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7 Ways Holy Land Tours Will Refresh Your Faith

View of Jerusalem’s Old City in Israel

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Join us on a journey of a lifetime on a Holy Land tour to refresh your faith in Jesus and the Bible!

Is deepening your understanding of an authentic Christian lifestyle by experiencing Biblical history with your own eyes one of your lifelong dreams? Is your imagination longing to see what the apostles saw, traveling through a Holy Land tour with Jesus, filled with awe and wonder as the passages you’ve studied suddenly come alive in front of you?

Experiencing God’s Word come alive in the Holy Land of Israel and the surrounding Mediterranean is a beautiful way revitalize your walk with the Lord and enhance your vision as you study the Bible with leading scholars & archaeologists! Even if you’ve been to Israel before, our assurance is that our stunning Christian cruises and life-changing Christian tours are truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunities!

Here are seven ways our one-of-a-kind Holy Land tours will refresh your Christian faith:

1. Follow the Footsteps of Jesus

Be filled with awestruck wonder as you walk where Jesus walked! Visit incredible destinations made famous by the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ ministry, including the Mount of Olives, the Sea of Galilee, the site of Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist, Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth, the remains of the ancient city of Jericho, the Garden tomb where we believe Jesus was buried, the classic city of Jerusalem, and many more!

Journey through the biblical narrative in the remains of the Galilean towns where Jesus taught and performed his miracles. Follow the Gospel accounts with your own eyes and feet. Study the Words of Jesus on the Mount of Beatitudes, imagining yourself listening to the Messiah give His Sermon on the Mount. Make your way through the streets of Jerusalem and reflect on the sacrifice He gave in this city that changed the world. You will visit countless amazing places where Jesus walked, was baptized, hung on a cross, convicted and born.

Literally following the footsteps of Jesus was incredibly eye-opening for Shari! Here is what she experienced:

“Thank you for making this trip to Israel an enlightening experience. Not only did the trip increase my knowledge of the Bible and ancient history, it had a profound impact on my beliefs about and understanding of Christianity. Prior to the trip, my beliefs were primarily based on blind faith. However, I’ve returned with a softened heart and sharpened mind, both of which have opened the door to Christ.” – Shari D.

2. Visit Authentic Biblical Locations

We are blessed to have exclusive access to many cutting-edge discoveries and locations which further prove the inerrancy of many Biblical text accounts! Now you will have opportunities to witness intriguing locations first-hand, including the Temple of Tel-Arad, the real Mount Zion with our exclusive archaeologist guide Eli Shukron who recently discovered the Pool of Siloam, helped excavate the Temple drainage tunnels, area G of the City of David, and discovered “Temple Zero” with the standing stone where we believe Melchizedek and Abraham offered sacrifices to God. All of our locations are verified genuine and authenticated by Israel’s leading archaeologists and international Biblical scholars – not just the usual “traditional” sites created by man as a visual representation of the text.

Our Christian tours of Jordan and Israel bring life and meaning to your favorite Bible passages! Experience marvelous destinations, monuments, attractions, and natural wonders including thousands-of-years of history, culture, religions, and civilizations.

Monica was thrilled with the authentic historic locations she experienced on her journey through Israel’s Holy Land:

“It’s been about a month since I returned from Israel, so it is way past time to thank you for putting together a true trip of a lifetime! It was all and more than I expected … and I have about 500 photos to prove it. And Roman was a fantastic guide! He was a wealth of knowledge — biblical, messianic, archaeological, historical, cultural…he gave us all some new and exciting perspectives!” ~ Monica H.

3. Enjoy Unique Experiences in the Holy Land

Explore the Holy Land in a unique and hands-on way with adventures such as our Dig-for-a-Day program where we dig, sift, and examine pottery. The more adventurous among us can do some exciting exploration of unexcavated cave systems that are accessed through leather straps. Would you enjoy a helicopter ride over unique vistas, affording fantastic views of the rare crater-like landscape? We also visit Ein Gedi and the Dead Sea. How about a dip in the mud? Enjoy a nice float and coat yourself in the natural mud at the bottom of the mineral rich lake.

Christian visitors on one of our Holy Land tours will not be disappointed with the continual wellspring of extraordinary activities – both physical and spiritual all around!

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4. On-Site Bible Study with Renowned Scholars

One incredible perk of traveling with Living Passages is our collective of highly qualified Bible teachers and world-renowned scholars which will provide incredible insight and scriptural teaching as you travel through the Holy Land. We guarantee our speakers will bring a fresh perspective to your existing insight of both the Old and New Testament.

Here are just a few of our exceptional guides, speakers, and teachers:

Dr. Craig A Evans is a distinguished scholar, author and speaker who has extensively studied the Gospels, Dead Sea scrolls and archaeology of the New Testament. He is a Distinguished Professor of Christian Origins at Houston Baptist University in Texas, and the author and editor of more than 70 books and hundreds of peer-reviewed articles, Professor Evans has given lectures at locations such as Cambridge, Oxford, Durham, Yale, and distinguished museums worldwide. He is a Fox News opinion contributor and also regularly lectures at popular conferences and retreats on the historical Jesus, archaeology, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the Bible.

Eli Shukron is the chief archaeologist in the City of David and a leading expert on the archaeology of Jerusalem for the Israeli government and Israel Antiquities Authority. Shukron first discovered and directed the excavation of the Pool of Siloam, the ancient city of Bethlehem, the Jerusalem Pilgrim Road from the Second Temple Period, and numerous other historical artifacts which continuously prove the inerrancy of the Bible.

Dr. Adolfo Roitman is the curator of the Shrine of the Book at the Israel Museum, which houses the remarkable Dead Sea Scroll collection in Jerusalem, one of the world’s leading archaeological museums. Dr. Roitman is a senior lecturer at the Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem, Dr. Roitman lectures widely on early Jewish literature, the history and significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls and biblical interpretation.

Dr. Frank Turek is a dynamic speaker and award-winning author & coauthor of many books, including: Stealing from God: Why Atheists Need God to Make Their Case. As the President of CrossExamined.org, Frank presents powerful and entertaining evidence for Christianity at churches, high schools and at secular college campuses that often begin hostile to his message.

5. Christian Fellowship on a Holy Land Adventure

You will share inspiring fellowship along your journey with other Christian believers. Many of our travelers who meet along their adventure become life-long friends after their Holy Land tour ends. You may choose to visit Bethany, where we end our day at the quiet and reflective Garden Tomb to share communion together. Review the fantastic testimonials of our past travelers and join the ranks of our seasoned Biblical adventurers!

As with all of our tours and cruises, the unparalleled spiritual gathering of fellow Christian believers who travel and study together, will make this an unforgettable life-changing and faith-shaping adventure.

“I also want to thank you for the prayer time we had together.  That was very special for me and I have no doubt God heard our prayers. I enjoyed this tour so much, that I’d like to do it again sometime, maybe in the Spring season. Our group enjoyed each others’ company so much that we are having a reunion party coming up on Monday the 21st!” ~ Janet

6. Luxurious Holy Land Accommodations

Along your adventure, stop and relax in Israel’s most prestigious beach-side hotels with spectacular views. Every detail is carefully considered when making your stay as memorable as possible. The hotels are pristine and modern, clean and beautifully appointed. Your experience has been designed in impressive detail, with every item carefully selected to provide maximum pampering and comfort, fulfilling the needs and desires of all guests. Look for spas, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, saunas, fitness rooms, and massages. Enjoy rich regional gourmet food in each location.

“I travel frequently – but this tour was the adventure of a lifetime! Everything was first class: the hotels, the ship, the food, the guides and the teaching!” ~ Anonymous

7. Exclusively Designed and Operated

Don’t take an ordinary Holy Land tour or cruise! Living Passages luxury Christian cruises and inspirational biblical tours are intended to educate and uplift as you uncover and explore the history of the Bible first-hand. Our Holy Land tours are expertly planned, down to the finest detail. With over 20 years of experience, owner and founder Rhonda Sand arranges exclusive tours and elite excursions that are not typically offered on ordinary Israel tours. A Living Passages representative will travel with your group to quickly handle any issues, should they arise.

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Be Spiritually Refreshed on an Adventure of a Lifetime in the Holy Land of Israel!

Is this your season to be spiritually refreshed! Will you join us on one of our in-depth Christian Israel tours?

There is sure to be the perfect tour that will will leave you feeling invigorated in your faith. Join others in fulfilling the dream of walking where Jesus walked. Bring life and meaning to your favorite passages by experiencing first-hand historic Bible locations as you journey through Israel’s Holy Land. Take a look at all our available tours and cruises!

Join us on the Christian trip of a lifetime today! Please call us for more information at 1-888-771-8717 or write us at info@livingpassages.com.

The post 7 Ways Holy Land Tours Will Refresh Your Faith appeared first on Living Passages.

source https://livingpassages.com/7-ways-holy-land-tour-will-refresh-faith/

World-traveler, Sportswriter, and AiG Co-Founder Mark Looy is Going in Search of Big Game

Answers in Genesis is one of the largest Christian organizations in the country. With so many Christian individuals, families, and churches utilizing their resources to help further God’s work, it’s no surprise that AiG needs a CCO who has a gift for Christian outreach. Mark Looy is the CCO and a Co-Founder of Answers in Genesis. He regularly works to connect churches and Bible conferences and to organize large-scale ministry efforts across the country.

Mark also co-produces Answers…with Ken Ham, a radio feature that plays on over 500 stations all over the world. He has been interviewed and quoted by such news sources as the Washington Post, New York Times, ABC’s World News Tonight with Diane Sawyer, the BBC, and countless others.

Mark will be joining Drs. Tommy and Liz Mitchell on our 2019 Africa Christian Safari with Answers in Genesis. Mark is an intrepid traveler, and has visited more than 40 different countries around the globe! We are so excited to have such an experienced traveler and creation champion traveling with us.

Did you know Mark regularly contributes to the AiG blog? Check out all of Mark’s latest articles here: https://answersingenesis.org/bios/mark-looy/

Are you ready to join Answers in Genesis for a Creation Safari to South Africa? This breathtaking experience offers you the chance to explore the African Bush, interact with elephants, walk with lions, and see giraffes, rhinos, monkeys, and lots more African wildlife! Take your family on an African adventure they will never forget, and join Answers in Genesis for a Christian tour that incorporates learning and fun, with relaxation and adventure.

The post World-traveler, Sportswriter, and AiG Co-Founder Mark Looy is Going in Search of Big Game appeared first on Living Passages.

source https://livingpassages.com/2019/02/mark-looy-africa-aig/

Joseph Farah and WND: The Unique Work of a Christian-led News Organization

News has never been as plentiful as it is right now. Everywhere we go on the internet, we find ourselves looking at what is happening in the world. Not only on the news channels and websites, but through social media, and even through entertainment. Social critique, politics, and world-views are clashing head-to-head all around us. Knowledge has never been more readily available, and truth has never been in greater scarcity.

For many believers, the issue has become “How do we stay connected to current events without being bombarded by the atheistic and materialistic propaganda that floods the news?” Thanks to the work of Joseph Farah and WND, many Christian now have a place to go where they can read the news without being deluged in mainstream, secular opinion. Here is their Mission Statement:

“WND is an independent news company dedicated to uncompromising journalism, seeking truth and justice and revitalizing the role of the free press as a guardian of liberty. We remain faithful to the traditional and central role of a free press in a free society – as a light exposing wrongdoing, corruption and abuse of power.

“We also seek to stimulate a free-and-open debate about the great moral and political ideas facing the world and to promote freedom and self-government by encouraging personal virtue and good character.”

There are not many news sources that put the words “good character” in their mission statement. WND (formerly WorldNetDaily) was started in 1997 by Joseph Farah and his wife Elizabeth. Since that time, WND has become one of the most influential news sites on the web, with over 5 millions users per month.

What is truly unique about Joseph Farah’s work is that, despite WND’s widespread success, the company continues to be dedicated to telling the truth while maintaining high moral standards and following the direction of a CEO who is a devout Christian.

If you are unfamiliar with Joseph Farah’s writing, we hope you get a chance to check out his new book The Gospel in Every Book of the Old Testament. Would you like to hear about the work of WND from Joseph himself? Travel with Joseph and Elizabeth Farah in September of this year on a magnificent Mediterranean and Israel cruise, featuring 7 days on a 5-star cruise ship, a stay at the Waldorf Astoria in Jerusalem, and guest lectures from New Testament scholar Dr. Craig Evans and Dead Sea Scrolls curator Dr. Adolfo Roitman!

The post Joseph Farah and WND: The Unique Work of a Christian-led News Organization appeared first on Living Passages.

source https://livingpassages.com/2019/02/joseph-farah-news/

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World-class Biblical Archaeology Experts with Jeremiah Johnston on MyFaithRadio

Are you ready to listen to some of the best Christian thinkers in the world talk about today’s biggest issues? Every week, MyFaithRadio puts out a new episode of the Jeremiah Johnston Show and you can tune in Saturdays at 11 AM (CT) to hear about Biblical history, apologetics, Christian values in our day-to-day lives, and much more! Recently, Jeremiah has hosted a string of guests whose names you might recognize:

Eli Shukron, a renowned Israeli archaeologist who discovered the Pool of Siloam. Check out the episode here!

Dr. Craig Evans, a New Testament scholar who has lectured at some of the most prestigious universities in the world. Check out the episode here!

And author Jerry Jenkins, who wrote the Left Behind novels with Tim LaHaye and worked with Billy Graham in the writing and compiling of his memoirs. Check out the episode here!

These episodes are a great way to learn and get inspired! But how is Biblical archaeology tied to our faith in this day and age? Well, on the show, Dr. Evans put it like this:

“To deny the existence of Jesus, not only do you deny literature – Christian, Jewish, Greek, and Roman – but you have to ignore archaeology as well. If the writers of the gospels didn’t know what they were talking about, how did they get so much right?”

So Biblical archaeology proves that what we believe is grounded in historical facts. Many skeptics today try to claim that there is no real evidence that Jesus was who he claimed to be and that the New Testament writers made up their accounts to fit their beliefs. But as Dr. Evans points out, there are other sources that confirm, not only the historical fact of Jesus having lived but the accuracy of the contextual facts mentioned in the Gospels. So when people come to us and ask, “Why are you a Christian?” Biblical archaeology makes it easy for us to respond. “Because I know the Bible is true, and history proves it.”

During the course of each of these interviews, Jeremiah Johnston asked his guests about their upcoming travels to Israel. These three leaders, Eli Shukron, Dr. Craig Evans, and Jerry Jenkins, will all be in the Holy Land this September, and you have a chance to join them! Join our Christian luxury cruise and Israel tour for a chance to enjoy hearing from these three remarkable experts. Travel to Jerusalem, Galilee, Bethlehem, Rome, Crete, Malta and more! Spend time cruising through the Mediterranean on a 5-star cruise ship and stay at the historic Waldorf Astoria in Jerusalem where you will have a hosted dinner and a lecture from Dead Sea Scrolls curator, Dr. Adolfo Roitman! A luxury cruise ship, unique destinations, and the best Biblical archaeologists, and scholars in the world!

The post World-class Biblical Archaeology Experts with Jeremiah Johnston on MyFaithRadio appeared first on Living Passages.

source https://livingpassages.com/2019/02/jeremiah-johnston-myfaithradio/

The Left Behind Author is Digging into Biblical Archaeology

Jumping back and forth in time at a breakneck pace, Dead Sea Rising is a thriller as only Jerry B. Jenkins can tell it. Biblical history combines with gripping contemporary mystery. Just be aware — you’ll be hooked.

— James Scott Bell, International Thriller Writers Award Winner

From our favorite #1 New York Times bestselling author, comes a new work of Christian fiction grounded in archaeological and historical facts. Left Behind author Jerry B. Jenkins new work is shaking up the mystery genre by digging into ancient times. Taking you all the way back to 2000 BC, Dead Sea Rising follows the story of Terah, the father of Abraham, who serves in the court of King Nimrod. The story also follows Nicole, a modern day archaeologist who is attempting to dig for Biblical artifacts in Saudi Arabia and gets caught up in a dark and dangerous plot.

Why it’s important to read Christian fiction

There are thousands of entertainment options in our digital media-drenched world, but only a small percent of those entertainment options offer a Christian worldview that can help guide readers, watchers, and listeners, towards the truth. Most books and movies today, even those that are supposedly “family friendly”, contain messages that promote immorality, self-indulgence, atheism, violence, and contempt for the Christian faith. That is why it’s more important than ever to engage in entertainment that helps Christians to pursue their relationship with God and lead non-believers to the truth. While books like Dead Sea Rising may be Christian fiction, they can still serve as a great resource for helping to reach out to non-believer, or those who have walked away from the Faith.

What’s next for Jerry Jenkins?

Dead Sea Rising is the first book in Jerry’s new Dead Sea Series. As added inspiration for the books, Jerry will be traveling to Israel and the Mediterranean in September of 2019 with the series’ consultant, Dr. Craig Evans. Dr. Evans is a world-renowned, New Testament scholar who has been featured on documentaries focusing on the life of Jesus and the work of the Early Church. Together, Jerry and Dr. Evans will bringing unique insight and leadership to this incredible Christian cruise that will take travelers to Rome, Malta, Crete, Jerusalem, Qumran, Bethlehem, Galilee, and more!

 

The post The Left Behind Author is Digging into Biblical Archaeology appeared first on Living Passages.

source https://livingpassages.com/2019/01/left-behind-author-archaeology/

Joel Richardson on Why Israel Matters

What is the Book of Revelation really about? A lot of Christians have wrestled with the End-Times prophecy over the years, but Joel Richardson sees it this way: the specifics of the End-Times are just steps leading up to the most significant event – the return of Jesus.

Jesus should always be the focus of our Biblical study. But it is still important to understand the role of Israel in the End-Times? Does Israel (as a nation) still have a role in the future fulfillment of Scripture?

“There is a restoration of the kingdom of Israel that is coming.” Joel said, addressing the congregation of Grace Church St. Louis.

During his address, Joel focused particularly on the covenant God made with Israel through the Old Testament Patriarchs, going all the way back to Genesis 15:

And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.

And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

And he said unto him, I am the Lord that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it. – Genesis 15:5-7

God made a direct promise to the father of the Jewish nation, that the Jewish people would grow beyond number. God also told Abraham that the reason Abraham had been brought out of Ur was so that he could take possession of the land of Israel.

In the same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates… – Genesis 15:18

Not only did God give the land to Abraham, but to ALL of Abraham’s descendants, the land of Israel was their birthright forever.

“The Lord is not just the God of Israel” Joel continued. “It has always been for everybody, however, his original plan: to begin with this piece of land …has never changed.”

In conclusion, we see, as Joel points out, that Israel was the means by which God reached out to all the other nations and kingdoms of the earth. It was by Abraham’s bloodline that the Messiah came to be born. Israel mattered, will always matter, because it was through Israel that salvation was offered to the world by our Lord Jesus.

Israel will always be the promised land, that is one of the reasons why we hope you get a chance to see it for yourself! In April of 2019, Joel is traveling to Israel and he invites you to join him on a journey that will take in the best of the Biblical sites.

The post Joel Richardson on Why Israel Matters appeared first on Living Passages.

source https://livingpassages.com/2019/01/joel-richardson-israel-tour/

The Bible is True and Apologist Frank Turek Can Prove It

Apologist Frank Turek doesn’t shy away from difficult questions. As a Christian speaker, Frank spends a lot of time traveling to college campuses across the country answering questions from young people who want to know why Christian’s believe what they believe.

Some college kids today behave a little like the ancient Greeks from the apostle Paul’s time. When Paul spoke to the Greeks at Mars Hill, they wanted logical proof, if Paul was going to convince them to believe in his God, his argument had to be convincing enough to win them over. Here is part of what Paul said to them:

…God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us.

Paul wanted to show the Athenians that there was no logic to believing in the idols they worshiped. The true God does not need anything and does not exist to do our will. Rather God, who made all mankind in his image, made us so that we might know him.

Some of the Athenians mocked Paul after he spoke. Today, there are still “logical” men who mock Christians for believing what they believe and that is why young people need to hear from apologists like Frank Turek. When Frank debates an Atheist or answers questions from an audience, he doesn’t deflect hard to answer questions with “Because the Bible says so.” The Bible is filled with truth, but truth is always supported by reason. The task of an apologist is to show why the Bible is right in order to demonstrate, just as Paul did, that the God we worship is the true God. A God who created the rules of logic, the laws of science, and every other demonstration of reason in a world that atheists’ try to claim is nothing more than the result of a random accident.

Ready to learn from one of the best apologists in the world? Frank Turek is traveling to the Mediterranean on a footsteps of Paul cruise featuring 7 days on a 5-star cruise ship and stops in Rome, Corinth, Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, Crete, Cenchreae, and of course, the city of Athens! During this time you will get to listen to Frank’s teaching while exploring some of the places where the apostle Paul did his missionary work in the days of the Early Church. This will be an incredible experience for Christian travelers looking for a chance to learn while relaxing and taking in the wonders of the Mediterranean!

The post The Bible is True and Apologist Frank Turek Can Prove It appeared first on Living Passages.

source https://livingpassages.com/2018/11/frank-turek-apologist/

Eli Shukron’s Newest Archaeological Find

Renown Archaeologist Eli Shukron has made the news once again. In todays feature on the jewishpress.com, Eli Shukron was interviewed on the newest archaeological discovery of a beautifully preserved, stone weight with the word Beka engraved on it. Shukron, who directed the excavation on behalf of the Israel Antiquities department, explains in his interview the significance of the weight saying,

“When the half-shekel tax was brought to the Temple during the First Temple period, there were no coins, so they used silver ingots. In order to calculate the weight of these silver pieces they would put them on one side of the scales and on the other side they placed the Beka weight. The Beka was equivalent to the half-shekel, which every person from the age of twenty years and up was required to bring to the Temple.”

According to Shukron, “Beka weights from the First Temple period are rare; however this weight is even rarer, because the inscription on it is written in mirror script and the letters are engraved from left to right instead of right to left. It can therefore be concluded that the artist who engraved the inscription on the weight specialized in engraving seals, since seals were always written in mirror script so that once stamped the inscription would appear in regular legible script. “Apparently, the seal craftsman got confused when he engraved the inscription on the weight and mistakenly used mirror script as he was used to doing. From this mistake we can learn about the general rule: The artists who engraved weights during the First Temple period were the same artists who specialized in creating seals.”

See the full article and video interview here.

This sifting project in the Emek Tzurim National Park, is regularly featured on our Living Passages Israel Tours. Guests of the tour can take part in the archaeological experience by joining a team of archaeologists at the sifting site, where artifacts such as this stone weight, other coins, arrowheads, pottery, jewelry and metals can be discovered in the excavated soil. Even more exciting is that Eli Shukron has partnered with Living Passages to guide our Israel Travelers through his discoveries in the City of David.

Interested in joining archaeologist Eli Shukron in Israel? Check our upcoming Israel Tours to find one that is right for you.

The post Eli Shukron’s Newest Archaeological Find appeared first on Living Passages.

source https://livingpassages.com/2018/11/eli-shukron-news/

Alaska Vacation for Families with a Visit to the Iditarod Racing Dogs

There is no U.S. state that has Alaska’s extremes. With towering snowcapped mountains year-round, creeping glaciers, the midnight sun, and all-day darkness, the Alaskan landscape can be as chilling as it is captivating.

Beyond the topography and elements, the people and the culture have their own unique draw. One of the quintessential sports in Alaska is dogsledding.

Dogsledding once was a primary mode of transportation for many Alaskans and helped secure mail routes and other freight movements in Alaska. The snowmobile changed Alaska’s reliance on dogs, but mushers still use their teams of dogs for transportation, hauling, and fun. For those who book by January 1, 2019, you will get your fill of the latter with a free dogsled tour by Heather Siirtola.

Heather is a four-time Iditarod veteran who has made dogsledding a way of life. The Iditarod is a 1,000-mile race from Anchorage, in south-central Alaska, to Nome, on the western Bering Sea. It traces a course through rough terrain made of mountains, rivers, forests, tundra, and coastline.

It is known for its brutal intensity that comes from the combination of the weather, terrain, distance, and strategy.

Heather offers tours of her facility and a chance to meet her dogs. When asked about what makes sled dogs special Heather told us, “Sled dogs are unique, not only being work dogs of yesteryear but can cover more mileage faster than most other animals in the wild.” She brings 18 years of sledding experience and a team of dogs that areraring to go. Always ready to go partly because Heather told us it is not uncommon for her dogs to have acupuncture and massage done on them.

Join our Alaska vacation for families with Buddy and Kay Davis of Answers in Genesis in the summer of 2019. This tour is filled with a variety of Alaskan experiences for the whole family, such as a tundra safari, fishing, nature walk, gold panning, and a visit to Denali National Park. Buddy will offer creation-based teachings inspired by the surrounding topography and wildlife.

Book your Alaska Family Vacation before the end of the year and you can visit Heatherand her dogsled team for free.

The post Alaska Vacation for Families with a Visit to the Iditarod Racing Dogs appeared first on Living Passages.

source https://livingpassages.com/2018/11/alaska-vacation-families/

Why Corinth is the Perfect Teaching Site on a Footsteps of Paul Greece Tour

Corinth is famous for being the early church to which Paul wrote the letters of First and Second Corinthians, containing some of the most well-known passages in the entire Bible. Along with the letters Paul wrote to the church there, he also visited and helped to establish a community of believers in the city. The population was likely 750,000 or more in Paul’s time and the city was absolutely central to trade and commerce. The size, historical significance, and Biblical importance of the city make it a crucial stop on any footsteps of Paul Greece tour. The city was important in ancient times and the lessons and instructions Paul wrote to the young church are particularly relevant now, when the world is returning to an idolatry of immoral lifestyles.

• The Bema Where Paul Stood Trial

Looking for something unique on a Christian tour? How about heading to the place where the apostle Paul himself stood trial before Gallio, the pro-consul of Corinth. But it wasn’t the Greek people of Corinth who brought Paul to trial, instead, it was the Corinthian Jews who claimed that Paul had violated Jewish Law. The Bema was the raised platform from which pro-consul Gallio pronounced judgment on Paul.

• Acrocorinth: The Ancient Fortress and Temple of the Corinthians

High above the city of Corinth, there is a steep rock that overlooks the town. Rising 1800 feet above the plains, Acrocorinth was once the seat of the Temple of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, whose worship contributed to the sexual immorality that Corinth was infamously known for.

• Erastus, the Chamberlain of the City

Paul had many friends in Corinth and one of the friends is named in Roman 16:23 was “Erastus the chamberlain of the city”. What is interesting about Erastus is that his existence seems to be confirmed by an inscription found east of the theater in Corinth. The inscription reads, ‘Erastus for his aedileship paved (this) at his own expense.’ Erastus seems to have been a man of wealth and position and was a friend of Paul’s, who contributed to the improvement and infrastructure of the city.

• The Synagogue of Corinth

The synagogue of Corinth was a hub of public debate when Paul came to the city. Acts 18:4 says “Every Sabbath he would argue in the Synagogue and would try to convince the Jews and Greeks”. It was because of Paul’s relentless preaching that the Corinthian Jews hatched their plot to put Paul on trial before the Roman Pro-consul Gallio.

• The Port of Cenchreae

Like several other Biblical figures, the apostle Paul dedicated himself to the Lord with a Nazarite Vow. According to the book of Numbers, those who took a Nazarite Vow were not to:

1. Partake in any fermented drink or consume grapes in any form.
2. Cut their hair for the duration of the vow.
3. Go near a dead body

When Paul stopped at the port of Cenchreae it was, according to the book of Acts, to have his head shaved in keeping with his vow. Biblical historians are unsure of whether Paul was beginning or concluding his vow in Cenchreae, but we know from archaeology that Cenchreae was a port city just outside of Corinth. The submerged remains of the Cenchreae Synagogue can still be seen from the shores.

Corinth is frequently chosen as a teaching destination by leaders on a footsteps of Paul Greece tour. The many points of Biblical and historical interest the city has to offer make it an ideal spot for teaching and instruction.

The post Why Corinth is the Perfect Teaching Site on a Footsteps of Paul Greece Tour appeared first on Living Passages.

source https://livingpassages.com/2018/11/corinth-footsteps-paul-greece-tour/

The Bible and Science Collide in Grand Canyon Christian Tours

Was the Grand Canyon really created as the result of a global flood? The debate has been ongoing for a long time, but according to Russ Miller the evidence was never in doubt. From the beginning, the Grand Canyon was proof of a world-wide flood and yet, it has taken the majority of the scientific community to catch up.

“Geologists now think Grand Canyon grew in quick spurts from massive flooding…”
– National Geographic

So, why have secular scientific resources like National Geographic been hesitant to admit this? Because admitting that the creation of the Grand Canyon was the result of flooding seems to partially corroborate one of the Bible’s most well-known stories. A story that secular scientists like Bill Nye have publicly ridiculed, the story of Noah’s Flood.

“The missing layers are picked up in the Grand Staircase, which includes the soaring cliffs of Bryce and Zion. Bryce forms the top of the Staircase, where the massive erosion event ended, leaving spires and arches in the multi-colored limestones. Zion’s lofty sandstone cliffs and canyons, adorned in pink and red hues, form the middle of the Staircase.” – Russ Miller.

Many evolutionists have tried to lay claim to the scientific evidence of the Grand Canyon, attempting to show how its geological makeup supports an evolutionary view of history. But creation expert Russ Miller reaches out to Christians and non-Christians alike to show them the truth about the geology of the Grand Canyon and the amazing work of God in creation and at long-last, the rest of the scientific community is catching up.

For a long-time scientists believed that Grand Canyon was carved out slowly over millions of years …But new research has turned both theories upside down. Geologists now think that Grand Canyon grew in quick spurts from massive flooding…over 750,000 years. (National Geographic for Kids, March 2005, p. 5).

So, are you ready to see the proof for yourself? Travel to the Southwest to explore the evidence of the flood on our Grand Canyon Christian tours! Or check out our roster of Christian tour itineraries from all over the world.

The post The Bible and Science Collide in Grand Canyon Christian Tours appeared first on Living Passages.

source https://livingpassages.com/2018/10/bible-grand-canyon-christian-tours/

What makes Africa perfect for Family Safari Vacations?

When it comes to choosing a vacation for your family, there are a lot of options out there. But when it comes to family vacations to places that take you beyond the ordinary, your choices become limited. So where can you go that is new, awe-inspiring, perfect for families, and gives you a chance to get away from modern distractions?

Africa.

What makes Africa the perfect place for a family safari vacations?

The first reason is…

1. Africa is Absolutely Unique

The main reason we offer Christian family trips to Africa is because traveling to Africa is totally different from what most families have done. We are talking about a journey to a place where nature has remained almost unchanged since the early days of creation.

Secondly, it’s…

2. A Chance for Family Bonding

There are lots of vacation options for families, but a safari in Africa separates you and your family from all the distractions of modern life and creates time for you to bond together while you learn from God’s word.

Thirdly, this is…

3. A Vacation that Kids Will Remember

Most of us can recall a few of the trips we took with our families when we were children, but not all of them stand out as memorable ones. A trip to Africa, as a family, is a healthy memory your children can cherish forever.

Are you ready to take your family somewhere new? Africa is an incredible destination for Christian travelers, and we hope you get the chance to join us on one our trips. Living Passages offers Africa Christian tours that take you out of today’s busy world and into Creation, where you learn with other believers and Christian leaders. Psalms 19 says:

…The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

So join us as we explore God’s handiwork together!

The post What makes Africa perfect for Family Safari Vacations? appeared first on Living Passages.

source https://livingpassages.com/2018/10/family-safari-vacations/

Four Reasons Why Our South Africa Creation Safari is Perfect for Families

Maybe it has been years since you took your family on vacation. Let’s be honest, traveling with babies and toddlers has its challenges. Now that your kids are a bit older, however, a vacation might be back on your mind. But since it isn’t something you get to do all the time, you want to make it count.

Our South Africa Creation Safari is the perfect option. This Christian tour is an awe-inspiring trip for both children and adults. With dramatic African animals, creation teachings, star gazing, relaxation opportunities and children’s activities all packed into 10 days, you are sure to come home with memories that have bonded your family and lessons that will build both yours and your children’s faith.

Here are four reasons why our South African Creation Safari is perfect for families.

1. It’s adventure with relaxation

Often when it comes to vacation, some want relaxation, while others want adventure. This tour has the best of both. On the adventure front, your family can take early-morning game drives and see many of the Big Five animals, such as lions, elephants, and rhinos. You can ride elephants, walk with lions and see guides feed an assortment of safari animals.

But after all the excitement, there will be opportunities for massage, lounging by the pool, golfing, fishing, leisurely fireside dinners, and morning coffee at sunrise.

2. There are activities for you and activities for kids

Not all destinations are conducive to children. How often do you get excited for an activity only to have your kid’s groan at the prospective boredom? Or maybe you’d like to try something, but it’s dangerous or unadvised for kids.

On this tour, while you get a massage, the kids can play a sports game at the lodge. When you go walk with the lions, our hosts will take the children to view the baby lions. Our scholars will have teachings adapted both for adults and for children.

3. You don’t have to worry about planning anything. Just get your kids on the plane.

Part of the stress of traveling with children is figuring out the logistics beforehand. Where will they sleep? Where will you eat every day? Can you fit your family in the cab? You won’t have to worry about any of it on this tour. We take care of all the details for you.

It’s the best of vacation without the headaches. You simply show up, and we will take care of the rest. The tour is pre-paid, so you won’t have to take out your wallet and negotiate price. A vacation without planning, navigating, or having to problem-solve is a true vacation.

4. The teachings are geared toward both adults and children and will build your family’s faith

A family learning together about God’s creation in a dramatic setting like South Africa creates a special bond. Seeing powerful animals like lions and elephants; watching a sunrise across the plains or staring up into the vast night sky at the countless array of stars is an experience your family may have never had before. That you are all there, experiencing it together, will give you a collective appreciation for God’s creation in new ways.

You will have topics to dig into as a family for months and years to come.. Your children won’t forget this vacation – and neither will you.

Check out our South Africa Creation Safari. It’s the vacation your family has been waiting for.

The post Four Reasons Why Our South Africa Creation Safari is Perfect for Families appeared first on Living Passages.

source https://livingpassages.com/2018/09/africa-creation-safari/

Melchizedek Dead Sea Scroll Found at Qumran

Genesis 14:18-20 (KJV)

And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.

And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:

And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.

Of all the unusual individuals that show up in Scripture, Melchizedek, the King of Salem, is one of the most fascinating. Throughout the Old and New Testament, Melchizedek is only mentioned in three books: Genesis, Psalms, and Hebrews, with Genesis being the only book where he appears in person. The spiritual authority of Melchizedek and the way in which the author of Genesis brings the readers attention to the absence of any genealogy relating to Melchizedek, indicates the uniqueness of Melchizedek as a figure of Scripture. Melchizedek has no genealogy, he is a priest of God during a time when there were very few godly men, and the author of Hebrews draws comparisons between Melchizedek and Jesus, saying that Melchizedek was greater than Abraham (Hebrews 7:7). Similarly, in John 8 the Jews ask Jesus if he is greater than Abraham.

Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.
– John 8:54-57

The parallels between Jesus and Melchizedek are so striking, that some Biblical scholars have wondered if Melchizedek could have been a manifestation of Jesus before the Nativity. However, the references made in Hebrews, stating that Jesus “is a priest after the order of Melchizedek”, would be redundant if Melchizedek had himself been a manifestation of Christ. What is certain is that Melchizedek was a great priest of God and that he was recognized as such by Abraham, David, and the author of the Book of Hebrew.

Very little information is given in Scripture about Melchizedek, however, among the discoveries made at the Qumran caves, was a scroll dating back to the 1st Century BC that gives more information about the importance of Melchizedek the priest.

Read the full text of the Melchizedek Dead Sea Scroll 11Q13 here or visit the Shrine of the Book (where the Dead Sea Scrolls are now kept) on a Christian Israel tour!

The post Melchizedek Dead Sea Scroll Found at Qumran appeared first on Living Passages.

source https://livingpassages.com/2018/09/melchizedek-dead-sea-scroll/

Why you should go on one of our Holy Land Tours

As Carolyn stood on the Garden of Gethsemane during her Holy Land tour with Living Passages, the weight of the anguish Christ experienced there, just mere hours before he faced the cross, fell on her.

She had to sit down on a bench outside of the Gethsemane Chapel to sob.

She had wanted to go on a Holy Land tour since she was a teenager. But life’s ups and downs pulled her in other directions. Two years after her husband died, she stepped out in faith and signed up for a tour.

“To be able to go in such luxury, with such great leaders and guides, made the trip everything I had hoped for all my life,” she said. “This was my number one bucket list wish.”

There is something about experiencing Biblical Israel that has a profound effect on a Christian. Just like Carolyn found, quiet moments standing in the places Christ stood, taught, lived and died is unlike any other vacation experience.

Why is a Holy Land tour special?

It’s no secret to any Christian that the story arch of the Bible played out in the Holy Land. The Jews are God’s chosen people.

Before you think this a designation that smacks of arrogance and elitism, consider the responsibility of being chosen. The failures and successes of the Israelites through the centuries is inscribed in Scripture for billions of people to read. The opportunity they had to be close to God only magnified their lack of righteousness. It’s a humble mantle to bear.

It might seem strange that God choose this people group, especially knowing how they would stray from Him again and again. Hebrew slaves seem like an unlikely bunch from which to draw Christ’s bloodline. Yet, that is often how God works. Jesus did not come as ruler, or an angel, but as one of us, from lowly beginnings. That was intentional. The story that played out in the Holy Land is laced with humble beginnings, inadequacies, and, except for Christ himself, human flaw.

But how encouraging is that for us, who are also fallen sinful people?

The Israelites story is an important one. The Bible details the course of their history, their movements, their genealogies. The amazing thing is that many of these places, where these stories occurred, still exist. We can still see them with our own eyes. That’s what makes the Holy Land special.

Why go to Biblical Israel now?

Anyone who watches the news gets the impression that residents of Jerusalem are dodging bombs and hunkered in shelters daily. That is far from the truth. Yes, there are areas that may hold more risk, but most of the Holy Land is as safe as any other developed country.

Still, it is often at the eye of political firestorms, so there is no guarantee it will always be this way.

We have read the end of the story, but we don’t know when that end is coming. We don’t know how much time we have. There may be a day that travel to Biblical Israel is no longer possible or safe. Or maybe that day won’t come in our lifetimes. We don’t know. What we do know is that we can go now. Why not take advantage of that?

So why are Holy Land tours worth taking?

It’s one thing to read Scripture from 6,000 miles away, but it is something unique to stand in the places where the events occurred as we read it. It gives us context we have never had before. It explains things that are difficult to explain in simple text. With our own eyes, we can gain new understanding about the Bible, the God we serve and Christ.

The Bible tells a story that as Christians we need to know fully. What better way to hear and understand it than to see it for ourselves on one of our Holy Land tours?

Carolyn said for her the experience in Israel still brings Scripture alive. No longer a far-off place she can’t envision, she remembers that she was right there, standing in the places the Bible describes, every time she reads it.

Interested in one of our Holy Land tours? We have several upcoming tours that make stops in Biblical Israel. Each of our Christian tours includes expert scholars who can offer added insight into biblical history. Let us know if we can help you experience the places you have previously read about in the Bible.

The post Why you should go on one of our Holy Land Tours appeared first on Living Passages.

source https://livingpassages.com/2018/09/why-go-holy-land-tours/

Tour for the mobility impaired could your chance to see Israel

Maybe you have dreamed of going to Israel for years, but life’s busyness got in the way. The years have passed, and now you feel like you missed your chance. Maybe getting around isn’t as easy as it used to be. Or you don’t want to hold other people back. Going to another country sounds overwhelming, if not impossible. After all, you assume there couldn’t possibly be a tour for the mobility impaired available.

If that’s you, we have a special tour to Israel designed with you in mind.

Tour for the mobility impaired

Justin Peters of Justin Peters Ministries is leading a unique tour, and since he uses a special chair, he has room for another to join the group on our bus that is specifically equipped with you in mind. Justin took his first trip with us last year and this year, we are using a bus outfitted for quick on/off which has access to the front entrances of all our stops.  It is really an amazing opportunity for the right individuals. This is also a great tour for seniors with limited mobility.

Imagine praise and worship on the Mediterranean Sea. Think about taking a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee – the same sea Jesus often crossed. You could travel down the Palm Sunday Road, envisioning as you go what it might have been like when Jesus rode a donkey down that same passage. You’ll visit the Pools of Bethesda for a private teaching.

These are all experiences that might have seemed out of reach before. They aren’t anymore.

We will have options as well for those who are able to wander further, so all our welcome. But if a wheelchair accessible tour to Israel is what would open the door for you to go, this is a rare opportunity for you.

Finally a wheelchair accessible tour option

If you still have the passion to travel to the Holy Land but need a little assistance in getting around, we are happy to help. These opportunities don’t come along often, if ever. So if you have any desire to go to Israel and see biblical sites first hand, this is your chance. You won’t hold anyone up or inconvenience your group. You won’t have to worry about getting into a place you might get stuck without help. Join Justin Peters as you visit the places Jesus walked and watch Scripture come alive before your eyes.

Read more about the itinerary, the details and see photos of the locations on our Justin Peters Israel tour page.

The post Tour for the mobility impaired could your chance to see Israel appeared first on Living Passages.

source https://livingpassages.com/2018/09/tour-for-mobility-impaired-chance-to-see-israel/

An exciting time for Biblical tours and the history of Biblical Israel

The goal of Biblical tours of the Holy Land is to help travelers engage in the history of scripture while connecting with fellow believers and strengthening their walk with God. Christian pastors, teachers, and experts often lead groups of believers through the sites of Biblical Israel in the footsteps of Jesus and the apostles. But recent discoveries in the field of Israeli archaeology are changing the way Biblical tours work. While local tradition used to be the basis of belief for where certain events of the Bible took place, archaeological evidence and study are taking the accuracy of Scripture to a new level. Experts like archaeologist Eli Shukron (who discovered the Pool of Siloam where Jesus healed the blind man), Dr. Adolfo Roitman (the Curator of the Dead Sea Scrolls), and Christian theological Professor Dr. Craig Evans, are exploring the ways in which history corresponds to Christian and Jewish texts.

"The House of God is just the stone." Eli Shukron explained, while taking a group of travelers to visit one of the most astonishing finds in Jerusalem archaeology: The Standing Stone of Melchizedek, which, according to Scripture, served as one of the very earliest places of worship and the spot where Abraham brought the first tithe. "...What is the importance, where all that started?" Shukron continued. "Where we are."

Very few Biblical tours go inside the place of the Melchizedek Standing Stone, which Shukron refers to as "Temple Zero". An equally breathtaking sight is the great Isaiah Scroll. Inside the Shrine of the Book, Dr. Adolfo Roitman refers to the Isaiah Scroll as "Our Mona Lisa".

"The most important cultural treasure of the Jewish nation is the great Isaiah Scroll." Says Dr. Roitman. "The second largest scroll discovered in Qumran caves - containing all the sixty-six chapters of the prophet Isaiah you have in your Bibles." 

As the modern picture we draw of Biblical Israel becomes clearer, the evidence to support the factual accuracy of the Bible becomes progressively more astonishing. That is why we feel that Christian travelers should have the opportunity to enjoy Biblical tours that bring them face-to-face with the experts and artifacts. In 2019, Dr. Craig Evan, Dr. Adolfo Roitman, and archaeologist Eli Shukron will all be featured on several of our Christian cruise and Biblical Israel tours!

Archaeologist Eli Shukron

Dr. Craig A Evans

Dr. Adolfo Roitman

The post An exciting time for Biblical tours and the history of Biblical Israel appeared first on Living Passages.

source https://livingpassages.com/2018/08/biblical-tours-israel/