• Bruce Hassold
  • Stacy Hassold

Israel & Jordan

With New Heights Church Lue lisää
  • Jerusalem

    10. helmikuuta 2023, Israel ⋅ ☀️ 52 °F

    I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.” Our feet are standing in your gates, Jerusalem. Jerusalem is built like a city that is closely compacted together. That is where the tribes go up— the tribes of the Lord— to praise the name of the Lord according to the statute given to Israel. There stand the thrones for judgment, the thrones of the house of David. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.” For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you.” For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your prosperity.
    Psalms 122:1‭-‬9 NIV
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  • Jerusalem at night

    10. helmikuuta 2023, Palestiina ⋅ 🌙 45 °F

    Shabbat Shalom!

    After sunset and the beginning of the Sabbath, we walked into the Old City of Jerusalem. We passed several Jewish men who were returning home after praying at the Western Wall. We entered the city through the Damascus Gate and walked through the Muslim Quarter. Then, we followed a portion of the Via Dolorosa (The Way of the Cross) to the Christian Quarter, stopping at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. We continued into the Jewish Quarter and visited the Western Wall.

    Upon returning to our hotel, we were reminded that there is a shabbat elevator that stops on every floor so observant Jews don't have to push a button, which would be considered working on the Sabbath.
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  • Lachish

    11. helmikuuta 2023, Israel ⋅ ☁️ 55 °F

    Lachish was the second most important city in the kingdom of Judah after Jerusalem. It was the batteground for two major events in the First Temple period.

    The first was its conquest by the Assyrian King Sennacherib in 701 BC. This event is significant because the Bible, archeology, and other historical texts confirm the same story.

    Following his victory at Lachish, Sennacherib sent emissaries to Jerusalem demanding surrender, but King Hezekiah called on God for his mercy and protection. Isaiah then prophesized that God would deliver Israel. That night, an angel of the Lord put to death 185,000 Assyrians. Jerusalem was saved, and the fall of the Assyrian empire had begun.

    The second major event was the Babylonian conquest by Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BC, which led to the destruction of the First Temple in Jerusalem and the end of the Kingdom of Judah. This began the exile of the Jews and 70 years of Babylonian captivity.
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  • The Valley of Elah

    11. helmikuuta 2023, Israel

    Goliath stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, “Why do you come out and line up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not the servants of Saul? Choose a man and have him come down to me.

    Then the Philistine said, “This day I defy the armies of Israel! Give me a man and let us fight each other.” On hearing the Philistine’s words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified.

    For forty days the Philistine came forward every morning and evening and took his stand. Whenever the Israelites saw the man, they all fled from him in great fear.

    Now the Israelites had been saying, “Do you see how this man keeps coming out? He comes out to defy Israel.

    David asked, "Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?”
    1 Samuel 17:8‭, ‬10‭-‬11‭, ‬16‭, ‬24‭-‬26 NIV

    David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”
    1 Samuel 17:45‭-‬47 NIV
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  • Hezekiah's Tunnel

    12. helmikuuta 2023, Palestiina ⋅ ⛅ 50 °F

    When Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib had come and that he intended to wage war against Jerusalem, he consulted with his officials and military staff about blocking off the water from the springs outside the city, and they helped him. They gathered a large group of people who blocked all the springs and the stream that flowed through the land. “Why should the kings of Assyria come and find plenty of water?” they said.
    2 Chronicles 32:2‭-‬4‭ NIV

    It was Hezekiah who blocked the upper outlet of the Gihon spring and channeled the water down to the west side of the City of David. He succeeded in everything he undertook.
    2 Chronicles 32:30 NIV

    Hezekiah built the tunnel prior to 701 BC in order to secure a water supply for Jerusalem prior to the Assyrian siege. A stone was discovered during the archeological excavation of the tunnel that describes that it was dug from both sides. It was an engineering marvel in its day.

    At the beginning of the tunnel is the Canaanite Pool where Nathan anointed Solomon to succeed David as king.
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  • The Pool of Siloam

    12. helmikuuta 2023, Palestiina ⋅ ⛅ 50 °F

    “How then were your eyes opened?” they asked. He replied, “The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see.”

    A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. “Give glory to God by telling the truth,” they said. “We know this man is a sinner.”

    He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!”

    Then they asked him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” He answered, “I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples too?”

    John 9:10‭-‬11‭, ‬24‭-‬27 NIV

    1. You don't have to defend Christianity. Just proclaim your faith in Christ.
    2. You don't have to say everything, but you do need to say something.
    3. You don't need the answer now, but you should find it. There is a good answer for every objection.
    4. You don't need to defend the truth. Just share your transformation.
    5. You don't need to win a debate. Just share the gospel.
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  • Jerusalem Archeological Park

    12. helmikuuta 2023, Palestiina ⋅ ⛅ 52 °F

    “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
    Acts 2:36‭-‬39 NIV

    The southern steps of the Temple are a likely location of Pentacost and Peter's famous speech. This was a gathering place in the city. It was 9am, the time of morning sacrifice, so the disciples would have likely been here because they knew large crowds would be gathering. When they were filled with the spirit, they spoke in other languages, and many people heard them. And when Peter spoke, thousands came to faith in Jesus and were baptized. All of these events include large crowds of people, so it is far more likely that they occurred here rather than in a residential house. The word "house" in Greek can mean any building, and Jesus frequently referred to the Temple as My Fathers House.
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  • Gethsemane & The Mount of Olives

    12. helmikuuta 2023, Palestiina ⋅ ⛅ 48 °F

    And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
    Mark 14:35‭-‬36

    Gethsemane means oil press. It was a familiar meeting place for Jesus and his disciples on the Mount of Olives. This is likely why Judas knew exactly where Jesus would be.

    David shared that there are four cups used during the Seder meal, which represent the four promises given by God to Israel in Exodus 6: 6-7 : Sanctification, Deliverance, Redemption, and Completion. But there is a fifth cup, the Cup of Elijah or the Cup of God's Wrath. This is the cup that Jesus asked the Father to remove from him. But Jesus submitted to his Father's will and drank the cup of Wrath, enabling us to drink the cup of Redemption.
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  • Church of the Holy Sepulchre

    13. helmikuuta 2023, Palestiina ⋅ ☀️ 43 °F

    This is the most likely site for the crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. The location was supported by oral tradition and became a consistent place of worship in the first century. Hadrian attempted to stop Christians from worshiping by tearing down an early church and having a pagan temple built in its place. In addition, there are first century tombs on the site that match the Biblical description.

    Today, numerous Christian denominations share the church under the Status Quo agreement for religious sites in Jerusalem. The ladder by the right-hand window is a symbol of Status Quo. It wasn't mentioned in the agreement, so no one can move it. The key to the church was placed in the custody of two Muslim families by Saladin in 1192 when the Status Quo was enacted. Since then, they have locked and unlocked the church each day.
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  • The Western Wall

    13. helmikuuta 2023, Palestiina ⋅ ☀️ 48 °F

    We visited the Western Wall this morning. As is the tradition, we wrote a prayer on a piece of paper and left it in a crack of the stones. We prayed for our children and for peace in Jerusalem.

  • The Temple Mount

    13. helmikuuta 2023, Palestiina ⋅ ☀️ 48 °F

    25 Biblical events that occur on the Temple Mount:

    1) This is Mount Moriah, where Abraham offered his son Isaac as a sacrifice, but God stopped him and provided a substitute.
    2) King David purchased the land to construct the Temple. 1 Chron 21: 18,
    3) Solomon builds the first Temple. 2 Chron 3: 1
    4) The glory of the Lord filled the temple. 1 Kings 8: 10-11
    5) Prophets spoke here
    6) Sacrifices from Solomon through Christ and until 70 AD were offered here.
    7) The 1st Temple was destroyed in 586 BC. 2 Kings 24: 10
    8) The Temple was rebuilt by Zerubbable in 515 BC. Ezra 6: 3
    9) Nehemiah rebuilt the walls in 444 BC
    10) Herod the Great enlarged the Temple Mount and the Temple, 20 BC
    11) Zachariah was given the promise of a son, who would be John the Baptist. Luke 1 : 13
    12) Jesus was dedicated. Luke 2: 22
    13) At 12, Jesus met with the teachers. Luke 2: 46-47
    14) Christ was tempted here. Luke 4: 9-12
    15) Jesus taught here daily. Luke 19: 47
    16) Jesus drove out money changers. Mark 11: 15-17
    17) Jesus was tried in the Antonio fortress
    18) Pentacost. Acts 2: 41
    19) Peter & John heal a lame man here. Acts 3
    20) 5000 were saved here. Acts 4
    21) The early church met here. Acts 2
    22) Steven was martyred here. Acts 27
    23) The temple was destroyed by Romans in AD 70. Jesus prophesized this would happen. Luke 19
    24) The antichrist will commit the abomination of desolation here. 2 Thes 2
    25) Christ will reign here for 1000 years. Rev 20: 6
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  • Herodion

    13. helmikuuta 2023, Palestiina ⋅ ☁️ 52 °F

    Herodion (or Herodium) is yet another fortress of Herod the Great. This is the Herod that Matthew describes in chapter 2, that Jesus was born in the time of Herod. He was an egomaniac, and he went to the extreme on everything he did. He was a complicated man. He was Arab ethnically, Jewish religiously (although very marginally), Greek culturally, and Roman politically.

    Herod was appointed king of the Jews. Matthew's gospel introduces the true King, the Messiah. Herod felt threatened and insecure when he heard that Jesus was born King of the Jews from the magi. It was Jesus' throne by birthright. Herod's pattern was to destroy every threat he faced. He killed two of his own sons, and now he planned to kill Jesus.

    The political threats we see around us won't stand against Jesus' authority. He is the true King.

    Herod is dead. His palaces are in ruin. His sarcophagus that is on display at the Israel Museum was found here.

    But Jesus is alive. The grave could not hold him. He is risen!

    We all face competition for loyalty to a kingdom, and we all must choose who we will serve as king.

    Lord Jesus, you are the King of all creation, and I choose to serve and follow you alone.
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  • Bethlehem

    13. helmikuuta 2023, Palestiina ⋅ ☁️ 54 °F

    “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”
    Micah 5:2 NIV

    This afternoon, we visited Bethlehem, the city of Jesus' birth. We walked through a shepherd's field and stood on a hillside, perhaps close to where the angels announced that Jesus had been born.

    We visited the Church of the Nativity, the oldest church in continuous use by Christian, and believed to be the location of Jesus' birth. The entrance is through the Door of Humility, where everyone must bow low in order to enter.
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  • Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial

    14. helmikuuta 2023, Israel ⋅ ☀️ 50 °F

    No cemeteries, no headstones, no traces were left to mark the loss of the six million Holocaust victims. The Hall of Names at Yad Vashem is the Jewish People’s memorial to each Jew murdered in the Holocaust – a place where they are commemorated for generations to come.Lue lisää

  • The New City & Friends of Zion Museum

    14. helmikuuta 2023, Israel ⋅ ☀️ 52 °F

    We visited the newer section of Jerusalem for lunch, followed by a tour of the Friends of Zion Museum. It was an uplifting exhibit honoring people and nations who have taken a stand in support of the Jewish people and the nation of Israel.Lue lisää

  • The Garden Tomb

    14. helmikuuta 2023, Palestiina ⋅ ⛅ 54 °F

    “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God ; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”

    Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

    Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

    John 14:1‭-‬6 NIV
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  • One last walk through the Old City

    14. helmikuuta 2023, Israel ⋅ 🌙 48 °F

    This afternoon, we had free time to explore the Old City of Jerusalem one more time. We did some shopping, stopped for ice cream, and enjoyed observing the people of this great city going about their daily lives and enjoying a beautiful sunny day.

    Even though there is great conflict here, the truth of God's word gives us hope. He chose the people of Israel, and He gave them this land and this city where he placed His name. Jesus is the Messiah. He came to this place to save mankind, both Jew and Gentile, and he has promised to return to bring us home. He is faithful, and his promises are true.
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  • Worship at Mount Nebo

    15. helmikuuta 2023, Israel

    CHRIST OUR HOPE IN LIFE AND DEATH

    Verse 1
    What is our hope in life and death; Christ alone Christ alone
    What is our only confidence; That our souls to Him belong

    Pre Chorus 1
    Who holds our days within His hand; What comes apart from His command
    And what will keep us to the end; The love of Christ in which we stand

    Chorus
    Oh sing Hallelujah; Our hope springs eternal
    Oh sing Hallelujah; Now and ever we confess
    Christ our hope in life and death

    Verse 2
    What truth can calm the troubled soul; God is good. God is good
    Where is His grace and goodness known; In our great Redeemer's blood

    Pre Chorus 2
    Who holds our faith when fears arise; Who stands above the stormy trial
    Who sends the waves that bring us nigh; Unto the shore the rock of Christ

    Verse 3
    Unto the grave what shall we sing; Christ He lives Christ He lives
    And what reward will heaven bring; Everlasting life with Him

    Pre Chorus 3
    There we will rise to meet the Lord; Then sin and death will be destroyed
    And we will feast in endless joy; When Christ is ours forevermore

    Tag
    Now and ever we confess; Christ our hope in life and death
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  • Worship at Machaerus

    15. helmikuuta 2023, Israel

    GOODNESS OF GOD

    VERSE 1
    I love You Lord; Oh Your mercy never fails me
    All my days, I've been held in Your hands
    From the moment that I wake up; Until I lay my head
    I will sing of the goodness of God

    CHORUS 1
    All my life You have been faithful; All my life You have been so so good
    With every breath that I am able; I will sing of the goodness of God

    VERSE 2
    I love Your voice; You have led me through the fire
    In darkest night; You are close like no other
    I've known You as a father; I've known You as a friend
    I have lived in the goodness of God

    BRIDGE
    Your goodness is running after
    It’s running after me
    Your goodness is running after
    It’s running after me
    With my life laid down
    I’m surrendered now
    I give You everything
    Your goodness is running after
    It's running after me
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  • Worship at Capernaum

    15. helmikuuta 2023, Israel

    BUILD MY LIFE

    VERSE 1
    Worthy of every song we could ever sing
    Worthy of all the praise we could ever bring
    Worthy of every breath we could ever breathe
    We live for You

    VERSE 2
    Jesus the name above every other name
    Jesus the only one who could ever save
    Worthy of ev'ry breath we could ever breathe
    We live for You
    We live for You

    CHORUS
    Holy there is no one like You
    There is none besides You
    Open up my eyes in wonder and
    Show me who You are
    And fill me with Your heart
    And lead me in Your love to those around me

    BRIDGE
    I will build my life upon Your love
    It is a firm foundation
    I will put my trust in You alone
    And I will not be shaken
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  • Worship at Bethsaida

    15. helmikuuta 2023, Israel

    GOD I LOOK TO YOU

    VERSE 1
    God I look to You
    I won't be overwhelmed
    Give me vision to see things like You do
    God I look to You
    You're where my help comes from
    Give me wisdom You know just what to do

    CHORUS 1
    I will love You Lord my strength
    I will love You Lord my shield
    I will love You Lord my rock
    Forever all my days I will love You God

    CHORUS 2
    Hallelujah our God reigns
    Hallelujah our God reigns
    Hallelujah our God reigns
    Forever all my days hallelujah
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  • Worship at Mount Arbel

    15. helmikuuta 2023, Israel

    WHAT A BEAUTIFUL NAME

    VERSE 1
    You were the Word at the beginning; One with God the Lord Most High
    Your hidden glory in creation; Now revealed in You our Christ

    CHORUS 1
    What a beautiful Name it is; What a beautiful Name it is; The Name of Jesus Christ my King
    What a beautiful Name it is; Nothing compares to this
    What a beautiful Name it is; The Name of Jesus

    VERSE 2
    We had no place with You in heaven; So Jesus You brought heaven down
    My sin was great Your love was greater; What could separate us now

    CHORUS 2
    What a wonderful Name it is; What a wonderful Name it is; The Name of Jesus Christ my King
    What a wonderful Name it is; Nothing compares to this
    What a wonderful Name it is; The Name of Jesus
    What a wonderful Name it is; The Name of Jesus

    BRIDGE 1
    Death could not hold You, the veil tore before You; You silence the boast of sin and grave
    The heavens are roaring, the praise of Your glory; For You are raised to life again

    BRIDGE 2:
    You have no rival, You have no equal; Now and forever God You reign
    Yours is the kingdom, Yours is the glory; Yours is the Name above all names

    CHORUS 3
    What a powerful Name it is; What a powerful Name it is; The Name of Jesus Christ my King
    What a powerful Name it is; Nothing can stand against
    What a powerful Name it is; The Name of Jesus
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  • Worship at Jordan River Baptisms

    15. helmikuuta 2023, Israel

    THE PASSION

    Verse 1
    The passion of our Savior; The mercy of our God
    The cross that leaves no question; Of the measure of His love

    Chorus
    Our chains are gone; Our debt is paid
    The cross has Overthrown the grave
    For Jesus' blood That sets us free
    Means death to death And life for me

    Verse 2
    The innocent judged guilty
    While the guilty one walks free
    Death would be His portion
    And our portion liberty

    Bridge
    I give my whole life To honor this love
    By the Lamb who was slain I'm forgiven
    The sinner's Savior, Crown Him forever
    For the Lamb who was slain, He is risen

    Tag
    Means death to death
    And life for me
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