Covenant & Conflict

Gateway Center for Israel
  • 5.0 (12)
  • RELIGION
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

"Covenant & Conflict" is a thought-provoking podcast produced by the “Gateway Center for Israel” and hosted by Nic Lesmeister and David Blease, where ancient biblical truths meet contemporary issues head-on. Each episode offers a deep dive into complex and often divisive topics with subject matter experts, aiming to explore the intersection of covenantal values and modern debates. Instead of fostering division, this podcast seeks to model respectful engagement and peaceful discourse amidst conflict.

  1. 12/03/2025

    Reject Replacement Theology & Embrace Revival with David Blease & Joakim Lundquvist

    In this episode of the Covenant and Conflict Podcast, we sit down with Pastor Joakim Lundqvist to explore his powerful journey of faith, the unique story of his church in Sweden, and his deep heart for Israel and the Jewish people.Pastor Joakim shares how revival first broke out in his life as a teenager, how he helped build a church movement that now impacts nations across Europe and Asia, and how a prophetic word prepared his church for an unexpected wave of Middle Eastern refugees who would ultimately encounter Jesus.Together, we talk about the biblical foundation for blessing Israel, the dangers of replacement theology, the call of both Jews and Gentiles in God’s redemptive plan, and the modern tensions surrounding Israel today. Pastor Joakim also shares compelling stories from Israel, insights on reaching the next generation, and why experiencing the Land firsthand transforms how believers read the Bible.If you’re seeking clarity on Israel, the Middle East, or how to stand with a biblical worldview, this conversation will encourage and equip you.

    1h 4m

  2. 11/05/2025

    Torah-Observant Jewish Man Finds Yeshua Through The Chosen | David Blease & Rocket Rudolph

    In this profoundly moving episode of the Covenant & Conflict Podcast, host David Blease sits down with Rocket Rudolph, a Torah-observant Jewish follower of Yeshua, to share his remarkable journey of faith from Orthodox Judaism to a life-changing encounter with the Living God sparked by the television series "The Chosen." In this episode, Rocket shares his experience growing up Jewish, his early encounters with Jesus-believers, and years of faithful Torah observance, living immersed in Orthodox Judaism in London and New York. Rocket shares his pain, loss, and spiritual emptiness that led him to a breaking point in Brazil. His journey took an unexpected turn when he was encouraged to watch "The Chosen," and his life mirrored a scene between a man and Yeshua (Jesus). Hear how Rocket now interprets living a Torah-Observant life as a Jewish Man following Yeshua Messiah. This is an incredible story of identity, redemption, and restoration, which is proof that God still meets us in the most unexpected places. Subscribe for more conversations on faith, Israel, and the unity of Jew and Gentile in Messiah.

    49 min

  3. 10/22/2025

    Arab Christian From Bethlehem: How Believers Should View Israel

    In this compelling episode of the Covenant & Conflict Podcast, Arab Christian pastor Steven Khoury from Bethlehem shares what it’s like to live out his faith in the middle of the Israel–Palestine conflict. Born in Jerusalem and raised in Bethlehem, Steven shares his personal journey of persecution, ministry, and hope. He discusses: What life is really like for Arab Christians in the West Bank (Biblical Judea & Samaria)The difference between political opinions and biblical truth about IsraelWhy God’s covenant with Israel still standsHow followers of Jesus can love both sides without compromiseThis heartfelt interview brings a powerful message of unity, faith, and God’s redemptive plan for the Middle East. Watch more conversations about faith, Israel, and the Gospel at work in the Holy Land. #Israel #Palestine #MiddleEastChristianity #CovenantAndConflict #ChristianPodcast

    1h 5m

  4. 10/08/2025

    Chief Rabbi Sees Yeshua and Defies the Nazis: When Jews and Christians Stood Together

    This episode of Covenant and Conflict shares the true story of Rabbi Daniel Zion, the chief rabbi of Bulgaria during World War II. After a profound vision of Yeshua as the Messiah, Rabbi Zion partnered with Metropolitan Stefan, a leader in the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, to resist Nazi orders and protect the Jewish community. Together, they helped save over 50,000 Bulgarian Jews from deportation and death. Though Rabbi Zion later faced rejection from his own community because of his Messianic faith, his legacy endures through the testimony of those he saved and through a new book written by the guest’s family. The episode reflects on faith under pressure, the courage to stand for righteousness, and the enduring bond between Jews and Gentiles in the face of darkness.

    52 min

  5. 09/24/2025

    The Theology of Hell: Jewish Insights, Christian Tradition, and Theological Tensions with Dr. Dan Call

    The Bible’s teaching on Hell can be challenging. Much of our knowledge about Hell comes from the words of Jesus himself, but what did his Jewish audience understand at the time? In this conversation, we sit down with Dr. Dan Call, Chair of the Department of Doctoral Studies and Professor of Practical Theology, to explore these questions.In the Hebrew Scriptures and in Jewish thought, “Hell” was less about eternal damnation and more about purification or temporary separation. Jesus speaks about both immediate and long-term consequences of our choices, urging people to recognize him as the Son of Man and Messiah.Scholars continue to debate whether Hell represents eternal punishment or ultimate annihilation. Still, the greater emphasis of the New Testament is not on Hell itself but on the gift of eternal life that Jesus offers. But is the opposite of eternal life, endless torment? Or separation from God?If you are seeking a deeper understanding of the biblical view of Hell, the different scholarly perspectives, and the tension between Jewish and Christian theologies on eternal punishment, check out this episode.#BibleStudy #EternalLife #HellInTheBible #JewishThought #JesusTeaching #HeavenAndHell #ChristianTheology #MessianicFaith

    46 min

  6. 09/10/2025

    Is the Pro-Israel Church out of Proportion? A letter to Gateway sparks conversation: with Hannah Morton

    Welcome back to Covenant and Conflict, the podcast from the Gateway Center for Israel where faith meets one of the world’s most complex conversations.In this episode, we sit down with Hannah Morton, whose journey into this topic began when she noticed how “pro-Israel” our church was. While she deeply understood the theology and biblical priority of Israel and the Jewish people, she began asking a bold and uncomfortable question: Is our love for Isaac unintentionally leaving Ishmael in the corner?Hannah shares how her upbringing near Native American reservations shaped her heart for empathy and tension—an invaluable perspective when looking at the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. Together, we wrestle with questions at the intersection of biblical theology and real-world conflict:• How do we honor God’s covenant with Israel while embracing His image in all people?• What happens when our passion for one group causes us to overlook another?• Why is humility and a refusal to oversimplify vital for this conversation?This is not an easy dialogue—but it’s an essential one. If you’ve ever wondered how to faithfully navigate the tension between God’s covenant promises and the messiness of global conflict, this episode is for you.👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to stay updated on every episode of Covenant and Conflict.#Israel #Christianity #Podcast #GatewayCenterForIsrael #CovenantAndConflict ---- FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: https://instagram.com/CenterForIsrael https://www.facebook.com/CenterForIsrael https://twitter.com/CenterForIsrael https://www.linkedin.com/company/gateway-center-for-israel LEARNING RESOURCES: Getting Started — Israel 101: https://centerforisrael.com/getting-started Israel Prayer Guide: https://centerforisrael.com/israel-prayer-guide Perspective Papers: https://centerforisrael.com/papers

    1h 17m

  7. 08/27/2025

    A Messianic Rabbi and the Pope: From Division to Dialogue with Marty Waldman and Nic Lesmeister

    FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:https://instagram.com/CenterForIsrael/https://www.facebook.com/CenterForIsraelhttps://twitter.com/CenterForIsraelhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/gateway-center-for-israelLEARNING RESOURCES:Getting Started — Israel 101: https://centerforisrael.com/getting-started/Israel Prayer Guide: https://centerforisrael.com/israel-prayer-guide/Perspective Papers: https://centerforisrael.com/papers/

    41 min

  8. 08/06/2025

    Ethiopian Israeli Worship Leader Shares About Yeshua & Israel

    Ethiopian Israeli Worship Leader Shares About Yeshua & Israel

    41 min
See All (35)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

"Covenant & Conflict" is a thought-provoking podcast produced by the “Gateway Center for Israel” and hosted by Nic Lesmeister and David Blease, where ancient biblical truths meet contemporary issues head-on. Each episode offers a deep dive into complex and often divisive topics with subject matter experts, aiming to explore the intersection of covenantal values and modern debates. Instead of fostering division, this podcast seeks to model respectful engagement and peaceful discourse amidst conflict.

Information

  • Creator
    Gateway Center for Israel
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Gateway Center for Israel
  • Show Website
    Covenant & Conflict

You Might Also Like