Frank Turek: The Bible doesn’t cover everything

See the Frank Turek YouTube video below for his take on this topic. 

From the surface view, the Bible appears to have some pretty major gaps. What about all of the other people groups in the world, such as the Chinese or Indians and the multitude of story lines that played out in other countries? Why doesn’t the Bible explain dinosaurs? Where were the Vikings or the Native Americans over the centuries?

The Bible’s central story

If you read closely, there is actually a lot you can parse out about creation. But the account of creation sets the stage for the Bible’s main focus: One bloodline. The entire arch of the Bible centers around a single story: the story of Christ.

As the Frank Turek YouTube video below explains, “The purpose of the Bible is not to tell you everything about everything. It’s not to tell you about every animal or every civilization. It’s to tell you about how to get saved and sanctified.”

“That’s the reason the Bible is written. It’s not written to tell you everything about everything, just the most important thing.”

The Bible is not an encyclopedia or an exhaustive explanation of geology or history. In fact, God often seems to prefer to leave some things a mystery. But it covers the most important thing. It tells the story of the bloodline of Christ, the prophesies surrounding Him, His coming to earth, His dying and Him rising again. It then shifts to prophesying when He will come again. These threads course through Scripture all the wall from the beginning to end.

Frank Turek YouTube video

Check out the below video as Frank Turek discusses this topic on a YouTube video during a Living Passages tour.

What is the Bible really about?

Just as Jesus is to be the center of our lives, He is the center of the biblical account. The Bible tells the greatest story ever told. The most important story every told. Because without Christ, the Bible’s story line would not end with the hope and promise we have today because of His death and Resurrection. Our salvation dictates our eternity, so doesn’t it make sense that the Bible would focus on how to get saved? The timeline of this earth is relatively short compared to eternity. It makes sense that God would focus on the big picture in His words to us.

Teachings by Frank Turek

We’ve been fortunate to hear this and many other teachings by speaker and author Frank Turek of Cross Examined. He has traveled with many of our Christian tour groups and tends to draw many repeat customers. In April of 2019, he will again join us on a cruise from Rome to Athens.

This time, Frank will focus in on the life of the Apostle Paul and the Early Church. We’d love to have you join us on this exciting Christian Cruise! But don’t wait too long. Our tours with Frank tend to book out fast.

The post Frank Turek: The Bible doesn’t cover everything appeared first on Living Passages.

source https://livingpassages.com/2018/08/frank-turek-youtube-the-bible/

8 reasons to try group travel tours

As you are looking at your next vacation, you have two options: You can do it all yourself. Or you could sign up for one of many group travel tours with a travel company. While the DIY travel approach has some advantages, there are far more upsides to group travel than you might realize.

Here are eight reasons you should try traveling with a group:

1. The planning details won’t be so overwhelming.

Booking lodging, transportation, excursions and flights can be a lot of work, especially in foreign countries that you have never been to, where you don’t know the language and aren’t familiar with the currency. Even catching a cab can be a hassle. When you go in a tour group, those things are off your shoulders. All you have to do is pack and show up for your flight while someone else does the work for you.

2. Tried and tested tour stops.

If you’ve never been to your destination, it can be tricky to figure out where you should visit or even where you should eat. As a company that does group travel tours, we have been to these destinations over and over. That means we know the spots are worth a visit and which to skip. For the past two decades, we have been scouting out premier options, as we discussed in our blog about the 10 ultimate Biblical destinations.

3. Safety in numbers.

While we have found travel is safer than people perceive it, some inherent risk still exists. There is also a lot you can do to reduce the risk. One thing is to travel with a group, where there are others with you, watching out for you. You also have an experienced liaison and local guides with you who know the area, where to avoid and can alert you to anything potential safety issues.

4. You can relax more.

Similar to travel preparation, once you are in the country, you don’t have to worry about the details. With a group travel tour, someone is always there to do that for you. Someone else will deal with negotiating tips with the driver. Someone else will figure out an alternative plan if a scheduled event is delayed or canceled. Someone else will pay the bill, while you lounge on your hotel patio.

5. You might find love.

Are you single? For one, traveling alone isn’t for everyone. But there is always the chance you could find love on your trip. Hey, it’s happened before. While there is no guarantee, taking the risk and going on a tour opens you up to the possibility of meeting someone else with similar interests and values as you.

6. Group travel discounts.

As they say, it’s all in who you know. As a tour company, there are various vendors we have access to that the every-day traveler doesn’t. We work with airlines, hotels, restaurants, and other vendors to get the best deals for our travelers. We take advantage of group discounts and contracts to get you the best deal possible. While a solo trip might appear cheaper when you are planning, it’s easy to miss the nickel and dime expenses you will encounter along the way. Having done hundreds of trips, we know what to expect in terms of cost and factor it into your price or give you a heads up from the outset.

7. Experts travel with you on group travel tours.

So many destinations come alive when you have someone who knows a lot about them and can explain the history and context. On our group travel tours, our experts — such as apologetics speaker  Frank Turek or teacher and author Joel Richardson — travel with you, eat dinner with you, provide teaching sessions as you are standing at the sites, and answer your questions. While a self-guided tour through the City of David might sound nice, you might miss the fascinating explanation of all the tucked away biblical events, such as the Melchizedek standing stone or the Pool of Siloam. These are things you only get when you travel with the experts.

8. You’ll make friends for life.

One thing we hear again and again from our travelers is about the relationships they built with the people they met on their tours. These are priceless and often last a lifetime. One of our clients had the teaching pastor on the tour officiate her wedding. Many others have become long-term friends with their tour roommates. When you travel with like-minded people, you connect in ways you might not have expected.

Group travel tours may not be something you had considered in the past. Maybe you didn’t like the idea of not choosing your own itinerary or being with people you don’t know. But the advantages of this type of trip make group tours worth trying out as you are looking at your next vacation. You never know, you might not ever go back to the DIY approach.

 

Interested in looking at the options? Check out our available Christian tours and Christian cruises, or have one customized for your church or group.

The post 8 reasons to try group travel tours appeared first on Living Passages.

source https://livingpassages.com/2018/07/8-reasons-to-try-group-travel-tours/

The problem of evil with Dr. Lutzer

Below is a video from a previous Reformation Tour to Europe with Dr. Erwin Lutzer of Moody Bible Church. Here, Dr. Lutzer talks about what our response as Christians should be to why God allows evil in the world.

Video Transcript:

Rhonda: (I’m) with Dr. Erwin Lutzer in Prague and Dr. Lutzer gave a fantastic sermon two days ago regarding evil. And I’ve asked him to just repeat a couple of key points. Dr. Lutzer, would you repeat that for our audience?

Dr. Erwin Lutzer: I’m very glad to repeat what I said earlier. I need to say that we’re standing, actually, in Bethlehem Chapel in Prague, and behind me is the pulpit of John Huss, who died at the stake. And one of the things that we think about when we are here in Prague, as even in Germany, is the problem of evil, specifically, as it relates to Adolf Hitler. Because Hitler believed that he was carrying out the will of Providence and what we need to do, as theologians, is distinguish man’s role in evil and God’s role. And the Bible is very clear, first of all, that God rules in the kingdom of men. The scripture says clearly that He puts down some and raises up others … “Behold, I raise up the Chaldeans!” God says.

So, on the one hand, we have to recognize that God is totally under control and is, HAS, everything under control. We also have to recognize that man has responsibility and he is answerable to God. In other words, he’s answerable to God and yet clearly, God “signs-off” on the evil that takes place.

We have to admit that without blinking. Jesus, in the presence of Pilate, said, “You would have no power at all against me unless it was given to you from above.” Now, as Christians, we have to rest in the fact of God’s sovereignty. Rather than it being a stumbling block, we have to know that God knows what He’s doing. We don’t need to know the hidden details of His will and His purposes in order to trust Him.

Now, in conclusion, what do we say to atheists when they talk to us and they say if that’s the kind of God there is that He permits the Holocaust, I’m out of here!? Here’s what we need to say: First of all, that’s one option that many people take but it’s a very unwise option. If God is the kind of God who can permit the Holocaust, you had better prepare to meet Him, because the Bible says that it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Living God!

So, here’s a better option: flee to CHRIST! Come to Him for refuge! The Bible says that He saves us from the wrath to come. So, rather than being angry at God, take advantage of what He has provided! We know that He cares because Jesus came to redeem us and, as a result of that Redemption, you and I can savingly believe and we not need not fear God’s judgment because Jesus bore it for us! You’re a skeptic? Come to Christ, and He’s the one that will receive you and welcome you into everlasting habitations. Thank God for Him!

Rhonda: Wow! thank you so much, Dr. Lutzer, for that concise and powerful message for our audience. I appreciate you being here. Thank you so much!

Dr. Erwin Lutzer’s next trip with Living Passages is a Reformation Tour to Germany and Obergrammergau in 2020. Interested in traveling with him? Sign up to receive email alerts when registration for this tour opens.

The post The problem of evil with Dr. Lutzer appeared first on Living Passages.

source https://livingpassages.com/2018/07/the-problem-of-evil-with-dr-erwin-lutzer/

Why now is the time to visit Jerusalem

As Christians, a pilgrimage to Jerusalem has always captured our collective imagination. It is a city rich with the foundations of our faith, where Bible figures walked and our Christ was crucified and rose from the dead. Going there is a profound experience for people who believe the Word of God is true. There is something powerful about walking the steps that Jesus did and seeing the sites mentioned in the Bible.

Jerusalem also has a central role in the future, literally and figuratively, according to Scripture. Jeremiah 3:17 says, “At that time Jerusalem shall be called The Throne of the Lord, and all the nations shall be gathered to it, to the name of the Lord, to Jerusalem. No more shall they follow the dictates of their evil hearts.”

It’s tough to deny, God has big plans for this special city.

The city has long held an allure for visitors. From the Temple Mount to the Western Wall to the Citadel or Tower of David, there is so much to see. A vast array of intriguing sites lie at the city as well, and have long been magnets for guests. But in recent years, the draw seems to be that much stronger.

Here is why now is a great time to visit Jerusalem.

Jerusalem is not a static city. Because of the constant excavation taking place, there are always new finds to see.

The archaeological discoveries just keep coming. You can literally watch the City of David be unveiled as the excavation of this area continues. Historians long thought the City of David was the Old City. Discoveries first made about 150 years ago changes this thinking. We wrote more about this in a previous blog post here.

Our tour guide, Eli Shukron, an Israeli archaeologist who has worked with the Israel Antiquities Authority, discovered the Pool of Siloam, where the blind man was healed. He also discovered the Jerusalem Pilgrim Road from the Second Temple era. He made these finds only in the past 25 years.

Even small finds send excitement through the archaeological community. Just recently, a rare coin from the fourth Jewish revolt was found in an ancient Jerusalem drain. Eli told the Haartez, a news source in Israel, that it could have been dropped into the sewage system through the cracks in the road above. Or a Jewish rebel hiding in the sewage system could have lost the coin.

The coin has paleo-Hebrew inscribed on it and was minted in the year 69. That year, Jews had been hiding in the sewage system during their revolt. The coin bears the words, “For the Redemption of Zion.”

This is just one of many archaeological finds this year that breathes life into Scripture and gives insight into history. Year by year, we are learning more about what happened in Jerusalem over the past 2000 years.

Want to join in on a Christian tour to Jerusalem?

You never know, a find could reveal itself while you are visiting on one of our Christian, Old and New Testament tours. Interested in a trip? Go to our Israel tours.

The post Why now is the time to visit Jerusalem appeared first on Living Passages.

source https://livingpassages.com/2018/07/why-now-is-the-time-to-visit-jerusalem/

8 tips to help you pack like a pro

Packing is an essential part of travel, and surprisingly, how you pack can have a lot of influence on how much you enjoy your trip. Have you ever traveled with the person who is bogged down with three different bags packed to the brim? It certainly doesn’t make crossing the globe any easier. How about the person who didn’t bring a coat to a cooler climate and is either having to buy something last minute or borrow from others? Don’t let this be you.

There is a delicate balance between packing light and having the things that you need. Here are a few tips to help you achieve that balance on your upcoming trip.

1. Use a capsule wardrobe.

A capsule wardrobe is a selection of clothing pieces that go well together so you can mix and match. For example, bring two pairs of pants that match all your tops, or a long sleeve shirt you can wear over all of your short-sleeved shirts. Bring accessories you can re-purpose, such as a scarf that can be used as a blanket on the plane or shoes that you can wear with all your outfits. Bring comfortable, loose clothing that you don’t mind spending the whole day in. Avoid white clothing, which can get stained easily.

2. Use travel sized bottles for your toiletries and pack them in a compact travel pouch.

There is no sense in bringing your full-sized shampoo bottles. Bring only what you need in small plastic containers. One handy tip to keep them from leaking is to put a small square of plastic wrap over the mouth of the bottle, then screw on the top. This will keep your bottles from leaking. Putting them in a pouch will keep them together so you can find them quickly when you need them. Pro tip: Include a small spray bottle of Febreze to keep clothing smelling fresh throughout the trip.

3. Leave towels, bedding or bulky items at home.

All the hotels where we will stay will provide bedding and towels. There’s no sense in filling your suitcase with literal fluff. A sarong or camping towel is a nice light alternative for cases when you might need a towel in between stops. But if you don’t want to even bother with that, you will probably get by without. Some hotels in Europe do not provide washcloths, so if you use one regularly that would also be a packable option to bring.

4. Bring one jacket and several layers.

Some of our destinations can be cooler at night or rainy. A jacket, especially one that doubles as a rain jacket, is crucial. Even for warmer destinations, it often cools at night or gets cold on the plane, so you will be glad you have something warmer. You can use combinations of lighter layers to make the jacket warmer or cooler.

5. Roll your clothes instead of folding them when you pack.

Rolling clothes will take up less space in your suitcase than folding. You can further save space by putting items in compression bags or gallon-sized plastic bags and squeezing out the air. This has the side benefit of keeping clean clothes fresher as you are traveling. Just be mindful that airlines restrict the weight of your checked bag generally to 50 pounds or less.

6. Leave valuables at home.

There is a lot you can live without for two weeks. Plus, why add the stress of having to worry about an expensive item or be looking for a safe at every hotel? You will likely be distracted and not as attentive to your valuables. We would hate for you to have anything stolen or misplaced. If you don’t absolutely need it, leave it at home.

7. Bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes and a pair of sandals.

You will be on your feet a lot during our tours, so a good set of shoes is essential. Sandals can be used for dressier occasions, leisure time, and swimming. You’ll be thankful for comfortable walking shoes on long days when our tours take you to places that require lots of walking. Make sure you break them in before your trip if they are new to avoid blisters on your vacation.

8. Pack a small backpack.

One small backpack is great for carrying daily items you might need on your trip, such as a water bottle, wallet, sunscreen, medications or hand sanitizer. It can also double as your carry-on bag, so you can skip an extra bag roller or duffle. A backpack is also more comfortable during long walks than shoulder bags and more maneuverable than a rolling suitcase.

Did we mention you should pack light?

It is a pain to haul a suitcase up and down stairs, in and out of airports, and to and from stops. Our tours often move from hotel to hotel. Think how much time you will waste on your trip gathering your things up and repacking every few days. The more you have, the more likely you are to leave things behind. Trying to keep track of multiple bags, especially in a group, can be tricky during transfers. The general rule of thumb is to lay out everything you think you will need, then put away half of it. There is so much to see and experience; why spend your precious time worrying about all your stuff when you could be enjoying your new surroundings? For more tips on trip preparation, check out our FAQs.

Looking for other travel tips? Download our free travel checklist!

The post 8 tips to help you pack like a pro appeared first on Living Passages.

source https://livingpassages.com/2018/06/8-tips-to-help-you-pack-like-a-pro/

Living Passages announces a new slate of featured tours and cruises – Footsteps of Paul and Holy Lands excursions

Living Passages

105 N 1st Street, Suite 200

Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814

Coeur d’Alene, ID – Living Passages offers Christian tours and cruises that enlighten travelers’ understanding of Biblical history and archaeology while they experience five-star luxury and a distinctive community experience. As vacationers visit the Holy Land via tours and cruises, the history and truth of Scripture come alive amid the sights and sounds of the historical places where the heroes of the faith walked. Each trip is meticulously planned to ensure an unforgettable experience for every participant as they explore the inspiring scenery and adventure of the treasured regions.

Christian Tours by Living Passages (https://livingpassages.com/christian-tours/) feature exciting destinations including Israel, Europe, Africa and more. Travelers can choose from Israel Christian tours, Reformation tours, creation tours, and Christian cruises, which all offer lavish accommodations and in-depth teaching at selected destinations. Each tour will inspire and educate, as vacationers experience locations they’ve only read about until now – like Israel, Jordan, South Africa, Italy, Egypt, Turkey, England, Scotland, and Greece. Participants will experience a new appreciation of their faith, as they roam the rugged landscape and meet the people who currently reside in the region.

Living Passages Christian cruises (https://livingpassages.com/christian-cruises/) center on the Mediterranean and the surrounding Biblical sites, following the footsteps of Paul. Each cruise allows travelers to experience the region firsthand while qualified Biblical teachers and archaeological experts offer insightful teaching amid a community of fellow explorers. Participants will explore a multitude of ports and experience unique encounters while enjoying the relaxing luxury of Living Passages cruise ships. Every cruise is expertly planned, and each cruise is led by a Living Passages representative to ensure attention to detail and smooth sailing.

“Make your vacation this year not just your average trip, but a journey that brings the Bible into three dimensions,” said Rhonda Sand, founder and president of Living Passages. “Each Christian cruise and tour Living Passages creates is a unique experience designed with you in mind. There has never been a better time to visit places rich in biblical history. We work hard to put together trips that feel luxurious but aren’t financially out of reach.”

About Living Passages: Living Passages was founded by Rhonda Sand, who, with more than 24 years’ experience, offers travelers a unique experience featuring hidden gems that others might miss. The company provides a luxury experience for each client, one that features the finest accommodations, safety and seamless travel every step of the way. Each member of the Living Passages team focuses on making the journey distinctive and inspiring for every guest.

For more information, please visit: https://livingpassages.com/

Contact Info:

Name: Rhonda Sand

Email: info@livingpassages.com

Organization: Living Passages

Address: 105 N 1st Street, Suite 200

Phone: 1-888-771-8717

The post Living Passages announces a new slate of featured tours and cruises – Footsteps of Paul and Holy Lands excursions appeared first on Living Passages.

source https://livingpassages.com/2018/06/living-passages-announces-a-new-slate-of-featured-tours-and-cruises/

NASA technology reveals text from Dead Sea Scrolls

For decades since the Dead Sea Scrolls were found, dozens of tiny fragments of the manuscripts have appeared blank. 

But archaeologists have used Nasa technology to unveil script on the fragments. It has opened the door to see text that previously was indistinguishable from the parchment paper they were written on, which has darkened with age. 

The technology is a multi–spectral imaging camera developed for NASA’s Hubble program. The camera used infrared wavelengths that helped increase the contrast between the paper and the ink. 

These fragments now offer puzzle pieces of text from the books of Deuteronomy, Leviticus, Jubilees (known as the lesser Genius) and The Temple Scroll. There is also text giving instructions on conducting temple services and a shorter version of Psalm 147:1.

Experts were excited to find text not previously associated with other writings. That means there may be other manuscripts we don’t yet know about. 

Dead Sea Scrolls Discovery

The caves of Qumran.

Bedouin shepherds found the Dead Sea Scrolls between 1947 and 1956 in caves along the Dead Sea. On some of our tour you can visit one of the main caves where they were found, called Qumran.

Thousands of fragments, which contain some of the oldest copies discovered of the Hebrew Torah books, were found throughout Qumran’s 11 caves. Experts believe the scrolls were smuggled out Jerusalem during First Jewish Revolt (A.D. 66-70) against the Roman Empire.

Significance of the Manuscripts

These documents give us a glimpse into Judaism in the Second Temple period and validate and enhance the Hebrew Bible. They are dated from 250 BC to 68 AD, which puts them much closer to the original author than previously discovered scripts. 

While there are many non-biblical scripts included in the Dead Sea scrolls, they too enhance our understanding of the the biblical ones and the time period. They place research closer to the origins of Scripture than ever before. 

See Dead Sea Scrolls for Yourself

The new pieces of text are a timely discovery for those who are booking tours and cruises with us in the next year. Dr. Adolfo Roitman who is curator of the Shrine of the Book in Israel, where the Dead Sea Scrolls are housed, will be on hand to delve into the significance of the scrolls. 

If you are interested in seeing the scrolls and hearing Dr. Roitman speak on these exciting manuscripts first hand, sign up for one of our Israel cruises or tours in 2019.

The post NASA technology reveals text from Dead Sea Scrolls appeared first on Living Passages.

source https://livingpassages.com/2018/06/nasa-technology-shows-text-dead-sea-scrolls/