Discover Your Roots
Discover Your Roots
Passages Israel
As Christians, the challenges we face today demand that we have a deeper understanding of the Bible in its original context. When we do, it will change the way we live, think, and act every day. In this podcast, we're partnering with Dr. Dru Johnson, a Bible scholar from NYC. Together, we'll give you tools to better read and apply the Bible and to live out its wisdom in your own life and community. Passages is a ministry that brings Christian college students on life-changing trips to Israel. We’re on a mission to strengthen the faith foundations of the next generation of Christians, to connect them to the land of the Bible and the people living there today, and to launch them into a lifetime of impactful, Christ-centered leadership. To learn more, visit passagesisrael.org.
BONUS: Galilee: A Light has Dawned
Wrapping up our time in the Galilee, trace Jesus’ ministry from the Sermon on the Mount to the Great Commission, all in this one region in Israel. Jesus’ work in Galilee fulfills an ancient biblical prophecy but is also connected to the region’s unique geography. (Hint: it has to do with the Via Maris). Tune in to hear why the Galilee is so important!
Jul 6, 2023
5 min
BONUS: Tabgha: Five Loaves and Two Miracles
Discover an ancient mosaic that reveals the place where Jesus fed the 5,000 at Tabgha in today’s episode of 5 Minutes in Israel. Only a short walk away from this small fishing harbor in Galilee lies the beach at the Church of the Primacy of St. Peter, where Jesus famously asked Peter, “Do you love me?” The stories and miracles multiply here in Tabgha, leaving us asking: What can these five loaves and two fish teach us today?Want to visit Tabgha for yourself? Check out PassagesIsrael.org!
Jun 22, 2023
4 min
BONUS: The Temple Mount: Uncovering Its Stories
From Abraham to King David to Jesus, explore the layered history of the Temple Mount in today’s episode of 5 Minutes in Israel. This holy site in Jerusalem holds a rich history in its ancient stones. Nearby lie the ruins of King David’s palace and the very same steps that Jesus walked up to the Temple. Tune in to hear how the Temple Mount’s ancient history shows God’s desire to keep meeting his people.Want to visit the Temple Mount for yourself? Check out PassagesIsrael.org!
Jun 8, 2023
4 min
BONUS: Magdala: Home of Mary Magdalene
What do salted fish, a groundbreaking archeology discovery, and demon possession have in common? The answer is found in Magdala, the ancient hometown of Mary Magdalene. Join Mattanah as she explores the recently discovered synagogue where Jesus taught in Magdala and the story of the woman whose life he changed there. Tune in to learn about the church now standing near these ancient ruins to honor Mary Magdalene and all women who follow in her footsteps of faith.
May 25, 2023
5 min
BONUS: The Mount of Beatitudes: Where Jesus' Sermon Comes Alive
Why did Jesus choose a grassy hillside to preach a radical message? Join Mattanah as she explores the historical church and gardens at the Mount of Beatitudes along with the meaning of Jesus’ famous sermon. We’ll study together how Matthew 5-7 lays out a new way of life in the Kingdom of God. At this breathtaking view of the Galilee, the Sermon on the Mount comes to life with its timeless message of hope for the oppressed. To travel to Israel to see the Mount of Beatitudes for yourself, go to passagesIsrael.org 
May 11, 2023
5 min
BONUS: Exploring Capernaum: the ancient ruins of Jesus' ministry headquarters
Why did Jesus pick Capernaum, a fishing village, for his ministry headquarters? In today’s episode, join Mattanah as she explores the ruins of ancient Capernaum on the shores of the Sea of Galilee in Israel. At this archeological site, the meaning of Jesus’ call to be “Fishers of Men” comes alive. Learn about the home of Peter and the synagogue of Capernaum where Jesus performed so many miracles, and ponder: what could this biblical town mean for us today? To travel to Israel to see Capernaum for yourself, go to PassagesIsrael.org 
Apr 26, 2023
4 min
How Do We Confront Evil?
Entropy happens in science (and our personal lives) since all things eventually fall apart unless an outside force acts on them. The same might be said about our societies. Unless we consciously and consistently make positive choices, everything will gradually descend into evil and chaos. The inevitable question is: how do we confront evil and choose the good?In our season finale, Dr. Dru Johnson skillfully guides us through the implications of the topics we’ve covered thus far about the nature of good and evil and wraps this season up. Enjoy the episode, and thanks for joining us on this incredible journey exploring the Hebraic roots of your Christian faith! National Suicide Prevention LifelineCall 988.If you or a loved one is in distress or thinking of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for free and confidental 24/7 support, information, and resources. You are not alone.Crisis Text LineText HOME to 741741.Crisis Counselors are trained volunteers and not professionals. They can provide support, but not medical advice.Suicide.orgCall (800) 784-2433.Call the Suicide.org hotline to receive 24/7 crisis support and information about mental health crisis resources where you live.
Oct 10, 2022
41 min
Should Christians Participate in Evil?
Is it ever okay to lie to protect someone’s feelings? Is it okay to lie to save someone’s life? Should a nation go to war? Is it okay to murder an evil person? Christians are often faced with tricky ethical dilemmas, but this podcast is here to help! In this week’s podcast, we tackle whether ends justify the means and what the Bible says about these big questions. Take a listen!National Suicide Prevention LifelineCall 988.If you or a loved one is in distress or thinking of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for free and confidental 24/7 support, information, and resources. You are not alone.Crisis Text LineText HOME to 741741.Crisis Counselors are trained volunteers and not professionals. They can provide support, but not medical advice.Suicide.orgCall (800) 784-2433.Call the Suicide.org hotline to receive 24/7 crisis support and information about mental health crisis resources where you live.
Oct 9, 2022
53 min
What is Organizational Evil?
Humans naturally form institutions and societies. While these can be a major source of blessing, they also cause a lot of harm, resulting in institutional and organizational evil.The Torah has robust guidelines for how people should act—both communally and individually. In this episode, Dr. Dru Johnson breaks down the distinction, or lack thereof, in the Hebrew Bible between the personal and the corporate, and he explores what this means for us today as 21st-century Christians. National Suicide Prevention LifelineCall 988.If you or a loved one is in distress or thinking of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for free and confidental 24/7 support, information, and resources. You are not alone.Crisis Text LineText HOME to 741741.Crisis Counselors are trained volunteers and not professionals. They can provide support, but not medical advice.Suicide.orgCall (800) 784-2433.Call the Suicide.org hotline to receive 24/7 crisis support and information about mental health crisis resources where you live.
Oct 8, 2022
43 min
Is Suffering Evil?
Life hurts. It seems like suffering is a universal part of being human, so this has led people across all ages to ask deep existential questions about the meaning and the nature of suffering. Let’s bring it to our context here in this podcast: How do the biblical authors view suffering? Is suffering the result of sin? What wisdom do they offer us as we come to terms with our own pain? Dr. Dru Johnson addresses all this and more in today’s fascinating episode. Take a listen!National Suicide Prevention LifelineCall 988.If you or a loved one is in distress or thinking of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for free and confidental 24/7 support, information, and resources. You are not alone.Crisis Text LineText HOME to 741741.Crisis Counselors are trained volunteers and not professionals. They can provide support, but not medical advice.Suicide.orgCall (800) 784-2433.Call the Suicide.org hotline to receive 24/7 crisis support and information about mental health crisis resources where you live.
Oct 7, 2022
35 min
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