Combating Antisemitism and the Christian’s Responsibility, Part 3 of 3 | October 25, 2025

Steve Conover: Thank you for joining us for the Friends of Israel Today. I'm Steve Conover, executive director of The Friends of Israel. With me is our host and teacher, Chris Katulka.

Chris Katulka: Steve, I hope that our listeners right now take an opportunity to visit our website, foiradio.org because when they're on our website there, they can not only listen to past programs, actually 10 years worth of programs, but also they can connect with the Friends of Israel through various ways and to get oriented with the heartbeat of our ministry to have a passion for God's Word and compassion for God's Chosen People. Now today we're going to be wrapping up our series on combating antisemitism, that's the hatred of the Jewish people. But really, what's the Christian's responsibility to do that? Because we've seen an increase in hate toward Israel and the Jewish people and that's why it's so important that Bible believing Christians stand boldly for them biblically. So today we're going to be wrapping up our series on Isaiah 62.

Steve Conover: It's an important series and connects well with today's news story. The Israeli Defense Forces reported that two of their soldiers were killed and three others wounded after Palestinian terrorists carried out an attack in Rafha. In response, the IDF launched a series of heavy strikes on Hamas positions. The surge in violence threatened to unravel the already fragile ceasefire, barely two weeks old. The Israelis immediately announced its return to the ceasefire agreement.

Chris Katulka: Steve, here's my take. Under the peace agreement, Hamas is required to relinquish control from Gaza. I don't see them doing that willingly, so the question becomes whether or not Qatar, Turkey and Egypt will force them to step down or will they encourage them to stay active. Because remember, Qatar funded and gave refuge to Hamas for years.

Chris Katulka: I was recently listening to an Israeli journalist describe the growing animosity that many Christians have toward Israel and the Jewish people — almost a rising anti-Israelism bubbling up from within the Church itself. His name is Haviv Retig Gur, and something he said opened my eyes recently.

He began by talking about the word revival. Like a Christian revival. He reminded his audience that during America’s Great Awakening, revival meant something deeply personal. It was about individuals coming to faith in Jesus — realizing they were sinners in need of a Savior. That national revival didn’t happen because a group took political action; it happened one person at a time, one heart at a time.

The same could be said in the days of the Billy Graham crusades. His evangelistic campaigns weren’t aimed at reclaiming cultural influence or winning a political struggle. They were invitations for broken people to come to the cross, to repent, to confess their sin, and to find forgiveness in Jesus the Messiah. 

Every revival in Scripture in history began when individuals humbled themselves before a holy God.

But Haviv Retig Gur pointed out that something different is happening in America today. What many call “revival” now doesn’t look like the days of revival from John Wesley, or Jonathan Edwards, or Billy Sunday, or Jack Wyrtzen, or even Billy Graham. 

Instead of individual repentance, we’re witnessing what he sees as a group revival — a movement among churches and conservative circles that feel as though they’re losing their grip, losing their control, losing their influence in society. As a group, they feel they need to rally, to push back against progressive ideologies that have crept into every corner of culture.

Now, don’t misunderstand me— it’s a right and a duty for Christians to be concerned about the moral direction of our nation. But when revival becomes about reclaiming cultural power instead of personal repentance, we lose sight of Jesus’ words that “the gates of hell will not prevail against His Church.” 

The Church’s strength has never come from majority influence but from a fidelity to God’s Word and His truth. When revival is defined by group identity instead of personal humility and personal salvation, Gur believes we start looking outward for enemies to blame instead of inward for sin.

And that’s where Haviv’s warning hit me the hardest. He said that kind of collective revival — one driven by fear and self-preservation — easily gives birth to blame. In past revivals, evangelists would preach that the only person to blame was the sinner who needed a Savior. But in a group revival, the instinct is to find someone else responsible for our decline. Too often, history shows us that that “someone” ends up being the Jewish people.

We’ve seen it before. After World War I, Germany faced enormous suffering — economic collapse, massive debt, runaway inflation, widespread unemployment. The nation was humiliated and desperate for renewal. Then Adolf Hitler came along, identifying the pain of the German people and offering a villain to blame: the Jews. The result was catastrophic.

That’s why believers in Jesus must remember what the apostle Paul wrote in Romans. He didn’t identify a political class, or a cultural movement, or an ethnic group as the problem. He said, “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” Every human heart — Jew and Gentile alike — stands guilty before God and equally in need of his grace.

And that grace is offered freely. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) Salvation is not a collective achievement; it is an individual's choice to repent and turn to Christ to be forgiven.

So as the Church, we must return to that gospel center. Our mission isn’t to save Western civilization; it’s to proclaim the good news of Jesus the Messiah — that anyone, no matter how broken or sinful, can be forgiven and made new through repentance and faith in the risen Christ.

Over the past three weeks, we’ve been studying Isaiah 62 and hearing the prophet’s call: “Do not remain silent for the sake of Jerusalem and Zion. Be watchmen on the walls for Israel and the Jewish people.” But Isaiah ends this amazing chapter with the very reason that we speak, watch, and stand — and it all comes down to love.

He closes with a cry that shakes both heaven and earth:

“Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your salvation comes; behold, His reward is with Him, and His recompense before Him.’” (Isaiah 62:11)

That’s the heartbeat of our message. The Savior is coming. Our motivation shouldn’t be the fear of losing influence but gratitude for God’s grace. We love and serve because He first loved us.

So if you missed the last two messages in this series, you can go to foiradio.org — and join us as we continue to lift up the name of Israel’s Messiah, Jesus, and the One who is coming again with His reward in His hand. That’s why we want to make sure you’re visiting foiradio.org.

Isaiah 62:11, the prophet’s words are not idle. They are a summons—an invitation to see, to believe, and to prepare for the arrival of the Redeemer. The same watchmen who were told earlier not to keep silent now lift their voices to proclaim that salvation is on its way. The passage moves from vigilance to victory, from longing to fulfillment. The long night of waiting gives way to dawn. That’s what’s happening in Isaiah 62. And the people who once sat in darkness are invited to behold the Light of their salvation.

Isaiah 62:10 begins with a call to action: “Go through, go through the gates; prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway; clear it of stones; lift up a signal over the peoples.”
The prophet envisions a time when barriers are removed and the path is made straight for the coming of the Lord. These words echo earlier prophecies in Isaiah—especially in chapter 40, where the voice in the wilderness cries, “Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”

This repeated image of building a highway for the Lord represents both spiritual preparation and a global proclamation. The command to “clear it of stones” speaks of the removal of obstacles that hinder people from seeing the truth of God’s covenant faithfulness to his people. 

The call to “lift up a signal over the peoples” is an image of God’s heart for Israel and the entire world. In the ancient world, a banner or signal was raised to rally the nations—to draw attention to a message or a victory. Isaiah’s vision extends beyond the borders of Israel to the ends of the earth. The salvation that comes to Zion is not meant for her alone but for all nations who will behold the light of her Redeemer. “Through Israel’s salvation,” as the apostle Paul says in Romans 11, “the glory of God is revealed to the world.”

Then comes the heart of the message: “Behold, your salvation comes.” The Hebrew word for “salvation” here is yeshuah—the word that resonates deeply for believers because it shares its root with the same name of Jesus in Hebrew, Yeshua, salvation.

Why is this important to our message in Isaiah 62 about not remaining quiet for Jerusalem and Zion? And what does it mean to be a watchman on the walls for the Jewish people? At the heart of its message is the gospel. “Behold, your salvation comes.” The truest form of supporting Israel and the Jewish people is sharing the hope of the Gospel of Yeshua to Jew and Gentile alike. 

That’s why we’re called The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry, because at the heart of everything we do is in Isaiah’s declaration of Isaiah 62 - “Behold, your salvation”—Jesus is not only coming, but has come and is coming again!

When we come back we’re going to continue our conversation on this verse and ways you can boldly proclaim “Behold, your salvation has come.” Stick around.

Steve Conover: You know Chris, I was recently rereading Elwood McQuaid's book, It is No Dream, and I was reminded once again of why it's one of my all-time favorite books.

Chris Katulka: I couldn't agree more, Steve. Dr. McQuaid, he may be with the Lord now, but his voice still speaks so clearly through this book.

Steve Conover: It's true. If anyone wants a biblical understanding of God's plan for the Jewish people, this is a must read. He does an excellent job of weaving in the modern history of Israel, and I can't say enough good things about it.

Chris Katulka: Well, his biblical insight and his deep love for Israel and really his connection with Jewish leaders, it comes through on every single page.

Steve Conover: And the newest version is even better than when I first read it because it not only includes maps and photos, but it's expanded since the first release.

Chris Katulka: Steve, It Is No Dream isn't just a good read, it's a reminder of God's promises and his faithfulness through the ages.

Steve Conover: Don't miss out on this timeless book, It Is No Dream. You'll come back to it again and again. Get your copy today at foiradio.org. Again, that's foiradio.org.

Chris Katulka: Welcome back everyone, we’re wrapping up our series on Isaiah 62 and the Christians responsibility to not remain silent concerning Jerusalem and Zion, to be a watchman for the people of Israel, and now the greatest way to be a blessing to the Jewish people is to share the message that “Behold your salvation comes.” (Isaiah 62)

Isaiah’s message is both prophetic and personal. To “behold” is to fix one’s gaze upon something worthy of awe. The daughter of Zion is told to look—not to her own strength, not to the nations, not to political deliverance—but to her Savior. The salvation she longed for is not abstract or impersonal; it is embodied in a Person. God’s redemption arrives not as an idea but as the Incarnate One who enters human history to fulfill His promises—and His name is Jesus.

If the first two movements of Isaiah 62—the command to speak and the call to watch—emphasize action and vigilance, the final section reveals the motive behind these actions, which is what I mentioned before: love.

The motive for our watchfulness and advocacy for Israel and the Jewish people is not guilt, or fear, or political enthusiasm. It’s love—the love that God first showed us through the Messiah of Israel. Remember what 1 John 4:19 says? “We love because He first loved us.”

This single verse from John’s epistle captures the heart of Christian service. We stand with Israel, we speak against antisemitism—the hatred of the Jewish people, and we proclaim the coming of the Savior not because we are trying to earn favor with God or the Jewish people, but because he, God, through Christ has already shown us grace.

Grace precedes every act of faithful obedience. Gratitude fuels every word of proclamation. The gospel begins and ends with love.

It is important to remember that the love of God is not sentimental or detached. It’s actually very costly. It is love that suffers, love that sacrifices, love that redeems. Isaiah the prophet mentioned Jesus the Suffering Servant in Isaiah 53 who died for our sins, just nine chapters earlier.

When we look upon the cross, we see the perfect intersection of justice and mercy—the holy love that satisfies the righteousness of God while extending compassion to sinners. This same love compels us to love what God loves, to cherish whom He cherishes, and to labor for what brings Him glory.

To love Israel, then, is to align our hearts with God’s redemptive plan. It is to stand in awe that the same God who called Abraham and spoke through Moses, who sent prophets to warn and comfort His people, has also called us—Gentile believers—to share in His mercy and to participate in His mission. The gospel of Christ binds us together in one story, not replacing Israel but revealing the fullness of God’s promise through Israel’s Messiah.

Isaiah’s vision reaches its climax in verse 12 when he says: “And they shall be called “The Holy People,” “The Redeemed of the Lord”; and you shall be called “Sought Out, a City Not Forsaken.”

These titles are not mere poetic words—they are declarations of identity. “The Holy People” describes those who have been set apart for God’s purposes. “The Redeemed of the Lord” identifies them as those purchased by His grace. And “Sought Out” and “Not Forsaken” express the tender, pursuing love of God who refuses to abandon His people—Israel.

For centuries, Israel has known what it is to be forsaken by the nations—to be despised, scattered, and persecuted. Yet Isaiah assures her that God has not forgotten His covenant. The time is coming when she will no longer bear the reproach of abandonment but will be known as the people whom God Himself sought and restored.

This restoration is both national and spiritual. It envisions the day when Israel recognizes her Messiah Jesus, when the veil is lifted and the words of Zechariah 12:10 are fulfilled: “They shall look on Me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for Him.” That mourning will not end in despair but in joy, for it will lead to the recognition that her Redeemer, Jesus, lives. The nations, too, will share in this redemption, for “the highway built for the Lord,” in verse 10, “is wide enough for all who call upon His name.”

Our calling as Christians is to embody this redemptive love in our witness to Israel and the nations. The apostle Paul echoed Isaiah’s hope when he wrote that the gospel “is the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16).

Paul’s words remind us that the order of God’s salvation history still matters. The gospel came to Israel first, and through Israel it was offered to the world. To neglect the Jewish people when we share our faith in Jesus is to forget the very root from which our faith has grown.

Maybe you’re trying to figure out after hearing at least the last three messages on Isaiah 62,  what can you do to start these conversations. How can you get involved? Well, we want to help you at The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry. And we want to give you some stickers.

You might be thinking, stickers? Yes, stickers!

We want to give you 50 free stickers that support Israel and the Jewish people. We have stickers that say, “I love Israel,” “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem,” or “God loves Israel.” You can stick these stickers on your cell phone, your water bottle, your Bible, put them on the back of your car, I’ve even seen them on hard hats.

Stickers let people know what you value, and at the heart of being a watchman for Israel and the Jewish people is the message of salvation. People will ask you, why do you support Israel? Why, because my Savior, my Messiah, is the King of Israel. These conversations always lead to conversations about Jesus, and our need for His deliverance.

If you’d like to get your 50 free stickers visit us at foiradio.org and sign up today!

Isaiah’s chapter closes with a triumphant assurance that the promises of God are not wishful thinking but divine certainty. The watchmen’s voice, once urgent and pleading, now rings with joy: “Behold, your salvation comes!” The gates once closed are now thrown open. The city once desolate is now “Sought Out, a City Not Forsaken.” The God who seemed silent now speaks through the arrival of His Son Jesus.

This is the hope that sustains our ministry—the hope that anchors The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry and the countless believers who, out of love for the Jewish people, proclaim with faith and gratitude, “Your Savior comes.” We serve not to earn His favor but because we have already received it. We love Israel because we have been loved by Israel’s Messiah. And we wait with joyful expectation for the day when all of Zion will lift her eyes and behold the One who has loved her with an everlasting love.

Steve Conover: Now, Apples of Gold, a dramatic reading from the life and ministry of Holocaust survivor, Zvi Kalisher.

Mike Kellogg: People all around us are lonely. I have such a neighbor. He stays distant from everyone.

I became burdened for him. How could I show love to him? In Israel we are not free to give out books, tracts, or to speak about the Lord. Here, we must first become friendly with such a person. I racked my brain trying to figure out how to do this.

So I fell on my knees and asked the Lord to show me.

God answered my prayer two weeks later, on a beautiful Sabbath day. My family and I were walking to the center of Jerusalem, where we have our prayer meeting. As we were walking, who did we meet but this poor, lonely man!

I suggested we walk together. I prayed silently, “O Lord, please help me to show him how to open his heart to You.”

I could not believe this obstinate man became friendly as we walked. I asked, “Why do you act so strange? It would be easier to go to the moon than to be friends with you.”

He said, “You are the first person who has been friendly to me.”

“I am glad you feel that way,” I said, “I am your friend, and you can open your heart to me.”

He asked, “How? I do not know you well.”

So I told him a little about myself. Then he said, “I am alone in this world. I have been disappointed by many people in life. How can I know you will not turn against me also?”

I then said to my children, “Let us sing the song from Psalm 118:6–7.” We sang “The LORD is on my side; I will not fear.”

“That is a nice song,” he said. “Would you write it down for me?”

“Of course,” I replied, “I will also give you a Hebrew Bible and show you more praise songs.”

Then I asked, “Do you believe in God?”

“Why should I?” he asked. “What has He done for me?”

“Do you have a job? Are you healthy?” I asked.

“Yes,” he replied.

 “Every day you see the beauty of the world, the sunshine, and the kindness of people all around you. For all of these things you must thank the Lord,” I said.

He replied, “I never go to synagogue, so how can I pray?”

I replied, “You can pray anywhere. The Lord is everywhere, and He can always hear your prayer.”

He asked, “Why did you want to befriend me?”

I answered, “I saw in you what I see in everyone––the need to be saved. The Lord in His mercy has provided a way for us to be saved through His Son.  I and my family have been saved by His mercy and blood, and we are happy because our future is secure. We will live forever in His presence.”

He asked, “Can you promise if I believe in the Lord I will always be happy?”

I replied, “You must ask the Lord this through prayer, and I am sure He will answer you as He answered me. He loved us before we even knew Him, and when we come to Him in faith, He forgives and forgets our sins.”

He said, “I feel like I have been raised from the grave and am alive again. I have a greater desire to live than ever before, but how can I be sure this feeling will never leave?”

I told him, “You must come to the Lord in faith. Then He will be your Guide and show you the way to life and light.”

I was so grateful for this opportunity to share God’s love with this lonely man. Please pray he will continue to seek the Lord so he might know true joy and happiness.

Steve Conover: Thank you so much for joining us for today's episode of The Friends of Israel Today. Don't forget to get your copy of It Is No Dream by Elwood McQuaid at foiradio.org. That's foiradio.org. Chris, where are we headed next week?

Chris Katulka: Yeah. First, if you remember, you can get your 50 free stickers for supporting Israel and the Jewish people by going to foiradio.org. And next week I'm going to get an opportunity to share something that's near and dear to my heart, which is North American Ministries, the department that I have the privilege of leading, and I'm excited to share about how God's been growing North American Ministries to not only influence local churches, but also to influence the Jewish communities in United States and Canada.

Steve Conover: And one more time, foiradio.org is how you find us—foiradio.org. Our mailing address is FOI Radio, PO Box 914, Bellmawr, New Jersey 08099. Again that’s FOI Radio, PO Box 914, Bellmawr, New Jersey 08099. You can call our listener line. That number is 888-343-6940. Again that’s 888-343-6940. Today's program was engineered by Bob Beebe. Edited by Jeremy Strong, who also composed and performs our theme music. Lisa Small is our executive producer. Sarah Fern is our associate producer. The late Mike Kellogg read Apples of Gold. Our host and teacher is Chris Katulka, and I’m Steve Conover, executive director of The Friends of Israel. The Friends of Israel Today is a production of The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry. Passion for God's Word. Compassion for God's Chosen People.