Lecture Notes: Rise of an Unseen Government

Opening Remarks

• Introduction with a reading from Psalms 121, emphasizing reliance on God for protection and guidance.
• Prayer requesting God’s guidance, protection for the leaders and members of the congregation, and a call for repentance.
• Encouragement to take notes as the lecture might contain important lessons.

Key Themes

Biblical Prophecy and Israel’s History

• Matthew 1:17: Discussion on the generations from Abraham to David, David to Babylon, and Babylon to Christ.
  • From David to Babylon: Split of the Kingdom post-Solomon, Assyrian and Babylonian captivities.
  • Babylon to Christ: Persian, Greek, and Roman captivities leading to Christ’s birth.
• Luke 21:24: Prophecy of Israel’s dispersion and Jerusalem under Gentile control until Gentile times are fulfilled.

Current State of Israel and Prophetic Insights

• Lamentations 2:14: Prophets have shown Israel vain and foolish things, failing to reveal their iniquities to turn away captivity.
• Deuteronomy 28:45-46: Curses upon Israel for disobedience, serving as signs forever.
• 2 Ezra 5:42: God's judgments are like a ring, signifying unending cycles of oppression for disobedience.

Historical Context: African Slave Trades

• Arab Slave Trade: Historical evidence and imagery showing the involvement of Arabs in the slave trade, affecting Africans.
• Transatlantic Slave Trade: Initiated by Spain and Portugal, verified by historical documents and books.

Prophecies and Promises

Restoration and Salvation

• Isaiah 51:20-23: The current oppressed state of Israel and the future promise of redemption.
• Isaiah 52:1-2: A call for Israel to awaken, put on strength, and rise from the dust.
• Romans 13:11-12: Urgent call to awake from sleep as salvation approaches.

Government and Order

• Isaiah 9:6-7: Christ’s establishment of an eternal government.
• Psalms 50:20-21: God setting Israel in order before the nations.

Transformation and Growth

• Romans 12:1-3: Call for personal transformation through renewing the mind.
• 2 Corinthians 5:20: Believers as ambassadors for Christ, representing the heavenly kingdom.
• Isaiah 49:6: Israel’s role to be a light to the nations.

The Future Kingdom

• Daniel 2:30-45: Vision of a statue representing successive empires leading to a kingdom established by God, which will consume all others.
• Zechariah 8:13: Israel, once a curse among nations, will be saved and become a blessing.
• Micah 4:1-5: Prophecy of nations seeking guidance from Zion.
• Revelation 21:12-16: Description of the New Jerusalem with gates for the tribes of Israel.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to keep strong and diligent in faith, as Israel is set to rise despite current oppression.
• Emphasis on the need for transformation, unity, and readiness for the coming kingdom.