Author: daltonjenkins

Bethel Celebrates 20 Years on Mission

Bethel Celebrates 20 Years on Mission

daltonjenkins

Through the years, our outreach efforts, from feeding and clothing the needy to transforming lives and enriching marriages, have allowed us to be the hands and feet of Jesus. As we walk down memory lane, you will hear from the voices that have shaped this journey—those who have been with us since the first service at 306 New Main Street to the voices that echo through the halls of our current location. Countless people have come through our ministry, and Bethel has impacted them for eternity.

I thank God for everyone who has contributed to the journey of Bethel Temple of Praise. It is your contribution over the years from 2004 to today that has been a tower of strength and encouragement. This includes those who started with us in 2004 and those who came on board along the way. We are all “Bethel family.”

Bethel’s Impact on Transforming Lives

Together, we celebrate the countless individuals whose lives have been touched by our mission and the countless volunteers who have dedicated their time and love to make it happen.

We have had many experiences of healing, miracles, blessings, and joy in serving God together! We have laughed and celebrated each other’s accomplishments. We never allowed an occasion to celebrate each other to pass us by. Many tears and disappointments were also part of the journey.

We are who we are today because of these combined experiences. We have assisted many ministries through our ministry’s support and partnership. The impact on our church family and the community is immeasurable. Bethel has many ministries that reach the children to the needy in the community. Many have met and got married through our ministry. Others have developed lifetime friendships through ministering together. Still, others have come in broken and have been refreshed and are ministering in various other churches.

Over the years we have embraced several mantras; some include:

-We will Pray and watch God work

-God Is In Charge

-God’s work done in God’s timing will never lack God’s supply

-We are bringing the gospel to the world one person at a time

-We are the hands and feet of Jesus

-We minister to the total man

-It is not by might nor by power saith the Lord

-Before you ask He hears and while you are speaking He answers

-I will make myself available anytime and anywhere for the Holy Spirit to work in His Voice and not in mine

What you can see above is the heart of our ministry. We value the mission of the Gospel in tangible ways. You will be ministered to spiritually and physically when you come to Bethel. Prayer, service, and fellowship are also at the heart of the ministry.

Bethel on Mission and aiding in the transformation of lives

We have watched many lives being transformed by the power of God. Those who were once timid are now serving with boldness. Others who have been christened at Bethel are maturing into adulthood. Some have come in broken and on the verge of giving up but are actively serving God today. We might not be the biggest church on the block, but we are serving a God who is all-powerful and promised to supply all our needs. He has done that and more.

Our journey began at 306 New Main Street in Yonkers and continues through 940 Yonkers Ave to our current location. At every address, we have maximized the space that God provided us. We have provided space for other churches to use as their place of worship. It has been a place for providing new church plants to mature churches that lost their own space. When you come onto our campus anytime during the week, you will hear Spanish worshipers, African worshipers, Filipino worshipers, and English-speaking worshipers. What a great representation of the body of Christ. Bethel has a global view of the body of Christ and a local one.

As you join us and become a part of the celebration, our ministry will continue to uplift hearts and souls for Christ. Join us for a celebration on February 10th and 11th that commemorates past achievements and fuels our passion for the future as we continue to spread the gospel and hope in the heart of Yonkers and the surrounding areas.

Bethel Embracing the spirit of Caleb’s request

The story of Caleb is at the heart of our celebration. We embrace the principles that Caleb demonstrated as he claimed what was promised to him. He was only 40 when he was sent as a spy and promised a place for his inheritance. Between 40 and 85 he served well. Now 85, after helping many others fulfill their destiny, he stands without his rightful promise. At 80, when his brothers and peers were retiring, He stepped forward and claimed his mountain. The voice of Caleb is speaking to Bethel today. It tells us that it is time to possess our mountains. We know we will have to fight for it. Yes, we know we must work hard to possess it fully, but we are ready. The same God that was with us on January 25, 2004, is the same God that is with us today. His power has not changed. His provision and promise remain the same, with a strong guarantee. “Give me my mountain” is not an arrogant request but a humble request, knowing God is the one who will bring it all to the pass. As the Bible says, it is not by might nor by power but by your spirit, saith the Lord. Let’s go, Bethel!! Let’s possess our mountains in the strength of God our Father, aided by the Holy Spirit, and the intercession of Jesus Christ.

“Pray and watch God work” has been and will continue to be our mantra (2 Chronicles 7:14-16). We dedicate this house to the Glory of God (Matthew 21:13)! This sanctuary is our Father’s house, and we ask him to come and dwell, to meet us here every time we gather. As Jesus declared, my house shall be called a house of prayer. Lord inhabit our praises and always fill this place with your presence.

Twenty years ago, I asked four families to join me at the front of the battle for souls. Today, I ask you the same questions: Will you join me at the front of the battle for souls?

Arrival 2019: Follow my site for updates on my trip to Israel.

daltonjenkins

I will post updates on my trip here. You can follow me on this fantastic journey. I made it safely to Israel, and the tour is going fine. To see the Bible in living color is indescribable. Stay tuned for more updates. 

Day 1- Here are the Places that we visited on Thursday – 3/21/19

Here are the Places that we visited on Thursday – 3/21/19

—Caesarea – Paul preached to Agrippa

— Mt. Carmel where Elisha called fire from heaven

— We had Falafels for Lunch (chicken)

— Nazareth ( 2 churches: Where Jesus Read from Isiah, Where the Angel spoke to Mary, and where the crowd tried to throw Jesus off the cliff) 

We saw the valley of Megiddo where the final war will be fought at the end of the world (Armageddon).

— End in Tiberius at Sea of Galilee

Day 2 Tour – Here are the places we visited on our second day 3/22/19

Our tour – Jordan River

Day 3 of our tour Caesarea Philippi

Day 3, Saturday 3/23/19

Today was another amazing day. As you can tell each day, we are focusing on a Hebrew name for God. Today we are concentrating on the name El Elyon (The Most High God) – Or you can say the God of the heights.

Our journey took us to: 

– Karazim

– A shoe factory in a Kibbutz community (A Collective community unique to Israel).

– Driving by the Golan highs

– Tel-Dan the discovery of the old city of Dan

– Caesarea Philippi where Jesus asked His disciples, “who do you say I am?”

– We had lunch at a Druze community 

Day 4 of My Spiritual Journey-Shiloh

The name of God we are focusing on today is YHWH-Ro’i  – Lord my Shepherd.

Today is Day 4 of what has been one of the most moving moments for me so far.  It is challenging to explain what I felt today as I spent time at Shiloh. What began as a tour, for me, turned to a more spiritual and reflective time. Combined with the two stories at Bet sheen and Mount Ghiboa made Shiloh’s experience more moving.

Day 5 – Spiritual Journey

Our Hebrew Jehovah Maccaddeshcem – “the LORD your sanctifier” (Exodus 31:13) 

Today we finally got settled in Jerusalem. The focus of the journey was about reviewing Hezikiah’s wet and dry tunnels in the City of Jerusalem. The wet tunnel ended in the pool of Solomon. Next, we went to the Wailing Wall and other sites around the city. We concluded the day after spending time at the Pool of Bethesda. At each of these stops, we read from the scriptures relating to that specific location. 

No matter you will face as you pursue a relationship with Christ keep going forward. In the end, remember that Jesus is a healer. He works on his timing.

Day 6 of My Spiritual – Shepherd Fields

We began the day visiting Mount Hebron, the burial place of the patriarch. Travel the way of the patriarch into Hills of Rachael. We spent time overlooking Shepherd fields where the angels visited the shepherds.

Day 7 of My Spiritual Journey

Today’s Hebrew name is El Shaddai – “The All-Sufficient One”. We took a break from the sites in Jerusalem and visited the Dead Sea valley, En Gedi and Masada. En Gedi It was at this site that Saul stopped for a while as he was chasing David. While king Saul was in a cave, David when in and cut a piece of Saul’s clothing. 

Day 8 of My Spiritual Journey

This was a remarkable day. The entire journey reaches the climax. Jesus of Nazareth came to Jerusalem as the sacrificial Lamb. From the House of Caiaphas and Upper Room, we visited the pit where our Savior was held overnight in darkness. We also saw the Valley of Blood, where Judas hanged himself as well as the hills of Golgotha. I entered the garden tomb to see the empty tomb and confirmed with my eyes. Jesus is not here; he has risen. 

Final Day

Today is the last day of this fantastic journey. We set out for Jericho going the path that is called the Wadi Kelt. This is the path that Jesus would usually take from Jericho to Jerusalem (Luke 19). Wadi Kelt is the path based on three reasons. Travelers typically take the route where there is water, where there is kosher food and where it is politically possible.

Remind Me Dear Lord: Reassurance During a Pandemic – Part 2

Remind Me Dear Lord: Reassurance During a Pandemic – Part 2

daltonjenkins

Dalton Jenkins / General

Zechariah (Ne. 8:4); Assurance; Comfort; Jews (return from Exile) / Zechariah 4; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Psalm 91; Isaiah 65:24

Zechariah 4:6 ESV

6 Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.

PART 2

WE NEED TO SEE SPIRITUALLY

As I look in the text, one of the first things I note is that we need to see spiritually. It’s easy to forget that the goodness of God, that his hands still can reach us. When you are battered with all kinds of situations and expected to live, you’re expected to serve; you’re expected to carry on; it’s not easy. Zerubbabel understood this. As a king, how does he encourage the people? How does he speak peace, speak hope? He became affected by the circumstances that were around him.

Every single one of us, at some point in time, will need somebody to encourage us. At some point in time, every one of us needs somebody to speak hope and life into our circumstances. When you look all around you and seem hopeless, you need somebody to come alongside and say it is not all lost. There is hope for tomorrow. You need someone who can see spiritually. Being able to see spiritually means you can look beyond the current circumstances and discern the voice and instruction of the Holy Spirit.

In verse two of Zechariah chapter four, the angel said to Zechariah, what do you see? He replied I’m looking. See, we must be able to look spiritually. He didn’t see death and doom. He didn’t see broken walls and overturned tombs. No. He had to look spiritually. He had to look beyond the circumstances. And what he saw was something unique. He saw the candlestick. Consider with me for a moment what this candlestick represented in the sanctuary. He could see the original deposition of the candlestick.  The prophet sees it as where it should be, projected up like usually. He saw beyond the current condition. He’s thinking about the temple of God with the candlestick, with the lights burning, signifying something is going to happen. Beside the candlestick were two olive trees. Consider the purpose of the olive trees; olive trees speak of supplies. Therefore, if you have an olive tree, you will get olive, and you can make your oil, and oil is essential. You can sell your oil, and now you have provision. I am refusing to allow my current disposition to dictate what I see and what I believe. I am looking deeper and beyond the natural. I want to see what God is showing me, hope!

I am refusing to allow my current disposition to dictate what I see and what I believe. I am looking deeper and beyond the natural. I want to see what God is showing me, hope!

When I look, and I see the devastation, I must look deeper. I must look through the eyes of the Spirit. I must hear what God says to me when he asks me, son, what do you see? I must look. What do you see? Sometimes you are at a point where you don’t know what is happening around you. You’re just backed in a corner; you just don’t know what to do. When a question is asked of you, and you cannot find the answer. God wants you to look beyond what you are experiencing physically. Just don’t rest at, I don’t know. You must go beyond that point and look again. I must look again because what I’m used to seeing, I don’t think that’s what you’re asking me about God. You’re not asking me what my physical eyes see; you’re asking me what my spiritual eyes are looking on. Look again! Tell me what you see.

It’s interesting as you dig deeper into this text that the question is not about the past. It’s not what you saw, but it’s what do you see now. It’s the reality. You must get this in your Spirit today. He’s not concerned about what you saw. He says, look and tell me what you see. For some folks, the past is not worth beholding. History is hard to grasp, to comprehend. When I look at the past, I get more depressed; I just want to be detached. So, I can’t dwell in the past. I got to look at what I see now and now; it’s something of life and hope. He spoke. I see that there’s a lampstand. I see solid gold with a bowl on top of it. And on it, seven lamps, seven pipes, seven lamps.

Just like the prophet, I must look beyond what man tells me. I got to look beyond what my eyes were telling me. I got to look beyond my current situation. I must look through the eyes of God, and I see hope, I see a future, I see brighter today. I see things are changing; I see my olive trees. I see my bowls on the right and the left, and I have hope. We need to be able to see spiritually.

Just like the prophet, I must look beyond what man tells me. I got to look beyond what my eyes were telling me. I got to look beyond my current situation. I must look through the eyes of God, and I see hope, I see a future, I see brighter today.

WE NEED A MESSAGE OF HOPE FROM GOD

Secondly, Zechariah 4:6-7 (ESV) demonstrates that we need a message of hope from God. I embrace this in my heart that it’s 

6 Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.

This is a message of hope. Verse six states, this is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel. Does anyone need a word from God in your circumstances? I don’t need any fancier speeches. I don’t need any excellent lectures. I need the word of God for my life. I need the word of God in my circumstances. I am in dire situation. I’m in a straight. I don’t need you tickling ears with words that do not give hope. I don’t need fancy talk.

I need the word of God since he is the source of my hope. I need to hear that God is coming through for me. I need God’s word. This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel, a message of hope from God our Father. This word is available to you and me as we experience the darkest moments of our lives.

We’ve got to speak the word of God into the lives and circumstances of others. Speak positively into the lives of others. Listen to what God is saying. You see, the prophet cannot be quick to speak. First, he asked him, what do you see? If people are quick to talk, they primarily don’t ponder the point long enough to speak. The first thing he said to the prophet was, look, what do you see? And when he told him what he saw, he said, okay, here is what you need to tell Zerubbabel. We must be deliberating before we start speaking. We should not be too quick to talk, but we are to be praying about what God says to us and what he wants us to say? What is it that he is showing us?

The vision wasn’t for the prophet. The vision was for the king because the king needed to be encouraged. The prophet brought the message of hope. The message to Zerubbabel is that it is not by “your might that you will be successful.” In other words, Zerubbabel, don’t worry yourself. You are looking at the task, and the task seems daunting. You’re looking at the task, and it seems like you cannot do it, but don’t worry yourself, Zerubbabel.

It’s not by your might, Zerubbabel.

It’s not how strong you are, Zerubbabel.

It’s not how deep your pocket is, Zerubbabel.

It’s not by your might, Zerubbabel, but it is by the Spirit of God.

At this point, we should be shouting because when I am weak, I am strong in God, as stated in 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV)

“And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, most gladly, I will rather boast in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”  

That means when I am discouraged and worn out; then I am encouraged and lifted because it’s not by my might; it’s not by my strength. I don’t have to develop any energy for the Spirit of God to move. He is independent of our circumstances. I just got to trust the Spirit of God to move in my life.

Pray

Today, my cry is, “Lord; I cannot do this task; only you can get it done, God. Even when I think I am capable, God, unless you do it, I will fail unless your Holy Spirit leads. Move Holy spirit! As you reminded Zerubbabel, please continue to remind me that the Lord of hosts sent the message. It is the mighty God, the everlasting father, the prince of peace that has spoken, and I believe him!”

To prophet intending to reassure the king did not immediately give the message directly. However, he showed him a picture. It is as if God was saying, “I want him to understand what I’m trying to tell him.” I’m going to speak to his enemies at the same time. I will speak to his challenges; I will say to the circumstances, the situation that gets him down. I need God to speak into my affairs. I need God to talk to my mountains. The writer asked in verse seven, who are you thou great “Mountain”? I don’t know what the “Mountain” is in your life today; let me share with you, there is a word from God. He has a word that He has sent to you. And the question is, who are you, thou “great Mountain”?

Why is God questioning this Mountain? He says, “oh great Mountain, who are you great Mountain before Zerubbabel?” The reason why God is questioning this Mountain is that the Mountain is a hindrance to his servant. In other words, whatever your mountains are, your restrictions, and your challenges, the God that we serve will require those “Mountains” to answer to Him. He’s not arguing. God is not quarreling. He’s not fussing with the “Mountain.” He’s just asking the question, who are you, great Mountain? Who are you that you’re going to stand in front of my servant Zerubbabel? You will become a plain. God said I’m going to bring you down “Mountain.” Why? Because you are a hindrance to my servant’s progress.

We need a message of hope when we are faced with our pandemics. It’s not just coronavirus that is a pandemic in our lives. There are pandemics of finances affecting our relationships and our jobs. These pandemics are haunting us night and day. We need God to speak to our mountains. God will bring low those obstacles, and He will give us hope. Don’t you worry; just leave it to the Spirit of God. Because the Bible tells me that God has given us His Spirit, he says he didn’t give you a spirit of fear but love and power and a sound mind [2 Timothy 1:7].

So, I’m not going to ignore my situation. I’m not going to ignore that I have a mountain either. I’m going to acknowledge I have a mountain, but I’m going to say to the Mountain, Mountain, get out of my way. Mountain, you got to move. Yes, the Spirit of God brings life. The Spirit of God brings liberation. The Spirit of God breaks every stronghold and sets the prisoner free [Leviticus 26:13]. Maybe you have been a prisoner of your mind. I’m here to tell you that God has come. He has set his Spirit upon you to give you liberty. Cry out to God today; Oh, Holy Spirit, oh, Holy Spirit, oh, Holy Spirit, we need your help. We need your help, Holy Spirit. Oh, God helps us.

Maybe you have been a prisoner of your mind. I’m here to tell you that God has come. He has set his Spirit upon you to give you liberty.

WE NEED REASSURANCE THAT THE WORK WILL BE COMPLETED

Thirdly, in verses eight and nine, we are told that we need reassurance that the work will be completed. The Bible tells us that Zerubbabel was building the temple, and he got discouraged. He questioned himself. He stated I didn’t know if I could finish this task. This task is more than I can bear. How am I going to do this? He needed a word from God. The word came directly and said, Zerubbabel, you can do it.

As you read this blog, you might be feeling similarly to how Zerubbabel was feeling in this passage, Zechariah 4:8–9 (ESV)

8 Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 
9 “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also complete it. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you.

In other words, you have started it. And the hands of Zerubbabel will complete it. The prophet told Zerubbabel that he was coming to him as the mouthpiece of the Lord of hosts. I’m coming to encourage you. What you have started, what you have put your hand to, and you feel that you cannot complete it, I’m here to tell you that God has made a promise for you. You will get it done. We all need this kind of reassurance.

Do you need reassurance today? The Lord wants to reassure you that what you are facing is not the end. What you are facing is just the beginning. The hand of God is with you. The hand of God has surrounded you. The hand of God is protecting you. The prophet told the king that you would know that the Lord of hosts has sent me when you have finished your assignment.

He says in Zechariah 4:10, for who has despised the day of small things?  This verse is a reminder that we should not underestimate small things. For these seven rejoice to see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. They are the eyes of the Lord, which scan all around and throughout the whole world. The consolation today, in Zechariah 4:10, is very rich.  When the prophet talks about the plumb-line, carpenters know it is essential because it holds the level. It’s an indication that some building project is going on. When laying the blocks or trying to make sure that everything connects, they set the plumb-line. They set the plumb line, and everything is leveled from the plumb-line. According to The Zondervan Encyclopedia of the Bible, the plumb-line is symbolic of an ordinary tool of the day representing God’s true and accurate judgment[iv].

The prophet says to Zerubbabel; you might not have all you think you need, but you must begin with what you have. Some people give up because they don’t have everything all at once, but that’s not what God wants from us. He wants us to trust him with whatever we have. We must trust God even if we have a little patience or modest faith like that of a grain of mustard seed. Whatever it is that you have, maybe it’s your finances. Trust God with it. Whatever you have, God is saying wholeheartedly don’t reject what you have. You are going to finish the work with what you have. You’re going to complete the task with what is in your hand.

Let us look more at the question, who has despised the day of small things? When you read the story of the children of Israel after the exile in Nehemiah and Ezra, you realize that the temple was built. The wall was erected, and the tombs were repaired. Then they got the scroll, and Ezra, the prophet, stood up on a platform and read from the scrolls. The Bible says that the people stood there and listened from morning till evening as they read the scrolls Nehemiah 8:3. The people responded and said all that the word of God says we will do. Maybe Zerubbabel didn’t even have this picture in his mind. He might not even saw the possibility of everything being restored. The temple and the platform are erected. Hundreds of thousands of people are standing in front of him, listening to the word of God being delivered. I am not sure he had this vision. God called him, and he did what he had to do, and the result is beyond imagination.

As Zerubbabel proceeded to tackle his Mountain, you and I must tackle all our mountains. We work because there is a future. There is hope. Don’t underestimate little things. It’s interesting when you consider all the big things those little things control. Look at the cruise ship and the little stern that controls it. Look at this tractor-trailer and look at the small steering wheel that controls it. A small instrument controls a giant airplane. You look at our body and the little tongue that controls it. You might be small, or you might have small things, but it doesn’t mean you can’t do big things. Little is much, and the songwriter says when God is in it.

The prophet’s message was, “don’t you worry because God is in it with you.” God is there to remind you that you have the plumb-line so keep working. The eyes of the Lord are upon you; it scans back and forth. You might feel that you’re not protected. Let me remind you that you are protected by the hand of God. You have comprehensive protection. You might not be able to see your way out, but God’s got you in His protection. He’s the one that is looking over you.

You might feel that you’re not protected. Let me remind you that you are protected by the hand of God. You have comprehensive protection.

You must understand that when your circumstances overwhelm you depend on God. When your situations seem to get the better of you, you can rely on God. Our God is always looking over us; he sees us. There’s nowhere on the face of this earth you can go that God is not present. He’s always there. The Psalmist says, where should I go from the presence of the Lord? Even hell, I can’t escape him. I could make my bed in the depths of the oceans, even there he is. God is all over. He’s concerned about his people [Hebrews 4:15]. Don’t underestimate the beginning of small things.

GOD’S ANOINTING IS AVAILABLE TO YOU

The last point I want to make from  Zechariah 4:11-14.  We need to know that God has set forth his anointed ones to serve alongside his people. To be “called” refers to “A ceremonial action performed on persons and things to separate them from profane use and obtain on their behalf the infusion of Divine grace.”[v] It is said that the Biblical personalities were often anointed in “recognition of the Lord’s divine calling upon their lives; the anointing was a physical recognition of their roles (or office), such as king, prophet, or priest.”[2] You might think you are alone but listen to what he said about the olive stands. He asked what the meaning of the olive trees? Explain it to me. In Zechariah 4:12, he begins to talk about it. He says, then I answered and said to him, what are these two olive branches that dip into the receptacles of the two gold pipes with the golden oil drain? He says this means something. The olive branch that connects to the bowl seems to be pouring golden oil into this thing. It’s not just pouring oil, and it’s pouring golden oil. I mean, this is such a rich passage.

 Zechariah 4:13 said that the angel answered and said, do you not know what are these? And he said, no, my Lord. The angel asked, don’t you know? In other words, the angel was thinking; you’re the prophet. He said these are two anointed ones who stand beside the Lord on the earth. God has sent his anointed ones. It reminded me of the scripture that says; he will give his angels charge over you as stated in Psalm 91:11-12. You are not alone. Everyone might have given up on you. You might be standing alone but remember the God of Heaven’s Army is on your side. Remember that Jesus promised us that He would send us the Holy Spirit, who is our Helper. In His high priestly prayer in John 17, he prayed that God would keep us. There is help for all of us. When you face life’s most pandemic situations, God is right there to help you.

You are not alone. Everyone might have given up on you. You might be standing alone but remember the God of Heaven’s Army is on your side.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we have examined the message of the Spirit that was given to Zerubbabel. Faced with the task of completing the restoration of the walls and the city Zerubbabel was facing discouragement. Every leader knows what it is like to face their task and to have to deal with apathy. If you are going to look beyond the discouragement and more ahead, you must begin to see through the eyes of the Spirit. We Must Deal with the apathy of those who we will lead and work alongside. It is always true that God never changes. No circumstances can impact the nature of God. Our eyes must see beyond the natural and see in the spiritual realm. All of us need real companions, and we need a message of hope from God. We all need reassurance that the work we are assigned will be completed. We are not alone; the power and anointing of God are available to assist us with our assignment.

[i] Hwang, J. (2016). Zechariah, Book of. In J. D. Barry, D. Bomar, D. R. Brown, R. Klippenstein, D. Mangum, C. Sinclair Wolcott, … W. Widder (Eds.), The Lexham Bible Dictionary. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.

[ii] Hwang, J. (2016). Zechariah, Book of. In J. D. Barry, D. Bomar, D. R. Brown, R. Klippenstein, D. Mangum, C. Sinclair Wolcott, … W. Widder (Eds.), The Lexham Bible Dictionary. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.

[iii] https://covidusa.net. 10/01/21

[iv] Silva, M., & Tenney, M. C. (2009). In The Zondervan Encyclopedia of the Bible, M-P (Revised, Full-Color Edition, Vol. 4, p. 918). Grand Rapids, MI: The Zondervan Corporation.

[v] Smith, R. L. (1984). Micah–Malachi (Vol. 32, p. 166). Dallas: Word, Incorporated.

Remind Me Dear Lord: Reassurance During a Pandemic – Part 1

Remind Me Dear Lord: Reassurance During a Pandemic – Part 1

daltonjenkins

Dalton Jenkins / General

Zechariah (Ne. 8:4); Assurance; Comfort; Jews (return from Exile) / Zechariah 4; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Psalm 91; Isaiah 65:24

Zechariah 4:6 ESV

6 Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.

PART 1

INTRODUCTION

Zechariah 4:6 is one of my favorite verses in the Bible. It is a reminder to me that no matter what I will face, God is in charge. All my limitations are not enough to limit God’s power to work in my life. All my fears disappear in the presence and power of Almighty God. I hear the verse in Philippians 4:13 echoing in my mind every time I read Zechariah 4:6, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” COVID-19 pandemic changes our lives. However, it does not and could not impact who God is and what he can do.

All my limitations are not enough to limit God’s power to work in my life. All my fears disappear in the presence and power of Almighty God.

COVID-19 stripped us from all our securities that were outside of God. The global impact of COVID-19 has challenged us in all areas of our lives. We have lost many of our loved ones. Our lives have been placed on hold and, in some areas, are disrupted. We need reassurance that we are not alone. We need reassurance that God is still here with us. Let us look at the story of Zerubbabel, as is written in Zechariah 4. There are five points we should consider as we seek reassurance during this pandemic. Many of us have never had this kind of experience and most likely will never experience this kind again. As we strive to be assured, let us be reminded that God never changes. Nothing in the past, in the present, nor in the future impacts who God is. Not only do we need God, but we also need real companions. We cannot be connected spiritually and not maintain physical connections. We will need this combined connection to deal with the apathy in leadership.

Nothing in the past, in the present, nor in the future impacts who God is. Not only do we need God, but we also need real companions.

Leadership is not just a pastoral activity, but we all are leaders in our rights. As we pursue God’s appointment, we must listen to the message of hope that comes from God. Through this message, we will receive the reassurance that the task we are assigned will be completed with God’s help. To conclude this blog, we will briefly examine the impact of God’s anointing that is available to us. We all need reassurance, especially during a pandemic. 

Zechariah 4:6 (ESV) is a simple verse buried in a much more detailed text. It’s an answer that was given to Zerubbabel by God through the prophet Zachariah. It says this,

6 Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.

This text reads like Revelation. A dream with certain representations that are figures that mean something. In this vision, the angel is asking Zechariah probing questions. What does this mean? When he asked the angel a question, the angel would then ask him another question. When you compare this dialogue to Revelation, you see the angel giving instructions to John, and he is writing it down. In Zechariah, we see a more interrogative approach. This kind of dialogue expressed to the prophet the whole meaning of the dream.

What we have here in Zechariah is not just a dream with symbols and figures and representations. This is a dream and someone who is explaining to the prophet the meaning of the dream. In other words, it wasn’t to keep him in darkness, but it was to enlighten him, to assure him of what was to come. When we talk about the goodness of God and speaking in this way, Isaiah 65:24 tells us to “call on me, and I will answer. It shall come to pass that before they call,” God says, “I will answer; and while they are speaking, I will hear.” This verse is another verse of assurance that says God is always there for you.

I am looking through this text, trying to understand the context of what was going on. It is said that this book is the most comprehensive of all the minor prophets, and it comprises over 211 verses [i], while Hosea is the second-longest of the Minor Prophet [ii]. This book of Zechariah presents something of importance and value to us that we can apply to our lives today. When I look in the context of what was happening in those days, this book is what we call the post-exile prophetic utterances. At this point, this prophet received this word to give to the king. In other words, this happened after the exile of the children of Israel.

In his dedication prayer, Solomon prayed in 2 Chronicles 7:14, and he said, “if the people should turn their backs and cry, then Lord, please hear from heaven.” Once he finished praying in chapter six, the Lord responded with the exact words he prayed. Solomon was thinking about the future because he knew the people. He knew that the people would someday or sometimes turn their backs on God.

Just as Solomon had feared, the children of Israel turned their backs on God, rejected God’s commandments. God allowed the enemy, the Philistines, led by King Nebuchadnezzar, to overpower and captured them.  Nebuchadnezzar was one of the great kings of Babylon.  He devastated Israel, broke down the temple, took out all the gold and precious things, and left the place all tattered and torn. Then he took all the elite people, the young, energetic ones. Those who were princes and princesses were taken to Babylon. He also took those that looked like they could serve, brought them, and placed them in his kingdom.

One theologian says that he believed that Zechariah was left back and grew up during exile. While many were cast away, he was a young man who was brought up in exile. Zerubbabel grew up in a time when the temple was destroyed. He grew up, and he saw destruction all around him, which became part of his reality. I think about some of the children today who are in school and are growing up in this pandemic.  The impact of this pandemic on these children will have a lasting effect.  This period is going to be etched into their memories.  The destruction and the devastation that took place will be part of their experiences.

GOD NEVER CHANGES

Amidst all that has happened in our world today, we must be reassured of the God we serve; he never changes. The God we serve supersedes all things. And so, even though the prophet Zechariah understood what was happening, he still served God. He could have become disheartened and disgruntled. He could have said, well, look at the broken walls, look at the tombs of my ancestors that have been exposed. Can you imagine him walking the streets and hear him saying, this used to be, this was here? The impact this experience had on a young man is unimaginable. But God had his hands upon him. It doesn’t matter what you’re facing, what you’re going through. If God has his hand upon you, you can go through it. You can become what God wants you to be despite what you’re facing.

It doesn’t matter what you’re facing, what you’re going through. If God has his hand upon you, you can go through it. You can become what God wants you to be despite what you’re facing.

Zechariah became a prophet. Regardless of his past experiences, Zechariah excelled. It is important to note that it wasn’t that there was a lack of prophets, so God only chose the available one. No. There were a lot of prophets, but God used this man for this time. He embraced what God wanted him to be, like David. God used him in a mighty way. God used him to speak encouragement to the man of God who was leading the country at that time. We must become encouragers. We must become carriers of good news. God is looking for men and women who will become the voice of God, proclaiming good news and hope. That’s who Zechariah was.

Another prophet who faced similar circumstances was Nehemiah. He worked in the king’s court; he was the king’s cupbearer. One day Nehemiah requested to go back to his homeland and help to rebuild the wall. The background story to this is interesting because even the temple was destroyed. All the consecrated items in the temple were taken out, brought to the captive lands. Their homes were destroyed. Their sepultures were opened and exposed. When they were sent back to Jerusalem to rebuild, they began to rebuild their own homes. The returning citizens left the temple in disrepair because they got comfortable. The temple was still left broken down. Zerubbabel saw all this disrepair and realized that there was a lack of concern for the things of God. As I studied this, I was reminded that we must make sure that we take care of the things of God in all our endeavors. Here are the things that matter in this world: our service to God and the things of God, and the responsibilities God has given us. It is all about pleasing God.

I’m reminded of the story that Jesus talked about the man who had a huge harvest, and he said in Luke 12:18–19 (ESV)

18 And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 
19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.” 

The moral of the story is that we should not become so tied up in our pursuit that we neglect what God has put in our hands. We face our realities knowing that God is in charge and never changes. Our God is the same, whether you face situations like Nehemiah, Zechariah, or the rich man in Jesus’ story. Your experiences are nothing that God cannot handle. He is reliable!

WE NEED GENUINE COMPANIONS

In this part of scripture, Zechariah 4:6, we heard Zechariah having a conversation. This part of the conversation is essential because there are so many times we want to correct people and speak into people’s lives, but they have not permitted us to do so. Therefore, they don’t receive your correction; they don’t receive your challenge. I am moved by the fact that Zerubbabel and Zechariah had a good relationship. The king and the prophet had a good relationship so that the prophet could have dreamed a dream, and the king would listen to it. I’m cautious about dreams. Dreams sometimes are meant to tell us things, and sometimes it is just a result of what we consume mentally. However, dreams also are one of the ways God speaks to us. We must be careful in understanding the context of a particular dream since it’s based on interpretations. You must make sure you know what you’re interpreting.

In this scripture, we learned that Zechariah had a series of dreams. This dream was the fifth of the series of dreams that he had. It wasn’t just a one-off. In Zechariah 1, he had a vision of a red horse riding among the myrtles. In Zechariah 1:18-21, he had a vision of four horns and four craftsmen. Then in Zechariah 2, he has a vision of the surveyor with the measuring line. In Zechariah 3, he has a dream about the cleansing and crowning of Joshua. In Zechariah 4, he dreams of the golden lampstand and the two-olive tree. In chapter five, verses one to four, he had a dream with the flying scroll. In Zechariah 5:5-11, he had another vision of a woman. Lastly, in Zechariah 6, he had a vision of chariots. We can see that dreams have their place in how God is communicating to us.

In the series of about eight visions that he had, one of those visions had described a lampstand under two olive trees standing on either side of the lampstands. He interpreted the vision. This message was about providing for and rebuilding the temple of God.

What a companion Zechariah was that God could use him to encourage the king. God entrusted him with the vision and encouragement for the king. Can God entrust you with encouragement for someone else? Can God share the vision of greatness with you for someone else? A good friend is sometimes hard to find.

Can God entrust you with encouragement for someone else? Can God share the vision of greatness with you for someone else? A good friend is sometimes hard to find.

DEALING WITH APATHY

Facing apathy was challenging to Zerubbabel and many leaders of his time as they sought to rebuild the temple. The people had become complacent. They showed little concerned about the condition of their homeland. Can you imagine that people would just live in this disrepair? Things are all broken up and deteriorated around them.  As long as their house was okay, they did not see any need to fix what was still broken. Please do not allow yourself to be comfortable with places of brokenness. Resist the urge to turn a blind eye or to become concerned with only persons in your circle.

Please do not allow yourself to be comfortable with places of brokenness. Resist the urge to turn a blind eye or to become concerned with only persons in your circle.

Zerubbabel was faced with apathy and complacency. He now had to figure out how to rebuild the temple. As a leader, he was concerned about the place of worship. He was concerned about the house of God. As a child of God, as Christians, we must always be concerned about the house of God. When we talk about the house, it’s not just the building. We are talking about the people of God. The people are the church, not the edifice. We must be concerned about one another, concern about a place where we can gather. As the text says in  Proverbs 27:17, iron sharpens iron. We can get together as one and serve and praise God with all our minds and our souls.

One exciting thing in the text that we see is how we should deliver messages. Sometimes we get intimidated about the responses we will receive. Should I say to somebody what the Lord said to my heart? Then you begin to question yourself, is this what God is saying to me? Is it what God’s saying to me, or is it my thoughts? Messengers are constantly questioning themselves to be confident that the message they will deliver is the one God has given to them. In this message, there was concern about the state and the present condition of the temple. The people were less concerned about the temple because their homes were already built.

We see this similar concern with David. When God gave the children of Israel peace, David had built up his palace, and everything was going well. However, David got concerned because he said, “I am living in a timber house, but the Ark of God is in a tent.” Then David inquired of the Lord; he said, “I want to build you a house.” And God said, “no, David, it’s not your place to build it. I have a man that is going to build my temple, but I like your concern.” David says, “well, if I’m not going to be able to build it, then Lord, I’ll provide for it.” This lesson can be applied in this story. King Zerubbabel could have said my palace is okay. I have got people who are caring for me. Why am I worried about the temple? A true man/woman of God who has a heart for the things of God cannot sit still when the things of God are in disarray. Your heart and your mind are concerned; you are concerned about current conditions.

A true man/woman of God who has a heart for the things of God cannot sit still when the things of God are in disarray. Your heart and your mind are concerned; you are concerned about current conditions.

I am writing this article in the middle of the COVID19 pandemic. In the USA, over 700,000[iii]persons have died from the pandemic. Many persons have been severely sickened because of this disease. Many lives have been uprooted, and things are not the same. I was just thinking the other day, and I said, even when COVID has passed, things will never go back to what we called “normal.” Life and the way we operated have entirely changed.

COVID19 has taken over the entire world; our lives will not be the same. Many are not taking this reality well. Many people are suffering mentally during this time. What will happen to those people when this is passed? I can imagine Zerubbabel; as I was thinking about this crisis, I kept thinking about all these people suffering today. I think of all the frontline workers who work in the hospitals and the nursing home. The trauma that they must have suffered. What is going through their minds when they hear the codes being called.  They hear all the suffering and the sounds and smell of death.

I heard from some of the frontline workers as they told me that they could hear the sound of death in the hospitals. One person recalled her experience suffering in the hospital suffering from COVID19. Some of the scariest times were in the middle of the night; one could hear someone dying. You know that they have the same disease you have, and they just passed away. You were laying in the bed, not knowing if you were going to survive that night. Now those who have come out of that experience have to live with this experience.

What made the trauma even worse in the early months was that you couldn’t even go to the funerals. So, you don’t know if the person who’s lying there is your loved one or not. You’re just taking it at face value. You didn’t even have a proper burial. I mean, they didn’t even have services at the church or services inside of the funeral homes. They just had them in the parking lots and gravesides; then, they would go directly to the burial ground. People didn’t have time to grieve and to say a proper goodbye to their loved ones. We need to hear from God. We need to listen to a word that will give us some comfort. We need to understand that God knows about the things we go through. Maybe you are like Zerubbabel, faced with devastation but want to serve God. Faced with the fact that you might not have the folks that you need to encourage you, but you have God. Faced with the fact that all your plans might have been destroyed you can take comfort in the fact that God is with you. If God is with you, then you’re all right.

Faced with the fact that all your plans might have been destroyed you can take comfort in the fact that God is with you. If God is with you, then you’re all right.

[i] Hwang, J. (2016). Zechariah, Book of. In J. D. Barry, D. Bomar, D. R. Brown, R. Klippenstein, D. Mangum, C. Sinclair Wolcott, … W. Widder (Eds.), The Lexham Bible Dictionary. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.

[ii] Hwang, J. (2016). Zechariah, Book of. In J. D. Barry, D. Bomar, D. R. Brown, R. Klippenstein, D. Mangum, C. Sinclair Wolcott, … W. Widder (Eds.), The Lexham Bible Dictionary. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.

[iii] https://covidusa.net. 10/01/21

[iv] Silva, M., & Tenney, M. C. (2009). In The Zondervan Encyclopedia of the Bible, M-P (Revised, Full-Color Edition, Vol. 4, p. 918). Grand Rapids, MI: The Zondervan Corporation.

[v] Smith, R. L. (1984). Micah–Malachi (Vol. 32, p. 166). Dallas: Word, Incorporated.

The Gospel as the Foundation for Racial Reconciliation

The Gospel as the Foundation for Racial Reconciliation

daltonjenkins

Thanks, Urban Apologetics Community

I am honored to be leading a workshop at our National Conference. The topic is 

“The Gospel as the Foundation for Racial Reconciliation”

Under-represented groups continuously cry against injustice and inequality throughout our societies. Sin is the cause of injustice and inequity. As an immigrant from Jamaica, I will begin with my own story of learning about racial injustice and inequality in the USA. We will seek to lay out a pattern for racial reconciliation and justice based on our dependence on God’s Word. First, we will look at the issue by addressing the:

  • A pattern of racial reconciliation in the Scriptures
  • The rise of the inferiority myth
  • The black church and the backdrop of the black experience

Then we will suggest some ways to address systematic injustice and racial reconciliation by:

  • Addressing the Biblical Kingdom agenda
  • Prophetically declaring the Kingdom impact on the culture
  • Incorporating urban apologetics in our theological discipline
  • Practically addressing structural changes that are needed

No matter where we emigrate and what injustice we face, God has provided the right balance to deal with these issues. We are all made in the image of God. We are recipients of reconciliation by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We, therefore, have the suitable characteristics to lead reconciliation.

I want to thank Damion R, Adan Coleman, Jerome Gay Jr., Toney Evans, Dr. Eric Mason, Voddie Baucham Jr., and the Urban Apologist Community for resources that served as receipts to this workshop.

Several years ago, I needed information relating to Africa’s contribution to Christianity. I also wanted to be more informed about the rise of the Black conscious community and the Black Religious Cults. Also, this was in part to counter the statement “Christianity is a white man’s religion.” I was introduced to Brother Damion, who introduced me to Tomas Oden’s book, “How Africa Shaped the Christian mind. That started my journey into unbelievable discovery and understanding.

This introduction was the tip of the spare. I later got connected with the Urban Apologetics Community (UrbanApologetics.org) and Jude 3 Project. From there, I connected with Adam Coleman. This brother is the real deal.

Thanks to everyone for your invaluable contribution to my workshop.

My Tribute to my uncle, Michael Campbell

My Tribute to my uncle, Michael Campbell

daltonjenkins

I want to pay tribute to my Uncle Michael Campbell. All of us in the family come to call him Uncle Mike. It doesn’t matter how old or how young, everyone just called him Uncle Mike. When he came to church Bethel Temple of Praise and supported us, everyone here also called him Uncle Mike. So it goes to show you the character of the individual. I’m going to ask if you just follow me on the projector screen. His celebration of life is next weekend, Friday, June 5, and Saturday, June 6, 2021. 

If you permit me for a few minutes, I just want to say thank you and pay tribute to him. I want to let you know the impact that he has on my life. I came to this country, immigrated here at the age of 1,7, and immediately hit it off. He took us into his home, took me into his home. His home was my home. Everyone went to his home for celebrations and family gatherings. Our two sons for 25 years have loved Thanksgiving because that was a whole weekend of Thanksgiving at Uncle Mike. And they will go from Thursday, and we’ll pick them up on Saturday. This went on until they were old enough to travel back home by themselves. They spent the time with all the cousins; sometimes 20, 30 people were in the house staying overnight. That’s the type of person he was. Uncle Mike was my best man at my wedding over 28 years ago, 29 years in August. He stood by my side through those early days of our marriage. He was always there, always supporting throughout that whole time.

My Best Man

When I started this church, Bethel Temple of Praise, I didn’t know how a pastor be. I was not a seminary graduate at the time. I was just a person who loves to serve. I just know how to do church. I just served. I asked three individuals to serve as my advisor on the Pastoral Prayer Team, Minister Godfrey, Deacon Mattis, and Uncle Mike. They were the ones who provide vital support and guidance during the early days of my pastorate. I could talk frankly with these men. When I’m up against the wall, and there were questions I had about specific issues, they were the ones that were there providing counsel. Uncle Mike always gave advice and support when he came to our church many times and preached and encouraged us. He even spoke at my pastoral appreciation and was here throughout the day. Uncle Mike was always supporting. Supporting in time, supporting in finances when no one else knew he was helping. He and his wife were supporting the ministry behind the scenes. I’m just so grateful to God for him.

Preaching and Supporting

When I graduated from college with my doctoral degree, he was right there. He was a member of my site team that was a group of individuals that helped provide insight and guidance throughout my studies. He was a crucial person in that arrangement. When I published my book, he was right there standing and just being supportive.

My Doctoral Graduation & Book Release Party

And the last thing that I remember was he took sick in 2017, and they diagnosed him. In 2018, when my mother-in-law passed away, Reverend Larmond. Afterward, we start reflecting on some pictures. It was then that we noticed that he was standing at the gravesite supporting my father-in-law all that time. We looked at the photos from the time of the funeral. In almost all the pictures at different spots, he was standing by my father-in-law, Deacon Larmond. He was supporting him and holding him up at the gravesite throughout the whole time.

When I say he was always there, I mean he was always there. My last conversation with him was just before we went on vacation. My wife and I were heading on vacation Thursday morning, and the Wednesday night, I had a few last-minute things I had to get done. I was on my way back home around seven o’clock to get ready for Bible study when I got word that he was in the hospital and asked for me. I made a U-turn. I called my wife and told her, “Tell the folks to carry on because I might not be there in Bible study.

I got to the hospital with about 20 minutes to spare because visiting time was coming to an end. I walked into that room, and my aunt says, “he was just asking about you.” “He was just asking. Did they tell you how serious the situation was?” As I walked into the room and sat there, he, his wife, and I reflected on the scripture in 1Peter 1 that tells us that our hope was in God. No matter what we might face in this life, we have this hope, a living hope. We Prayed. We reflected on the scripture. With confidence, we encouraged each other that our hope, despite what we feel or experience, despite what we’re going through, our hope was in God.

Two weeks later, I returned, and I sat in the room with Uncle Mike for over two hours, almost three hours. All I could get from him was a couple of syllables, nothing more. I thank God that I turned around that night and went back and had that conversation with him. The last words I heard from him that day two weeks later was, let’s pray. Two, three words were all he could say. We prayed. The last prayer we prayed was the Lord’s prayer. He remembered every word of it. When we stopped praying, he still prayed. I conclude this tribute with great assurance that my hope is in God. Our hope is in God that no matter what happened in this life, God is always there. I would say to you, brothers and sisters. Love on your family. Serve God. Love on your loved ones, because you’ll never know when the last time you will have a conversation with them. That’s my tribute to my uncle like a big brother; he was always there. I will see you again, Uncle Mike!

————————————————————————————————————–

1 Peter 1:3-12 (NLT) The Hope of Eternal Life
3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, 4 and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. 5 And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see.


6 So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. 7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
8 You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. 9 The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.


10 This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. 11 They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ’s suffering and his great glory afterward.


12 They were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you. And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen.

Final Day

Final Day

daltonjenkins

 Friday, Mar 29, 2019 — Free Day — Jeeps — Wadi Kelt, St. George’s Monastery, Jericho —  Shalom — You Are My Peace

Today is the last day of this fantastic journey. We set out for Jericho going the path that is called the Wadi Kelt. This is the path that Jesus would usually take from Jericho to Jerusalem (Luke 19). Wadi Kelt is the path based on three reasons. Travelers typically take the route where there is water, where there is kosher food and where it is politically possible.

From the mountains of the Wadi Kelt we could see the Scapegoat mountain and the St. George’s Monastery tucked away in on the edge of the cliff. We saw the nomads (even though they don’t move around anymore) as well as we saw many shepherds watching the flock.

We arrived in Jericho after an adventurous jeep drives through the mountains. We wanted to be as close as possible to the original path. Once in Jericho, we had lunch at a traditional Palestinian restaurant. We visited the traditional sycamore tree mentioned in the Gospel about Zacchaeus. We then visited the site that is under escalation and saw the various levels of the city. In Jericho, I rode a camel for the first time. Our drive back to the hotel was less adventurous as we took the highway.

Our guide, Ruben, was terrific. His historical and biblical knowledge makes the trip very informative. Our driver, Audi, skillfully drove us to our various locations.

We join the team from Emanuel Community Church, on this fantastic journey. Pastor Denny Miller and his wife were very gracious to us and his teaching, and informative commentary provided new and enlightening perspectives. The impact is immeasurable for me. My preaching and teaching will never be the same. Lord may I live a life that always pleases you. I desire to live a life that is of completed dedication to your mission.

My friend Trevor Mattis and I travel the path of Jesus from Galilee to Jerusalem. It was truly amazing time we spent together with our friends from ECC.

I am one of the engrafted one, purchased with His blood.

Day 8 of My Spiritual Journey

Day 8 of My Spiritual Journey

daltonjenkins

Thu, Mar 28, 2019 

Our focus today is the city of Jerusalem — Walk the path of Christ, Upper Room, King David’s Tomb, Church of Gallicantu (meaning cock-crow), Overlook of Judas and Field of Blood (Map on hand), Holy Sepulcher, Temple Mt, and Garden Tomb. 

This was a remarkable day. The entire journey reaches the climax. Jesus of Nazareth came to Jerusalem as the sacrificial Lamb. From the House of Caiaphas and Upper Room, we visited the pit where our Savior was held overnight in darkness. We also saw the Valley of Blood where Judas hanged himself as well as the hills of Golgotha. That moment I entered the garden tomb to see the empty tomb and confirmed with my eyes. Jesus is not here; he has risen. 

Upper Room & Caiaphas home

The Upper Room is known as the Last supper; it was interesting to be in the same place that Jesus and his disciples had that infamous last supper.

At Caiaphas’ house, Jesus was held overnight in a pit. As I stood in the pit that is believed to be where Jesus was, I could not help but think, thanks, thanks for all you have done for me. To God be all the Glory. We next went to the courtyard where Peter denied Christ. 

Interest fact:

The Romas used to blow trumpet three times as a means of telling the time. It became known as the rooster crowing. It is believed that that could be what was indicated before the cock crow three times. From the courtyard, we were able to see the original path that Jesus was led on to be crucified. 

  • pCourt Yard Peter Deny Christ1.jpg
  • pDSC_0366.jpg

The Via Dolorosa 

We also walk The Via Dolorosa (Latin for “Way of Grief,” “Way of Sorrow. This is the path that is located in the Old City of Jerusalem. It is believed that this is the way Jesus walked on the way to his crucifixion. Today it is a market place with shops.

Holy Sepulcher 

There are three branches of the Christian community that occupies this church, Catholic, Coptic, and Greek Orthodox. Each of the three churches that hold this holy place has a section that has a specific identity. They also provide access to the tomb. An ecumenical order governs the church. Nothing gets done unless all three groups agree.

Interested fact:

There are two possible locations identified as the burial place where Jesus’ body was buried. The first one is in the Church of the Holy, and the other is in the Garden Tomb. While both graves are empty, the Garden tomb seemed the most likely

Interesting fact:

A ladder placed on the wall above the courtyard by someone doing work on the building. They forgot to remove, and it’s sitting here for 300 years because they can’t agree on how to take it down.

Temple Mount

The next stop was the Temple Mount where the dome of the rock is located and where the 2nd temple is located. This is believed to be Mount Mariah where the temple once stood. Abraham brought Isaac to be sacrificed at this location, and it is held that God brought Jesus.

Interesting fact:

In 1967 after the six-day war the security of the site was in the hands of the Israeli and control of the security of the Mosque that now sits on that site is in the hands of the Muslims. Muslims believed that this is where Muhammad was taken into heaven to receive the Koran. This is one of the three most holy sites for Muslims. Even though the Quran does not mention Jerusalem at all the Bible mentions Jerusalem mention 800 times.

This site is the Holy Place for the three major religions. The Jews worship at the foundation wall of the second Temple known as the Wailing Wall or the Western Wall because they are not allowed to go to the location beyond the wall control by the Muslims. The Christians view the entire location as a holy place. 

Muslims believe that this is where the Prophet Mohammed went to the throne of God. In the seventh century, when the Muslims conquered Jerusalem, The Dome of the Rock (gold-topped Islamic shrine of the Old City), is where the  Muslims built the Al-Aqsa Mosque after conquered Jerusalem.

Garden Tomb

This place is significant. This garden tomb is where we served communion and had service before we entered the tomb. The Garden Tomb is located in the same vicinity as Golgotha, where Christ was Crucified.

Who is this man? He is Jesus the Christ who died, was buried and rose from the grave, he ascended into heaven and will return. This is the Christian message. This is the hope of salvation. This story of Jesus demands our response. It is indeed the Great Exchange; He paid for our sins and in turn gave us eternal life. He is here with us in our hearts because he has risen even though he is not in the grave.

We are the engrafted ones; Gentiles save by grace. Like the gamer does with the olive tree so God has engrafted us into the tree of life.

Romans 11:17-22 (NKJV) 17 And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree, 18 do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you.

19 You will say then, “Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.” 20 Well said. Because of unbelief, they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, He might not spare you either. 22 Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.