Understanding the Times
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Understanding the Times Date: August 09, 2020 Supporting Passage: I Chronicles 12:32 (NLT) “From the tribe of Issachar, there were 200 leaders of the tribe with their relatives. All these people understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take.” INTRODUCTION Our scripture reference is from the book of 1 Chronicles. It is important to know that the books 1 and 2 Chronicles, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, cover the same material. Chronicles treats that material from a different viewpoint. These books of the Bible define the spiritual, political, and governmental journey of Israel. This a recounting of Israel’s history. The nation of Israel is significant THE TABERNACLE OF GLORY CHURCH: MOVING FROM GOING TO CHURCH TO BEING THE CHURCH P.O. Box 40667 Nashville, TN 37204 1 because it is the group of people according to the Hebrew or Old Testament of the Bible that our faith is founded. THE GOD OF ABRAHAM, ISSAC, AND JACOB Remember the phrase, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I want to highlight that Jacob’s name is changed to Israel. Jacob, who is Israel, had 12 sons and over time they have wives and children. Before you know it, they become a nation. Looking at that same phrase, with an emphasis on Abraham. Abraham is the founder of our faith tradition. Often, Jesus Christ would refer to Abraham as the father of faith. Just for the record all three of the major world religions Islam, Judaism, and Christianity, claim Abraham as the father of their faith tradition. They are very much different in their own way and they are also very much alike. The three have basically the same concept but they have different ways of teachings. All three believe in God. With this respect, we must remember: o We live in a multi-faceted world with a plethora of ethnicities, cultures, races, and societies. Therefore, we must celebrate diversity. o I see a God for everyone, not just a God for me. I can accept and appreciate the different beliefs of others in a non-judgmental manner, just as I would hope others will do for me. o It has also made me aware that the workings of God are not restricted to one religion. Issachar, one of the tribes within the nation of Israel, showed an unusual insight into situations, strategies, skills, and sensitivities to the times. We must be like the tribe of Issachar - seeking those that have insight in these categories and more. We must embrace our biblical mandate to provide leadership in our homes, community, and spheres of influence. God changes us so we can change the world. THE TABERNACLE OF GLORY CHURCH: MOVING FROM GOING TO CHURCH TO BEING THE CHURCH P.O. Box 40667 Nashville, TN 37204 2 Why be a leader? True leadership is worth the risk because the goals extend beyond material gain or personal advancement. You do it to make the lives of people around you better.” I need to be a part of teams of people that understand the times as the Issacharites did. Joining in community for my well-being and the well-being of others. What are these times in which we live and witness? What is our special responsibility? o Let us remember that times have been difficult before o Let us remember that quality, not quantity of the times matter o Are you "making the most of every opportunity," allowing God to use you and your time as He sees fit? Using “times” the same as “seasons”, how do we understand the times/seasons? o No matter what season you are in, no season lasts forever. o Change of seasons is not a sign that you are good or bad person o Never let the season you are in define who you are o Most seasons are followed by opposite seasons o We need to build consistency in every season o Learn from every season that you are in May the Lord help us to understand our times, like the tribe of Issachar did, that we might do the will of God, serve our generation, and leave behind us a blessing forever. THE TABERNACLE OF GLORY CHURCH: MOVING FROM GOING TO CHURCH TO BEING THE CHURCH P.O. Box 40667 Nashville, TN 37204 3 .