What's The Deal With Israel? - Pt. 1

·47 min·4 clips

Paul's anguish over Israel's rejection of Jesus raises the question: if God failed Israel, can we trust his promises to us?

The episode begins with the host introducing a three-part series titled 'What's The Deal With Israel?', based on Romans chapters 9-11. He starts by reviewing Romans 8's themes of no condemnation and no separation, then contrasts this with Paul's sorrow in Romans 9 over Israel's rejection of Jesus. The host explains that a growing opinion among early Christians was that God had forsaken Israel, leading to questions about God's faithfulness. He emphasizes that Romans 9-11 is often misinterpreted as about predestination, but it actually addresses God's relationship with Israel. The host delves into Israel's past, discussing Abraham's sons Isaac and Ishmael to distinguish between physical lineage and spiritual faithfulness. He moves to Jacob and Esau, noting God's choice of Jacob despite his flaws, to highlight God's sovereign will. The episode then covers Pharaoh, explaining how God used his hardened heart to liber Israel and glorify himself. The host shares a personal anecdote about a car wreck to illustrate God's long-suffering. He clarifies that Paul's points are not about salvation but about God's purposes. The host concludes by linking Israel's stumbling over Jesus to their failure to trust, affirming that God's promises are fulfilled in Christ. He ends with a prayer for Israel and a reminder of God's faithfulness to complete his work in believers.

As heard by us

A Romans 9 message about Israel that moves from recap to prayer.

Soma Church's opening Romans 9 message frames the chapter as the first part of "What's the deal with Israel," and keeps its center on a clear conviction: God has not given up on Israel and will not give up on the listener.

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Why you'd press play

If Romans 9 usually feels like a locked door, this message walks you from Romans 8 straight into the deal with Israel.

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