Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum discusses Israelology — a key to understanding prophecy and Jesus' earthly ministry.

The systematic study of Israel also provides context for understanding the rapture, end times and Jesus' second coming.

Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum unpacks Jesus' example of leadership and what that means for modern day discipleship.

Bonus Content: 

Come and See, Ariel Library Resources

What You’ll Learn:

• What Israelology is and why it matters in the study of the Bible
• How to apply Jesus' example of discipleship
• What scripture says has to happen before the rapture or Jesus’ return

About the Guest: 

In 1943, Arnold was born in Russia into a Jewish family that had fled Poland. After being allowed to go back to Poland in 1945, the family escaped the Iron Curtain with the assistance of the Israeli underground. They spent several years in a British Displaced Persons camp in Germany. While there, Arnold received Orthodox Jewish training from his father. And, the family was befriended by a Lutheran minister.

While Arnold was still a boy, the family migrated to New York City. The contact with the Lutheran minister, led Arnold and his mother to the American Board of Missions to the Jews (which would eventually become Chosen People Ministries). Through this ministry, several years later, Arnold came to a saving knowledge of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. He was 13 years old.

Despite his father’s disapproval and harsh treatment, Arnold’s faith endured. After high school, he enrolled in a Christian college. He would go on to transfer and graduate from Cedarville College and later from Dallas Theological Seminary. He received his PhD from New York University.

He is the Founder and Director of Ariel Ministries. The ministry offers intensive Bible teaching from a Messianic Jewish perspective with both in-person and online instruction. Tyndale Seminary students may be able to apply some Ariel coursework toward their degree. The ministry’s online library has resources available in English, Afrikaans, French, Hebrew, Hungarian and Russian.

Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum wrote the groundbreaking book, Israelology: the Missing Link in Systematic Theology. He is a prolific author. He has written several Bible commentaries including a recently published commentary on the book of Isaiah. He has authored or co-authored many books including The Feasts and Fasts of Israel: Their Historical and Prophetic Significance and Footsteps of the Messiah.

Scripture Related to Episode:

Matthew 12-13; Jesus Shifts Ministry Focus to His Disciples

Zechariah 13-14; Persecution of the Jewish People, the Abomination of Desolation and the National Salvation of Jewish People

Ezekiel 38-39; Prophecy about Gog and Magog

Links Related to Episode:

Ariel Ministries - Phone: 210-344-7707

Arnold Fruchtenbaum, Author

Israelology: The Missing Link In Systematic Theology

Timestamped Show Notes:

01:19-Topic: Israelology in Understanding Jesus' Earthly Ministry and His Return

02:20-About Arnold's Family

02:54-What is the Systematic Theological Study of Israel?

04:45-The Context of Jesus' Earthly Ministry

05:12-The Greek and Roman Culture in the New Testament

05:31-1st Century Israel and the Life of Jesus

05:50-Christian Schools that Have a Jewish Studies Major

06:18-Messianic Jewish Studies at Ariel Ministries

07:30-Two Fold Purpose of Ariel Ministries

07:49-Jesus' Example of Discipleship

08:55-How Does Jesus' Example for Discipleship Apply to Churches Today

09:37-2 Things for a Pastor to Do

11:01-Are Small Groups Actually Bible Studies?

12:59-Training Biblical Elders

14:20-Balancing Interpretation and Application

16:34-Israel, the Past, Present and Future

17:15-Israel in the New Testament

17:56-Israel, the Church, the Rapture and the Second Coming

19:16-The Abomination of Desolation and the Mark of 666

19:47-Persecution of the Jewish People in End Times

20:16-Christ's Second Coming

21:28-Salvation of All Israel and the Battle of Armageddon (Har Megiddo)

22:52-Newspaper Exegesis

23:15-Gog, Magog and Ukraine — Ezekiel 38-39

24:58-Interpreting Prophecy — Does Prophecy Have a Bad Name

25:54-Contact Information

28:07-Joke: Arnold's Favorite Rabbi Story