Adventures in the Holy Land

Turkey Day 6-Grand Mosque, Nicea, Hagia Sophia

In the morning we went to the Grand Mosque in Bursa. It’s the 5^th largest Mosque in the world. It was built in 1396 to commemorate the Turkish battle with the Tatars. I really really liked it. It was very clean and looked very new. It has been well taken care of.

After that we drove to Nicea where the famous Nicene Creed was established. In May 325, Constantine called many bishops from around the empire to solidify key doctrines of the church. Such matters that were debated included the divinity of Christ and the nature of the Godhead. Because of the Nicene Creed, the church became more unified and helped propel Christianity into the Middle Ages.

After Nicea we drove back to Istanbul where we capped off our trip by going to the Hagia Sophia, or the Aya Sophia. It was built by Constantius in 360 and was for many centuries the world’s largest church. Today it’s the 4^th largest. After being destroyed by earthquakes, Justinian finally built it as it stands today. In 1453, Sultan Mehmet II ordered for the building to be converted into a mosque. Then in 1934, Ataturk ordered that it be converted into a museum. There is definitely a lot of wear and tear on the building but was really awesome to be in such a historic building that is so massive.

Turkey was such an amazing trip. Not only was it absolutely beautiful but it is so historically and religiously significant. It was soooo incredible to learn about. The highlights of the trip in my opinion were going to or passing by the 7 churches of Asia, the Blue Mosque, and the beautiful scenery at Assos. Even though I posted some pictures, they do it no justice as to how magnificent the country is.

Day 6 Pics

Grand Mosque

Nicea

Council of Nicea, 325 AD

Hagia Sophia

I am so strong

Constantine and Justinian with the Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus

Turkey Day 5-Hierapolis and Bursa

Day 5 was a long day of driving. In the morning we went to Hierapolis which overlooks Laodicea. Hierapolis is known for its rich minerals and hot springs and nearby Colossae is known for its cold water. Going there helped me realize the letter to the church of Laodicea when they are chastened for being lukewarm in Revelation. Hot water is useable as well as cold water. But lukewarm water is useless and that’s what the members of that congregation were being chastened for. The Lord isn’t telling us to be all the way good or all the way bad. He wants us to be useable so that He can use us to bless His children.

After Hierapolis we then made the long journey north to Bursa, the first capitol of the Ottoman Empire. On the way we passed by the cities of Philadelphia, Sardis and then we had lunch in Thyatira. In one day we were able to visit or pass by 4 of the 7 churches in Asia as recorded in the Book of Revelation.

That night in Bursa we had a sacrament meeting in the bar of the hotel. I can honestly say that the thought of having the Lord’s Supper in a bar was a little weird. But when we got there and sang an opening hymn, I came to realize that “where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matt. 18:20). It was a really spiritual meeting.

Day 5- Hierapolis and Bursa

A couple of studs at some 4th century Byzantine ruins in Hierapolis

The hot springs of Hierapolis, near Laodicea-Revelation 3:14-22

Philadelphia-Revelation 3:7-13

We passed by Sardis-Revelation 3:1-6

Thyatira-Revelation 2:18-29

My roomie and I in Bursa

Turkey Day 4- Ephesus and Miletus

When speaking of the New Testament, one cannot overestimate the importance of Ephesus. It was the place where Paul lived for 2 years as a missionary. The book of Ephesians is addressed to the people there. It is also the place where John the Beloved lived and where he wrote 1,2,3 John as well as the Gospel of John. The events and writings that took place there have affected millions of people worldwide in the last 2,000 years.

Ephesus has been preserved quite well and the famous Census Library is still standing. The best part of Ephesus was going to the huge theatre that seats 25,000 people. Right outside of the theatre there were actors reenacting some gladiatorial games. The Olympic music was blasting and it was a way sweet sight to see. I was so pumped up. The theatre is also the site in Acts 19:26-41 where many artisans and craftsman where mad at Paul for preaching against idol worship. They gathered in the theatre and shouted, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!” Diana was the goddess whose temple was located in Ephesus. When we went to the theatre we all sat down and tried to reenact the scene and we all shouted, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!” There were lots of tourists around who gave us weird looks. After our reenactment, the 80 of us students went down to the stage area and sang “All Creatures of Our God and King.” After we sang all of the other tourists there clapped for us.

After Ephesus we drove to Miletus. Miletus is the site where Paul stopped on his third and last missionary journey. He called elders of the church from around the area and had kind of a farewell. He said that it would be the last time that they would see him and they wept sore, and fell on his neck, and kissed him (Acts 20:36-38). To commemorate this event, we sang, “God Be With You Till We Meet Again.”