ONE NEW MAN - Episode 014: Israel's Early Wars - 1948, 1967, 1973

In this fifth episode of 'The One New Man,' hosts Chris and John Myers discuss the divine significance of God's name and its intrinsic connection to Israel. Chris begins by recounting his recent master's presentation on the topic of whether Christians should support the modern state of Israel, leading into John taking the conversation further. John explores the concept of God's name as first introduced to Moses at the burning bush, emphasizing how God identified Himself as 'I Am,' and tied His name to the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The discussion extends to Deuteronomy, where God promises that His name will reside permanently in a specific place, later identified as Jerusalem. John also delves into the book of Daniel, highlighting how Daniel's prayers emphasized the importance of God's name and reputation in relation to the Jewish people and the land of Israel. The episode underscores that the Jewish return to Israel and future spiritual restoration are actions God undertakes for the sake of His own holy name and reputation. The dialogue concludes with reflections on the broader implications for Christians, the parallel struggles and promises faced by both Jews and the Church, and the ultimate hope for the new covenant prophesied in Jeremiah to be seen by the Jewish people. Throughout, the episode is both academic and engaging, occasionally lightened with humor.

In this episode of 'The One New Man, hosts Chris and John delve into the profound topic of God's sovereignty, particularly in relation to Israel and the Jewish people. Beginning with a personal touch, John shares family anecdotes and Chris discusses an upcoming elk hunting trip, highlighting how everyday experiences intersect with theological reflections. They explore the biblical concept of God's absolute power and its implications for understanding divine election, justice, and mercy. The conversation navigates through scriptural references, including Romans 9 and the story of Job, to illustrate the challenges and mysteries surrounding God's choices and actions. They discuss the hardships faced by Israel, drawing insights from Jewish theologian Michael Wyschogrod, who emphasizes the unconditional yet demanding nature of divine election. The hosts also touch on contemporary ethical and cultural issues, such as marriage, gender, and personal integrity, demonstrating how God's sovereignty impacts individual lives. The episode ends with an invitation to the audience to reflect on God's sovereignty in their personal walk of faith, encapsulating a blend of scriptural wisdom, personal experiences, and theological insights.

In the seventh episode of 'The One New Man Show,' hosts John Myers and Chris delve into the complex question: 'Do Christians and Jews worship the same God?' With John’s extensive background in the Israel story and Chris’s enthusiasm on the subject, the duo explores theological perspectives and online discourses surrounding this topic. They discuss historical and contemporary views, including critiques of modern Judaism’s divergence from Second Temple practices, and contrast it with Christianity’s evolution. The conversation emphasizes shared worship of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob while recognizing differences in the comprehension of God’s revelation, particularly concerning Jesus as the Messiah. The hosts highlight how both faiths have their respective theological claims, using natural theology and scriptural references to support their arguments. These claims have been made by Thomas Aquinas, Maimonides, John Calvin, CS Lewis and William Craig Lane. They also touch on the accusations of legalism in Judaism and misconceptions within Christianity about the nature of God’s commandments. Throughout the episode, there’s an underlying theme of respect and a call for understanding between the two faith traditions while staying true to fundamental orthodox claims of both Christianity and Judaism.