Israel Update

Top Five Highlights So Far

The Israel pilgrimage has been amazing. I really needed this renewal time. I could go on for days, but I will provide a quick top ten list instead of writing a book.

1. I baptized four guys in the Jordan River. Not everyone on the trip is associated with the seminary as a student or professor. Some of the guys on the trip had never experienced believer’s baptism.

2. The boat ride on the Sea of Galilee at 9:00 a.m. was spectacular. The view and weather could not have been better.

3. Capernaum is an amazing site because of the 4th century synagogue that was built on top of the 1st century synagogue, in addition to other great sights. Jesus lived in Capernaum, and 5 of the disciples were from there, and I believe that 6 of the twelve actually did, according to the text. Capernaum is mentioned the second most times in the Bible of any place, next to Jerusalem. You know you are walking where Jesus walked and taught, when you are in Capernaum.

4. The hike to Dan was awesome. We read Psalm 42 which speaks of the deer panting for water. In this Psalm, David speaks of Mt. Hermon, which is a majestic mountain about 8,000 ft high. It feeds the three rivers in Jordan, including Dan. Hermon stays snow capped year round. But we actually went to Dan to see the alter of Jeroboam, the ancient city gate, that Abraham would have came through, and the ancient city as well.

5. Caesera Philippi really makes Matthew 16 come alive in several ways.

I will post more pictures later. I also have a one minute or so video teaching at every site.