For decades, world leaders have searched for a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Nothing seems to work, as the conflict rages on. Most Christians care about this conflict, but are intimidated and confused on what to believe, what to say, and what to do about it. Speaking at the Gateway Church Shabbat service in June 2023, Pastor Nic Lesmeister provides the "why" behind this conflict, and offers a simple framework for how Christians can navigate this complicated issue.
Middle East Conflict
• 4 others saved this
There are very few discussions that can stir the pot of controversy quicker than that of the Middle East--and in particular, Israeli vs. Palestinian. We have created a group of resources that seek to define terminology widely-used in media as well as tackle difficult questions associated with this topic.
Most importantly, we offer context on how believers should biblically respond to the ongoing conflict surrounding a people and a geographical region that are of utmost importance to God.
16 resources in this Collection
What should a Christian's response be towards those who are Palestinian or pro-Palestinian? Gateway Ministry Experience Pastor Phillip Hunter takes several questions along this line from the TKU Israel Q&A student audience on this topic for Gateway Center for Israel's Nic Lesmeister and David Blease to tackle. Their answers include what it means to show compassion towards those we may never agree with, and how to be a bridge of love to those who are hurting and suffering on the Palestinian side of the current war.
Is it possible for Christians to "stand for Israel" and love Palestinian believers as well? During the TKU Center for Israel Q&A, Gateway Ministry Experience Pastor Phillip Hunter poses this question. In their answer, Nic and David define the theological "scandal of particularity" and how Christians can indeed love both in a world that demands we choose a side.
Is this current war between Hamas and Israel different in some way from the other military conflicts Israel has had in the past? How does the second coming of Jesus fit into this scenario? In this TKU Center for Israel Q & A session hosted by Gateway Ministry Experience Pastor Phillip Hunter, Nic and David explore a biblical view of the current war and offer insight into how Christians should respond and pray into this simple yet complex situation.
For such a small place, why does the land of the Bible have so many names? Is it Israel or Palestine? In this short video, Director Nic Lesmeister, Gateway Center for Israel, unpacks the historical timeline behind these often weaponized names, and helps us navigate what it means today.
Should the State of Israel be described as an "oppressive occupier" or "apartheid state?" Pastor David Blease with Gateway Center for Israel separates the facts from the fiction surrounding Israel's complicated relationship with the Palestinians - and offers evidence that while imperfect, Israel is still the freest country in the Middle East.
Pastor David Blease and Pastor Nic Lesmeister with Gateway Center for Israel have an honest, unscripted conversation about the difficult questions coming from people witnessing the war in Israel.
You may have heard “Hamas” mentioned on the news or in conversation, but who is Hamas? Whether launching rockets from the Gaza Strip or terrorizing civilians in Israel, today, Pastor David Blease at the Gateway Center for Israel breaks down a simple question: “Who is Hamas?”
What is Gaza? A lot of us hear this word, the Gaza Strip, and we actually don’t know the history of it, so I want to unpack it for you really quickly.
With war breaking out in Israel, many Christians are asking "how can we love both Israelis and Palestinians and do we have to choose a side"? Pastor Nic Lesmeister, Director at the Gateway Center for Israel, answers this question.
There's a growing movement that is labeling Israel as an apartheid state. What is that? What does it mean? Is it true? Does Israel systematically oppress Palestinians? Nic Lesmeister of "Gateway Center for Israel" helps you answer these questions in this video.
It is perplexing how many terms we hear in the media today to describe certain parts of Israel. In this video, Nic explains exactly what one of the most famous names (the West Bank) actually means.
Who has the "right" to the Land of Israel - Jews or Palestinians? What does the Bible say about the Jewish people's claim to the Land of Israel? In this video, Nic shares key Scriptures that highlight what God has to say about this conflicting issue.
Why is the Israeli-Palestinian conflict so hard to understand? In three simple steps, Nic Lesmeister with "Gateway Center for Israel" provides a basic framework for developing a biblically sound position on this conflict.
Should followers of Jesus be pro-Israel or pro-Palestinian? Nic explains three quick and simple ways to understand the complex Middle East conflict in his Gateway Conference 2021 online breakout session.
In this special video update from May, 2021, Nic shares valuable context and understanding about the conflict between Hamas (Gaza) and Israel - and how believers can pray when terror and violence grip the region.