We are going to two place we have never been- Bethany , where John the Baptist lived and did most of his ministry. next we cross the Allenby Bridge and go to Jericho, the oldest continually inhabited city. That is where Jesus restored the sight of Bartimaeus and went to the house of Zacchaeus.
We will view the Mount of Temptation and the drive south to the majestic fortress of Masada. Masada is a fortress that Herod the Great built. It is spectacular. Next we go to Qumran   to view the caves where some of the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Also in that area is where David hid from King Saul.
And then a dip in the Dead Sea, where you float. Hope it is not cold. Last time the wind was bad and the waves were high.

The Cultural Christian- “Type C”
The "C" stands for the Counterfeit Christian. They have learned the language, the performance and they are just pretending. These are plentiful. When difficulties come they drop out quickly.
Luke 8:12 (NASB)   "Those beside the road are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their heart, so that they will not believe and be saved.
Modern thinking breaks down, by advertising to people that all they have to do is say a prayer and they will be saved- born again. Prayer doesn’t save you; faith saves.
 Ephesians 2: 8-9 says,” For by grace are you saved through faith; and not of yourselves , it is the gift of God, not as a result of works, so that no one can boast.”

THE BIBLICAL CHRISTIAN
Luke 8:15 (NASB)  "But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance.”
Biblical Christians don’t live by their own ideas, but by the penetrating, understanding  and applying the Word of God. By the Spirit, they experience the success and peace God supplies.
Biblical Christians desires to be obedient to God’s principles out of the overflow of a grateful heart.
A Biblical Christian you don’t have to beg, plead or convince to do what God says.You don’t have to beg them to study the Bible; to pray, to tithe, to serve; You don’t have to beg them to participate in a campaign like 40 Days of Prayer, they are the ones to gladly sign-up, who are eager to get involved.

  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.
  For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."-Romans 1:16-17 

What a testimony! I am a debtor. I am eager. I am not ashamed. Now why would Paul even be tempted to be ashamed of the gospel as he planned his trip to Rome.
For one thing, the gospel was identified with a poor Jewish carpenter who was crucified. The Romans had no special appreciation for the Jews and crucifixion was the lowest form of execution given a criminal. Why put your faith in a Jew who as crucified?

"  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.
  For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."- Romans 1:16-17

Paul was not ashamed of the gospel. He had confidence in his message, and he gave several reason that explained why he was not ashamed.
First, The Origin of the gospel: It is the gospel of Christ.
So what is the gospel of Christ? It is Good News, it is Good News that
Christ died for our sins according to Scriptures
He was buried
He rose again and He is alive today.
Jesus saves!