I have been a Christian for over 35 years and I have never heard such powerful and insightful explanation about the context of Christ’s fulfilment of the prophecy given from the OT this is truly revelatory. The gospel of the kingdom is so amazing. Thank you for your ministry, this is why I am willing to financially support Apologia studios all the way from Australia. God bless you brother.
Major confusion on this text happens when seeker churches claim it says that we should all be able to literally move a literal mountain by commanding it
Who is the authority on what level of faith it takes to "say to a mountain 'jump' into the sea" and it will?....if you assume YOU have enough faith that doesn't mean you necessarily do. God has predetermined what "level" of faith all people will have and there are different levels. Not having that level doesn't, therefore, mean you're going to hell. Jeff is wrong about this so his viewpoint is skewed by his pride. His pride is misleading him to believe he possesses the greatest level of faith. He can't understand what level it takes so he's convinced himself he needs to justify that that level of faith doesn't exist. With God, all things are possible.....even making mountains jump into the sea or killing a tree because it blooms out of season. The tree story simply shows that in a fallen world, everything in nature is not as it should be, including how trees are growing. It is a straight forward understanding of the verse.
Great sermon! It is interesting to also note the connection to Zechariah 4: 6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts. 7 Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it. 8 Moreover the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 9 The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the Lord of hosts hath sent me unto you. With "Mountain moving faith" through the power of the Holy Spirit the temple was finished, until the living Headstone came, when again by "Mountain moving faith" the physical temple is taken away, because it has been replaced by living stones also via the power of the Spirit (1 Peter 2: 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.).
wow, where have sermons like this been my whole life, I fear sometimes my church is a "prosperity" church that it is all feel good, name it and claim it things, I am so hungry for a deeper study ALL I watch are sermons and teachings. I have stopped watching all regular secular tv and I am totally consumed. I feel God has set my heart hungry for biblical truth. Thank you for feeding that today. Thankful for the work that God is doing for you. I am going to watch this again and not all the scriptures you referanced and go through this again because there was just soooo much there!!
Please, enable user contributed subtitles on the video so we can add translations to other languages and share this sermon with our brothers that don't undestand english.
So the mountain is actually Mt Zion and it represents the hard hearted Jewish people of the First Century? And Jesus was telling the Disciples that they could pray for them to be taken out of the way so the Gospel would be open to Gentiles?
Sure - here's my shelf: Incredible video message by Ken Gentry, "Beast of Revelation Identified" ua-cam.com/video/Sy7cEW4MJac/v-deo.html Guaranteed paradigm resetter ! Watch it repeatedly, show others. It's on my Tablet to show to others. Jeff's always referencing Gentry's work. So, 2 foundational books: "He shall Have Dominion" & "Before Jerusalem Fell" both by Gentry "Paradise Restored" by David Chilton - the most poetic vision casting book on how sweeping Redemption is & will be to our children's children ! David's audio lectures are hereabouts on UA-cam. Last but not least: "Last Days According to Jesus" by Dr RC Sproul RC Sproul did this on video absolutely worth its weight in Gold: ua-cam.com/play/PL30acyfm60fWm9jA8LNRnYizJj5VEduus.html I gotta say I love what God did thru these 2 men. Jeff is a culture wise, bare knuckle street preacher whereas RC is a top grade philosopher, theologian& thinker, the contrast between them is immense yet their message is the same: Jesus Christ our Lord is NOW RULING HIS KINGDOM, bringing victory to His people, and we need humbly & willingly acknowledge & have the honor joy AND privilege of serving Him ! I'm blessed to see these messages of victory in Jesus here - in 1998 when God opened our eyes to Postmillenial Covenant truth there wasn't UA-cam to help spread the message ! May the LORD richly bless you - David in Texas
If you're going to start contextualizing everything in this way you might as well dismiss everything Jesus said. When Jesus said "whosoever shall say unto this mountain" I think the disciples probably took that as "whosoever", meaning all people in all the ages in all situations. Silly argument.
"this mountain" clearly indicates that Jesus was talking about a specific mountain in their area. So, no, the disciples would not have understood Jesus to be talking about all people in all ages. You dismiss the context of the verse for the sake of your own thinking, sir/ma'am. The verses and chapter numbers are not inspired. The original Bible was not written with chapter and verse numbers, so we can't take a single verse as its own stand alone message. The chapters and verses were only added to help with easier navigation of the text of Scripture.
I have a question. My friend didn't agree when I explained the way you describe the faith to move a mountain. He brought up Luke 17:5-6 about faith to uproot a mulberry tree and plant it in the sea. Now I'm confused...what does this mean?
It means that Jeff's interpretation is incorrect. For all the "sola scriptura" and "tota scriptura" he says, he refuses to touch the plethora of other scriptures that refute his interpretation. He has seen the abusive traditions of the "health and wealth" false teachers, and has pulled far to the other side. Just as those prosperity preachers won't touch the scriptures that talk about judgement and repentance and obedience and suffering, so too most reformed preachers won't touch anything that has to do with faith and prayer having any tangible effect in this world. Cessationism turns faith into merely intellectual assent to theological truths. I think Jeff teaches well on many aspects, but when it comes to faith and prayer, he has fallen into the trap of human tradition and reacting against other human folly instead of letting God's word plainly speak. 1 John 5:14-15 "And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him." James 5:14-18 "Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will heal the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit." Mark 11:23-26 "Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” How can you interpret this parallel passage of the same account in Mark to say that Jesus is telling them to pray imprecatory prayers against Jerusalem, when he is directly telling them to actively forgive as they pray? Mark 16:14-18 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
@@zippoddiz The misuse of these verses has actually destroyed the faith of new believers and discouraged it in general when they are misused, or misunderstood- because clearly Christians with faith, ask for biblically good things and don't see it. Why is it that faithful Christians are not living in the miraculous times as we see play out in the history of the apostles/early church? Why aren't believers today raising the dead and healing the sick miraculously - hanging out in hospitals, going to graveyards, healing their own sickness, etc? Paul had faith and was told no to his request/earnest prayers, God told him why and Paul rejoiced in that answer as it was much better than what Paul prayed for. He gloried in his infirmities because it was a mechanism to keep the power of God rested in/on him. (to keep him dependent on Christ and humble) Also, Elisha had faith, but he died sick in his bed. We do know that Jesus called his disciples to him and gave THEM power - and part of the reason for that was so that as they preached the gospel the miraculous would confirm they were not doing this on their own - but God was "confirming their ministry with signs and wonders" Mark 16:20 in other words, having faith for something is no guarantee God is going to say yes. It must also be according to His will (Not what we think His will is or should be) or it's not happening no matter how real our faith is. As far as the precatory prayers against the covenant breakers, corrupted, Godless leadership/system being in conflict with Mark 16 - it's not. (though I'm not sure if I agree with Jeff here as that phrase of "Moving mountains is elsewhere in the scripture) If those ppl repent that are being prayed against (Clearly Jesus threatened them with destruction (not just a promise of forgiveness) as did John the Baptist - "who warned you to flee from the wrath to come"-"repent" they would be forgiven - as some of them did believe on Him.
In the beginning he talks about exegesis and pulling from the text using correct methods of interpretation. Can anyone tell me what is the correct way to interpret the text? And what are some resources I can get my hands on to better help me understand the bible?? Thanks!
newislandag20 I cannot go into much detail because I don't have that much knowledge on exegesis. But, in short, we need to look at 1) Who's the author? 2) Who's the audience? 3) What are the major themes in the book? And most importantly, 4) Context of the book. This is just the gist of it but I hope this helps, my friend.
The ESV Study Bible Notes is a great start. It gives an overview of each book with context about when it was written, by whom, to whom, and what the cultural climate was like at the time. It's very useful.
Interesting question. Something in not too sure myself but Jacob gave a pretty good answer . My little knowledge I couldn't do any better than that answer . I still find exegeting the text tough sometimes not gonna lie . But I am teachable .. 😁
How can you doubt in your heart or spirit, if what you believe & speak comes from a rhema word (a now Word from God)? Faith comes by a word from God that you hear in your spirit. Word of Faith, is about whose words you hear & speak from your spirit & they shouldn't contradict what's in the bible either.
that was a powerful message brother Jeff! also, I would like to let you know that my church, and I prayed that you would get to talk with Ben Shapiro and lead him to Christ today.
This is random but how amazing it would be and a blessing to spend sometime with Jeff and ask questions about scripture. God recently saved me after I was a self deceived christian. And I have a burden for my mormon friends and family who have a false gospel. And it is a blessing to just read the Word of God and the fact youtube exists but I hope one day I can meet faithful men to God like Jeff, and macarthur, so I can see how the Lord matured them and uses them.
Hours of their content are on UA-cam here. And you have the holy spirit leading you to ALL truth... Study, pray , and get out there lead by the spirit amen
Jeff is a great man of God! I went to Apologia church Jeff is deffently my brother in Christ. But yet I disagree with about 10% of his theology. I believe Jesus died for ALL the world that's what I get from scripture. I also had a hard time understanding how a sovereign God would decree rape,child sex trafficking and abortion etc. And yet call those acts evil. How can you ever call anything God decreed evil?
@@user-rh5uu1td7f Well Tim for your first point of "Jesus died for ALL the world" you have to look at context. So you would really have to understand what the writer meant in John 3:16 "God so loved the world He gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him will have eternal life." or some of the other scriptures like in 1 John 2:2 "and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; not for ours only, but also those of the whole world." So I understand where you are coming from but you have to understand not just the different meanings of "world" throughout the Bible but also what the writer meant. Sometimes the writer meant not just the jewish culture but the gentiles too. Because remember the writers John or Paul and other new testament writers weren't writing for the Americas, they were writing for the Jews and Gentiles. So I believe Jeff talks about this but thats what "world" means. The problem with your theology of Christ dying for ALL the world means universalism and puts the power of our salvation in our hands. But the Bible is clear we cannot save ourselves, we are dead in our trespasses, it is by Gods grace that we are saved aside from any work so we cannot boast. So if Christ died for all and people still go to hell then that means the God of that theology is not powerful enough to save all who He died for. But if Christ dies for only the elect then all that God chooses will be saved no matter what. But in your theology not everyone Jesus died for will be saved, thats a problem. That means we can choose to not be saved by Gods grace, that us puny humans can ultimately thwart God. Your second question is how could a sovereign God allow evil. Well remember God is beyond amazing, and without evil in the world then His mercy and glory for saving evil creatures like us wouldnt be so amazing. Also remember we live in a broken world that is ultimately our fault from Adam's disobedience to God. So God would be just in leaving us in this mess and not saving any of us. Finally remember that if God is not sovereign over anything and our human efforts shock God then he isnt a God at all. But if God is sovereign over everything and He from the beginning of time new the start from the beginning new everything that would happen and was sovereign over it then He is God. The God that does not predestine the holocaust is not a God, also remember that God will be glorified in either sinners going to hell or going to heaven through the atonement of Christ. I say this all out of love and we can talk through email or here! Love you brother
@@choicemeatrandy6572 No, no man can thwart God. God is all knowing, all powerful, completely sovereign over everything. He knows everything from begining to end.
I follow the Preterist case of Jewish rejection and judgment, fine, but you have ignore the previous faith promise in Matthew 17. Which mountain is he speaking to here? : 20 He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”[e]
I agree with your understanding of this verse as well as the others. The importance to let the authority of Gods Spoken Word define what Gods Spoken Word means and not our feelings that are easily offended and imaginations that have over and over throughout the generations lead the people astray to serve themselves and Idols. His law is in our hearts and that is why people feel and have the desire to acknowledge that there is a right and wrong, the only problem is yet again, its our offense to Gods Word that they turn away from God to make what seems right in their own eyes because they want to serve themselves over God. Gods Word never returns void, and he will always answer us when we have questions through his Spoken Word (The Bible), but we absolutely have to seek to know the truth about God and be careful not to become offended by Gods Word and shrink back, but yet speak the truth in love to others without altering his meaning because we are worried about offending people......... believe me they’re already offended by almost everything and swayed by anything. God I pray that you strengthen and provide your abundant provision in every area to all who serve in ApologiaStudios ministry as well as those who serve you faithfully by sharing your truth to others in love, Amen!
I'll be streaming this at my site, truerth.com. I am so grateful to have found this ministry. God has raised up a righteous generation in these final days.
Praise the Lord wasn't this a great message ! But the "Last Days" aka 'Great Tribulation' were the END of the Old Covenant / Temple Sacrifices/ Priesthood / Jewish Nation. We're in the New Covenant Age now where we have the Honor & Privilege of participating in King Jesus Kingdom. The Devil is on the run EVERY TIME we walk by Faith & NOT by sight ! Matthew 28:18: 'All Authority in Heaven and on Earth is given unto Me, go ye therefore..' And Isaiah 9:6-7: to us a son is given; and the government shall be upond his shoulder, and his name shall be callede Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. So, His Kingdom is increasing and shall continue until ALL Nations call Him LORD - Psalm 2, 22, 72, 110, 149, 150 1 Cor 15 Hebrews 13 Revelation. REJOICE IN HIM !
I have a question... What is a good way to go about finding a church that teaches like this? Obviously, each church is unique and I don't expect something identical. However, I'm growing tired of the sugar coated and pleasing to the ears teachings the church has come to adopt. Apologia Church has really blessed me, stretched me in my faith, and been a great example of the role church should play in society, which is what I feel church should be. But, I don't live near them and would like to find a church that is similar. Any suggestions on how to find one?
As Pastor Jeff mentions in his opening monologue, I would google search for any "reformed church" in your area, whether it be Baptist or Presbyterian. Learn the differences in their doctrine, visit them all, and ask plenty of questions to the elders. Im assuming you know that I'm referring to locating a church that holds to Reformed Theology, and not just any church formed during the Reformation from Catholicism. The sugar-coating and ear-tickling sermons are most often avoided in these churches. I really hope that helps. I remember struggling for about 18 months in prayer just begging to find a local congregation that would help me grow. I was part of a very entertaining but Gospel-light non-denominational church that left me feeling starved for God's Word. It really hurt then, but in God's time it was all made worth it and God willing it'll happen the same for you.
About that 'mountain moving faith'... they don't call us The Netherlands for no reason. Used to be a lot of mountains down here. But the faith, .. it was just so big, we moved all the mountains to the neighbouring countries. Belgium has a lot of them, I've heard. Let's pray for the Belgians. ;)
2 ways I know of: UA-cam Premium allows it but costs $ or on Windows PC you can via Firefox browser with a 'Downloader extension' of on Android phone / tablet you use Tubemate to download. I do it all the time...
A really good book out there is Lectures to my Students by Spurgeon or listen to Sam Pitrone probably one of the most gifted preachers when it comes to teaching the Word by using scripture to bring everything together in context.
I'm a partial preterist, so I would agree with 99% of the things Jeff said. However, there are a few things that seem to challenge his interpretation of Matthew 21:21 as it pertains to the "mountain". For example, there are other verses that use similar language, that don't seem to have the same judgement connotations. (Matt 17:20) He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” (doesn't seem like judgement language, as much as a hyperbolic way speaking about the power of prayer cf. James 5:16 "The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." (1 Cor. 13:2) And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. ("so as to remove mountains..." again, hyperbole). And the next verse uses nearly *identical* language as Matthew 21:21, but instead of a "mountain", it's says a mulberry tree: (Luke 17:6) And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. So either (1) The mountain of Matthew 21:21 is referring to Mount Zion and is meant to be an allusion to precatory prayers against apostate Israel, while Luke 17:6 awkwardly means something totally different. (2) The mulberry tree also has some symbolic significance, even though there are no verses to support that. (3) Although a case can be made for the mountain referring to apostate Israel, it really doesn't mean that, but rather just means what the other verses I mentioned mean (i.e., hyperbolic way of speaking about the power of prayer). That being said, I do believe the fig tree is an allusion to apostate Israel that was going to be judged. But I'm not sure the mountain is anymore symbolically significant than the mulberry tree is in Luke's passage. And I know Doug Wilson has the same interpretation as Jeff does here. I've tried to get his thoughts on the mulberry tree, but thus far haven't been able to. My guess is he (as well as Jeff) would just say it's different contexts. So although the verses sound almost identical, that doesn't mean Matthew 21:21 can't have a deeper meaning.
So brother White , now that you sit under Pastor Jeff how do you reconcile your amillennial view with his Dominion kingdom now theology that he was slight of hand reading into the text? Ironically speaking of exegesis vs eisegesis..hmm
I'll be honest this sermon was like a mouse in a wheel going and going and going thinking he is going somewhere and actually going absolutely no where. I have never heard such preaching on context then talking about so much that had nothing to do with the text , allll over the place. Your 'so what' ending had nothing to do with any of your sermon unless your context was replacement theology without saying replacement theology. So if I got this right , this whole sermon was to say that this mountain was the one that the Temple was on, but gave no scriptural support at all for that but a bunch of scripture about cleansing and Passover and whatever he was trying to say in HEB. 12 with johns gospel being the only one that taught Jesus clearing the Temple market place. Now I'm pretty good at playing put 2 and 2 together or dot to dot but this was ridiculous.
Speaking of good exegesis... the context in Matt 21:21-22 does include asking during prayer, if you have faith. You can knock the faith preachers, but even an honest look at these verses encouraged 21st century believers to ask "Whatever in his name, in faith." I would agree the fig tree desolation is symbolic of NO FRUIT from Israel, great point on returning to cleanse...but further application is NOT negated IMO .
I guess I will need to wait for part two. Because the proper context is that mount Zion will be cast into the sea? What does that even mean? So in order to know the context of this passage one must know all of the passages that Jeff quoted. Not sure this passage is that difficult to understand. To those who have commented already could you please explain what you understand Jeff's interpretation of the main scripture is? There was a lot of good breaking down and explanation of OT scripture and prophecy but I missed the meaning of the main passage. Jesus becoming Judge doesn't happen until the second coming right?. Remember when Jesus quotes Isaiah 61 in the synagogue, why does He leave out "The day of Vengeance of our God?" Doesn't Jesus also say that He did not come to judge in: Joh 12:47-48 And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. 48 He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him-the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.
Thank you for the message. As Pastor Jeff stated, this is part 1 of a 2 part message. Pastor Jeff desires to demonstrate - without any question - the meaning of the text. Both, immediately and in the context of the rest of Scripture. Stay tuned for part 2. Faithful handling of the Scripture isn't supposed to always be in simple soundbites. Not when doing exegesis and trying to properly handle the Word of God.
While I've always noted the perversion of charlatans who use this verse -(as well as others) - which by the way Jesus also states when coming down from the mount of transfiguration when his disciples fail to cast the demon out of a child - to make harmful guarantees of miracles which actually discourages faith and growth in naive believers and gives atheists ammo - I still don't think I get what Jeff's understanding is. What does the mountain represent? Sounds like He said precatory (Judgment, curses, etc) prayers, but against what? The current fruitless/faithless religiosity, false believers, system, etc? Where is the rest of this topic? He spoke about part 2 I think/OT language about babeloyn etc?
I wanted to ask about Proverbs 8:22:31 where JWs use this to prove Jesus was created in the beginning, I must admit it does seem like Jesus is wisdom in Proverbs 8. Could you help me to understand this better, thanks.
I personally use Blue letter bible and use a lot of David Guzik commentary. It helps a lot to understand translation from Greek or Hebrew to English. You must put all scripture in context together not just one. John 1:1 in the beginning was the word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. Jesus is the Word. The Word became flesh.
@@user-rh5uu1td7f When I asked the question I was reading Proverbs 8 in the New World Translation which is the Jehovah's Witness Bible, however when I read Proverbs 8 in the KJV today, wisdom is personified as a female in the KJV...
@@user-rh5uu1td7f I decided to check out the Hebrew text through an interlinaer, wisdom is personified as a female there also. New World Translation has errors.
@@choicemeatrandy6572 Thanks for your message. It's clear to me now that wisdom in Proverbs 8 is not referring to Jesus, since wisdom is talked about in the feminine sense. NWT takes out the "her" and "she" and replaces it with "it" or "it's". And the Word was a god in John 1:1 etc. Dangerous translation of the Bible I feel like throwing it in the trash, however I will keep it just incase a JW ever knocks on my door. I'm pretty sure if you want to witness to a JW you have to do it using their own Bible, as that's the Bible they trust the most.
Just look at all the ways people justify their unbelief in what scripture actually teaches. Notice He said first off, "have faith in God." He didn't say that this dead tree thing is only for us divine types. He also said believe it in your heart and do not doubt, you shall have whatsoever you say. If people would only believe scripture as it is written, they would not be ashamed. I have to agree with Joel O. on this one. He is trusting scripture.
Joel Osteen only uses the verse itself and by itself. When we isolate a verse in the Bible we open that door for us to make it say whatever we want it to say. Jeff Durbin looks at the verse in the scope of the entire chapter and Gospel of Matthew. Looking at it in its proper context will give the true Biblical meaning of what's being said.
@@jacobgarcia4826 I know, it's pretty difficult to believe it as He said it in context of when and why He said it. It's also hard to believe Peter literally walked on water until he started doubting. And what was that whole "water into wine" thing about? Do you have any idea how long it takes to make wine?
@@jacobgarcia4826 Only that that verse, Mark 11:23, is in context with so much of what Jesus taught. But people who believe it and teach it are ridiculed by those who do not believe it. As if their (those who do believe it just as Christ spoke it) faith will cause them shame in the end. But what scripture actually teaches is those who DO BELIEVE will never be put to shame. I just think it's funny, Ironic, that those who do not believe, think they are wiser than those who do believe. But they never stop to think that maybe, they're looking at it all wrong. Maybe there is something to it. No, they already think they are way above that kind of faith. Yet, they think they need to ask Him to do, what He has already done. And then are not surprised in the least, when He doesnt do it. Oh ye of little faith. God is a giver. That is the nature of Love. The problem is not whether or not He wills to Give and Give and Give. The problem is with our ability to receive what He freely gives. The 4000 and the 5000 are AS MUCH AS THEY WOULD, not as much as God was willing to give. And there were 12 baskets full, left over. Jesus' first miracle was turning water into wine. Why? To save someone? To heal someone? No, to bless all the people there at that wedding. To save face for the host of the wedding. It was just a huge blessing for everyone involved. And it "wasn't even His time" but the woman just insisted (as the parable of the unjust judge was pressured by the woman) and EXPECTED Him to do do it. We dont have that kind of faith. In fact, we ridicule those who do. Peter walking on the water was all by faith, and as he looked at the waves, his faith faded and so did his ability to walk on the water. Jesus grabbed his hand, but questioned Peter why he doubted. The hand grabbing was just to reassure him, not to give him some temporary special power. Faith is the power. Its Faith that causes us to overcome the world. Not a choice that God makes, He put it on us.
So, after rereading your original comment let me address some things. 1) Yes, Jesus did say "Have faith in God", but He goes on to say, "FOR assuredly I say to YOU (the disciples) whoever says to THIS mountain, 'Be removed and cast into the sea', and does not doubt in his heart, but believes those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says". The word "FOR" shows a connection to what was said before it. The word "THIS" indicates that Jesus was referring to an actual, specific mountain. This wasn't a metaphorical mountain Jesus was talking about. If it was then Jesus would have said, "A mountain", but He didn't. It's clear from the text (the entire chapter) that Jesus was referring to Mount Zion, for two reasons: a) They were in Jerusalem (Mk. 11:11, Matt. 21:1 & 10, Lk. 19:28 & 41) when this happened, and b) Jesus had just finished cleansing the temple the second time (first cleansing is recorded at the beginning of Jesus' ministry in John 2) as the high priest was supposed to do (Lev. 14:33-42), and as a matter of historical record the mountain in which the temple stood upon was Mount Zion in Jerusalem. 2) You said, "He didn't say that this dead tree thing is only for us divine types". What does that have to do with anything? But, concerning the cursed fig tree, Mark 11:1 says, Now when they drew near JERUSALEM, near Bethphage (definition: House of Figs) and Bethany (definition: house of dates), at the Mount of Olives...". What do we have here: figs, olives, dates. To narrow it down to one word: Fruit. Verse 8 says that many threw their clothes on the ground as well as "leafy branches" (Matt. 21 says, "leaves AND branches") to welcome Jesus into the city. For a city (Jerusalem) to have places (Bethphage, Bethany, Mount of Olives) whose references are to fruit (olives, dates, figs), yet all they present to Jesus (who is Yahweh in the flesh) are leaves and branches; no fruit, yet they are still shouting, "Hosanna! Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!". This is the same group of people chapters later shouting, "Crucify Him! Crucify Him!". So, what seen here regarding fruit, branches, leaves, and them shouting "Hosanna!"? They have a PROFESSION of faith, but no fruit. This is rebellious, covenant-breaking Jerusalem. It's no coincidence that in verses 12-14 of Mk. 11 that Jesus goes to the FIG tree located in Bethany (v. 12) but finds NOTHING BUT LEAVES (v. 13). Do you not see the connection here? Then in response Jesus says to the tree, "May no fruit ever grow from you again", then the tree withers away. This miracle of Jesus cursing the fig tree was symbolic of God's judgement on Jerusalem just as was promised in Malachi 3. In connection to the fig tree being cursed, Jesus says, "whoever says to THIS mountain (mount Zion, referring to the temple) be removed and cast into the sea...". This was Jesus telling His disciples that if they pray for God's judgement to come upon the temple (located on Mount Zion in Jerusalem), which again was promised in Malachi 3, and they do not doubt, it will be done. And guess what? It happened! The Romans surrounded Jerusalem and destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple on Mount Zion in 70 AD, just as Jesus said was going to happen (Matthew 24, Luke 21).
Um, respectfully, you didn't catch that Pastor Jeff was refuting Joel Osteen? Friend, it would be very wise to listen to what's being said before you comment on it.
@@sttwtt With love and respect to you: Your question demonstrated that you did not listen to what was said. Nobody who heard it could come to the conclusion that you did. Jesus is God. He is the second Person of the Trinity. He is the only way to salvation. Salvation is through faith alone in Him alone.
Apologia Studios I couldn’t believe what he said! Practically saying that ‘you speaking to the mountain’ will do more than what God could do if you just pray! That’s not AT ALL putting your faith in God, but more like putting faith in yourself and in your own words! Disgusting!
I have been a Christian for over 35 years and I have never heard such powerful and insightful explanation about the context of Christ’s fulfilment of the prophecy given from the OT this is truly revelatory. The gospel of the kingdom is so amazing. Thank you for your ministry, this is why I am willing to financially support Apologia studios all the way from Australia. God bless you brother.
I've heard of this pastor, but this is the first time I've listened to one of his sermons. I love this.
Why is it every time I listen to Jeff I want to read and study the Bible all day?
Same here. I hope one day I can quote scripture off the top of my head like he can. Of course I have to do more than hope lol
Sometimes listening to God use Pastor Jeff teach scripture I feel as though I need to relearn the whole Bible.
michaelphiffer23 ditto
One sign of a good preacher is that he rouses in his hearers a desire to dig deeper into the Bible.
Lol he differently makes u step your game up smh.
Well said
Major confusion on this text happens when seeker churches claim it says that we should all be able to literally move a literal mountain by commanding it
Shamefully many moons ago I believed that crap myself
Who is the authority on what level of faith it takes to "say to a mountain 'jump' into the sea" and it will?....if you assume YOU have enough faith that doesn't mean you necessarily do. God has predetermined what "level" of faith all people will have and there are different levels. Not having that level doesn't, therefore, mean you're going to hell. Jeff is wrong about this so his viewpoint is skewed by his pride. His pride is misleading him to believe he possesses the greatest level of faith. He can't understand what level it takes so he's convinced himself he needs to justify that that level of faith doesn't exist.
With God, all things are possible.....even making mountains jump into the sea or killing a tree because it blooms out of season. The tree story simply shows that in a fallen world, everything in nature is not as it should be, including how trees are growing. It is a straight forward understanding of the verse.
Great sermon!
It is interesting to also note the connection to Zechariah 4: 6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.
7 Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it. 8 Moreover the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,
9 The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the Lord of hosts hath sent me unto you.
With "Mountain moving faith" through the power of the Holy Spirit the temple was finished, until the living Headstone came, when again by "Mountain moving faith" the physical temple is taken away, because it has been replaced by living stones also via the power of the Spirit (1 Peter 2: 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.).
wow, where have sermons like this been my whole life, I fear sometimes my church is a "prosperity" church that it is all feel good, name it and claim it things, I am so hungry for a deeper study ALL I watch are sermons and teachings. I have stopped watching all regular secular tv and I am totally consumed. I feel God has set my heart hungry for biblical truth. Thank you for feeding that today. Thankful for the work that God is doing for you. I am going to watch this again and not all the scriptures you referanced and go through this again because there was just soooo much there!!
Please, enable user contributed subtitles on the video so we can add translations to other languages and share this sermon with our brothers that don't undestand english.
That would be awesome!
@@AlexisLeffew Nope, evil jerks will ruin it like they do everything else.
Teaching was on target!! bless you brother Jeff! can't wait until part 2. it was a blessing.
WOW 🤗
I'll have to watch it again! Couldn't right down my notes fast enough!
Powerful sermon. I’ll be sharing this with my family and friends. Praise God!
Wonderful sermon, Jeff. Love to watch and hear the Lord moving in you
This was a very good message. It made me want to dig my head in the bible, and learn more about His word.
So the mountain is actually Mt Zion and it represents the hard hearted Jewish people of the First Century? And Jesus was telling the Disciples that they could pray for them to be taken out of the way so the Gospel would be open to Gentiles?
Thanks for making me understand. God's grace. ❤
That was powerful! Praise the Lord for His Word!
Amazing sermon!! Praise God!
Apologia Studios, where is part 2 of this video?
ua-cam.com/video/l-q4dVCpEjc/v-deo.html
Excellent! Powerful! I am going to listen again and this time take notes! Can't wait for part2! Thanks so much!!!
Excellent message. Praise the Mosthigh God. !!!🙏🏽👍🏼😎
I want to know more about postmillennialism. Resources?
Sure - here's my shelf:
Incredible video message by Ken Gentry,
"Beast of Revelation Identified"
ua-cam.com/video/Sy7cEW4MJac/v-deo.html
Guaranteed paradigm resetter !
Watch it repeatedly, show others. It's on my Tablet to show to others.
Jeff's always referencing Gentry's work.
So, 2 foundational books:
"He shall Have Dominion"
& "Before Jerusalem Fell" both by Gentry
"Paradise Restored" by David Chilton - the most poetic vision casting book on how sweeping Redemption is & will be to our children's children !
David's audio lectures are hereabouts on UA-cam.
Last but not least:
"Last Days According to Jesus" by Dr RC Sproul
RC Sproul did this on video absolutely worth its weight in Gold:
ua-cam.com/play/PL30acyfm60fWm9jA8LNRnYizJj5VEduus.html
I gotta say I love what God did thru these 2 men. Jeff is a culture wise, bare knuckle street preacher whereas RC is a top grade philosopher, theologian& thinker, the contrast between them is immense yet their message is the same:
Jesus Christ our Lord is NOW RULING HIS KINGDOM, bringing victory to His people, and we need humbly & willingly acknowledge & have the honor joy AND privilege of serving Him !
I'm blessed to see these messages of victory in Jesus here - in 1998 when God opened our eyes to Postmillenial Covenant truth there wasn't UA-cam to help spread the message !
May the LORD richly bless you - David in Texas
But you ARE my cyber pastor!
Longe same here! Lol
Is it just me or is there a missing teaching for 21:12-17? Bouncing back and forth in the videos looking for it..
Can you post the link to the second sermon please?
Fantastic sermon!
Where can I find the 2nd part??!!
Thank you so much.
Good word thanks brother Jeff to God be the glory Jesus is Lord amen.
If you're going to start contextualizing everything in this way you might as well dismiss everything Jesus said. When Jesus said "whosoever shall say unto this mountain" I think the disciples probably took that as "whosoever", meaning all people in all the ages in all situations. Silly argument.
"this mountain" clearly indicates that Jesus was talking about a specific mountain in their area. So, no, the disciples would not have understood Jesus to be talking about all people in all ages. You dismiss the context of the verse for the sake of your own thinking, sir/ma'am. The verses and chapter numbers are not inspired. The original Bible was not written with chapter and verse numbers, so we can't take a single verse as its own stand alone message. The chapters and verses were only added to help with easier navigation of the text of Scripture.
I have a question. My friend didn't agree when I explained the way you describe the faith to move a mountain. He brought up Luke 17:5-6 about faith to uproot a mulberry tree and plant it in the sea. Now I'm confused...what does this mean?
It means that Jeff's interpretation is incorrect. For all the "sola scriptura" and "tota scriptura" he says, he refuses to touch the plethora of other scriptures that refute his interpretation. He has seen the abusive traditions of the "health and wealth" false teachers, and has pulled far to the other side. Just as those prosperity preachers won't touch the scriptures that talk about judgement and repentance and obedience and suffering, so too most reformed preachers won't touch anything that has to do with faith and prayer having any tangible effect in this world. Cessationism turns faith into merely intellectual assent to theological truths. I think Jeff teaches well on many aspects, but when it comes to faith and prayer, he has fallen into the trap of human tradition and reacting against other human folly instead of letting God's word plainly speak.
1 John 5:14-15 "And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him."
James 5:14-18 "Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will heal the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit."
Mark 11:23-26 "Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”
How can you interpret this parallel passage of the same account in Mark to say that Jesus is telling them to pray imprecatory prayers against Jerusalem, when he is directly telling them to actively forgive as they pray?
Mark 16:14-18 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
@@zippoddiz The misuse of these verses has actually destroyed the faith of new believers and discouraged it in general when they are misused, or misunderstood- because clearly Christians with faith, ask for biblically good things and don't see it. Why is it that faithful Christians are not living in the miraculous times as we see play out in the history of the apostles/early church? Why aren't believers today raising the dead and healing the sick miraculously - hanging out in hospitals, going to graveyards, healing their own sickness, etc?
Paul had faith and was told no to his request/earnest prayers, God told him why and Paul rejoiced in that answer as it was much better than what Paul prayed for. He gloried in his infirmities because it was a mechanism to keep the power of God rested in/on him. (to keep him dependent on Christ and humble) Also, Elisha had faith, but he died sick in his bed. We do know that Jesus called his disciples to him and gave THEM power - and part of the reason for that was so that as they preached the gospel the miraculous would confirm they were not doing this on their own - but God was "confirming their ministry with signs and wonders" Mark 16:20
in other words, having faith for something is no guarantee God is going to say yes. It must also be according to His will (Not what we think His will is or should be) or it's not happening no matter how real our faith is.
As far as the precatory prayers against the covenant breakers, corrupted, Godless leadership/system being in conflict with Mark 16 - it's not. (though I'm not sure if I agree with Jeff here as that phrase of "Moving mountains is elsewhere in the scripture) If those ppl repent that are being prayed against (Clearly Jesus threatened them with destruction (not just a promise of forgiveness) as did John the Baptist - "who warned you to flee from the wrath to come"-"repent" they would be forgiven - as some of them did believe on Him.
In the beginning he talks about exegesis and pulling from the text using correct methods of interpretation. Can anyone tell me what is the correct way to interpret the text? And what are some resources I can get my hands on to better help me understand the bible?? Thanks!
newislandag20 I cannot go into much detail because I don't have that much knowledge on exegesis. But, in short, we need to look at
1) Who's the author?
2) Who's the audience?
3) What are the major themes in the book? And most importantly,
4) Context of the book.
This is just the gist of it but I hope this helps, my friend.
The ESV Study Bible Notes is a great start. It gives an overview of each book with context about when it was written, by whom, to whom, and what the cultural climate was like at the time. It's very useful.
newislandag20 Get a bible with cross references brother. The best commentary on the Bible is the Bible. And pray and read....read.....read😊
Interesting question. Something in not too sure myself but Jacob gave a pretty good answer . My little knowledge I couldn't do any better than that answer . I still find exegeting the text tough sometimes not gonna lie . But I am teachable .. 😁
How can you doubt in your heart or spirit, if what you believe & speak comes from a rhema word (a now Word from God)? Faith comes by a word from God that you hear in your spirit. Word of Faith, is about whose words you hear & speak from your spirit & they shouldn't contradict what's in the bible either.
Where can i watch part 2?
that was a powerful message brother Jeff! also, I would like to let you know that my church, and I prayed that you would get to talk with Ben Shapiro and lead him to Christ today.
This is random but how amazing it would be and a blessing to spend sometime with Jeff and ask questions about scripture. God recently saved me after I was a self deceived christian. And I have a burden for my mormon friends and family who have a false gospel. And it is a blessing to just read the Word of God and the fact youtube exists but I hope one day I can meet faithful men to God like Jeff, and macarthur, so I can see how the Lord matured them and uses them.
Hours of their content are on UA-cam here. And you have the holy spirit leading you to ALL truth... Study, pray , and get out there lead by the spirit amen
@@jamesbates5552 Amen Brother! Thanks for your encouragement
Jeff is a great man of God! I went to Apologia church Jeff is deffently my brother in Christ. But yet I disagree with about 10% of his theology. I believe Jesus died for ALL the world that's what I get from scripture. I also had a hard time understanding how a sovereign God would decree rape,child sex trafficking and abortion etc. And yet call those acts evil. How can you ever call anything God decreed evil?
@@user-rh5uu1td7f Well Tim for your first point of "Jesus died for ALL the world" you have to look at context. So you would really have to understand what the writer meant in John 3:16 "God so loved the world He gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him will have eternal life." or some of the other scriptures like in 1 John 2:2 "and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; not for ours only, but also those of the whole world." So I understand where you are coming from but you have to understand not just the different meanings of "world" throughout the Bible but also what the writer meant. Sometimes the writer meant not just the jewish culture but the gentiles too. Because remember the writers John or Paul and other new testament writers weren't writing for the Americas, they were writing for the Jews and Gentiles. So I believe Jeff talks about this but thats what "world" means. The problem with your theology of Christ dying for ALL the world means universalism and puts the power of our salvation in our hands. But the Bible is clear we cannot save ourselves, we are dead in our trespasses, it is by Gods grace that we are saved aside from any work so we cannot boast. So if Christ died for all and people still go to hell then that means the God of that theology is not powerful enough to save all who He died for. But if Christ dies for only the elect then all that God chooses will be saved no matter what. But in your theology not everyone Jesus died for will be saved, thats a problem. That means we can choose to not be saved by Gods grace, that us puny humans can ultimately thwart God. Your second question is how could a sovereign God allow evil. Well remember God is beyond amazing, and without evil in the world then His mercy and glory for saving evil creatures like us wouldnt be so amazing. Also remember we live in a broken world that is ultimately our fault from Adam's disobedience to God. So God would be just in leaving us in this mess and not saving any of us. Finally remember that if God is not sovereign over anything and our human efforts shock God then he isnt a God at all. But if God is sovereign over everything and He from the beginning of time new the start from the beginning new everything that would happen and was sovereign over it then He is God. The God that does not predestine the holocaust is not a God, also remember that God will be glorified in either sinners going to hell or going to heaven through the atonement of Christ. I say this all out of love and we can talk through email or here! Love you brother
@@choicemeatrandy6572 No, no man can thwart God. God is all knowing, all powerful, completely sovereign over everything. He knows everything from begining to end.
I follow the Preterist case of Jewish rejection and judgment, fine, but you have ignore the previous faith promise in Matthew 17. Which mountain is he speaking to here? : 20 He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”[e]
I agree with your understanding of this verse as well as the others. The importance to let the authority of Gods Spoken Word define what Gods Spoken Word means and not our feelings that are easily offended and imaginations that have over and over throughout the generations lead the people astray to serve themselves and Idols. His law is in our hearts and that is why people feel and have the desire to acknowledge that there is a right and wrong, the only problem is yet again, its our offense to Gods Word that they turn away from God to make what seems right in their own eyes because they want to serve themselves over God.
Gods Word never returns void, and he will always answer us when we have questions through his Spoken Word (The Bible), but we absolutely have to seek to know the truth about God and be careful not to become offended by Gods Word and shrink back, but yet speak the truth in love to others without altering his meaning because we are worried about offending people......... believe me they’re already offended by almost everything and swayed by anything. God I pray that you strengthen and provide your abundant provision in every area to all who serve in ApologiaStudios ministry as well as those who serve you faithfully by sharing your truth to others in love, Amen!
I'll be streaming this at my site, truerth.com. I am so grateful to have found this ministry. God has raised up a righteous generation in these final days.
Praise the Lord wasn't this a great message !
But the "Last Days" aka 'Great Tribulation' were the END of the Old Covenant / Temple Sacrifices/ Priesthood / Jewish Nation.
We're in the New Covenant Age now where we have the Honor & Privilege of participating in King Jesus Kingdom.
The Devil is on the run EVERY TIME we walk by Faith & NOT by sight !
Matthew 28:18:
'All Authority in Heaven and on Earth is given unto Me, go ye therefore..'
And
Isaiah 9:6-7:
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upond his shoulder,
and his name shall be callede
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
So, His Kingdom is increasing and shall continue until ALL Nations call Him LORD - Psalm 2, 22, 72, 110, 149, 150
1 Cor 15
Hebrews 13
Revelation.
REJOICE IN HIM !
I would love to get plugged in to a biblical local church but there are none within 30kms in any direction.
I have a question... What is a good way to go about finding a church that teaches like this? Obviously, each church is unique and I don't expect something identical. However, I'm growing tired of the sugar coated and pleasing to the ears teachings the church has come to adopt. Apologia Church has really blessed me, stretched me in my faith, and been a great example of the role church should play in society, which is what I feel church should be. But, I don't live near them and would like to find a church that is similar. Any suggestions on how to find one?
As Pastor Jeff mentions in his opening monologue, I would google search for any "reformed church" in your area, whether it be Baptist or Presbyterian. Learn the differences in their doctrine, visit them all, and ask plenty of questions to the elders.
Im assuming you know that I'm referring to locating a church that holds to Reformed Theology, and not just any church formed during the Reformation from Catholicism. The sugar-coating and ear-tickling sermons are most often avoided in these churches.
I really hope that helps. I remember struggling for about 18 months in prayer just begging to find a local congregation that would help me grow. I was part of a very entertaining but Gospel-light non-denominational church that left me feeling starved for God's Word. It really hurt then, but in God's time it was all made worth it and God willing it'll happen the same for you.
i agree with spidercat, look for a reformed church
Reformed church for sure! I drive pretty far to go to one but it’s worth it
May sound crazy now but ....... Start one !
Hey...you can go onto www.rca.org to find great Churches who teach refrom-theology in your area.
About that 'mountain moving faith'... they don't call us The Netherlands for no reason. Used to be a lot of mountains down here. But the faith, .. it was just so big, we moved all the mountains to the neighbouring countries. Belgium has a lot of them, I've heard. Let's pray for the Belgians. ;)
What is this dudes name?? I can't find out anywhere
Jeff Durbin
Hi,please please how do I download this sermon want to share to my friends and relatives in the faith movement.
How do I do it
Thanks
2 ways I know of: UA-cam Premium allows it but costs $ or on Windows PC you can via Firefox browser with a 'Downloader extension' of on Android phone / tablet you use Tubemate to download. I do it all the time...
A really good book out there is Lectures to my Students by Spurgeon or listen to Sam Pitrone probably one of the most gifted preachers when it comes to teaching the Word by using scripture to bring everything together in context.
Yes Sam does do a great job probably one of the best bible teachers out there, I wish we could get some of his sermons from the 90's..
@@lanaandbillyf.423
I think I have some on tape in storage but I'm sure pretty warped by now.
Great message...had nothing to do with the title of the video though.
I'm a partial preterist, so I would agree with 99% of the things Jeff said. However, there are a few things that seem to challenge his interpretation of Matthew 21:21 as it pertains to the "mountain". For example, there are other verses that use similar language, that don't seem to have the same judgement connotations.
(Matt 17:20) He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” (doesn't seem like judgement language, as much as a hyperbolic way speaking about the power of prayer cf. James 5:16 "The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
(1 Cor. 13:2) And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. ("so as to remove mountains..." again, hyperbole).
And the next verse uses nearly *identical* language as Matthew 21:21, but instead of a "mountain", it's says a mulberry tree:
(Luke 17:6) And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.
So either (1) The mountain of Matthew 21:21 is referring to Mount Zion and is meant to be an allusion to precatory prayers against apostate Israel, while Luke 17:6 awkwardly means something totally different. (2) The mulberry tree also has some symbolic significance, even though there are no verses to support that. (3) Although a case can be made for the mountain referring to apostate Israel, it really doesn't mean that, but rather just means what the other verses I mentioned mean (i.e., hyperbolic way of speaking about the power of prayer).
That being said, I do believe the fig tree is an allusion to apostate Israel that was going to be judged. But I'm not sure the mountain is anymore symbolically significant than the mulberry tree is in Luke's passage.
And I know Doug Wilson has the same interpretation as Jeff does here. I've tried to get his thoughts on the mulberry tree, but thus far haven't been able to. My guess is he (as well as Jeff) would just say it's different contexts. So although the verses sound almost identical, that doesn't mean Matthew 21:21 can't have a deeper meaning.
Thanks for this!!!!
So brother White , now that you sit under Pastor Jeff how do you reconcile your amillennial view with his Dominion kingdom now theology that he was slight of hand reading into the text? Ironically speaking of exegesis vs eisegesis..hmm
I'll be honest this sermon was like a mouse in a wheel going and going and going thinking he is going somewhere and actually going absolutely no where. I have never heard such preaching on context then talking about so much that had nothing to do with the text , allll over the place. Your 'so what' ending had nothing to do with any of your sermon unless your context was replacement theology without saying replacement theology. So if I got this right , this whole sermon was to say that this mountain was the one that the Temple was on, but gave no scriptural support at all for that but a bunch of scripture about cleansing and Passover and whatever he was trying to say in HEB. 12 with johns gospel being the only one that taught Jesus clearing the Temple market place. Now I'm pretty good at playing put 2 and 2 together or dot to dot but this was ridiculous.
Speaking of good exegesis... the context in Matt 21:21-22 does include asking during prayer, if you have faith. You can knock the faith preachers, but even an honest look at these verses encouraged 21st century believers to ask "Whatever in his name, in faith." I would agree the fig tree desolation is symbolic of NO FRUIT from Israel, great point on returning to cleanse...but further application is NOT negated IMO .
I guess I will need to wait for part two. Because the proper context is that mount Zion will be cast into the sea? What does that even mean? So in order to know the context of this passage one must know all of the passages that Jeff quoted. Not sure this passage is that difficult to understand.
To those who have commented already could you please explain what you understand Jeff's interpretation of the main scripture is?
There was a lot of good breaking down and explanation of OT scripture and prophecy but I missed the meaning of the main passage.
Jesus becoming Judge doesn't happen until the second coming right?. Remember when Jesus quotes Isaiah 61 in the synagogue, why does He leave out "The day of Vengeance of our God?" Doesn't Jesus also say that He did not come to judge in:
Joh 12:47-48 And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. 48 He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him-the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.
Thank you for the message. As Pastor Jeff stated, this is part 1 of a 2 part message. Pastor Jeff desires to demonstrate - without any question - the meaning of the text. Both, immediately and in the context of the rest of Scripture.
Stay tuned for part 2. Faithful handling of the Scripture isn't supposed to always be in simple soundbites. Not when doing exegesis and trying to properly handle the Word of God.
@@ApologiaStudios Sitting tight. Thanks
While I've always noted the perversion of charlatans who use this verse -(as well as others) - which by the way Jesus also states when coming down from the mount of transfiguration when his disciples fail to cast the demon out of a child - to make harmful guarantees of miracles which actually discourages faith and growth in naive believers and gives atheists ammo - I still don't think I get what Jeff's understanding is. What does the mountain represent? Sounds like He said precatory (Judgment, curses, etc) prayers, but against what? The current fruitless/faithless religiosity, false believers, system, etc? Where is the rest of this topic? He spoke about part 2 I think/OT language about babeloyn etc?
I wanted to ask about Proverbs 8:22:31 where JWs use this to prove Jesus was created in the beginning, I must admit it does seem like Jesus is wisdom in Proverbs 8. Could you help me to understand this better, thanks.
I personally use Blue letter bible and use a lot of David Guzik commentary. It helps a lot to understand translation from Greek or Hebrew to English. You must put all scripture in context together not just one. John 1:1 in the beginning was the word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. Jesus is the Word. The Word became flesh.
@@user-rh5uu1td7f When I asked the question I was reading Proverbs 8 in the New World Translation which is the Jehovah's Witness Bible, however when I read Proverbs 8 in the KJV today, wisdom is personified as a female in the KJV...
@@user-rh5uu1td7f I decided to check out the Hebrew text through an interlinaer, wisdom is personified as a female there also. New World Translation has errors.
@@daveorourke2468 Yes NWT has many errors and scriptures taken out.
@@choicemeatrandy6572 Thanks for your message. It's clear to me now that wisdom in Proverbs 8 is not referring to Jesus, since wisdom is talked about in the feminine sense. NWT takes out the "her" and "she" and replaces it with "it" or "it's". And the Word was a god in John 1:1 etc. Dangerous translation of the Bible I feel like throwing it in the trash, however I will keep it just incase a JW ever knocks on my door. I'm pretty sure if you want to witness to a JW you have to do it using their own Bible, as that's the Bible they trust the most.
Just look at all the ways people justify their unbelief in what scripture actually teaches.
Notice He said first off, "have faith in God." He didn't say that this dead tree thing is only for us divine types.
He also said believe it in your heart and do not doubt, you shall have whatsoever you say.
If people would only believe scripture as it is written, they would not be ashamed.
I have to agree with Joel O. on this one. He is trusting scripture.
Joel Osteen only uses the verse itself and by itself. When we isolate a verse in the Bible we open that door for us to make it say whatever we want it to say. Jeff Durbin looks at the verse in the scope of the entire chapter and Gospel of Matthew. Looking at it in its proper context will give the true Biblical meaning of what's being said.
@@jacobgarcia4826 I know, it's pretty difficult to believe it as He said it in context of when and why He said it. It's also hard to believe Peter literally walked on water until he started doubting. And what was that whole "water into wine" thing about? Do you have any idea how long it takes to make wine?
@@randsollie7921 What are you getting at exactly?
@@jacobgarcia4826 Only that that verse, Mark 11:23, is in context with so much of what Jesus taught. But people who believe it and teach it are ridiculed by those who do not believe it. As if their (those who do believe it just as Christ spoke it) faith will cause them shame in the end. But what scripture actually teaches is those who DO BELIEVE will never be put to shame. I just think it's funny, Ironic, that those who do not believe, think they are wiser than those who do believe. But they never stop to think that maybe, they're looking at it all wrong. Maybe there is something to it. No, they already think they are way above that kind of faith. Yet, they think they need to ask Him to do, what He has already done. And then are not surprised in the least, when He doesnt do it. Oh ye of little faith. God is a giver. That is the nature of Love. The problem is not whether or not He wills to Give and Give and Give. The problem is with our ability to receive what He freely gives.
The 4000 and the 5000 are AS MUCH AS THEY WOULD, not as much as God was willing to give. And there were 12 baskets full, left over.
Jesus' first miracle was turning water into wine. Why? To save someone? To heal someone? No, to bless all the people there at that wedding. To save face for the host of the wedding. It was just a huge blessing for everyone involved.
And it "wasn't even His time" but the woman just insisted (as the parable of the unjust judge was pressured by the woman) and EXPECTED Him to do do it. We dont have that kind of faith. In fact, we ridicule those who do.
Peter walking on the water was all by faith, and as he looked at the waves, his faith faded and so did his ability to walk on the water. Jesus grabbed his hand, but questioned Peter why he doubted. The hand grabbing was just to reassure him, not to give him some temporary special power. Faith is the power. Its Faith that causes us to overcome the world. Not a choice that God makes, He put it on us.
So, after rereading your original comment let me address some things.
1) Yes, Jesus did say "Have faith in God", but He goes on to say, "FOR assuredly I say to YOU (the disciples) whoever says to THIS mountain, 'Be removed and cast into the sea', and does not doubt in his heart, but believes those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says". The word "FOR" shows a connection to what was said before it. The word "THIS" indicates that Jesus was referring to an actual, specific mountain. This wasn't a metaphorical mountain Jesus was talking about. If it was then Jesus would have said, "A mountain", but He didn't. It's clear from the text (the entire chapter) that Jesus was referring to Mount Zion, for two reasons: a) They were in Jerusalem (Mk. 11:11, Matt. 21:1 & 10, Lk. 19:28 & 41) when this happened, and b) Jesus had just finished cleansing the temple the second time (first cleansing is recorded at the beginning of Jesus' ministry in John 2) as the high priest was supposed to do (Lev. 14:33-42), and as a matter of historical record the mountain in which the temple stood upon was Mount Zion in Jerusalem.
2) You said, "He didn't say that this dead tree thing is only for us divine types". What does that have to do with anything?
But, concerning the cursed fig tree, Mark 11:1 says, Now when they drew near JERUSALEM, near Bethphage (definition: House of Figs) and Bethany (definition: house of dates), at the Mount of Olives...". What do we have here: figs, olives, dates. To narrow it down to one word: Fruit. Verse 8 says that many threw their clothes on the ground as well as "leafy branches" (Matt. 21 says, "leaves AND branches") to welcome Jesus into the city. For a city (Jerusalem) to have places (Bethphage, Bethany, Mount of Olives) whose references are to fruit (olives, dates, figs), yet all they present to Jesus (who is Yahweh in the flesh) are leaves and branches; no fruit, yet they are still shouting, "Hosanna! Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!". This is the same group of people chapters later shouting, "Crucify Him! Crucify Him!". So, what seen here regarding fruit, branches, leaves, and them shouting "Hosanna!"? They have a PROFESSION of faith, but no fruit. This is rebellious, covenant-breaking Jerusalem. It's no coincidence that in verses 12-14 of Mk. 11 that Jesus goes to the FIG tree located in Bethany (v. 12) but finds NOTHING BUT LEAVES (v. 13). Do you not see the connection here? Then in response Jesus says to the tree, "May no fruit ever grow from you again", then the tree withers away. This miracle of Jesus cursing the fig tree was symbolic of God's judgement on Jerusalem just as was promised in Malachi 3. In connection to the fig tree being cursed, Jesus says, "whoever says to THIS mountain (mount Zion, referring to the temple) be removed and cast into the sea...". This was Jesus telling His disciples that if they pray for God's judgement to come upon the temple (located on Mount Zion in Jerusalem), which again was promised in Malachi 3, and they do not doubt, it will be done. And guess what? It happened! The Romans surrounded Jerusalem and destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple on Mount Zion in 70 AD, just as Jesus said was going to happen (Matthew 24, Luke 21).
Guys, moving a mountain is nothing. Check with any religious leader, heck even I can move a mountain the same way Jesus moves them.
I'm sitting on pins and needles here....get to the point already, would you?
Brother if you listen all the way thru & write down & look up ALL the Scriptures you cannot BUT get the point...
Part 2:
ua-cam.com/video/l-q4dVCpEjc/v-deo.html
worst on by far is keneth hagin on this topic
Joel osteen? Ughhhhh I do not like that man.
#EschatologyMatters :)
Joel Osteen? Isn’t he a new age pluralist, who teaches there’s more than one pathway to God? I thought you taught Jesus was the only pathway to God.
Um, respectfully, you didn't catch that Pastor Jeff was refuting Joel Osteen? Friend, it would be very wise to listen to what's being said before you comment on it.
Apologia Studios If I can’t ask a question, then how should we get clarification? ...Listen but don’t ask? Who is Jesus to you?
@@sttwtt With love and respect to you: Your question demonstrated that you did not listen to what was said. Nobody who heard it could come to the conclusion that you did.
Jesus is God. He is the second Person of the Trinity. He is the only way to salvation. Salvation is through faith alone in Him alone.
Scott Watt Jeff always makes remarks about Osteen or his teachings and refutes him
Apologia Studios I couldn’t believe what he said!
Practically saying that ‘you speaking to the mountain’ will do more than what God could do if you just pray!
That’s not AT ALL putting your faith in God, but more like putting faith in yourself and in your own words!
Disgusting!
One word says it all about this man WICKED!!!
Unless you have some hard evidence for your claim, hold your tongue.
Well done. Thanks for sharing.