Garden of Gethsemane - Eastern Gate - Church of the Nations
When it was known that this was the area where Jesus prayed hours before the cross, the Church of the Nation's was built adjacent to it. (Actually this was the 3rd structure built in the same spot) The Olive trees in this Garden of Gethsemane are the oldest in Israel approx. 2000 yrs. And the view looks upon the place of the second coming. .. the Eastern Gate! Wow! Jesus, knowing the agony of his death, (especially the temporary separation from the Father), briefly sought another way. Yet, the Father's will was "the" way. Jesus knew that. He also knew the end result and decided to concentrate on that. He fixed his eyes on the Golden "Eastern" Gate (quite possibly) and endured willingly with a renewed comprehensive motivation of what He was born to do.
How much more can we (though we walk through difficulties) seek renewed strength through prayer, see with the eyes of faith the provision he suffered for, and fight for it?
The place of divine health, overcoming victory, family restoration, joy full of glory, inner peace, love that passes all understanding, an inheritance of souls, and tears of grief wiped away completely and permanently.
Fulfill your call. Not your way but His. Regaining strength through prayer. Fixing your eyes always on the end result. Resolute, unmovable, Christlike
Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)
fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfector of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
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The Last Supper
Ever experience a Judas? You are not alone! Our Lord did. (Hebrews 4:15)
He understands and can get you through.
Jesus saw that spirit on Judas long before the act of betrayal. Interesting that he told him to do it quickly, not talking Judas out of it. He knew how hard it is to win someone lost in selfishness, disloyalty, untrustworthiness, and greed. Pray for your Judas. Most never repent, however, "If" they ever realize the gravity of their sin it is almost impossible to live with that guilt.
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Caesarea Philippi
◄ Luke 9:20 ► NIV
"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "God's Messiah."
Amazing portion of Scripture. This picture is the actual place in the Holy Land where Jesus asked a question two different ways. Who do men say that I am? And then Jesus made it personal and specifically asked who do "you" say that I am? Too many times we look at what the Christian crowds think and join what's most popular. Do you base your faith on popular opinion, and current cool doctrine or do you possess an inner knowing that can not be shaken? Have you taken the time to allow faith to cometh? Romans 10:17
Look deep down into your heart. Are you convinced that He is the one? If so how can any trial, problem, hardship, or demonic plot ever make you hesitate or doubt him? Jesus is not a way or an answer he is the way and the answer. It is that kind of belief that causes the supernatural to take over. It is that place of restful knowing that Jesus wants to remind us is available. The place of confident unwavering trust. A faith so powerful even a tiny seed of it destroys the mountains around you. Who do you say He is?
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Pool of Bethesda
This is the Pool of Bethesda. It is located near the Sheep Gate and is associated with healing. There was a superstitious ritual that stepping into the water after angels stirred it would bring healing to the physical body. When Jesus saw a man unable to enter the water due to his infirmity, Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked.
John 5: 8-9
He did not need faith in the ritual, only a touch by the Son of God. Jesus is the Sheep Gate and the Living Water. All who enter, drink are made cleansed - spirit, soul, and body. After this miracle the religious of the day brought criticism that He healed on the Sabbath and that the man carried his bed on the Sabbath. Some will rather remain sick & oppressed then give up their rituals.
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Place of the Skull
Jesus was crucified just outside the walls of the city at Golgotha which means place of the skull. This picture is Skull Hill just outside of Damascus Gate in the old city quarter of Jerusalem. Early scholars believe this is where Adam's skull is buried. It is common belief this is the very place of His crucifixion just outside the camp, near a road where passers by would be reminded what happens when you challenge the authority of Rome. Also a rich man's tomb was discovered near by - yet another scriptural reference.
Public displays of devastation always have an curious audience. Just remember the last time you were in a traffic jam and figured out the reason was the horrendous car crash spectacle off the side of the road.
People stop.
People look.
People wonder what happened.
Some wonder why.
It is that place... "the place of why" where we come in!
Be ready this season to share the why when they pause to look at the cross this Easter. Remember this is not called Black Friday but Good Friday!!! Jesus took your place. He took upon him the sin of the whole world nailing it to the cross. He willingly gave his life so that you could live beyond this temporary life and have eternal life in Heaven. For the sinner (all of us) it was a good Friday.
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The Lowest Place on Earth
The day before the resurrection is known as Holy Saturday. Very little happens on this day as far as customs or religious traditions. It is a time of quiet reflection between the promise and the fulfillment of the promise. However, in reality Jesus was very busy on the first Holy Saturday!
Jesus made His descent with His soul, whereby He destroyed the gates and bars of Hades. Death was put to death, Hades was stripped of all its captives, the forefathers and all the righteous who died from the beginning of time were set free (Ephesians 4:8).
He had already sacrificed himself for our sins. Now he ripped the keys of death, hell and the grave from satan. He descended before he ascended.
Heb. 2:14 ...through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.
Rev. 1:18
I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
Here is a clear to the point description of what occurred during Holy Week which ends the close of Saturday. I recited this a gazillion times before I had a clue what it really meant. Before I was born again and my eyes were opened to its meaning.
The Apostles Creed:
"I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty…"
The glorious manifestation of resurrection happened on Sunday. But do not discount the devil womping, utter humiliation and taking of the spoils that was done for you on Saturday!
This picture is of The Dead Sea which is a terminus for the flow of rain and surface water. Water flows in but not out. Its water has no escape, but is trapped to evaporate. The Sea has always had a large surface area and a negative altitude – the lowest point on Earth!
Funny, you could replace the words "Dead Sea" with Hades or Hell.
Aren't you thankful that Jesus provided a way of escape 'a way out' for those in the bosom of Abraham long ago and for you and me today!
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The Empty Tomb
When you are there and you see it - it leaves an impact that can not be put into words.
The Sea of Galilee
