Biblical Covenants, Modern Allies, Clear Stakes

Oct 30, 2025

A tough listener question sparks a deep dive into whether Christians should support Israel despite differing beliefs among Jews. The hosts explore God's covenant with Abraham and the significance of Balaam's story. They discuss Romans 11, emphasizing that God's promise to Israel remains intact. The conversation also addresses modern geopolitical alliances, highlighting Israel's role as a critical American ally while advocating for principled support. This engaging dialogue balances theology with current events, offering clarity on a complex topic.

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INSIGHT

Israel Debate Comes In Generational Waves

The hosts observe the Israel debate resurfaces in waves, amplified among younger generations and schools.
They link modern skepticism to broader cultural shifts, not only theological reappraisal.

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ANECDOTE

Conservative Voices Shift On Israel

Tim Barton notes prominent conservative voices like Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens now challenge pro‑Israel positions.
He expresses surprise at how recent and prominent these critiques have become within conservative circles.

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ADVICE

Avoid Causing Others To Stumble

When conscience divides believers, avoid actions that cause others to stumble and practice sensitivity.
Follow Paul's guidance in 1 Corinthians 8 to balance conviction with care for weaker consciences.

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Question: Why Does America Support Israel?

00:44 • 46sec

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Cycles of Criticism and Generational Shifts

01:31 • 1min

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Is Biblical Support for Israel Clear or Nuanced?

02:51 • 6min

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Genesis 12: God’s Covenant with Abraham

08:38 • 2min

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Numbers 22–23: Balaam Cannot Curse Israel

Romans 11: God Has Not Rejected Israel

18:00 • 3min

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Galatians 3 and the Relationship Between Jews and Christians

21:00 • 4min

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Geopolitical Reasons to Support Israel

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Galatians

Scot McKnight

This commentary by Scot McKnight explores Paul's letter to the Galatians, emphasizing the Gospel message of the crucified Messiah and the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding Christian morality. McKnight addresses the historical context of the letter, including the conflict over Torah observance among early Christian communities, and provides contemporary applications of the biblical text. The book is part of the NIV Application Commentary series, which aims to bring ancient messages into today's context for preachers, teachers, and students of the Bible.

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Numbers

The Fourth Book of the Torah

Moses

The book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Torah and follows the Israelites during their 38-year wilderness journey. It explores themes of obedience, rebellion, and divine mercy, providing crucial insights into the spiritual journey of God's people. The book includes censuses, priestly instructions, and significant events that foreshadow later biblical narratives.

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1 Peter

J. Ramsey Michaels

This commentary, part of the Word Biblical Commentary series, offers an in-depth treatment of 1 Peter. J. Ramsey Michaels examines the historical context and social crises that led to the writing of this epistle, analyzing textual problems and drawing out implications for contemporary life. The commentary emphasizes a thorough analysis of textual, linguistic, structural, and theological evidence, providing judicious and balanced insights into the meanings of the text within the framework of biblical theology.

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Romans 1

The First Chapter of the Epistle to the Romans

The Apostle Paul

Romans 1 is the first chapter of the Epistle to the Romans, written by Paul the Apostle. It introduces the core messages of Christianity, including the Gospel, faith, righteousness, and God's wrath against sin. Paul emphasizes the power of the Gospel for salvation and the revelation of God's righteousness through faith.

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Genesis

Artificial Intelligence, Hope, and the Human Spirit

Craig Mundie

Eric Schmidt

Henry A. Kissinger

In this book, Henry A. Kissinger, Eric Schmidt, and Craig Mundie explore the epochal challenges and opportunities presented by the revolution in Artificial Intelligence. AI is seen as a force that can address enormous crises such as climate change, geopolitical conflicts, and income inequality, while also posing significant challenges to human judgment, divine relationships, and potentially spurring a new phase in human evolution. The authors chart a course between blind faith and unjustified fear, offering an accessible guide to how AI will shape civilization in the modern era.

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Numbers

The Fourth Book of the Torah

Moses

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1 Corinthians 13

William D. Sulzer

1 Corinthians 13 is a chapter in the New Testament that focuses on the importance of charity. It describes the characteristics of charity and its role in spiritual growth. The chapter emphasizes the importance of love in all aspects of life. It encourages readers to strive for a life of selfless service and compassion. 1 Corinthians 13 provides a powerful testimony of the importance of love in the Christian faith. The chapter offers profound insights into the nature of love and its impact on individual lives and society.

A tough listener question pushed us to the heart of a growing divide: should Christians support Israel when many Jews don’t confess Christ and when Israel’s government, like any government, can act wrongly? We roll up our sleeves and trace the argument from bedrock Scripture to real-world policy, aiming for clarity without clichés.

We start where the Bible starts: God’s covenant with Abraham in Genesis 12 and the striking moment in Numbers 22–23 when Balaam cannot curse what God has blessed. From there, we turn to Romans 11, where Paul rejects the idea that God cast off Israel. He calls the church a wild branch grafted into a Jewish root and warns us not to grow proud. Galatians 3 affirms that those in Christ are Abraham’s heirs, yet it never uproots Israel from the story; the picture is a family where we pray for an estranged sibling to come home, not a courtroom where we celebrate a disinheritance.

Then we look at the map. Israel remains America’s most capable ally in the Middle East, a flawed but vital democracy with deep intelligence partnerships and shared security interests. October 7 clarified moral contours that slogans try to blur. Supporting Israel isn’t a blank check; it’s principled alignment with accountability. We can hold leaders to just-war standards, reject terror, and still honor the covenant thread that runs from Abraham to the church without slipping into replacement rhetoric.

If you’ve felt pulled between theology and headlines, this conversation is for you. We dig into Scripture, confront popular narratives, and make space for conscience while defending core truths. If the root is holy, so are the branches—and humility is the right posture for every branch. Listen, share with a friend who’s wrestling with these questions, and if our work helps you think more clearly, follow the show, leave a rating, and tell us where you agree or disagree. Your voice sharpens the conversation.

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