Why Is Israel Back in the Land if They Don't Believe? (featuring Stephen Briggs)

Why would God restore Israel to the Land if they don’t believe in Jesus? That’s the question many Christians wrestle with - and the one Ezekiel 36 answers head-on.

In this wide-ranging conversation with filmmaker and Bible teacher Stephen Briggs of Hatikva Films, we explore the prophetic timeline of Israel’s restoration, the continuity of God’s covenant with Abraham, and the flaws in replacement theology that blur the story of Scripture. 

Together we trace how the Hebrew nuances of Genesis 12, the promises of Ezekiel 36, and the disciples’ question in Acts 1 all reveal the same truth: God’s faithfulness comes before Israel’s faith.

Stephen shares insights from life in Jerusalem, stories from the “Blessing, Curse, or Coincidence” film series, and a clear-eyed view of what God is doing in our generation. 

Whether we’re talking about prophecy, politics, or discipleship, the message is the same - the restoration of Israel is the greatest evidence that God keeps His promises.

Key Takeaways

• God’s covenant with Israel is unconditional and still active.
• Ezekiel 36 sets the divine order: regather first, renew next.
• Israel’s unbelief magnifies God’s grace, not His absence.
• Replacement theology collapses when read against Scripture’s storyline.
• Modern Israel’s return is the stage for future spiritual renewal.
• Believers are invited to pray, comfort, give, and go.
• God’s faithfulness to Israel confirms His faithfulness to us.

Chapter Markers 00:00 – Cold open + welcome 02:10 – Introducing Stephen Briggs: filmmaker, Jerusalem resident 07:35 – God’s faithfulness and the modern return of Israel 13:20 – Genesis 12 and the Hebrew meaning of “bless” and “curse” 18:55 – Ezekiel 36: the order of restoration and renewal 26:40 – The flaw in replacement theology 33:25 – The “Israel Effect” and history’s witness 39:45 – Acts 1: the disciples’ question and God’s timeline 47:10 – Practical response: pray, comfort, give, go 52:00 – Closing reflections and resources

If you’ve never seen the Bible in full color, it’s time to walk the ancient paths yourself. Join us in Israel this March 21–31 and experience the story where it all began. Stand where the prophets spoke, where Yeshua walked, and where God’s promises are still unfolding. Space is limited - visit thejewishroad.com/israel to learn more and reserve your spot.

Want to see how God’s promise to bless those who bless Israel is playing out in history? Watch the full film America and the Israel Effect - free from Revelation Media. Go to get.revelationmedia.org/watchtheisraeleffect.

To explore more of Stephen Briggs’ work and the Blessing, Curse, or Coincidence series, visit israel-matters.com or follow the Israel Matters podcast on YouTube and Spotify.