Can revelation about the importance of Israel and the Jewish people radically change your understanding of, and relationship with God - even after 30 years as a Christian? Meet Charles Ikutiminu, originally from Nigeria, who now serves as Global Ministries Pastor (Africa) at Gateway Church. He enthusiastically shared with David Blease the spiritual and theological journey he and his wife began as they simply obeyed God's leading to pray daily for Israel. Charles describes how this obedience...

Ashlee, a friend of Gateway Center of Israel, joins David to discuss her personal experiences while employed as a nanny to an Orthodox Jewish family. Knowing zero about Jewish life before being hired, she shares how much she gleaned from observing this family’s adherence to their Kosher dietary laws, Sabbath observance, and religious lifestyle. Not only was her Christian faith enriched by the beauty of Jewish culture, but most importantly, a lifelong friendship was established between her and...

Nic and David tackle the topic of eschatology (or study of the end times) with author Travis Snow. For 20 years Travis, who holds an MDiv in Biblical Studies from Regent University School of Divinity, has researched theology and biblical prophecy, leading him to write three books on the subject emphasizing the role Israel plays in prophecy. This discussion compares the differing end-times beliefs held by the Church and Messianic Jewish believers, and how a healthy understanding of biblical...

Nic and David have a fascinating conversation with two Israeli professors - Dr. Guy Golan (Texas Christian University) and Dr. Guy Chet (University of North Texas) -who wrote "My Brother's Keeper," a book that analyzes the complicated relationship between American Jews and Israel. Born out of personal conversations, the book explains how Reform Judaism and the European "Grand Bargain" influenced the political and religious lifestyle of American Judaism. It also clarifies why Israelis are...

Nic Lesmeister introduces his friend Yoel Shoshani, a native-born Israeli and Jewish believer in Jesus, who served in the Israeli military reserve force immediately after the horrors of October 7th. He shares his sobering eye-witness observations as an Israeli military escort to international journalists - some of whom were very cynical - as they toured the terrorized villages in the massacre's immediate aftermath, as well as how he and his family have personally processed the life-changing...

In this episode of "Covenant & Conflict," Gateway Center for Israel Executive Director Nic Lesmeister and Teaching Pastor David Blease respond to recent claims made about Messianic Jews (or Jews that have professed faith in Jesus as their Messiah) by a traditional Jewish media site. Nic uses biblical references and historical accounts to debunk such theological statements as: Any Jew that believes in Jesus has converted and is now a Christian Judaism and Christianity have been...

Welcome to "Covenant & Conflict," a new podcast produced by Gateway Center for Israel. We look forward to being a regular part of your faith journey as you seek God's heart during these challenging days. Join Executive Director Nic Lesmeister and Teaching Pastor David Blease in this first episode as they share their hopes that this new resource will: 1) Help Christians examine long-held perspectives in the light of Scripture 2) Develop a biblically-based understanding of Israel &...

Welcome to "Covenant & Conflict," a new podcast produced by Gateway Center for Israel. We look forward to being a regular part of your faith journey as you seek God's heart during these challenging days.