The Israeli Museum was the primary stop today. It was unbelievable! I saw so many artifacts, to include the oldest copies of biblical text known to us today (they predate the Dead Sea Scrolls by 400 years!). There was also a crucified heel bone with nail still in place; this was one of the few archeological evidences for crucifixion. To culminate my time at the museum, I visited The Shrine of the Book, which is an exhibit that displays portions of the Isaiah scroll, as found in 1947 near the Dead Sea. I got chills as I realized that I was looking at something that I had talked about for years as being strong evidence for why I believe the Bible is historically accurate.
Tonight was very special. We spent new years eve with an alliance of churches from all around Jerusalem. As I said yesterday, the Jerusalem church has amazed me in many ways. The nation of Israel is only 2.5% Christian and is still being persecuted today. There are hardly any christian institutions to speak of, and the government directly frustrates their desire to grow. Because of this, many Christians have fled the country in the past ten years, which has left an even greater void.
The church operates differently in Israel than it does in the United States. They cling to each other and whenever they encounter another believer they are warmly greeted. These people are sold out for Christ and have put their family relationships, their jobs, sometimes their very lives on the line in order to spread the Gospel. In the United States, if the church doesn't have the right type of music or the right program, a person will go and find another church... and then another... until they are comfortable. It makes me sad to think about the lukewarm church in America.
We spent the night playing games, eating great food, and praising God through song and listening of the Word. The first song we sang at midnight? Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest!
