21st Century Burning Bushes
Volume IV: End-Times and Wonders — Chapter 23
Israel: The People of God
This page is a living companion to the chapter in the book. It summarizes the chapter, adds videos and resources, and will be updated as new developments unfold.
About This Chapter
Few questions are as theologically complex, historically charged, and personally urgent as the question of Israel. Watching many young Americans move from sympathy for Palestinians to sympathy for Hamas after October 7, 2023, is itself a Burning Bush — a sign of a generation losing its moral memory.
The chapter examines the modern State of Israel, its relationship to the Church, and its role in the end times, presenting several perspectives fairly before offering a balanced, Christ-centered synthesis.
Burning Bushes in This Chapter
Replacement Theology
Supersessionism holds that the Church has permanently replaced Israel as heir to God’s promises. The chapter traces it from the Church Fathers and weighs the New Testament evidence for and against.
The State of Israel — 1948
From the end of the Ottoman Empire and the British Mandate to the UN Partition Plan, the birth of the modern state, and the wars and peace treaties that followed.
Christian Zionism and Its Critics
The case made by CUFI, Thomas Ice, and David Herzog, set alongside alternative voices such as Colin Chapman and the Palestinian Christian Dr. Munther Isaac.
The Grafted Olive Tree
Paul’s olive tree in Romans 11 holds together both the inclusion of the Gentiles and the continuing significance of Israel in God’s plan.
Watch
Dispensationalism Before Darby — Book Review
Latest Developments
News on Israel, the Middle East, and the Church’s response will be posted here.
Recommendations
- Love the Jewish people — and share the Gospel.
- Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
- Recognize Israel’s role in the end times without idolizing it.
I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you. (Genesis 12:3)