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 destroyed, and every …
Visitors who want to walk where Jesus walked when visiting Israel discover that there are only a few such places. The city of Jerusalem has been destroyed and rebuilt so many times that the streets that Jesus walked on, for the most part, are 15 to 20 feet below the present surface.
But there are exceptions, and perhaps the most accessible is the first century steps that led into the temple during the time of Jesus. Mary and Joseph would have walked on these steps when they brought the baby Jesus to be blessed by Simeon, and here Jesus often …
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 …
Many people come to God thinking they deserve something from Him. But all our efforts and achievements do not make us more deserving. Pastor Lutzer reflects on how we can have the unique privilege of accessing God’s throne from the book of Hebrews. Our confidence in approaching God must rest in His character.
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 you …
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 sure …
Welcome to Israel, the most contested piece of real-estate in the world!
As predicted, it happened here and it will happen here again!
We arrived in Tel-Aviv, Israel today, just as the Israeli Shabbat was coming to a close. The name Tel- Aviv means “hill of spring” and refers to the birth of modern Israel, coming alive since its founding in 1948. And as we drive the streets of Tel-Aviv we can say, that indeed, Israel has come alive!
Back in AD 636 unprovoked Arab armies conquered this land simply to expand the Muslim presence. In Jerusalem (where we shall …
Christians often believe God provided salvation at the cross but our contribution is to believe. In fact, Jesus was crucified within the providence and the predetermined plan of God. Pastor Lutzer shares insights into how God’s mercy is displayed in our salvation. What does it take for people to be redeemed?
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