, as a symbol used
S1: by other cultures as well. If you go to. When
S1: we went to Capernaum, I don't know if anyone pointed
S1: it out to you. I know you went to Capernaum
S1: with me. But there's a star of David in the
S1: symbols in that town and the ancient Jewish town, uh,
S1: from the first century. So it's it's used, uh, quite often,
S1: but it really became clearly identifiable with the Jewish people
S1: in the Middle Ages. Um, in Czechoslovakia, for example, they,
S1: the Jewish people asked for permission to use it as
S1: their symbol from the government for the Jewish community in Czechoslovakia. Uh,
S1: so I would say that it was always used as
S1: somewhat of a symbol. It became known as the Shield
S1: of David. It was believed by the Jewish community in
S1: the early years of the after the beginning of the
S1: after the turn from pre BC to AD, so to speak.
S1: It became thought of as the shield of David, that
S1: it was a symbol of the house of David, but
S1: only in the Middle Ages was it adopted completely as
S1: a symbol of Israel.
S6: Okay. All right. Thank you. Uh, next question is from
S6: Lynn in Ohio. She listens to CRF, wants to know
S6: if you're a follower of Jesus, and the rapture happens
S6: at a different time than you believe it will. Uh,
S6: will you still go?
S1: That's sort of a partial rapture theory, you know? Uh,
S1: but the rapture is is going to happen, whatever we
S1: believe it. The Bible says that the Lord will descend.
S1: And he'll snatch us. That's the word that's used in
S1: first Thessalonians four. He'll snatch the body of believers. Uh, first,
S1: the dead in Christ will rise first. And then, uh,
S1: we'll be snatched up. And the the idea of a
S1: snatch means that I don't think that we have any consent.
S1: It just happens. And so whether a person believes it's
S1: that's the imagery here is someone I think it's going
S1: to be post-trib. And then it happens as a pre-tribulational rapture.
S6: Right?
S1: Sorry. You're going. You don't have to suffer. You're going
S1: to be taken out first. So.
S6: Right. And in that sense, it wouldn't be any different
S6: than if you don't believe that it will happen. And
S6: God God will still make it happen when he is
S6: planning to make it happen.
S1: Exactly. And you know, here's the thing that people say, well,
S1: what if, uh, the, uh, let's say because I happen
S1: to I think you are too. We're both really committed
S1: to the idea that the rapture will happen before the tribulation.
S1: It's not something I fight about, but it's something I believe.
S1: And then people say, well, what happens if you have
S1: to go through the tribulation? You know, you won't be prepared.
S1: I think, well, you're not going to be prepared either. Uh,
S1: who's prepared for such a thing? Uh, the this is
S1: how I'm prepared. Uh, in John 16, the Lord Jesus said,
S1: in this world you will have tribulation. But fear not.
S1: I have overcome the world. And that's it. If I
S1: trust in Jesus, it doesn't matter. Uh, if I was
S1: if I'm wrong about the pre-trib rapture, which I don't
S1: think I am. But if I was wrong, you know,
S1: I've got Jesus. He. I don't have to fear. He's
S1: overcome the world. I can depend on him. He'll take
S1: me through whatever it is I have to go through.
S1: And we have to be prepared, too. Because, you know,
S1: even without the tribulation, life is not that easy. So, uh.
S1: and some people think, oh, you become a believer. You
S1: never have any difficulties. I don't think that's true. Jesus
S1: didn't think that was true. Uh, but we have the
S1: person who goes through it with us, and that's what
S1: what matters.
S6: But even more prepared than that. Like, we may not
S6: be prepared for the full tribulation, but how can we
S6: even be prepared to go up into the rapture?
S1: Well, here's the way we're prepared. This is it. It's simple. Uh,
S1: we have to recognize that we're separated from God because
S1: of the wrong things we do. But Jesus died to
S1: take the punishment for those wrong things. Then he was
S1: raised again, proving it was all true. And then, uh,
S1: after he was raised, uh, he ascended to the father.
S1: What we have to do is believe in his, uh,
S1: substitution for us, uh, believe that he can give us
S1: new life because he is alive. So all we have
S1: to do is trust him. It's a simple prayer. I
S1: would invite you if you've never made that decision to
S1: be ready, because we can see him tonight. You know,
S1: it may it may be today that the Lord will
S1: call us home and not at the rapture. We have
S1: to be ready to meet him. Just put your trust
S1: in him. Just tell him I know I've done things wrong.
S1: And that separates me from you, father. But I know
S1: the Lord Jesus took the punishment I deserved in his death.
S1: And now he's alive, and he's going to forgive my
S1: sin forever. And I can have a forever relationship with you.
S1: Then we'll be ready for anything. Uh, for. For facing
S1: God or the rapture or whatever it is. Uh, that
S1: that's what prepares us.
S6: Yeah. Yeah. And you can do that wherever you are.
S6: You'll be driving in your car, sitting at home, gardening out,
S6: getting groceries.
S1: Cleaning the house.
S6: Cleaning.
S1: The house, which is what everyone seems to do during
S1: open line. So I hope you'll make that decision. Uh,
S1: we're going to take a break here, but I appreciate
S1: so much, uh, putting the mailbag together. You'll be back
S1: next hour with more questions, Right, Tricia? Yes. Okay. Uh,
S1: this is open line. That was Tricia McMillan. She's the
S1: producer of Open Line. I'm Michael Ray Melnick. I am
S1: the one that tries to answer your questions every week. Uh,
S1: stay with us. We're going to be back with more
S1: of your questions in just a moment. Welcome back to
S1: Open Line, having a great time with you as we
S1: study the scriptures together. You know, people frequently have questions
S1: about the Jewish people in Israel. Uh, this is a
S1: program about Bible. It's about the questions people have about
S1: the Bible, God and the spiritual life. And yet I
S1: think maybe because of our partner, Chosen People Ministries, maybe
S1: because I'm a messianic Jew, uh, I get a lot
S1: of questions about Israel and the Jewish people and where
S1: do they fit in the plan of God and and
S1: Chosen People Ministries, one of our radio partners, recognized that
S1: those questions are there. So they are offering a booklet
S1: called Why Israel that explores the topic of Israel through
S1: the lens of Scripture. Has the church replaced Israel and
S1: the plan of God? Does Israel have a future? What
S1: about what should we think about Israel today? This book
S1: answers those questions, and if you'd like a free copy,
S1: call what you need to do. The free copy is
S1: the book of Why Israel. Go to the Open Line
S1: Radio website. Open Line radio.org. That's our website, open Line radio.org.
S1: And scroll down you'll see a link that says a
S1: free gift from Chosen People Ministries. Click on that, and
S1: that will take you to a page where you can
S1: sign up for your own copy of Why Israel? Uh,
S1: we're going to talk related to this, uh, to Marlene
S1: in Chattanooga, Tennessee, listening on Wmw. Welcome to Open Line, Marlene.
S1: How can I help you?
S7: Thank you. My question is, um, can the words God
S7: spoke to Israel in the Old Testament? Uh. As an example,
S7: Isaiah 4110. Do not fear, for I'm with you. Can
S7: we claim those as believers today? All those wonderful promises?
S1: Well, the answer is no. And yes. How's that? Marlene? Uh, some.
S1: There is a sense where we can. And a sense
S1: that we can't. So let me go to the most
S1: famous one that people ask. Okay. Uh, it's, uh, Jeremiah 2911.
S1: I know the plans I have for you. This is
S1: the Lord's declaration. Plans for your welfare, not for disaster,
S1: to give you a future and a hope. Well, that
S1: sounds like a wonderful promise for us to claim, right?
S1: But the the context there says that I'm going to
S1: send you to Babylon for 70 years as discipline for
S1: your disobedience. Through the years under the law. Right. So clearly,
S1: this is something that's for Israel. God sending them to
S1: Babylon 70 years captivity. And but that's part of God's
S1: good plan. So the answer is no, that's not for us.
S1: On the other hand. Uh, let me ask you this, Marlene.
S1: Do you think if we neglect God, will he discipline us? Marlene?
S7: Yes. Are you there? He will.
S1: Yeah. Of course he will. So it. Would it be
S1: true for us, too, that if, uh. If God disciplines us,
S1: he still has a good plan in our lives so
S1: we can quote it and claim it? What do you think?
S7: Yes. He will.
S1: Yeah, of course we will. So that's how it's applicable
S1: to us. Uh, it's not directly written to us, but
S1: it's applicable. Same thing. If you go to Isaiah 41,
S1: the verse that you cited. It's really for Israel. But
S1: the Lord Jesus said, uh, the book of Hebrews tells
S1: us he will never leave us or forsake us. And
S1: so when he says in Isaiah 41 to Israel that
S1: that he's with them, you know, the truth of it is,
S1: if we've become followers of Jesus, he's with us too.
S1: And we don't we don't have to fear. So as
S1: long as we understand that the promises are applied to us,
S1: but not necessarily written directly to us. I think in
S1: that sense we can apply them in our lives as well. Uh,
S1: is that does that help you with this?
S7: Yeah. Another one is if my people will pray. I've
S7: always heard that is for Israel. Uh, just Israel. Yeah.
S1: Well, uh, the second Chronicles, 714. Uh, where it calls
S1: for a revival. Well, that really is talking about Israel. Uh,
S1: and the application is not the United States. The application
S1: would be for followers of Jesus, uh, for our congregations.
S1: That's where the application lands. Uh, it doesn't say, uh,
S1: that the United States will be revived if we turn
S1: to him. What it's saying. Not that God doesn't want
S1: us to, but it says if my people who are
S1: called by my name, that's Israel, humble themselves, pray and
S1: seek my face and turn from their evil ways, then
S1: I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin and heal
S1: their land. Well, that's talking about Israel. However, if followers
S1: of Jesus, uh, turn the local congregations, let's say near
S1: the churches have, uh, turned cold. If they will repent
S1: in this way, then God will restore their congregations. Uh,
S1: it's not a promise that can be applied by the
S1: United States. Okay.
S7: Well, thank you so much, Michael. Your program's wonderful.
S1: Well. Thank you. You're very kind. I appreciate that. Uh, uh,
S1: thanks for your call, Marlene. We're going to talk to
S1: Tony in West Chicago, Illinois, listening on wmbi. Welcome to
S1: Open Line, Tony. How can I help you?
S8: To understand what it is about the translation you mentioned
S8: frequently that you use, um, that you feel is, uh,
S8: more interesting or more, uh, maybe clear or more trustworthy
S8: in some way?
S1: Yeah. Well, uh, first of all, I use a lot
S1: of translations. I look up stuff all the time. Uh,
S1: and I read from, you know, when I'm studying, I
S1: use multiple translations, Uh, and often will will look at
S1: Hebrew and Greek and make my own translation. Uh, sometimes
S1: my students joke that there should be a translation because
S1: I keep saying, this is how I would translate this. Uh,
S1: but there's a technical kind of word for word kind
S1: of translation, like the new American Standard. That's very helpful
S1: in study. There's a dynamic equivalence translation, like the New
S1: Living Translation, which is good for speedy reading. You know,
S1: if you want to read, uh, things quickly, uh, and
S1: then there's the other possibility that, uh, you might want
S1: something that balances easy reading with accuracy. And I think
S1: that's what the Holman CSB does. It's why I like it. So, uh,
S1: I hope that helps. We're going to be back in
S1: just a moment. This is open line with Michael Ray Holman.