Inside The Epicenter With Joel Rosenberg

What do America’s midterm elections mean for Israel—and how should Christians respond?

In this episode of Inside the Epicenter, Joel and Lynn Rosenberg share their perspective from Jerusalem on what Joel describes as one of the most troubling weeks in U.S.-Israel relations. They discuss the election results, the debate over American military assistance to Israel, and the concerns Israelis are expressing about the future of the alliance.

Joel examines the role of economic frustration, the war with Iran, and attitudes toward Israel in shaping voters’ decisions. He and Lynn also explore evangelical participation in the election and why Christians must remain engaged without placing their ultimate hope in political leaders.

Drawing on Isaiah 41:10 and Genesis 12:3, they offer a call to prayer, faithfulness, and practical action. Discover how learning, praying, giving, and going can help strengthen the church and bless Israel and her neighbors—even in uncertain times.

00:00 A warning about America’s relationship with Israel

01:23 Joel and Lynn introduce the conversation from Jerusalem

02:12 Israeli concerns about American support and regional security

03:57 Trusting God when political developments bring uncertainty

05:20 Joel’s concerns about the direction of the U.S.-Israel alliance

07:30 Examining voter attitudes toward Israel

08:59 The Iran war, economic pressures, and the election

12:04 Joel’s assessment of the changing balance in Congress

14:39 A call for Christians to stand in the gap

15:26 Verse of the Day: Isaiah 41:10

16:36 Learn, pray, give, and go

18:50 Becoming an Epicenter Ally

19:38 The upcoming Epicenter Summit and Israel tour

20:54 Evangelical participation and civic responsibility

24:31 Genesis 12:3 and Joel’s warning for America

27:20 Lynn’s encouragement: keep walking faithfully with Jesus

Isaiah 41:10

“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

•Pray for America, Israel, and the relationship between the two countries.

•Pray for Christians to stand for biblical truth with courage, wisdom, and love.

•Pray for the church in Israel and across the Middle East to remain strong and faithful.

•Pray that believers will trust God, stay grounded in Scripture, and teach the next generation to walk with Jesus.

Learn more about The Joshua Fund, become a monthly Epicenter Ally, and explore the upcoming Prayer and Vision Tour and Epicenter Summit at JoshuaFund.com.

Share this episode with someone who wants to understand the U.S.-Israel relationship through a biblical lens, and follow Inside the Epicenter with Joel and Lynn Rosenberg wherever you listen to podcasts.

Joel and Lynn discuss the reported attack on Christians attending a funeral in Jordan, the grief facing local families, and the importance of standing with believers across the Middle East.

They also encourage American Christians to participate in the upcoming midterm elections and share a recording-time update on Israel’s election results and possible coalition scenarios. Throughout the conversation, they call listeners to pray for wise leadership, national unity, and a growing church whose ultimate hope rests in Jesus—not political power.

Learn about The Joshua Fund’s upcoming Israel Prayer and Vision Tour and the 2027 Epicenter Summit.

https://joshuafund.com/2027-epicenter-summit-landing-page/

(00:03) Jordan, elections, and a call to prayer

(02:05) Grieving with Christians in Jordan

(03:44) The reported investigation and the royal family’s response

(06:50) Remembering the persecuted church

(08:11) Blessing Israel and her neighbors through The Joshua Fund

(10:19) Scripture and prayer for persecuted believers

(11:56) Why Joel and Lynn encourage Christians to vote

(16:35) Israel’s election update: what was known at recording

(18:03) Party results and the coalition challenge

(21:56) Possible paths toward Israel’s next government

(23:57) Praying for a national unity government

(26:46) An invitation to experience Israel and meet local believers

(27:42) The 2027 tour and Epicenter Summit

(28:49) Closing encouragement: citizenship, prayer, and eternal hope

Matthew 5:10–12 — “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Joel and Lynn’s discussion invites listeners to pray for believers facing persecution and to hold fast to hope in Christ. The passage read extends through verse 12, although the spoken introduction identifies verses 10–11.

1. Pray for the grieving Christian families in Jordan, for the wounded, and for the protection and strengthening of local churches.
2. Pray for wisdom and integrity among leaders in Israel and the United States, and for a willingness to place public service above personal ambition.
3. Pray for unity in Israel as leaders navigate the process of forming a government.
4. Pray that believers throughout the Middle East would remain focused on the Gospel and the Great Commission.

Learn more about The Joshua Fund: JoshuaFund.com

Support the ministry: Visit JoshuaFund.com to learn about giving.

Israelis have just cast ballots in the most consequential national election since October 7th, with a record turnout of 77.7%—higher than in any election in Israel's history. Yet a day later, no clear winner has emerged. Joel and Lynn break down the complex math behind the results, explain why Prime Minister Netanyahu's Likud and Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar party are both claiming momentum, describe how Israel's parliamentary coalition system works, and outline the possible scenarios, from a national unity government to another round of elections, that could determine who leads the country next.

(02:27) Record turnout: 77.7% of Israelis vote

(07:37) How Israel's paper ballot system works

(09:24) Breaking down the seats: 67 vs. 53

(11:50) Why the Arab parties complicate the math

(17:10) Likud vs. Yashar: how the final results flipped the polls

(18:30) What happens next: President Herzog's role and the 28-day clock

(24:44) Bible verse and prayer for Israel's leaders

(26:35) How Netanyahu supporters and opponents are feeling

(34:37) The real divide: military service for the ultra-Orthodox

(36:05) Scenario one: a national unity government

(39:26) Scenario two: Eisenkot partners with Arab parties

(40:26) Scenario three: Netanyahu brings Bennett and Lieberman back into the fold

(43:57) Closing thoughts and how to pray

Join us in Israel in 2027

https://joshuafund.com/2027-epicenter-summit-landing-page/

Learn more about The Joshua Fund: JoshuaFund.com

Make a tax-deductible donation: Donate | The Joshua Fund

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Bible verse of the day:

1 Timothy 2:1-3 - First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior.

Prayer Request:

1. Pray for President Isaac Herzog and his advisors as they decide who to give the first chance to form Israel's next government, that they would have wisdom and discernment.

2. Pray for the leaders of Israel's various parties, that they would be humble and consider the best interests of the country above personal or political ambition.

3. Pray for the nine Jordanian Christians killed and nearly forty wounded in a terrorist attack just days before the election, and for the Christian community and leaders in Jordan.

4. Pray for a quiet and dignified national life in Israel, that the church would have the opportunity to grow and that many would come to know the truth.

Related Episodes:

Inside the Epicenter #391: In the War Room, Part 1

Inside the Epicenter #392: In the War Room, Part 2

Inside the Epicenter #388: Benny Gantz

Inside the Epicenter #367: Part Two — Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett

Welcome to Inside the Epicenter, where we explore the latest events in the Middle East through a biblical perspective. In this episode, join host Joel Rosenberg and guest Yonah Jeremy Bobb as they go inside Israel’s war room for a rare look at the risky decisions behind Israel’s strikes on Iran. Hear how changing intelligence, U.S. politics, and mass Iranian protests led to dramatic military action—and how these moves are shaping Prime Minister Netanyahu’s controversial legacy.

Learn more about The Joshua Fund: JoshuaFund.com

Make a tax-deductible donation: Donate | The Joshua Fund

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Bible verse of the day:

Psalms 20:7 - Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of Yahweh—our God.

Prayer Request:

Pray for Israel's leaders and military decision-makers as they confront threats from Iran and other enemies that surround them. Ask God to give them wisdom, discernment, courage, and justice as they make decisions that could affect millions of lives throughout Israel and the Middle East.

Pray for the people of Iran, especially those who are desiring— longing, really— for freedom and have suffered during periods of unrest and government repression. Ask God to protect the innocent people, to strengthen His church, and to open doors for the gospel to continue spreading throughout the nation of Iran.

Related Episodes:

Inside the War Room: Netanyahu vs. Eisenkot Pt.1 #391

Inside the War Room: Netanyahu's Riskiest Wartime Decisions Pt.2 #391

Special Episode - Unpacking the FlyDubai Hijacking Attempt #389

War, Rumors of War, and the Gospel #381

https://joshuafund.com/2027-epicenter-summit-landing-page/

Welcome to Inside the Epicenter, where we explore the latest events in the Middle East through a biblical perspective. In this episode, host Joel Rosenberg is joined by Wall Street Journal editorial board member Elliot Kaufman, co-author of "In the War Room." Together, they offer a revealing look into Israel’s hardest wartime decisions following the October 7th attacks—exploring why Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu resisted striking Hezbollah, the heated debates among Israeli leaders, and the mounting pressure from the U.S. Kaufman shares exclusive reporting from inside Israel’s war room, showing how strategy, hesitation, and daring gambles determined the outcome of hostage negotiations and the evolving course of the war.

(00:00) Netanyahu vs. Eisenkot election battle

(03:22) Decision on Preemptive Attack

(07:20) Considering new military strategies

(11:50) Netanyahu's risky Doha airstrike

(16:33) Failed strike and peace implications

(17:31 )Trump's tactics with Qatar

(21:52) Inside Israel's War Room Decisions

Learn more about The Joshua Fund: JoshuaFund.com

Make a tax-deductible donation: Donate | The Joshua Fund

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Bible verse of the day:

Proverbs 21:31- The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.

Prayer Request:

Pray for Israel's leaders and their military decision-makers as they make extraordinarily difficult choices involving national security, military operations, and relationships with Israel's allies. Ask God to give them wisdom, discernment, courage, and restraint to know not only what actions to take, but when to take them.

Pray for the peace and security of Israel as the country continues to face threats from multiple directions. And pray for the families that have grieving loved ones who did not survive captivity as hostages and those that have been lost in these last three years.

Related Episodes:

Inside the War Room: Netanyahu vs. Eisenkot Pt.1 #391

EXCLUSIVE: Benny Gantz - Three Years Since October 7 and Leading Through Crisis #390

Special Episode - Unpacking the FlyDubai Hijacking Attempt #389

War, Rumors of War, and the Gospel #381

https://joshuafund.com/2027-epicenter-summit-landing-page/

Joel speaks with Yonah Jeremy Bob, senior military correspondent for The Jerusalem Post. and co-author of the new book "In the War Room.

This is the first in a multi-part series. Together, they go behind the scenes of Israel's war cabinet after October 7th, exploring the fierce personal and ideological clashes between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his now-chief political rival, former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot — and what those clashes reveal just weeks before Israel's October 27th elections.

(00:00) What really happened behind closed doors after October 7th

(01:36) Introducing "In the War Room" and its exclusive access to Netanyahu, Gallant, Gantz, and Eisenkot

(05:35) Netanyahu vs. Eisenkot: two starkly different leadership styles

(08:25) The cast of characters: deep distrust between Gallant, Gantz, and Netanyahu

(10:14) The pre-October 7th firing of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant

(12:12) Bible verse and prayer for Israel's leaders

(13:09) The Rafah decision: Biden, Harris, and the push to end the war early

(16:25) Netanyahu's case for finishing the job

(19:09) How this history could shape the 2026 election battle

(19:41) Personal sacrifice: Gadi Eisenkot's son and nephews killed in Gaza

(22:27) Closing thoughts

Learn more about The Joshua Fund: JoshuaFund.com

Make a tax-deductible donation: Donate | The Joshua Fund

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Bible verse of the day:

Proverbs 11:14 - Where there is no wise guidance, the nation falls, but in the multitude of counselors there is victory.

Prayer Request:

1. Pray for Israel's leaders and national decision-makers as they carry enormous responsibility for security, diplomacy, and the future of the country — ask the Lord to give them wisdom, humility, and discernment.

2. Pray for unity among Israel's leaders during this time of national crisis, that they would place the good of the nation above political or personal differences.

3. Pray for Israeli families who have lost loved ones, that the Lord would strengthen those whose family members continue to serve and bring healing to a nation carrying the wounds of war.

Related Episodes:

Inside the Epicenter #388: Benny Gantz

Inside the Epicenter #367: Part Two — Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett

Inside the Epicenter #359: Ceasefire — Iran War Update

Join us in Israel in 2027

https://joshuafund.com/2027-epicenter-summit-landing-page/

Welcome to Inside the Epicenter, where we explore the latest events in the Middle East through a biblical perspective. In this episode of Inside the Epicenter, we mark three years since the October 7th, 2023, Hamas attack with special guest Benny Gantz, Israel’s former Defense Minister and alternate Prime Minister. Gantz shares what it was like inside Israel’s war room, the challenges of unity among political rivals, the heated debates over strategy, and the personal cost of war. He also offers a special message to evangelical Christians considering a visit to Israel. Join us for an insider’s perspective on crisis leadership and faith amid conflict.

(00:02) Inside Israel's election tensions

(03:06) Discussing Israeli leadership dynamics

(07:00) Netanyahu and Unity Government Dynamics

(12:32) War room strategy discussions

(15:09) Discussing a past unique crisis

(18:19) Addressing criticisms and misunderstandings

(20:49) Reflecting on Psalm 121 for Israel

(26:34) Forming emergency unity government

(27:54) Interview with a key decision-maker

Learn more about The Joshua Fund: JoshuaFund.com

Make a tax-deductible donation: Donate | The Joshua Fund

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Bible verse of the day:

Psalm 121: 1- 4. I lift up my eyes to the hills, from where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

Prayer Request:

Pray for Israel as they are fatigued, as they are wondering when normalcy will return. And pray with us that they would cry out in these same words of David, that they would have the same heart as the shepherd king David, that they would lift up their eyes to the hills, that they would look to the Lord, that they would ask Him for His protection, and that they would turn to know their God, the God who keeps Israel.

Related Episodes:

The Mecca Pact: Is Saudi Arabia Turning Away from Israel? #386

Bye-Bye Bibi? Israel's Most Consequential Election in Decades #385

Raising Up Israel's Next Generation: The Story of Netivah #382

War, Rumors of War, and the Gospel #381

https://joshuafund.com/2027-epicenter-summit-landing-page/

Welcome to Inside the Epicenter, where we explore the latest events in the Middle East through a biblical perspective. In this episode of Inside the Epicenter, Joel Rosenberg and Lynn Rosenberg unpack the astonishing story of the recent FlyDubai hijacking attempt on a flight headed to Tel Aviv. With families returning from holiday and 174 lives at stake, chaos erupted as a co-pilot tried to seize control midair. The hosts reveal the heroism of passengers and crew, the swift military response, and the series of miracles that prevented disaster. Join Joel Rosenberg and Lynn Rosenberg as they discuss the significance of this event for Israel’s security, regional peace, and spiritual resilience.

(00:02) Intercepting hijacked plane over Israel

(03:39) Israel's security improvements

(08:39) Pilot Smit's heroic actions

(12:19) Plumber's heroic act during attack

(15:02) Potential aerial conflict incident

(18:09) Am Yisrael Chai discussion

(22:16) Emergency codes and Israeli response

(24:10) Flying during conflict and Middle East tensions

(30:24) Praying for plane incident survivors

(32:35) Reflecting on Sukkot's significance

(36:18) Praying for unity and strength

Learn more about The Joshua Fund: JoshuaFund.com

Make a tax-deductible donation: Donate | The Joshua Fund

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Bible verse of the day:

Psalm 121:1-2. I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made the heavens and the earth. He will not let your foot be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

Prayer Request:

Prayers of gratitude and thanksgiving that the God of Israel never slumbers or sleeps, that He is always on the job, and that He is always watching over the Israeli people and His people.

Let's pray that the Israelis would recognize that, would recognize that the God of Israel is who they should be turning to, who they should be thankful to, who they should be calling out to, to reveal Himself to them, that they would get comfort from the Lord, and that they would worship the Lord.

Related Episodes:

Audacious Prayers for the Epicenter #387

The Mecca Pact: Is Saudi Arabia Turning Away from Israel? #386

What is Happening? The Staggering Shift of Muslims to Christianity #384

War, Rumors of War, and the Gospel #381

https://joshuafund.com/2027-epicenter-summit-landing-page/

Welcome to Inside the Epicenter with Joel Rosenberg and Lynn Rosenberg, brought to you by the Joshua Fund. In this episode of Inside the Epicenter, Joel Rosenberg speaks with Dr. Imad Shehada, founder of the Jordan Evangelical Theological Seminary (JETS), about how God is equipping the next generation of pastors and church leaders in the Middle East. Discover how JETS is training men and women from across the region to face cultural, political, and spiritual challenges, and hear inspiring stories of how biblical leadership is fueling a spiritual awakening in one of the world’s most complex regions.

(00:02) Equipping Middle Eastern church leaders

(05:15) Biblical sites in Jordan

(07:37) Meeting King Abdullah II of Jordan

(11:35) Believing in the whole Bible

(14:08) Literal vs. figurative interpretation

(16:50) Raising new church leaders

Learn more about The Joshua Fund: JoshuaFund.com

Make a tax-deductible donation: Donate | The Joshua Fund

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Bible verse of the day:

Matthew 9:37-38 - He then said to his disciples, the harvest is indeed plentiful, but the laborers are few. Pray therefore that the Lord of the harvest will send out laborers into his harvest

Prayer Request:

Pray for Dr. Imad Shehadeh, the faculty, staff, and students of the Jordan Evangelical Theological Seminary as they faithfully prepare pastors and ministry leaders to serve throughout the Middle East. Ask God to grant them wisdom, protection, and abundant resources for their ministry. And also pray for the next generation of church leaders across the Middle East.

Ask the Lord to call more men and women into the ministry, strengthen those who already are serving, and empower them through the Holy Spirit to boldly proclaim the gospel despite opposition and hardship

Related Episodes:

How Local Churches in Israel Bring Hope and Practical Help #34

Stories of Faith and Resilience in Crisis from Inside the Epicenter #341

Evangelical Pastors Join Forces with Israel for a Meaningful Mission #277

Arab Pastor’s Life-Altering Mission Among Israelis and Palestinians #23

https://joshuafund.com/2027-epicenter-summit-landing-page/

Welcome to Inside the Epicenter with Joel Rosenberg and Lynn Rosenberg, brought to you by the Joshua Fund. In this episode, hosts Joel and Lynn Rosenberg are joined by Executive Director Kelli Drury to celebrate 20 years of the Joshua Fund and share their most audacious prayers for the future. Together, they discuss faith-filled hopes for ministry in Iran, compassion for orphans and widows in Gaza, and the dream of building the Willow House discipleship center in Israel. Tune in for inspiring stories, bold vision, and practical ways you can join the mission.

(00:02) Introducing the podcast and co-founders
(04:00) Religious efforts between Israel and Iran
(09:15) Prayers for Middle Eastern outreach
(10:27) Discussing spiritual hope for Iran
(16:36) Prayer focus and global outreach
(20:33) Discussing humanitarian aid in Gaza
(22:37) Hope for the church in Gaza
(26:41) Focus on love and forgiveness
(29:29) Dream of a spiritual center
(33:39) Vision for the Willow House
(38:17) Praying for the church's mission
(41:11) Praying for breakthroughs in Gaza

Learn more about The Joshua Fund: JoshuaFund.com
Make a tax-deductible donation: Donate | The Joshua Fund
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Join us in Israel in 20207

https://joshuafund.com/2027-epicenter-summit-landing-page/

Bible verse of the day:

Matthew 28:18-20 - And Jesus came and said to them, all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, Jesus says, I, Jesus, am with you always, even to the end of the age. 

Prayer Request:

Pray with us about the corridor between Tel Aviv and Tehran, that God would be mightily pouring out His Spirit in Tehran, into all the Iranian people, even the enemies, even the most hardened enemies, that God would appear to them in visions and dreams, and that they would come to know Him, and that the whole Holy Spirit would be poured out all the way across that highway down to Tel Aviv.

Pray for Gaza, that God would break through the darkness, and that there would be new opportunities and open doors for The Joshua Fund and other believers and churches to come alongside and bring hope and life to the people of Gaza. Pray for the orphans and the widows; pray for us as we dream and pursue a ministry center, the Willow House, here in Israel, as we raise the funds to do that; pray with us that God would make it a reality

Related Episodes:

Bye-Bye Bibi? Israel's Most Consequential Election in Decades #385
Pastor Israel Iluz’s Story from the Front Lines in Kiryat Shmona #383
Raising Up Israel's Next Generation: The Story of Netivah #382
Tim and Carolyn Lugbill Share Early Joshua Fund Memories #380

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