The Christmas season is upon us once again and today we want to discover the rich Hebrew meaning of some significant words that we hear a lot in the month of December.  In this episode of "Keeping it Israel" Melissa Briggs of "Explore Hebrew" helps Christians understand the deep Hebrew words and meanings that often get overlooked during the Holiday season. She helps us grasp what "Emanuel" means, the significance of "Bethlehem" and helps illuminate the Christmas Biblical narrative.

Melissa Briggs is an experienced Hebrew Teacher who lived in Jerusalem, then England, and now lives in Nashville with her husband, children, and foster children. She is passionate about making the riches of the Hebrew language accessible to everyone. She is also an Ambassador for Christian Friends of EMUNAH Israel - a charity that supports the orphans and most needy children in the Holy Land. Melissa and her husband Stephen also produce a weekly podcast entitled ‘Israel Matters’ that explores the pressing issues surrounding the Holy Land from a Christian perspective.

You can learn more about Explore Hebrew and sign up for Melissa's awesome Hebrew course here! Please use code FCF to get $70 off!

Visit "Israel Matters" here and don't forget to subscribe! 

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If you enjoy our podcast, please consider supporting the show HERE so that our Bible-based message about Israel can continue. God blesses those who bless Israel! We agree with God's Word that He will bless you richly in return!

First Century Foundations is a Charity that supports ministries in Jerusalem and many other parts of the country of Israel. Our mission is to turn hearts around the world toward the land, people and God of Israel. LEARN MORE ABOUT US HERE.

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In this riveting discussion, Jeff talks to David Blease, Director of the Center for Israel at Gateway Church in Texas. They explore how Christianity, although entirely a Jewish sect in the First Century, became a separate religion that has largely lost its connection to Judaism. 

David Blease is an American pastor, Christian influencer, and podcast host. He is the Teaching Pastor at “Gateway Center for Israel” and a host for the “Covenant & Conflict” podcast series. David graduated from The King’s University in 2016 with a degree in Christian Studies.
In 2012, David attended the Gateway Conference, where he learned the Jewish context of scripture which significantly reshaped his understanding of the Bible. This newfound understanding helped deepen David’s relationship with God, his passion for Israel, and his love for the Jewish people. He now dedicates much of his time to teaching the Church how to develop and foster a sincere love for Israel and the Jewish people. David Blease and his wife (Mikayla Blease) have three children and live in Dallas/Fort Worth.

You can learn more about Center for Israel here: https://centerforisrael.com 
https://gatewaypeople.com/ 

Support the show

If you enjoy our podcast, please consider supporting the show HERE so that our Bible-based message about Israel can continue. God blesses those who bless Israel! We agree with God's Word that He will bless you richly in return!

First Century Foundations is a Charity that supports ministries in Jerusalem and many other parts of the country of Israel. Our mission is to turn hearts around the world toward the land, people and God of Israel. LEARN MORE ABOUT US HERE.

You can watch this entire episode on OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL!
Make sure you subscribe so you can be notified of First Century Foundations' regular uploads!

In this episode of Keeping It Israel, host Jeff Futers interviews Al McCarn, a retired US Army officer and author of 'Christian Zionism 101'. Al shares his journey of faith, military experiences, and the importance of supporting Israel and the Jewish people from a Christian perspective. He discusses the formation of Ten from the Nations, the significance of B'ney Yosef, and the prophetic future of Christian-Jewish relations. Al emphasizes the need for prayer for Israel and the importance of standing with Israel and the Jewish people at this critical time in history. 

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Al McCarn and His Journey
05:30 Military Experience and Perspectives on the Middle East
10:20 Bridging the Gap: Jews and Christians Together
17:35 Understanding Ten from the Nations and B'nai Yosef
23:13 Christian Zionism 101: Reasons to Support Israel
30:13 The Future of Israel and the Role of Christians
35:29 The Importance of Prayer for Israel

Learn more about B'ney Yosef here: https://bneyyosefna.com
Learn more about Ten from the Nations here: https://www.tenfromthenations.org
Blog (The Barking Fox): https://thebarkingfox.com/ 
Podcast (Reunion Roadmap): https://www.buzzsprout.com/2292194 

Support the show

If you enjoy our podcast, please consider supporting the show HERE so that our Bible-based message about Israel can continue. God blesses those who bless Israel! We agree with God's Word that He will bless you richly in return!

First Century Foundations is a Charity that supports ministries in Jerusalem and many other parts of the country of Israel. Our mission is to turn hearts around the world toward the land, people and God of Israel. LEARN MORE ABOUT US HERE.

You can watch this entire episode on OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL!
Make sure you subscribe so you can be notified of First Century Foundations' regular uploads!

In this riveting and timely conversation, Ben Poser discusses the integral role of Jihad in Islam. He explores the historical role of Muhammad in shaping Islamic teachings and the implications of jihad on global conflicts and violence today, particularly in relation to  the October 7th attacks. The discussion emphasizes the urgent need for understanding how Jihad is impacting our world today. Israel's war against jihadists who are claiming the Holy Land "from the river to the sea" is also our war against Islam's intent to conquer the world  - especially territories once under Muslim domination.

Main Take-Aways: 

 - Ben Poser grew up in Boston with a strong interest in history.
 - The White Rose Magazine is inspired by Sophie and Hans Scholl's anti-Nazi movement.
 - Jihad is defined as struggle, with various interpretations in Islam.
 - Understanding the Quran requires context from Muhammad's biography.
 - Islam's success is linked to the concept of jihad.
The October 7th attacks are seen as part of a larger global issue related to Jihad and Islam.
 - The Jewish community is often targeted in Islamic teachings.
 - The conversation highlights the threat of jihad to global peace.
 - Support for Israel is framed as a defense of broader human rights of all of civilization.
 - The discussion calls for awareness of the implications of jihad on various communities.

00:00
Introduction and Background of Ben Poser
07:06
The Legacy of Sophie and Hans Scholl
15:27
Understanding Jihad and Its Historical Context
30:34
The Historical Context of Islam's Political Power
32:36
The Rise of Jihad and Its Implications
35:30
Understanding Jihad: Types and Interpretations
41:12
The Nature of Violence in Jihad
43:14
Comparative Perspectives on Faith and Violence
53:15
The Global Impact of Jihad and the Role of Israel

Support the show

If you enjoy our podcast, please consider supporting the show HERE so that our Bible-based message about Israel can continue. God blesses those who bless Israel! We agree with God's Word that He will bless you richly in return!

First Century Foundations is a Charity that supports ministries in Jerusalem and many other parts of the country of Israel. Our mission is to turn hearts around the world toward the land, people and God of Israel. LEARN MORE ABOUT US HERE.

You can watch this entire episode on OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL!
Make sure you subscribe so you can be notified of First Century Foundations' regular uploads!

In this episode, Jeff Futers hosts Todd Morehead and Justin Kron, who discuss their new documentary 'October 7th, Bearing Witness to the Massacre.' They share their personal journeys connecting to Israel, the emotional impact of filming, and the historical context surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The conversation emphasizes how important it is for Christians to support Israel, highlighting the need for community engagement and education on these critical issues.

Todd Morehead lives in Southern California with his wife and four children. He holds an M.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies from Talbot School of Theology. Todd is the Founder and Director of Grafted Ministries, an organization committed to awakening Christians to their biblical role and responsibility toward the Jewish people. He is the author of Grafted In: Understanding God’s Role for You and Your Jewish Neighbors and has a deep passion for leading Christians to Israel—a land he has visited thirty times—to cultivate a heart for both the people and the Land. In his spare time, he loves to surf.

Justin Kron lives in Chicago and is the Founding Director of the Kesher Project—an organization that helps connect Christians to the Jewish foundations of the Christian faith and to their Jewish friends and neighbors. Justin is a graduate of the Moody Theological Seminary and now serves as an adjunct professor in the Jewish Studies program of the Moody Bible Institute. 

 In 2021, Todd and Justin produced and released an award-winning documentary film called HOPE IN THE HOLY LAND: Delving Beneath the Surface of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. They are now preparing to release a new feature documentary called OCTOBER 7: Bearing Witness to the Massacre. 

Support the show

If you enjoy our podcast, please consider supporting the show HERE so that our Bible-based message about Israel can continue. God blesses those who bless Israel! We agree with God's Word that He will bless you richly in return!

First Century Foundations is a Charity that supports ministries in Jerusalem and many other parts of the country of Israel. Our mission is to turn hearts around the world toward the land, people and God of Israel. LEARN MORE ABOUT US HERE.

You can watch this entire episode on OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL!
Make sure you subscribe so you can be notified of First Century Foundations' regular uploads!

In this fascinating interview, Jeff talks to Hooman Khalil about his escape from the Iranian Islamist regime as a child and his powerful voice on behalf of the women who are currently being oppressed, tortured and killed in Iran just for showing their hair and standing up for their rights. Through Hooman's powerful, biblical murals displayed all over Israel, Hooman draws the world's attention to the ignored human rights abuses occurring in Iran today and highlights the incredible 3000-year-old bond Iranians have with the Jewish people. Please help Hooman get his amazing murals all over America's University campuses! 

Hooman Khalili was a morning show radio personality in the San Francisco Bay Area on Alice Radio 97.3 FM (CBS Radio). He has been part of the Sarah and Vinnie morning show, for the past 21 years. Hooman’s job at the station encompasses, phone screening, movie reviews, and celebrity interviewer for the show. He has interviewed countless celebrities including Dwayne The Rock Johnson, Donald Trump, Tom Hanks, Robert Downey Jr.,Harrison Ford, Jerry Seinfeld, George Lucas, Maroon 5, 50 Cent, and Hooman was the last person to interview Hunter S. Thompson before he died. Hooman’s Red carpet interviews include The Grammies, MTV Video Music Awards, the CBS Fall Television Lineup from 2003 – 2010, the Sundance Film Festival, and Superbowl 50.

Hooman has collaborated with all the major movie studios on the promotion of over 1000 movies in 20 years.
In 2006, Hooman’s voice entertained a new segment of the population as he
participated in the Pixar animated movie “Cars”. 
In 2008 Hooman created the #1 most-viewed nonpartisan video to get the youth of America to vote in the presidential election. The video received 5.1 million views on YOUTUBE and ended up in the Museum of Radio and Television in NYC. 
In 2011 Hooman shot OLIVE the 1st full-length feature film shot entirely on a cell
phone. OLIVE qualified for the Academy Awards in 2011
The movie stars 2-time academy nominated Oscar Gena Rowlands with 5 original songs written and performed by Dolly Parton
Hooman has spoken at and presented at the Sundance Film Festival, SXSW, Napa Valley, Sonoma, LA Film Fest, Disposable Film Fest in Washington DC, Macworld, Mill Valley Film Fest, SF Film Fest, and most recently September of 2022 at the Ethiopia Film Festival.

Hooman has done mission work all over the world.
In South Africa with Bruce Wilkinson’s team, and independently in Costa Rica, Armenia, Bali, Hong Kong, South Korea, Mexico, Germany, Greece, Uganda, and South Sudan

Hooman's main mission field over the past 20 years has been San Francisco where he serves the homeless
Hooman was also the choir director of St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church in San Francisco under Father Gregory Ofiesh
Hooman serves terminally ill children suffering from cancer by creating movies with them in their hospital rooms with the mission of spreading joy

Support the show

If you enjoy our podcast, please consider supporting the show HERE so that our Bible-based message about Israel can continue. God blesses those who bless Israel! We agree with God's Word that He will bless you richly in return!

First Century Foundations is a Charity that supports ministries in Jerusalem and many other parts of the country of Israel. Our mission is to turn hearts around the world toward the land, people and God of Israel. LEARN MORE ABOUT US HERE.

You can watch this entire episode on OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL!
Make sure you subscribe so you can be notified of First Century Foundations' regular uploads!

Jeff talks to Israeli Tour Guide, Isaac Karasenti about First Century Foundations' next tour to Israel in April 2026! Isaac gives an update on tourism since October 7th 2023 and lets everyone know that it is time and it is safe to go to Israel again! Jeff and Isaac go over the upcoming itinerary so participants get a feel for what to expect.

To learn more about our Journey Through the Holy Land 2026, led by Jeff and Sharon Futers and Isaac Karasenti, please visit: https://firstcenturyfoundations.com/tours/

or call: 1 800 628 2800

Support the show

If you enjoy our podcast, please consider supporting the show HERE so that our Bible-based message about Israel can continue. God blesses those who bless Israel! We agree with God's Word that He will bless you richly in return!

First Century Foundations is a Charity that supports ministries in Jerusalem and many other parts of the country of Israel. Our mission is to turn hearts around the world toward the land, people and God of Israel. LEARN MORE ABOUT US HERE.

You can watch this entire episode on OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL!
Make sure you subscribe so you can be notified of First Century Foundations' regular uploads!

In this episode of our FAQ Series, Jeff talks to Ze'ev Orenstein about the discovery of an ancient coin found just south of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, just before Tisha B'Av (the 9th day of the Hebrew month of Av) 2025. The coin reads, "For the Redemption of Zion" and is evidence of a very ancient longing for Jews to be sovereign over Jerusalem as God promised. Little did those ancient Jews know that their longings would be fulfilled roughly 2000 years later. The concept of Zionism is an ancient and biblical concept, and idea that Jesus supported as a Jew who obeyed and followed the Hebrew Bible. 

Ze’ev Orenstein is the Director of International Affairs for the City of David Foundation. To that end, he is responsible for strengthening awareness of and support for the archeological site among those shaping public policy and opinion. As such, he has delivered briefings in the White House, the State Department and on Capitol Hill, as well as led in-person tours of the City of David for countless diplomats, dignitaries, faith leaders, journalists, and members of Congress. 

Support the show

If you enjoy our podcast, please consider supporting the show HERE so that our Bible-based message about Israel can continue. God blesses those who bless Israel! We agree with God's Word that He will bless you richly in return!

First Century Foundations is a Charity that supports ministries in Jerusalem and many other parts of the country of Israel. Our mission is to turn hearts around the world toward the land, people and God of Israel. LEARN MORE ABOUT US HERE.

You can watch this entire episode on OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL!
Make sure you subscribe so you can be notified of First Century Foundations' regular uploads!

Jeff Futers (Executive Director of First Century Foundations) talks to Joshua and Caleb Colson (AKA, the Bearded Bible Brothers) discussing some important questions about Israel such as: What is Zionism and is it Biblical? Was Jesus a Zionist? Is Jesus still a Zionist? Should Christians be Zionists? Is a Palestinian State the answer to the conflict? What does October 7th have in common to other attacks going on around the world? Who can truly claim to be indigenous to the Land of Israel? And much more. 

For over 5 years Joshua and Caleb graced social media as the “Bearded Bible Brothers”, teaching the relevance of scripture and the gospel of Yeshua to modern audiences. In 2023, they inherited the position of Teachers/Hosts of the television program “Our Jewish Roots”, which is an outreach of Zola Levitt Ministries. The Jewish brothers travel to Israel to teach about the Jewish Roots of Christianity, Biblical prophecy, and salvation by the Messiah Yeshua.

You can learn more about Joshua and Caleb's amazing ministry here: https://beardedbiblebros.com/

Support the show

If you enjoy our podcast, please consider supporting the show HERE so that our Bible-based message about Israel can continue. God blesses those who bless Israel! We agree with God's Word that He will bless you richly in return!

First Century Foundations is a Charity that supports ministries in Jerusalem and many other parts of the country of Israel. Our mission is to turn hearts around the world toward the land, people and God of Israel. LEARN MORE ABOUT US HERE.

You can watch this entire episode on OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL!
Make sure you subscribe so you can be notified of First Century Foundations' regular uploads!

In this episode of Keeping it Israel, Jeff and Sharon Futers, Directors of First Century Foundations, are interviewed on the Israelities Podcast, Jerusalem. In this interview, Jeff  tells the story of how he and his wife, Sharon became connected with the Land and people of Israel, and first discovered that they were called to pray for and support Israel. 

Support the show

If you enjoy our podcast, please consider supporting the show HERE so that our Bible-based message about Israel can continue. God blesses those who bless Israel! We agree with God's Word that He will bless you richly in return!

First Century Foundations is a Charity that supports ministries in Jerusalem and many other parts of the country of Israel. Our mission is to turn hearts around the world toward the land, people and God of Israel. LEARN MORE ABOUT US HERE.

You can watch this entire episode on OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL!
Make sure you subscribe so you can be notified of First Century Foundations' regular uploads!