We are not allowed to define love based on our inclinations, because God Himself is the definition of Love. This week, we study the attribute of God's pure love from 1 John 4: 7-8.
"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love."
- 1 John 4:7-8
This morning, we had a privilege that is seldom given to most tour groups; we were given the opportunity of spending time privately in the garden of Gethsemane.
I spoke briefly to the group from Matthew 26, where Jesus agonized before the Father and said, “If it is possible, let this cup pass from me. But not as I will, but as you will!”
This cup, which was given to Him by His Father, was the cup of iniquity; it was the cup of bearing our sins on the cross. We cannot fathom the suffering and the agony that ...
This morning we were able to visit the Temple Mount where two great Muslim shrines have been standing for many centuries (the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa mosque). From there we took the above picture of the Mount of Olives; the very place where Jesus will someday return. The Mount will split toward the north and toward the south, and there will be other topographical changes (please read Zechariah 14:1-4).
The return of Jesus will be spectacular, worldwide, and completely victorious. He will exercise judgment and even vengeance on His enemies. The Muslim shrines will be ...
No Christian can stand on the Mount of Olives and gaze at Jerusalem without deep and conflicting emotions. There is joy, for this is the city where God “chose to put His name.” There is sadness, for the Gospel is not welcomed in this city. There is anticipation, for someday Jesus will return to this very mountain and Jerusalem will be exalted and the worship of the true God will again take place.
The 1,400-year-old Muslim “Dome of the Rock” (the building with the golden dome) that dominates the ancient temple area stands as a reminder that for ...
Because of Christ Jesus, you and I have the privilege to approach God's throne confidently in our deepest time of need. This week, we study God's marvelous mercy found in Hebrews 4:16.
"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
- Hebrews 4:16
This morning, we sailed across the Sea of Galilee, the lake that will be forever associated with Jesus. I requested that the motor on the boat be shut down for several minutes so that all of us could quietly meditate on Jesus walking on the water, the familiar story that was the basis for my devotional given to the entire tour group...
King Saul—the spear thrower who teaches us that half-hearted repentance is not repentance at all!
Today we visited the ruins of Beit She’an in Northern Israel, a city forever associated with King Saul, whose mutilated body was hung on the walls by the victorious Philistines. A study of Saul’s life yields a treasure trove of psychological insight. He repented five times, but no sooner were his tears dry than he went back to his sinful ways. At least twice he threw a spear at David, intending to pin him against a wall. But David, to his credit, did ...
Come with me to the ancient ruins of the synagogue in Capernaum where Jesus taught and displayed His power. While Jesus was teaching, we read that a man with an unclean spirit entered and addressed Jesus. The evil spirit cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the holy one of God” (Mark 1:24).
I know who you are—the holy one of God!
It has been said that demons are such notorious liars that the only time you can believe them is when they tell ...
Only Jehovah can ignite wet wood!
Today, we toured the summit of Mount Carmel where Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal and proved that pagan gods where no match for Jehovah!
Elijah challenged them to a duel: let’s see whose god can ignite a fire! So the false prophets called on their god, shouting and cutting themselves to show their desperation. Elijah mocked them, saying that maybe their god is on a journey or maybe he is using the bathroom (I Kings 18:27)! After they were exhausted, Elijah asked that water be poured on the altar to make ...