Day 5 Baptisms!

Day 5 Saturday Jun 4 - Mount Arbel , Mount of Beatitudes, Capernaum, Jordan River Baptisms, Sea of Galilee Boat Cruise

This morning we headed to Mount Arbel to have an overlook of the Sea of Galilee and what seemed all of Israel.  Fantastic view and we took many pictures.  Mt. Arbel was a Zealot village in the time of Jesus. As we traveled, we discussed how fortunate we are to be able to come on this trip but we do not have to come to Israel to receive the love of Christ.  Coming to Israel is a privilege, Christ love is a gift received by all who choose to believe.  We gathered at a museum that housed the “Jesus Boat”.  This wooden boat was found deep in the mud of the Sea of Galilee dating back to the time of Christ.  It is not said that this was Christ’s boat but was dated to be one from that time period.  We then went to Capernaum. This was on the North end of the Sea of Galilee and Christ performed many miracles here as he resided here for three years.  This is the place both Tammy and I wanted to visit on our trip. At Capernaum we spent some time praying for friends and relatives and asking for guidance and forgiveness in our own shortcomings.  It was a powerful and moving experience.  We walked through the remains of the synagogue and viewed the home of Peter who moved here and lived at his Mother IN laws home.  A Catholic church is actually built over the ruins of the home and has a glass floor so you can view it. We then went to the Mount of Beatitudes and read the Sermon on the Mount.  Matthew 5.  We discussed how Jesus targets the heart rather than living through laws that cannot be broken.  We understand that there is no way we can walk through this life without the righteousness of Jesus.  Pastor asked us to answer these four “H” questions.. Healthy, What is good in my life?  What is working well?  Hurts, What is paining me, what is driving me somewhere dark, a struggle I may be having?  Habits, Where are they leading me?  Closer to Christ or further away?  Help, What can I do or what can others do to help me?  We made our way to the Jordan River where Pastor Joe performed baptisms for those who desired it in our group.  Tammy and I had planned for this and were both baptized today.  It was a great experience professing our faith.  It was held in an area where many were being performed.  We walked into the water wearing white gowns and one by one were baptized.  Each person read a verse that impacted them, how they lived or how they wished to be remembered.  Tammy’s is Philippians 4:6 and mine is 2 Timothy 4: 6-8.  We had 24 in our group baptized.  Finally as we write this we are preparing for our boat ride on the Sea of Galilee.  We have praise music to sing and verses to be shared that will bring an end to the day.