Monday February 28th Part Two

From here we continued on to Nazareth, which is a city that is large and predominately controlled by the Moslem population of the area. The traffic in the old city was very difficult, but our driver eventually go us to the site of a synagogue which was also built over the site of the synagogue that was in operation when Jesus was growing up there. Just outside of town we saw the mound and ruins of the town where Jonah was born according to 1 Kings 14:25. We entered the valley of Megiddo often referred to as Har- Megiddo. Sound familiar? You guessed right- the valley of Armageddon from Revelation 16:16. This valley is 20 miles long and 10 miles wide. The name actually comes from the city of Megiddo further down the road. This was a city that was occupied by Canaanites until the city was destroyed. Many years later Solomon had the city rebuilt as a military outpost in the north for one of his chariot units. The spring that God used to test the men of Gideon for battle was along the road. God used the spring Herad to see how many of the men would remain to fight with Gideon. Those who lapped the water like a dog were sent home and those who cupped it in their hands to drink while still holding their sword were kept. Three hundred men were left from 32,000 so that the battle could be won by the Lord and it would be a miracle that would bring Him glory. We arrived at Mount Carmel and had the opportunity to go up to an observation level to see the main area of the valley of Megiddo, or Armageddon.   Right in the middle of this vast valley in front of us was a landing field for Israeli fighter jets. We were told that the landing field “moves” so that it is not a stationary target. The jets do not take off from that field either. In the interior of the hillsides the jets emerge full speed into the air. This is a beautiful agricultural area just like the rest of the Galilee region. But the Word of God says that it will be the most horrific battlefield in history. The description is given as having blood in the valley to the depth of the bridles of the horses. Our guide is convinced that the time is short. One of the requirements is that the Euphrates River by dried up so that the kings of the East may come. He said that the Moslem nations have already build a dam and may dry up the Euphrates at will. He also believes that the Kings of the East do not include China (usually included because of their enormous army). He believes that the army foretold will come from the Islamic nations that have more than 600 million citizens in the neighborhood of Israel already. That would mean that the changes in the middle east area preparing the area for leadership that will once again move for the annihilation of Israel- a radical Islamic promise. Certainly we will have much more to talk about, but it is the end of a very long day as Liz and I sit in our hotel room at the Ramada Inn, in Jerusalem.

Monday February 28th Part One

This morning we left Tiberius on the Sea of Galilee headed to Capernaum. On the way, we stopped at Tabka, the site of Jesus feeding the 5000 men plus many more women and children. They believe that this was the site because this was the main area of the Lake that had grass on it during that period of history. This story from Matthew 14:19ff. talks about the grassy area where Jesus would do His miracle. Notice the difference between this and the miracle of the 4000 plus in Matthew 15:32 where Jesus does not want to send the people away because it has been three days and it is such a desolate place. That miracle would have happened on the east bank of the Sea of Galilee near Capernaum instead. This also seems to be the site where Jesus met Peter and the other disciples after the resurrection where He restored Peter with the questions, “Peter do you love me?” You remember that the disciples had gone fishing and had a miraculous catch at the instruction of someone that was cooking breakfast at the shore.

We moved on down the road a short distance to the location of ancient Capernaum. There we saw a synagogue from the 4^th century that was almost entirely toppled, but beneath its foundation was the foundation of the synagogue where Jesus had read from Isaiah. Jesus basically headquartered his ministry from this city. In Matthew 4:12 ff. you see this location as the fulfillment of the prophecy listed from Isaiah 9:1-2. Capernaum gave Jesus time to relate to the gentiles because there were many gentiles in the city whom He could teach along with the Jews to which He had been sent. The man in this picture is our 70 year old tour guide that has been leading tours for 40 years and fought in the 6 day war of 1968.

Last Posts of Sunday

In the city of Tiberius is a large facility for baptizing people in the Jordan River. People are offered the opportunity to be baptized by leaders in their group if they like. First, Gwen decided that she wanted to be baptized in the Jordan River. She then was joined by Bobby and Liz. If the video clip would run, you would hear Liz scream when she come up from the water. I was wearing waders and it was cold. I suppose that’s what happens when you are baptized outside in February, in northern Galilee! Internet speeds are too slow to send video now. Maybe from Jerusalem where we will be going tommorrow. Lots of pics and videos from all of the places mentioned. Have to wait to send them along.

Sunday continued

We moved further north toward the ancient city of Dan up in the mountains. This part of the country has seen most of the war over the years since 1948. One was specifically, the Yom Kippur war of 1973, was war that was fought against unbelievable odds. The Israeli’s had less than one hundred tanks in the area and held off or destroyed over 500 Soviet tanks being driven by Syrians. The Israeli’s fought without night vision for three solid days without additional food or water. The location of the battle is called the Valley of Tears. We saw a movie about this miraculous event at the kibbutz that served us lunch. A kibbutz is an agricultural cooperative that also branches out to serve as restaurants and other tourist needs. We moved on to Dan and saw the water source for the Sea of Galilee and the Jordan River. This was an incredible alpine looking area with cold water from the snow melt of Mount Hermon running through in streams all around us. King David wrote Psalms about his experience in this area when he reflected on his experience near Mount Hermon. Among the verses would be Psalms 42:6, 89:12, and 133:3; and David’s experiences range from depression to celebration. As we traveled higher we were on the Damascus road, the same road where Saul, soon to become the Apostle Paul, had his saving encounter with the risen Lord. As we approached Mount Hermon, the wind picked up and the temperatures dropped. It is believed that here Jesus was transfigured before Peter, James, and John, with Moses and Elijah attending from Heaven. We came to the highest point as we drove past Israeli soldiers and tanks overlooking the country of Syria and a large Syrian city that lay just below their outposts. But, even here, there grape vines, and apple trees woven into the scenery of kibbutz facilities and designated mine fields. But now it is time to go back down below sea level to our hotel in Tiberius. Yes, the Sea of Galilee is also below sea level, just not as far below as the Dead Sea.

Sunday, February 27^th

This morning we left our hotel and walked about 100 yards to our boat that would carry us across the Sea of Galilee to the “Jesus Boat” exhibit. It is called the Jesus Boat because it was a normal sized fishing boat from the general historical period of Jesus. No one really believes it was a boat that He actually spoke from or rode in. It was chilly and a little cloudy with some haze, but it was truly a beautiful experience. The group leaders decided that I should share the experience of Jesus being asleep in the boat during the storm (see Matthew 8:23-27). There was a lot of pre recorded music like How Great Thou Art and other favorites as we travelled along. It was very moving. Then came the moment for the dance of celebration; a moment that Bobby and I watched from a distance. I hope I can get the video clip to work for you.

The Jesus Boat exhibit was very interesting and if you Google it you can learn a great deal about the discovery, preservation, and display of this fishing boat. This boat moved around the lake 2000 years ago, and was floated again, out of its tomb, coated in foam to the location where it was carefully preserved. But today was a running tour so off we go.

Everywhere we look we see the fulfillment of prophecy about God restoring the land to its bounty in the end times- but only for His people. The produce is incredibly varied and is growing everywhere- even in former mine fields.

We went to the Mount of Beatitudes to see the natural amphitheater that was this beautiful hill side on the Sea of Galilee. We had scripture readings and prayer as we overlooked the sea. There is a church there that has each of the Beatitudes written in Latin on large signs around the inside of a beautiful dome with a blue and gold mosaic ceiling. We could not stay long, so we were off to Hazor. This city was a major Canaanite city, a regional power, where many children were sacrificed to the false gods of this nation. Some were burned with fire to the false god Molech. Others were sacrificed to  Baal or one fertility god or the other. Joshua came along and killed the inhabitants and burned the city to the ground. A current archaeological dig has discovered the layer where all of the ashes of the city were found. Solomon later had the city restored, and there were walls and columns unearthed that are there for all to see. The Bible is true. The stories are true. The God of the Bible is true.

Saturday 26th Sabbath Day cont.

Next we went to Qumran where the Essenes, a group of Jews that were committed to austere living and mental and physical purity were hiding in the desert mountains. The Essenes had one among them that stayed for two years and then left on his mission. This former Essene went about preaching of the coming Messiah and eventually had his head cut off while in prison. Yes, you guessed it- John the Baptist. The group evacuated the approaching Roman assault on Israel. They decided that it was too dangerous to take all of their sacred writing so they hid them in jars in the caves. Well, they never came back for them because they likely were killed. After World War II was over, a shepherd boy was throwing rocks into the caves while he watched his sheep and goats. He heard pottery break and we now have what is known as the Dead Sea Scrolls.

The site for the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist was near the city of Jericho which is nowhere near the Sea of Galilee. This spot on the Jordan River is across from the Mount of Temptation in the Judean mountain wilderness west of Jerusalem. Jesus was a long way from Nazareth when He was baptized. The Jordan River was very muddy in this location, so no one wanted to get in. The tour guide told us that this is the same location that the children of Israel crossed into the land of promise under the leadership of Joshua. The scripture says that the river was at flood stage but God told them to stick their foot in as they carried the Ark of the Covenant across and the river would temporarily dry up. They did what God said and the whole nation crossed over on dry land. A representative from each tribe stacked up a large stone to show where God had done this miracle. So, Jesus chose to find John and be baptized on the same spot.

Saturday 26th Sabbath Day

Last night at 6 p.m. the Sabbath started in Israel. It is strange what happened next. The elevators went into a Sabbath mode so that they would stop at each floor without anyone having to work by pushing a button. Coffee was not available in the dining room for fear that someone would bring dairy near the meat and cause a Sabbath catastrophe. You had to go to the lobby for coffee, and you could not bring it back into the cafeteria. All of the stores closed, or at least all of the stores that wanted to make the orthodox Jews happy. One Jewish man did not have his little cap (I am so tired I cannot remember the word for it right now) so when it came time to pray over the Sabbath meal he put his napkin on top of his head.

We left the Dead Sea resort and drove a short distance to Masada. This was a mountain fortress which was built by Herod the Great. Yes, the same Herod that had the second Temple renovated; the Temple that Jesus visited during His life on earth. Apparently, Herod was afraid that Cleopatra would convince Anthony to come over to Israel and get rid of Herod. So Herod created a fortified city on top of a hill that was over one thousand feet tall on its tallest side. This was one of his palaces, but more like a really great hiding place. When the Jews rebelled against Rome after Christ’s return to the Father, A man named Judah of Galilee brought the rebellion to Masada and wiped out the Roman garrison there. He put his nephew Elizar in charge. The rebellion was religious in nature with the Jews looking for the opportunity to restore the nation of Israel to its former glory. To make a long story short, Rome came to do away with the problematic Jews by destroying Jerusalem in 70 A.D. and then had to finish off the rebellion by retaking Masada. After a long and futile siege, the Romans build a dirt ramp up the 300 foot side of Masada using Jewish slaves that the rebels would not kill. When the night came before the fall of Masada, the group committed not to become slaves or have their children and women used physically so they made a pact that each man would kill his own family and then the other men would kill each other until all that was left was one man who would end his own life. They destroyed everything but the food to keep the Romans from having an easy time re-establishing the fortress. They left the food so that the Romans would know how well God had provided for them. Basically, they robbed the Romans of the very things they were hoping to gloat over and inflict on the people. It is a real hero story among the Jews that have been persecuted for centuries.

Some More of the Trip to the Dead Sea

Here are some more pictures from the Tabernacle model.

After about two hours on the road we came to an area at the southern end of the Dead Sea that is called the Mount of Sodom. Our guide, Avi, told the group that there are no remains that have ever been found for the cities of Sodom or Gomorrah. The area is a waste land, but areas, not to far away, have lush greenery like Sodom and Gomorrah had when Lot chose to go that way for his territory and Abraham headed west. The hotels in the Dead Sea area are also resort hotels and it seems to be a weekend spot for Israelis who keep the Sabbath here by eating well though cooking nothing on their own. In the dining area everything is kosher but delicious. They go to Sabbath services in the hotel. Liz and I went with others to float in the Dead Sea. We did not see them, but Bobby and Gwen Borel also went for a float. We were not able to get Nelda into the water but her sister Pamela did go in. The worst thing to forget when you go for a swim is some kind of foot protection from the rocks on the water’s edge. When you lay back into the water, you might as well be sitting in a floating lounge chair. Bobby said that he went out standing up until the bottom went away and he was still floating upright with the water even with the middle of his chest. He said he was “bobbing”. The water was fairly clear, but seemed like it was oily though it was really minerals that were feeling. The water in the shower helped get the mineral off, but even that water was “salty”. The only drinkable water is in bottles. Jesus is, as the water of life, was reinforced by the surroundings where water was everywhere, but none of the water was “pure”. Pure water had to come to us from outside of our world.

From Eliat to the Dead Sea

Today we awoke again in Eilat, Israel, had breakfast and then headed to an aquarium facility that was built into the shore line of the Gulf of Eilat (or the Gulf of Acaba if you live in Jordan) This gulf is actually a part of the greater Red Sea. Then we headed north toward the Dead Sea. The first stop was at the area that King Solomon operated as a copper mine. The Egyptians had also been in the area, but Solomon consolidated power over the area during his reign and the kings of Judah controlled the port of Eilat and the copper mines to the north of Eilat until they became so wicked that God allowed their enemies to be victorious over them. We visited a actual size replica of the Tabernacle while in this desert park area. Our tour guide took us through the Tabernacle to explain how each part of the Tabernacle was a type or image of the Christ or Messiah. Our guide was a Christian so the Messiah she was pointing to was the true Messiah- Jesus Christ. If you would like to see the website and read the storyline you can go to www.berean-to-berean.com . This was the most meaningful part of the trip so far. Take the time to go to the website and enjoy the message. How we would have loved to take you from one part of the Tabernacle to the next to hear this message of why Jesus is the only door, the only way, the bread of life, and among other things, the light of the world. We learned about the ancient copper mining process and photographed a result of the work referred to as Solomon’s Pillars. The whole time we were surrounded by desert mountains reminiscent of Mount Sinai (though that mountain was 200 miles away in current Egyptian territory). During the day we looked over the border into Egypt, but no one seemed to be interested in going there. After leaving this park area we headed on toward the Dead Sea.

Out of Israel and into Jordan to the Ancient city of Petra

Wow, what an incredible day Thursday has been. It is 9 p.m. and you all are just getting done with lunch. We got up this morning and travelled to the Jordanian border at Acaba. Acaba was one of the first cities to fall from the Ottoman empire during World War II. The British took the city with the help of some of the Arab tribes. The story is told in the movie, Lawrence of Arabia. Acaba was once the location of the Israeli fleet during the kings period after Solomon. Solomon had copper mines in the area. After presenting our passports to Israeli’s three times, and the Jordanians three times just to get into Jordan, we were on our way with a Jordanian tour guide. We travelled down a major highway that the United States paid for to get weapons to Saddam Hussein when we were helping them fight the Iranians back in the 1980’s. We eventually came to the King’s Highway which is the same Kings Highway mention in the Old Testament. We were officially wandering in the same wilderness as the Israelites when they were on their way to the land of promise. I think they would have been jealous of our tour bus. When we arrived at the modern city of Petra there were five star hotels and such but it was still a mountainous desert. All of southern Israel and Jordan  is a desert that has mountain ranges like the Mountains of Edom that over look Eilat. The ancient city of Petra was rediscovered in the 19^th century by the modern world after it had been closed by an earthquake back in 700 A.D. The city was a travel stop between Syria and Egypt and the tribe that created the city ( the Nabataean’s) carved all of the structures out of the sandstone. Eventually they were influenced by Greek and Roman architecture and famous citizens of those empires that visited them. Their influences resulted in a synthesis of architectural designs. The trip was about a mile and a half downhill past many sights you saw if you watched Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. The trip back up was another thing altogether. Some of the less able in our group rode “chariots” down and back, but the LCBC crowd walked it both ways. I hope you enjoy the pictures. We have video that we will try to successfully upload as soon as possible.

What Arabs Were Doing in the Desert Near The Time of Christ

Wow, what an incredible day Thursday has been. It is 9 p.m. and you all are just getting done with lunch. We got up this morning and travelled to the Jordanian border at Acaba. Acaba was one of the first cities to fall from the Ottoman empire during World War II. The British took the city with the help of some of the Arab tribes. The story is told in the movie, Lawrence of Arabia. Acaba was once the location of the Israeli fleet during the kings period after Solomon. Solomon had copper mines in the area. After presenting our passports to Israeli’s three times, and the Jordanians three times just to get into Jordan, we were on our way with a Jordanian tour guide. We travelled down a major highway that the United States paid for to get weapons to Saddam Hussein when we were helping them fight the Iranians back in the 1980’s. We eventually came to the King’s Highway which is the same Kings Highway mention in the Old Testament. We were officially wandering in the same wilderness as the Israelites when they were on their way to the land of promise. I think they would have been jealous of our tour bus. When we arrived at the modern city of Petra there were five star hotels and such but it was still a mountainous desert. All of southern Israel and Jordan  is a desert that has mountain ranges like the Mountains of Edom that over look Eilat. The ancient city of Petra was rediscovered in the 19^th century by the modern world after it had been closed by an earthquake back in 700 A.D. The city was a travel stop between Syria and Egypt and the tribe that created the city ( the Nabataean’s) carved all of the structures out of the sandstone. Eventually they were influenced by Greek and Roman architecture and famous citizens of those empires that visited them. Their influences resulted in a synthesis of architectural designs. The trip was about a mile and a half downhill past many sights you saw if you watched Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. The trip back up was another thing altogether. Some of the less able in our group rode “chariots” down and back, but the LCBC crowd walked it both ways. I hope you enjoy the pictures. We have video that we will try to successfully upload as soon as possible.

Welcome to the Red Sea Resort of Eilat, Israel

It is February 23, 2011 and while I write this it is 3:18 in the afternoon in Orange. I am in Eilat, Israel at the Red Sea and it is 11:18 at night. We left Frankfurt this morning with temperatures in the low 20’s Fahrenheit. We arrived in Tel Aviv to temperatures in the 60’s. Eilat is a beach resort so tomorrow is supposed to be about 80 degrees. We will get up at 5:30 a.m. here (Thursday) or at 9:30 on your Wednesday evening. After breakfast at 7:30 a.m. we will go by bus to the ancient city of Petra in Jordanian territory about two hours away from our hotel. Jordan is visible to the eye from the city of Eilat, beginning only 10 minutes from the hotel. Not to be concerned, the protests in Jordan have been in Amman which is far north of us. The ancient city of Petra is not to be found in the Bible because that was not the name at the time. This area is within four miles of the rock that Moses struck to get water for the people of Israel on their way from Egypt to Canaan. More about that tomorrow. Most people who have read the Left Behind series think that Petra is in the Bible because the Jews are taken there during the Great Tribulation fictional account in that novel series. The Bible says that God protects His people in the wilderness, and the authors had to come up with a place so they chose Petra since it is in the mountains east of Jerusalem. Most of you have seen some of that city because you watched Indiana Jones in the movie The Last Crusade

 Also, strangely enough, the Gideons’ appeared again in today's events as I was reading an article from an archeological journal.  The author of the article said he had met some Gideons’ at his hotel and somehow they had discussed the passage from Revelation that said unbelievers would be separated from the Lord in the Lake of Fire for all eternity. This Jewish archeologist was reacting to these nice people who unfortunately took the Bible far too literally. It is amazing to me that with all of the evidence around them that shows that the Bible is literally true in all of its archaeology and history, that they would take the Bible any other way than literal unless the Bible said it was speaking symbolically.

Welcome To The Red Sea Resort of Eilat, Israel

It is February 23, 2011 and while I write this it is 3:18 in the afternoon in Orange. I am in Eilat, Israel at the Red Sea and it is 11:18 at night. We left Frankfurt this morning with temperatures in the low 20’s Fahrenheit. We arrived in Tel Aviv to temperatures in the 60’s. Eilat is a beach resort so tomorrow is supposed to be about 80 degrees. We will get up at 5:30 a.m. here (Thursday) or at 9:30 on your Wednesday evening. After breakfast at 7:30 a.m. we will go by bus to the ancient city of Petra in Jordanian territory about two hours away from our hotel. Jordan is visible to the eye from the city of Eilat, beginning only 10 minutes from the hotel. Not to be concerned, the protests in Jordan have been in Amman which is far north of us. The ancient city of Petra is not to be found in the Bible because that was not the name at the time. This area is within four miles of the rock that Moses struck to get water for the people of Israel on their way from Egypt to Canaan. More about that tomorrow. Most people who have read the Left Behind series think that Petra is in the Bible because the Jews are taken there during the Great Tribulation fictional account in that novel series. The Bible says that God protects His people in the wilderness, and the authors had to come up with a place so they chose Petra since it is in the mountains east of Jerusalem. Most of you have seen some of that city because you watched Indiana Jones in the movie The Last Crusade.protected by a Crusade. Also, strangely enough, the Gideons’ appeared again today as I was reading an article from an archeological journal.  The author of the article said he had met some Gideons’ at his hotel and somehow they had discussed the passage from Revelation that said unbelievers would be separated from the Lord in the Lake of Fire for all eternity. This Jewish archeologist was reacting to these nice people who unfortunately took the Bible far too literally. It is amazing to me that with all of the evidence around them that shows that the Bible is literally true in all of its archaeology and history, that they would take the Bible any other way than literal unless the Bible said it was speaking symbolically.

Getting To Frankfurt

Nelda, Gwen and Bobby, Liz and I left Houston on Monday about 4 p.m. for Frankfurt, Germany. As we flew west we were giving away the rest of the day by crossing time lines. When we arrived in Frankfurt it was 9 a.m. their time and yet it was 1 a.m. on my watch. The normal time that we would be asleep had simply disappeared. Can you say, “Jet Lag”? Frankfurt was a surprise. We all have preconceived ideas of what we will see. First, the area was surrounded by forest areas. Second, most of the housing seemed to be apartments that were at least three stories high and did not have elevators. The city is on a river and has a few skyscrapers but did not seem to be any larger than Baton Rouge. Many of the signs and ads on vans were in English. It is about 25 degrees Fahrenheit right now. In the morning (Wednesday) it is supposed to be 13 degrees. Strangely enough, some stores and train stations were heated but had no doors. The heat was just blowing away in the chilly wind. The electric trains go much faster than our trains, but nothing like the bullet trains of Asia. People are not friendly in public areas. No business is offering anything like “free Wi-Fi” to get customers. McDonalds were all around us and there were Levi Jeans stores. The cigarette boxed all had messages like, “This product will cause you to die early”, and yet there were many more people smoking than we see in our area. We ate at the Bull and Bear restaurant by a building we assumed was the stock exchange as you saw in the pictures. If you ask for water at dinner you have to specify that it be water without “bubbles” or what you get is seltzer which is basically, Alka-Seltzer. Now, for those of you that have travelled the world because on military or simply vacationing, you may think this is something everyone would know. These are just a few of our surprises (including how they rip you off to exchange dollars to Euros) but there are some things that are always the same. People here seem to be trying to get through life just like everyone else on the planet. These people need Christ, but the last evidences of Christianity are some old churches that are mostly small liberal congregations and tourists. Our world does not need church buildings. This world in its last years of history needs Christians who live the word of God daily and proudly. I know there has to be a few here because here in my hotel room is a Gideon Bible.

Biblical Counselling is Discipleship

While attending the second session of NANC, or the National Association of Nouthetic Counseling, I was convinced that the foundation of all we do in biblical counseling is discipleship. We are either trying to help people not make destructive sinful choices, or we are trying to help people dig out of the bad choices they have already made. It is easy to see the need for this since everyone in the room has sinned. We have all made destructive sinful choices. Christians should be seeking how to avoid making wrong choices by knowing and obeying the Word of God with the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. I hope others from our church will take advantage of the amazing resource that biblical counseling training can be for yourself or those you love.