I could tell you...

I could tell you how today we went to Gamla to learn about the zeal of the zealots. With their zeal they became some of the most feared men and women in all the empire, and they lived on a small chunk of dirt in the Galilee. That's impressive.

I could tell you about the god pan, but trust me, you probably don't want me to start talking about pan. Especially if you just ate lunch.

I could talk to you about how Jesus, son of the living God, stood above the crowds at Caesarea Philippi and told them to take up their cross. I could talk for hours about how I believe that Christ's last statement in that passage was for his disciples.

I would like to talk for hours about what we have learned. But I would love to talk about how we have been challenged.

And that is the real story here.

For some people here, this study raises questions about their beliefs that they would have never dreamed of thinking in a comfortable home.

The heat of the desert is harsh, the people of this land were devoted, and they were subject to some of the harshest rulers man has ever known. Yet they still remained faithful.

Some people have been comfortable in their faith for God. I had a conversation with one person about how their life and faith felt dead and stagnant before this trip. But this trip has brought about a new life in them.

Not all of us came from a dead or hurting faith, but I can tell you all of us are wrestling with God's word. Some are rekindling their faith, others are just now finding out where they need to start their journey for the Kingdom. Some of us are questioning how much culture we have adopted into our Christianity, and some of us are wondering how to impact the culture around us.

We are all being challenged. It is good. God is revealing to us just where we are at and giving us hints on where we should go.

Just know God is good, we are safe, and we are challenged to learn and love God in new ways.

May peace and grace be with you.

Written by Chris M.