Elephants 2025, Part 5: Israel // Jamie Nunnally

Some Christians seem to be obsessed with modern-day Israel, while others act like it doesn't matter at all. But what does the Bible actually say about God's chosen people? In this message, Lead Pastor Jamie Nunnally wraps up our Elephants in the Room series by challenging us to think biblically about Israel.

Today's topic is the relationship between Jews and Christians, the Old and New Testaments, and Israel's role in our faith. Some churches focus heavily on Christianity's Jewish roots and modern Israel, while others ignore them. Let's avoid two errors:

1. Replacement theology – the belief that the Church has replaced Israel. Romans 11 makes it clear: God has not rejected Israel.
2. Dual covenant theology – the idea that Jews are saved by the old covenant while Gentiles are saved by Jesus. Romans 3 and 30 affirm there is one way to salvation—faith in Christ, for everyone.

The Messy Middle

Biblical balance comes from holding two tensions at once. Think of a see-saw: each truth needs equal weight. We don't dilute truth; we clarify it by holding multiple truths together.

We must affirm both:

• Christians should bless Israel for their history and legacy and embrace Messianic Jews as spiritual family.
• Christians are not bound to follow Old Testament law, Jewish traditions, or to support modern Israeli politics.

Blessing Israel

Israel gave us the covenants, the law, the promises, and ultimately Christ (Romans 9:4-5, John 4:22). Messianic Jews are part of our spiritual family (Ephesians 2:14).

No Obligation to Jewish Law or Traditions

The law was a guardian until Christ came (Galatians 3:24). We now live by faith. The law convicts sinners—it's not a manual for saints (1 Timothy 1:8-9).

Jewish customs are not required. Colossians 2 says these were shadows; Christ is the reality. God meets us where we are. Communion is about heart, not method.

Political Support for Israel

You don't have to support modern-day Israel's politics to be a faithful Christian. Understand the terms:

• Dispensationalism is a theological view that separates Israel and the Church in God's plan.
• Zionism is political, advocating for a Jewish homeland.
• Christian Zionism blends both, often linking Israel to end-times prophecy.

Be cautious concerning blind support. Romans 9 and Galatians 6 remind us: not all who are descended from Israel are true Israel. Our allegiance is to God's kingdom above all nations.

How Can We Bless Israel?

1. Reject false saviors—Judaism without Jesus cannot save (Acts 4:12).
2. Recognize priority—the gospel came to the Jew first (Romans 1:16).
3. Remember God's promise—Israel's hard hearts are temporary (Romans 11:25-26).
4. Preach Jesus—He is Messiah to Jew and Gentile alike (Acts 2:38).

Israel's legacy is part of our faith story—but salvation is in Christ alone. Bless Israel, love the Jewish people, but follow Jesus into the messy middle: gratitude without obligation, love without blind loyalty, truth without compromise. 

When it comes to Israel, are you willing to follow Jesus into the messy middle?