Come and Sit Where Jesus Fed the 5,000!

Posted on August 7, 2012 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

“When Jesus heard about it, He withdrew from there by boat to a remote place to be alone. When the crowds heard this, they followed Him on foot from the towns. As He stepped ashore, He saw a huge crowd, felt compassion for them, and healed their sick.

When evening came, the disciples approached Him and said, “This place is a wilderness, and it is already late. Send the crowds away so they can go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” “They don’t need to go away,” Jesus told them. “You give them something to eat.”

“But we only have five loaves and two fish here,” they said to Him.

“Bring them here to Me,” He said. Then He commanded the crowds to sit down on the grass. He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed them. He broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. Everyone ate and was filled. Then they picked up 12 baskets full of leftover pieces! Now those who ate were about 5,000 men, besides women and children.” (Matthew 14:13–21, HCSB)

Sit where tradition says the disciples sat when Jesus fed the 5,000! Listen as we read these words in their original setting.

This miracle took place just before the Passover (John 6:4). This is the only miracle of Jesus which is recorded in all four Gospels. The significance of this miracle was intended primarily for the disciples. Jesus was illustrating the kind of ministry they would have after His departure. They would be involved in feeding people, but with spiritual food. The source for their feeding would be the Lord Himself. When their supply ran out, as with the bread and fish, they would need to return to the Lord for more. He would supply them, but the feeding would be done through them. The people Jesus fed sensed that He was the anticipated Prophet (John 6:14-15; Deut. 18:15) and tried to make Him King. Surely One who could heal their physical diseases and provide food so abundantly must be the King. But the timing was not correct, for the nation’s leaders had decided against Jesus (Matt. 12:24), and His official rejection would soon come.[1]

There’s Still Time to Register For This Trip!

Melodee and I want to invite you to join us on this amazing, once-in-a-lifetime trip. Don’t miss this opportunity! God wants to transform your life like He has done to us!

This is a 10-day trip leaving February 18th, 2013. We have made it easy for you to join us with a choice of departures cities across the country: You can choose to leave from Los Angeles, Chicago or New York.

Details and a brochure with all the details are located at this link. We encourage you to get your deposit in while space is still available!

Melodee and I are here to answer all of your questions! You can email us at: pastormatt [@] eaglesinleadership.org

We look forward to praying with you in Israel in February!

 


[1] Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Mt 14:13–21). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

 

Posted in Israel 2013 | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Episode 120 – The Gift of Forgiveness

Posted on August 6, 2012 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Forgiveness is a gift – one that has been given to us by Jesus Christ so that we might give it to others.

In our last message from the forgiveness series, we join Dr. Matthew Smith, lead pastor of Pacific Baptist Church in El Segundo, California, as he reminds us that unforgiveness in us grieves the heart of God.

Taking us to the book of Ephesians, Pastor Matt shows us how the indwelling Spirit of God is heartbroken when He is not allowed to forgive others through us because of our failure to obey Jesus.

Open your Bible to Ephesians 4 as we discover the 5 reasons why unforgiveness grieves the heart of God.

Men and women across the sanctuary stood to demonstrate they had forgiven every person in their lives that had offended them after that prayer. It is our sincere hope and prayer that you, too, have joined in forgiving every person in your life who has ever offended you. This truly is the path of life and joy.

If you have, will you take the next steps in the faith by getting into a small group of believers and digging into the Bible through group study?

You can take the thought of this message one step further by ordering a copy of Pastor Matt’s book, In His Presence.

In His Presence is a daily devotional which targets the purpose of Magnification or Worship.

It revolves around the Biblical truth, “God welcomes you into His presence with joy and pleasure.”

The devotional follows a reading schedule through the entire book of Psalms over the course of the year.

You can order a copy of In His Presence from Amazon by clicking the link on the side panel of the Eagles In Leadership website.

 

Posted in forgiveness, Transformed | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

God’s 6 Expectations of a Leader Transitioning Into A New Ministry

Posted on August 1, 2012 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

“With God nothing will be impossible.”

Luke 1:37 (NKJ)

Since, “NOTHING will be impossible,” it only stands to reason we need to think “God-sized thoughts!” Leaders are to lead in this area more than any other area!

Small thinking has captured the American Church for years. As a result of prayerless leadership, many have shrunk their expectations of what God can do to fit their anemic prayer lives!

Courage For Incredible Challenges

Moses, the great man of God was dead! And with the death of Moses, God wanted to move! In the 1st chapter of Joshua as we look at the source of power that will enact God’s vision.

“After the death of Moses the Lord’s servant, the Lord spoke to Joshua son of Nun, who had served Moses: “Moses My servant is dead. Now you and all the people prepare to cross over the Jordan to the land I am giving the Israelites.” (Joshua 1:1–2)

The mission before the Joshua was to cross over the Jordan River with the people of God – at flood stage – so that they could possess the Promised Land! An impossible event if you looked at it from human eyes! God has 6 expectations for any new leader transitioning into a new ministry …

  • With the transition of leadership, God expects the new leader to move His people to accomplish His mission for their lives. (Joshua 1.1-2

The mission before us is to launch us into our neighborhoods as care givers – Spiritual First Responders who actually care for the well being of the people who live around us – so that we might be the first person they come to for help of any kind! What does that mission look like for us? It is very similar to the one God gave Joshua …

“I have given you every place where the sole of your foot treads, just as I promised Moses. Your territory will be from the wilderness and Lebanon to the great Euphrates River—all the land of the Hittites —and west to the Mediterranean Sea. No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. I will be with you, just as I was with Moses. I will not leave you or forsake you.” (Joshua 1:3–5)

For Joshua, the task was to accept that God had already given them the land they were about to enter! Joshua had to believe God – trust that the occupied territory before them was already theirs!

  • With the transition of leadership, God expects the new leader to trust His promises and act as if the future was already accomplished! (Joshua 1.3-5)

“Be strong and courageous, for you will distribute the land I swore to their fathers to give them as an inheritance. Above all, be strong and very courageous to carefully observe the whole instruction My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or the left, so that you will have success wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:6–7)

Joshua needed an infusion of emotional strength and courage! For there to be success, Joshua would have to set aside his fears and draw the visceral feelings necessary to lead his people to victory, despite the enormous, obvious obstacles before them!

  • With the transition of leadership, God expects the new leader to act on the mission God had clearly declared to His people hundreds of years earlier despite any personal or emotional fears! (Joshua 1.6-7)

This is so in line with the Great Commission God gave us almost 2,000 years ago when Jesus said,

“Then Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”” (Matthew 28:18–20)

We so need a daily infusion of God’s strength and courage! I mean, when I consider the enormity of the Great Commission – and the vision of God has give our church to reach the South Bay and South LA, I ask God, “Who am I that you should put such a task in my hands and in the hands of this small flock?” Where does such emotional strength and courage come from? The same source that Joshua drew upon …

“This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to recite it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do.” (Joshua 1:8)

There would be no success apart from God’s clear and specific directions – which were to be found in His Word! Joshua was given a great promise – “you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do.” But, as with all Bible promises, it was contingent upon His action – He had to know the Word of God, recite it to Himself and others and obey it exactly. THEN he would succeed.

  • With the transition of leadership, God expects the new leader to exude the very words of God from his mouth, his heart and his lifestyle; only then can there be prosperity and success in the mission and vision of God! (Joshua 1.8)

We have been given a great promise also! Remember what Jesus said …

“Then Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”” (Matthew 28:18–20)

If we are to lead our people into successful victory, we must stay in the Word – know it, recite it and live it. Any leadership we provide them must flow from the pages of Holy Writ – not from the latest business theory or the popular culture from Hollywood. God’s plans done in God’s ways receive God’s favor and success! How do I know this will work? The same way Joshua did …

“Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

God understood that if there was to be success through Joshua, this new leader would need to be fortified and empowered. People are weak, and leaders are just people. So, God chose to pour out His heart one more time to Joshua … He reminded the new leader that 1) It was God’s mission he would enact – a “God-sized” endeavor, therefore Joshua needed to summon all his emotional resources for it; 2) It was God’s presence that he would enjoy – therefore, a “God-infused” enthusiasm should permeate all that he does on the mission.

  • With the transition of leadership, God expects the new leader to accept the presence and plan He has established despite their fear or discouragement! (Joshua 1.9)

God’s understanding hasn’t changed! He knows the pastor better than we know ourselves. God knows we need to be fortified and empowered to accomplish this God-sized mission as well. When the Lord launches us into our neighborhoods as care givers – Spiritual First Responders who actually care for the well being of the people who live around us so that we might be the first person they come to for help of any kind, I will need to summon all my emotional resources and enjoy the God-infused enthusiasm He gives. And with all this preparation, what am we to do? Like Joshua …

“Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people: ’Go through the camp and tell the people, ‘Get provisions ready for yourselves, for within three days you will be crossing the Jordan to go in and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you to inherit.’ ” (Joshua 1:10-11)

 Joshua had a choice to make – act or delay. He chose to act on the command. As a result, God parted the ocean and then conquered the land. As long as the people of God did what the God of the people commanded through Joshua, they were successful.

  • With the transition of leadership, God expects the new leader to lead the people of God on the mission of God as quickly as possible! (Joshua 1.10-11)

I had a choice to make – to act or to delay. I chose to act on the command. And I believe that, as a result, God will part many overwhelming obstacles and we will see God’s prosperity and success.

What choice will you make?

Posted in Leadership Blog | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

When Lust Ruins Your Life!

Posted on July 25, 2012 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Artwork Credit: positive-parents.org

“For I am conscious of my rebellion, and my sin is always before me. Against You—You alone—I have sinned and done this evil in Your sight. So You are right when You pass sentence; You are blameless when You judge.” (Psalm 51:3–4, HCSB)

 If you are at all familiar with the stories of the Old Testament, then you know of King David’s lust for the bathing Bathsheba. (See 2 Samuel 11) David sees her bathing, calls her to his home, forces himself on her and sends her away. When she tells him that she is pregnant, David decides to cover up the consequences of his lust by recalling her deployed husband, Uriah, from the battlefront. David’s plan fails when Uriah’s integrity is greater than his. Uriah doesn’t go home, doesn’t sleep with his wife and David’s plan fails. Finally, in an act of selfish and cold-blooded murder, David sends orders for a mission where Uriah is sure to die in.

With the death of Uriah, all seems to be right. That is, until David is confronted by Nathan the prophet with a disciplining word from God. Truly, we learn from David’s story the truth of the New Testament writer James:  “But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desires. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death.” (James 1:14–15, HCSB)

Psalm 51 is David’s prayer of repentance for his rebellion to God. In it, we discover the catastrophic effects of rebellion and lust, as well as the hope in God’s grace once there.

  • Rebellion’s stain on the soul can only be removed by God. (Psalm 51.7) David’s life is shattered by the reality that the consequences of his sin are deep within. He longs for the cleansing only God can produce (1 John 1.9). Lust’s stain is so indelible, only the cleansing power of God can remove it.
  • Rebellion’s effect on the soul crushes the life out of you. (Psalm 51.8-9) Guilt tears joy from one’s life. Until the cleansing power of God is realized in the life of the rebellious, the consequences of one’s actions sap the very life from each moment. Who can live knowing they have failed God so much when He has entrusted them with so much?
  • Rebellion’s effect on the heart dirties and creates unfaithfulness. (Psalm 51.10) The weakness of one’s character is now reflected in the mirror each time we look. The shame of our sin and disloyalty to God and all we say we have held dear now haunt us. No matter where we go, we cannot escape the failure that is within us.
  • Rebellion’s effect on the mind causes fear of banishment from God’s presence. (Psalm 51.11) In the night watches, when sleep evades us, we wonder how God could ever forgive such a heinous act? We know the character of God is forgiving, compassionate, but surely those are for people whose sin is much less than ours. Gnawing away at our mind, these destructive thoughts are like mice in an attic.
  • Rebellion’s effect on the emotions produces a loss of joy and a feeling of dishonor. (Psalm 51.12) The wilderness of waste. How can there be joy and gladness when we have thrown away the blessings of God on the momentary satisfactions of our self? How can my compliance with culpability ever find a path back into His presence of pleasure? Day after day the horror of my “have-to” nature drains the fuel of my once-joyous faith.

If only I choose to return to God. Confess it all and plead His mercy and grace. Then, and only then, can I escape this pit of pain. And so, David instructs us to make the only choice available to us:

“The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. God, You will not despise a broken and humbled heart.” (Psalm 51:17, HCSB)

  • Rebellion’s effect on the future can create an opportunity to teach other rebels God’s ways, if one repents and is forgiven. (Psalm 51.13) And with confession comes restoration to God’s side. Battered and bruised, stricken and now scarred, this forgiven child can once again be useful to the Master.

After walking through the process of restoration, once regaining his integrity through transparency, accountability and humility, David assures us we can become an object lesson and the teacher of others who are lost in the lure of their lust. Truly the rebellion of lust has consequences that will span generations. However, once returned and restored, the humble child of God can take on the mission of prevention in the lives of others.

Posted in Leadership Blog | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Israel Trip Information Meeting Planned in LA

Posted on July 24, 2012 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Dr. Matthew Smith teaching on board the tour boat on the Sea of Galilee

Photo Credit: Melodee Joy Smith

Eagles in Leadership announces the formation of an Israel tour group for February 2013. Lead Pastor, Dr. Matthew Lee Smith, says, “This 10-day tour will feature extensive time in Jesus’ ministry home in the Galilee as well as Jerusalem. Onsite, short teaching lectures will provide valuable historical, theological and spiritual insight throughout the trip.”

Departing from Los Angeles on February 18th, 2013, (as well as from Chicago and New York for those in other parts of the United States who would also like to participate), Smith will lead his third tour to the Holy Land.

A non-obligation information meeting will be held on July 29 at 3:00 pm at the Pacific Baptist Church campus, 859 Main Street, for all who are interested in learning more.Information about the tour can be found on the Pacific Baptist Church website, under the events tab. The informational meeting on July 29 at 3-4 pm is open to the all who are interested.

The tour starts with a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. Other Galilee highlights will include, but not be limited to, the Mount of Beatitudes, site of the Sermon on the Mount; Tabgha, site of the Miracle of the fishes and loaves and Capernaum, the city of Jesus and Peter.

Sites in Capernaum include the house of Peter and an ancient synagogue where Jesus preached and gathered his disciples.  “This is one of the great opportunities on the tour,” Pastor Matt stated. “When you sit in the synagogue of Jesus, walk to Peter’s Mother-in-law’s house and see the shoreline just past it where the fishing boats of James and John were moored, you gain a great understanding into life in New Testament times.”

Nazareth, the childhood home of Jesus, Mount Carmel, the location of Elijah’s confrontation with the false prophets of Baal, as well as the Valley of Armageddon are included in the Galilee tour.

Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, the port city of Caesarea, built by Herod the Great in 22 B.C., Yardenit, the Baptismal Site of Jesus on the Jordan River, and Beit Shean, a city with extensive Roman Ruins start the southerly course toward Jerusalem.

In Jerusalem’s Old City, the Pool of Bethesda, the Via Dolorosa, the Temple area, Mt. Moriah and the Western Wall all provide ample opportunity for study and discovery. “As a seminary and Bible School professor, it is my privilege to open up the history and theology behind these places,” Smith explained. “As Susan Marcus, long-time Israeli tour guide once told us, ‘When you understand Israel’s geography, you understand it’s history.’ Truly this is what this tour does – it changes even the casual reader of the Bible for life,” Dr. Smith said.

One of the highlights of the tour is the excursion to the fortress of Masada where the Jewish Zealots held off the armies of the Romans before choosing suicide over surrender on April 15, AD 73. “You cannot help but be moved on a visceral level as the story of Masada is explained. Once you comprehend that this is the place where the annual Israeli Defense Forces recruits come for graduation by running the 5 mile “snake path” to the top, you understand the tenacity of the heart and soul of modern Israel,” Smith commented.

One of the favorite stops is the “float” in the Dead Sea before the tour of Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in 1947.

The tour continues with a visit to the Israel Museum, visiting the Shrine of the Book where the Dead Sea Scrolls are housed and seeing the model of Jerusalem at the time of the Second Temple. Time is provided for prayer in the famous Garden of Gethsemane in the Mt. of Olives. With a visit to the Room of the Last Supper and King David’s Tomb, the tour culminates at the Garden Tomb with a Communion service.

Many more sites and activities are planned on the 10-day tour. Information about the tour can be found on the Pacific Baptist Church website, under the events tab. The informational meeting on July 29 at 3-4 pm is open to the all who are interested.

Posted in Israel 2013, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Episode 119: Good Grief!

Posted on July 23, 2012 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Artwork Credit: ceruleansanctum.com

 

Conviction – it’s a word many Christ-followers misunderstand. When the Spirit moves through the words of the pastor, many people get uncomfortable and upset.

While many would rather not address the subject of conviction through the pastor’s messages, we join Dr. Matthew Smith, lead pastor of Pacific Baptist Church in El Segundo, California, as he wades into the deeper waters of the ways of God.

Let’s open our Bibles to 1 Corinthians 5 and discover how the Church is supposed to work and why, from time to time, the words of the pastor will be used by the Spirit of God to show us we are doing something wrong.

 

At the end of this message, as men and women chose to not hold grudges or anger when people failed them and chose to quickly call others to repentance when they see a failure in another, the Spirit of God rejoiced and the people in attendance stepped closer to Christ-likeness. It is our sincere hope and prayer that you, too, have joined in making these choices of forgiveness as well.

If you have, will you take the next steps in the faith by getting into a small group of believers and digging into the Bible through group study?

You can take the thought of this message one step further by ordering a copy of Pastor Matt’s book, In His Presence.

In His Presence is a daily devotional which targets the purpose of Magnification or Worship.

It revolves around the Biblical truth, “God welcomes you into His presence with joy and pleasure.”

The devotional follows a reading schedule through the entire book of Psalms over the course of the year.

You can order a copy of In His Presence from Amazon by clicking the link on the side panel of the Eagles In Leadership website.

Posted in forgiveness, Transformed | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Big Book of History Book Review

Posted on July 19, 2012 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Have you wanted to get a grasp on world history from a Biblical point of view? Now you can! Big Book of History is targeted for young learners, ages 7-12. However, my copy seems to draw “children” of all ages.

Tracking 4 themes from creation to the election of President Barack Obama, this up to date timeline follows Biblical / Christianity, World Events, Civilizations / Empires and Inventions / Technology.

 

What is clever is how creative the designers have been with the layout. As a graphic artist, author, pastor and university professor, I am amazed at how much information is packed into this fluid, 15-foot long history chart! One glance and you are captured by its beauty. Upon closer inspection, you are intrigued by the clarity it brings to history.

 

While this is a MUST acquisition for every parent, I highly recommend this for all teachers of God’s Word and World History. Such a tool is a valuable reference to everyday learning. There is also a Teachers Study Guide available.

 

Big Book of History has just won the CBA Retailer’s Choice Award for 2012 in the category of Christian Education. You can read about it here.

You can see more and order your copy directly from Master Books or from Amazon.

 

 

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

When Depression Falls On the Child of God – Part 2

Posted on July 18, 2012 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Photo Credit: carroll.edu

“Why am I so depressed? Why this turmoil within me?” (Psalm 43:5, HCSB)

We return to the anathema subject of depression in the Christian today because the Bible addresses the reality that many suffer from it, even those whose lives are focused on the worship of Almighty God.

While some misguided and insensitive saints have chosen to chastise their brothers and sisters in Christ, the reality is many are perplexed and in turmoil over their conditions and the power of God they read about in the Word of God.

The psalmists, too, found this conundrum unpleasing and damaging to their souls. They wrote about it after much contemplation, like most musicians do. As we review the lyrics, we find Psalm 43 and Psalm 42 are probably one song, broken into two parts. The chorus in Psalm 42.5, 11 is repeated in Psalm 43.5. As we read these words, we learn that …

  • When depressed, we are told to seek God’s vindication. (Ps 43.1) The overwhelming oppression of terrorizing tongues has taken its toll on the psalmists. God hasn’t worked on their behalf in a long time and they wish to see His power displayed – the power they read about in the Bible. Thus they plead for defense and rescue.
  • When depressed, we are told to question God’s rejection. (Ps 43.2) Again, as in Psalm 42.9-10, we are instructed to call on God from a broken and confused heart. There is little that makes sense when the Lord of the Universe allows the children He loves to be crushed by the conquerors.
  • When depressed, we are told to crave God’s presence. (Ps 43.4) Apart from a fresh visitation of God, the darkness will never depart. Until the circumstances and the soul are changed, the morbid feelings of futility will not be dispelled. Only in God’s presence is there “fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore.” (Ps 16.11)
  • When depressed, we are told to praise God’s hope. (Ps 43.5) Here we see the chorus of this song of worship (see Ps 42.5, 11) sung again: “Why am I so depressed? Why this turmoil within me? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him, my Savior and my God.” (Psalm 42:5, HCSB)

God inhabits the praises of His people. We are told “But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.” (Psalm 22:3, KJV 1900) If depression is to leave the child of God, then the presence of God is surely the antidote. His ability, His character and His love all seek to remove the fog of futility from the child of God.

It is God’s personal guidance that will lead you out of the darkness into His marvelous light.  As David reminds us, “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11, NKJV) Will you come into His presence today, take His hand and ask Him to lead you in His path of life for your life?

Posted in faith, Leadership Blog, Suffering | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Come and Listen to the Beatitudes Where Jesus First Taught Them!

Posted on July 17, 2012 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Photo Credit: BiblePlaces.com

“When He saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain, and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. Then He began to teach them, saying: “The poor in spirit are blessed, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. Those who mourn are blessed, for they will be comforted. The gentle are blessed, for they will inherit the earth. Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are blessed, for they will be filled. The merciful are blessed, for they will be shown mercy. The pure in heart are blessed, for they will see God. The peacemakers are blessed, for they will be called sons of God. Those who are persecuted for righteousness are blessed, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. “You are blessed when they insult and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of Me. Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:1–12, HCSB)

Sit where the disciples sat when Jesus taught them the attitudes of His followers! Listen as we read them in their setting, here at the Mount of the Beatitudes.

The “Sermon on the Mount” is recorded in Matthew 5-7 and Luke 6.  The alleged discrepancy between Matthew’s version being on a hill and Luke’s being on a level place is easily reconciled with observation of many level places on the Galilean hillsides.  Scripture gives no indication of the exact location of this event, but the Byzantines built a church to commemorate it at the bottom of the hill.

The suggestion of this hill for the location of the Sermon on the Mount is a good one.  Once known as Mt. Eremos, this hill is located between Capernaum and Tabgha and is just above the “Cove of the Sower.”  This spacious hillside provides much room for crowds to gather, as evidenced by preparation for 100,000 Catholics to observe mass nearby with the Pope’s visit in March 2000 (it rained and fewer came, but the space was available).

The Mt. of Beatitudes overlooks the four-mile long Plain of Gennesaret, an area famed for its fertility.  Josephus said this plain was the location of “nature’s crowning achievement.”  Several times the New Testament records that Jesus was in this area including when he healed the multitudes here and faced Pharisaic condemnation for ritual impurity (Mark 6-7).

There’s Still Time to Register For This Trip!

Melodee and I want to invite you to join us on this amazing, once-in-a-lifetime trip. Don’t miss this opportunity! God wants to transform your life like He has done to us!

This is a 10-day trip leaving February 18th, 2013. We have made it easy for you to join us with a choice of departures cities across the country: You can choose to leave from Los Angeles, Chicago or New York.

Details and a brochure with all the details are located at this link. We encourage you to get your deposit in while space is still available!

Melodee and I are here to answer all of your questions! You can email us at: pastormatt [@] eaglesinleadership.org

We look forward to touring Israel with you in February!

Posted in Israel 2013 | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Los Angeles Friends Invited to Israel Tour Informational Meeting

Posted on July 16, 2012 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Pastor Matt teaching on board the tour boat on the Sea of Galilee

Photo Credit: Melodee Joy Smith

Eagles In Leadership is forming an Israel tour group for February 2013. Dr. Matthew Lee Smith, says, “This 10-day tour will feature extensive time in Jesus’ ministry home in the Galilee as well as Jerusalem. Onsite, short teaching lectures will provide valuable historical, theological and spiritual insight throughout the trip.”

Departing from Los Angeles on February 18th, 2013, (as well as from Chicago and New York for those in other parts of the United States who would also like to participate), Smith will lead his third tour to the Holy Land.

A non-obligation information meeting will be held on July 31 at 3:00 pm at the Pacific Baptist Church campus, 859 Main Street, for all who are interested in learning more.

The tour starts with a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. Other Galilee highlights will include, but not be limited to, the Mount of Beatitudes, site of the Sermon on the Mount; Tabgha, site of the Miracle of the fishes and loaves and Capernaum, the city of Jesus and Peter.

Sites in Capernaum include the house of Peter and an ancient synagogue where Jesus preached and gathered his disciples.  “This is one of the great opportunities on the tour,” Dr. Smith stated. “When you sit in the synagogue of Jesus, walk to Peter’s Mother-in-law’s house and see the shoreline just past it where the fishing boats of James and John were moored, you gain a great understanding into life in New Testament times.”

Nazareth, the childhood home of Jesus, Mount Carmel, the location of Elijah’s confrontation with the false prophets of Baal, as well as the Valley of Armageddon are included in the Galilee tour.

Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, the port city of Caesarea, built by Herod the Great in 22 B.C., Yardenit, the Baptismal Site of Jesus on the Jordan River, and Beit Shean, a city with extensive Roman Ruins start the southerly course toward Jerusalem.

In Jerusalem’s Old City, the Pool of Bethesda, the Via Dolorosa, the Temple area, Mt. Moriah and the Western Wall all provide ample opportunity for study and discovery. “As a seminary and Bible School professor, it is my privilege to open up the history and theology behind these places,” Smith explained. “As Susan Marcus, long-time Israeli tour guide once told us, ‘When you understand Israel’s geography, you understand it’s history.’ Truly this is what this tour does – it changes even the casual reader of the Bible for life,” Dr. Smith said.

One of the highlights of the tour is the excursion to the fortress of Masada where the Jewish Zealots held off the armies of the Romans before choosing suicide over surrender on April 15, AD 73. “You cannot help but be moved on a visceral level as the story of Masada is explained. Once you comprehend that this is the place where the annual Israeli Defense Forces recruits come for graduation by running the 5 mile “snake path” to the top, you understand the tenacity of the heart and soul of modern Israel,” Smith commented.

One of the favorite stops is the “float” in the Dead Sea before the tour of Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in 1947.

The tour continues with a visit to the Israel Museum, visiting the Shrine of the Book where the Dead Sea Scrolls are housed and seeing the model of Jerusalem at the time of the Second Temple. Time is provided for prayer in the famous Garden of Gethsemane in the Mt. of Olives. With a visit to the Room of the Last Supper and King David’s Tomb, the tour culminates at the Garden Tomb with a Communion service.

Many more sites and activities are planned on the 10-day tour. Information about the tour can be found on the Eagles In Leadership website.

The informational meeting on July 31 at 3-4 pm is open to the community. For more information, contact Dr. Smith by commenting below.

Posted in Israel 2013 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment