Happy Thanksgiving from Israel!

Happy Thanksgiving from Israel!

As we wrap up this amazing adventure in The Land of the Bible, the Holy Land it leads me to say Thank you Lord. Why?

As I reflect upon the last eight days, we were able to see where Jesus performed miracles, where He prayed, and the places He did His earthly ministry. The culmination of these experiences leads up to today.

We started our day at the Mount of Olives. Jesus spent many days throughout His ministry praying on this mountain. It is where He started His triumphal entry down to Jerusalem. We visited the garden of Gethsemane, where He spent time in earnest prayer prior to His trial and crucifixion. Hebrews 12:2 says " looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Why did He come? "for the Son of man has come to seek and to save that which was lost" Luke 19:10.

After Gethsemane we walked to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. This is where many believe Jesus was crucified and buried. What we need to remember is the place where it happened doesn't matter, but that He died and He rose.

From there we traversed down the Via Dolorosa. It really brought to life how far he walked carrying the cross. I am thankful He carried it for me.
Our next stop was Saint Anne's Church. What an awesome privilege to sing of God's Amazing Grace, and hear it echoing throughout the church. I had the opportunity to sing How Great Thou Art. There were other groups in the church along with us, and they joined in. It was powerful to hear the emotion and conviction of His greatness. I will never forget it, and I'm thankful for the experience.

Right outside Saint Anne's is the Pool of Bethesda, where the paralytic man was healed on the Sabbath. This is a miracle performed by Jesus, that proclaimed His power, authority, and His identity.

Our last stop was to The Garden Tomb. This is where Christians believe Jesus was buried. The question comes up again, why does it matter where He was buried? The answer, it doesn't matter. What matters is HE ROSE!! Romans 1:4 says, " and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead."

After viewing the tomb, we gathered and had communion. We reflected on what Jesus did on the cross. As we look at the difference between Christianity and other religions, other religions are based on our works. Christianity is based on what Christ has already done.

So why am I thankful? Because He has already done it for me and you.
How do I show my gratitude? By sharing the gospel. Christ came, He died, He rose again. You too can know Him. It's as easy as ABC.

Admit you are a sinner and need a Savior
Believe Christ died for you
Commit your life to Him

2 Corinthians 5:21 " For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

--Allegra Payne