What does the Bible say about Israel, the church and their relationship?

Welcome to Israel and the Church. This is a foundational course designed to help you understand God’s plan and purpose for the Jewish people and, in light of this, His plan for the church.

As I travel to different nations to teach a biblical perspective on Israel and to share from my own experience of living in Israel these past 14 years, I meet many people who feel very strongly about Israel. As we talk it becomes apparent that some have founded their views on the Scripture and some have founded their views on unreliable media sources, combined with their personal beliefs about how God should act. The Bible reveals God’s plan and perspective. Therefore, this course is focused on the Scriptures. Whenever we mention a certain passage, we encourage you to open your Bibles and spend time reading and studying.  This will help you understand the heart of God.

My family and I have lived in and near Jerusalem since 2003. It was an amazing journey as we moved from England to Israel. This journey had two parts: the first was my personal journey as my own Jewish background came to the fore and I began to research and discover all that God said in His Word about Israel - past, present and future. The second part was our move to Israel.

You will find in this course many keys learnt from our own journey. As I read the Bible with Israel in mind, I saw that God’s heart was still for Israel, that He had not given up on them and that in the latter days He was going to gather them again.

Our first course explores Israel: Past, Present and Future. We begin with a study of the Abrahamic Covenant and Jerusalem, highlighting their distinctive nature and purpose. Next we look at Israel and the Church in Scripture and throughout history. What does the Bible teach about Israel and the Church in the New Testament? What was the origin of anti-Semitism in the Church, and how did it affect history? What influenced Christians who stood with the Jewish people in times of distress? Next, we will examine the biblical promises of the Jews returning to their homeland as well as the amazing current regathering. Finally, we will have a challenging and inspiring look at a biblical response for the Church to Israel, including modern day examples of Christians who have blessed the Jewish people. We will also include personal examples from our 14 years of living in Israel.