LifeAudio and the Salem Podcast Community lately launched The Greg Laurie Present, a model‑new podcast the place Pastor Greg Laurie dives into scripture, tradition, and present occasions by way of participating conversations with thought leaders and trusted voices within the religion neighborhood. Every episode is designed to assist listeners develop deeper of their understanding of God’s Phrase whereas navigating the world round them with knowledge and hope. On this article, we’ll take a better have a look at episode one, that includes a robust dialogue with Joel Rosenberg.
Episode One: Have the Jews Been Changed as God’s Chosen Individuals?
In the case of biblical prophecy and trendy occasions, few matters spark as a lot curiosity—and generally controversy—because the query of Israel’s position in God’s plan. On this episode, Pastor Greg Laurie sat down with best-selling writer and Bible‑prophecy professional Joel Rosenberg to debate this very query: Have the Jews been changed as God’s chosen individuals?
Their wide-ranging dialog touched on every part from Joel’s sudden journey into ministry to the theological nuances of alternative theology, the unfolding story of contemporary Israel, and even China’s potential prophetic position. Right here’s an in-depth have a look at the key themes and insights from this thought-provoking dialogue.
Joel Rosenberg’s Unlikely Journey
At the beginning of the episode, Joel shared a stunning backstory. Rising up, he by no means imagined himself as a voice for Bible prophecy. He described himself as a humorous, inventive “class clown” who initially dreamed of writing tv comedy. But, as he explored his Jewish heritage and encountered Jesus as Messiah, his pursuits shifted dramatically.
Joel started to see Scripture not simply as an historical textual content however as a roadmap for the occasions we reside in. Over time, he grew to become a trusted commentator on biblical prophecy, mixing his love for storytelling with deep theological perception. This distinctive mixture of humor, cultural consciousness, and biblical conviction set the tone for the remainder of the dialog.
Why Prophecy Issues—And Why It’s Hardly ever Taught
Joel and Greg noticed that, whereas prophecy was as soon as a preferred matter in Christian circles (bear in mind The Late Nice Planet Earth or the Left Behind sequence?), many pastors right this moment draw back from it. Why?
In response to Joel, there are a number of causes:
Complexity: Prophecy requires cautious examine of each Outdated and New Testomony passages.
Controversy: Some worry being labeled alarmist or speculative.
Cultural Strain: In a time when church buildings give attention to relevance and sensible life classes, prophecy can really feel “too summary.”
But, Joel argues that prophecy is way from summary. He factors to the speedy alignment of contemporary nations—Russia, Iran, and others—precisely as Scripture foretold centuries in the past. To disregard prophecy is, in his phrases, to disregard a major a part of God’s Phrase.
Conversations Behind Closed Doorways
One fascinating a part of the episode concerned Joel’s behind-the-scenes work with political leaders. Through the years, he’s briefed members of Congress, senators, and even high-ranking diplomats on biblical prophecy.
Greg requested Joel about these interactions, and he recounted tales of sharing prophecy with leaders who’re making an attempt to make sense of geopolitical shifts. Joel famous how prophecy isn’t simply tutorial; it will possibly form how leaders take into consideration the Center East, Israel’s safety, and international peace.
One placing instance was his church’s help of Israel by way of sensible means. Joel described serving to fund and ship a bulletproof ambulance to Israel, assembly tangible wants whereas additionally standing in solidarity with the Jewish individuals.
Understanding Alternative Theology
The center of the episode targeted on a theological idea generally known as Alternative Theology, or Supersessionism. That is the concept the Church has completely changed Israel in God’s covenantal plan.
Joel outlined two main types of this educating:
Exhausting Alternative Theology: Claims that God has rejected Israel fully, and all guarantees now apply solely to the Church.
Comfortable Alternative Theology: A extra refined view that acknowledges Israel’s historical past however downplays its prophetic future.
Joel and Greg made it clear: each types battle with Scripture. Passages like Romans 11 describe Israel as an olive tree, with Gentiles “grafted in”—not a tree that has been chopped down and changed.
Joel pointed to real-world proof supporting this biblical imaginative and prescient:
- The fashionable rebirth of Israel in 1948.
- The continuing development of Messianic Jewish communities—over 30,000 believers in Israel and almost a million worldwide.
- Fulfilled prophecies that present God nonetheless has a plan for His historical individuals.
Even revered theologians who admire Israel generally cease in need of recognizing these occasions as prophetic success. Joel urged listeners to embrace the plain studying of Scripture and see Israel’s restoration as a part of God’s unfolding plan.
The Nice Fee and Jewish Evangelism
One other key theme was the Church’s accountability towards the Jewish individuals. Joel emphasised that the Nice Fee—“Go and make disciples of all nations”—contains the Jewish nation.
Traditionally, some Christians have uncared for and even opposed outreach to Jewish communities. Joel challenged this mindset, reminding listeners that Jesus Himself was Jewish, as have been the apostles and early church leaders. Sharing the gospel with Jewish associates and neighbors just isn’t solely applicable however profoundly biblical.
He shared inspiring tales of Jewish believers coming to religion after which turning into highly effective witnesses to others. This ripple impact, Joel defined, is a stupendous image of God’s covenant faithfulness.
A Name to Motion
Because the episode wrapped up, Greg and Joel inspired listeners to not be passive spectators. Understanding prophecy isn’t nearly charts and timelines—it’s about dwelling with urgency and faithfulness.
Joel supplied three takeaways:
- Research the Scriptures: Don’t neglect prophecy; it’s a part of God’s impressed Phrase.
- Pray for Israel: Scripture instructions us to “pray for the peace of Jerusalem.”
- Reside on Mission: Whether or not it’s sharing the gospel, supporting ministries, or serving your neighborhood, be prepared and energetic in God’s calling.
Greg added that hope, not worry, ought to outline our perspective. Once we see God’s guarantees coming to life, it ought to gas our confidence in His plan.
Ultimate Reflections
This episode was greater than a theological dialogue; it was a reminder that God’s guarantees are alive and nicely. Israel’s existence, the expansion of Messianic believers, and the advanced internet of worldwide politics all level to a Creator who’s writing historical past with function.
Joel Rosenberg’s insights, mixed with Greg Laurie’s pastoral knowledge, paint a compelling image: The Jews haven’t been changed. God’s covenant with Israel stays, and His plan for the Church is to face alongside them in religion, love, and mission.
In a world the place headlines change by the hour, prophecy provides one thing uncommon—a gentle assurance that God is in management. As Joel put it, learning prophecy isn’t about worry or hypothesis. It’s about becoming a member of God’s story and dwelling boldly in mild of His guarantees.
Don’t miss out on these thought-provoking conversations every week. Be a part of us for The Greg Laurie Present at LifeAudio and the Salem Podcast Community, and uncover contemporary insights, inspiring tales, and biblical knowledge that can encourage you in your religion journey.
Need to Hear Extra?
This Sunday, July 19th, is the Harvest Campaign at Angel Stadium. The occasion is free to attend and encompasses a message from Pastor Greg Laurie, in addition to particular company Chris Tomlin, Cody Carnes, Kari Jobe Carnes, Brooke Ligertwood, and We The Kingdom. RSVP right this moment!
You too can take heed to Greg Laurie’s every day broadcast on OnePlace.com and watch his weekly tv broadcast on LightSource.com.
Initially printed July 17, 2025.
