Can Christians and Jewish people rebuild trust after centuries of division?

In this thoughtful and deeply personal conversation, Jeff Futers and Laura Delagarde from First Century Foundations share how prayer, relationship, and authentic friendship are opening new doors between Christians and Jewish communities.

From supporting believers in Israel to helping Christians rediscover the Jewish roots of their faith, their ministry focuses on connection rather than performance.

This episode explores Israel, reconciliation, prayer, and the growing sense that something significant is happening between Christians and the Jewish people in this moment.

As 2025 draws to a close, we reflect on a year of challenge, recovery, and renewed calling. 

In this special episode, we uncover the ancient story behind Hanukkah - and how it points to the greater miracle still to come. 

From a dreidel in ancient Greece to divine doors opening in modern Israel, we explore how God’s covenant faithfulness continues to unfold before our eyes.

The Jewish Road is stepping into a new partnership with the government of Israel - helping tell her story to the nations and helping the church understand its part in that story. 

Along the way, we share updates on health, hope, and the incredible ways God is still writing the story of His people.

For many Christians, the divide between the church and the Jewish people feels ancient and immovable. But every divide has a story - and far too often, it’s a story Christians never heard. 

In this episode, we sit down with long-time friend and ministry leader Murray Tilles of Light of Messiah Ministries to uncover why Jesus remains such a point of pain for many Jewish families, and why the church’s calling toward Israel is more urgent than ever.

Murray shares his own journey from a deeply religious Jewish upbringing in North Carolina to the moment he prayed “in Jesus’ name” - words he never imagined he would say. 

His story isn’t abstract. 

It’s threaded with family tension, synagogue life, anti-Semitism, and the surprising power of Scripture to reshape identity. And it’s a window into the very real barriers Jewish people face when confronted with a “Christian” Jesus who feels historically disconnected from their people.

Together, we explore why the New Testament is far more Jewish than most Christians realize, why Paul’s “to the Jew first” mission still matters today, and how today’s rising anti-Semitism is creating unexpected openness among Jewish communities - if the church knows how to build trust. 

Murray helps believers move from abstract support to real relational bridge-building, from sentiment to substance, from generic evangelism to meaningful connection rooted in God’s covenant faithfulness.

What happens when a quiet Canadian pastor steps into the rising tide of global antisemitism?

Chris Byberg isn’t looking to be a hero. He’s looking to be a friend.

A friend to rabbis. A friend to Jewish neighbors. A friend who refuses to stay silent.

In this gripping conversation, Chris shares his personal transformation - from growing up in a Jewish neighborhood to standing on the front lines of spiritual warfare in Parliament Hill. 

He talks about the fear that silences pastors, the indifference that numbs the Church, and the quiet strength of showing up, again and again, in the name of love.

He reminds us that allyship isn’t found in hashtags. It’s forged in fire. In tears. In prayer.
In the kind of bold friendship that lays down comfort for covenant.

What does it mean to stand in the land of Israel with the heart of a father?

In this episode, Messianic pastor and pioneer Eitan Shishkoff shares his journey from the Jesus Movement in California to planting communities of faith in the Galilee. 

Through decades of ministry among Israeli Jews and returning immigrants (olim), Eitan has carried a consistent call: to embody the spirit of Elijah by turning hearts, building bridges, and preparing the way for the Messiah.

He shares the story behind Tents of Mercy, reflects on the struggles and beauty of aliyah, and casts a vision for unity between Jewish and Arab believers within Israel. With humility and hope, Eitan calls the global Church to recognize its connection to Israel - not as charity, but as family.

This isn’t just history. It’s prophecy in motion.

Josh Roberts was a young Baptist pastor when he felt God whisper, “What about Israel?” That question changed everything.

In this episode, Josh shares how a simple Bible study in Romans 9–11 shattered his assumptions and led him to launch Qashar Ministries - a ministry focused on reconnecting the Church to the Jewish people, the Land of Israel, and the heart of God.

From confronting replacement theology to championing the One New Man, Josh unpacks why God’s covenant with Israel still matters, why the Church has drifted from its roots, and how unity between Jew and Gentile is key to unlocking the fullness of God’s plan.

This isn’t just about theology. It’s about awakening. It’s about identity. And it’s about preparing the Bride for Messiah’s return.

What happens when a boy grows up in the crossfire of Lebanon’s civil war, trains in Israel’s military camps, and survives a bomb blast by a miracle? Pastor Pierre Altunia’s life is a tapestry of danger, loss, and unexpected grace.

From being kidnapped by the PLO to fighting Hezbollah, his story is filled with moments where death seemed certain - until God intervened.

But this is more than a soldier’s memoir. It’s the journey of a man who knew “Christian” only as a label - until relentless love from his wife and a persistent pastor led him to surrender to Yeshua. 

Now leading a vibrant Messianic congregation in northern Israel, Pierre stands as both shepherd and protector, guiding his flock through rockets, war, and the hope of reconciliation between Jew and Gentile.

This is faith forged in fire, hope born in the shadow of conflict, and a call to stand with Israel for the sake of God’s Kingdom.

What happens when a Dutch pastor encounters the living heartbeat of Jerusalem?

Sebastiaan van Wessem shares his journey from a seminary-trained, Western lens to a Bible interpreted through first-century Jewish eyes. 

From his first trip to Israel to the relaunch of KNGDM Alliance - with Jerusalem at its center - Sebastiaan has been on a mission to unite Jew and Gentile under Messiah.

But this vision unfolds in the shadow of rising antisemitism across Europe. From street protests to political battles over Israel’s right to defend itself, Sebastiaan exposes the spiritual forces at work and the cost of standing with God’s chosen people.

In this episode, you’ll hear how the One New Man isn’t theory - it’s a prophetic calling that challenges the Church to live as a united testimony before the Lord’s return.

He once burned with hatred for Israel. Now, he’s rebuilding bridges from Nazareth to Jerusalem, from Arabs to Jews, and from division to divine reconciliation.

In this riveting episode, Dr. Rev. Saleem Shalash shares his extraordinary journey - raised as a Catholic Arab in Israel, hardened by bitterness, and unexpectedly wrecked by grace. A tragic accident. A voice from heaven. A Bible in his hands for the first time.

But this isn’t just a personal conversion story - it’s a call to the Church, to the nations, and to anyone willing to see beyond headlines and into the heart of God. 

From confronting replacement theology to launching a humanitarian aid center that serves Jews and Arabs alike, Saleem is living proof that Jesus is still building bridges.

Hate is loud. Anti-Semitism is rising.

The airwaves are filled with lies, and the silence of good people only makes it worse. How do we stand up for truth in a world that seems determined to forget? 

This episode introduces a bold and practical way to push back - by wearing your voice.

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.

Ruby Bishai, an Arab Israeli believer, shares his remarkable journey of reconciling his dual identity while fostering unity between Jews and Arabs. Through his ministry, Fields of Wheat, he mentors young believers and supports soldiers in Israel. Ruby's story speaks of hope, bridging cultural divides, and the promise of peace through faith in Messiah.

Why do so many Christians misunderstand the conflict in Israel, and what should we do about it? In our latest episode, we dive into this pressing issue with Dr. Jeff Myers, President of Summit Ministries. Dr. Myers shares his insights from a recent trip to Israel and explores why the rising generation has so many misconceptions about this critical region.

In this episode, Matt and Ron Davis interview Joshua Aaron, a musician and believer in Yeshua. They discuss Joshua's background, his journey to Israel, and the impact of conflict on his family. They also explore the significance of his songs and their message of unity and love for Israel. He also talks about his approach to songwriting and the importance of interpreting the Bible accurately. The conversation touches on the appreciation for old Messianic worship and the idea of music coming full circle.

Matt and Ron Davis discuss their year-end impact report and their mission to help Christians understand the roots of their faith and help Jewish people make sense of Jesus.

They highlight the dilemma of Jewish identity and the misidentification of Jesus among both Christians and Jewish people. They emphasize the urgency of the times and the need to be a voice in the wilderness.

The conversation also covers their methods of spreading the message, including writing a book and fundraising for projects in Israel. They conclude by calling for support and prayer for their ministry.

Do you feel worn down? There's lots of places and opportunities to feel it. The politics, the divisions, the world situation, the wars, the rumors of wars, the devastation and hatred we see on every screen we face - it's all there.

In this episode, Matt & Marilee Davis sit down with Candyce Hyslip to look into the recent turmoil in Israel following the Hamas attacks and the distressing rise of anti-Semitism. What does it look like to pray and the significance of being physically and emotionally present for those enduring suffering. The truth is, two months into the war in Israel, it's easy to desensitize, disconnect, and disengage.

Candyce talks through how the Lord revealed to her how to not only pray FOR, but pray WITH those who are suffering, but also to bring comfort through our words, gifts, and meals.

Ever felt like you're missing a piece of the puzzle in your faith journey?

Or that there's more to the story of Jesus that remains unexplored?

Or, as a Jew, have you grappled with the idea of embracing Jesus, feeling it might mean forsaking your cherished heritage?

If this hits home for you, then this episode of The Jewish Road Podcast has your name on it.

In "The Road Half Traveled," we invite you on an extraordinary journey that goes beyond the typical narratives heard in Sunday school or synagogue. As Messianic Jews ourselves, we're standing at the fascinating intersection of faith where Jewish tradition and Christian understanding meet.

Picture it as a two-act play, with Jewish and Christian communities each attending a different act and missing the full performance. We're here to guide you through the entire show, revealing the profound links between Act One and Two, the Old and New Testaments.

We tackle real struggles, like challenging dialogues with Jews intrigued about Jesus but anxious about losing their identity, or Christians seeking to uncover the Jewish roots of their faith but unsure where to start. 

So, whether you're a Christian keen to dive deeper into your faith's roots or a Jew wrestling with your view of Jesus, join us in this down-to-earth conversation. It's time to journey down the full length of The Jewish Road and unveil the captivating story that unites us all.

Are you ready? Pop in those earbuds, and let's journey on "The Road Half Traveled" together.

In this third and final episode in our “Two Chosen People” series, we journey into understanding the role and identity of God's Commissioned People – the Church.

As we have previously explored, God's chosen ones are two distinct, yet intimately connected groups – the Covenant People (Jews) and the Commissioned People (the Church made up of Jews and Gentiles). After having looked into the unique journey of the Covenant People in our last episode, it's time to unpack the complexities of the Commissioned People – the Church.

From its birth at Shavuot, or Pentecost, the Church was initially entirely Jewish. Yet, it evolved, expanding to welcome the Gentiles, or the Nations, and turning into a vibrant blend of Jews and Gentiles. Paul's metaphor of Gentiles being grafted into Israel's tree beautifully illustrates this unity in diversity.

In this episode, we explore the divine calling of the Church – its mission to go out into the world and make disciples of all nations, beginning with the Jewish people and extending to every corner of the globe. This divine commissioning is not just a task or responsibility, but a significant part of the Church's identity.

We also look into the implications of this divine commission, the struggles, and triumphs, the challenges, and victories experienced by the Church in carrying out this mission.

Join us as we celebrate this “Unprecedented Union” and God's plan for unity and mutual enrichment. Together, we look at how our roots intertwine and the wondrous ways God uses His Commissioned People to accomplish His divine will.

In this series, we unveil a truth that might shatter your previous understanding: There are not one, but two chosen people of God! Now, stay with us as we unpack this concept of God's Covenant People and Commissioned People.

For centuries, we've believed that the Jewish people alone held the title of God's chosen people. And yes, they still do! But here's where we have to take a deep dive: God's chosen people also include the Commissioned People, which encompasses both Jews and Gentiles. 

Can a Gentile be saved? Overwhelmingly throughout the Biblical narrative up until this point, the story has been primarily Jewish. Even from the beginning, the Israelites were called to be a light to the nations (Genesis 12:1-3). The early church was made up of Jewish believers, but what about Gentiles? Can they be saved?

This was the question that surfaced in Acts 10 when Jewish Peter meet a Gentile Roman named Cornelius. He was a God-fearing man who gave alms and prayed regularly. He even had a vision from God telling him to send for Peter (Acts 10:1-8). So he did and when Peter arrived, Cornelius fell at his feet worshiping him (Acts 10:25). Obviously, this was not the reaction that Peter was expecting, but he saw that God was at work.

So what about today? The tables have turned. The question today is no longer, "Can a Gentile be saved?" but rather, "Can a Jew be saved?" While the answer to both questions is, "Yes!" and we know God desires for all people to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9), there is still a lot of confusion today. Join us on this episode of The Jewish Road Podcast as we discuss all of these issues and more!