A wave of questions about Israel has been hitting us in our church, conversations with friends, and the wider culture. In this episode, Brandon and Susan unpack the biblical, historical, and current-day reasons Christians wrestle with their views on Israel. They break down the Old Testament covenant, end-times perspectives, Paul’s teaching in Romans 9–11, the meaning of “chosen people,” whether it’s ever appropriate to criticize Israel, and how to think about war, genocide claims, and modern geopolitics as followers of Jesus.

QUESTIONS:
1. What does the Bible teach about God’s covenant with Israel, and how should that shape the way Christians think about modern Israel?
2. Brandon and Susan talked about loving Israel while still being able to critique its government. How do we apply this same “both/and” approach to nations, politics, or leaders today?
3. Romans 11 describes a remnant, grafting in, and God’s heart for Israel. What does this passage teach us about God’s character and about our responsibility toward both Jews and Gentiles today?

READ MORE:

• Genesis 12:1–3
• Genesis 22:17
• 2 Chronicles 33
• Psalm 122:6
• Matthew 1
• Romans 10:1–4, 9–13
• Romans 11:1–24
• Romans 11:25–32

We dive into what it means to bring our best to God as an act of worship in every part of life. Excellence is not about perfection but about honoring God with gratitude for His greatest gift, Jesus. We explore the “best-bandits” that keep us from wholehearted worship and how to live as image bearers who reflect God’s character.

QUESTIONS:

1. What are the “best-bandits” (like laziness, greed, or misplaced priorities) that most often steal your focus from giving God your best?
2. How does remembering that Jesus is God’s best change the way you approach your daily work and worship?
3. In what areas of your life—home, church, or career—do you sense God calling you to raise the standard of excellence?

READ MORE:

• Offering God pure sacrifices in Malachi 1:6–14
• “Do everything as unto the Lord” in Colossians 3:23
• Honoring the Lord with your firstfruits in Proverbs 3:9–10
• Jesus as the perfect sacrifice in Hebrews 10:10–14
• Living sacrifices and spiritual worship in Romans 12:1–2

We explore the power of communication in shaping family culture and discipling children. Drawing from the Shema in Deuteronomy 6, we emphasize speaking God’s truth intentionally and consistently in everyday life. When parents prioritize authentic faith and regular conversations, they set their children up to love God deeply and walk in His ways.

QUESTIONS:

1. How did the communication style in your family of origin shape the way you connect with others today?
2. What intentional practices could you adopt to saturate your home with God’s truth in everyday conversations?
3. How can you model authentic faith for your children without slipping into legalism?

READ MORE:

• The Shema in Deuteronomy 6:4–9
• “Train up a child in the way he should go” in Proverbs 22:6
• “Trust in the Lord with all your heart” in Proverbs 3:5–6
• Parents teaching God’s commands in Ephesians 6:4
• God working in us to will and to act in Philippians 2:13