Have you ever asked yourself this question: "I'm not Jewish, so why do I care about Israel?" Have your friends and family asked the same question?

It's a good question.

We explore this world-changing phenomenon happening in our generation in the opening pages of I AM ISRAEL: The Believer's Guide to the Rebirth of the Promised Land. Enjoy this excerpt from the book!

I AM ISRAEL:

The Believer's Guide to the Rebirth of the Promised Land

Introduction Excerpt:

"Identity"

If you're reading this book, chances are you're a follower of Jesus who is interested in Israel. You may have already experienced the joy of walking on the golden streets of Jerusalem, or you may be dreaming of visiting the Holy Land for the first time. You may be a new Believer seeking to learn about the Land where Jesus was born. Or you may be a mature Believer wanting to deepen your understanding of the Jewish roots of our faith.

To every disciple from the nations reading this book, I want to tell you from the start — You are a miracle foretold by the prophets long ago, and have an integral role to play in the unfolding story of Israel's redemption.

Throughout our history, much of Christianity has not paid much regard to Israel and the Jewish people. Generally, it's been us and them. For many reasons, Jews and Christians have been separated for the last 2,000 years, with very little relationship.

But in the last few decades, a spiritual shift has taken place throughout the Jewish and Christian world. How can it be that in our time, so many non-Jewish Believers from all over the world, millions in number, are being drawn to connect with Israel? To pray for Jerusalem? What is God doing in our generation?

Who are we? What is our identity?

CHRISTIAN ZIONISTS

The Jewish community calls us "Christian Zionists." Much of the world mocks this title, calling us simple-minded for taking the Bible literally. But for those who know stories of the heroes of faith who have come before us, it is a title we can be proud of.

A Christian Zionist is a follower of Jesus who loves the Land of Israel and the Jewish people. A Christian Zionist is a Believer who rescues Jews from danger, and helps them return to their ancient homeland (Isa 49:22). They give charity to Jews in need (Luke 7:5). They labor in the mountains, valleys and agricultural fields of Israel, participating in the restoration of the Land (Isa 61:5). They hold strong to the promises of God, longing for the day when the King of Israel will sit on the throne of David in Jerusalem (Luke 1:32).

So who was the first Christian Zionist?

In recent generations, others have followed in the same spirit as Cornelius and influenced world events. From Rev. William Hechler, who inspired the earliest Jewish Zionists to re-establish Israel as their homeland, to Corrie Ten Boom, who hid Jewish families from the Nazis in secret rooms in her family home. From William Blackstone, who lobbied the U.S. President to support a Jewish safe-haven in Israel, to Captain Orde Wingate, who was instrumental in creating the first Israeli defense army. You'll hear more about their stories later in this book.