S2 EP0 | Season 2 Starts Next Week!

Are you thinking what we think you might be thinking? Hm. Zion. I know that word – it’s in the Bible. Isn’t it a mountain? No wait, is it a city? Or is it the Temple? I’m confused. How can I know what Christian Zionism is when I’m not even sure what Zion means? Never fear; in this episode of A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, Ezra and Carly clear that up at the beginning with a really cool analogy. Then, they discuss a common definition of Christian Zionism, analyzing it bit by bit to root out the Good, the Bad and where it can get downright Ugly. Along the Way As they explore various aspects of Christian Zionism, their conversation takes them to: What Scripture means when it says God stretches out His arm Before there was Christian Zionism, there was Jewish Zionism One of the main verses Christian Zionism springs from – and it’s part of “the Good” A “Messianic declaration” necessary for Jesus’ return How Israel’s regathering needs to also lead to Israel’s redemption Putting the shoe on the other foot – What if this attitude about Jewish people was the attitude toward your family? It’s part of “the Bad” that’s possible with Christian Zionism, and it can alienate us from each other Whichever way you look at this particular understanding of Christian Zionism – either from a Jewish perspective or Christian – it really belongs in “the Ugly” category A phrase that has become a trigger to Carly now A poorly-worded part of a Christian Zionism definition that, if carried out to its subtle conclusion, essentially aims to make Jewish people cease to exist in their own faith. Now that’s Bad! And Ugly! A “Really Ugly” thing that ...

What are the two topics that society says to avoid if you want to have a peaceful dinner with your extended family? Politics and faith. Well, in this episode of A Jew and A Gentile Discuss, co-hosts Carly Berna and Ezra Benjamin welcome Aaron Baer to talk about both. Why? Because it’s important stuff, and as Ezra puts it, hey, “we like to discuss!” We value our right to vote, and, if we’re diligent, we perceive it as a serious responsibility. But how many of us are willing to get in the trenches and fight the fights? Thank the Lord some Believers do just that. Aaron Baer is one of them. Aaron is the CEO of Citizens for Community Values (CCV), Ohio’s largest Christian public policy organization. He joins A Jew and A Gentile Discuss to share what it’s like to be a Jewish Believer and in the thick of things politically. Aaron answers questions about: How he got involved in politics His background of coming to faith in Jesus from his Jewish background What it’s like being a committed Believer in the middle of American politics How he engages people on the other side of the political aisle who want to play by different rules How his support of Israel comes to bear in his day-to-day political life Will the U.S. remain a nation of Judeo-Christian values? How his perspective as a Jewish Believer affects his thinking and involvement with politics Navigating hot button issues like abortion while staying true to his convictions Raising a family as a Jewish Believer married to a Gentile Christian Advice for other couples where one is a Jewish Believer and one a Gentile Believer What faith-based issue should Americans be paying attention to regarding the upcoming 2020 ...

A little understanding goes a long way. Christians may be surprised at the meaning that some of their everyday Christian words and symbols can carry for the average Jewish person. In this episode of A Jew & A Gentile Discuss, Ezra grills Carly with some common misconceptions Jewish people have about Christians. Throughout the conversation, they reveal some ways Christians may be unknowingly shutting down or offending a Jewish person. When we – on both sides – seek understanding, we can have meaningful conversations with each other. It’s Carly’s turn to be on the hot seat while Ezra asks her to address many misconceptions, such as: Christians can bless Israel and still believe that Jewish people don’t need the Gospel/Jesus because they have their own way. If a Christian befriends a Jewish person, it’s only to convert them. The image of the cross and what it represents are inherently threatening to a Jewish person Christians worship three gods, whereas Jewish people worship only one The Church is inherently anti-Semitic Christians have their own Bible Christian Zionism sees Jews as pawns on an End-Time chessboard He also asks Carly to answer a few questions Jewish people have of Christians: Why do Christians want to use Jewish symbols – such as the Star of David, prayer shawls, chanukiahs, and the Israeli flag? What’s the biggest misperception people have of you as a Christian? They discuss what it means to bless someone and give insight into how Jewish people typically interpret words like “convert,” “cross,” and “become a Christian.” They also bring up tips for engaging in meaningful conversations with Jewish friends and family with sensitivity and a Bible-reading challenge to listeners. Words you might learn – or gain new insight about – in this ...