EPISODE 0217 | Global Persecution and Biblical Response: South Korea and Israel Update
THESE NOTES ACCOMPANY EPISODE 0217
In this special Culture Review episode, Pastor Nate and Pastor Stephen sit down to process the incredible global journey Stephen has just returned from—spanning memorials, political tension, spiritual awakenings, and prophetic clarity. From a frontline church in South Korea to the National Day of Prayer in Israel, this episode unpacks what God is doing around the world and what it means for the Church in America. Hear firsthand stories of pastors in prison, revival among youth, and rising antisemitism—and how Christians are being called to respond with truth, boldness, and conviction.
Main Topics Covered:
✔️ The story behind Pastor Stephen’s trip to South Korea with Pastor Rob McCoy
✔️ Why Pastor Song was imprisoned and the bold stand of Segero Church
✔️ The rise of communism in South Korea and its implications for the global Church
✔️ The power of youth-focused discipleship and church resilience under persecution
✔️ Pastor Stephen’s visit to Israel for the National Day of Prayer in Jerusalem
✔️ How Christian and Jewish communities are forging deeper friendships
✔️ Addressing antisemitism and the importance of philo-semitism
✔️ The spiritual significance of America’s role in the world today
✔️ A candid reflection on President Trump’s recent peace deal comments
✔️ Encouragement for pastors to stay bold, connected, and on mission
Key Scriptures:
📖 Nehemiah 6:3 – “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down.”
📖 Matthew 5:14 – “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.”
📖 Romans 11:25–26 – God's plan for Israel's salvation
📖 Genesis 12:3 – “I will bless those who bless you…”
📖 Ephesians 6:12 – “We wrestle not against flesh and blood…”
📖 John 15:13 – “Greater love has no one than this…”
Key Takeaways:
🔹 Courage is contagious—one bold pastor can inspire a nation
🔹 Freedom must be defended by those who enjoy its benefits
🔹 The Church must be discipleship-driven, not crowd-driven
🔹 Korea is facing a spiritual and political crisis that mirrors global patterns
🔹 Israel is in the middle of biblical prophecy—don’t miss what God is doing
🔹 Christian support of Jewish people must be rooted in Scripture, not politics
🔹 Good people don’t go to heaven—saved people do
🔹 This is not a time to slow down, but to build and fight with clarity and conviction
🔹 God is sifting the Church—cowardice will be exposed, and courage will be rewarded
🔹 We must rebuild the wall in front of our homes—one family at a time
🎧 Listen now for a sweeping, Spirit-filled look at what’s happening in Korea, Israel, and your own heart—and why you were born for such a time as this.
Resources
The Better Planner™ is a personal planner designed by Pastor Stephen to help you map out all the different aspects of success and personal growth on your way to better.
The foundation of the Better Planner™ is the practice of defining and reaching your personal vision. The other principles for growth all integrate with and flow out of this essential step. As you develop and record the insights you receive from God and His design for your life, the Better Planner™ will lead you through a step-by-step process to become better.
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