www.christadelphians.co.uk - The first of a four part series exploring Israel and its significant position in the world. In this opening presentation we look at how it all began; we go back 4000 years and look at how the land of Israel came to be of significance even before the nation itself was born. An understanding of these events is vital in fully appreciating the significance of Israel today. The Powerpoint slides can be downloaded from our website. The Powerpoint slides can be downloaded from our website.

1. 1948 – 2008 ISRAEL AT 60 1) Israel – God’s chosen land

2. May 14 th 1948

9. The Bible

10. The Bible 2 Peter 1:19-21 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20. Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation . 21. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost .

11. The Bible 2 Peter 1:19-21 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20. Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation . 21. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost . 2 Timothy 3:14-17 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15. And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16. All scripture is given by inspiration of God , and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17. That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

12. The Bible 2 Peter 1:19-21 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20. Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation . 21. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost . 2 Timothy 3:14-17 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15. And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16. All scripture is given by inspiration of God , and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17. That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. The Bible is the word of God, and is therefore 100% accurate and reliable.

14. We will celebrate when Arab and Jew live as equals in a peaceful Middle East.

16. As Bible students, we support Israel’s claim to the land. However, we are not celebrating their 60 th anniversary as a state, merely reflecting on it.

19. Why consider Israel?

23. Abraham – Friend of God Genesis 12:1-4 Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee : 2. And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3. And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. 4. So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran.

24. Abraham – Friend of God Genesis 12:1-4 Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee : 2. And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3. And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. 4. So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran. Genesis 12:5 And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan ; and into the land of Canaan they came .

28. Canaan

29. God’s promises Genesis 12:7 And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land : and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him.

30. God’s promises Genesis 12:7 And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land : and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him. Genesis 13:14-17 And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: 15. For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever . 16. And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered. 17. Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee .

31. God’s promises Genesis 12:7 And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land : and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him. Genesis 13:14-17 And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: 15. For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever . 16. And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered. 17. Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee . Abraham was promised that one day the land of Israel would be given to him and to his descendants for ever.

32. Abraham’s descendants Abraham Isaac Jacob Israel 12 Sons 12 Tribes of Israel } All received promises from God about the future The Jews

33. BUT…

34. AD70 – Jews expelled from Israel

35. Where is Abraham today?

36. Genesis 25:8-10 Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people. 9. And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, which is before Mamre; 10. The field which Abraham purchased of the sons of Heth: there was Abraham buried, and Sarah his wife.

37. Genesis 25:8-10 Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people. 9. And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, which is before Mamre; 10. The field which Abraham purchased of the sons of Heth: there was Abraham buried, and Sarah his wife. God’s promise to Abraham has not yet been fulfilled!

39. There must be a future time when Abraham and his descendants will finally inherit the land of Israel for ever.

40. The land of Israel – the present

42. The land of Israel – the future

49. God has chosen Israel as the location of his everlasting kingdom. We can be confident that God is overseeing events in the land today to ensure that his purpose is fulfilled.