God promises a restoration of Israel that would not only see them back in their homeland, but united again to the tribes that had forsaken God centuries before Judah's exile. The way He would accomplish this is the same way He can accomplish it in His church today. His presence.

1. Pride is the leading cause of division and conflict among the people of God.

2. There are no “Lost Tribes of Israel.” God knows where they are.

3. The only way to accomplish unity is through the presence of Jesus.

Asaph's Psalm prophesies a failed invasion of Israel. While that isn't necessarily a unique event given recent history, we are seeing events unravel that involves the nations that Asaph's prophecy mention by name. All of these groups that will seek Israel's destruction have been their enemies at one time or another. Yet we have never seen them all come after Israel at once. The hope is that this will be yet another opportunity to show the world that the word of God is true, but that this invasion we may see in our lifetimes will spell the end of the death cult known as Islam.

1. The greatest manifestation of Satan's heart is hatred of the Hebrew people.

2. God has focused His dealings with mankind through Israel.

3. We aren't promised a tomorrow. Live for Jesus today.

Ezekiel is shown a vision of Israel's restoration from exile that we have the honor of witnessing with our very eyes today. While their physical and spiritual restoration will be two separate events, the fact the process has begun shows us two things. God keeps His promises to all of His people, and that especially includes the Hebrew people.

1. The first step from hearing from God is knowing you need to.

2. The greatest mark of the heart of Satan is the hatred of the Hebrew people.

3. We are spiritually dead apart from the Holy Spirit.

Paul begins his second missionary journey returning to Iconium where he meets his most prominent disciple Timothy. Though legitimate disagreements separated him from Barnabas, it brought more opportunities and individuals into the work God was doing through him.

1. Jesus has the power to protect you from harm as much as give you the strength to endure it wherever He's called you.

2. There is nothing wrong with having disagreements on secondary issues even between Christians.

3. It is a miracle whenever we are capable of sharing and showing God's heart to others.

In light of prophetically significant events taking place in Israel, we would do well to remind ourselves and each other what is and isn't true concerning Bible prophecy.

1. The journey will be scary, but we know how the story of history ends.

2. Our war is against false doctrine, not those taken in by it.

3. Jesus is coming for us, or we're going to Him. Either way, live ready for that guarantee.

Following the first Council of Jerusalem, Paul and Barnabas continued to minister God's Word as they were called and equipped by the Holy Spirit. That calling impacted people emotionally as well as intellectually. It even led them in places many assume weren't the best decisions. Yet where God was and where His Word was taught, He was found working in ways we are still benefiting from today.

1. The Bible isn't boring. We are.

2. Good Emotions are meaningless if they aren't invested in truth.

3. The Grace of God is the key motivation to living the Christian life.

Ezekiel's prophecy against Edom is followed up upon with a prophecy for Israel. Where one will be destroyed, another will be restored. We are seeing that promise fulfilled literally today.

1. The fact that God is for you is the greatest comfort in any trial.

2. God keeps His promises. It's who He is by nature.

3. God's ongoing faithfulness to Israel is how we know He will be faithful to us.

The First Council of Jerusalem and the first Church Council of Christian history addressed the Galatian Heresy. The claim was that you couldn't believe in the Hebrew Messiah without first observing Hebrew customs and ceremonies like circumcision. The matter wasn't resolved by pulling rank, infallible declarations of men, or anything less than the simple reading of the Word of God.

1. Unnecessary conflict dies in an environment of accountability and transparency.

2. Having confidence in the truth includes being willing to listen to what others say first.

3. The Word of God remains the only authority over which Christians ought to submit.

Edom is presented as a cautionary tale of bitterness. Learning from their experience shows everything that it costs, but also a reason to choose the alternative.

1. Anger isn't sinful, but the decisions we make through it can be.

2. Emotions are good servants, but poor masters.

3. Only God can love people like He does, and is willing to do so through us.

Paul and Barnabas endure a season of persecution on a physical and emotional level. What enabled them to overcome both was the kind of perspective that only the Holy Spirit can provide. What kept them from resentment, bitterness, or discouragement was the same Spirit that enabled them to minister in the first place.

1. The greatest miracle we can ever be a part of is witnessing a positive response to the Gospel.

2. Comfort is as much intended to be shared as received.

3. Gifts from God point us to Jesus, not distract us from Him.