Experiencing Israel

This week, we were honored with a special presentation from Don and Cindy Martz about their time in the Holy Land. It was amazing to see the all of the photos and learn how they relate to the stories we read in the Bible. Our Sunday School books don’t do them justice.

One correlation that Cindy told us about was when Jesus took some of his disciples into the region of Caesarea Philippi (referenced in Matthew 16). In verse 18, Jesus says, “On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” What many of us have missed is the fact that there is a cave in this region, revered by pagans of Jesus’ time, known as the Gates of Hades. Evil people thought this cave was a place where their gods would come and go into the earth to do unholy things. It is here that Jesus takes a stand to first reveal that He is the Messiah.

Jesus did not just come for Jews, but for Gentiles alike….

Another amazing correlation that Cindy gave was Jonah vs. Peter and how they responded to God’s call. Both men were in Joppa when God called them to reach sinners. Jonah said, “No,” and God had to use a whale to make Jonah say, “Ok, fine.” Peter was given Cornelius (a Roman and not Jew) to prepare him to say, “Yes.” If Peter had not been willing to reach the gentiles, imagine where we would be (as a church) today. God really, truly did build His church on Peter. Bonus fact: Peter is the son Jonah (not the same Jonah from the Old Testament - but further displaying God’s intentional and poetic nature).

If you missed today’s amazing presentation, don’t worry - they will be back! Today’s message was an overview of their entire trip to Israel. Don and Cindy will be presenting more in-depth messages of Israel and how it brings the Bible to life. Here are the dates to save for their next visits (subject to change - watch our social media for the official announcements):

• March 9th

• April 13th

• May 4th

• June 8th

• July 6th

• August 10th

• September 14th

• October 12th

Learn more about Disciple Daily’s Experiencing Israel Tour, HERE!