In Acts 2 we find that the Day of Pentecost has come; men from “every nation under heaven” have gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate the Holy Day; the Lord has poured out His Holy Spirit on the 120 or so Jews gathered in the upper room. At that place and point in time He established the long-awaited New Covenant Church. When asked by the gathering crowd what was happening, the Apostle Peter announced that the world had entered into the “last days” of the final era of mankind’s control of the world as had been prophesied by the Prophet Joel (2:28) and others. Following the tumult caused by each man hearing the Lord’s Word spoken in his own language, thousands believed and were baptized. Soon afterward the Holy Day festivities came to an end. At that time Peter told the masses of visitors to return home where they were to tell their Jewish relatives, as well as their Israelite brethren who had also been scattered throughout the world, about the coming of their Messiah and the covenant He had made with their ancestors–Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Israel). They were to be God’s light to the Gentiles among whom they then lived. The time-line for offering the Lord’s gospel to the world was in order of the Jew first (which Jesus had accomplished), then the scattered Israelites. Finally, the Gentile world would hear the gospel and be given the opportunity to embrace the God of the Israelites. Old Testament prophets had declared that God would rebuild the Tabernacle of David for the remnant of Israel who would enter it following the Lord’s Second Advent. At that time He would establish the Kingdom of God for His church–those few who would have believed and obeyed Him during their pre-kingdom lives (Mat. 7:13,14)–biological Israelites and biological Gentiles who had become spiritual Israelites/spiritual Jews by obeying the God of the Israelites. Today these saints comprise the New Covenant Church–“the Israel of God” (Gal. 6:16). That the modern (last) day church is comprised primarily of Israelites and secondarily of Gentiles who have become spiritual Israelites will be brought out in the following postings which highlight the fact that Israel and the Church of God are one in the same. This will be proven by comparing numerous Biblical passages which show unmistakable parallels between Israel and the church. Those with eyes willing to see will accept the fact that they are the same entity. The Lord’s Word concerning Israel will be presented first, followed by His Word concerning His church. His Truth will not escape true God-seekers. L.J.