• Understanding Jesus from within his Jewish context can radically transform one's faith and deepen their understanding of the Bible.
• Teaching young people the Bible from its cultural and historical context helps them see the deeper meaning behind the text and strengthens their faith.
• Youth leaders play a crucial role in equipping young people with a strong foundation in the Jewish roots of their faith.
• There is a need for resources and support for youth leaders to effectively teach the Jewish context of the Bible.

• "Walking the land as if she were a first-century disciple following a rabbi."
• "Knowing the Bible from within its near Eastern context helps all of scripture make more sense and come to life."
• "Studying the Bible differently, not just reading it at face value, but considering the cultural and historical context."

In this conversation, Ron and Matt Davis interview Rachel Kushner, the CEO (Chief Enthusiasm Officer) of Links to Messiah. They discuss Rachel's background growing up in a Messianic Jewish home, the inspiration behind her ministry, and the importance of bridging the gap between the Old and New Testaments.

Rachel shares how Links to Messiah provides resources and activities for families to engage with Jewish holidays and traditions, helping them understand the Jewish roots of their faith. The conversation highlights the significance of family engagement and the joy of learning about the Bible in a fun and interactive way.

Takeaways

• Links to Messiah is a ministry that provides resources and activities for families to engage with Jewish holidays and traditions.

• The ministry aims to bridge the gap between the Old and New Testaments, helping families understand the Jewish roots of their faith.

• Family engagement is crucial in teaching children about the Bible and creating a lifelong relationship with Jesus.

• Learning about the Bible can be fun and interactive, and it doesn't have to be boring.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction

02:49 - Rachel's Background

05:49 - Rachel's Father's Story

07:23 - Links to Messiah Ministry

10:01 - Connecting the Hebrew Scriptures to Yeshua Jesus

12:01 - The Importance of Family Engagement

15:45 - Bridging the Gap between the Old and New Testament

19:51 - The Role of Links to Messiah in Equipping Families

21:24 - Rachel's Enthusiasm and Joy

23:04 - Upcoming Events and Resources

25:02 - Closing Remarks

• Moving to a new country and culture can be challenging, especially for children who have to adjust to a new language and education system.
• There is a growing need for marriage and relationship counseling in Israel, and many people are open to seeking help in these areas.
• The spiritual climate in Israel is changing, with more openness to the Messiah and a willingness to explore faith.
• The ministry focuses on counseling, discipleship, and outreach to Holocaust survivors and young believers in Israel.
• Sending children off to war is a difficult experience for parents, but there is a sense of pride and support for those serving in the Israeli army.
• There is a significant amount of anti-Israel and anti-Semitic sentiment in the media, which adds to the challenges faced by the people living in Israel. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is an existential war for Israel's existence, not just a war for land.
• The American church needs to upgrade its knowledge of scripture and worldwide politics to ask the right questions and confront false accusations against Israel.
• Yom HaZikaron is a day of remembrance for fallen soldiers in Israel, while Yom Ha'atzmaut is Israel's Independence Day.
• The Israeli educational system is facing challenges, including the dumbing down of curriculum and the introduction of biased ideologies.
• There is a need for biblical scholarship and literacy in the church to counter ignorance and indifference.