"Covenant & Conflict" is a thought-provoking podcast produced by the “Gateway Center for Israel” and hosted by Nic Lesmeister and David Blease, where ancient biblical truths meet contemporary issues head-on. Each episode offers a deep dive into complex and often divisive topics with subject matter experts, aiming to explore the intersection of covenantal values and modern debates. Instead of fostering division, this podcast seeks to model respectful engagement and peaceful discourse amidst conflict.
"If you walk out those doors, you're not coming back home." She walked out anyway, and that was only the beginning. On Covenant and Conflict , Trysten Tice tells David how a secular Jewish teenager from South Florida ended up asked to leave home for believing in Jesus, and what it cost her to keep going. She traces the years of persecution, the questions across the kitchen table, and the slow way her own family's hearts began to turn. What we cover in this episode: • Growing up culturally Reform Jewish, with faith as identity rather than belief • The church service where she wept and couldn't explain why • Praying "if Jesus is the truth, answer me" and watching her desires change • Being told to leave home, and the friends who took her in • Canceling her own baptism to honor her mother, then baptized in the Jordan River Chapters 00:00 From Jewish to Following Jesus 01:55 Growing Up Jewish Without Knowing God 04:20 The Church Service That Changed Everything 09:41 How Reading the Bible Changed My Life 13:54 Kicked Out for Following Jesus 20:25 Baptized in the Jordan River 26:39 How My Entire Family Found Jesus
Does God still have a covenant with Israel? Is the Church the "new Israel"? And is every Christian who supports Israel automatically a dispensationalist?In this episode of the Covenant & Conflict Podcast, Nicholas Lesmeister and David unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in modern Christian theology. They explain what dispensational theology actually teaches, how it differs from Olive Tree theology, and why these distinctions matter for understanding Scripture.The conversation also explores the resurgence of antisemitism after October 7, the relationship between Israel and the Church, Romans 11, replacement theology, and why the Bible's story doesn't end with Israel being replaced—it ends with all nations being grafted into God's redemptive plan through Jesus.Whether you've wrestled with covenant theology, end-times prophecy, or simply want a more biblical framework for understanding Israel, this episode offers a thoughtful, nuanced conversation rooted in Scripture.Chapters:00:00 The Israel Test02:06 Why Antisemitism Is Rising Again15:07 What Is Dispensational Theology?26:26 Does God Still Have a Covenant with Israel?39:30 The Israel Test Explained43:45 Why Israel Changes Everything53:48 Why This Conversation Matters
What if joy wasn’t the absence of pain, but something deeper, stronger, and always available? In this powerful episode of Covenant & Conflict , David Blease sits down with author and missionary Bonnie Saul Wilkes to explore a lifetime journey of calling, sacrifice, and discovering what true joy really is. From growing up with a Jewish last name in a Christian home… to encountering antisemitism that sparked a lifelong calling… to living on a kibbutz in Israel and eventually moving to the former Soviet Union to disciple thousands. Bonnie’s story is marked by bold obedience and unexpected turns. But what stands out most isn’t just the mission… it’s the joy she found along the way. In this conversation, Bonnie unpacks: Why joy is not the same as happiness How joy can coexist with suffering, loss, and uncertainty The difference between joy, peace, and pleasure Why gratitude is one of the most powerful spiritual practices And how God leads us into joy through obedience, not comfort Even through cancer diagnoses in her family, hardship in missions, and seasons of deep pain, she discovered that joy isn’t something you stumble into… It’s something you walk into. Her new book, A Roadmap to Joy , is the result of decades of journaling, poetry, and real-life encounters with God, and every story somehow leads back to one truth: Joy is always available in His presence. Watch now and discover what it means to walk the pathway of joy. 00:00 – Intro: A Life Marked by Calling 02:15 – From Antisemitism to a Calling for the Jewish People 08:00 – Leaving Everything for the Nations (Soviet Union Missions) 13:11 – The Unexpected Theme: Why Every Story Led to Joy 19:50 – Joy vs Happiness: What Most People Get Wrong 30:55 – The Counterfeits of Joy (Pleasure, Success, Isolation) 35:15 – Joy vs Peace: How to “Soar Over the Chaos” 41:10 – A Final Prayer: Walking the Pathway of Joy
What happens when a Jewish man finds Yeshua, but refuses to stop being Jewish? In this powerful episode of Covenant & Conflict , we sit down again with Rocket Rudolph, a Torah-observant Jewish follower of Jesus, to wrestle through one of the most misunderstood tensions in Christianity: Can you follow Jesus and still remain Jewish? What does “Torah observant” actually mean today? Did the early Church unintentionally create division in Acts 15? And why does the word “Christ” feel complicated for many Jewish followers of Yeshua. This conversation goes far beyond theology, it’s about identity, calling, and the deeper story most believers have never been told. From the meaning of Israel (“to wrestle with God”) to the real implications of Torah, exile, and Messiah, this episode challenges both Gentile Christians and Jewish believers to rethink what faithfulness really looks like. Along the way, we unpack: Why being “chosen” might not mean what you think The difference between Jewish and Greek ways of thinking How the gospel is often told… and what’s missing Why antisemitism is ultimately a spiritual issue And what it really means to live “through” Messiah 00:00 – Intro: The Jewish Wrestle Begins Again 02:15 – What Does It Mean to Be “Chosen”? (It’s Not What You Think) 08:10 – Torah Observance: Law, Identity, or Something Deeper? 15:30 – Acts 15: The Decision That Changed Everything 24:50 – “Christ” vs “Messiah”: Did Translation Shift Theology? 34:10 – Why Antisemitism Is More Than Political (It’s Spiritual) 45:20 – The Gospel We Preach vs The Gospel in Scripture 55:00 – Final Thought: Don’t Stop Wrestling
In this long-awaited episode of Covenant & Conflict , we sit down with international lawyer Andrew Tucker to unpack one of the most misunderstood and controversial topics in the world today: Israel and international law. From accusations of genocide to debates over occupation, settlements, and the United Nations, this conversation brings clarity to the legal language dominating headlines and social media. If you’ve ever wondered: What international law actually is Whether Israel is committing genocide Why the UN constantly targets Israel What “occupation” and “settlements” really mean Or how the modern conflict connects to biblical themes …this episode will help you think clearly and respond intelligently. Andrew Tucker serves with a legal think tank focused on Israel and international law, advising at the highest levels—including the UN. He brings both legal expertise and a deep understanding of the spiritual and historical dimensions behind the conflict. This is not just a political conversation. It’s about truth, clarity, and understanding one of the most important issues of our time. ⸻ Chapters 00:00 – Why Israel Is So Controversial Right Now 00:02:10 – Biblical vs Political Israel: Why It’s So Complex 00:13:52 – What Is “International Law” (Really)? 00:24:59 – Are Israeli Settlements Illegal? 00:45:19 – What Is Genocide? (Legal Definition Explained) 00:50:54 – Is Israel Committing Genocide in Gaza? 01:03:59 – Who Owns the West Bank? (Legal Breakdown) 01:06:04 – Why a Two-State Solution Keeps Failing
What should Christians really believe about Islam, and why does it matter right now? In this powerful and unfiltered episode of Covenant & Conflict, we sit down with Nathaniel Buzolic (Nate Buzz) to explore one of the most important and misunderstood topics in the Church today: Islam, Christianity, and the truth about Jesus (Yeshua). This conversation goes far beyond headlines. We dive into the theological foundations of Islam, how it compares to the Bible, and why so many believers feel unprepared to engage with it. From the identity of Jesus to the story of Israel, from history to modern conflict, this episode challenges Christians to think clearly, biblically, and courageously in a cultural moment filled with confusion. At the heart of this discussion is a deeper question: is this simply a difference of religion, or is there a much bigger spiritual reality unfolding? As Nate shares from personal experience and study, the conversation reveals why understanding Islam is not optional for the modern believer; it’s essential. “This is not just political… this is a spiritual battle.” Our heart in this episode is not to attack people, but to pursue truth. We believe real love requires clarity, and real clarity leads us back to the person of Jesus and the story God is telling through Israel and the nations. If you’ve ever wrestled with questions like What does Islam actually teach? How is Jesus viewed in Islam vs the Bible? How should Christians respond?—This episode will challenge, equip, and stretch you. 00:00 Introduction: Why Christians Must Understand Islam 02:05 Meet Nathaniel Buzolic (Nate Buzz) 05:30 Israel, Suffering, and Rising Global Tensions 12:10 Christianity: Religion or Jewish Movement? 20:15 What Islam Teaches vs. What People Assume 32:40 Jesus (Yeshua) in the Bible vs Islam 48:55 End Times, Spiritual Battle, and What’s Coming 1:05:10 How Christians Should Respond with Truth & Love Subscribe for more conversations on Israel, theology, and the intersection of ancient truth and modern conflict.
In this powerful episode of the Covenant & Conflict Podcast , we sit down with Joshua Aaron to unpack one of the most complex and misunderstood topics in the Church today: the relationship between Judaism, Christianity, and the identity of Israel. Joshua shares his deeply personal story. He grew up between Orthodox Judaism and Christianity, encountered Yeshua as the Jewish Messiah, and now lives in the tension as a Messianic Jewish believer. From Holocaust family history to a miraculous reunion decades later, to raising children in Israel during war, this conversation is raw, emotional, and incredibly timely. We also address some of the hardest questions believers are asking right now. Has the Church replaced Israel? What is replacement theology, and is it biblical? Why is antisemitism rising again, even among Christians? How should believers view modern Israel? What does Scripture actually say about Israel’s future? This episode brings clarity, historical perspective, and a Spirit-led call to discern truth in a confusing cultural moment.If you have wrestled with Israel, the Church, or your theology around both, this conversation is for you. Video from Joshua Aaron's YouTube of his mother reuniting with her brother: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xo_4BWkItRg Topics Covered Messianic Judaism Replacement theology explained Jewish identity and the gospel Antisemitism in the Church Jewish believers in Jesus Faith in the middle of war
What happens when an Ethiopian Jewish man, raised in deep tradition, encounters Yeshua (Jesus) in a dream that changes everything? In this powerful episode of Covenant & Conflict , we sit down with David Safafa, an Ethiopian Jewish believer and leader in Israel, as he shares his incredible journey from growing up in a remote Jewish community in Gonder, Ethiopia, to immigrating to Israel during Operation Moses, and ultimately discovering the Messiah. This is more than a story… It's a testimony of identity, sacrifice, calling, and revival in Israel today. What You'll Hear in This Episode: Life as an Ethiopian Jew before modern connection to global Judaism The shocking discovery of Jewish identity connections through DNA The journey to Israel during Operation Moses A life-changing dream encounter with Yeshua The cost of following Messiah — rejection, loss, and perseverance The birth of the Beresheet Congregation — the first Hebrew-speaking Ethiopian Messianic community A growing revival among young people in Israel Why believers around the world need to pray for Israel right now Why This Story Matters God is moving in Israel. From Ethiopian Jews to native-born Israelis, there is a rising hunger for truth and identity in the Messiah. David's story is a glimpse into a larger movement that connects the Jewish roots of the faith, the restoration of Israel, and the global Body of Messiah. If you care about: Israel End times prophecy The Jewish roots of Christianity Revival among the nations …this episode is for you. 00:00 Introduction – Ethiopian Jewish Believer from Israel03:47 Growing Up Jewish in Ethiopia06:53 Journey to Israel – Operation Moses & Aliyah Story10:12 Encountering Yeshua in a Dream (Radical Transformation)14:50 The Cost of Following Messiah (Rejection & Faith)16:08 Calling & Launching a Congregation in Israel24:04 A Hebrew-Speaking Revival Among Young Israelis26:48 What God Is Doing in Israel Right Now (End Times)30:11 How to Pray for Israel & Stand with the Body of Messiah Get Involved David and the Beresheet Congregation are seeing a real revival in Israel, especially among the next generation. Pray for: Strength for leaders Unity among Jewish and Gentile believers Continued openness to the Gospel in Israel Stand with Israel. Stand with the Body of Messiah. Subscribe for More If you're passionate about: Biblical truth in modern issues Israel and the Church Real conversations that matter Subscribe to Covenant & Conflict and join the conversation.
What did Yeshua actually say must happen before His return, and what does that mean for how we live right now? In this episode of Covenant & Conflict , David Blease sits down with Ben Juster (President of a network of Messianic Jewish congregations through Tikkun America ) for a deeply practical, Scripture-grounded conversation on Israel, the End Times, and the return of Jesus without date-setting, fear, or internet conspiracy vibes. You’ll hear why end-times teaching can become a “minefield,” what Matthew 24:14 means for the global mission, why Jerusalem and the Jewish people still matter in God’s covenant plan , and how preparing for the return of Yeshua looks less like panic and more like holiness, godliness, unity, gospel witness, and enduring suffering with hope . This one is for anyone who’s asked: Are we in the “season” of Yeshua’s return? What role does Israel play in the last days? Why does the Bible still speak of Israel and the nations together? How should believers respond to rising antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment? Does my end-times framework change how I live? Resources mentioned Israel, the Church, and the Last Days (Asher Intrater & Dan Juster) Tikkun America / Tikkun Global (see links below) Connect with Ben / Tikkun Tikkun America: tikkunamerica.org Tikkun Global: tikkunglobal.org If this helped you, subscribe , share it with a friend who’s confused about Revelation, and drop a comment: What’s the most practical takeaway you’ve heard about the End Times? Chapters 00:00 — Welcome + Why End Times Conversations Get Heated 00:31 — Who Ben Juster Is + Messianic Judaism’s Modern Roots 04:19 — Avoiding Fear & Date-Setting: Where to Start Biblically 06:44 — Matthew 24:14 + The Gospel to Every Nation 10:44 — Jesus Says “You Will Not See Me Again Until…” + Israel’s Role 21:29 — How to Prepare for Yeshua’s Return: Holiness vs Godliness 44:31 — Antisemitism, Replacement Theology, and Standing with Israel
Are modern Christians missing the gift of the Sabbath? In a world addicted to productivity, burnout, and constant noise, what if the Fourth Commandment isn’t a burden, but an invitation? In this episode of Covenant & Conflict , we sit down with Michael Hirsh, author of Pressing Pause: A Guide to Sabbath Rest for Modern Believers , to explore how rediscovering Shabbat transformed his faith, marriage, and ministry. Michael shares his radical conversion story from growing up without faith in Michigan to leaving the dream of baseball behind to pursue Jesus. But the real turning point came years later in Jerusalem, during a Shabbat dinner that he describes as a “Damascus moment.” What he discovered about the command to “Remember the Sabbath” changed everything. This episode unpacks: What the Fourth Commandment really means Why Sabbath is not legalism The burnout epidemic in modern Christianity How Shabbat restores identity and communion with God Practical steps to start observing Sabbath today If you are a pastor, leader, high achiever, or simply exhausted… this conversation may be exactly what your soul needs.
What is the theological foundation of the Messianic Jewish movement? Should Jewish believers in Jesus remain Jewish? And why does replacement theology continue to distort how the Church reads Scripture? In this deeply important conversation, Preston Benjamin sits down with Dr. Dan Juster, founding member of numerous Messianic Jewish assemblies, unions, and congregations. Today, we explore the history, theology, and future of the Messianic Jewish Movement. Drawing from decades of leadership and scholarship, Dr. Juster shares his personal journey from training as a Presbyterian pastor to helping pioneer the modern Messianic Jewish movement. What began as scholarly research into early Jewish faith within the Church became a lifelong conviction that Jewish followers of Yeshua are called to maintain their Jewish identity and covenantal responsibility within the New Covenant. We discuss: The historical roots of Messianic Judaism Why Jewish believers in Jesus are called to live as Jews• The founding vision behind the UMJC in 1979 What “Jewish life in a concrete historical community” truly means The principle of mutual blessing between Jews and Gentiles The theological dangers of the One Law movement The global effort to repudiate replacement theology Practical steps churches can take to align with God’s covenant purposes for Israel Dr. Juster makes a compelling biblical case that the Messianic Jewish movement is not a fringe expression of Christianity but a necessary restoration within the body of Messiah. He argues that Jewish continuity in Yeshua is essential to God’s redemptive plan and that the Church must move beyond supersessionism to faithfully understand Scripture. If you care about Israel, covenant theology, Jewish identity in Christ, or the future relationship between the Church and the Jewish people, this episode will challenge and equip you.This is not merely a historical discussion. It is a conversation about God’s ongoing covenant faithfulness and what obedience looks like today. Subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of theology, Israel, and the Church. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:• https://instagram.com/CenterForIsrael• https://www.facebook.com/CenterForIsrael• https://twitter.com/CenterForIsrael• https://www.linkedin.com/company/gateway-center-for-israelLEARNING RESOURCES:• Getting Started — Israel 101: https://centerforisrael.com/getting-started• Israel Prayer Guide: https://centerforisrael.com/israel-prayer-guide• Perspective Papers: https://centerforisrael.com/papers
In this powerful conversation, David Blease sits down with Nathaniel Buzolic (known to many as “Nate Buzz”) to trace his extraordinary journey from Hollywood fame to radical faith, and from personal brokenness to becoming one of the most outspoken Christian advocates for Israel today. After moving to the United States in his early twenties, years of rejection in Hollywood finally led to a breakout role on The Vampire Diaries, but success did not bring peace. Choosing to follow Jesus publicly strained his career, complicated relationships on set, and forced him to confront what it truly means to surrender everything to God. After experiencing deep betrayal and heartache, Nathaniel desired to give up on life, left Hollywood, and traveled to Iraq during the Syrian civil war, volunteering with humanitarian efforts on the ground. In a moment of total surrender, he gave his life fully to God, leading him to read the entire Bible in 28 days and igniting a life-altering calling tied directly to Israel. Since then, Nathaniel has led countless believers through the Holy Land, helping Christians understand the Jewish foundations of their faith. After the October 7 Hamas attacks, he returned to Israel to document survivor stories, stand with the Jewish people, and speak truth in the midst of global confusion. In May 2024, Nathaniel made history as the first non-Israeli, non-Jewish person ever invited to light the torch at Israel’s Independence Day ceremony, exactly seven years after his first visit to the land. This episode also tackles: God’s covenant with Israel Why replacement theology fails biblically The rebirth of Israel in 1948 fulfilled prophecy Why Christians cannot understand Scripture without Israel What it means to live out “promise made, promise kept.” Whether you’re wrestling with faith, Israel, end-times theology, or what it truly costs to follow Jesus, this episode will challenge and inspire you. 0:00 – From Poverty to Hollywood 8:35 – Landing Vampire Diaries 14:15 – The Moment Jesus Became Real 22:11 – Betrayal & Rock Bottom 25:29 – Iraq, ISIS & Surrender 32:28 – Reading the Bible in 28 Days 34:39 – God Said “Go” to Israel 43:10 – October 7th & The Spiritual War 48:34 – Lighting Israel’s Independence Torch
What does biblical unity between Jewish and Gentile believers actually look like in practice, not just theology, but lived relationships? In this episode, Micah and Abby Mahoney of Heartcry of David share their powerful journey into a ministry centered on reconciliation, worship, and covenantal unity. With backgrounds spanning Christian, Pentecostal, and Messianic Jewish spaces , they describe how God led them to confront a deep disconnect within the Body of Messiah and to pursue a vision rooted in Scripture, humility, and love. Heartcry of David was born out of a conviction that King David understood something profound about the Messiah and Jew-Gentile unity , and that this revelation still matters today. What began in 2015–2016 as an audacious, underfunded international worship project has since grown into multiple collaborative efforts across Israel, the UK, and Italy , bringing believers together through worship, Scripture, and shared spiritual inheritance. Rather than transactional encounters or one-directional ministry, Micah and Abby emphasize genuine, bilateral relationships; recognizing that Israeli believers are not just recipients of ministry, but are also called to minister to the nations. Throughout the conversation, they offer practical wisdom for believers who want to engage God’s heart for Israel in a healthy, biblical way: through prayer, teaching, and real relationships. This episode is a compelling invitation to rethink unity, calling, and what it means to walk faithfully in God’s redemptive story. Learn more about Heart Cry of David: https://heartcryvedavid.com Find them on YouTube & Spotify
In this gripping episode of the Covenant & Conflict Podcast, we sit down with Rabbi Matheus Guimarães, a Messianic Jewish leader from Brazil, to uncover one of the most tragic, and least told chapters of Jewish history: the Sephardic Jews and the Spanish & Portuguese Inquisition. Through his own family’s astonishing testimony, Rabbi Matheus reveals how millions of Jews were forcibly converted, hunted, silenced, and yet somehow survived, preserving Jewish faith, identity, and memory in secret. We explore the rise of Messianic Judaism in Brazil and the creation of a groundbreaking museum housing 500 years of preserved documents, artifacts, and testimonies that expose how Jews carried their faith underground and across the Atlantic. In this episode, we explore: The roots of the Sephardic Jewish Communities in Spain & Portugal The “Golden Age” of Jewish learning—and how it fueled the European Renaissance Why Portugal’s forced conversions were even more brutal than Spain’s The Inquisition’s relentless targeting of the Anusim (the forced-ones) The expulsions of 1492 and the forced baptisms of 1497 How Jewish families escaped to Brazil and rebuilt their faith in secret The explosive growth of Messianic Jewish congregations in Brazil today Why understanding our Jewish foundation is essential for the Church How modern antisemitism mirrors Spain, Portugal, and pre-WWII Europe This conversation is historical, prophetic, and deeply personal, a sobering reminder that the past is never truly past, and that Jewish identity has always endured, even in the darkest hours. If you care about Jewish history, the Inquisition, Sephardic Jews, Messianic Judaism, Jewish-Christian relations, Brazil’s hidden Jewish roots, or the rise of antisemitism today, this episode is essential viewing.
In this powerful episode of the Covenant & Conflict Podcast, we sit down with Shilo Ben Hod, founder of SOLU Israel, for a deeply moving conversation about worship, identity, obedience, and the move of God unfolding in Israel today. Shilo shares his extraordinary journey of encountering Yeshua, surrendering his life, and stepping into a calling that would lead him into Hebrew worship, desert gatherings, and full-time ministry in the Judean Desert. From prophetic confirmation to learning how to live in God’s presence, not performance, this testimony will stir anyone longing to walk faithfully in their God-given calling. We explore the heart behind Hebrew worship, the story of the Hebrew Gospels, and what it means to truly live in alignment with the name and identity God gives you. Shilo opens up about hearing God’s voice, resisting comparison and fear, and saying “yes” when obedience costs everything. If you’re passionate about Israel, worship, biblical identity, prophetic calling, or Messianic Jewish testimony, this conversation will challenge, inspire, and encourage you to walk boldly in obedience. – Subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of Scripture, Israel, and the gospel. – Share this episode with someone seeking clarity in their calling.
What is the true name of God ? In this episode of the Covenant & Conflict Podcast , Nehemia Gordon explores the history, meaning, and pronunciation of YHWH , including Yahweh vs Jehovah , through ancient Hebrew manuscripts, the Talmud, Dead Sea Scrolls, and early Christian sources. We discuss why God’s name appears over 6,800 times in the Hebrew Bible, why it stopped being spoken, how Jewish and Christian traditions diverged, and how Jesus and the New Testament reference the divine name. This conversation breaks down common misconceptions and examines what the name actually means: He was, He is, and He will be . If you’re interested in biblical Hebrew, the name of God, YHWH pronunciation, Jesus’ Hebrew roots, or Scripture’s original context , this episode is for you.
In this episode of the Covenant and Conflict Podcast, we sit down with Pastor Joakim Lundqvist to explore his powerful journey of faith, the unique story of his church in Sweden, and his deep heart for Israel and the Jewish people. Pastor Joakim shares how revival first broke out in his life as a teenager, how he helped build a church movement that now impacts nations across Europe and Asia, and how a prophetic word prepared his church for an unexpected wave of Middle Eastern refugees who would ultimately encounter Jesus. Together, we talk about the biblical foundation for blessing Israel, the dangers of replacement theology, the call of both Jews and Gentiles in God’s redemptive plan, and the modern tensions surrounding Israel today. Pastor Joakim also shares compelling stories from Israel, insights on reaching the next generation, and why experiencing the Land firsthand transforms how believers read the Bible. If you’re seeking clarity on Israel, the Middle East, or how to stand with a biblical worldview, this conversation will encourage and equip you.
In this episode of Covenant and Conflict , Pastor Ryan Warren sits down with Israeli Knesset member Ohad Tal for a deep and honest conversation about faith, identity, and Israel’s role in today’s world. Ohad shares his journey into politics, the importance of Jewish and Christian partnership, and how Israel is working with Muslim leaders throughout the Middle East. He addresses common misconceptions about Zionism, apartheid, and colonialism, while explaining why the Israel–America alliance is strategically and spiritually significant. They also discuss the cultural and spiritual challenges facing both nations, the need to protect Judeo-Christian values, and how genuine dialogue can bridge division in an increasingly polarized world. If you’re seeking clarity on Israel, the Middle East, or the purpose behind the growing unity between Jews and Christians, this episode offers valuable insight.
In this profoundly moving episode of the Covenant & Conflict Podcast, host David Blease sits down with Rocket Rudolph, a Torah-observant Jewish follower of Yeshua, to share his remarkable journey of faith from Orthodox Judaism to a life-changing encounter with the Living God sparked by the television series "The Chosen." In this episode, Rocket shares his experience growing up Jewish, his early encounters with Jesus-believers, and years of faithful Torah observance, living immersed in Orthodox Judaism in London and New York. Rocket shares his pain, loss, and spiritual emptiness that led him to a breaking point in Brazil. His journey took an unexpected turn when he was encouraged to watch "The Chosen," and his life mirrored a scene between a man and Yeshua (Jesus). Hear how Rocket now interprets living a Torah-Observant life as a Jewish Man following Yeshua Messiah. This is an incredible story of identity, redemption, and restoration, which is proof that God still meets us in the most unexpected places. Subscribe for more conversations on faith, Israel, and the unity of Jew and Gentile in Messiah.
In this compelling episode of the Covenant & Conflict Podcast , Arab Christian pastor Steven Khoury from Bethlehem shares what it’s like to live out his faith in the middle of the Israel–Palestine conflict. Born in Jerusalem and raised in Bethlehem, Steven shares his personal journey of persecution, ministry, and hope. He discusses: What life is really like for Arab Christians in the West Bank (Biblical Judea & Samaria) The difference between political opinions and biblical truth about Israel Why God’s covenant with Israel still stands How followers of Jesus can love both sides without compromise This heartfelt interview brings a powerful message of unity, faith, and God’s redemptive plan for the Middle East. Watch more conversations about faith, Israel, and the Gospel at work in the Holy Land. #Israel #Palestine #MiddleEastChristianity #CovenantAndConflict #ChristianPodcast
