Craig Burcham

@JoeShakour What would you recommend as a resource for reading on this subject? Replacement theology has increased exponentially in our area.

1.) God made literal, unconditional promises to ethnic Israel that have not yet been fully fulfilled, especially concerning the land, the throne, and the kingdom (Genesis 12:1-3; 2 Samuel 7:12-16; Jeremiah 31:31-37). 2.) The Church, made up of both Jews and Gentiles who believe in Christ, does not replace or become Israel but is is a distinct body, a “mystery” revealed in the New Testament (Ephesians 3:3-6). God’s promises to Israel aren’t transferred or spiritualized to the Church. They await literal fulfillment for the nation of Israel, especially in the future millennial kingdom. 3.) Romans 9:6-8 says, “For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.” Paul is pointing out that merely being a physical descendant of Abraham isn’t what makes someone a true partaker of God’s blessing. There is a distinction between Abraham’s natural seed (his physical descendants, the nation of Israel) and his spiritual seed (those who have faith). He is calling Jews to spiritual authenticity. 4.) Romans 2:28-29 says, “For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.” Paul is addressing Jews who thought outward rituals secured God’s favor. He’s not redefining “Jew” to mean “Christian,” but showing that true praise from God comes from an inward, spiritual reality not just external observance. 5.) Galatians 3:7-9 and 3:28-29 say, “Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham… And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” In Christ, we (the Church) receive spiritual blessings promised to Abraham. But while we are spiritually Abraham’s seed by faith, we do not replace Israel. The Church is a new body, “neither Jew nor Greek” (Gal. 3:28), but God still has a future plan for national Israel (Romans 11:25-27). Yes, Christ has broken down the wall between Jew and Gentile in the Church, creating “one new man.” But this unity in the Body of Christ doesn’t nullify God’s future plans for national Israel. 6.) Romans 2:28-29 and Philippians 3:3 teach that God desires inward transformation “the circumcision of the heart.” This is also true for Jewish believers; that is what’s required to be right with God, not just physical descent or ritual. Spiritual circumcision is necessary for salvation, but this doesn’t redefine the term “Jew” for all people of God in every age. The Church is not “spiritual Israel.” God’s covenants with Israel are still in effect and will be literally fulfilled. 7.) Salvation is by faith for all, but Israel’s unique calling and promises are still in place, because “the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” 8.) The promises to Israel are not transferred to or fulfilled by the Church, but await literal fulfillment for the physical descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Church is a unique body, grafted in, but God’s plan for national Israel remains (Romans 11:1-2, 25-29).

Genesis 12:1-3 “Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. Deuteronomy 7:6: For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. Isaiah 43:1 “But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.” Romans 3:1-2: What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. John 4:22 “Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews Romans 11:1 I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew….29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. Isaiah 11: Predicts a second return of the Jewish people from all over the world to Israel (has been happening) Ezekiel 37: Reveals that the return will be in two stages, first in unbelief and then later in belief. Ezekiel 20:33-38 and 22:17-22: the return will happen before the tribulation.

@thompsrus Every expository message should be so focused that it seems topical and every topical message should be so scriptural that it seems expository.

Whether we are preaching on a specific topic, systematically walking through a book for months, or opening up to a passage once, our aim should be to properly "expound" the text—to preach expositionally. Expository and topical preaching are not either/or; should be both/and.

@BrennansPen I think many people have a skewed understanding of personal responsibility. I am not accountable for who wins the election, I am accountable for how I cast my vote. Many are so fearful of an undesirable outcome that they compromise their position.

8. Trump is unfit for the presidency for... ...some practical reasons, some political reasons, and some spiritual reasons. Here is the second of the political reasons. ...but first, for the record, I agree with the unanimous Supreme Court ruling that states cannot determine Trump to be guilty of insurrection on Jan 6 and thus ineligible to be on the ballot. That is a decision for the voters, however much I may disagree with their choice. Now, then, what is the second political reason Donald Trump is unfit to be president? The national debt. (And, yes, I am aware that under Biden it has only gotten worse. I've already expressed my opinion of Biden elsewhere.) Debt is not exactly immoral, but it can be, depending on the context. And I think our national debt is immoral. We have no actual plan/expectation to pay it off. We (Congress/President) simply keep proposing/passing budgets and allocations borrowing from the future to make people in the present happy. It is unsustainable, absolutely, no matter how long we may push out the reckoning. Amongst other frustrations I have with the Republican Party, it has traditionally been known as the more conservative fiscal party. Yet while Trump was president all of that fiscal conservatism dried up and blew away. When he became president, our national debt was $19.9 trillion. Four years later when he left office, it was $26.9 trillion. In short, under his stewardship, we added 25% of the entire total to our national debt. That is beyond reckless; it is absolutely foolish. Yet why would we be surprised by any of that? Trump's entire life has shown that he doesn't care about paying people back what he owes. He's been involved in more lawsuits than I can count about this very issue in his private business life. His companies declared bankruptcy six times prior to becoming president. And you all want me to vote for him in 2024? We're headed off a cliff, financially, and he will only step on the gas. "But Biden is worse." Agreed. I saw an article yesterday that stated we are currently adding $1 trillion to the national debt every 100 days. "So you have to vote for Trump in the fall. He is the lesser of two evils." No, I do not. And I utterly refuse to. Voting for the lesser of two evils is still voting for evil. And I am no longer willing to silence my conscience with such a shoddy justification. "Then you're responsible for what happens when Biden is re-elected." No, I am not. I am responsible for my vote and for my influence. And I intend to do all I can, within the boundaries I have set, to prevent an evil man from holding our nation's highest office. Donald Trump's view of debt and management of our nation's debt is immoral. For this reason, he is unfit to be our president.

@Sonny4073343275 Yes sir v

@_cburcham Hi Craig. I understand you have a new church in Sierra Vista?

“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.” (Jesus - Matthew 7:6) Divine counsel applicable to much happening on Twitter.

@andrewmlinder Thank you b

@_cburcham Congrats!!!!

I am excited to announce that I have accepted the call to become the Pastor of Mountain Vista Baptist Church in Sierra Vista, AZ. After nearly 7 years at Golden State Baptist College my wife and I are looking forward to returning to the pastorate.

@MarkDStroud Thank you!

@_cburcham Congratulations Bro Craig. They will be greatly blessed to have you as their Pastor. Your labor and insight in the Word of God has been a great blessed to me.

@JimLarger Thank you.

@_cburcham Congratulations!

@pastorb_ifb Thank you.

@_cburcham Well amen!

@becker_steven13 Thank you!

@_cburcham Congratulations!

@henrydavid51 Zechariah (author of book bearing his name) Benjamin Franklin My Dad

If you could have dinner with three people in history other than Jesus, who would they be? 1. Apostle Paul (to ask him questions about the Bible) 2. Apostle John (to ask about Christ's life & end times) 3. Adam (to know what was it like before the fall & why he didn't stop Eve)

One of the characteristics of this era of Christianity is the dearth of discernment. This stems from two issues: Ignorance of the Scriptures Insensitivity to the Spirit “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” (I Thessalonians 5:21)

*following 🤷🏻‍♂️

In light of recent events, I have attached the filling link from an article written several years ago. My position in unchanged. help4today.org/what-about-the…

@BrennansPen @StephenRuss @mnwickens Also, these issues have always existed to some extent in every age, thus the letters are always relevant.

@BrennansPen @StephenRuss @mnwickens I agree that there is no scriptural identification of such, but I think it seems evident when placed along side of history there is a parallel. Without question the primary interpretation is literal churches with actual issues.

On the Issues Podcast today, @StephenRuss and @mnwickens and I talk about the steep decline in church attendance in America and what it means. issuespodcast.podbean.com/e/issue-5-%e2%…

The worst thing about Twitter is that the tweets are from people. The greatest thing about Twitter is that the tweets are from people. Kind of like the ministry. 🤪 #relaxitspeoplepeople

@BrennansPen @bajaturbo I believe it was George Henderson who said the following: Isaiah 53 - The Pearl of Prophecies Psalm 23 - The Pearl of Psalms Luke 15 - The Pearl of Parables

@bajaturbo Just preached Is 53 last week. I think it the preeminent chapter in the Old Testament.

Text for tomorrow evening's communion service Is 53:11 "He shall see of the travail of his soul and shall be satisfied. "I think of Christ's suffering & that at the end of all of that he was satisfied....with my redemption in spite of my wickedness & wayward ways. What a Saviour!