PREFACE
An historical and geographical resource for the study of Scripture and a companion for visiting the Lands of the Bible is an indispensable tool for the Christian. But even more significant is a pilgrimage involving a Seminar in which one is actually able to study and visit the Bible Lands in person. As Christians we can be greatly enriched by becoming better acquainted with the actual places which are part of our spiritual heritage. These places can become for us significant witnesses to the events that changed forever the course of history. What happened in the Lands of the Bible has become important in the history of humanity and it should be extremely significant to each one who has taken the name of Jesus, the Christ.
As you consider these lands and - one hopes - you are able to travel in the footsteps of Paul and John, may you gain a new sense of vitality as you relive the journeys when these early Christians faced hostile crowds, were beaten, imprisoned and without backing down did their ministries with a commitment inspired by the divine presence of God's Spirit in their lives. May you be reminded that the churches in these regions were birthed in one of the most difficult and yet exciting periods of history when the Gospel message first burst onto the world's scene. In this part of the world some of these churches have continued with vitality while others have lost their zeal and still others have faded into the past and only archaeological ruins are now left to mark places where vibrant congregations once met and served Christ as Lord. But almost all of these ancient congregations suffered persecution for their Lord. Some were also part of the intense theological task of seeking to define who Jesus Christ really is and in so doing they staked their reputations and lives on his divinity, resurrection and Lordship.
