Christians who stand with Israel should prepare for a spiritual battle, pastor warns

Pastor Jim Scudder says Christians who publicly support Israel should expect growing opposition, a theme he explored during a recent interview with Paul Calvert.

Scudder serves as the Senior Pastor of Quentin Road Baptist Church in Lake Zurich, Illinois, and president of Dayspring Bible College. He is also the host of the InGrace TV and radio programs.

Discussing his new book, "The Spiritual War Against Israel: Defending Biblical Zionism and Understanding Israel’s Place in God’s Prophetic Plan," Scudder argues that support for Israel has become increasingly controversial in the wake of rising antisemitism and anti-Zionist sentiment.

Written with historian Dr. Phil Stringer, the book addresses questions about Israel, Zionism, Bible prophecy and replacement theology. According to Scudder, believers need to be prepared to defend their views.

"Anyone that’s going to support Israel publicly better be ready for a battle," he said.

Scudder's conviction is rooted not only in theology but also in his frequent visits to Israel, where he films content for his television ministry and documents archaeological discoveries connected to the Bible.

During the interview, he described visits to sites associated with figures such as King Saul and highlighted ongoing excavations at Shiloh, Mount Bezek, and Khirbet Qeiyafa. He said recent discoveries continue to strengthen confidence in the historical reliability of scripture and Israel's ancient connection to the land.

"It’s the golden age of biblical archaeology in Israel," Scudder remarked, reflecting on the growing body of archaeological evidence being uncovered across the country.

The conversation also touched on modern-day Israel and the security challenges its citizens face. Scudder recounted being in the country during missile attacks and experiencing the same emergency procedures Israelis regularly endure, including rushing to bomb shelters.

While acknowledging the dangers surrounding Israel, he expressed admiration for the resilience of its people and emphasized the importance of Christian support.

Scudder also addressed replacement theology, arguing that the modern rebirth of Israel presents a significant challenge to claims that the Church has replaced Israel in God's plans. He maintained that Scripture consistently points to a future role for Israel and the Jewish people.

The interview concluded on a deeply personal note as Scudder explained why his support for Israel is rooted in his faith in Jesus.

"I worship and I will forever, eternally worship a Jewish man, a Jewish rabbi," he declared, speaking about the Jewish identity of the Messiah.

As opposition to Israel continues to grow in many circles, Scudder challenged believers not to remain silent, concluding with a simple but direct appeal:

"I think Christians need to be more bold," he said.

Click below to listen to the full interview with Pastor Jim Scudder.