Rise of Anti-Semitism: Biblical Perspective on Israel and Jewish People

Speakers

• Pastor Gary Hamrick (host, Cornerstone Chapel)
• Rob McCoy (pastor, Godspeak Calvary Chapel; former mayor)
• Sammy Smaja (TBN regional director Israel/Middle East; messianic pastor Jerusalem)
• Bob McEwen (former U.S. Congressman; Council on National Policy executive director)

Introduction

• Anti-Semitism rising: ADL reports 344% increase in incidents over 5 years, 893% over decade (excludes policy opposition).
• Distinguishes policy criticism from anti-Semitism (harming/blaming Jews is demonic; Satan as accuser, Revelation 12).
• Catholic/Orthodox leaders condemned Christian Zionism (Jan 17 statement).
• Concerns over Candace Owens/Tucker Carlson comments dividing conservatives/Christians.
• Call for respect; pray for influencers; expose darkness biblically (Ephesians 5:11; 2 Timothy 2:23-26).

Guest Clarifications

• Rob McCoy addressed accusation of shielding pedophile (Tom Semino): Attender served time, discipled, no recidivism, not near children; attack by Soros-linked group.

Definitions

• Anti-Semitism: Hatred/opposition to Jews (includes anti-Zionism; blaming Jews for world problems).
• Zionism: Biblical return of Jews to homeland (Zion = Jerusalem/Israel); part of God's salvation plan.

Biblical Case for Israel

• God chose Jews to bring Word, Messiah (not superior ethnicity); roots of Christianity in Judaism.
• Against replacement theology: God faithful despite apostasy (Ezekiel 36-39 dry bones; Romans 9-11).
• Genesis 12:1-3 unconditional covenant: Bless Israel, be blessed; curse Israel, be cursed (applies today).
• Church not replacement: "All Israel will be saved" (Romans 11:25-26); Jews need Yeshua, but God not done.
• Dead Sea Scrolls (1947) as "title deed" before Israel's rebirth.

Critiques of Anti-Israel Views (Clips)

• Candace Owens: Zionism "grief"; Israel "demonic"; Netanyahu "demon"; conspiracy theories (e.g., Jews control everything, ancient tech).
• Tucker Carlson: No chosen people; church universal; Netanyahu "evil"; U.S. leaders betray America.
• Charlie Kirk rejected anti-Semitic scapegoating (Jews blamed for all ills).

U.S.-Israel Alliance

• Strategic: Israel's location, military/intel (Mossad), Iran containment (PragerU: 5 reasons).
• Proportional response to Oct 7 (1,216 killed = 60K U.S. equivalent); Hamas atrocities, ongoing rockets (tens of thousands since 2005).
• Spiritual battle: Anti-Israel = anti-American/Christian; hate from Satan.
• Jewish global population: ~15M (0.2%); most targeted minority.

Broader Context

• Oct 7 changed Israel/Middle East; Hamas invested aid in tunnels/weapons.
• Defend Jews as Christians would want defense (imagine anti-Christian attacks).
• Quotes: Bill Maher/Van Jones on tiny Jewish population deserving protection post-Holocaust.

Closing

• Martin Niemöller poem: Speak out before "they come for you."
• God's favor remains on Israel/Jews; pray protection/blessing.
• Sammy Smaja closing prayer (Hebrew/English for Israel, attendees).

Announcements

• Free resources in atrium (while supplies last): Israel Allies Foundation, Concerned Women for America, International Christian Embassy Jerusalem.
  • "Replacement Theology: What It Is and Why It Matters."
  • "Antisemitism: What Every Christian Needs to Know and How to Counter It" (Dr. Susan Michael/Karen Engel).

Bible Verses

• Revelation 12:10
• John 8:44
• Revelation 12:13
• Ephesians 5:11
• 2 Timothy 2:23-26
• Proverbs 18:17
• Genesis 12:1-3
• Romans 9-11
• Romans 11:25-26
• Zechariah 13