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SPECIAL EDITION Volume IV No.10 Nicholas Scrolls February 2009 The
Land where GOD walked as a Man Part Four Greetings Brethren, friends and neighbors, Again, I bid you all shalom and
hope that our Lord is guiding and protecting you and your loved ones as we all
suffer through our troubling world economy and meet ever increasing challenges
with a new This is Part Four of my
multi-part Special Edition series of the Nicholas Scrolls detailing my most
recent pilgrimage to the The ancient town of Matthew 11:23 “And thou, Though never rebuilt, the cursed
city of Gardens are set up along a
walkway as you tour the Park displaying a good number of significant relics. A
section of column is one such relic which has a Hebrew inscription on its face
saying, “ Some very well preserved grinding
mills used for making olive oil and mangers (feeding/watering troughs) made of
basalt were strewn about the sectioned off grounds making it only possible to photograph
from a distance. Some of the building structures were used as stables and some
were certainly shops but difficult to tell the difference between them because
of restricted access in and around the ruins. Unlike some of the Parks managed
by the Israeli authority, this Catholic controlled facility was not as well
preserved to original design as we saw at sites like Bet She’an and Near the end of the designated
tourist walk was an interesting display of Corinthian style capitols each
displaying various cultural themes of the region. One featured a carving of the
Star of David, another the more familiar pentagram like the stars we see used
on the Chorazin – Another Cursed City Never to be Rebuilt Leaving Matthew 11:20-22 Then
began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done,
because they repented not: “Woe unto thee,
Chorazin! Woe unto thee, Of the three cities, Chorazin is probably the most well preserved by archeologists who still work these sites even today. It was refreshing to visit this site absent of modern religious and idolatrous structure. What did become clear at these ruins was how extensive ancient pagan influence was throughout the region. It is no wonder that Jesus was angry at times, even sorely disappointed with these regions’ inhabitants. Upon entering the site and ascending a trail to the entrance of the city, one immediately notices that all of the buildings were constructed of either basaltic rock or river stone. Here, a better view of building structure can be seen with the prominent use of arches which was indeed common in use and design. The arches and the fenestrated walls were intended to reduce the span of the inner spaces so that they could be roofed with long stone beams. The building that best displayed this was the ritual bath complex (Mikvah) which was adjacent to the north end of the synagogue. Several other buildings on the site also employed the use of archways. Next to the Mikvah was a large cistern which still held water. Having seen many cisterns on this trip, this was the first one we saw with water in its well. The
Synagogue Built entirely of basalt, this building was unique in that it appeared to have more of an ancient Greek influence in its design than Roman. Even the capitols atop the basaltic columns resembled scrolled tablets facing downwards and were absent of the intricate designs seen elsewhere in other Greco-Roman sites. Basaltic rock is very dark in color, almost black by contrast to the limestone and marbles used at many other sites. That, coupled with the very pagan reliefs found in this structure gave it a very gothic appearance. Inside, we saw an image of the pagan goddess, Medusa. In Greek Mythology, Medusa was one of three Gorgons. Whoever dared to look in her face was turned to stone. Perseus, averting his eyes succeeded in killing her and from her blood emanated the winged horse Pegasus. Greek mythological gods were
often the foundation of ancient pagan beliefs. Because it was against Jewish
Law to fashion pagan idols, it was hard for me to believe that this building
served as a Synagogue but I learned that it was often the practice for Jewish
settlers to overtake existing building structures and convert them for use into
Jewish practice. Inside the Synagogue was a curious looking stone seat called, “The Seat (Cathedra) of Moses.” Upon its
face were Aramaic inscriptions indicating its function and also proving that
Jews had utilized this building as a place of worship despite its very pagan
décor. The inscription reads, “Yudan, son
of Yishmael, who donated of his wealth to the building of the synagogue.”
It is believed that the “Seat of Moses”
was probably used for visiting dignitaries. Other décor carved in the basaltic
stone structures were images of naked females, grape vines, winged gothic
looking creatures and such. A large Conch shell was also a very prominent
feature and the signage next to it tells us that it probably flanked the
Located above the northeastern
end of the According to the New Testament
accounts, the Apostles Peter, Andrew and Philip were from In 30 AD, Herod’s son, Philip
made Talmudic
Renown In the Byzantine era, the Rabbis
of the Talmud noted that After the Feeding of 5000 The Gospel of Mark infact reveals
that the miracle of loaves and fishes did occur at a place along the shoreline
of Galilee but not in Mark 6:45-52 “And
straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the
other side before unto It was through this northern
region of Towns like Mark 1:16-18 “Now as he walked by the Saint
Peter’s Fish After leaving The restaurant facility was large, able to accommodate a great number of tour groups at one time. The afternoon we were there it seemed like we had the whole place to ourselves. The tables were situated in cafeteria style rows and we all chose our spot to sit as beverages were already being poured. I already knew what I was going to have for lunch and I encouraged Renée to order the same; Saint Peter’s fish! We all engaged in casual conversation as light appetizers with veggies, breads and dipping sauces were being served in Jewish custom. I sat next to a woman in our
group who accompanied her mother on our trip. I shall refrain from using her
name here because of my testimony that follows. Across from us were a
delightful couple from I could see that the Canadian fellow was holding his own in the debate being faithful to New Testament understanding as he defended Christ’s gospel of salvation. The woman, appearing agitated continued to boast her diatribe of perverted belief that the gospels were written strictly for the Jews and that Gentiles would have no part in the resurrection into the New Millennium. She believed that it would only be 144,000 that would be saved out of the tribulation and in order to be truly saved, one had to become a Jew. One of the questions she put forth was asking ‘what tribe you were from?’ Of course this controversial subject matter was unsettling to those of us in ear shot and she was becoming more and more persistent in her argument thereby offending those of us who hold steadfastly to the salvation of Christ also being for the Gentiles who repent from their ways. Renée who was sitting to my right side was also disturbed by this gal’s perverted understanding and was nudging me to do something about this unsettling argument. Looking around the seating area, I could see that others were becoming uncomfortable with the increasing volume and tone of this divisive debate. Seeing that one of the women from
The contentious one sitting next to me leaned over and said, “Thank you.” I asked, “For what?” She replied, “You were praying for me, were you not?” I responded, “I was praying for peace to silence this contentious argument.” Our lunches were served and for a little while there was peace in our midst. But it did not take long before the woman was at it again making herself foolish among those of us who know better the pattern and example of the Holy Spirit’s presence. Seeing that the Canadian fellow was quite agitated by this woman’s contention I turned and rebuked her publicly. I said, “Silence woman! Do you not know the scripture that says a man shall not suffer a woman to teach?” Well, she was taken aback at my statement and appeared to be a little offended at my boldness of speech. Those who were sitting at our end of the table were all silent as I reminded her of the exhortation on the fruits of the Holy Spirit which states; Galatians 5:19-23 “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, reviling, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” She asked, “Are you condemning me?” I replied, “No, that was a loving rebuke.” I politely explained to her further that I believed the verse in 1 Timothy 2:12 “But I permit not a woman to teach, nor to have dominion over a man, but to be in quietness,” was written for this very cause. I said, “Regardless of the fact that we might have differences in opinion between one another, we are all expected to live according to our faith, which is our “trust in God.” She asked, “So, you don’t believe that a woman can teach a man anything?” I said, “No, I believe that just as it has been from the very beginning, God holds man entirely accountable for his actions and what he teaches. The burden falls directly on a God-fearing man’s shoulders because he is held responsible. For that reason, a contentious woman cannot be tolerated in the presence of God-fearing men. It is not your place to teach me or another God-fearing man anything unless he is your husband. Peace be still.” Embarrassed though she may have
been, peace once again fell upon us and the woman remained silent finishing her
meal. I remarked to the woman across from me who was from Another man from our group came
out to where we were sitting and inquired of the hot debate that took place at my
lunch table. Francis Pickering was a gentle aged man, a widower and full of the
love and passion normally associated with persons who love the Lord. We had
been sparing with one another rightly dividing the Word of God since Unlike the contention witnessed
in the lunch time argument, Francis and I were able to carry on a healthy
debate throughout our trip without being contentious toward one another. After
sharing with him the powerful revelation of understanding I received on this
very subject while on my 2006 tour of The contrast between these two very different types of arguments will always serve as a reminder to me that there is a conduct befitting men of God when in disagreement which contrasts sharply with that seen in those who promote contention and divisiveness. As we were headed through the Park-like grounds to board our bus, we saw a large tree whose branches were heavy with what appeared to be a fruit resembling giant pea pods. Renée and I gathered 4 or 5 off this tree and inquired with Hela what kind of vegetation it was. Much to my surprise, she informed the group that this is what the Bible calls “locust” in reference to the passages describing John the Baptist. When the pod turns from green to a dark redish brown, the fruit inside them is ready to eat. Matthew 3:4 “And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.” Until now, I had long been under the impression that the reference to locusts was inferring that John ate bugs! Well, it’s ok to laugh because I did. I suppose most of you would tell me that you always knew that? How could I possibly have misunderstood? You see, I too still have much to learn and cannot truly say that I am an authority on this or that but must at all times be humble in my approach and open to learning. Being teachable after this fashion is what it means to be “meek.” There is a part of me that is glad I don’t have all the answers lest I be made more accountable for the things which others learn from me. Matthew 5:5 “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” Open thine eyes and heart to understanding and your knowledge will increase.
Baptism
in the Earlier today as we departed to
venture about the Galilee, I asked Renée if she was interested in being baptized
in the Acts 19:4-5 Then said Paul, “John verily
baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they
should believe on him who should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When
they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Romans 6:4 “Therefore we are buried with him
by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the
glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” 1 Peter 3:21 “The like figure whereunto even
baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh,
but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus
Christ:” On both tours to After changing back into our street clothes we walked through the grounds enjoying the beautiful Park-like setting with lush trees lining the river’s banks. As we walked along the banks, Renée and I caught a glimpse of a school of large Carp swimming against the current near the water’s edge. My nerves twitched momentarily as I instantly felt like grabbing a fishing pole to catch dinner. Like Peter, fishing has been somewhat a past-time for me, both commercially and recreationally. If you haven’t visited my Web Ministry site at http://nicholas-scrolls.com lately, please do and check out my prize sized Chinook salmon caught this last summer in 2008. It was a record year for me recreationally in that I caught 14 of the biggest salmon I have ever caught in one season. After taking a quick tour through the site’s gift shop, I purchased a couple bottles of Israeli wine and we headed for our tour bus to travel back to Tiberias for another night. Many congratulated my daughter and I as we boarded our bus to head back to our hotel. Witnessing in the Hot Tub After dinner, we were invited to
a Christian owned gift shop and indoor theatre across the promenade on the
waterfront to view a short but powerful visual presentation of the There were three Jewish men
before me, all sitting in or around the edge of the pool conversing in the
Hebrew language. Leaving my towel on a bench, I approached and bid the three
gentlemen shalom as I entered the hot tub. Immediately, recognizing me as a
tourist, one of the men asked me where I was from. After introducing myself,
they each reciprocated and one of the men said that he was an American Jew from
I did not go out of my way to converse with these men as I was unusually shy recognizing that there was always the potential I may offend them with my zeal for Jesus. But they were curious and continued to ask me questions as they wanted to know what brought me to their fine little city. Mindful that each had stepped out of the tub when I entered, I was cautious in my approach to answering their many inquiries. Whenever witnessing to strangers,
the question, “What church do you belong
to?” inevitably pops up. This opens the door wide for me to describe what I
understand to be the true church as it is biblically defined. This approach is
often met with a positive reaction coming from people of various religious
sensitivities. I gave a faithful testimony of my faith in Christ Jesus and did
not hesitate in rebuking the various churches and religious orders of men in
their long history of failing to uphold and maintain the essence of selfless
love demonstrated by Jesus. I told them that I loved END Part Four With all Sincerity and love for the truth and my scattered brethren abroad, Nicholas A. Stivers – a God-fearing disciple, scribe and messenger |