Erick Stakelbeck on Genesis 12:3 – “The Foundation of Christian Zionism”

Show Notes

Mark’s friend, Erick Stakelbeck, Director of Christians United for Israel’s CUFI Watchman Project and host of the very popular “The Watchman” program on TBN, joins him for today’s episode. Among his many accomplishments, Erick is the author of several books on counter-terrorism, his articles have appeared in publications such as the Wall Street Journal, New York Post, and the Jerusalem Post, and he has spoken at the National Religious Broadcasters Convention (NRB), the American-Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), and the Israel Allies Foundation (IAF). His video ‘The City of David's Top 10 Finds Proving Israel's Claim to Jerusalem’ is one of Mark’s favorites and can be found on YouTube. Erick and Mark have been friends ever since they met at the opening ceremony of the US Embassy when it officially moved to Jerusalem. The passage he has chosen to discuss is Genesis 12:3.

Erick begins their conversation by sharing his summary of the passage, the profound meaning it holds for himself and all Christian Zionists, and how this verse has influenced his Christianity and Zionism. He and Mark then review the clarity and practicality of the Torah, the foundational and theological lessons which are revealed in this passage, and Erick discusses the moment when he began to take his faith seriously. The two also explore precisely how the love of Israel spreads and grows, the power of the Shabbat dinner, and Erick concludes by offering the lessons he has learned about mankind. Their enthusiasm is indeed contagious as these two highly accomplished individuals analyze and bring to life this ‘foundational verse for every Christian Zionist’ in today’s inspired and inspiring episode.

Episode Highlights:

Erick’s summary of the passage and the meaning it holds for him
How this verse has influenced Erick’s Christianity, Zionism, and his combination of the two
The clarity and practicality of the Torah
When Erick started taking his faith seriously
The theological lessons revealed in this passage
How the love of Israel spreads and grows
The power of the Shabbat dinner
The lessons about mankind which has learned

Quotes:

“This is a foundational verse for my life, Mark, and my life’s work.”

“At no more time than today do we see all nations on Earth being blessed by the Jewish people.”

“Call me crazy, but I want to be on the right side of God.”

“God chose the Jewish people to transmit His message to the world.”

“Israelis are the first to offer a helping hand – a blessing to the world.”

“The more you learn about Israel, and the more you get to know the people, the more you walk the land, the more the love grows deeply in your soul, in your very being.”

“Blessings beget more blessings.”

“Clearly there is a love for God in the room during Shabbat.”

“Children change you in the most wonderful and profound way.”

Genesis 12:3 I will bless those who bless you And curse him that curses you; And all the families of the earth Shall bless themselves by you.” https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.12.3?lang=bi&aliyot=0

Links:

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