Lessons

The Hope of the Church of the One Body – Part 3. Most of Christianity today teaches only two spheres of blessings, and the lesson here teaches on the second sphere of blessing which is New Jerusalem. The first sphere of blessing involved what was promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (who had the 12 fathers of Israel) being their seed would be like the sand, and stars in heaven and that they would inherit the Promised Land. This involved promises made through covenants with the nation of Israel (Abrahamic, Palestinian, Davidic, and the New Covenant). It’s discussed that most of this lesson falls under what is called Dispensational teaching versus what is taught by Covenant theologians (who believe that the New Covenant was made with the church). The first sphere of blessing is the earth. Therefore, we will look at the second sphere of blessing which involves New Jerusalem which is a heavenly inheritance that was given to Abraham. It’s important to make the distinction between a heavenly inheritance and an inheritance located far above the heavens. The heavenly inheritance that Israel will enjoy is New Jerusalem and we see a description of that in Rev. 21:1-2. The lesson on August 19, 2007 continues the audio series on our hope. It takes time to expound on the heavenly blessing Israel receives with New Jerusalem and in the end compares it to the third sphere of blessing the church of the one body receives in Christ (which is in the heavenlies, far above all).