Showing posts with label Capernaum. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Capernaum. Show all posts

Saturday, May 11, 2019

Walk With Me - Capernaum, Israel - Steve Martin (#2 of 2)


Walk With Me - Capernaum, Israel - Steve Martin (#2 of 2)

Published on May 10, 2019

Walk With Me - Capernaum, Israel - Steve Martin (#2 of 2) Videos filmed and shared by Steve Martin - to give appreciation to and love for those we support, through Love For His People, Inc.

Friday, May 10, 2019

Walk With Me - Capernaum, Israel - Steve Martin (#1 of 2)



Walk With Me - Capernaum, Israel - Steve Martin (#1 of 2)
Published on May 10, 2019

Walk With Me - Capernaum, Israel - Steve Martin (#1 of 2) Videos filmed and shared by Steve Martin - to give appreciation to and love for those we support, through Love For His People, Inc.

Monday, August 15, 2016

What Christians Can Learn From Jesus' Rebuke of 3 Cities - SUSAN MICHAEL/ICEJ CHARISMA NEWS

What Christians Can Learn From Jesus' Rebuke of 3 Cities

Ancient Ruins of the Great Synagogue at Capernaum
Ancient Ruins of the Great Synagogue at Capernaum (Wikimedia Commons )

What Christians Can Learn From Jesus' Rebuke of 3 Cities

SUSAN MICHAEL/ICEJ  CHARISMA NEWS
Standing With Israel
"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light" ... (Is. 9:2, MEV).
The common application of Isaiah 9:2 is a spiritual one in which the "people who walked in darkness" are those who lived prior to Christ and without knowledge of His saving power. While that is a valid spiritual application, this verse is actually referring to the people of a specific geographical area: the land of Zebulun and Naphtali, known as the Galilee of the Gentiles.
Upon them a great light would shine when, according to verse 6, "unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given." Jesus is the light that would one day shine upon the Galilee, according to Isaiah.
Jesus' Ministry in Galilee
Galilee had become largely Gentile after 722 B.C. when Assyrian forces exiled most of the Israelites and replaced them with pagan and idolatrous Assyrians causing spiritual darkness to fall over the region. While many Jews had returned to the area and repopulated it over the centuries, significant idolatry remained and was encouraged by subsequent Greek and Roman invaders.
In chapter four of his gospel, Matthew explains that Jesus conducted the bulk of His ministry in the Galilee in fulfillment of Isaiah 9:1-7. Just as Jesus' birth in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2) and His return from refuge in Egypt (Hos. 11:1) was a fulfillment of prophecy, so was his upbringing in Nazareth (Matt. 2:23) and subsequent ministry in the Galilee.
Jesus traveled throughout the Galilee healing all manners of sickness, opening blind eyes and deaf ears, raising the dead and casting out demons. It was on the Sea of Galilee that He performed two of His most dramatic miracles: stilling the storm and walking on the water.
Walking Where Jesus Walked
Tourists today can visit the archeological remains of some of the cities in which Jesus ministered. The remains of the first-century synagogues in those cities are of the most exciting finds, because one can be fairly certain Jesus visited, and even preached in, them. Both Mark and Matthew say that He preached in all the synagogues of the region.
The synagogue visible today in Capernaum dates to the third century, but it is built over the remains of the first-century synagogue that Jesus likely taught in. Another incredible find there is the possible home of Simon Peter. We know Jesus visited this home and on one occasion healed Peter's mother-in-law of a fever. It is even possible He lived there while in Capernaum.
Mark 1:29 tells us that Peter's home was very near to the entrance to the synagogue. Archaeologists have uncovered a first-century home in that area with a number of indications to its historical significance. The house had 11 coats of plaster on the walls indicating it was a special place that had been well cared for over a long period of time.
The threshold stone is broken but never replaced indicating someone important may have stepped on that stone, and numerous pieces of wall plaster have writing on them referring to Jesus as Lord, the Most High, the Savior, and Messiah, while three of them mention Peter himself. A fifth-century church was built over the site indicating it was known by the locals as Peter's home which had been frequented by Jesus.
In nearby Magdala, a first-century synagogue has been uncovered where visitors can see the very floor Jesus may have walked on. Another exciting find in that synagogue is an altar or stone table that is the earliest known artistic depiction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Jesus probably rested the Torah scroll upon this stone table as He taught.
The Three Impenitent Cities
While these archaeological finds are exciting and help us to imagine the life and ministry of Jesus, they are also a stark reminder of what happens when light is rejected. Darkness remains.
Matthew refers to Capernaum, Korazin and Bethsaida as the cities in which most of Jesus' miracles were performed. Yet, Jesus rebuked these three impenitent cities and said that if the mighty works which had been done in them were done in the Gentile cities of Tyre and Sidon, or the sinful city of Sodom, they would have repented. He then declared that judgment would result and Capernaum would be "brought down to Hades" (Matt. 11:20-24).
All three cities were destroyed by a series of earthquakes between the fourth and eighth centuries and remain in ruins to this day. What a powerful reminder of Jesus' words that "of everyone to whom much is given, much will be required." Those privileged to have enjoyed the light of His presence in their midst, and witnessed the miracles He performed, would suffer judgment for rejecting that light.
To better understand the words of Jesus one must read the Scriptures in their geographical, historical and cultural context. Thankfully, the Israeli government safeguards archaeological finds and holy sites, so Christians can visit them and not just recount, but experience, the words and ministry of Jesus on a whole new level. 
Susan M. Michael is US Director of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem www.icejusa.org. This article is seventh in a series to introduce Israel and various biblical sites of interest to the Christian reader. For information on ICEJ tours to Israel:www.icejusa.org/tours
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Thursday, December 25, 2014

Synagogue Where Jesus Preached Uncovered

Synagogue Where Jesus Preached Uncovered

 David Lazarus  ISRAEL TODAY
A synagogue where Jesus likely preached has been uncovered on the western shores of the Sea of Galilee in northern Israel. The 1st century Jewish house of prayer was discovered amidst the ruins of the ancient town of Magdala, home to the most well known female disciple of Jesus, Mary Magdalene.
"This is the first synagogue ever excavated where Jesus walked and preached," said Father Eamon Kelly of the Catholic organization developing the property. "This is hugely important for both Jews and Christians,” he added. The synagogue is one of only seven dating back to the time of Jesus uncovered anywhere in the world.
There is a very high probability that Jesus preached in this very synagogue. Before Tiberius was built, Magdala was the only town on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. Matthew 15:39 tells us that Jesus landed here as he "he took a boat, and came to the coast of Magdala." According to the New Testament, Jesus traveled extensively through this area teaching and preaching in local synagogues.
Magdala is just a few kilometers south of Capernaum, the fishing village where Jesus met Simon Peter, and not far from the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus preached his legendary Sermon on the Mount. The town is also situated on the road that Jesus walked from Nazareth and Bethsaida to Capernaum.
This area is on the Via Maris - an ancient trade route that ran from Egypt along the Mediterranean and then up the western shores of the Sea of Galilee all the way to Syria. Jesus spent much of his time here as it provided an important opportunity for him to teach the multitudes passing through.
People tend to think of Bethlehem or Jerusalem as central places in the life of Jesus, but actually Jesus spent most of his life and ministry in the Galilee and northern Israel. "Eighty percent of Jesus' public life was right here," says Father Kelly, pointing to the Galilee region.
In the times of Jesus, the local synagogue was not just a place for prayer, but also a community center where people would gather to discuss the news or share information about current events. Whenever a new rabbi came to town, it was custom for him to come to the local synagogue meet with the people and teach.
According to archaeologists, the Magdala synagogue was destroyed in 67 or 68 CE by the Romans. A sculpted limestone relief depicting a menorah was uncovered in the center of the synagogue. It is the oldest stone-etched menorah ever found.
Archaeologists have also found fishing pools and Jewish ritual baths at the site, which is now open for visitors.
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Friday, September 6, 2013

The Circuit Riders and the Lost Coin - Bob & Bonnie Jones

Editor's Note: I appreciate Bob Jones. He ministered a prophetic word to me in 1995 that at the time I thought was really weird. But lo and behold, it is now coming to pass in my life. Keep on sharing Bob Jones! The Lord loves your heart of love, and how you share His simple, and yet profound, word.

Steve Martin, Love For His People (and Bob and Bonnie too!)

Bob and Bonnie Jones:

Circuit Riders Released With Power

I saw a white light come out of Heaven; it looked like it was a mile wide. I was looking to see where it was going to land. But it didn't land; it kept going and made a circle. As I observed the circle it became a huge circle of light and a silver ring like a wedding ring. I prayed for the meaning of this and this is what I felt the Lord was saying.

"This light has been My circuit riders that I've given small circles for them to deliver mail in. The Church is My post office and the circuit riders are the ones I send from My post office to other people that they might hear My words."

And He said that, "I have been testing the people in small things and I've given them small routes, like small rings. But now I'm going to enlarge their rings. And those who have been totally obedient, I'm going to enlarge their rings worldwide and they shall deliver the mail to the saints over the whole earth. They shall deliver the Father's message, which is the message of love."

As Bob and I discussed the circuit riders revelation, it was quickened to us that a circuit is an electrical device that provides a path for electrical current to flow. We believe these circuit riders are being released with power. That was like the line coming out of Heaven. It's the breaker anointing being released with the power of the Word. And it was like a direct power line coming straight out of Heaven.

All of our power down here on earth works through circuits. I believe the Lord is saying, "I'm turning your power on through these circuit riders and they'll reveal the power of God in greater circles than they've ever been before." Get ready to see the power of God revealed!

I saw this in the United States and I believe the United States is getting ready for a breakthrough in power. Those who have been faithful in taking their commission to different places and cities are going to go back with greater power than they've ever had before and with greater breakthrough. He's going to be releasing some of these circuit riders worldwide and now they're going in power.

"They will also deliver the message of salvation unto many. Where they have seen one salvation in their ministry in the past, now they will see a ten because I'm increasing them ten times. And I'll be with them in their circuits. They will go out like a circle and come back to the post office to be regenerated and renewed and get their mail."

Uncovering the Lost Coin
In a trance I saw earth that had been spaded up like with one spade. I looked at the earth and on top of it was a coin. I looked at the coin and it was a silver shekel. I asked, "What is this?" The Lord told me, "That which is lost has been found and it's two places in Scripture." The same coin was like two stories; the parable of the lost coin from Luke 15 and the temple tax from Mark 17.

Marriage Dowry

One was the shekel that the woman lost and she went through the house and looked everywhere to find it because it was the top coin in the marriage dowry. She couldn't get married without it. So that which was lost, she has found.
"Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!' Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." Luke 15:8-10
I believe the woman is the Church, and we're getting ready for a marriage of Isaiah 62:3-4 because the Father is blessing the marriage. Then the Lord is taking the hand of the royal diadem (the Bride). The Church will then have the Father over it and it will be a family of Believers. And what we believe in we will receive and what we doubt, we'll do without. That doing without is coming to an end and that which we believe is getting ready to produce faith. Faith will come out of our belief and we'll see a change in things. So get ready for faith.

Peter and Jesus went up to the temple to pray. When they got to the temple the guards wouldn't let them in because there was a temple tax of ½ shekel a piece. Jesus was the Temple but they didn't recognize Him. He and Peter went outside and the Lord told Peter to go down to the lake and there will be a fish that you'll catch. When you do, take the coin out of the fish's mouth. 

So Peter did what the Lord told him to do. He went down to the lake and caught the first fish and removed the silver shekel from its mouth and brought it back to Jesus. Then Peter paid the tax for both of them and they entered the temple.

When they had come to Capernaum, those who received the temple tax came to Peter and said, "Does your Teacher not pay the temple tax?" Matthew 17:24, Amplified

Get ready for the Lord to be welcomed into His temple now. Things are changing here too because He'll be recognized.

 His temple is being made now in Ephesians 2:21 on the foundation of apostles and prophets. The purpose is for cohabitation with our Father. That temple is coming into place now with living stones. It's a round temple that no wind can get hold of to harm in any way. There the Father will cohabitate with us in the spirit. Get ready now for the living stones to be built into a living temple of relationships and intimacy joining together the Body of Christ in a common purpose.

Message of the Circuit Riders

The message that the circuit riders will deliver is "the Father loves you." The Father wants to cohabitate with you in the spirit (Ephesians 2:22.) So get ready for the living temple of God and for the presence of the Father to cohabitate with His sons and daughters. The temple itself is the Lord Jesus Christ and the living stones likened to Him joined together in a total complete unity.

The circuit riders will go forth throughout the whole earth with the breaker anointing releasing power of the Word as the Holy Spirit endues them with power from on high. This power goes forth on the wind (Ecclesiastes 1:6) so everyone born of the Spirit will recognize its sound, and salvation shall be plentiful as the prodigals come home.

The wind goes toward the south, and turns around to the north; The wind whirls about continually, And comes again on its circuit. Ecclesiastes 1:6

Out of the mouth of the fish the blessings come. The coin is grace, evangelism and a spiritual marriage. Get ready to see the release of power like the earth has never experienced before. I believe the white light out of Heaven is the glory of God in power being released to touch the whole earth by these circuit riders.

Bob and Bonnie Jones
The Prophetic Ministry of Bob and Bonnie Jones

Website: bobjones.org

To contact Bob Jones send your inquiry to:

Bob and Bonnie Jones Ministries
White Horses Publishings
P.O. Box 838
Pineville, NC 28134-0838

Bob and Bonnie Jones: Bob Jones is known as a contemporary prophet with a great love for the Lord Jesus and His truth. His prophecies have spanned over four decades as the Lord has enabled him to foretell earthquakes, tidal waves, comets, and weather patterns. Like Daniel who functioned at an incredible level, Bob has often told leaders their dreams and experiences, as well as the interpretation. 

After his death experience in 1975, God sent him back to minister to Church leadership and reach the multitudes with His love and truth, and to equip the saints with understanding of the spiritual gifts. God promised Bob that he would see the beginning of one billion souls coming into the Kingdom in one great wave of the end time harvest. 

Bonnie has a great love for the Lord, the Word and the Cross of Jesus. She loves children and enjoys blessing them with a gift of joy, truth, love, and encouragement. Bonnie moves in a seer prophetic gifting as well as healing and miracles. Her passion is to see women set free from the fear of man and step into their gifts and calling. She is a great advocate of women stepping forth into their rightful place beside their husband.

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Bible Comes to Life (videos)




(Editor's Note: These are good to watch, whether you have never been to Israel, or are going again. And yes, you can join us on our annual Ahava Adventures to Israel too!  Steve Martin)

THE BIBLE COMES TO LIFE IN NEW
     HOLY LAND TOURISM VIDEO SERIES     
New York - May 1, 2013: The Israel Ministry of Tourism, North and South America, recently released its 12-part "Bible Comes to Life" series, offering a comprehensive look into the foundations of Christianity and its context within the Holy Land.
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"The Bible Comes to Life" series provides insight into the religious significance and modern-day importance of Christian holy sites throughout Israel, from Mount Gilboa, Tabgha and the Sea of Galilee to Caesarea, Jerusalem and the Dead Sea. Each episode is hosted by Omer Eshel, Director, Israel Government Tourist Office - Chicago, and places quotes and scriptures from the Bible within the context of the Holy Land.

"We are thrilled to present our new video series, which offers detailed insight into Christian holy sites in Israel," said Haim Gutin, Israel Commissioner for Tourism, North and South America. "We hope the videos inspire a new wave of faith-based travelers from around the world to arrive in Israel this year to experience first-hand where the Bible comes to life."

Travelers can order a free copy of "The Bible Comes to Life," which features HD footage filmed on location in Israel, by contacting info@goisrael.com.

To preview episodes from "The Bible Comes to Life" series, visit http://tinyurl.com/cur9zkb. For more information about tourism to Israel, visit www.goisrael.com.


MEDIA CONTACTS
Ross Belfer at WEILL - rbelfer@geoffreyweill.com - 1-866-PRWEILL

Israel Ministry of Tourism, N.A. - Gail Barzilay - gailbarzilay@imot.org - 212-499-5647
Israel Government Tourist Office, Southern USA - Dana Shemesh - danas@imot.org - 404-541 2770
Israel Government Tourist Office, Midwest USA - Jill Daly - jilld@imot.org - 312-803-7077
Israel Government Tourist Office, Western USA - Dan Manor - danm@imot.org - 323-658-7463
ISRAEL GOVERNMENT TOURIST OFFICES ◦ NORTH AMERICA
Los Angeles ◦ Director: Eliezer Hod ◦ 323-658-7463
Canada ◦ Director: Ami Allon ◦ 416-964-3784 
New York ◦ Director: Shahar Alon ◦ 212-499-5650
Atlanta ◦ Director: Joe Diaz ◦ 404-541-2770
Chicago ◦ Director: Omer Eshel ◦ 312-803-7080