January 22, 2018

3 Reasons to Go to the Holy Land

I just returned from a 10-day tour of Israel. I saw many of the biblical sites. Words really can’t describe the experience. Life-changing? Absolutely.

Lord willing, I plan to take a group from The Ridge in 2019 (November 3-14). I would love for as many Ridgers as possible to go!

Here are 3 reasons why you should consider going to the Holy Land. 

1.  Because it will radically change the way you read your Bible.

It takes your Bible reading from 2D to 3D. You will never read the Bible the same again (not even close), because you’ve “been there.” You picture in your mind what you are reading. You’ve seen for yourself Jerusalem, the Sea of Galilee, and where David fought Goliath.

We will take time, at many locations, to sit, read, and discuss the Bible stories right on location!

2.  Because it will make your relationship with Jesus real.

When we took the bus to Galilee for the first time, it was dark. I awoke the next morning and looked out the window of my room at the beautiful Sea of Galilee (our rooms were right on the shore!). I thought to myself, “I’m looking at the only place in the world where someone has walked on water!” (Matthew 14)

I stood at the shore where Jesus called Peter to be His disciple, after filling his nets with fish. (Luke 5) I thought to myself, “I may be standing right where Jesus stood.” Talk about a moment!

I walked the roads where they led Jesus to be crucified, from the Mount of Olives to Golgotha.

It’s in those moments that Jesus becomes real to you. You love and appreciate Him even more.

3.  Because I don’t want to go again by myself.

I went with a group of pastors. That was an honor, but I did not know any of them before the trip. I want to experience Israel with my friends from The Ridge!

I want to watch you have those moments when you exclaim, “Wow!” like I did, when I saw some amazing sites for the first time.

I want to be there when you have those moments that you encounter Jesus in personal way.

I can’t wait to open the Bible with you and talk about the significance of a story or passage, right where it happened!

Watch your bulletin and Enews for more details on information meetings for our trip to the Holy Land.

Whatever it takes,

Jerry