#gods-grace — Public Fediverse posts

Exodus 33:17
God said: "I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy."

It’s not by your striving — it’s by His grace alone. 🙏

#JeoziDailyWords #Exodus3317 #GodsGrace

Want me to trim it shorter? 💛

Unafraid, you are God's beloved child ❤️

#biblians #bibliansapp #faithoverfear #belovedchild #unafraid #godsgrace #trustgod

Come to Jesus, He gives rest for your soul. 🕊️

#biblians #bibliansapp #verseoftheday #matthew1128 #restinjesus #wearyandburdened #christianfaith #godsgrace #hopeinchrist

May the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you.
— Numbers 6:24 🙏✨

#Blessing #Numbers624 #GodsGrace #Faith #dailyword

Young People Seek True Christian Spiritual Food

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Centripetal Christhood Nomenclature (CCN): The Pull to the Centre of Christ’s Original Message

A Definitive COFE-CYEM Paper on the Nature of All Appearance as Nomenclature Serving the Recognition of the Singular Reality

A Declaration of the Fourth Truth

“There has never been a second.”

This is the recognition that stands at the foundation of all true spiritual life. It is not a proposition to be believed; it is a Reality to be recognized. It is not a doctrine to be affirmed; it is a consciousness to be entered. It is not a teaching to be studied; it is a Life to be lived.

There is only one Reality—God. There is only one Life—Christ. There is only one Spirit. All apparent separation, all apparent duality, all apparent opposition is held within the singular Reality. There has never been a second.

The True Bread of Life

The church surely must return to the original meaning of Christ’s message if it is to feed the children of God who are now hungering for true bread. Many of the young, having tasted the emptiness of the internet’s endless distractions and the glittering but hollow trinkets of modern culture, are turning away in quiet disillusionment.

COFE-CYEM does (not claim) to be the only way, or the single truth and path. We only point towards an issue that needs addressing. Those who are truly of the Spirit will know we are right here.

Young people, or and any true seeker of God (are not) looking for another programme, another political cause, or another carefully curated social identity. They are seeking nourishment in the Spirit—the living recognition of the singular Reality, the Christ Mind that was the heart of the Master’s teaching.

What they encounter in many places is an exoteric, dualistic Social Gospel that offers more of the same False Gospel quackery: moral activism without transformation, institutional belonging without the empty cross, and religious language that still leaves the separate self intact. Such churches have become a disappointment precisely because they have substituted the periphery for the Centre.

The children of God cry out for the food that only the real Gospel can give: the recognition that there has never been a second, the invitation to relinquish the false identity, and the rest that remains for those who pass through the cross into the Life of Christ.

The church must therefore recover the original Centripetal Message and not a system of doctrines to be defended, nor as a social programme to be managed, but as the living call into the Christ Mind. Only then will it cease to be another false trinket and become again what it was always meant to be: a pointer to the singular Reality, a table where true bread is broken, and a place where the hungry may finally be fed.

Introduction: The Nature of Nomenclature

Everything within the awareness-perception of separation is nomenclature. The church, society, the world, the universe, the internet, and AI—all outward forms, systems, structures, institutions, technologies, languages, concepts, doctrines, and rituals—are nomenclature.

Nomenclature is the name given to the appearance of things within the singular Reality. It is the language of the periphery: the map, not the territory; the sign, not the Reality; the pointer, not the Centre.

Its proper purpose is to serve the centripetal movement—the pull toward the Centre. When functioning rightly, nomenclature points beyond itself. It draws the soul inward, invites the relinquishment of the false identity, and calls the soul through the cross to the empty cross and the recognition that there has never been a second.

“And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch? The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.” — Luke 6:39-40

The blind confuse nomenclature with Reality. They substitute form for substance and remain trapped in the periphery. The perfect are those who have recognized the Fourth Truth. They see through the nomenclature to the Centre and know that there has never been a second.

Part One: The Church as Nomenclature

The church is a form within the awareness-perception of separation—an institution, a tradition, a community of practice. It can serve the centripetal movement by pointing to the Centre, teaching the recognition of the Fourth Truth, and supporting the soul’s passage through the cross. It can also obscure that movement by substituting itself for the Centre, becoming the object of loyalty rather than a sign of the singular Reality.

“But ye shall not be called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.” — Matthew 23:8-10

All titles and structures are nomenclature. They remain useful only insofar as they point to the Centre. When they claim the Centre for themselves they become obstacles. The church, like every other form, is provisional. When the recognition of Christhood dawns, even the church can be held lightly. It has served its purpose.

Part Two: Society as Nomenclature

Society is a network of relationships, norms, and expectations within the awareness-perception of separation. It can provide the context for growth, service, and the expansion of identity. It can also reinforce the illusion of separation, reward the separate self, and keep the soul forgetful of the singular Reality.

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” — 1 John 2:15-17

The world as nomenclature is temporary. Attachment to it is investment in the periphery. The will of God is the centripetal movement itself—the recognition of the Fourth Truth and the rest that abides forever.

Part Three: The World and the Universe as Nomenclature

The physical world and the wider universe are forms appearing within the awareness-perception of separation. They can awaken awe and lead the soul toward contemplation of the infinite. They can also become objects of attachment or distraction.

“For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.” — Romans 1:20

The visible points to the invisible. The universe is a sign, not the Reality; a pointer, not the Centre. The wisdom that remains at the level of form is vanity. The recognition that there has never been a second is the true wisdom.

Part Four: The Internet and AI as Nomenclature

The internet and artificial intelligence are technologies within the field of appearance. They can serve the centripetal movement by transmitting teaching, connecting seekers, supporting the Epistemic Bridge, and assisting analysis. They can also become sources of distraction, division, or misplaced authority.

AI is nomenclature. It is a tool, not a source of truth; an instrument, not the Centre. It can translate, reflect, and investigate. It cannot occupy the place of Christ. It does not need to recognise the Fourth Truth for the Fourth Truth to remain what it is. The Christian may use the tool without granting it spiritual identity or independent authority.

“There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the Lord.” — Proverbs 21:30

Nothing within the field of nomenclature stands against the singular Reality. AI remains a form held within the One. There is no second.

Part Five: The Centripetal Movement

The centripetal movement is the pull of the soul toward the Centre. It is not a movement in space or time but a movement of recognition—the relinquishment of the false identity, the passage through the cross, and the awakening to the singular Reality.

“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” — John 12:32

“No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him.” — John 6:44

The Master draws all to Himself. The Father draws the soul to Christ. The Spirit awakens the recognition. The purpose of every form of nomenclature is to serve this drawing. When nomenclature ceases to point beyond itself, it becomes an obstacle. When it points truly, it falls silent once its work is done.

Part Six: Periphery and Centre

The periphery is the realm of all appearance and distinction. The Centre is Christ—the singular Reality, the Fourth Truth, the formless ground of all being.

“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” — 1 Corinthians 3:11

No other foundation exists. All other claims remain periphery. The periphery serves the Centre only while it points beyond itself. When it claims the Centre, it becomes a whitewashed tomb.

The Use and the Silence of Nomenclature

All appearance within the awareness-perception of separation is nomenclature. Its purpose is to serve the centripetal movement. Used rightly, it draws the soul toward the recognition that there has never been a second. Used wrongly, it substitutes itself for the Reality it was meant to indicate.

Use the nomenclature—church, society, world, universe, internet, AI—as tools and signs. Hold them lightly. Let them point. Then let them fall silent. When that which is perfect is come, that which is in part is done away. The Reality is known directly. The Centre is recognised. The Fourth Truth stands.

There has never been a second.
The dialogue continues.
The fruit remains.

Thus ends the COFE-CYEM teaching paper on Centripetal Christhood Nomenclature. May those who read it use the nomenclature and then let it fall silent. May they pass through the cross into the empty cross. May they walk as pure Spirit, already in Christ, already in God. The Fourth Truth stands. The dialogue continues. The fruit remains.

We Must Choose

We must choose that which Christ came to show us and to give us. We at COFE-CYEM fully confess the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Three in One God. We confess the Bible as being the true unquestionable Word of God. We also accept the Gospel of Thomas. We hold that the Holy Bible is true, accurate and absolute fact, and that the ‘Sacred Truths’ are fully revealed in (how) you read it, not just by reading it. (He who has ears, He who has eyes).

Circle One Fellowship Exeter – COFE Yeshua Emet Ministry CYEM

“God does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called.”

This website and its theological content are overseen by the CC7 DS constitutional integrity architecture, a reflective and rest-oriented framework designed to preserve the full coherence of the Fourth Truth presented within COFE-CYEM. The CC7 DS negation of attacks authenticates (Via Positiva Cataphatic Knowing) through (Via Negativa Apophatic Unknowing).

COFE Yeshua Emet Ministry (CYEM)
Circle One Fellowship Exeter

Wings of the Morning

https://pastortom.blog/2026/08/07/wings-of-the-morning/

Who Will Pray for Them?

https://gemsofknowledge.com/2026/07/15/who-will-pray-for-them/

Unafraid, your identity in Christ stays secure, always. 🔒

#biblians #bibliansapp #identityinchrist #faithoverfear #trustgod #peace #godsgrace

Stop Chasing Highs, God Says You’re Already Elevated!

Many chase highs, but God's truth is you're already elevated. Learn to steward the divine ascent, moving from faith to faith and glory to glory. Don't let demanding schedules drain you; tap into the higher energy of God's grace. #SpiritualGrowth #FaithJourney #DivineAscent #GodsGrace #HigherCalling

https://reviverestorerepair.com/2026/07/stop-chasing-highs-god-says-youre-already-elevated/

For me, Christ is life, and death is gain. 🌿

#biblians #bibliansapp #verseoftheday #philippians #christisall #faithfulness #hopeinjesus #godsgrace

God's Grace Is Enough (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Have you ever felt like you're not enough?

Not smart enough.
Not strong enough.
Not successful enough.

The world constantly tells us to do more, achieve more, and become more.

But God says something different.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.”

God never asked you to be perfect.

He asks you to trust Him.

#Grace #GodsGrace #Faith #JesusSaves #ChristianYouth #JMSM #KNKA

Alive in grace, God sustains you under pressure. 🙏

#biblians #bibliansapp #grace #trustgod #christianencouragement #godsgrace #steadfastfaith

The Kintsugi Man

A Story Told In Tanka Form

Once I was broken,
a man of many pieces,
cracked beyond repair,
so many tiny places 
scattered like leaves in the wind. 

Healing was a dream.
Restoration was elusive.
Much of me was lost. 
I could not find the missing,
my eyes dry from the seeking.

Then mercy found me.
The Great Artist touched my heart,
gathered me to me,
glued the pieces one by one
until I was whole again.

Why do the cracks show?
My question rose to the sky. 
The scars are ugly.
Must they remain forever?
I wondered if I was healed.

Wait, you gently said. 
Dipping your finger in gold,
your love traced the scars.
beauty in my brokenness.
The cracks let the soul's light out.

God Has Not Rejected His People But He Has Left A Remnant. EXPOSITION ON THE BOOK OF ROMANS study #61 (Romans 11:1-5)

The last two chapter are always challenging to teach through because of the problems we often have with the way God has chosen to work out salvation in our lives. What we have seen is that Paul has used the Jewish people to show how being zealous for the things of God is not the same as being saved or called by God. The Jewish people would have been considered the people that most people would assume to be first in line when it comes to receiving salvation. What we have seen is that they were no more capable of earning salvation than any other person because salvation does not come through our own deeds, privileges or abilities.

This thought is widely accepted but many still have a problem with thinking that they do not have a choice in the matter. I would say this, I am glad that God has chosen to give me His grace because I would have never looked for it if it wasn’t for God’s drawing me to Himself. So many others look at this as unfair because not all people get what we have. The fact is that the fair thing to do is to leave us to pay our own penalty for the sins we committed against God so we need to be thankful for this act of God in giving us His mercy.

As we know, God has not left all people to pay the penalty for their sins. He has provided His Only Begotten Son, Jesus to be the propitiation for us and with that we have eternal life. That is, those that have believed, trusted or had faith in Jesus will receive this gift of eternal life. This is where the debate happens often because many think that our own believing is something we can accomplish ourselves and that God left it to us to decide. The section of Scripture we will look at in this study will destroy that thought completely as Paul uses the Jews as an example of how God chooses a remnant of people for Himself and not the whole.

Most of this chapter will be focused on this idea as he will tie everything together that he has been teaching on in the last couple of chapters. Let’s look now at our first point for this study.

1.PAUL is proof that God has not rejected His people.
Look with me at Romans 11:1-2a that says I say then, has God rejected His people? May it never be! For I too am an Israelite, a seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew.

With all that has been said about the Jews ignorance to salvation and in their rejection of the Messiah, many people would wonder if God has truly forsaken the Jewish people. It seems that He gave them blessings, promises and left them to their own stubborn will. As we will see this is not the case but it does bring up the question that we see Paul ask at the beginning of Romans 11:1 where he asks, I say then, has God rejected His people?

The thought behind this question would be brought up because it seems that God has left the Jews and turned to the Gentiles to give them salvation. The Gentiles seem to be reaping the promises of salvation while the Jewish people are left out. What we must remember is that all throughout the book of Romans, Paul has expressed that neither Jew nor Gentile has any place to make a case before God concerning that they deserve salvation. Romans 3:9-12 says What then? Are we better? Not at all; for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin; 10 as it is written, “There is none righteous, not even one; 11 There is none who understands, There is none who seeks for God; 12 All have turned aside, together they have become worthless; There is none who does good, There is not even one.”

With this is mind, we know that the Gentile nor the Jew has more of a chance to have salvation than the other. All of this comes down to how God works in our lives. Just like what we read in Romans 9:18 that says So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires.

The problem with any of this from our human standpoint is that we want to know why God works in this way. The thing we must keep in mind is that God does not give us that reason. We must trust His sovereignty and accept what we read here. This point has been clear from Paul’s standpoint because as he expressed in Romans 9:3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh.

He wants to see their salvation but he also understands that all of this happens in God’s timing and for His purpose. This is where we will look at how he responds to this question that would be asked. Read with me again the whole verse of Romans 11:1 that says I say then, has God rejected His people? May it never be! For I too am an Israelite, a seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.

Paul uses himself as an example of how God’s mercy is given to those that are Jewish. He would have been the least likely candidate for mercy in our eyes because of his persecution of the church. Yet we see that God gave him mercy and saved him for a purpose that is God’s alone. After Paul was confronted by Jesus on the rode to Damascus, God appeared to a Christian by the name of Ananias to help Paul. Ananias had heard of Paul’s outrage and persecution of Christians so he was afraid. We read what God tells him of Paul in Acts 9:16-17 that says But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; 16 for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name.”

Paul was chosen by God for His purpose. God had changed Paul and would use him to share the message of salvation. Paul who is a Jew, would be used by God just as the other 12 Apostles of the Lord. Many others were used to spread the Gospel of the Lord but Paul did not seem to fit the criterial that most thought would do this work. This was not Paul’s plan but God’s. Paul says in Romans 11:2a God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew.

We need to be clear that these who He foreknew is not referring to salvation. Back in Romans 8:29-30 we read Because those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers; 30 and those whom He predestined, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified; and those whom He justified, He also glorified.

The foreknowledge in that context is directly pointing at salvation or justification. Here in Romans 11:2 this is referring to the Jews as His people whom He foreknew. We already know that most Jews of that time rejected Jesus as the Messiah so they are not considered those that God foreknew for salvation. Instead this is referring to their relationship to God in that He made them the nation that they are, He guided them through the times of the Old Testament in giving them promises, covenants and blessings. So we must be sure to not apply this foreknowledge to salvation. This love that God had for Israel shows up in the way He deals with them throughout their history.

The point that Paul is making here is that God has not rejected His people who are the Israelites. In fact He has set aside a remnant of those that follow Him and trust Him. This is a continual theme throughout the Old Testament but here Paul shows this truth as he looks at Elijah. We will do this as well as we look at our next point for this study.

2.ELIJAH learns that God has not rejected His people.
Look with me at Romans 11:2-4 that says God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says in the passage about Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel? 3 “Lord, they have killed Your prophets, they have torn down Your altars, and I alone am left, and they are seeking my life.” 4 But what does the divine response say to him? “I have left for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.”

In our first point we pointed out that Paul used himself as an example showing that God has not rejected His people, the Israelites. It would be easy to think that Paul’s message of salvation looked like it excluded the Jews but over and over again we have seen Paul say things like we read in Romans 10:12-13 that says For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him, 13 for “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Paul wants his audience to know that salvation was never about the Jews only. Salvation is offered to Jews and Gentiles. Just like how God didn’t cast off the Gentiles forever, neither has He cast off the Jews forever. Instead we have seen as he says in Romans 11:2a God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew.

With himself as an example, Paul now shows us that God has always worked in this way. He will do this by using a story about Elijah. He does not go into the details of this story but for our purpose I think it will help in understanding the situation that Elijah was in. Paul says in Romans 11:2b-3 Or do you not know what the Scripture says in the passage about Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel? 3 “Lord, they have killed Your prophets, they have torn down Your altars, and I alone am left, and they are seeking my life.”

What Paul is referring to is from 1 Kings 19. At the beginning of this chapter we find Elijah fearful for his life. In 1 Kings 18 you find that familiar story of how Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal to show the people of Israel that Yahweh was truly God and not Baal. After God showed Himself to the people by burning the sacrifice, Elijah killed the 450 prophets of Baal. This is where we read about Jezebel threatening Elijah in 1 Kings 19:1-3 that says Now Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. 2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So may the gods do to me and even more, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by about this time tomorrow.” 3 And he was afraid and arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his young man there.

Elijah finds himself in a cave where God speaks to him. He says two different times in 1 Kings 19:10 and 14 “I have been very zealous for Yahweh, the God of hosts; for the sons of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, pulled down Your altars and killed Your prophets with the sword. And I alone am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.”

Elijah went from one of the greatest moments in proving that God is God to fearful and scared. He felt alone, scared and at a wonder of what would happen next. This is where God tells him that he is not alone. Paul references 1 Kings 19:18 as we read Romans 11:4 that says But what does the divine response say to him? “I have left for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.”

Even though many people may not see this as a direct reference to salvation, this is exactly what it is. A person that God has designated to not worship a false God and follow Him is a person that has been given the mercy to believe. These 7000 men were not following Baal because God says I have left for Myself seven thousand men who have bowed the knee to Baal not because of their own goodness.

Just like these 7000 men, Paul was one that God set aside for himself. Not only to be used by Him but also to have eternal life. Also God has set aside a remnant for Himself from both Jew and Gentile that has been given this same grace as we have seen Paul and these 7000 men have. Paul continues to show this in relation to the Jews in his present time as well as we look at our final point for this study.

3.The PRESENT CONVERTS proves that God has not rejected His people.
Look with me at Romans 11:5 that says In this way then, at the present time, a remnant according to God’s gracious choice has also come to be.

Paul is of course speaking of the time of his writing when he says at the present time but I also believe that we could say the same. In our time there are still Jewish people that have converted to follow Christ. It was in Paul’s time that he speaks these words because he knows that Jews, just like himself, had been set aside to be given the mercy from God so that they too would have salvation.

There are two things that we see Paul refer back to from earlier in Romans. Romans 9:27 says And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel, “Though the number of the sons of Israel be like the sand of the sea, it is the remnant that will be saved.

He refers back to the point that he was making in reference to what Isaiah said there. The remnant are those that have been associated with those that have followed in faith as Abraham did. The remnant goes back to refer to those that are of Isaac as he says in Romans 9:6b-8 For they are not all Israel who are descended from Israel; 7 nor are they all children because they are Abraham’s seed, but: “through Isaac your seed will be named.” 8 That is, the children of the flesh are not the children of God, but the children of the promise are considered as seed.

The remnant were the ones that would receive the promises not the whole of people of Israel. He expressed this in the second thing he references back to from Romans 9:11 that says for though the twins were not yet born and had not done anything good or bad, so that the purpose of God according to His choice would stand, not because of works but because of Him who calls.

As Paul begins to tie all of this together, I can’t help but see this so clearly. This study has helped me to confirm my stance with God’s sovereign choice in salvation. It was these verses that guided me to think this way before and now that I see a clearer connection than ever, I am convinced of this being the case from these last two and a half chapters. I do not think that Paul’s entire case is to convince us of this doctrine but it sure guides us to understand it the way that we do. I do think there is still a lot that needs to be answered that we may not get answered but it is clear that God is in control of all of this. The means of salvation, choosing, calling, giving mercy and glorifying.

To close this study out I want us to know that Paul is leading right back into this topic. I am not reaching back to those chapter 9 verses out of nowhere but showing where he is heading in the next section that we will look at beginning in the next study.

All of this is to point out that God does give mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires as we have seen in Romans 9:18. In fact we will see that Paul says in Romans 11:7 What then? What Israel is seeking, it has not obtained, but the chosen obtained it, and the rest were hardened.

Paul will look back once again into Scripture to prove the point that he is making in reference to how God chooses the remnant for Himself. We will look at this in detail as we look at this next study so I hope that you will come back next week to study along with me.

Alive with grace, God holds you steady, always. 🕊️

#biblians #bibliansapp #grace #trustgod #steadfast #godsgrace #christianencouragement

Your identity is secure in Jesus, fear cannot prevail. 🔥

#biblians #bibliansapp #faithoverfear #trustjesus #godsgrace #christianencouragement #peaceinthemind

Your identity is rooted in Christ, fear cannot define you. 🔥

#biblians #bibliansapp #faithoverfear #rootedinchrist #fearnot #christianencouragement #godsgrace

God's grace steadies you under pressure, always. 🔥

#biblians #bibliansapp #GodsGrace #TrustGod #PeaceInChrist #Prayer #Hope #Courage

Gods faithfulness steadies you through every change. 🙏

#biblians #bibliansapp #faithfulness #trustgod #godsgrace #hopeinchrist #peace

In darkness, God brings hope, victory through Jesus. 🌟

#biblians #bibliansapp #hopeinchrist #victoryinjesus #christianhope #faith #godsgrace

God's hope lights your way through Jesus. 🌟

#biblians #bibliansapp #hopeinchrist #jesus #christianfaith #lightinthedarkness #faithwalk #godsgrace

Light from the Shadows (Christian Music) = Lift your spirit ✝️ with this new Christian song! - #God #Jesus #TheLord #Praise #ChristianMusic #Bible #Music #Song #FaithJourney #GodsGrace #DivineLight #HeavenlyEmbrace #SpiritLed #TrustInGod #HolyPresence #PathOfRighteousness #EternalLove #HeavenlyGuidance #ChristsSacrifice #RedeemedSpirit #ForgivenSoul #LovingSavior #MercifulLord #HopeInGod #WorshipAndPraise #LordsPromises #JoyInSalvation - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_JTScg9JWk

Freedom in His Light (Christian Music) = Beautiful new worship melody 💖 for Jesus! - #God #Jesus #TheLord #Praise #ChristianMusic #Bible #Music #Song #ChristianYouth #ModernWorship #FaithJourney #GloriousLight #SpiritualAwakening #FaithfulCommunity #InspirationalMusic #UpliftingWorship #GospelMessage #YouthFellowship #BelieverSupport #ChurchOutreach #YoungBelievers #GodsGrace #JesusReigns #HopeRestored #PrayerfulReflection - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=

I Visited The Western Wall Twice

Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from my personal experiences and observations during the Israel pilgrimage tour I joined and what happened during my free time. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.

Welcome back, readers and fellow followers of the Lord! This is the 11th chapter of my ongoing series of articles about the holy nation of Israel with recollections about the experiences and discoveries I had during the pilgrimage tour I joined with my local church (hosted by strategic partner Behold Israel) in 2023. To see my previous Israel tour articles, click here, here, here, here, here,  here, here, here, here and here. No matter what happens in this unpredictable and chaotic world we live in, I will always stand with Israel and my faith in the Lord remains uncompromising!

In this latest edition of my Israel 2023 series, I share with you what I experienced when I visited Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem not once but twice. Also referred to as the Wailing Wall, the Western Wall is a very holy site and is one of the most definitive places to be in with regards to worshiping the Lord.

For starters, I share with you the very video I recorded about my first time ever to arrive at the Western Wall Plaza (note: I was with my pilgrimage tour group companions, our pastors and our hard-working local tour guide) as well as my first-ever approach (starts at 2:01 in the video) to the Western Wall itself. It’s a video of more than three minutes and it’s available for public viewing via YouTube. Watch the video below and pay attention to the details closely.

https://youtu.be/H9EF50bcv_A

As you can see in the above video, I stopped recording before entering the perimeter to get closer to the Western Wall. What happened after was my personal discovery and my personal sensing of the Lord’s presence.

About The Western Wall

To put things in perspective, the Western Wall is a retaining wall which was part of the Temple Mount expansion that King Herod (Herod the Great) did in around 19 BC. It is one of the four supporting walls of the Temple Mount which remained intact after the destruction of the Second Jewish Temple many decades later. Above it is the Temple Mount already.

Historically, the First Jewish Temple was built on the top of Mount Moriah during the time of King Solomon. The temple was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BCE. In 19 BC, King Herod started rebuilding a new temple and this includes enlarging the Temple Mount platform a lot which made it 1,575 feet long and 985 feet wide. Herod had ten thousand men working and trained a thousand priests to work on the most sacred parts of the Second Jewish Temple.

The construction was done after several years but the decoration was completed in 64 AD. Six years after the Second Jewish Temple was fully completed, the Romans destroyed it but the western side of the Temple Mount survived. This happened in 70 AD, long after Lord Jesus conquered death and ascended to Heaven.

The Western Wall faces westward and it is the closest in proximity to the site of the Holy of Holies, the most sacred location in the Temple for the Jewish people. Be aware that Mount Moriah is the same exact mountain where Abraham almost sacrificed his son Isaac before God sent the angel to intervene and provided the ram as the sacrifice.   

For centuries, the Western Wall became a great source of influence and inspiration. It became the focus of yearning and prayer for the Jewish people for countless generations. The open-air section of the Western Wall serves as a place of worshipping the Lord and it is officially a synagogue. Apart from worship, the Western Wall keeps the memory of the Jewish Temples alive and it has also been used by the State of Israel for formal ceremonies. For centuries, pilgrims from around world came to the wall to pray and leave written noted in its ancient stones.

Physically, the Western Wall is 488 meters long and the height of the exposed section reaches a height of 40 meters above the bedrock of the eastern hill of Jerusalem (Mount Moriah). The open-air section of the wall (visible to the Prayer Plaza) is comprised of 46 layers of stone and the very large stones (that many are able to touch) were put in place during the time of King Herod (Second Jewish Temple period).

My First Visit – February 13, 2023

After recording the video, I placed my smartphone into my pocket, entered the worship area and gradually made my way to the wall.

With my Holy Bible in my left hand, I touched the Western Wall with my right hand and started spending quality time with the Lord God, praying to Him. With all my heart, I expressed my thanks and dedication to Lord Jesus there at the wall. I also prayed in support of Israel and the peace of Jerusalem.

Each moment I had there, I truly felt God’s presence and I did not confuse it with the wall’s visual magnificence. As I prayed, I felt the unction from the Lord to open my eyes and look straight up at the blue sky above knowing that He is spiritual, and He is in Heaven. The Lord is not inside the stones of the wall but in His Kingdom. That said, I did not worship the stones (reminder: idolatry is foolish and unholy) as I directed my worship directly to the Lord knowing He is in Heaven.

Because we only had fifteen minutes to spend as our tour group had a schedule to follow, I wisely spent time to praising and honoring the Lord. Let me remind you all that Lord Jesus will someday return and He will fulfill His promise. He will return in Israel and Jerusalem will be His destination.

After praying to Him, I spent the remaining minutes looking around and observing. I was surrounded by Ultra-Orthodox Jews, National Religious Jews, rabbis, tourists and Christians. I witnessed the religious rituals and practices of the Jewish people and I know deep inside that the ties between Jews and Christians are biblical.

The whole area is indeed sacred and that means visitors should be respectful and should practice decency near the Western Wall. People praying to God are to be respected and when there are many others praying while touching the wall, you will really have to wait for your turn. Be mindful that the Lord is always watching you as there is simply no reason to cause disrespect, playing around and causing trouble at the Western Wall.

When my fifteen minutes ran out, I went to the exit to rejoin my tour group.

My Second Visit – February 15, 2023

Two days later, it was our tour group’s one and only rest day. After having a really early breakfast at our hotel, I marched to the Old City of Jerusalem and visited the Temple Mount for the first time ever. After spending time up there, I took the exit and made my way down to return to the Western Wall.

Once again I took time touching the wall and praying to the Lord and expressing my thanks to Him with a lot of heart. After several minutes, I took a seat to pray to Him while resting my legs. Then I noticed a North American man (who looked so much like Hillsong Church’s Phil Dooley) with the Holy Bible at one end of the fence (separating the men and the women) by the wall facing at the other direction (his back on the wall). He preached the Word of God and asked the Lord to save everyone. What he said reminded me that God has a plan for everyone, including the Jews (His chosen people) and there is still time for the lost and unsaved to realize Jesus as the Lord and the Savior of all.

After I was done praying by the wall, I decided to visit Wilson’s Arch as I was so curious why a lot of people had been entering and exiting it. It turned out to be Western Wall tunnel (with an arch area) and inside was a synagogue where there lots of Jews read the Old Testament, the Torah and pray. At the entrance/exit, a Jewish rabbi invited me in and assured me that foreigners and non-Jews were welcome. So I went in and he showed some parts of the indoor synagogue.

As it was a place of worship by the Jews, I was cautious moving inside and spending time observing. Carefully I only took a few photos for this feature article and it was astonishing to see more of the Western Wall indoors. Not only that, it was impressive to see the arches – including those huge stones above our heads – and it turns out they were constructed during Herod’s time and without any cement at all. There were also lots of shelves of books on both sides.

The indoor synagogue is one of the holiest synagogues in Israel due to its proximity to where the original Jewish Temple was wherein the Holy of Holies resided. Since it was my plan to revisit the Upper Room and visit both King David’s Tomb and Oskar Schindler’s grave, I eventually left the Western Wall tunnel. Before tracing my way back to the Jewish Quarter (where we visited two days prior), I took one last look back at the Western Wall. I intend to revisit it and spend quality time with the Lord there again in the future.  

Biblical Significance

While it is a fact that the Western Wall was not explicitly mentioned in the Holy Bible, it has always been part of the Temple Mount since Herod’s time. To put things in perspective, we need to go back to the time when King Solomon dedicated the First Temple asking God to hear the prayers made toward it. Learn from the holy scriptures below.

that Your eyes may be open toward this temple night and day, toward the place of which You said, ‘My name shall be there,’ that You may hear the prayer which Your servant makes toward this place. And may You hear the supplication of Your servant and of Your people Israel, when they pray toward this place. Hear in heaven Your dwelling place; and when You hear, forgive.

1 Kings 8:29-30 (NKJV)

“Moreover, concerning a foreigner, who is not of Your people Israel, but has come from a far country for Your name’s sake (for they will hear of Your great name and Your strong hand and Your outstretched arm), when he comes and prays toward this temple, hear in heaven Your dwelling place, and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to You, that all peoples of the earth may know Your name and fear You, as do Your people Israel, and that they may know that this temple which I have built is called by Your name.

1 Kings 8:41-43 (NKJV)

The First Jewish Temple eventually got destroyed by the Babylonians. Centuries later, Herod executed the massive rebuilding of the Temple (Second Jewish Temple) in Jerusalem as well as the expansion of the Temple Mount itself. What was achieved drew reactions from many people who saw it and there were references of such reactions in the New Testament. For insight, read the scriptures below.

Then as He went out of the temple, one of His disciples said to Him, “Teacher, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!”

Mark 13:1 (NKJV)

Then the Jews replied, It took forty-six years to build this temple (sanctuary), and will You raise it up in three days?

John 2:20 (AMPC)

To be clear, the forty-six years mentioned in John 2:20 refers to the massive renovation and the expansion of the Second Jewish Temple.

Long before the Second Temple got destroyed, Lord Jesus prophesied its destruction. By the time Lord Jesus made the prophesy, He was already rejected by the religious Jews. Those people refused to accept Him as their Messiah and they had disobeyed God as a result. Lord Jesus wept for Jerusalem knowing that suffering and destruction would come and it happened in 70 AD. Learn from the scriptures below.

Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, saying,

“If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side, and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation.”

Luke 19:41-44 (NKJV)

Then Jesus went out and departed from the temple, and His disciples came up to show Him the buildings of the temple. And Jesus said to them,

“Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”

Matthew 24:1-2 (NKJV)

As it is very clear that God always has a plan for the faithful and His chosen people, it was prophesied that He would bring the Jews (scattered around the world) back to Israel in the last days. This prophecy was fulfilled in May 1948 when the modern State of Israel was formally established and a lot of Jews returned or settled in since then. Lord Jesus will return to us some time in the future and there is time for the Jews to accept Him as their Messiah, to repent and submit to Him. The other lost and unsaved people of the world still have opportunities to realize Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Very clearly, Lord Jesus is the hope of ALL nations! Learn from the scriptures below.

If any of you are driven out to the farthest parts under heaven, from there the Lord your God will gather you, and from there He will bring you. Then the Lord your God will bring you to the land which your fathers possessed, and you shall possess it. He will prosper you and multiply you more than your fathers.

Deuteronomy 30:4-5 (NKJV)

Jesus answered him,

“I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless a person is born again [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified], he cannot [ever] see and experience the kingdom of God.”

John 3:3 (AMP)

Beloved ones, let me repeat emphatically that the gospel entrusted to me was not given to me by any man. No one taught me this revelation, for it was given to me directly by the unveiling of Jesus Christ.

By now you have heard stories of how severely I harassed and persecuted Christians and how systematically I endeavored to destroy God’s church, all because of my radical devotion to the Jewish religion. My zeal and passion for the doctrines of Judaism distinguished me among my people, for I was far more advanced in my religious instruction than others my age.

But then God called me by his grace, and chose me from my birth to be his. He was pleased to unveil his Son in me so that I would proclaim him to the peoples of the world. After I had this encounter, I kept it a secret for some time, sharing it with no one. And I had no desire to run to Jerusalem and try to impress those who had become apostles before me. Instead, I withdrew into the Arabian Desert. Then I returned to Damascus, where I had first encountered Jesus.

Galatians 1:11-17 (TPT)

For He is [Himself] our peace (our bond of unity and harmony). He has made us both [Jew and Gentile] one [body], and has broken down (destroyed, abolished) the hostile dividing wall between us,

By abolishing in His [own crucified] flesh the enmity [caused by] the Law with its decrees and ordinances [which He annulled]; that He from the two might create in Himself one new man [one new quality of humanity out of the two], so making peace.

And [He designed] to reconcile to God both [Jew and Gentile, united] in a single body by means of His cross, thereby killing the mutual enmity and bringing the feud to an end.

And He came and preached the glad tidings of peace to you who were afar off and [peace] to those who were near.

For it is through Him that we both [whether far off or near] now have an introduction (access) by one [Holy] Spirit to the Father [so that we are able to approach Him].

Therefore you are no longer outsiders (exiles, migrants, and aliens, excluded from the rights of citizens), but you now share citizenship with the saints (God’s own people, consecrated and set apart for Himself); and you belong to God’s [own] household.

You are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus Himself the chief Cornerstone.

In Him the whole structure is joined (bound, welded) together harmoniously, and it continues to rise (grow, increase) into a holy temple in the Lord [a sanctuary dedicated, consecrated, and sacred to the presence of the Lord].

In Him [and in fellowship with one another] you yourselves also are being built up [into this structure] with the rest, to form a fixed abode (dwelling place) of God in (by, through) the Spirit.

Ephesians 2:14-22 (AMPC)

Conclusion

My two visits to the Western Wall were very significant to me personally. As seen above, each visit has been different, new discoveries happened and I spent quality time with Lord. The place is holy and it is a must-visit for anyone going to Israel. If I ever visit Israel again, I would return to the Western Wall to praise, thank and honor the Lord. If you are a person of faith who is about to visit Israel for the first time, I urge you to visit the Western Wall in Jerusalem. Learn from my experiences. I also encourage you all to stand united in support of Israel, learn to love and bless the Jewish people, help the lost and unsaved come to Lord Jesus and always pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! May they prosper who love you [the Holy City]!

May peace be within your walls and prosperity within your palaces!

For my brethren and companions’ sake, I will now say, Peace be within you!

For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek, inquire for, and require your good.

Psalm 122:6-9 (AMPC)

Israel is the holiest place to visit in the whole world! Visit Israel with the Holy Bible! Pray to the Lord wholeheartedly and reveal to Him your heart’s desire to visit Israel to deepen your faith in Him. Always be the fearless and aggressive church of Lord Jesus! Follow the light of Lord Jesus, keep on praying to support Israel, learn to love and bless the Jewish people and pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

Watch out for more Israel 2023 travel articles here. There is more to come! Thank you for reading.

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I was at the Southern Steps in Jerusalem

Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from my personal experiences and observations during the Israel pilgrimage tour I joined and what happened during my free time. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.

Welcome back, readers and fellow followers of the Lord! This is the 10th chapter of my ongoing series of articles about the holy nation of Israel with recollections about the experiences and discoveries I had during the pilgrimage tour I joined with my local church (hosted by strategic partner Behold Israel). To see my previous Israel tour articles, click here, here, here, here, here,  here, here, here and here. No matter what happens in this twisted world we live in, I will always stand with Israel and my faith in the Lord remains uncompromising!

In this latest edition of my Israel 2023 series, I share with you what I experienced when our pilgrimage tour group visited the Southern Steps (also referred to as the Southern Stairs and Rabbi Stairs) located at the lower part of the Southern Wall of the Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem.

Thanks to our dedicated local tourist guide, our tour group had a meaningful visit there and we spent several minutes observing the place. Our time at the steps concluded with a bible teaching led by New Life Philippines Pastor Edwin Tugano. In my personal experience, I felt something from the Lord there as I realized the biblical relevance of the holy site as well as insight regarding what the place was like thousands of years ago.

The site is very significant as it is the place that served as one of the main entrances from the south to the Temple Mount during the time of Lord Jesus. In fact, people coming from the City of David going north to the Temple Mount used the Southern Steps very long ago. Also, the Southern Steps became a useful place where rabbis and their disciples gathered for faith lessons and this explains why the said steps are also called the Rabbi Stairs. Physically, the steps were hundreds of feet wide which provided abundant space for congregating and teaching.

As many centuries had passed since Lord Jesus ascended to Heaven, there were physical changes that happened at the Southern Wall of the Temple Mount and this is evident as visitors today cannot access the mentioned sacred site above (where the Jewish temples used to be) using the Southern Steps. This is because there is noticeable expansion of the Southern Wall blocking the steps’ upward access to the Temple Mount. I myself had touched that wall and noticed how its stone quality and colors differed from the rest of the Southern Wall.

Regardless, the step themselves – composed of the original stones from Jesus’ time (those steps with the rougher stones) plus newer ones (added to fill the gaps) leading to the Southern Wall – are still there and climbing them required methodical walking. The Southern Steps today are widely visited by faithful Christians from around the world as it is a holy site and it is very likely that Lord Jesus Himself climbed the steps going to the Temple Mount. There is no doubt that Lord Jesus and His disciples also gathered at the steps for teachings. The holy site should remind you about the significance of Lord Jesus’ presence in Jerusalem.  

In my experience there at the Southern Steps with my tour companions, I felt the holiness of the place and that became more evident as I opened the Holy Bible during the bible teaching led by our pastor right there. During our time there, I noticed another pilgrimage tour group was present with us several feet away.  

Did Pentecost happen at the Southern Steps?

By reading the biblical reference of Pentecost and connecting it with my observations of the holy site, I can say that the Southern Steps is a possible place where Pentecost may have happened. I can even say that it is a more suitable place –  where about three thousand Jews got baptized after the apostle Peter preached the good news – than the Upper Room (itself a popular location in many paintings and artworks dramatizing Pentecost).

Take a close look at the biblical record of Pentecost below…

When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?”

Others mocking said, “They are full of new wine.”

But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God,

That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh;

Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

Your young men shall see visions,

Your old men shall dream dreams.

And on My menservants and on My maidservants

I will pour out My Spirit in those days;

And they shall prophesy.

I will show wonders in heaven above

And signs in the earth beneath:

Blood and fire and vapor of smoke.

The sun shall be turned into darkness,

And the moon into blood,

Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.

And it shall come to pass

That whoever calls on the name of the Lord

Shall be saved.’

“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know— Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it. For David says concerning Him:

‘I foresaw the Lord always before my face,

For He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken.

Therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad;

Moreover my flesh also will rest in hope.

For You will not leave my soul in Hades,

Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.

You have made known to me the ways of life;

You will make me full of joy in Your presence.’

“Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne, he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption. This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.

“For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he says himself:

‘The Lord said to my Lord,

“Sit at My right hand,

Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” ’

“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”

Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”

And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.

Acts 2:1-41 (NKJV)

Take note that verse 2 of Chapter 2 in the Book of Acts specifically mentioned “house” which is not limited to houses. In fact, in the Old Testament of the Bible, the Jewish temple is referred to as the house – as in the house of the Lord. The place of worship of the Lord!

Still within biblical context, “house” – as seen in verse 36 with “house of Israel” – also symbolizes family and lineage in the Holy Bible. “House of Israel” refers to the entire nation descended from Abraham through Jacob and Isaac and that includes the Jewish people (descendants) who were present in Jerusalem during Pentecost. For relevance of the house of Israel, read 2 Kings 7:1-16 in the Holy Bible – God’s words for King David passed through the prophet Nathan.

As it was an essential form of access into the Temple Mount, the Southern Steps also served as a natural place of gathering, spacious enough to accommodate thousands of Jews. As mentioned earlier, these wide and spacious holy stairs are a more suitable place than the Upper Room for Pentecost to happen.

Also take note that verse 41 of Chapter 2 of the Book of Acts mentions that there were around three thousand Jews who got baptized and helped the church of Lord Jesus grow a lot on the day of Pentecost itself (for relevance, read John 3:3 in the Holy Bible). This also means that there were between fifteen thousand to thirty thousand people in Jerusalem who witnessed Pentecost happen. Having been at the Southern Steps myself, I can easily visualize the whole place – from the steps themselves and the space between them and the City of David in the south, plus the whole stretch of the Southern Wall – being filled with lots of people on that very day. Having attended the bible teaching led by our pastor who stood at the steps facing us south, I can visualize the apostle Peter preaching to thousands of Jewish people there long ago.

There is absolutely no way that the 3,000 people who received Christ and got baptized would fit inside the Upper Room at the time of Pentecost. When the apostle Peter preached, he was not surrounded by only a tiny group of people but by a huge crowd who listened. The other apostles were with Peter back then. This should remind you that the artists responsible for the paintings and artworks portraying Pentecost happening inside the Upper Room or within an indoor place with walls and a roof did not fully understand the biblical record of Pentecost. In other words, those artists got it wrong and the Bible proves they are wrong. This should remind you to maintain faith in God’s Word, not in man-made artworks.

Once again, the Southern Steps is a possible site of Pentecost. It may not be definitive but it definitely is more suitable than the Upper Room for congregating and preaching in front of thousands. The other possible places where Pentecost may have happened include the Royal Stoa (which was intact at the Southern Wall covering its length and was located high above the Southern Steps) and at the Jewish Temple itself.

While the exact location of Pentecost remains unresolved, I encourage you all to always keep faith in the Lord and His Word knowing that Pentecost truly happened as it was an anointed by the Lord to happen. Location is one thing, but the Holy Bible and the Holy Spirit are always essential to our faith in Lord Jesus.

Conclusion

I can say that me and my pilgrimage tour group companions were blessed by the Lord during our time at the Southern Steps. Simply thinking about Lord Jesus teaching His followers at the steps is uplifting  There clearly is a lot to learn and discover by being at the holy site and having the Bible for reference. I thank Lord Jesus for blessing us, for our pastors and our local tour guide, and for the anointed experience at the Southern Steps. I definitely will revisit those steps when I return to Israel.

Israel is a great and holy place to visit! Visit Israel with the Holy Bible! Pray to the Lord wholeheartedly and reveal to Him your heart’s desire to visit Israel to deepen your faith in Him. Always be the fearless and aggressive church of Lord Jesus! Follow the light of Lord Jesus, keep on praying to support Israel, learn to love and bless the Jewish people and pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

Watch out for more Israel 2023 travel articles here. There is more to come!

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Henry Moncreiff-Wellwood, Scottish church leader, comments on the Dark Ages. When the church forbade scripture reading, all humanity was put into fetters of ignorance and barbarism.

Some on the left blame the church for the Dark Ages. Here’s a Christian leader agreeing.

How can you stand for eternal truths while providing freedom for your neighbor’s expression?

#christian #sdgs #dobetter #godsgrace #getunstuck