We’re inviting back Kate McCord, author In the Land of Blue Burqas. We were fascinated by Kate’s account of her time in Afghanistan, and we decided we wanted to hear more stories about her experiences there. You will be encouraged!

Then later, in our devotional time, I want to begin a series on the parables of Jesus in Matthew 13—His seven stories with a purpose. This week we’ll travel to the shore of the Sea of Galilee to hear Jesus share the story of the Sower.

Featured: , Kate McCord
Hosts: Dr. Charlie Dyer and Jon Gauger

We're heading back to the inbox to answer listeners' questions! We’re taking some additional time this week to work our way through the growing pile of e-mails and voice messages!

And as your listening, be sure to put on a comfortable pair of shoes because our devotional will take us from the Mount of Olives to the city of Gath as we search for tears in a bottle!

Hosts: Dr. Charlie Dyer and Jon Gauger

For most artists, music is something they “do.” But for Larnelle Harris, music is who he is. For more than three decades, he has defined Christian music with his dramatic tenor voice. Larnelle—our guest this week—is the only person in history to be elected as a member of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, the Amateur Radio Hall of Fame and the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame. We’ll talk with Larnelle—not just about his music—but about his visits to the Holy Land. Join us for stories you won’t hear anywhere else!

Then in our devotional time together we’ll be heading to Psalm 1 to learn what it takes to alllow a person to be truly blessed.

Featured: Larnell Harris
Hosts: Dr. Charlie Dyer and Jon Gauger

Have you ever experienced one of life’s “duck” situations? Those times when, like a duck floating on a pond, everything on the surface looks calm and serene, while underneath the duck’s legs are paddling furiously. Every trip to Israel is a series of “duck” situations. The tour looks seamless to the participants while the land operator is paddling furiously to resolve all the issues that unexpectedly arise. This week’s guest is one of the best “ducks” in the business. A guy who spends his life solving problems while making it all look effortless.

He’s David Katz, and he serves as deputy general manager at Sarel Tours, one of the leading tour operators in Israel. He excels at making the difficult look easy. And during our last trip to Israel we asked him to give our group a behind-the-curtain look at what really happens during a typical tour to Israel.

Later in the program, in our devotional time, our group is hiking to the field school of En Gedi to watch Ruth and Naomi make the difficult trek from Moab to Bethlehem.

Featured: David Katz
Hosts: Dr. Charlie Dyer and Jon Gauger

It's almost time to tear off the final page of the calendar and start a new year. And as you make your new year's resolutions, one of them might just be to travel to Israel to see the land of the Bible. But if you do plan on visiting Israel, make sure you also get to know some of the "living stones" of the land, the people who call that country "home." Those on our Land and the Book Israel trip this past November had just such an opportunity, and you'll get to join them as we meet Eric and Terri Morey: two of God's amazing "living stones" in the land.

Then later, in our devotional time, travel with our group to Caesarea as we stand in the palace built by Herod the Great and look more closely at Cornelius, the Roman centurion from Caesarea who came to faith in Jesus.

Featured: Eric and Terri Morey
Hosts: Dr. Charlie Dyer and Jon Gauger

Christmas is here! Well, almost here! The children may not be nestled all snug in their beds quite yet, but this coming Tuesday is the day many Christians celebrate the birth of our Savior. Is it the exact day? We really can't say for sure. But we do know key events surrounding the birth of our Lord from the Bible. And today's guest, Dr. Mark Bailey, will help us understand those events more clearly!

This program also marks the end of our five-part devotional series on the women in Matthew's genealogy of Jesus. Matthew saved the best for last! Join us as we take an in-depth look at Mary, Jesus' mother.

Featured: Dr. Mark Bailey
Hosts: Dr. Charlie Dyer and Jon Gauger

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...or so goes the song! From the music on the radio to the decorations in store windows, it's hard to miss the fact that Christmas is almost here. But what would it have been like for Mary and Joseph that very first Christmas? If we could somehow go back in time, what would the sights, sounds and smells of that first Christmas season have been like? We don't have a time machine here on The Land and the Book, but we have the next best thing…someone who has lived in the land of Israel and who knows it like the back of his own hand. We'll be talking with Todd Bolen about what it would have been like for Mary and Joseph that first Christmas season.

Then, in our devotional time together, we'll continue our study of Matthew's "Five Golden Rings" by exploring the fourth woman included in his genealogy of Jesus…Bathsheba, the unnamed woman!

Featured: Todd Bolen
Hosts: Dr. Charlie Dyer and Jon Gauger

We talk often on this program about visiting Israel and the impact it can make on a person's life, but what if the person is mobility impaired or has some other disability? How handicapped accessible is Israel? This week's guest is Greg Hatteberg, and he understands first hand the challenges an Israel trip can have on the mobility impaired. His wife Lisa has MS, and Greg has taken her to Israel three times.

Later in the program, in our devotional time, we'll continue our Christmas theme by exploring the third of the "Five Golden Rings" in Matthew's genealogy of Jesus. Our journey this week takes us to Bethlehem to visit with Ruth the Moabite.

Featured: Greg Hatteberg
Hosts: Dr. Charlie Dyer and Jon Gauger

As the Christmas season approaches, we thought it was the right time to focus on some "good news" from the war-scarred country of Afghanistan. Kate McCord, the author of a new book from Moody Publishers titled In the Land of Blue Burqas, will help us do that. Our guest's real name has been changed to protect her and the women she worked with. But we can assure you, Kate is the "real deal." At the pinnacle of a high-powered career, she left it all, sold everything and moved to Afghanistan to start an organization to help Afghani women. Her story will encourage you!

Then, in our devotional time together, we'll continue our study of "Five Golden Rings" by looking at the second of the five women in Matthew's genealogy of Jesus: Rahab the harlot.

Featured: Kate McCord
Hosts: Dr. Charlie Dyer and Jon Gauger

Ready to hit the waves? This week we're going surfing in Israel with Todd Morehead! Confused? Well, this might help. Todd Morehead is an avid surfer from Southern California who is also the director and co-producer of a film titled "Promised Land." We'll discuss how surfing, ministry to the Jewish people and this film really do fit together!

Then, in our devotional segment, we'll begin working our way toward the holiday season by starting a five-part series focusing on Matthew's "Five Golden Rings" of Christmas.

Featured: Todd Morehead
Hosts: Dr. Charlie Dyer and Jon Gauger

In the military it's called an AAR: after action review. It's a review of what happened, why it happened, and how it can be done even better in the future. This week Charlie and Jon, along with Dan Anderson, will be conducting their own AAR of the recent Land and the Book trip to Israel. What were the highlights? The surprises? The unique opportunities? Join us for an insider's look at what really happened on the trip!

Later in the program, during our devotional time together, we'll focus on Thanksgiving by looking at Jeremiah's amazing words in Lamentations 3-Great Is Thy Faithfulness!

Hosts: Dr. Charlie Dyer and Jon Gauger

Ready for seconds? This week is part two of our Land and the Book Live event from just outside Cleveland. Our guests are Samya and Mike Johnson. Those aren't their real names…and you'll understand why when you hear about their ministry.

Then in our devotional segment, we journey from the wilderness to the royal palace as we finish our two-part series on Psalm 23.

Featured: Samya and Mike Johnson
Hosts: Dr. Charlie Dyer and Jon Gauger

Pack your suitcase, and don't forget your toothbrush. We're hitting the road! This week is the first of two programs recorded at a Land and the Book Live event just outside Cleveland. Our guests are Samya and Mike Johnson. Those aren't their real names, and you'll understand why we had to use pseudonyms when you hear about their ministry.

Later in the program, during our devotional time together, we'll trek into the Judean Wilderness to begin a two-part series on Psalm 23.

Featured: Samya and Mike Johnson
Hosts: Dr. Charlie Dyer and Jon Gauger

The Land and the Book is now in its third year on the air. In that time we've had our share of interesting guests … and we've heard from quite a few of our listeners. We received one phone message that gave us pause, and we decided the issues raised by the caller would actually make for a significant conversation. So today's guest segment is devoted to addressing the concerns raised by this individual. We've chosen not to share his name and location because we want to focus instead on the key issues he raised.

In our devotional time together, we'll travel through the land of Israel for the second in our two-part series looking at the four wise animals of Proverbs 30.

Hosts: Dr. Charlie Dyer and Jon Gauger

Eleven years ago America came face to face with radical Islam. We've fought two wars and spent billions of dollars, but Islamic fundamentalism still seems to be on the rise. Is there any solution to this cycle of religious conflict? From a human perspective the answer might seem to be no, but Tom Doyle has seen God working in a remarkable way to bring Muslims to faith in Jesus as Savior.

Then, we'll travel through the land of Israel for the first of a two-part series looking at the four wise animals of Proverbs 30.

Featured: Tom Doyle
Hosts: Dr. Charlie Dyer and Jon Gauger

Michael Card is an amazing author, songwriter and performer. Over the past 30 years he has recorded over 31 albums, written 24 books and performed countless concerts. But he has also taken time to visit the lands of the Bible, and we will be talking with Michael about those visits.

Later in the program, we'll explore Psalm 84 to look at the Song of the Grateful Pilgrim!

Featured: Michael Card
Hosts: Dr. Charlie Dyer and Jon Gauger

We're heading back to the inbox to answer listeners' questions! We're taking additional time this week to work our way through the growing pile!

Then, we have a special guest, Trophimus, who will tell us about the time he visited Jerusalem with the apostle Paul … a visit that resulted in a riot!

Hosts: Dr. Charlie Dyer and Jon Gauger

The seven-day Jewish festival of Sukkot, which many Christians know as the Feast of Tabernacles, begins at sundown on Sept. 30. But what is Sukkot? What role did this festival play in Israel's past…and does it foreshadow events still future? Our guest this week is David Brickner, and he will help us answer those questions! 

Later in the program we'll head to the book of Proverbs to learn about someone who is even more foolish than a fool!

Featured: David Brickner
Hosts: Dr. Charlie Dyer and Jon Gauger

Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day of the year for the Jewish people and marks 25 hours of fasting and prayer. This week's guest will help us understand the historical and prophetic significance of that special day, which will take place next week. Then, later in our program we'll conclude our series on mountaintop experiences by traveling with the apostle John to an unnamed mountain in the Book of Revelation.

Featured: Dr. Rich Freeman
Hosts: Dr. Charlie Dyer and Jon Gauger

Break out the noisemakers and streamers! On this week's program we're celebrating the start of a New Year! No, we're not jumping the gun on January 1; instead we'll be discussing Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. It will begin this weekend and will mark the beginning of year 5773 on the Jewish calendar. Eva Rydelnik will join us in the studio to talk about the significance of Rosh Hashanah historically and prophetically.

Later on in the program we'll walk with Jesus and the Disciples over the Mount of Olives to observe their final mountaintop experience together.

Featured: Eva Rydelnik
Hosts: Dr. Charlie Dyer and Jon Gauger

From Genesis to Revelation the Bible is a tale of two cities—Jerusalem and Babylon. Both rise to prominence in Genesis and continue through the Bible to the Book of Revelation. We know much about Jerusalem, but what do we know about Babylon? Well this week Jon and Charlie will discuss everything you always wanted to know about Babylon and the Babylonian—from the tower of Babel through Nebuchadnezzar to the Old Testament and New Testament prophecies of Babylon's final destruction! Jon has the questions, and Charlie will provide the answers! 

Then in our devotional time together we'll climb to the summit of Mount Carmel to experience Elijah's mountaintop experience with the prophets of Baal.

Hosts: Dr. Charlie Dyer and Jon Gauger

In Leviticus 17:11 God announced to Israel, "The life of the flesh is in the blood." And that truth was not only relevant for the sacrificial system, it's also a truth of life. If you or a loved one has every undergone emergency surgery, you know the difference that a blood transfusion can make in such life-or-death situations. Here in the West we're familiar with the work of the American Red Cross, but this week's guest will talk with us about their equivalent in Israel—Magen David Adom, the Red Shield of David—and about how Christians can demonstrate support for Israel through this organization.

Then later in the program we'll continue our study of mountaintop experiences by hiking to the top of Mount Tabor with Deborah and Barak!

Featured: Jonathan Feldstein
Hosts: Dr. Charlie Dyer and Jon Gauger

Who are the Samaritans? This week Jon and Charlie will sit down together to tackle the subject of the Samaritans. Who were they? Where did they come from? Why were they considered to be enemies of the Jews? Grab your Bible and your notebook, because we'll try to supply you with the answers.

Then later in the program, during our devotional time, we'll continue our study of mountaintop experiences in the Bible by following Joshua to Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim — the very place that later became the heart of Samaritan worship!

Featured: Special E-Book Giveaway
Hosts: Dr. Charlie Dyer and Jon Gauger

What effect does Islam have on women? And what impact can the good news about Jesus have on Muslim women who are trapped in the tyrannical hand of Islam? This week's guest, Amani Mustaffa, knows firsthand the answers to both questions. Growing up in Egypt she experienced both Islam's tyranny and gospel's deliverance. She now hosts a television show viewed by over 50 million women in the Middle East. We'll talk with Amani about the good news of Jesus, and the impact it is having on many women in the Middle East.

Then later in the program we'll continue our study of mountaintop experiences in the Bible by hiking to the top of Mount Sinai to watch Moses' encounter with God.

Featured: Amani Mustafa
Hosts: Dr. Charlie Dyer and Jon Gauger

Israel impacts every visitor differently. But how does a visit to that land impact musicians and songwriters like Bill and Gloria Gaither? Well, this week we'll be talking with this beloved couple to understand the impact a visit to Israel made on their lives and ministry. We'll also talk with them about the importance of the resurrection — and the empty tomb — for our lives today.

Then in our devotional time together we'll begin a seven-part series on the mountaintop experiences in the Bible as we walk with Abraham and Isaac to the top of Mount Moriah.

Featured: Bill and Gloria Gaither
Hosts: Dr. Charlie Dyer and Jon Gauger

For the past year, Egypt has been in the news. And yet, in spite of all this focus, most Americans still know little about the country. They know even less about the church in Egypt, even though Egypt is home to the largest number of Christians in the Middle East. This week's guest, Raouf Boulos, will help increase our understanding because he has firsthand knowledge of what God is doing in this strategic country.  

Then later in the program, during our devotional time together, we'll travel with Jesus to the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus to learn for ourselves that God is always right on time!

Featured: Raouf Boulos
Hosts: Dr. Charlie Dyer and Jon Gauger

Antisemitism: the hatred and persecution of the Jewish people. From the Crusades to the Spanish Inquisition to the Russian pogroms to the Holocaust, Antisemitism has been a dark stain on human history for over 1,000 years. And, sadly, much of that hatred and persecution has come from those who have claimed to be followers of Christ.

Evangelical believers have been a refreshing exception to this history of Antisemitism, and a good part of the reason for this has been their belief in the literalness of God’s promises to the Jewish people. But there seems to be a growing Antisemitism within the evangelical community that’s cloaked in replacement theology or anti-Israel rhetoric. How should we as believers respond to this growing hatred of Israel? Our guests this week are two sisters, Serene and Vida Velasco, who will help us find answers to that question.

Then later in the program we'll strap on our cleats and head to the Central Benjamin Plateau to play Bible Baseball!

Featured: Serene and Vida Velasco
Hosts: Dr. Charlie Dyer and Jon Gauger

Many Christian organizations claim to be friends of Israel and the Jewish people, but one organization stands at the front of that long and growing line. Friends of Israel is a worldwide Christian organization that was founded in 1938 — eight years before the establishment of the State of Israel itself! It was formed by Christians determined to help Europe’s beleaguered Jewish population. This week's guest is Dr. Bill Sutter, who recently retired as executive director of this strategic ministry.  

Later, during our devotional time together, we'll explore Psalm 122 and what it means to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

Featured: Dr. Bill Sutter
Hosts: Dr. Charlie Dyer and Jon Gauger

We all like to know what’s happening “behind the scenes”— to peak behind the curtain to see and hear those things usually off limits to the general public. Well, this week we are taking a behind-the-scenes look at Israel. And our guide for the journey is Omer Eshel, Israel’s Tourism Counsul for the Midwest.

Then later in the program we'll take still another field trip. But this time our guide will be Jeremiah the prophet, and our journey will take us to Shiloh!

Featured: Omer Eshel
Hosts: Dr. Charlie Dyer and Jon Gauger

You've got questions, so we're taking time to provide answers! We have received so many questions from listeners that we've taking additional time last week and this week to answer some of them. Class is in session, so grab your notebook and pen and get ready to jot down the answers.  

Afterward, during our devotional time together, we'll open our Bibles to Psalm 48 to learn about "The Battle That Never Was!"

Hosts: Dr. Charlie Dyer and Jon Gauger