Speaking the Truth in Love
Is Jerusalem Holy Anymore?
Before we start, I would like our audience to consider two things. (1) Where is there a verse that shows that miraculous Holy Spirit baptism saves. (2) We hear a lot about Fingerprints and DNA in the news. Evidently a casting of Saddam Hussein is being used as a fingerprint to help reveal those who are posing as imposters. Imagine how incredible it is that God has made each individual person so that we all have our own unique fingerprints and DNA. He cares for us and we should trust and follow Him (Matthew 10:29-31, 1 Peter 5:6-7).
In the news, we constantly hear about all the things happening in the Middle East. Most of the discussion is focused on the city of Jerusalem. Many religions still place a special importance on this city. Recently 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. Our focus tonight will be on the question, "Is Jerusalem holy anymore?" First 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).
The purpose of Jerusalem in the Old Testament
King - Appointed by God (1 Samuel 8:4-22, 10:23-24)
Kingdom - Israel (2 Samuel 5:6-7)
Temple - In Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 21:16 - chapter 22, Hebrews 9:1-10)
Priesthood - Levitical (Numbers 18:6-7)
Worship - Done in the temple (2 Kings 18:22, Psalm 5:7, Psalm 135)
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, Hebrews 1:3, Acts 2:22-36, 1 Timothy 1:15-17, John 18:37)
Kingdom - 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 according to the order of Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18:20, Hebrews 7:1-19) and Christians are priests (1 Peter 2:5, 9, Revelation 1:5-6). It is possible that the Salem referred to in Genesis 14, is the city which becomes Jerusalem later (Psalm 76:1-2).
Worship - In Spirit and Truth (John 4:19-24)
Sacrifice - Spiritual Sacrifices (1 Peter 2:4-10, Hebrews 9:11-15, 23-28)
Abode of God - With us and in us (1 Corinthians 3:16, Acts 7:47-48, 17:24, 1 John 4:7-16)
*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 (James 2:5, 1 Corinthians 15:24, Hebrews 12:22-24)
Temple - Throne of God (Revelation 21:1-5, 22:1-5)
Priesthood - No need for one - 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 (Revelation 21:3, 1 Thessalonians 4:17)
From our study tonight, we can see that Jerusalem was once the focus of God's people. Now Jerusalem has no special spiritual importance, because Jesus is reigning on the throne in Heaven (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. The answer to the question, Is Jerusalem holy anymore? is a clear "NO". Regardless of what nations or politicians say, Jerusalem is just a typical middle eastern city, with much religious confusion. It's physical glory with God has been gone for hundreds of years. God's people are now of a spiritual Kingdom that will last forever. 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 hope to see you next time on "Speaking the Truth in Love".
