From Bible Study to Global Politics: The Crucial Role of Christians in Defending Israel

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

In this edition of Illinois Family Spotlight, IFI’s David Smith has a timely discussion with Pastor Jim Scudder Jr., who was in Jerusalem at the time of the interview. They discuss Pastor Scudder’s new book, The Spiritual War Against Israel.

Pastor Scudder is Senior Pastor of Quentin Road Baptist Church, President of Dayspring Bible College and Seminary, and is host of In Grace– a television, radio, and podcast ministry that emphasizes apologetics.

In this conversation, Pastor Scudder explains the difference between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism and the devastating effects the anti-Israel propaganda and misinformation have had on our culture since the October 7 Hamas attack.

“There’s this misconception that the Palestinians are a unique people group– they’re not…”

According to a recent Associated Press–NORC poll, 40 percent of American adults now believe the United States is too supportive of Israel in its conflict with Hamas and the Palestinians, up from 37 percent last year. The partisan divide is even more striking. While 60 percent of Republicans believe America’s current level of support for Israel is appropriate, 58 percent of Democrats now say the U.S. supports Israel too much—a significant increase from 45 percent in 2024.

Against this troubling backdrop, Pastor Scudder stressed that Christians should respond to both Jews and Muslims with the love of Christ. While standing firmly against terrorism and defending Israel’s right to exist, believers should continue sharing the Gospel, remembering that Jesus Himself was Jewish and that salvation came through God’s covenant people.

This is a vital conversation that you do not want to miss.

Listen to this conversation anywhere you find podcasts, click the link, or listen on Apple Podcasts!