The Basic Message Bible Summary

The Basic Message

Bible Summary

3) The New Testament

The New Testament is concerned with the rise and growth of Christianity and its relationship to the promises given to the Fathers of ancient Israel, the extension of the hope of life eternal to all people and the requirements that God expects of the faithful followers of Jesus Christ.

The Bible and History

In the New Testament, the first four books, known as the Gospel records, deal with the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John give first hand accounts of the teaching and commandments of Jesus. Just as God created Adam and Eve, God used his great power to cause Mary to conceive a child, who was destined to be the means of salvation for all who believe in God's promises and who do his will.
Under the laws of the Israelites the sacrifice of animals had been the means by which sins could be recognised and forgiven. The death and sacrifice of Jesus, through the crucifixion of Jesus. was the fulfilment of the law by the provision of a sinless man who would take away the sins of believers through the shedding of his blood. Baptism was instituted as a symbol of a person's identification with the Messiah's death, burial and resurrection, an acknowledgement of sin needing to be covered and forgiven and a necessity to live one's life as required by the Creator.
The Gospel records describe the ability that the Messiah had to perform miracles, which were the sign of the power given to him by God and that identified him as the Son of God. They record his conflict with the leaders of the Jews and their ultimate betrayal of Jesus by demanding that the Romans have him crucified. The Gospels close with the resurrection of Jesus, the first man granted eternal life.
The book of Acts is about the preaching of the Kingdom of God by the Apostles, who had been closely involved in the work of Jesus' ministry. The first Christians were Jews who had followed Jesus and believed his teaching. Christianity spread to other regions of the Roman Empire through the work of the Apostles. Acts gives accounts of the work of such men as Paul, Barnabas and Peter and their experiences and difficulties in preaching about the promise of God's future Kingdom on earth.

The Bible and the Christian Faith

Paul wrote many letters to the early Christian believers: Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Thessalonians, Hebrews, Timothy, Titus and Philemon. The letters were designed to instruct and guide the communities of believers. Difficulties related to matters of doctrine and the expectations related to morals and behaviour were addressed.
The letters of James, Peter, John and Jude were concerned with issues such as faith. courage in times of persecution, the manifestation of love and contending against those who attempted to destroy their faith and beliefs by turning them to the worship of idols.

The Bible and Prophecy

The last book of the Bible is a prophetic book. In the opening verses it is stated that this is a prophecy given to the Apostle John in AD 96 when he was on the Isle of Patmos. It is given by Jesus and John is clearly told that the things contained in the prophecy would shortly begin to come to pass. The prophecies detail the decline of the Roman Empire, the rise of the Catholic Church and the Papacy, the rise of the Ottoman Empire and the growth of Protestantism and religious conflict. The book concludes with details of Armageddon and the glories of God's Kingdom which will follow this war, which will affect all people who survive its calamities and an earthquake.

The Bible thus concludes with the Kingdom of God on earth and an age of peace, beauty, justice and righteous rule with the Lord Jesus Christ as King.       

The Basic Message Bible Summary 2) The Old Testament

The Basic Message

Bible Summary

This Article: 

2) The Old Testament

The first section of the Bible is known as the Old Testament and deals with the history of Ancient Israel and the nations of the ancient world of the Middle East. It contains a significant amount of prophecy relevant to the ancient Jewish nation and to both Jew and non-Jew in the modern world.

The Bible and History

The first book of the Bible, Genesis, introduces the Creator and the record of Creation. Adam and Eve the first humans, because of disobedience to God's command, were punished with death and their descendents inherited their nature. Genesis deals with the early history of man and the selection of Abraham and his descendents to play a special role in God's plan with the earth. Abraham was selected for this purpose because of his great faith in God, as many of the world's inhabitants had shown a total disregard for God and had turned to idolatry and immorality. From Abraham's descendents emerged the nation of Israel, which was to be the witness to God's promise that the earth was to be filled with His glory and ultimately inhabited by a people who reflected his character.
Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy trace the growth of the nation of Israel. Following a period of slavery in Egypt, the Israelites were saved from slavery by God through the leadership of Moses and they are led into the wilderness for forty years. It is there they are taught the Law of Moses which set out the principles of worship, laws related to many aspects of daily life, morality, hygiene and behaviour. The ideals of God were set before the people and although they failed to attain to the high standards they learnt of God's great love and mercy and provision for forgiveness.
Abraham had been promised the land of Canaan as a possession and it was under the leadership of Joshua that the nation of Israel took possession of the land of promise, details of which are given in the book of Joshua. In the book of Judges it is revealed how the nation failed to obey God and Judges were appointed to govern the nation. The book of Ruth shows how some of the people remained faithful despite the general faithlessness of the nation.
In 1 & 2 Samuel a monarchy is established to satisfy the demands of the people to be like the nations around them and a faithful servant David is elevated to kingship. However in 1 & 2 Kings the nation is divided into two parts, Israel in the north and Judah in the south of the country. The nation again fails politically with some good kings but many were corrupt and the people turned from the true and acceptable worship of God into idolatry a immorality. 1 & 2 Chronicles also describes this period of the nation's history and the Assyrian destruction of the northern kingdom and then the captivity of Judah, the southern kingdom, by the Babylonians when the Jews were taken captive to Babylon.
Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther deal with various aspects of Israel's return to their land and Jerusalem from Babylon and the reconstruction of their worship and society and their preservation from hostile occupants in the land.

The Bible and Poetry

The book of Job is a dramatic epic that shows the blessing that can come through suffering. The Psalms are poetic and deal with faith in the Creator, who is a God of love and mercy, obedience to His laws, and songs of reverence and praise. Many of the Psalms are prophetic and speak of the Messiah and the coming kingdom that will bring righteousness and justice for all mankind. Proverbs is a book of practical wisdom for life and the advice to seek wisdom and understanding. Ecclesiastes gives advice that we should not seek treasure in earthly things but seek the treasure that comes from on high. The Song of Solomon is an allegory that uses figurative language and abounds in metaphorical language.

The Bible and Prophecy

There are eighteen prophetic books in the Bible, which deal with the destiny of Israel, its dispersion and the ultimate return of a remnant in the last days to their traditional homeland, after years of persecution in many countries. They deal with the destiny of nations, the kingdom of men, and the war that will lead to a major world conflict and the establishment of Jerusalem as the world capital of a government that will rule the world in peace and righteousness. All men will then recognise their Creator and worship him and a Temple will be built as a House of Prayer for all nations. These books also speak of the greater son of David who will be King in the future. They also give prophecies about the destiny of other Middle Eastern and Mediterranean nations and the Arabs. The prophetic books are Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi.

The Basic Message Bible Summary 1) About the Bible

The Basic Message  

Bible Summary

1) About the Bible

The Bible has two main functions for today. It contains prophecies that reveal that God guides the destiny of the nations, the approaching great crisis of Armageddon and the results of the return of Jesus. It is the book of life. It examines human's nature and explains why we are mortal and subject to death. It shows how mankind can gain eternal life, that is, immortality. There is the promise of an age when the Kingdom of God will be established on this earth, bringing peace and justice to the earth.
The word Bible means 'book'. It is really a library of sixty-six books which were compiled over a period of about 1600 years. The authors came from many classes of society and wrote in various places. There is however a harmony and unity in their works.
The Bible claims to be the inspired word of God. This Divine authorship is the reason for the unity and harmony of the books of the Bible. In the first five books of the Bible there is the assertion “The Lord said” or “the Lord spake”. In the following books there are three hundred similar statements and in the prophetic books similar expressions occur over twelve hundred times. The claim of Divine inspiration is supported by the revelation of the failings of many of the prominent characters in the Bible, together with their great faith, acts and endurance in their attempts to obey God. The failings and disobedience of the Jews, condemned by God, is recorded in detail and has survived to this day. In a human account such blemishes would be unlikely to be recorded. History and archaeology have also confirmed the reliability of this book.
The Bible's claim to Divine inspiration is most obvious in the fulfilment of Bible prophecy. Humans cannot predict the future with any certainty. God has made predictions in the Bible that have been confirmed by history and archaeology. Babylon, mentioned extensively in the Bible, was long regarded as a mythical city and was used to bring the accusation of unreliability to the Bible. However, as predicted, it had remained in heaps and was a lost city until discovered by archaeologists in the middle of last century. (Jeremiah 51: 37). Other examples are:

Nineveh still lies empty, void and waste. (Nahum 2: 10).

Egypt remains a base nation. (Ezekiel 29: 15)

Tyre was submerged by the sea and remains a place for the spreading of nets. (Ezekiel 26: 5)

Israel would be scattered among the nations. (Deuteronomy 28: 64 and many other places in the prophecies)

Jerusalem would come under the control of other nations. (Luke 21: 24)

It was prophesied that the Jews would become a nation again after being scattered among the nations. Since 1948 the Jews have been returning to their traditional homeland, restoring the wastelands, draining swamps and bringing fertility to a land long ravaged and desolate. (Jeremiah 30: 18-24; Amos 9: 14 and many other places in the prophecies of the Bible)

Basic Bible Teaching – Baptism

1. WERE THE EARLY FOLLOWERS OF JESUS CHRIST BAPTIZED?

Yes, the early followers of Jesus were baptized. Why? Because Jesus commanded them to be. It was one of the most important commandments he gave. Baptism was the way in which people showed that they believed in Jesus and his teaching. Each new convert became a member of a special group of people, the disciples of Jesus. They preached God’s Word and looked forward to the return of Jesus Christ to the earth.

Can you imagine a man being accepted into the army of any country, if he refused to obey the orders of the Commander-in-Chief? Jesus Christ, the Christian Leader, said, “If you love me you will obey my commands” (John 14:15). He also said, “Those who believe it (the gospel—the good news of his teaching) and receive baptism will be saved” (Mark 16:16). We must take Jesus at his word if we want to be accepted by him.

Baptism is a life-saving command from Jesus Christ. Philip believed that. He preached in Samaria, so successfully, that “when they came to believe Philip, with his good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, men and women alike were baptized (Acts 8:12). The message of belief, followed by baptism, is at the heart of the New Testament.

2. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT BAPTISM?
Today, many churches sprinkle infants on the head and call it Baptism. This is not the baptism of the Bible. When the Bible speaks of baptism it tells us of adult men and women who make a deliberate choice. They wanted to obey the Lord Jesus and be baptized. They were completely covered in water. This is the baptism of Bible times.

A good example to prove this, is found in Acts 8. Philip talked with an Ethiopian eunuch. He “told him the good news of Jesus” (verse 35). No doubt, while they talked, they were both carrying water for their journeys. It would have been easy for Philip to sprinkle water on the eunuch’s head. But the eunuch, who believed the words Philip preached about Jesus, was not baptized until “they came to some water” (verse 36). The eunuch then said, “Look, here is water: what is to prevent my being baptized?” So “they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. When they came up from the water … the eunuch … went on his way rejoicing”.

Notice, they both “went down into” and “came up from” the water. The eunuch was a mature person who believed the things preached by Philip concerning Jesus Christ. He was completely covered by water.

3. WHAT DOES BAPTISM MEAN?

Why do we have to be completely covered by water when we are baptized? God chose immersion in water because it is a very powerful way of showing us that our sins must be forgiven. Believers realise that they need saving from sin and require God’s grace. They go under the water in baptism, and die to an old way of life. They come up out of the water to a new life. In baptism, believers identify with the death of Jesus Christ, who died for us. Just as Jesus rose from the dead, they also rise from the waters of baptism to “set out on a new life” (Romans 6:4).

Now, believers are God’s children, and they desire to please Him. If they do so, He will give them His great gift of everlasting life.This will happen when Jesus comes to rule the world (Luke 1:32,33). No wonder Jesus regarded baptism as being so important.

4. WHY DO I NEED TO BE BAPTIZED?

You need to be baptized because, like all mankind, you are dying. We have all earned the wage of sin. Paul tells us “the wage is death” (Romans 6:23). Without God, death is the end. People have a very bad habit of not wanting to think about important issues that they do not like. Death is one of those issues. We must be wise enough to face it. The good news is that God offers us everlasting life; but on His terms. That is fair, as He is the giver of life. Peter tells us, in Acts 2 and 3, that we must take fivesteps to salvation. They are:

(1) Believe in Jesus Christ and his message.
(2) Repent (have a change of mind, realising that we need God and His forgiveness).
(3) Be converted (turn round and walk towards God).
(4) Obey Jesus by having our sins washed away in baptism.
(5) Continue faithfully in God’s way (Acts 2:27-42; 3:18-21).

God always keeps His promises. He will never let us down. As Jesus said, “No one can snatch them out of the Father’s care” (John 10:29).

5. WHY MUST I OBEY GOD’S COMMANDS?

The Bible tells us, from Genesis to Revelation, that God is serious. Obedience to God’s commands brings life, and disobedience results in death. God always means what He says.

Noah preached to the wicked people of his day (Genesis 6). They had a choice. They could believe Noah’s message, repent and be saved, or ignore it and perish. They ignored it and perished. God did not change His mind. Noah also had a choice. He could build an ark and be saved, or he could reject God’s word. He built an ark. “Noah carried out exactly all God had commanded him” (verse 22). Because he was obedient, Noah was saved. For us to ignore God’s clear command to be baptized is to choose death rather than life.

The jailor at Philippi asked Paul and Silas: “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30). The answer came: “Put your trust in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved.” He obeyed and was baptized.

Jesus himself, though sinless, was baptized. He said: “It is right for us to do all that God requires” (Matthew 3:15). Can we, who are sinners, ignore baptism when Jesus didn’t? We must follow his steps in this, as in all things.

6. WHAT MUST I DO NOW, SO THAT I CAN ENJOY LIFE FOR EVER IN GOD’S KINGDOM?

To enjoy life for ever, you must take the five steps to salvation; every one of them. The record in Acts 10 concerning Cornelius shows us that just to live a good life, without being baptized, is not good enough. Peter ordered Cornelius “to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ” (verse 48). Baptism is the start of a new life which will bring you great joy. It will give your life a renewed purpose. In an uncertain world, the God of Peace will give you peace.

Are you wise enough to follow the command of Jesus Christ to believe and be baptized? What a blessing awaits you if you are! God will bless you with life for evermore, when Jesus returns to establish his kingdom. “The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

Basic Bible Teaching – What True Christians Should Believe

1. WHY SHOULD I ACCEPT THE BELIEFS OF 1ST CENTURY CHRISTIANS?
It is very important that 21st century Christians have the same beliefs as those in the 1st century. Why? Because 1st century Christians lived closest to the time when Jesus Christ preached, “the Gospel of the Kingdom of God”.
If we want to drink the purest water from a stream we must get as close as we can to the water source. We know that further down the stream, pollution will have affected the purity of the water.

It is just the same with understanding Bible teaching. Jesus is the source of pure water. The closer we get to his teaching, the purer our understanding will be. The apostles Peter and Paul lived at the same time as Jesus. We cannot go wrong if we believe what they taught. Sadly, what they taught is rarely spoken about by modern preachers.

2. WHAT DID 1ST CENTURY CHRISTIANS BELIEVE?

We must examine the first speech made by Peter, after Jesus went to heaven. He tells us in Acts 2:14-47 what Christians should believe.

Acts 2:21,23 Jesus did not die by accident. It was part of God’s plan that Jesus, His sinless son, should give his life to save sinners. Because of Adam’s sin, a death sentence was passed by God on Adam, Eve and all the human race. Jesus, by his sinless life, made everlasting life possible for all who believe in him and keep God’s commandments.
Acts 2:24-28 Because Jesus lived a perfect life, God raised him from the dead. King David, who lived 1,000 years before Jesus, was also a prophet. He foretold the death and resurrection of Jesus. David said, of Jesus, God “will not abandon my soul to Hades (the grave), or let your Holy One see corruption.” (Psalm 16:10)

Jesus died and was laid in a tomb. God brought him back to life again (resurrection). God gave Jesus an immortal body (one that does not die). It is important to notice that the Bible does not say that Jesus had an immortal soul that went to heaven when he died. That is a Greek idea, not a Bible one. Jesus still had a body. He could eat, be handled and recognised, in his immortal state

Acts 2:29-36 King David was loved by God. Even so, Peter tells us that David “both died and was buried”. That is the natural end of all of us. Peter did not teach that David had an immortal soul. The Christian hope is that when Jesus returns from heaven, he will raise the dead. He will give his faithful followers an immortal body just like his own.

God promised that, “He would set one of his descendants on his (David’s) throne”. David was speaking of the “resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades (the grave), nor did his flesh see corruption”. So Jesus went to Hades (the grave) when he died, not to heaven. God raised his body from the tomb. Notice also that Jesus is to sit on David’s throne. Where was that? It will be in Jerusalem, in the land of Israel. Jesus will return to be a real king on earth. The Kingdom of God is to be on earth, not in heaven. Jesus is coming to claim his kingdom. His faithful saints (those who have believed in him) will live forever. They will reign with Jesus over the world’s mortal people in his kingdom.

Peter explains that David’s prophecy told us that Jesus would sit on God’s “right hand” (where he is now). However that is only until God makes the enemies of Jesus his footstool. Then God shall “send the Christ” to be king of the world (Acts 3:19-21).

Peter reminds the crowd, “that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” People in the crowd were very upset when they understood that they had helped to put Jesus, God’s son to death. They asked an important question, “what shall we do?” Peter told them, “Repent and be baptised everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.”

Note that mature adults asked the question, “what shall we do?” Christian baptism is for mature people who choose to follow Jesus and repent of their sins. The sprinkling of babies (christening) is not taught in the Bible.

To summarise what Peter, Jesus’ disciple, believed and taught:

§ Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
§ He lived a sinless life and died for us.
§ He went to Hades (the grave) after death.
§ God raised Jesus from the dead.
§ In his immortal state, Jesus still had a body.
§ Jesus went to heaven, to sit on God’s right hand.
§ He will return to the earth to be king on David’s throne in Jerusalem.
§ Christians must believe in Jesus, repent of their sins and be baptised.
§ They should meet often to remember Jesus by “breaking bread”.
§ They must believe that the Old Testament was inspired by God.
If we are to call ourselves Christians, we should believe all the statements listed above.

The word “Christian” is only used three times in the New Testament. What do we learn about them?

Acts 11:19-26 Christians must “remain faithful … with steadfast purpose”. It is a serious commitment. They should also share their beliefs with all who are willing to listen.

Acts 26:19-28 Paul tells King Agrippa and the Roman Governor, Festus that:
§ Christians must “repent and turn to God.”
§ They must also believe in the Old Testament scriptures.
§ They should always speak “true and rational words.”
§ Jesus rose from the dead. He was the first to inherit everlasting life.
1 Peter 4:12-19
§ Christians may have to suffer for their belief in Jesus Christ.
§ Jesus will return to judge those who God decides are responsible to him.

All these statements add to our understanding of what Christians should believe and how they should behave. They are fully in tune with what Peter taught in Acts 2.

3. IF MY CHURCH DOES NOT TEACH WHAT 1ST CENTURY CHRISTIANS BELIEVED, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

In Acts 18:24-28, we learn about a Jew named Apollos. He was a keen preacher but he only understood some of the things that Christians should believe. Was that all right? No. Aquila and Priscilla, who had a fuller understanding, taught him “the way of God more accurately.” From this example, it would be wise of you to join a group of Christians who fully accept the beliefs of 1st century Christians. Christadelphians certainly do accept all those beliefs.
What can be more important than believing, and teaching, the true gospel as taught by Jesus, Peter and Paul? If you do, it will lead to everlasting life in the Kingdom of God.

Basic Bible Teaching – Jerusalem

When you have read this leaflet you will know the answers to these questions:
1. Why will Jerusalem be the future everlasting capital of the world?
2. Who will be the king in Jerusalem?
3. How can I share in God’s future kingdom?

1. WHY WILL JERUSALEM BE THE FUTURE EVERLASTING CAPITAL OF THE WORLD?
Why Jerusalem, and not London, Beijing, New York, Rome or Moscow? The Bible answers this question. Jesus Christ himself said, ”do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King” (Matthew 5:34,35).
No ‘great king’ was reigning in Jerusalem when Jesus spoke those words. The Romans had conquered the Jews, Pontius Pilate was the Roman Governor, and Herod (not a Jew) was a puppet king. Worse was still to come for Jerusalem. Jesus made this sad, but accurate prophecy, “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near …and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles” (Luke 21:20,24).
In AD 70, after a Roman army had long surrounded the city and one million Jews had died in the siege, Jerusalem fell. No king saved the people or the city. From that day until his, no Jewish king has ruled in Jerusalem. Over the centuries, wars have raged there, conquerors have come and gone. Suffering and death have reigned. How sad, for Jerusalem means ‘City of Peace’.
But, after 1900 years of being away from their land, tens of thousands of Jews returned to Palestine in the 1940’s. The State of Israel was established in 1948, and in 1967 Jerusalem was taken back into Jewish hands. Since then, wars and discord between Jews and Arabs have prevented any lasting peace, and still no king rules in Jerusalem today. We should not be surprised at this. Because of Israel’s disobedience, six hundred years before the birth of Jesus, God spoke through his prophet Ezekiel (21:26,27 –NKJV). He said of the king in Jerusalem at the time: “take off the crown…I will make it overthrown! It shall be no longer, until He comes who right it is, and I will give it to him.” So no king will reign until the rightful one comes – God’s king.
Jesus, the Son of God, was not wrong when he said that “Jerusalem is the city of the great king”. He was making a prophecy. He was seeing far into the future. So far into it, that it is still future to our own day. There are many kings, queens and republics in the world. However, God’s plan for the world is to have only one kingdom and one king. Centuries before Jesus was born, Daniel was told by God Himself, “the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed … and it shall stand forever” (Daniel 2:44).
God’s kingdom, with Jerusalem as its capital, will fill the earth. He has chosen one king who shall “have dominion from sea to sea … to the ends of the earth … May all kings fall down before him, all nations serve him (Psalm 72:8-11).
Yes, Jerusalem will be the city of the great king. Man’s kingdoms will be no more. God’s kingdom will replace them all.
2. WHO WILL BE KING IN JERUSALEM?
God has chosen his son, Jesus Christ, to be king in Jerusalem. Why? Because Jesus is the only perfect, sinless man who has ever lived. God raised him from the dead and he is alive forever. Because of this, the world will never need another king.
Jesus has all the personal qualities a great king needs. As prophesied of him, he had “wisdom and understanding … counsel and might … knowledge and the fear of the LORD” (Isaiah 11:2). Jesus will judge “with righteousness” (v4). This is just what the world needs. He is the best qualified king ever. “Worthy is the lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom, and might and honour and glory and blessing!” (Revelation 5:12).
The “Kingdom of God” is a common phrase in the Bible. We now know it will begin when God shall “send the Christ” back to the earth (Acts 3:20-21). God promised to “set My King on Zion, my holy hill” and to Jesus He says “I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession” (Psalm 2:6-8).
Jesus, “the Prince of Peace” will “speak peace to the nations”, from Jerusalem “the City of Peace”. No wonder God said, “Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you” (Zechariah 9:9-10). When Jesus reigns as king, then “out of Zion shall go the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem” (Isaiah 2:3).
Grasp this fact: Jesus Christ is coming back to the earth to be King of the World.
3. HOW CAN I SHARE IN GOD’S FUTURE KINGDOM?
Each of us has two futures. How can this be? The first future has to do with the days, perhaps months and years, which lie ahead in our natural lives. What we believe, and how we spend time now, will determine our much more important everlasting future. That future will either be everlasting joy in God’s Kingdom, or everlasting death. The choice is ours and we must make it soon. Compared with eternity, our natural lives are very short indeed. We don’t have long to make up our minds.
Jesus is coming back to the earth to rule as king in Jerusalem. He will reign over the natural people of Israel. His kingdom will then spread throughout the world. He will be the world’s only king, and will reign over everyone. He will have special helpers to teach the world about God and his purpose. These helpers, his “saints”, will have been given everlasting life at the Judgement. This Judgement will be held when Jesus returns to the earth (please read the item in this series entitled “Resurrection and Judgement”).
Jesus will not give everlasting life to everyone when he comes. He will give it only to those who believe in God’s word, the Bible, and who follow it’s teachings. It involves understanding that we are sinners, seeking God’s forgiveness, accepting Jesus as our saviour, being baptised “into Christ”, and keeping God’s commandments. If we commit ourselves to this life of service, then by God’s grace, He will grant us everlasting life through Jesus Christ, our great saviour and king (Matthew 16:27). The gift of everlasting life is the greatest blessing that has ever been offered. Imagine the joy of living with Jesus and all his faithful saints forever. What a prospect! Will you choose to follow Jesus? If you do, he will choose you to live and reign with him forever, when he comes to be king in Jerusalem.

Basic Bible Teaching – Jesus Christ is Coming Back

Jesus is coming back to earth soon! Will you be with him when he returns?
Here’s what you will learn:
1. How do we know Jesus will return?
2. What are the “signs of the times”?
3. What did Christ mean when he told us to pray, “Your Kingdom come”?
4. What is God’s plan for the earth?

Wouldn’t it be wonderful? Jesus Christ back on the earth. He would heal us, help us, lead us—all the things that our human leaders cannot do. Most Christian churches are supposed to teach it, but we, the Christadelphians, actually believe it. In fact, if you read the Bible for yourself you must come to the same conclusion.

JESUS CHRIST IS COMING BACK.

We are sure that the Bible says he will come back to this wicked earth, and change it into something much, much better.

The Old Testament prepared people for the first coming of Christ—it told them where he would be born, what he would come to do, and how he would die. The New Testament tells us, similarly, many details about his second coming—what the world will be like, what he will come to do, and the power that will be his when he sets up his Kingdom. In fact, the Bible isn’t two separate books, the Old Testament and the New Testament. It is one whole book. It has one continuous message:

“Jesus Christ is coming back.”
THE PROMISES
Way back in Genesis chapters 12 to 25 we are told that God chose one man out of all the others, and promised that the whole world would be blessed through him. The man’s name was Abraham and this promise was then repeated to his son Isaac, and grandson Jacob—who was also named Israel. Very soon this one family of twelve tribes grew into a great nation, and God repeated the same promises to other members of the same family several times.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, came from this family and by the time Jesus was born into the nation of Israel very many people were looking for a Saviour and a King. They all knew the promises and
were expecting someone great and strong to chase away the Romans, who had conquered them, and to be their king. Here are some of the Promises God made to Israel:
· They would inherit the land of Israel for ever. (Genesis 13:15)
· King David’s house and kingdom would be established for ever. (2 Samuel 7:16)
· “In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will dwell safely.” (Jeremiah 33:16)
When Jesus was 30 years old he was revealed to the people of Israel as the Son of God. Many really believed that he had come to be their Saviour and King, but most leaders did not accept him. They did not know, or they would not accept, what God had promised to Mary, or what angels had told the shepherds. Most of the leaders did not believe in his miracles of healing, or in his powerful words. Within three and a half years they had persuaded the Roman rulers to kill him. Even the disciples forsook him and fled.
THE RESURRECTION
But Jesus didn’t stay dead! God brought him out of the tomb and gave him a completely new life. Never again would he die—now Christ is immortal. He said of himself: “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” This now sounded like a Saviour and King!
This was only the beginning!
Jesus was not seen by anyone who did not believe in him. Gone was their chance to question and attack him. Only the disciples or followers saw him and talked to him. And 40 days after his resurrection he ascended to heaven, leaving a promise behind him—one of the greatest promises ever made.
“This same Jesus, who has beentaken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11)
That has not happened yet. But surely you can see from the summary of God’s plan we have already looked at, that Jesus Christ will keep the promises and return to earth.

THE RETURN
Now we shall look at a few more passages of Scripture to give a clearer picture:
1. God said that all nations of the earth would be blessed in Abraham’s family. (Genesis 12:3)
2. The King of the world would be descended from King David. (Luke 1:32)
3. This King would die but would not remain dead. (Psalm 16:8-11)
4. At the return of God’s Son the desert will blossom and human sickness will be cured. (Isaiah 35)
5. The world will be governed by God’s Son, from Jerusalem. (Isaiah 2:2-5)
It therefore seems obvious that God’s plan right from the beginning was to send His Son as a saviour and a King. Jesus’ birth and life on this earth were to enable people to understand him, and for us to appreciate what he will do when he comes again.
WHAT IS JESUS DOING NOW?
Jesus is in heaven, at God’s right hand, preparing his kingdom. That’s why he told us to pray, “Your kingdom come”. Soon it will! Jesus will return from heaven and set up God’s kingdom on earth. He will raise the dead, purify the world, and reign on David’s throne, from Jerusalem.
THE SIGNS
God has not given a date for all of this to happen, but He has given some signs to show us when to expect him. Below are just a few of the prophecies of the Bible where the return of Jesus is mentioned.
1. The Jewish nation will return to their homeland. (Jeremiah 23:5-8) —This has been happening in our lifetimes!
2. World-wide problems will be veryclear to everyone. (Luke 21:25-27) —This is more true now than ever before.
3. Many nations of the world will threaten and attack Israel. (Zechariah 14:1-11) —We should watch for this to happen soon.
It is becoming more and more clear that the scene is being set for the return of Jesus to this earth. We don’t know for certain when he is coming back, but we can surely see what is happening in the world around us. The prophecies are coming true. The Jews have even been allowed to leave Russia (see Jeremiah 23:8). This is a very recent addition to a long list of prophecies which have been fulfilled.