The Friends of Israel Today

A collection of fascinating stories from the life of Zvi Kalisher that vividly portray God's ability to reach people in the most unexpected ways.

A collection of fascinating stories from the life of Zvi Kalisher that vividly portray God's ability to reach people in the most unexpected ways.

What Do You Think of the Messiah? by Friends of Israel

A collection of fascinating stories from the life of Zvi Kalisher that vividly portray God's ability to reach people in the most unexpected ways.

A collection of fascinating stories from the life of Zvi Kalisher that vividly portray God's ability to reach people in the most unexpected ways.

A collection of fascinating stories from the life of Zvi Kalisher that vividly portray God's ability to reach people in the most unexpected ways.

Why were the priests such an important part of ancient Israel? This week, in part 2 of our series on the priests, we see how necessary they were in separating the clean from the unclean, as God explained in the Law to the Israelites. Today, rather than merely telling us how to be clean, Jesus, our High Priest, makes us clean and changes us through His cleansing blood. We hope this series has given...

If holy and common are opposite, how could God dwell with His people? Through the priests! God used these special Israelites to mediate between God and man, as they provided the people with moral oversight, mediated holiness, formed Israel’s spiritual identity, and taught its covenant with God. This week, we begin a 2-part series on God’s requirements of Israel’s priests and His Chosen People, whi...

On Friday, June 13, Israel launched a preemptive strike against Iran’s military and nuclear programs. Iran responded by launching many waves of ballistic missiles into densely populated areas of Israel. It is a dark time of destruction, but could it result in victory for the Jewish state? Chris and Steve break down how Israel has damaged Iran’s nuclear aspirations—even while keeping its trademark...

Why do many churches sit on the fence concerning Zionism—the Jewish people’s right to their own state in their ancestral homeland? The Friends of Israel President Jim Showers provides the answer in the latest issue of Israel My Glory magazine. He discusses the dangers of Replacement Theology and ignorance concerning Israel, the cause of younger Christians’ lack of support for the Jewish nation, an...

At the end of the book of Malachi, the prophet turned the attention from Israel’s spiritual complacency to its future filled with divine promise, the opening to God’s great blessing and restoration. The finale of our 4-part series on Malachi fixes our eyes—along with the Israelites’ eyes—on Jesus’ coming. Chris also discusses our imperative as Christians to stand boldly and instinctively with the...

The first two chapters of Malachi paint an unflattering picture of the Jewish people after returning to their land. Instead of giving the Lord their best, they offered halfhearted sacrifices to Him. But in chapter 3, God graciously assured Israel He would send His Messenger and that His presence would return to the Temple! Part 3 of our 4-part series on the book focuses on God’s promise to refine...

The prophet Malachi referred to the Temple altar as “the table of the Lᴏʀᴅ,” indicating a close relationship and fellowship between God and His people. Yet, the Israelites flippantly offered unworthy sacrifices on this table. Part 2 of our 4-part series on the book of Malachi examines Israel’s relationship with God and the prophet’s challenge to the Israelites, a relevant challenge for believers t...

When the Jewish people returned to the Holy Land after years of exile, they found themselves guilty of the same sin with which many of us struggle today: spiritual apathy, or indifference. Though they sacrificed to God, they didn’t give Him their best, unblemished, choicest offerings—they gave Him their leftovers! In part 1 of our 4-part series on the book of Malachi, we examine the prophet’s warn...

A recently revealed excerpt from the diary of Israel’s first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, offers an unfiltered view into the tension-filled beginnings of the Jewish state and reminds us of the great sacrifice the Jewish statesmen made to reestablish the nation of Israel. This week, Chris takes us back to 1948 and walks us through Israel’s rebirth in the context of Ezekiel 37. Israel’s indepen...

The Friends of Israel reaches all around the world, and this week, we’re checking in with Trevor and Maggie Stewart-Sweet in the United Kingdom! They are a much-needed light in a progressively darkening climate, as antisemitism’s rising tide in Europe includes a surge in the UK. Chris chats with Trevor to learn more about their ministry, including their work to provide bomb shelters in Israel and...

What is the main purpose of Scripture? It goes beyond our individual salvation from sin. In the conclusion of our 3-part series on why Bible interpretation matters, we continue studying Dr. Charles Ryrie’s theology by focusing on the glory of God—the true purpose of history. All of Scripture is united by the theme of God’s glory, which puts our focus where it belongs—on the Creator, rather than Hi...

Why does it matter how we interpret the Bible? One major reason concerns the important distinction between Israel and the church. In part 2 of our series on Bible interpretation, we study this unique distinction made clear by a literal understanding of Scripture. The renowned theologian Charles Ryrie helped develop this theology, stir up Christian Zionism, and clarify the church’s mission to procl...

Does the Bible ever confuse you? Do you struggle to understand some of its teachings? Remember, all it takes to comprehend Scripture is a plain sense, literal reading of the Word! In part 1 of our 3-part series on why the way we interpret the Bible matters, we dissect how theologian Charles Ryrie championed a literal interpretation of Scripture—just like The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry does....

Like a composer conducting a symphony, Jesus perfectly orchestrated all the events leading up to His death for the sins of the world. Friends of Israel representative Tom Simcox joins us this week to share profound insight from his latest article in Israel My Glory magazine. He teaches about Jesus’ meticulous arrangement of each detail of His path to the cross—from the donkey He rode into Jerusale...

We’ve got two reasons to celebrate on The Friends of Israel Today! This week, we’re marking the 10th anniversary of Chris Katulka’s service as our host, and we’re commemorating 34 years of broadcasting our radio program! A cherished conversation with our late, former host Elwood McQuaid, Steve and Chris’s memories, and our focus on keeping our commitment to love and bless the Jewish people in obed...

The Middle East is a mess! As Israel battles terrorists, we’re taking time to track how this conflict came about. This week, we’ll analyze Israel’s watershed moment of the 21st century: Hamas’s October 7, 2023 massacre and kidnapping of Israeli civilians and the ensuing war Israel has fought against the terrorist group and other Iranian proxies. Since it began, Israel has decimated Hamas and Hezbo...

How did the Middle East become the focus of global attention it is today? Settle in for the story on this week’s broadcast! Hear the remarkable accounts of Israel’s secret ammunition factory, the nation’s unlikely victories in many wars, and the changing borders and international alliances that followed. Israel’s history is the key to understanding how the entire region has taken shape. So don’t m...

Many people look at the Middle East—its wars and geopolitical alliances—and wonder, “How did we get here?” Chris provides the answers in part 1 of our 3-part series on the makings of the Middle East! Most people aren’t familiar with the 1916 Sykes-Picot Agreement, yet it was a significant driving factor that set into motion the State of Israel’s establishment. Enjoy this informational look at the...

Recently, Chris led a group of ministry leaders to Israel, where he spoke with several individuals to gain a clear picture of the difficulties so many displaced Israelis have faced. Adrian and Hilton, an Israeli couple, share their story of having been displaced from their home for more than a year, separated from their loved ones and the lives they once lived. Then, Shimrit, marketing director fo...