In this episode of Passages Pulse, Josiah McGee is joined by Samuel Ben-Er for an important conversation about a growing global reality: why are Christians being targeted in different parts of the world?

From the Middle East to places like China and Iran, restrictions on faith are increasing and in some cases turning into outright persecution. Drawing on historical context and present-day examples, this episode explores why Christianity is often seen as a threat and what that reveals about power, control, and belief.

Samuel’s article: https://providencemag.com/2026/04/christianity-is-the-vanguard-of-western-civilization-and-america-must-protect-it-abroad/

So what’s really going on, and why does this matter right now?

We unpack:

🌍 Where Christians are facing the most pressure globally and what that looks like on the ground

⚖️ Why authoritarian regimes often view Christianity as a threat

🧠 The deeper political and ideological reasons behind restrictions on faith

⛪ What happens when belief challenges government authority

📣 Why this issue is often misunderstood or overlooked in mainstream conversations

🙏 How Christians should respond with awareness, wisdom, and prayer

Disclaimer: Individual views expressed in this episode are their own and do not necessarily represent those of Passages.

Want to learn more about Passages? Visit www.passagesisrael.org and follow us on Instagram @passagesisrael.

In this episode of Passages Pulse, Josiah McGee and Olivia Layne unpack a viral moment that sparked major controversy online: a widely circulated image involving Israeli security forces and a Christian site in Lebanon.

What actually happened? And why did so many people immediately jump to conclusions?

As reactions spread across social media, many began asking deeper questions about Israel, Christianity, and whether tensions between the two are growing. But is the narrative we’re seeing online telling the full story?

We unpack:

📸 The viral IDF photo and what actually took place on the ground

🧠 How misinformation and missing context shape public perception

⛪ The complex reality of Christian identity and worship in Israel today

⚠️ Why quick reactions online can often miss critical details

🙏 How Christians should respond with wisdom, patience, and discernment

IDF confirms photo of soldier smashing Jesus statue in Lebanon is genuine: https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-says-image-of-soldier-destroying-jesus-statue-in-lebanon-is-real-vows-action/

Disclaimer: Individual views expressed in this episode are their own and do not necessarily represent those of Passages.

Want to learn more about Passages? Visit www.passagesisrael.org and follow us on Instagram @passagesisrael.

In this episode of Passages Pulse, Josiah McGee and Olivia Layne break down a rapidly shifting moment in the Middle East as Iran talks collapse, new dynamics emerge in Lebanon, and major questions remain unanswered.

With headlines moving fast and narratives changing by the hour, it can be difficult to understand what’s actually happening and what it all means.

So what’s really going on, and did diplomacy just fail?

We unpack:

🌍 What led to the collapse of recent Iran talks and why it matters

🇱🇧 Why Lebanon is suddenly becoming a key part of the conversation

⚠️ How shifting alliances and regional pressure are shaping what comes next

🧠 Why so much feels unresolved despite major developments

📣 The danger of reacting too quickly to breaking news and incomplete information

🙏 How Christians can respond with wisdom, patience, and prayer in uncertain moments

Disclaimer: Individual views expressed in this episode are their own and do not necessarily represent those of Passages.

Want to learn more about Passages? Visit www.passagesisrael.org and follow us on Instagram @passagesisrael.

In this episode of Passages Pulse, a ceasefire is suddenly announced between the United States and Iran. But is the war actually over or just paused?

Josiah McGee and Olivia Layne break down the confusion surrounding the ceasefire, the competing narratives coming from both sides, and what this moment could mean for the future of the conflict.

We unpack:

📄 What we actually know about the ceasefire and what remains unclear

🤝 Why the U.S. and Iran appear to be saying very different things

⏳ What the next two weeks of negotiations could determine

⚠️ The risks of this moment collapsing back into escalation

🌍 What this means for the region and global stability

🙏 How Christians can respond with wisdom and discernment in uncertain times

Disclaimer: Individual views expressed in this episode are their own and do not necessarily represent those of Passages.

Want to learn more about Passages? Visit www.passagesisrael.org and follow us on Instagram @passagesisrael.

In this episode of Passages Pulse, Josiah McGee and Olivia Layne explore a surprising and important question: what is happening in Jerusalem during Holy Week this year?

As Christians around the world prepare to celebrate Easter, the reality in Jerusalem looks very different. With new restrictions in place across the Old City, many of the traditional gatherings and celebrations that define Holy Week are being limited or changed.

So what’s really going on and is worship being stopped?

We unpack:

⛪ What Holy Week is typically like in Jerusalem and why it draws believers from around the world

⚠️ Why restrictions have been put in place across the Old City, including key holy sites

🧠 The incident at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and what actually happened

📣 Why social media reactions may be missing key context

⚖️ The balance between faith, safety, and public responsibility

🙏 How Christians should respond with wisdom, humility, and prayer

Holy Fire Ceremony in Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjPVOJ7Wf1M

Disclaimer: Individual views expressed in this episode are their own and do not necessarily represent those of Passages.

Want to learn more about Passages? Visit www.passagesisrael.org and follow us on Instagram @passagesisrael.

Josiah McGee and Olivia Layne break down the latest developments in the war in Iran and ask a critical question: where is this conflict heading next?

As the war enters a new phase, global attention is shifting to one of the most strategic waterways in the world: the Strait of Hormuz. Why does it matter so much and what happens if it closes?

We unpack:

🌍 What the latest missile strikes in Israel reveal about Iran’s capabilities

🚢 Why the Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important choke points in the global economy

⛽ How this conflict could impact oil prices, food supply, and everyday life worldwide

⚔️ What the U.S. strategy might be — negotiation, escalation, or something in between

🔮 Two possible scenarios for how this war could unfold in the coming weeks

🙏 How Christians should respond to war, uncertainty, and rising global tension

Disclaimer: Individual views expressed in this episode are their own and do not necessarily represent those of Passages.

Want to learn more about Passages? Visit www.passagesisrael.org and follow us on Instagram @passagesisrael.

Josiah McGee and Olivia Layne break down the latest developments in the war between the United States, Israel, and Iran and why recent events are raising serious concerns here in America.

As the conflict enters a new phase, targeting not just military infrastructure but key figures within Iran’s regime, the conversation turns to a sobering reality. This war may not stay overseas.

Following a recent attack on a synagogue in Michigan, Josiah and Olivia explore the growing threat of extremism, the role of rhetoric in fueling violence, and what it could mean if tensions continue to escalate inside the U.S.

In this episode, we unpack

🇺🇸 What the Michigan synagogue attack reveals about rising threats at home

⚠️ Whether Iran or its proxies could target the U.S. directly

🧠 How rhetoric and radicalization can contribute to real world violence

🌍 The latest updates from the war and what is changing on the ground

🤝 How Christians should respond to evil, conflict, and rising fear

🙏 Why prayer, awareness, and standing with the Jewish community matters right now

Disclaimer: Individual views expressed in this episode are their own and do not necessarily represent those of Passages.

Want to learn more about Passages? Visit www.passagesisrael.org and follow us on Instagram @passagesisrael.

In this episode of Passages Pulse, Josiah McGee answers some of the most common questions listeners have been asking about the war with Iran.

Why is the United States involved in this conflict? What are the real reasons behind the war? And did Israel actually drag America into it?

In this solo episode, Josiah breaks down the moral, practical, and strategic reasons behind the war between the United States, Israel, and Iran, helping listeners understand the bigger picture beyond the daily headlines.

Drawing on recent developments in the conflict, he explores the deeper context behind America’s decision to confront Iran, including the regime’s history of terrorism, its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, and the broader global strategy shaping U.S. foreign policy.

As the war continues to unfold across the Middle East, understanding the motivations behind it is critical for anyone trying to make sense of this historic moment.

Disclaimer: Individual views expressed in this episode are their own and do not necessarily represent those of Passages.

Want to learn more about Passages?

Visit www.passagesisrael.org and follow us on Instagram @passagesisrael.