Reflecting on the Sermon: 9/18/11

Rod preached from Romans 11:11-15.  He began by discussing two major systems of biblical interpretation: Covenant and Dispensational.   The differences are most clearly seen in areas of ecclesiology (the doctrine of the church) and eschatology (the doctrine of last things). 

The main point of application I got from the sermon is that Israel's fall and hardening is temporary and serves the purpose of opening the gospel to Gentiles (me included!).  And if their stumbling means this good news for me...how much more will their future restoration be good news for Gentiles.  So, we should not pridefully look down on Israel, but seek to make them jealous (in a good way) to come to know Jesus Christ- the Messiah promised from long ago.