Our Hope Podcast

April 25, 2023 will mark seventy-five years since Israel’s independence in 1948. Israel’s national rebirth after World War II is a testimony of God’s faithfulness to bring His people back to the land He promised them. To commemorate this historical milestone, we have invited a special guest, Pat Boone, to discuss a significant song he wrote in the 1960s: “The Exodus Song.”

God uses people with all kinds of different backgrounds, skills, and experiences. Wherever we live and work, He invites us to be part of His mission. We all have a role to play in bringing the good news of eternal life in the Messiah Yeshua to all the world. In this episode, we interview Tom and JoAnn Doyle. They founded Uncharted Ministries, an organization that focuses on making disciples among Jewish and Arab people in the Middle East. We discuss topics including: · What is a disciple? · Are we all called to ministry? · How can we make disciples among our family and friends? · How can we encourage believers who are facing persecution?

One of the most difficult challenges we face in life is losing someone we love. We all go through grief at some point. This necessary process allows us to express the pain we feel after loss. Healthy grieving helps us come to terms with what happened and move forward in life. This episode, featuring Ellis Goldstein, is a conversation between two people who have experienced bitter loss. They discuss topics including: · The role of community in grief · How loss changed their view of God · How to grieve with hope · Why it is important to grieve

“How can God be loving and allow suffering?” is one of the most difficult theological questions there is. Though we may not know why we suffer, we do not suffer alone. Yeshua Himself is called “a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3). When enduring the inevitable trials of life, we are to trust in Him. In this episode, we speak with Carissa Kerstetter and Kim Surasky, who struggle with chronic illness. We discuss questions including: · How does Yeshua’s suffering give us hope to endure our own suffering? · Does suffering have any purpose? · What advice would you give to a family member of someone who is suffering? · How does being aware of suffering in Jewish history help us share about the Messiah with Jewish people?

Wondering how God can use the events of your life for His glory? Putting our trust in the Messiah is only one step in our spiritual journey. God is always at work, making us more like His Son, Yeshua. In this episode, we hear from three Messianic Jewish believers. · Len Rosenberg grew up in a family where there was a lot of anger. The Messiah taught Him how to forgive. · Vanessa Leef came from a Messianic Jewish family. When God called her to make Israel her home, though, she was unsure what to do. · As a teenager, Toby Mann got involved with alcohol and drugs. A coworker helped him discover the abundant life that Yeshua offers.

Time and again, Scripture tells us not to be afraid. Fear often stems from a lack of trust in God. Sometimes we need a reminder that the Lord loves us and is in control. Though we will certainly face pain and challenges, we need not give in to fear. We invited Darlene Line to discuss this difficult topic with us. She was a senior special agent for the Department of Homeland Security when 9/11 happened. This tragedy was a turning point that eventually led to her working with Chosen People Ministries. In this episode, we wrestle with questions including: · What can we learn about fear from the Hebrew Scriptures? · Is fear sinful? · Why does the Bible say that we should fear God? · What are some verses we can ponder when we start to worry? · How do we find true peace?

When we put our trust in Yeshua, we become part of the body of Messiah—the global community of people who believe in Jesus. It is also crucial to join a local congregation where we can worship together, study God’s Word, and love one another. Community can also be messy, and conflict is inevitable. To help us navigate conflict in our relationships, we invited back Scott Brown. He has served God’s chosen people in the United States and New Zealand since 1987. We discuss questions including: · Why is it important for followers of Yeshua to attend a church or messianic congregation? · What does the nature of God tell us about community? · What does Judaism teach about conflict resolution? · What are some strategies to de-escalate a tense situation? · How do we decide what is worth fighting for?

The Bible depicts God in a way that leads to awe and worship. He is the king of the universe who is loving and merciful (Exodus 34:6–7). God is transcendent—yet He chooses to draw near to us. Worship, the natural response to God’s generosity, is central to who we are as human beings. In this episode, we discuss how to worship the Lord passionately, “in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). Our guest is Yaron Cherniak, a Jerusalem-based musician, composer, and songwriter. He is also part of MIQEDEM, a messianic worship band. In this episode, we address topics including: · What Judaism teaches about worship · What worship looks like in Israel · How to balance performance and worship · How to cultivate a heart of worship

Prayer is one of the most important aspects of our faith in Messiah—and yet, it is often complicated and misunderstood. The same can be said for fasting, which is arguably the less popular spiritual discipline. If you have ever wondered how we should pray or why we fast, then you will definitely want to hear this episode of Our Hope podcast. We have invited back Fiona Sorbala, who serves God’s chosen people in the United Kingdom. Together, we discuss questions like: · How did prayer work in the Old Testament? · What does Judaism teach about prayer? · What did Jesus say about fasting? · What role does fasting play in Judaism?

The Bible is a book like no other—it tells us who God is, who we are, and how to live. God said, “So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; it will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11). In this episode, we go deep into why and how to study Scripture. We tackle topics including: · Suggestions for where a new believer in Yeshua can begin reading · The role of the Holy Spirit in Bible study · How to fit Bible reading into everyday life · How to interpret Scripture · The Jewish context of the Bible Our guest is Michael Rydelnik, DMiss. He is the professor of Jewish studies at Moody Bible Institute, host of the Open Line radio show, and editor of the Moody Bible Commentary.

In the New Testament, many people are immersed (or baptized) after putting their trust in Yeshua. This practice today carries much historical baggage, especially for Jewish people, because of the church’s history of forced conversions. Immersion, however, is rooted in Old Testament purification laws. In this episode, we discuss the historical background of immersion and why it is important. We address questions including why Yeshua was baptized, what baptism by the Holy Spirit means, and why immersion is part of the Great Commission. You will also hear the story of one Jewish man who recently chose to be immersed. Our guest is Robert Walter, New York regional director for Chosen People Ministries.

Repentance—turning to God—is central to the gospel. This act may be difficult, as it means facing our sin and admitting we were wrong. Thankfully, repentance also paves the way for healing. God delights to forgive us and make us new (Isaiah 1:18). Repentance is part of starting to follow Yeshua, and it remains an important practice throughout our lives. In this episode, we discuss repentance with Seth Postell, PhD, the academic dean of Israel College of the Bible. He has written several books, including Adam and Israel and Reading Moses, Seeing Jesus. We tackle questions such as the role of repentance in Judaism, how to overcome patterns of sin, and why we need to forgive others.

The Hebrew Scriptures tell us much about who the Messiah would be and what He would do. The prophet Daniel also foretold, with amazing specificity, when the Messiah would come. In just a few verses, he laid out God’s plan for Israel, including their return from exile, the rebuilding of Jerusalem, and the Messiah’s death. In this episode, we discuss Daniel 9:24–27 with Dr. Michael Rydelnik, professor of Jewish studies at Moody Bible Institute, host of Open Line radio show, and editor of The Moody Handbook of Messianic Prophecy.

References to Bethlehem often appear in Christmas songs, cards, and devotionals. The prophet Micah wrote that Israel’s future ruler would be born in Bethlehem (Mic 5:2–5a). These verses, though, do much more than just name the Messiah’s birthplace. They also indicate the Messiah’s eternal nature and universal reign. In this episode, we discuss why Bethlehem is significant and what this prophecy tells us about Jesus. Our guest is Rich Freeman, DMin. After placing his trust in Jesus the Messiah, he pursued vocational ministry and has pastored several churches and messianic congregations. He has served with Chosen People Ministries since 1999 as Vice President of Church Ministries and Conferences.

One of the most well-known messianic prophecies, Isaiah 9:6 calls the Messiah “the Prince of Peace.” This title, when applied to Jesus, has been a source of hope and encouragement for many. Our world yearns for peace, especially during the holiday season, but what exactly is peace and how does Jesus achieve it? In this episode, Olivier Melnick, the Chosen People Ministries southwest regional director, discusses what Isaiah 9:6 tells us about Yeshua.

Hearing Messianic prophecy is a key turning point for many Jewish people who believe in Jesus. God’s Word is powerful, and through it, they come to realize that only Yeshua fits what the prophets wrote about the Messiah. In this episode, we listen to the testimonies of three Jewish believers in Yeshua whose lives were changed as they read Messianic prophecy. Jacques was amazed at the specificity of passages such as Isaiah 53. Hylan did not think Jewish people could believe in Jesus . . . until he discovered Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53. When Ronit considered the prophet like Moses mentioned in Deuteronomy, she realized that He could only be Jesus. Listen to find out how each person’s life changed after their incredible discoveries about the Messiah.

As we read through the Gospels, one of the things we see Jesus doing most often is teaching. His disciples even called him “Rabbi.” By the first century, rabbi was the title of a religious teacher and indicated the respect His followers had for Him as their teacher and guide. This role also encourages us today, for the Messiah continues to lead as we go about our lives. In this episode, we turn to Isaiah 30:19–21, which speaks of the Lord as a “Teacher.” Our guest is Scott Brown, who is the former director of our global partner in New Zealand.

Yeshua brought Israel God’s message about the kingdom and the forgiveness of sins. When Scripture refers to the Messiah as God’s messenger, this includes both His teaching and His role in the final judgment. In this episode, we dive into Malachi 3:1 and 4:1–5, which speak of a messenger who will pave the way for the Lord. We discuss what they say about the Messiah with Dr. Daniel Nessim, who leads Chosen People Ministries in Washington State and Vancouver, Canada. He holds a PhD in theology and religion, his specialty being the earliest followers of Yeshua.

In this episode, we turn to Joel 2:28–32. In this passage, the prophet spoke about the Messianic outpouring of God’s Spirit. During the end times, the Spirit will come on all people and everyone who calls on the Lord will be saved. Our guest, Randall, helps us better understand this passage and shares how the words of the prophet are being fulfilled in Israel today.

Few books of the Bible speak as much about the Messiah as the book of Psalms. In this episode, we discuss what Psalms 86, 87, and 88 tell us about the Messiah’s suffering, death, and resurrection. Our guest is Robert Walter, the New York regional director for Chosen People Ministries.