Welcome back, friends. We have spent the week addressing what could be a defining issue among American conservatives, particularly evangelical Christians. As indicated Monday, there are political and spiritual implications tied to the rise of antisemitism on the right. A major confrontation occurred at the highly popular AmFest convention in December that propelled the issue to near the top of the news cycle. Quickly, Christians such as Mati Shoshani and Pastor Jack Hibbs analyzed the conflict and stressed the importance of God’s Word as our plumb line.

The question is: Can we thread the needle in order to prevent the issue from splitting conservatives ahead of key 2026 and 2028 elections? Or will Israel split the party? I have faith we can endure this internal “civil war,” but we must be firm in our stance.

Let’s review some basic principles:

• We should all be committed first and foremost to our own nation (Jeremiah 29:7). As an American, my love and loyalty are here. However, as a Bible-believing Christian, I also love Israel and choose to stand with them as the Bible commands.
• If choosing between political wisdom and Biblical wisdom, God’s Word is the clear cut and obvious right choice. Never forsake instruction from God’s Word, regardless of repercussions.
• The Bible’s instructions are clear in many places that we are to stand with Israel. Yet, that does not mean we must agree with everything policy decision made by the Israelis. Standing with Israel means recognizing the Jews right to exist, standing against all attempts to divide up the land God has given them, and affirming their right to defend themselves. Also, all manner of hatred, accusation, and violence against Israel and the Jews (or anyone else, for that matter) is sinful.

We will stick with those principles as we attempt to thread the needle in dealing with the current conflict among conservatives. It is important for us as believers to be involved in the political arena, but we must do so from a Biblical perspective. God’s Word always takes precedent.

First, I don’t believe we will change minds on a large scale. Thus, we must be patient enough to listen more than we talk during conversations regarding treatment of Israel. As conservatives, we may disagree on key points, but we also agree on some. Find those points of agreement and build on them.

When a person presents an idea that is either anti-biblical or conflicts with our own opinions, we must be quick to ask more questions, not attempt to destroy the other person’s thoughts/ideas. Stand firm when it comes to the principles noted above and agree to disagree. Engage in conversation and be equipped by God’s Word to respond Biblically.

Secondly, it does not seem to be a good idea to hand major influencers a microphone and a platform from which to escalate the conversation into a heated back-and-forth via stages or their media platforms. This simply perpetuates the problem. Instead, it seems we need more one-on-one or small group discussion, perhaps without cameras present. Hash it out and have civil conversations with one another. (BTW, Charlie Kirk was a master coalition-builder, bringing together people with very different ideas, to work together on things in which they agreed. Bringing folks like Elon Musk, Tulsi Gabbard, and RFK into the MAGA fold are fantastic examples. We need more of Charlie’s influence in the top echelon of politics.)

Thirdly, always use Scripture as your guide. God’s Word is clear about how we are to bless Israel (Genesis 12:3), pray for Israel (Psalm 122:6-9) and stand as watchmen on the wall for Israel (Isaiah 62, Ezekiel 33). The Bible also warns what happens to nations who scatter the people and divide up the land of Israel (Joel 3:2).

Fourthly, standing with Israel does not mean we bend to every whim of the Israelis. Many want all military aid to Israel to cease, yet they likely do not understand the nature of that agreement, including the fact it isn’t simply an Israeli “ask.” It is true that the Americans have pushed billions of dollars to Israel. In decades past, that was necessary to help Israel get established as a top military power in a very tough neighborhood. Without the aid, Israel would not have survived. God used the US in His plan to establish Israel.

In addition, military aid to Israel is given “with strings attached.” Over the decades, Israel has spent the vast majority of aid on American-made equipment, thus returning funds to America’s working class to produce them. Additionally, Israel became the ultimate research and development center of the Middle East, including military equipment. Israel developed the avionics and weapon systems in America’s vaunted F-35 aircraft. They developed the incredibly high-tech helmets that provide pilots the ability to view a 360-degree field of view and easily manage weaponry while flying that aircraft. Israel helped develop the technology in the Patriot missile defense system, as well as their own Iron Dome, Arrow-3 and David’s Sling defense systems. These are only a few examples, and all that technology was shared and is used by the US military. America has benefited tremendously from the military aid contracts given to Israel. Unlike other nations who seem to take, take, take, Israel gives back in exponential quality.

Israel, though, is now a world superpower and an economically sound nation. Thus, Israel is beginning to produce more of their own military equipment. As time goes by, military aid contracts to the Israelis will dwindle, and future contracts will likely become very detailed and totally reciprocal. The US has lost nothing in investments in Israel, and they are wise to continue making investments in Israel with high ROI.

Finally, friends, be encouraged that nothing catches our Lord and Savior off guard. The Bible tells us that He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep! (Psalm 121:4) A price will be paid by those who mistreat God’s uniquely-called people, and you do not want to be on the wrong side of that equation. The last days will be filled with liars and delusional people who speak evil toward or about Israel. We see it already. Unfortunately, all too often, on the conservative side of politics in America. Do not lose heart but instead stand firm for what God demands.

We cannot hate what God loves (His uniquely-called people and their land) and love what God hates and still call ourselves Christ-followers. Christ commands us to bless, pray and stand with Israel. Determine that will be your course, regardless of who stands in opposition!

Blessings my friends…and thanks for following through this important week!