Jon Levenson: Why Should Jews Love God, and Why Does God Love Them?

As more and more people discover the Jewish identity of Jesus, voices from across the spectrum of Christian faith are beginning to chime in. In 2020 a pastor, a missionary, and a campus minister launched a podcast where they dive deep into the text of the Scriptures and explore the gospel as a first-century Jew would have understood it. In this episode of Messiah Podcast, we will begin a two-part discussion with them to hear about their own journey of discovery, where traditional Christian eschatology falls short, and what the gospel and eternal life meant to Jews in the days of Jesus and his apostles. We hope this conversation will encourage disciples of Jesus to boldly proclaim that the God of Israel will fulfill his covenant promises to the Jewish people and bring restoration to the world.

– Episode Highlights –
• How did the Apocalyptic Gospel Podcast come to be?
• What is apocalypticism?
• What is the gospel in a first-century context?
• What was the first-century Jewish narrative for redemptive history?
• What are the various alternative Christian narratives of redemptive history?
• Could eternal life mean something other than strumming harps upon the clouds in a life after death?
• Did the Pharisees seek to make proselytes?
• What were Jewish expectations for non-Jewish people in Jewish eschatology.
• What are the three novelties that the followers of Yeshua introduced to Judaism?
• How did the religion of the Jewish Messiah move away from a Jewish centric apocalyptic perspective?
• What are the problems with Realized Eschatology?
• Did the apostles believe the Messiah’s return was imminent?


– Related Resources –
The Apocalyptic Gospel Podcast
apocalypticgospel.com

Messiah Magazine: 
messiahmagazine.org

First Fruits of Zion: ffoz.org
Messiah Podcast is a production of First Fruits of Zion (ffoz.org) in conjunction with Messiah Magazine (messiahmagazine.org). This publication is designed to provide rich substance, meaningful Jewish contexts, cultural understanding of the teaching of Jesus, and the background of modern faith from a Messianic Jewish perspective.

Messiah Podcast theme music provided with permission by Joshua Aaron Music (JoshuaAaron.tv). “Cover the Sea” Copyright WorshipinIsrael.com songs 2020. All rights reserved.

33 – A First-Century Jewish Apocalyptic Gospel Part 1 | The Apocalyptic Gospel Podcast

What did Paul mean when he talked about election? What can first-century Jewish ecclesiology, eschatology, and soteriology teach us about how the apostles handled these critical concepts? The hosts of the Apocalyptic Gospel Podcast are back for the second half of our conversation about how a first-century Jewish apocalyptic worldview is key to understanding the theology of the New Testament.

– Episode Highlights –
•	What was the key that unlocked the understanding of the Jewish Jesus and the Jewish apocalyptic gospel?
•	How can we understand election and soteriology from a Jewish context?
•	Contrasting the American Dream and the eternal sing-along with the first-century Jewish view of ecclesiology.
•	Conceptualizing ecclesiology with concentric circles: Messianic Administration of Divine Glory in the World to Come.
•	What do Gentile disciples have to look forward to when the biblical story of redemption seems to be centered on Israel?
•	How does adopting a Jewish apocalyptic view of the gospel affect a person’s life and walk of faith?

– Related Resources –
The Apocalyptic Gospel Podcast
apocalypticgospel.com

Messiah Magazine: 
messiahmagazine.org

First Fruits of Zion: ffoz.org
Messiah Podcast is a production of First Fruits of Zion (ffoz.org) in conjunction with Messiah Magazine (messiahmagazine.org). This publication is designed to provide rich substance, meaningful Jewish contexts, cultural understanding of the teaching of Jesus, and the background of modern faith from a Messianic Jewish perspective.

Messiah Podcast theme music provided with permission by Joshua Aaron Music (JoshuaAaron.tv). “Cover the Sea” Copyright WorshipinIsrael.com songs 2020. All rights reserved.

34 – A First-Century Jewish Apocalyptic Gospel Part 2 | The Apocalyptic Gospel Podcast

Session 5 - The Jerusalem Offering

The Bible has a lot to say about the end times, and Israel is always at the center of God’s plan. However, Islam has its own apocalyptic narrative. Our guest today, John Harrigan, draws upon his personal experience and theological expertise to help us understand what is fueling the anti-Zionist and anti-Semitic jihad amongst the Arab nations in the Middle East. We’re also joined by First Fruits of Zion’s director of education, D. Thomas Lancaster.
You’re listening to Messiah Podcast, where Jesus is Jewish, and that changes everything. Messiah Podcast is a production of First Fruits of Zion.

– Episode Highlights –
The future of the Apocalyptic Gospel Podcast.
A Jew, a progressive liberal, and a Hamas terrorist walk into a bar. What happens next?
Hamas and Iran are enemies but unite around their common arch enemy of Israel.
A derivative of Marxism is leading the global narrative and identifies all social conflicts as a struggle of the socioeconomically oppressed against an oppressor. 
Is the church drifting toward or away from support of Israel?
A shift that is taking place due to a departure from dispensational theology.
Modern progressive politics is causing dramatic shifts in the western church.
What is “realized eschatology” and why is it wrong?
Comparisons of the Greek, Roman, and Jewish eschatological perspectives.
Theological wrestling with the dichotomy between physical and spiritual redemption.
Theological differences result in beliefs about how the promises of the Bible find their fulfillment.
What happens when Christian theology meets with ideas of Jewish people obtaining a homeland in Palestine, Aliyah, Zionism, and the formation of the modern State of Israel?
Dispensationalism is the belief in two separate redemptive programs: one for the Jews and one for the Gentiles.
Apocalyptic expectations within Islam and the establishment of a world caliphate. 
The younger Arab generation is seeing a greater secularization due to its interface with the modern western world. 
How to bring the gospel to the modern middle-eastern Arab world.
What does God want us to be doing with all the chaos going on in the world?

– Related Resource Links –
Extending Mercy to the Gentiles: The Jewish Apocalyptic Trajectory of Pauline Discipleship
By: John P. Harrigan
https://a.co/d/gu3A3Zi

The Gospel of Christ Crucified: A Theology of Suffering before Glory
By: John P. Harrigan
https://a.co/d/bFOYCUs

Apocalyptic Gospel Podcast
https://ApocalypticGospelPodcast.com


Messiah Podcast is a production of First Fruits of Zion (https://ffoz.org) in conjunction with Messiah Magazine. This publication is designed to provide rich substance, meaningful Jewish contexts, cultural understanding of the teaching of Jesus, and the background of modern faith from a Messianic Jewish perspective.
 
Messiah Podcast theme music provided with permission by Joshua Aaron Music (http://JoshuaAaron.tv). “Cover the Sea” Copyright WorshipinIsrael.com songs 2020. All rights reserved.

42 – The Apocalyptic Gospel And The Intifada | John Harrigan

Yeshua called his followers to radical discipleship—a life lived entirely for the coming kingdom. His teachings equip us for the suffering and hardship we are destined to experience as we await that kingdom. For those from relatively affluent societies, this first-century Jewish model might seem archaic, but Yeshua’s apocalyptic worldview is still a foundational component of our faith. Bill Scofield joins us to talk about his church in Redding, California, which he planted with discipleship as its sole focus. Bill will be speaking at Tzadi Advance, an event for young adults aged 18–35, from January 2–6, 2025, in Fountain Run, KY.

– Episode Highlights –
00:00 Introduction to Bill Scofield and his ministry.
03:00 Discipleship: The Core of Bill’s Vision.
07:28 Understanding Discipleship: A First-Century Perspective.
12:28 Preparing for Trials: The Two Foundations Parable.
22:34 Love Leads to Obedience and Sometimes Visa Versa.
25:29 Treasures in Heaven: The Heart of Generosity.
28:30 Continuing in Grace: Stewardship vs. Appreciation.
37:57 The Cost of Discipleship: A Call to Radical Commitment.
48:24 Invitation to Tzadi Advance: Worth It.

– Episode Resources –
Bill Scofield on X: https://x.com/wscofield77
The Apocalyptic Gospel Podcast: https://www.apocalypticgospel.com
Gospel Training Community: https://www.gospeltrainingcommunity.org
Tzadi Advance: https://ffoz.org/events/tzadi-advance-2024


Messiah Podcast is a production of First Fruits of Zion (https://ffoz.org) in conjunction with Messiah Magazine. This publication is designed to provide rich substance, meaningful Jewish contexts, cultural understanding of the teaching of Jesus, and the background of modern faith from a Messianic Jewish perspective.
 
Messiah Podcast theme music provided with permission by Joshua Aaron Music (http://JoshuaAaron.tv). “Cover the Sea” Copyright WorshipinIsrael.com songs 2020. All rights reserved.

61 – A Call for Radical Discipleship | Bill Scofield

Within a year of the October 7 terror attacks, three outspokenly Zionist ministries were rocked by major scandals. The International House of Prayer, Frontier Alliance International, and Gateway Church in Texas. Has this been an attack by Satan from the outside or an awakening to a systemic problem from within? Our guest today, Joel Richardson, is the chair of FAI’s board of directors, and he’s here to talk to us about integrity, accountability, and living up to the high calling of being a disciple of Yeshua the Messiah. 

– Episode Highlights –
00:00 An Israel-centered eschatological kingdom.
05:38 The rise of anti-Israel sentiments in the church.
10:56 Answering Joel Webbon the Neo-Nazi.
15:06 International House of Prayer scandal.
20:27 A covenant that reflects God’s faithfulness to the world.
21:30 The mission of Frontier Alliance International – Operation Good Neighbor.
27:34 The post-scandal path forward.
34:15 The need for transparency and accountability.
43:09 The influence of Art Katz’ view of the end times.
51:50 A proleptic view of the Messianic Kingdom.
55:46 Is Mount Sinai in Arabia?

– Episode Resources –
Joel’s Trumpet: joelstrumpet.com
When a Jew Rules the World: https://www.amazon.com/When-Jew-Rules-World-Really/dp/B0D6KXZ4PB
X: https://x.com/@Joel7Richardson

Messiah Podcast is a production of First Fruits of Zion (https://ffoz.org) in conjunction with Messiah Magazine. This publication is designed to provide rich substance, meaningful Jewish contexts, cultural understanding of the teaching of Jesus, and the background of modern faith from a Messianic Jewish perspective.
 
Messiah Podcast theme music provided with permission by Joshua Aaron Music (http://JoshuaAaron.tv). “Cover the Sea” Copyright WorshipinIsrael.com songs 2020. All rights reserved.

63 – Exposing Scandal, Standing for Zion | Joel Richardson

The evangelical church is in the midst of a scandal epidemic. But the deeper issue is a misunderstanding of the gospel. Without repentance, the gospel loses its power, and so-called Christians persist in willful sin. Our guest today, Marc Tuzzolino, is on a mission to restore a first-century Jewish apocalyptic understanding of the gospel in the context of an accountability group for men who want to live transparent lives characterized by real repentance.

– Episode Highlights –
00:00 A discipleship and accountability group.
5:36 Inspiration behind the group's founding.
7:45 Adam Loves Eve book resource.
14:22 The core gospel elements missing from modern Christian culture.
20:20 In light of the final judgment.
28:51 Proactive love overcomes objectification.
36:56 Torah Club’s impact.
39:32 Community support is vital.
46:36 Success in transformed lives.

– Episode Resources –
Apocalyptic Accountability Group 
https://apocalypticaccountability.org/

Messiah Podcast is a production of First Fruits of Zion (https://ffoz.org) in conjunction with Messiah Magazine. This publication is designed to provide rich substance, meaningful Jewish contexts, cultural understanding of the teaching of Jesus, and the background of modern faith from a Messianic Jewish perspective.
 
Messiah Podcast theme music provided with permission by Joshua Aaron Music (http://JoshuaAaron.tv). “Cover the Sea” Copyright WorshipinIsrael.com songs 2020. All rights reserved.


64 – Apocalyptic Accountability | Marc Tuzzolino

Followers of Yeshua are called to take up their cross—to become martyrs. This mandate inspired one filmmaker, Reed Smith, to explore the lives of those disciples who are risking everything to follow Yeshua. In the process, he found that the gospel message was inextricably tied to the exile and redemption of Israel. In this episode, filmmaker Reed Smith discusses the themes of his new film, Sojourners and Exiles, which explores the cost of discipleship for modern-day disciples of Yeshua.

– Episode Takeaways –
• The Call to Martyrdom and Discipleship – Followers of Yeshua are called to take up their cross, a theme that inspired filmmaker Reed Smith to explore modern discipleship and persecution.
• The Gospel’s Connection to Israel – Smith discovered that the message of the gospel is deeply tied to the exile and redemption of Israel, emphasizing that God's plan is Israel-centric.
• "Sojourners and Exiles" Film – The documentary explores the cost of discipleship, focusing on real-life martyrs and their sacrifices for faith.
• Western Christianity Lacks a Theology of Martyrdom – The podcast discusses how many Western Christians have not seriously considered martyrdom, while believers in other parts of the world face real persecution.
• The Film's Unexpected Shift – While initially about martyrdom, the film evolves into a broader message about the Gospel of the Kingdom, the role of Israel, and the Jewish Messiah’s return.
• A Palestinian Jordanian’s Journey – The film features a Palestinian Jordanian Christian who, despite cultural and religious opposition, embraces an Israel-centric gospel, demonstrating deep personal sacrifice.
• Persecution for Supporting Israel – The discussion highlights how supporting Israel is becoming increasingly controversial, even within Christian circles, leading to potential persecution in the West.
• The True Meaning of Matthew 25 – The film presents a compelling interpretation that Jesus' "least of these my brethren" in Matthew 25 refers to the Jewish people, challenging traditional Christian views.
• Torah Club’s Role in Spiritual Growth – Smith shares how joining a Torah Club has deepened his understanding of the Jewish context of Scripture, reinforcing the need to see Jesus within His Jewish identity.


– Episode Resources –
Sojourners and Exiles Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqSp8VmjHV0
Sojourners and Exiles Film: https://49tenfilms.vhx.tv/
I See Nations Trailer:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvgNZir8ns8
I See Nations Film: https://youtu.be/mDun8p4u9LM?si

Messiah Podcast is a production of First Fruits of Zion (https://ffoz.org) in conjunction with Messiah Magazine. This publication is designed to provide rich substance, meaningful Jewish contexts, cultural understanding of the teaching of Jesus, and the background of modern faith from a Messianic Jewish perspective.
 
Messiah Podcast theme music provided with permission by Joshua Aaron Music (http://JoshuaAaron.tv). “Cover the Sea” Copyright WorshipinIsrael.com songs 2020. All rights reserved.

69 – Sojourners and Exiles | Filmmaker Reed Smith

Dr. Kinzer, President of MJTI speaks on the topic of tevilah/baptism in the life of a Jewish follower of Yeshua.  Rather than a way out of Jewish life, Dr. Kinzer demonstrates that tevilah is a deeper entering into Jewish life for Jewish followers of Yeshua. 

1 hour talk plus Q&A period.

Messianic Tevilah by Dr. Mark Kinzer

www.apocalypticaccountability.org

Israel reveals the hearts of men, and… Jerusalem will sift the nations.

Session 5 - The Jerusalem Offering

AAG

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