Parkwood Baptist Church

No…not the kind of pool you are thinking of. We went to the pool of Bethesda mentioned in John 5. This is the story of Jesus healing a lame man on the Sabbath. The man has been waiting by this pool that some thought had the power to heal when stirred by an angel. Whether his was true or not the man was never able to make it. Jesus asked him, “do you want to be healed?”. Jesus then healed him and they both got in trouble. The man for carrying his mat and Jesus for healing him. It seems that everywhere we go in this city Jesus got in trouble for something. But He always came back. The relentless love of Jesus! He keeps on healing. He keeps on loving. He keeps on coming back.

Our guide keeps reminding us that Jesus came at least once a year since He was 8 days old and probably more. Why would He do that? He wasn’t welcomed with open arms until the Sunday before they crucified Him. It is almost as if He had a mission. A mission that wasn’t about us loving Him but about Him loving us. Being in Israel seems to keep reinforcing the truth that God has a plan. He has always had a plan. He still has a plan. And that plan includes you. Like it or not He continues to reveal Himself to you. He keeps coming back.

You know, He is the same today. He keeps on loving you no matter how many times you deny Him…ask Peter. He keeps on calling you no matter how far you run…ask Jonah. He keeps on reaching out to heal you if you just look to Him instead of waiting for some magical turn of events that may never come…ask this man at the pool of Bethesda.

Keep praying! More later!

Today we had an early start as we went to one of the most common sites in Jerusalem…the western wall or better known as the “wailing wall”. This is area that the Jews consider the closest point to where the most sacred part of the Temple used to be, called the “Holy of Holies”. This was where the ark of the covenant was kept. The Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. and a few hundred years ago the Mosque known as the Dome of the Rock is there (which is another famiiar site to westerners). Jews from all over the world come to this place to pray. Much of this wall which was built by Herod the Great remains buried under what is now a neighborhood in Jerusalem. Today we toured through some of the tunnels to see the wall that was built before Jesus and how this magnificent architecture of more than 2000 yrs ago was assembled. Stones weighing tons (we saw one estimated to weight 600 tons) were put into place and carved to compose one of the most admired structure of the world at that time. It is no wonder the disciples of Jesus were so amazed by it.

We then walked the famous Via Dolorosa which is considered the path Jesus walked from Plates judgement to he crucifixion. This winds through the narrow streets of Jerusalem marked by an occasional plaque telling about a significant event during His journey to the cross. For example, one spot was said to be where He fell and Simon of Cyrene was told to carry the cross (Luke 23:26). It finishes at the Church of he Holy Sepulchre which was built over what is thought to be Golgatha and he area of the tomb.

Being here in Jerusalem and walking where Jesus walked is an experience that expands your view of the Bible and gives you an appreciation for the context of Scripture. However, it also reminds us that we can easily become distracted by the details and knowing the sacred locations. Before we know it these things can become a wall between us and God. Things that were meant to inspire us and draw us closer become obstacles in our calling to know Him.

This is nothing new. Many people of Jesus’ day were so caught up in the beauty of the physical rituals that they couldn’t see Jesus through the wall of their religious traditions. I am sure, for some, this wall has become just that…a wall that keeps people from seeing past the physical world and into the wondrous world of the Kingdom of God.

However, for most it is a reminder of God’s presence through the ages and His promise for the future. Today, we were deeply moved to see the western wall and we were inspired to walk in the footsteps that Jesus took that Friday morning but we are reminded that He did all this to draw us closer to Him.

Keep praying! More later!

As our Sunday draws to a close we know you are worshipping now and we miss being with family and friends. We were able to have a worship time on the Mount of Olives in the Garden of Gethsemanie this morning which is located just across the Kidron valley from the old city of Jerusalem. The view is the one you always see when you look at a picture of Jerusalem. It was one of Jesus’ favorite spots to pray. The Scriptures say it was His “custom” to go there when He was in Jerusalem. What a perfect place to sit and pray for the city He loved so much. It was on this hillside that He wept over the city. It was from here that He entered the Golden Gate on that Palm Sunday. It was here that He came to pray the night He was betrayed. It was here that His agonized over a lost world that He came to save. It was from this hilltop that the disciples witnessed His ascension. And today, it was here that we read the Scripture and prayed for you in Annandale. It was here that we were reminded that Jesus was led through this eastern gate on that Thursday night to lay down His life to bring us peace. And it will be this hillside that Zachariah says “God will come and all he holy ones with Him” (Zach. 14:4-5).

We also went to the citadel of David in the city and learned more about the strategic history of the old city. We did go to the temple area today and stood at the southwest corner which is the corner known as the “pinnacle” of the temple which we hear about in Luke 4 when Jesus was being tempted. In the same area we sat on the 2000 yr old steps where Jesus would teach and where He, most likely talked to the elders when He was 12.

We then went through Hezekiah’s tunnel built about 3000 yrs ago that provided water to he city in times of war. We stood in the pool of Saloam where Jesus healed the blind man and caused such trouble (John 9).

Once again our day has been filled with thoughts of Jesus and His passionate commitment to show us His love. He did this by coming to us, praying for us, and dying for us.

Just as Hezekiah tunneled through hundreds of yards of bedrock to provide water for Jerusalem…God tunneled through the hardness of our sinful hearts to bring us the “Living Water” of Jesus Christ.

Blessings from Jerusalem!

Keep praying! More later!

Today we woke up in the city of Jerusalem! We arrived last night in time to see the sun set and a full moon rise over this ancient capital. Wow!

Today we will start early by going to the Mount of Olives which is where Jesus went regularly. This is also where we will visit the Garden of Gethsemanie. It will be a worship experience to go where Jesus went to pray on this Sunday morning. We will be missing being with our church family for worship and we will be praying for you as we gather where Jesus worshipped and prayed.

Keep praying! More later!

Today as we left modern Nazareth we came to the edge of town where Jesus was almost thrown off a precipice by His own towns people. It was a scary hilltop(Luke 4:16-30) . This was after Jesus had read in the synagogue and declared Himself the Messiah. But that wasn’t what angered the crowd…They wanted a Messiah. One that would save the Jews from the gentiles…but He than began talking about God reaching the gentiles and that was not what they wanted. Seems we always want Jesus around when He does things our way but get a little irritated when He doesn’t.

After that we went to the top of Megiddo and saw the ruins of one of Solomon’s fortresses (1 Kings 9:15)…yes its still there! From there we could take in the whole valley below (Armegeddon). We came off the mountain top through a tunnel that Ahaz had built under the walls of this city to the spring so that water could be acquired during times of siege. Then we met at the “ancient Biblical bus parking lot” according to Isaac, to gather and leave : )

The site at Megiddo reminded us of the historical and Biblical importance of the land of Israel to the world. Israel was certainly the “bridge” to the major areas of the world, Europe, Asia, Middle East and Egypt. They all had to go through Israel to reach each other. Suddenly it becomes obvious why God would chose this small country of Israel to declare His love for us. The good news would be spread to the whole world.

Thank God that He had it planned from the beginning and whether Nazareth liked it or not He came to save all of us!

One other thing that being at Megiddo reminds us. This world as we know it will come to an end. And God knows that too. The bottom line can be stated in two words…God wins.

Now off to Jerusalem.

Keep praying! More later!

We woke up this morning to a beautiful sunrise over the Golan Heights shimmering across the Sea of Galilee. We at so privileged to be able to see this. We went to the small town of Mary Magdela where we saw a 2000 yr old fishing boat discovered in 1986. Very significant to archaeologists around the world because it gives us a great visual for the type of boat used by Jesus and the disciples.
From there we went to Cana where Jesus performed His first two miracles. The first being at the wedding turning water to wine (John 2). The second being a “long distance” miracle when He healed the nobleman’s son in Caperneum while in Cana.
We left Cana and went to Nazareth where Jesus grew up as a child. We saw the location of the only spring in Nazareth where Jesus and the family got their water. We also toured a reconstruction of what a first century town looked like. Incredible!

Keep praying! More later!

Wow! We traveled to the most Northern point of Israel which is Caesarea Philippi. To get there we drove a narrow highway with Lebanon on the left and Syria on the right. The road was lined with fencing that warned of land mines which was another reminder that this land has had a history of turmoil. At Caesarea Philippi we stood at the foot of the pagan temple to the Roman god called Pan and were reminded of the “spiritual” turmoil that exists in our world. This is where Jesus brought His disciples and asked who they thought He was. This is where the waters of the Jordan begin from the foot of Mt. Hermon In Jesus day they flowed from a hole in the mountain called the “Gates of Hades” (read Matt. 16:13-20).

We then toured the ruins of Bethsaida where Jesus healed the blind man and where Peter, Andrew and several other disciples were from. From there we went to Caperneum which was Jesus’ home as an adult. This is where many miracles took place; when the woman touched the fringe of His garment, raising the daughter of Jarius (Luke 8), the healing of the lame man lowered through the roof (Mark 2), Peter’s mother-in-law healed (Isaac said that the real miracle was that Jesus and Peter remained friends : ))

We need the afternoon with an hour boat ride on the Sea. We all recounted the stories of Jesus walking on water, calming the storm, calling out from the shore fishing instructions. In the shadow of the Golan Heights we sailed to back to Tiberias thankful for a powerful Living God.

We finished our touring but we were not done. Early this evening as Israel prepared for their Sabbath celebration our group went down to the edge of the Sea of Galilee and were witnesses to 4 of our group being baptized! Russ and Shirley Almond wanted to be re-baptized here in the Holy Land. Marilyn Mandeville declared her faith by doing the same. And Nancy who grew up in another denomination decided for the first time to have a believers baptism! It was a blessed time and a testimony to many young Jewish families that were gathered. Nancy was even given the opportunity to share with a young Jewish mother what we were doing. Praise the Lord!

Wherever we go in the world we are called to give witness. Even in the Holy Land where we are being blessed we are called to be a blessing!

Keep praying! More later!

Today we begin our journey following the steps of Jesus where He walked for the majority of His ministry. All around the northern side of the Sea of Galilee. We will also go further to Caesarea Philippi where Peter made his famous confession, “Thou art the Christ, Son of the living God.” (Matt. 16).

We started by visiting Tabgha which is the spot Jesus fed the 5000 with 5 loaves and 2 fish. There is a monastery on the site but the natural beauty of the hillside overshadowed all man-made monuments. We then went to the Mount of Beattitudes and found God’s natural amphitheater prepared thousands of years before just for that occasion!
A church was also built at that spot but, again, the wonder of the land and what took place here was the highlight. At each spot we are reading the Scripture and what took place.
The hardest part is that we are seeing so much in such a short period of time. We are using the bus rides to compare facts and debrief.
Thank you for the prayers! We sense the support of our Parkwood family.
Our bus driver is named Benjamin. He is a great driver and has made the rides smooth and safe. We are thankful for the people God has provided to help us in this adventure. Pray for our guide Isaac and Benjamin.
Now…off to Caesarea Philippi
Keep praying! More later!

The day began at Caesarea looking at the aquaducts. Herod had built the city but needed water so he built an 8 mile long aquaducts from the springs at the foot of Mt. Carmel.
We also went to the top of Mt. Carmel and were able to see where Elijah called the people of Israel to chose the god they would serve (1 Kings 18). The view was overwhelming as we looked across the valley of Jezeel/Megiddo. On the other side of the valley we could see the small town of Nazareth on the opposite hillside. To think that Jesus had that view every day as a child growing up was inspiring.
We had lunch at a small town on the side of the mountain where,of course, Pat Dozier commemorated the moment by visited a hardware store. I think he picked up some light bulbs for the sanctuary : )

We were off to the port city of Haifa which is the third largest city in Israel. When going through town our guide/comedian Isaac pointed out the dead center of the city which was his description of the cemetery.
From Haifa we went to Acco which is called Ptomenaus in the Bible (Acts 21). We saw fortresses built over the last 1500 yrs. Quite a history. We are learning that Israel has been occupied by many different people groups. Of course, even in the Scripture this land has been a place of war and foreign occupation.
We are now on the way to Galilee where we will have dinner and check into our hotel in Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee.
Keep praying! More later!

Thursday morning in Tel Aviv and we are on the move. This morning we are on the bus and going back to Caesarea to visit the aquaducts built by Herod. Then we will go up to Mt Carmel where Elijah challenged the 450 prophets of Baal. He won, by the way.
From there we will have a wonderful view ofthe port city of Haiffa. Looking the other way we will see the valley of Megiddo (Armegeddon).
Our guide Isaac alerts us to many other sites while we are traveling. For example he pointed out Tel Garbage which is exactly what your thinking. About half the group had their cameras out before it sank in : )
Keep praying! We are getting your comments as well. Thank you. More later!