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"What happens when childhood questions about God remain unanswered despite years of religious education? Today, we will explore Pastor Geoffrey Ekstein's remarkable journey from Judaism to Christianity, which captured the essence of authentic spiritual seeking and the courage required to embrace truth regardless of the cost."

Growing up in a devoutly Jewish home where his identity was firmly rooted in Jewish tradition, Geoff found himself fascinated by biblical figures who had personal relationships with God. "David made God smile," he recalls thinking as a child, which prompted his persistent question: "How do I have that kind of relationship?" Despite consulting rabbis and participating faithfully in Jewish traditions, the answer remained frustratingly elusive.

The turning point came unexpectedly through fatherhood. When Geoff and his non-Jewish wife welcomed their daughter, the weight of responsibility awakened his dormant spiritual questions. On his first Father's Day, seeking affirmation of his new parental role, he instead discovered "how great a father our heavenly Father is" through the gospel of Jesus Christ. The revelation that Jesus was Jewish—not Catholic as he had assumed—opened his eyes to see Christ as the fulfillment of everything he had been searching for.

The most powerful moment in this testimony occurs when Geoff's father directly confronts him: "Are you a Christian?" Standing in that driveway, with Jesus's words about denial echoing in his mind, Geoff faced what he calls his "crucible moment"—choosing faith over fear with a simple "yes." This honest confession, while initially creating tension, ultimately led to deeper family relationships built on mutual respect and understanding.

Geoff's story brilliantly illuminates the purpose behind Jewish identity: "We were chosen to be the mechanism through whom the Messiah would come." His journey from synagogue to sanctuary demonstrates that sometimes our longest-held questions find their answers in unexpected places, and that standing firm in our convictions, despite potential rejection, opens the door to authentic relationship with both God and others.

If you've ever wrestled with questions about faith, identity, or family expectations, this testimony will resonate deeply. Share this episode with someone seeking answers to their own spiritual questions.

Pastor Geoff's email: pastorgeoff@bccdelmar.org
Bethlehem Community Church: https://bccdelmar.org/

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"Have you ever thought about the phrase –“Words have power”? The right words, arranged in the right way, can transform our understanding of ancient texts and bring fresh insight to timeless truths. That's exactly what we explore on Plays on Word Radio."

We welcome listeners to Plays on Word Radio where we analyze and play with the Word of God through thoughtful discussion and biblical exploration.

• Introduction to our program focused on exploring scriptural language and meaning
• Discussion of how wordplay enhances our understanding of biblical texts
• Examination of repetition as a powerful literary device in scripture
• Invitation to join our community of biblical word enthusiasts
• Brief musical interlude featuring the phrase "You're the only Name"

To find out more about our program and access additional resources, visit our website at https://playsonword.org/calendar.html. Check back often for our new website design coming soon! To support this and upcoming tours financially, please visit: https://playsonword.networkforgood

Does any of today's podcast resonate with you? Let us know here:
https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/podcast-reviews
To Support Plays On Word Radio and Plays On Word Theater, please visit:
https://playsonword.networkforgood
The Plays On Word Theater team is setting up new performance dates! Reach out with inquiries: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/event-submission-form

Plays On Word website
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Email us: team@playsonword.org

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"Ever wondered how God's Word can break through barriers when presented in unexpected ways? Today, Pastor Teddy shares how Plays on Word Theater uses Scripture-based plays to reach hearts, urging prayer, support, and invitations for our transformative East Coast tour."

Pastor Teddy shares exciting updates about the Plays on Word Theater ministry and their upcoming East Coast tour, emphasizing how theatrical presentations of Scripture continue to transform lives.

• Plays on Word Theater brings the Gospel to diverse venues including schools, prisons, churches, and even coffee shops
• Recent encounter with a previous audience member at Jersey Mike's confirms the lasting impact of their performances
• Upcoming East Coast tour includes multiple performances of the 'PETE' Play throughout New York and New Jersey in August
• Passionate plea for prayer support for the entire tour, especially for the outdoor Ocean Grove Boardwalk performance: https://playsonword.networkforgood.com/events/88239-25-pete-08-10-4pm-sun-show-1-man-biblical-play-ocean-grove-boardwalk-pavilion-nj
• Challenge to believers to invite people who need to hear the Gospel in a fresh way
• Comparison between repeatedly experiencing biblical plays and re-reading Scripture or eating daily meals
• Personal testimonies of seeing people make professions of faith through theatrical ministry
• Reminder that true salvation isn't about simply "saying a prayer" but about genuine heart transformation

Please support the upcoming East Coast tour through prayer. Check https://playsonword.org/calendar.html for tour dates and details, and consider who you might invite to experience the Word of God in this unique way. To help financially with the upcoming tours, please click here: https://playsonword.networkforgood.com/

Crossroads Gathering Place: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089010535449

Does any of today's podcast resonate with you? Let us know here:
https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/podcast-reviews
To Support Plays On Word Radio and Plays On Word Theater, please visit:
https://playsonword.networkforgood
The Plays On Word Theater team is setting up new performance dates! Reach out with inquiries:

Plays On Word website
Plays On Word YouTube
Plays On Word Facebook
Plays On Word Instagram
Email us: team@playsonword.org