According2Sam Podcast

'The Ushering'

Greg Locke is an evangelical preacher and pastor of Global Vision Bible Church in Tennessee. He is a strong supporter of the nation of Israel and a self-proclaimed Christian Zionist. Recently, a video of Pastor Locke went viral showing him preaching a sermon at his church while wearing a tallit—a Jewish prayer shawl—with children behind him waving Israeli flags. In the sermon, he says that the nation of Israel should clear out the Temple Mount and “fire a big missile” to blow the Dome of the Rock off the mount “so we can get that Third Temple rebuilt and usher in the coming of Jesus.” Many people are sharing the video as an example of the extremism of Christian Zionism. Is this extreme, or is the idea of ushering in the coming of Jesus part of traditional Christian theology? Join the conversation and get answers to these questions and more on According2Sam episode #392. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.according2sam.com [https://www.according2sam.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

'Ishmael'

The story of Hagar and Ishmael is told differently in Islam than it is in the Book of Genesis. Muslims believe that Hagar was Abraham’s wife and that, at God’s command, Abraham took Hagar and Ishmael to Mecca when Ishmael was a child. They believe that it was Ishmael, not Isaac, whom God commanded Abraham to take to Mount Moriah to be sacrificed, a location associated with the present-day Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Islamic tradition also teaches that Abraham later returned to Mecca and that he and his son Ishmael built the Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam to this day. Millions of Muslims make pilgrimages to Mecca each year based on this narrative of Hagar and Ishmael, which forms an important foundation of their faith. How do competing narratives about Abraham and his sons contribute to current unrest in the Middle East? Join the conversation and get answers to these questions and more on According2Sam episode #391. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.according2sam.com [https://www.according2sam.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

'Religious War'

Reports have surfaced claiming that U.S. military commanders have been invoking religious rhetoric when discussing objectives in the current conflict with Iran. A watchdog group called the Military Religious Freedom Foundation says it has received more than 200 complaints from service members across all branches of the armed forces, alleging that their commanders used Christian end-times prophecy and other biblical language when discussing missions in Iran. In one complaint, a senior officer allegedly told a commander to inform his troops that it was “all part of God’s divine plan,” specifically referencing passages from the Book of Revelation about “Armageddon.” Is this conflict being described in religious terms only by Americans, or are there other forces that also see it as a religious war? Join the conversation and get answers to these questions and more on According2Sam episode #390. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.according2sam.com [https://www.according2sam.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

'Fight for Israel'

The belief that the United States launched an attack on Iran at the behest of Israel is widely shared, and a growing number of prominent figures are telling their large audiences that this is what happened. Megyn Kelly, for example, told her millions of listeners that the American soldiers killed by IRGC rockets died for Israel. Others have expressed similar sentiments, claiming that Israel controls the United States. These views appear on both the left and the right and seem to transcend traditional political affiliations. Recent statements by the Secretary of State and some members of Congress have made those who hold these beliefs more confident that they are correct. Senators claiming that it is a religious war and that the United States has a biblical obligation to support Israel have also added fuel to this narrative. What is this conflict with Iran really about? Join the conversation and get answers to these questions and more on According2Sam episode #389. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.according2sam.com [https://www.according2sam.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

'Reverse the Trend'

The United States and Israel have long been engaged in a shadow conflict with Iran, involving proxy forces and covert operations. Over the weekend, that conflict escalated into direct military strikes on Iranian targets, killing several senior officials. For years, war-hawks in Israel and the United States have advocated for stronger direct military action or regime change in Iran, and now they are getting what they have long wanted. Critics argue that President Donald Trump, who previously pledged to avoid new foreign wars, may be influenced by these hawks rather than what is best for the American people. What actually motivated his decision to authorize military action, and does this violate his commitment to pursue peace? Join the conversation and get answers to these questions and more on According2Sam episode #388. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.according2sam.com [https://www.according2sam.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]