Episode 114 - How Does A Church Stand With Israel? (featuring Pastor Jeremy Mercer)
Helping Christians make sense of their roots. Helping the Jewish community make sense of Jesus. Together, we are restoring the Jewishness of the gospel.
Summary:
How is it that today’s church can read a Bible rooted in Israel, focused on a Jewish Messiah, and authored by Jewish voices, yet somehow feel disconnected from the Jewish story?
Have we really allowed the narrative of God's chosen people to end 2,000 years ago, when in reality, it’s just getting good?
In this episode, "How Does A Church Stand With Israel?" we dig into the undeniable link between our faith and the ongoing story of Israel - a story still unfolding and intensifying in ways that truly demand our attention.
With longtime friend Pastor Jeremy Mercer of Connection Church in Corona, CA, we look at what it means to stand with Israel as a church. Jeremy shares how his church actively supports and prays for the Jewish people, building a community that stands with Israel not out of politics but as a fulfillment of biblical promises.
Together, we walk through strategies for making Israel a priority in our own churches and why, now more than ever, this matters deeply. On the other side of this conversation, you’ll have a better idea of how to embrace God’s promises for Israel and move from passive awareness to active blessing.
Key Takeaways:
Faith in Action: Pastor Jeremy emphasizes how his church’s love for Israel goes beyond words, actively supporting and praying for the Jewish people.
Scriptural Foundation: The importance of understanding scripture in context, seeing the connection between Old and New Testaments, and grasping the Jewish roots of the faith.
Genuine Connection: Through long-lasting friendships and community support, Pastor Jeremy illustrates the power of relationships in ministry.
Responding to Current Events: Reflecting on the significance of supporting Israel during turbulent times, especially following recent events in Israel.
Teaching Contextually: The need for pastors to preach boldly on Israel's role in God’s plan, countering replacement theology and embracing the full narrative of scripture.
Chapter Markers:
0:10 - 4:30: Introduction: Reconnecting with Pastor Jeremy and His Journey to Ministry
4:30 - 9:15: Faith and Friendship: Growing Up with Israel in Their Hearts
9:15 - 13:50: Biblical Foundations: How Scripture Informs Our Stand with Israel
13:50 - 18:30: Ministry Focus: Connection Church’s Commitment to Israel
18:30 - 23:00: Responding to Current Events: Praying for the Peace of Jerusalem
23:00 - 28:30: Humility in Ministry: How Pastors Can Seek Support and Wisdom
28:30 - 33:20: Supporting Israel Practically: Tips for Churches and Individuals
Many thanks to our friend, Joshua Aaron, for permission to use his song, “Every Tribe” as our Season 6 bumper music intro. You can listen to more of his music at joshuaaaron.tv.
And thank you to Joshua Royal, for writing our closer song now running six seasons straight. Listen to him at Joshua Royal Music.