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009: Podcast – The Past Meets The Future at Megiddo

Megiddo, or Tel Megiddo, is the site of an ancient city in northern Israel’s Jezreel valley. It is believed to be the place where the armies will gather for Armageddon. The picture shows an aerial view of Tel Megiddo. Photo by Itamar Grinberg.

It’s one of the most important sites in the world – Megiddo!

Megiddo stands at the very hub of history. It was a central stop on the greatest trading route of the ancient world, which crossed the land bridge of Canaan to link the far reaches of the Fertile Crescent – Egypt in the south and Mesopotamia in the north.

This is why Tel Megiddo was one of the most strategic posts in the known world thousands of years ago. It was said, “He who guards Megiddo controls the world’s trade route and this way, they control the world.”

Historians believe that more battles were fought at Megiddo (Tel Megiddo) and the surrounding Jezreel Valley than anywhere else on earth.

Egyptians, Israelites, Midianites, Amalekites, Philistines, Greeks, Muslims, Crusaders, Mongols, British, Germans, Arabs, Ottomons, Australians and Israelis have all fought and died here.

The names of the warring leaders reverberate throughout history: Thutmose III of Egypt, Deborah, Barak, Sisera, Shishak, Jehu, Joram, Jezebel, Josiah, Gideon, Saul and Jonathan, Jezebel, Saladin, Napoleon, and Allenby. These are just some of the most famous names and there are countless others whose names were never recorded.

Yet, there is a far greater military gathering coming here according to many Bible scholars than ever before in the history of the world.

That’s where Hans takes us today.

Our group is standing at an overlook on Megiddo, gazing at the valley floor below and the skies above. Megiddo is filled with scriptural prophecy.

Listen in below:

(See photos of Megiddo at the end of this post.)

Click below to play the Podcast (even better – subscribe in iTunes, Google Play or your favourite podcast player) 

Subscribe to our Podcast in iTunes

In this Episode, You’ll Discover:

  • The strategic significance of Megiddo throughout history
  • The birth pangs of the end times but the joyful end
  • The harmony of prophetic fulfillment that brings trials and revival.
  • Some photos below from Megiddo (Tel Megiddo)

Let Us Know What You Think:

We’d love to hear from you so we can serve you better. Please send us an email to let us know what you think. Email us at info@breakforthjourneys.com.

‘Like’ Our FaceBook Page:

You’ll be inspired by beautiful photos of the Lands of the Bible, breaking news, stories of faith, and updates.

 

 

 

Photos from ‘Tel’ Megiddo (Photos from Arlen Salte and Adobe Stock):

Tel Megiddo an historical, geographical, and theological ruins site between the Carmel Ridge and the Valley of Jezreel in the Western Galilee, Israel.

 

The reconstructed southern stables at Tel Megiddo National Park

 

Ancient Gates: Tel Megiddo, Israel

 

Ruins at the Tel Megiddo National park – a UNESCO work heritage site, northern Israel

 

Chariot: Megiddo

 

 

Water tunnel: Megiddo

 

 

Grain storage system: Megiddo

 

View over Jezreel Valley from Tel Megiddo National Park, Israel

 

 

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008: Elijah’s Showdown on Mt Carmel

Elijah Statue on Mt Carmel

It’s one of the greatest showdowns in history.

Elijah and the prophets of Baal faceoff in a battle for a demonstration of the power of the true God! Guess who wins?

You may have heard this story hundreds of times. Yet, Hans brings insights from the original Hebrew that may just surprise you.

In today’s podcast, we are standing on the viewpoint of the Mahraqa Monastery on Mt Carmel, Israel. The view of the Jezreel Valley below is stunning. Yet, the story we are about to hear is far greater.

(See photos of the monastery and Mt Carmel at the end of this post. You can also download the free packing list promised in this week’s episode)

Click below to play the Podcast (even better – subscribe in iTunes, Google Play or your favourite podcast player) 

Subscribe to our Podcast in iTunes

In this Episode, You’ll Discover:

  • How the Hebrew interpretation of what the people shouted is more illuminating
  • Elijah didn’t build the altar, he healed it.
  • What the ‘healing’ of the altar means for us today.
  • Our free giveaway: A packing list (see below)!
  • Some photos below from Mt Carmel

Let Us Know What You Think:

We’d love to hear from you so we can serve you better. Please send us an email to let us know what you think. Email us at info@breakforthjourneys.com.

‘Like’ Our FaceBook Page:

You’ll be inspired by beautiful photos of the Lands of the Bible, breaking news, stories of faith, and updates.

 

 

 

Photos from Mt Carmel (Photos from Arlen Salte and Adobe Stock):

Muhraqa monastery on Mount Carmel

The view of the Jezreel Valley from Mt Carmel

 

Panorama of the Jezreel Valley from Mt. Carmel

Your free Packing Checklist

Your free packing list for your Spiritual Journey to the Lands of the Bible:
Don’t forget to pack everything. This checklist can help. Just print it off well before your trip and check things off as you pack them. There is also space to add your own items.

To download the packing checklist, click here.

 

Our Next Tour Hans, Arlen & Elsa are leading:

In this Episode, we mentioned one tour: Break Forth Israel & Jordan NEXT Level 2018. This amazing spiritual journey of a lifetime will sell out. You can get your free brochure and learn more here.

 

 

 

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007: Podcast Episode: Our Victory over Fear: On Site at Caesarea Philippi.

Ancient temple of Pan (Caesarea Philippi – Banias)

Fear can be crippling. Yet, Jesus came to set us free from the crippling impact of fear.

In today’s podcast, we travel to Caesarea Philippi in Northern Israel, to hear one of the most important lessons that Jesus taught His disciples. To get away from the growing press of the crowds, Jesus brings his disciples to a quieter place to share one of the most important messages with them that he would ever teach.

Today’s Episode of the Break Forth Journeys Podcast is based on Matthew 16:13 – 20 (NIV).

“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.”  Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.  And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.”  Then he sternly warned the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.”

In today’s episode, our group is standing at the base of the Cave of Pan, a location of one of the darkest heathen worship centres in Jesus’ day. (See photos at the end of this post)

Click below to play the Podcast (even better – subscribe in iTunes, Google Play or your favourite podcast player) 

Subscribe to our Podcast in iTunes

In this Episode, You’ll Discover:

  • Why the Temple and Cave of Pan would be the ideal place for Jesus to give this lesson
  • Jesus bold proclamation of victory for the church.
  • Why this is a Turning Point for Simon Peter and the disciples.
  • Learn a little Hebrew and Aramaic.
  • Our third tour tip: What clothes do you wear for your trip!
  • Some photos below from Caesarea Philippi 

Let Us Know What You Think:

We’d love to hear from you so we can serve you better. Please send us an email to let us know what you think. Email us at info@breakforthjourneys.com.

‘Like’ Our FaceBook Page:

You’ll be inspired by beautiful photos of the Lands of the Bible, breaking news, stories of faith, and updates.

 

 

 

Photos from Caesarea Philippi (personal photos from Arlen Salte, Linnea Salte, Lisa Forseth and Adobe Stock):

Water flowing from Caesarea Philippi into the Jordan River

Ancient remains of Agrippa palace in Caesarea Philippi.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entrance to the Temple to Pan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remnants of the Temple

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jared and Bethany Salte leading victorious worship below the Cave of Pan

Jared and Bethany Salte leading victorious worship below the Cave of Pan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Worshipping without fear below the Cave of Pan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Next Tour Hans, Arlen & Elsa are leading:

In this Episode, we mentioned one tour: Break Forth Israel & Jordan NEXT Level 2018. This amazing spiritual journey of a lifetime will sell out. You can get your free brochure and learn more here.

 

 

 

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Your Free Packing Checklist for your Pilgrimage

It’s easy to forget things. Your Spiritual Journey of a lifetime is not the time for this to happen.

This packing list may help you.

Just print this off a couple of weeks before you leave, place it in an obvious location and then as you pack into your luggage, check things off. Don’t forget to add items on page 2 that are not on the list.

Just remember: The lighter you pack; the more agile you are.

Download your checklist by clicking here.

Your free Packing Checklist

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What Clothes Should You Wear Touring the Bible Lands?

Here are some quick tips:

It is best to pack a good range of clothing (light coat, long sleeve shirt, sweater, t-shirt, shorts etc.). In the evening you might want to wear your light coat, and then find yourself pulling out shorts and a t-shirt while in another part of the country during the heat of the day.

It is best to pack knits. You will most likely not have easy access to an iron

  • Make sure the shoes you pack are good for walking. Think comfort!
  • At the Catholic churches or Mosques, you are not allowed to wear shorts or sleeveless tops. Please pack accordingly.
  • Some tours join a Messianic Jewish worship service, which requires casual dress clothes.

We have another post coming where we give you a more in-depth list. Keep an eye out.

We’ll also post a full packing list. This is the one we send to each guest who joins us for a Break Forth Journeys tour.

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Walk the Walls of Jerusalem with us. A Video for You!

A few months ago we had an opportunity to walk the ramparts on the walls of Jerusalem.

The Walls of Jerusalem

This was a profoundly moving time as we prayed for each quarter of Jerusalem (Jewish, Muslim, Armenian, Christian).

In 2018, Israel will celebrate 70th anniversary of the Founding of the State of Israel. We’ll walk the walls again.

Would you like to join us?

What an amazing time to visit Jerusalem and to pray! We’ll do just that during Break Forth Israel & Jordan NEXT Level 2018.

Elsa taking a break along the walk. We won’t rush you.

Please take a look below at a short video we shot while walking the walls just 4 months ago.

If you’re not signed up yet, we’d love to invite you, your friends, your church and your family to join us on this most historic year.

For your free brochure, just email us here.

In Christ,
Arlen, Elsa & Hans

PS – The tour is almost sold out, even though it’s 7 months from now.

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006: Podcast: Visiting Tel Dan, where the Northern Golden Calf was worshipped

Path leading to the Golden Calf

Each one of us has been given a free will from God. We are not robots. We can choose God’s wisdom and see the blessings or we can choose our own way and face the natural consequences of this choice.

In today’s podcast, we travel back in time 3,000 years to learn lessons that Solomon and those who came after him had to learn the hard way.

Perhaps when you think of Israel you only think of desert or the Mediterranean or the rolling hills along the Galilee. But, if you head into Northern Israel, you come to the Tel Dan Nature Reserve.

Stark photo we took of the Tel Dan altar location

Here, you can walk through verdant forests with the cascading waters where the mighty Jordan River begins.  Once you walk through the forest, you come to the ancient city of Leshem and then a little further, you come to the actual location where the golden calf in northern Israel was placed. It is a stirring and sobering experience.

That’s where this episode takes place.

Click below to play the Podcast (even better – subscribe in iTunes, Google Play or your favourite podcast player) 

Subscribe to our Podcast in iTunes

In this Episode, You’ll Discover:

  • The jealousy that fueled the building of the Northern Calf
  • Why the River Jordan is called Jordan (a quick Hebrew lesson).
  • Most people think Solomon simply prayed for wisdom. Learn the original Hebrew word that describes what Solomon really prayed for.
  • The far-reaching results of ignoring God’s wisdom.
  • Our third tour tip: The worst time to visit!  

Let Us Know What You Think:

We’d love to hear from you so we can serve you better. Please send us an email to let us know what you think. Email us at info@breakforthjourneys.com.

‘Like’ Our FaceBook Page:

You’ll be inspired by beautiful photos of the Lands of the Bible, breaking news, stories of faith, and updates.

 

 

 

Our Next Tour Hans, Arlen & Elsa are leading:

In this Episode, we mentioned one tour: Break Forth Israel & Jordan NEXT Level 2018. This amazing spiritual journey of a lifetime will sell out. You can get your free brochure and learn more here.

 

 

 

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005: Paul’s Waiting Period in Prison in Caesarea Maritima

Have you ever struggled while you wait for God’s answer to your situation? Be comforted and strengthened today in this episode of the Break Forth Journeys Podcast. You’ll identify with the Apostle Paul as he went through his own waiting period.

Today’s episode takes place on one of our tours in Caesarea By The Sea (Caesarea Maritima), as we stand close to the spot where it is believed that the Apostle Paul was imprisoned. You’ll hear the fury of the wind and the crashing of the waves as Hans shares about God’s grace under pressure. Well, listen on in as Hans shares a word for you today:

Subscribe to our Podcast in iTunes

Would you like us to pray for you?

We’d love to pray for you or to hear how we can serve you better. Please send us an email to let us know what you think. Email us at info@breakforthjourneys.com.

‘Like’ Our FaceBook Page:

You’ll be inspired by beautiful photos of the Lands of the Bible, breaking news, stories of faith, and updates.

 

 

 

The Link We Mentioned In This Episode:

Do you want to be better prepared for the delicious Israeli street food? Here is a great link. Just click here.

Photos from Caesarea Maritima:

When Arlen and Elsa were at Caesarea Maritima last time, they went camera crazy as this is such an astounding spot. Check out some of the photos below:

 

 

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A Heart-Warming Word from an Orthodox Rabbi

Let’s all admit it. We’re all tired of everyone ‘yelling’ at each other, whether it’s on Social Media, on the nightly news or in face to face violent protests.

Isn’t it time we listened to each other?

Watch this 2-minute, heart-warming video from our good friend, Moshe (Moses) who runs the Biblical Shop in the Old City of Jerusalem.

We think you’ll be encouraged:

Why don’t you join us in 2018 during Break Forth Israel & Jordan Next Level? We’ll get a chance to share with Moshe heart to heart when we’re in Jerusalem. We’re almost sold out. For your free brochure and all the details, please email us at info@breakforthjourneys.com

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004: The World Changes in Caesarea By The Sea: Podcast

The Stunning View of the Mediteranean From the Theatre at Ceasarea Maritima

Today’s episode takes place in Israel in Herod the Great’s mighty harbor city of Caesarea Maritima, which is also known as Caesarea By The Sea. This message takes place on our second day in Israel.  Just before arriving at Caesarea By

This message takes place on our second day in Israel.  Just before arriving at Caesarea By The Sea, we have been in Jaffo where we heard about Peter’s call to the Gentiles. This message is a continuation of Peter’s journey. Right now, we’re sitting in the enormous theater as the wind blows in from the sea.

Caesarea By The Sea was a huge city in the first century. At the time it was the largest artificial harbor on an open sea anywhere in the world. The techniques used to build this harbor were marvels of engineering and construction at the time. It’s almost impossible to imagine the splendour of this harbor city. Just along the promenade alone, there were thousands of beautiful columns which had been imported from as far away as Aswan, Egypt. There were palaces, temples, and an enormous marketplace filled with exotic spices and trade goods from around the world.

Yet, as great as Caesarea By The Sea (Caesarea Maritima) was, it was no place for an observant Jew to be. Why is that? Well, listen on in to hear Hans as he shares why:

Listen To The Audio:

Subscribe to our Podcast in iTunes

In this Episode, You’ll Discover:

  • Why this great city was so despised by observant Jews.
  • Why many call Caesarea By The Sea the Gentile Christian Church’s Birthplace..
  • Our third tour tip: Pomegranate!  

Let Us Know What You Think:

We’d love to hear from you so we can serve you better. Please send us an email to let us know what you think. Email us at info@breakforthjourneys.com.

‘Like’ Our FaceBook Page:

You’ll be inspired by beautiful photos of the Lands of the Bible, breaking news, stories of faith, and updates.

 

 

The Tour We Mentioned In This Episode:

In this Episode, we mentioned one tour: Break Forth Israel & Jordan NEXT Level 2018. This amazing spiritual journey of a lifetime will sell out. You can get your free brochure and learn more here.