Discover Your Roots

From Abraham to King David to Jesus, explore the layered history of the Temple Mount in today’s episode of 5 Minutes in Israel. This holy site in Jerusalem holds a rich history in its ancient stones. Nearby lie the ruins of King David’s palace and the very same steps that Jesus walked up to the Temple. Tune in to hear how the Temple Mount’s ancient history shows God’s desire to keep meeting his people.Want to visit the Temple Mount for yourself? Check out PassagesIsrael.org!

What do salted fish, a groundbreaking archeology discovery, and demon possession have in common? The answer is found in Magdala, the ancient hometown of Mary Magdalene. Join Mattanah as she explores the recently discovered synagogue where Jesus taught in Magdala and the story of the woman whose life he changed there. Tune in to learn about the church now standing near these ancient ruins to honor Mary Magdalene and all women who follow in her footsteps of faith.

Why did Jesus choose a grassy hillside to preach a radical message? Join Mattanah as she explores the historical church and gardens at the Mount of Beatitudes along with the meaning of Jesus’ famous sermon. We’ll study together how Matthew 5-7 lays out a new way of life in the Kingdom of God. At this breathtaking view of the Galilee, the Sermon on the Mount comes to life with its timeless message of hope for the oppressed. To travel to Israel to see the Mount of Beatitudes for yourself, go to passagesIsrael.org 

Why did Jesus pick Capernaum, a fishing village, for his ministry headquarters? In today’s episode, join Mattanah as she explores the ruins of ancient Capernaum on the shores of the Sea of Galilee in Israel. At this archeological site, the meaning of Jesus’ call to be “Fishers of Men” comes alive. Learn about the home of Peter and the synagogue of Capernaum where Jesus performed so many miracles, and ponder: what could this biblical town mean for us today? To travel to Israel to see Capernaum for yourself, go to PassagesIsrael.org 

The podcast explores the nature of good and evil and discusses strategies for confronting evil. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and intercepting decay, being a force of righteousness, and pursuing justice and unity. The story of a selfless carpenter and the concept of doing good without validation are also explored. The podcast reflects on the brokenness of the world and the need to care for the vulnerable as a sign of our Christian identity.

Is it ever okay to lie to protect someone’s feelings? Is it okay to lie to save someone’s life? Should a nation go to war? Is it okay to murder an evil person? Christians are often faced with tricky ethical dilemmas, but this podcast is here to help! In this week’s podcast, we tackle whether ends justify the means and what the Bible says about these big questions. Take a listen!National Suicide Prevention LifelineCall 988.If you or a loved one is in distress or thinking of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for free and confidental 24/7 support, information, and resources. You are not alone.Crisis Text LineText HOME to 741741.Crisis Counselors are trained volunteers and not professionals. They can provide support, but not medical advice.Suicide.orgCall (800) 784-2433.Call the Suicide.org hotline to receive 24/7 crisis support and information about mental health crisis resources where you live.

Dr. Dru Johnson discusses organizational evil in the Hebrew Bible, exploring the blur between personal and corporate responsibilities. The podcast touches on topics like institutional racism, collective accountability, and the importance of pursuing systemic justice and care for the vulnerable.

Life hurts. It seems like suffering is a universal part of being human, so this has led people across all ages to ask deep existential questions about the meaning and the nature of suffering. Let’s bring it to our context here in this podcast: How do the biblical authors view suffering? Is suffering the result of sin? What wisdom do they offer us as we come to terms with our own pain? Dr. Dru Johnson addresses all this and more in today’s fascinating episode. Take a listen!National Suicide Prevention LifelineCall 988.If you or a loved one is in distress or thinking of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for free and confidental 24/7 support, information, and resources. You are not alone.Crisis Text LineText HOME to 741741.Crisis Counselors are trained volunteers and not professionals. They can provide support, but not medical advice.Suicide.orgCall (800) 784-2433.Call the Suicide.org hotline to receive 24/7 crisis support and information about mental health crisis resources where you live.

Does God do evil? Verses like Isaiah 31:2 seem to say He does: “Yet [God] also is wise, and will bring evil, and will not call back his words” (KJV). If that’s the case, what does this mean and how would Isaiah’s Ancient Hebrew audience have understood this? Dr. Dru Johnson walks through these complex questions and more in today’s episode as we grapple with the relationship between God and evil.National Suicide Prevention LifelineCall 988.If you or a loved one is in distress or thinking of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for free and confidental 24/7 support, information, and resources. You are not alone.Crisis Text LineText HOME to 741741.Crisis Counselors are trained volunteers and not professionals. They can provide support, but not medical advice.Suicide.orgCall (800) 784-2433.Call the Suicide.org hotline to receive 24/7 crisis support and information about mental health crisis resources where you live.

There’s a strange sound in the middle of the night. In the dark water, something brushes against your leg…  What goes through your mind? In this week’s episode, Dr. Dru Johnson explores the psychology and theology behind the fear of the unknown and evil. He gives us a glimpse into how our imaginations have been shaped by popular culture. Dr. Johnson also explains the relationship that Ancient Near East people had with spiritual warfare, the spiritual world, and the divine, helpfully reframing much of what we read in the Hebrew Bible! Make sure to save this episode and listen—you’ll be glad you did!National Suicide Prevention LifelineCall 988.If you or a loved one is in distress or thinking of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for free and confidental 24/7 support, information, and resources. You are not alone.Crisis Text LineText HOME to 741741.Crisis Counselors are trained volunteers and not professionals. They can provide support, but not medical advice.Suicide.orgCall (800) 784-2433.Call the Suicide.org hotline to receive 24/7 crisis support and information about mental health crisis resources where you live.