Heavenly-Minded & Earthly Good!

Francis Chan in his refreshing book Crazy Love quotes a famous Christian philosopher and writer saying, 

Cover of C.S. Lewis

"If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this." ~C.S. Lewis

So much for being so heavenly-minded that we are no earthly good.

Have you thought about eternity recently?



The reality of eternity should change our lives as the Apostle John exhorts in 1 John 3:2-3:

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. 

What difference has the expectation of Christ's return and the doorstep of eternity made in your life?

Remembering Israel Day 2a - Caesarea Maritima

Day 2 was a whirlwind of activity so for my own sanity and your attention I'll give separate mentions to our key stops along the way. 

Excitement was in the air as we traveled North from the Bnei Dan Hostel, Tel Aviv toward the incredible Caesarea Maritima.

The ancient Caesarea Maritima (or Caesarea Palestinae^[1]) city and harbor was built by Herod the Great about 25–13 BCE.It is truly an amazing site. The view of the Mediterranean from the still functional theater (pictured below) is breath-taking.

Amphitheater at Caesarea Maritima built by Herod the Great...with some modern trimmings and some WOLBI students waxing eloquent from the stage

Exiting the Theater North you view the ruins of Herod's administration building. This structure held the greatest biblical significance as the spot Paul appealed to Caesar before Festus.

Remains of Herod's Administration building.

Paul appeals to Caesar

""Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged; to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest. For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal to Caesar." Then Festus when he had conferred with the council, answered "Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go."" Acts 25:10-12

The archaeology of the site has also produced the Pontius Pilate Inscription bearing witness to the historicity of the man condemning Jesus Christ to be crucified.

Replica of the Pilate Inscription

Translation of the Pilate Inscription

Pilate's famous question at Jesus' trial was "What is Truth?" and people are still asking that question today. Many are longing to find what is real, consistent, dependable. I am thankful for the trip to Israel that brought an even great 'real-ness' to the eternal, trustworthy pages of Scripture.

How has God proven Himself and His Word 'real' and 'true' to you recently?

To catch all the Israel 2011 posts be sure to Subscribe or Follow this blog. See boxes to the right.

Or check the other posts out here:

Remembering Israel Intro

Remembering Israel Enroute - British Museum

Remembering Israel Day 1 - Gezer

Remembering Israel Day 2b - Mt. Carmel (coming soon)

WARNING:

Exposure to such material as pictures and testimony of the Promised Land, its geography, character, history, and beauty often creates an insatiable longing to travel and experience these things for one's self.

You have been warned!

If you would be interested in participating in a similar study trip, please contact me.

Jonathan Ward Copyright 2010. All Rights Reserved

Related articles

• Caesarea (sharinhislove.wordpress.com)
• Postcard from Israel: Caesarea (cifwatch.com)