Caesarea Philippi

Quote from Marilyn Utterback: "we climbed a mountain and found ourselves at the gates of hell."

[We actually did this on Wednesday, but just catching up on some things. There is no way to write about everything - but we would like to. The experience is unbelievable and the teaching has been excellent. Everyone is doing great, but pray for alertness as we do get tired during the day because of all the activity and possibly not sleeping well. We want to be open to what the Lord is teaching us through this divine appointment He has us on. Many other stories that could be told, but for some things, what happens in Israel will stay in Israel! ;)]

Here is a picture of Debbie, Joy, and me with Kay Arthur. (She greeted us and hugged us as we got off the bus arriving at the hotel the first day. She has been so encouraging and so energenic (at age 74!) on this trip, it is amazing.)

Ceasarea Phillipi is where Jesus asked His disciples "But who do you say I am?" (Matthew 16:15). This location is significant to this statement because it is reknown for worship of pagan gods. There was a large cave which was known as a place for dead spirits and called "the gates of hell" by the Greeks. A water spring flowed out of it that fed the area. People would come and sacrifice animals to apease their false gods and prayed that their sacrifice was acceptable and water would continue to flow and bless their fields. There are also niches in the walls of the cliff where idols would be placed and worshipped.

So, amongst all these false "dead" gods, Peter gives the response (as led by the Holy Spirit) that Jesus is "the Christ, the Son of the living God!" (vs. 16) And then Jesus tells His disciples, "I will build My church and the gates of hell will not overcome it." (vs.18) Indeed in the midst of the 'stronghold' of pagan religions, the truth overcomes, people are saved of their sins, and the church - the ecclasia (greek-sp?), the "called out ones" - is built. Praise the Lord for He has overcome the world!

Scott & Betty, Have Nathan find the video on this in the "That the World May Know" series with Ray Vanderlan produced by Focus on the Family. (We left one of the tapes out.) Ray is a Bible historian and this is video taped on-site in Israel. It is excellent and would give you a taste of being here with us.

God bless you all. Thanks for your comments and encouragement! We miss you guys but are learning so much! I still can't believe we are here..... On to Jordan River today.