In this episode of Anchored by the Word, Pastor Justin and Josh welcome author, podcaster, pastor, educator, and apologist Andrew Rappaport. The founder of Striving for Eternity Ministries, Rappaport shares his journey from growing up Jewish—where Jesus was viewed as "Hitler's God"—to becoming a Christian apologist. Rappaport recounts how an intellectual challenge led him to examine Old and New Testament prophecies that led him to ultimately conclude that the mathematical probability of Jesus fulfilling those prophecies was "beyond statistical impossibility," confirming for him that Christ must be God.

The conversation centers on the topic of "the Jewishness of the Jesus," demonstrating that to properly understand Scripture, Christians must interpret it through a first-century Jewish lens rather than a modern Western one. They discuss how understanding Jewish idioms and customs—such as the wedding custom that informs Jesus' statement that "no one knows the day or the hour" (Mark 13:32)—is critical for accurate biblical interpretation.

The episode concludes with a profound call for believers to grasp the necessity of biblical hermeneutics (the theory and practice of interpretation). Andrew Rappaport emphasizes that Christians should be dedicated to meditating on the Word of God—a concept he links to "chewing cud" in its meaning—throughout the day, not merely reading it in passing. This discussion provides a powerful reminder of the rich, original context of Christianity and the importance of digging deeper into the Jewish roots of the faith.
To learn more about Andrew, his works, and his ministries, visit Striving for Eternity by following this LINK.