For centuries the church condensed the story of the Bible into one single narrative comprised of a simple, four-act structure. God created the world, humankind sinned causing the world to fall into disrepair, Jesus died for our sins and redeemed us, and in the future God will restore all of creation. But this narrative skips over everything that happens from Genesis 3 to Matthew 1. Dr. Kendall Soulen, renowned theologian and author, joins the podcast to share how Israel’s story is a key part of this larger biblical narrative and how losing that story makes our theology incomplete somehow. Listen in to discover how to reclaim the unity of the Bible by recognizing the same God at work in both the Old and the New Testaments.

👉 Key Discussion Points:

► Reframe the overall story-arc of the Bible.

► How supersessionism emerged and why it’s a persistent theological mistake.

► What is God’s personal name and what does it signify about His identity?

► How Jesus exemplifies reverence for God's name and modeled a deep respect that Christians can emulate.

► Practical insights for pastors and believers on how awareness of God's name can transform your devotional life and church teaching.

Whether you’re a student of theology, a church leader, or a curious believer, this conversation challenges assumptions and offers a fresh lens to interpret the Bible more faithfully.

📚 BOOKS

The God of Israel and Christian Theology

Irrevocable: The Name of God and the Unity of the Christian Bible

Israel Matters

📃 ARTICLES

Israel Forgetfulness

A Blow to Replacement Theology

Dismantling Replacement Theology

The Biblical Blueprint of Peoplehood

Is the Church Israel

To Proclaim My Name

Hallowed Be Your Name

What's His Name

🎙️ PODCASTS

Is 1 Peter for Jews or Gentiles? | Dr. Kelly Liebengood

A New History of Redemption | Dr. Gerald R. McDermott

An Anglican Disentangled from Supersessionism | Dr. Gerald R. McDermott

– Who is Messiah Podcast? –

Messiah Podcast is a production of First Fruits of Zion (FFOZ), a Messianic Jewish education organization dedicated to reconciling disciples of Yeshua with God's prophetic promises to Israel.

Messiah Podcast is made possible by the generosity of our First Fruits of Zion Friends. FFOZ Friends help advance our mission while gaining access to exclusive Messianic Jewish teachings and resources. If you want to partner with us in spreading the message of the kingdom to all nations, become an FFOZ Friend today.

The roots of modern Messianic Judaism extend farther back into history than the cultural expression that emerged out of the 1960s. It’s a story of pioneering faith, a few missed opportunities, along with overcoming fierce challenges. Dr. Gershon Nerel is a Jewish believer in Yeshua and a historian who joins Messiah Podcast from the messianic archive center on the outskirts of Jerusalem in Israel. He has spent decades studying the history of Jewish believers in Jesus. His research informs us regarding both the past and the future. Dr. Nerel’s insights challenge us to reconsider how history, identity, and faith intertwine for Jewish believers in Yeshua living in Israel today.

👉 Key Discussion Points:

► The artifacts, archives, and personal stories that reveal the complex journey of Jewish believers in Yeshua.

► The rise and fall of key figures like Abram Poljak and the importance of stability and independence in movement growth.

► The impact of political upheavals, such as Operation Mercy, on the survival of Hebrew Christians and Jewish believers in Israel.

► "Messianic Judaism" vs. "Yeshua Judaism" and why the terminology matters.

► The ongoing struggle to reconnect with biblical, independent expression of faith beyond church doctrines and denominational control.

Gershon Nerel is a trailblazing historian with decades of research into Messianic Jewish roots in Israel whose work uncovers the overlooked and often suppressed stories of faith, exile, and revival. Step into the archives with us because the future of Messianic Judaism depends on knowing its past.

🔖 Chapters

00:00 The History of Messianic Jews in Israel

03:28 Research Journey and Primary Sources

10:33 Establishing the Messianic Jewish Archive

17:11 Key Figures in Messianic Jewish History

24:02 Operation Mercy and it’s generational impact

29:55 Emissaries not Missionaries

34:39 Avram Poljak, A Courageous Pioneer

43:51 The Tragic loss of Abraham's Vineyard

49:56 The Current State of Messianic Judaism in Israel

👉 Resources:

Gershon Nerel’s Research

Books about Jewish Believers in Yeshua

Articles:
https://ffoz.org/messiah/articles/dr-gershon-nerel-speaks-at-the-bram-center
https://ffoz.org/hub/friends/teaching/the-history-of-messianic-jews-in-israel

Messiah Magazine Issue 18

– Who is Messiah Podcast? –

Messiah Podcast is a production of First Fruits of Zion (FFOZ), a Messianic Jewish education organization dedicated to reconciling disciples of Yeshua with God's prophetic promises to Israel.

Messiah Podcast is made possible by the generosity of our First Fruits of Zion Friends. FFOZ Friends help advance our mission while gaining access to exclusive Messianic Jewish teachings and resources. If you want to partner with us in spreading the message of the kingdom to all nations, become an FFOZ Friend today.

Most disciples overlook one of the most profound spiritual opportunities of the year: the Counting of the Omer. Damian Eisner unpacks how this simple, ancient practice transcends tradition and reveals a pathway to inner growth, humility, and divine empowerment. If you’ve ever wondered how biblical festivals like Passover and Shavu’ot connect to your daily walk with God, this episode will reshape that understanding. The calendar provides both reflections of history and strategic moments for transformation.

👉 Key Discussion Points:

► Come learn the core purpose of counting the Omer. It’s not just counting days but elevating your soul from bondage to sin toward a new level of spiritual maturity.

► Damian shares insights on how to use this period for self-examination, gratitude, and character refinement. Remember, the process is about you changing (not your neighbor), not checking off a ritual box.

► Damian offers practical exercises for using this time to intentionally cultivate your character with patience and humility.

If you are seeking deeper purpose, spiritual discipline, or a fresh perspective on biblical festivals, this episode will provide you with practical steps for transformation. Clear, grounded, and packed with insight, it will help you capitalize on God’s calendar for growth that lasts well beyond the season.

🔖 Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Counting the Omer

05:13 The Significance of Barley in Jewish Tradition

07:09 Counting the Omer for Spiritual Maturity

14:17 The Omer, Repentance, and Discipleship

18:47 Interpersonal Improvements

25:07 Learning from Moses’ Leadership

32:42 Navigating Difficult Relationships

37:03 Helping Others Improve

40:29 Counting the Omer with Gratitude

46:35 Growth with a Trusted Friend

👉 Resources:

► Resource

BOOKS

Heart of Moses - https://ffoz.store/products/the-heart-of-moses

Adam loves Eve - https://ffoz.store/products/adam-loves-eve-book

ARTICLES

https://ffoz.org/messiah/articles/christian-pop-and-counting-the-omer

https://ffoz.org/messiah/articles/counting-the-omer

https://ffoz.org/messiah/articles/counting-from-passover-to-pentecost

OMER COUNTER: https://us-east-1.graphassets.com/APqS8y7QATaCvy9gijJ3oz/cmmdrlj129bq006iqmha4rrna?dl=true

– Who is Messiah Podcast? –

Messiah Podcast is a production of First Fruits of Zion (FFOZ), a Messianic Jewish education organization dedicated to reconciling disciples of Yeshua with God's prophetic promises to Israel.

Messiah Podcast is made possible by the generosity of our First Fruits of Zion Friends. FFOZ Friends help advance our mission while gaining access to exclusive Messianic Jewish teachings and resources. If you want to partner with us in spreading the message of the kingdom to all nations, become an FFOZ Friend today.