I had some concerns over the subject of the lost tribes since the thread re-emerged some days ago. Yet, it is because of some of the latest points, and more specifically how far these points seem to diverge from Scripture, that I thought it appropriate to make inquiry. Please don't take offense Linda, as you are a dear Sister in the Lord. But I hope you won't mind using some of your post:  

"How do you suppose Jesus will react to this attitude?" 

 

I thought He already has responded through His word:

 

Phi 3:1 As to the rest, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord; the same things to write to you to me indeed is not tiresome, and for you is sure; Phi 3:2 look to the dogs, look to the evil-workers, look to the concision; Phi 3:3 for we are the circumcision, who by the Spirit are serving God, and glorying in Christ Jesus, and in flesh having no trust, Phi 3:4 though I also have cause of trust in flesh. If any other one doth think to have trust in flesh, I more; Phi 3:5 circumcision on the eighth day! of the race of Israel! of the tribe of Benjamin! a Hebrew of Hebrews! according to law a Pharisee! Phi 3:6 according to zeal persecuting the assembly! according to righteousness that is in law becoming blameless! Phi 3:7 But what things were to me gains, these I have counted, because of the Christ, loss; Phi 3:8 yes, indeed, and I count all things to be loss, because of the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, because of whom of the all things I suffered loss, and do count them to be dung, that Christ I may gain, and be found in him, Phi 3:9 not having my righteousness, which is of law, but that which is through faith of Christ--the righteousness that is of God by the faith, Phi 3:10 to know him, and the power of his rising again, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death, Phi 3:11 if anyhow I may attain to the rising again of the dead. Phi 3:12 Not that I did already obtain, or have been already perfected; but I pursue, if also I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by the Christ Jesus; Phi 3:13 brethren, I do not reckon myself to have laid hold; and one thing--the things behind indeed forgetting, and to the things before stretching forth-- Phi 3:14 to the mark I pursue for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (LITV).

 

Paul had great reason to glory in his heritage. But he refused it. He continues just a few sentences further describing it all as "dung" (V8) in contrast to Christ:

 

Brethren, vie with one another in imitating me, and carefully observe those who follow the example which we have set you. Phi 3:18 For there are many whom I have often described to you, and I now even with tears describe them, as being enemies to the Cross of Christ. Phi 3:19 Their end is destruction, their bellies are their God, their glory is in their shame, and their minds are devoted to earthly things. Phi 3:20 We, however, are free citizens of Heaven, and we are waiting with longing expectation for the coming from Heaven of a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, . . . " (WNT).

Every one who is believing on him shall not be ashamed,'Rom 10:12 for there is no difference between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord of all is rich to all those calling upon Him" (YLT).

 

Paul makes it clear in Corinthians that we should not even form followings after certain of our living brothers and sister in the Lord:

 

1Co 1:11 For it hath been signified unto me, my brethren, of you, by them that are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. 1Co 1:12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith: I indeed am of Paul; and I am of Apollo; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.1Co 1:13 Is Christ divided? 

 

If we are to take him at his word, then why should we place any emphasis at all on our previous earthly heritage.   

 

"But how about those gifts and rewards He has promised us in heaven?  If there is one attached to gratitude for being of Israel, I want it."

 

 

I am not aware of any Scriptures that infers there our rewards based upon our earthly heritage. Every gift, every reward, and every crown - whether it be in the parables mentioned by Jesus, or in the letters of the apostles, or in Revelation - that applies to us as Saints has to do with faithful service. Indeed, is there any place that any of these "rewards" are said to be tied to any part of our old man, or our earthly heritage.

 

In so far as I see, and understand, what the Scriptures say, and how it describes what the Church is, it is a foundational principle that the Church is an entirely separate entity from anything of this earth - it is not of this world (1 Jn. 2:16; Heb. 11:38). It is all Christ! So to say that there will be anything of this earth, or of our earthly heritage in the Church, leads me once again, to beg the question: "From what verses am I to draw this conclusion?"  

Granted, while we live here on this earth, and are submitting to being perfected in Christ, there is still the old nature that must be deal with and endured. But that is precisely why we are called to walk according to the new nature - Christ - that has been implanted in us (Rom. 6:4); because we - as Christian - have a choice. Never the less, it is a abiding principle of Scripture that when we receive our resurrected bodies, there will be nothing of our old nature that will be allowed in at that time. But until then, even now we have the distinct honor and privilege - as sons of God - to draw upon the unlimited resources of Christ. And this we need! Why? It facilitates our walking as if "All things are become new" (1 Cor. 5:17). Again, why? God wants the reality of our full position in Christ to be manifest as a testimony in the here and now - before a lost world. However, if we cling to earthly things, we shall surely stifle Christ's ability to be lived out through us.

 

 

"To answer the question about God not wanting us to do endless genealogies.  This really isn't something I have done.  . . . This takes very little time and I found out enough to know I am of Israel descent.  What I have spent my time on is the BIG picture involving the history/migrations/people groups and being in the Word as it relates to these subjects."

 

 

It is not only endless genealogies that Paul mentions:

 

nor to give heed to fables and endless genealogies, that cause questions rather than the building up of God that is in faith: --1Ti 1:5 . . . . . .1Ti 1:6 from which certain, having swerved, did turn aside to vain discourse,

 

It is any genealogies:

 

 

        "But keep back from foolish questionings and genealogies and arguments and quarrels of law, for they are unprofitable and vain" Tit 3:9.

 

 

We have only one boast! That is in Christ, and Christ alone.

 

 

"I'm interested in the marvelous works of our Great God and I believe this pleases Him.  That alone is worth the effort of studying this subject."

 

There is only one thing that has pleased God: His son (2 Pet. 1:17). Studying genealogies take us on a trek of the past. Now, you might say, so does a study of the Old Testament. And this is true! That is why we study the Old Testament to find Christ in it. the Bible is a book of Christ from end to end. And if you approach it in this way, then you are on the right track. How do we know this? This is what Jesus did for His disciples - the apostles - on the Emmaus road(Lk. 24:27). He revealed the marvelous works of God in the Old Testament; but He did it in such a manner as to show how it related to, or pointed to, God's own Son, Jesus Christ. 

 

If studying the lost tribes and the genealogies is of such value, then why did Jesus tell us to place all our focus on Him (Jn. 14:6), and His coming kingdom? (Matt. 6:10, 1 Cor. 9:24; Phil. 3:14). 
 

There are many who seek after God with their mind (Rom. 10:2; 2 Tim. 3:7), but He wishes to be sought through the heart (1 Sam 13:14;Acts 13:22; Heb. 10:22).

 

"Do not speak falsehoods to one another, for you have stripped off the old self with its doings, Col 3:10 and have clothed yourselves with the new self which is being remolded into full knowledge so as to become like Him who created it. Col 3:11 In that new creation there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free man, but Christ is everything and is in all of us" (WNT).

"As therefore you have received the Christ, even Jesus our Lord, live and act in vital union with Him; Col 2:7 having the roots of your being firmly planted in Him, and continually building yourselves up in Him, and always being increasingly confirmed in the faith as you were taught it, and abounding in it with thanksgiving. Col 2:8 Take care lest there be some one who leads you away as prisoners by means of his philosophy and idle fancies, following human traditions and the world's crude notions instead of following Christ" (WNT). 

 

My intent is not to offend. If I have done this, then please forgive me. I do look forward to hearing from those who have made posts indicating an interest in the Lost Tribes. However, being a creature with a propensity toward being deceived, I only ask that the importance of the subject be demonstrated via Scripture.   

 

A Berean

 

Sentinel Kulp

Well of Oath