ARTICLES

By Stephen Faircloth

Nestled along the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, just a few miles north of Tiberias, the ancient settlement of Magdala offers a remarkable window into Jewish life during the time of Jesus. Known by multiple names, Magdala or Migdal Nunaya in Hebrew and Aramaic, and Taricheae in Greek and Latin, this city played a central role in the economy and culture of the region.

Greek sources called it Taricheae, meaning “factories for salting fish,” a reminder that everyday labor and community life were part of God’s provision. The bustling harbor connected smaller villages, including Capernaum, to wider trade networks, illustrating how God often uses ordinary places to accomplish extraordinary purposes. When the Gospels describe Jesus arriving by boat in the region of Gennesar, He likely stepped ashore in Magdala’s thriving port.

Though tradition has long identified Magdala as the hometown of Mary Magdalene, there is no conclusive historical proof of this connection. Still, her life shows how God can redeem any story, and how an encounter with Christ transforms us from the inside out.

Modern excavations have brought Magdala to life in vivid detail. Archaeologists uncovered streets laid out in a precise grid, elegant homes with expertly cut stone, intricate mosaic floors, and fine pottery and glassware—all signs of a prosperous community. Many of these homes contained private ritual baths (mikva’ot), even though the Sea of Galilee was just steps away. This dedication reveals how seriously the people of Magdala took purity and devotion, weaving faith into the fabric of daily life.

Among the most significant discoveries is Magdala’s ancient synagogue—one of the earliest ever found. Though modest in size, it was rich with spiritual meaning. The main hall was ringed with benches, frescoed walls, and mosaic floors. At its center stood a beautifully carved stone, likely supporting the sacred Torah as it was read aloud. The carvings include the seven-branched menorah from the Jerusalem Temple, reminding worshipers that even in Galilee, their faith was anchored in God’s promises and presence.

While the Gospels do not specifically mention Jesus teaching in Magdala, He traveled throughout Galilee, proclaiming the Kingdom and opening the Scriptures in synagogues just like this one. It is entirely possible, perhaps even likely, that He stood in this very space, reading and explaining the Word of God, calling people to repentance, hope, and new life.

Magdala is a powerful reminder that faith is not reserved for holy places alone. It flourishes in workshops, fishing boats, kitchens, and markets, wherever people choose to honor God with their lives. Like the men and women of Magdala, we are called to integrate worship into our work, to pursue purity of heart even in ordinary routines, and to welcome Jesus into every corner of our day.

Are there areas of your life where you have separated faith from daily tasks? What would it look like to invite Jesus into your own “harbor,” your own “workshop,” and live every moment for His glory?

Stephen Faircloth is the President of CBN Israel, an initiative dedicated to sharing the true story of the Jewish nation and inspiring a global community of Christians to stand with Israel and support her people in need. Our vision is to reshape the global conversation about Israel by fostering understanding, hope, and healing between Jews and Christians around the world. For more than 50 years, the Christian Broadcasting Network has supported Israel. By joining CBN Israel, you become part of this enduring legacy, transforming lives today and strengthening Christian support for Israel for generations to come.

“Let My people go, so that they can serve Me” (Exodus 7:16).

Freedom captivates every heart. From the earliest stories of humanity, the longing to be free has shaped our dreams and driven our pursuits.

The Exodus stands as one of history’s most powerful accounts of liberation—God Himself intervening to rescue His people from centuries of bondage. This narrative was so revolutionary that slaveholders in America once distributed Bibles that deliberately omitted the book of Exodus, fearing its impact on the enslaved.

Today, as followers of Jesus, we often speak about freedom in Christ. We celebrate that we have been delivered—freed from sin, shame, and spiritual death. But what is this freedom ultimately for?

Scripture makes it clear: God doesn’t simply set captives free so they can wander aimlessly. He delivers us to belong to Him, to worship Him, and to serve His purposes. True freedom is not the absence of all restraint; it is the joyful surrender of our lives to the One who made us.

When Moses demanded the Israelites’ release, he wasn’t asking Pharaoh to let them do whatever they pleased. God’s purpose was specific: “Let My people go, so that they may serve Me.” This was a call to leave the false gods of Egypt behind and to become wholly devoted to their Redeemer and King.

Even Jesus taught more about servanthood than self-determination. He warned that every heart is committed to something—either God or a rival master. In His kingdom, freedom is found in willingly taking the posture of a servant, trusting that God’s rule leads to life, peace, and purpose.

Today, we still face the same choice. We are offered freedom—but it is not freedom for our own agendas. It is freedom to love, worship, and serve the King who reigns forever. How will you use the liberty you’ve been given?

PRAYER

Father, I offer You my heart and my will. Teach me what it means to be truly free by serving You alone. You are my King, and I long to live for Your purposes today. Amen.

By Stephen Faircloth

Tucked along the sparkling coast of the Mediterranean, the ancient city of Caesarea wasn’t just a marvel of Roman engineering; it was a stage where God’s unfolding plan for the world stepped into the Gentile arena. For anyone walking its ruined streets today, it’s easy to imagine Roman chariots racing in the stadium or waves lapping against Herod the Great’s grand harbor. But the stones of Caesarea whisper of something greater: the unstoppable reach of the Gospel.

It was here, in Caesarea, that the Gospel of Jesus Christ broke through a cultural and spiritual barrier that had long divided Jews and Gentiles. In Acts 10, the apostle Peter was summoned to the house of Cornelius, a Roman centurion described as “God-fearing.” As Peter preached, the Holy Spirit fell upon Cornelius and his household—Gentiles receiving the same Spirit as the first Jewish believers in Jerusalem. In that moment, the family of God flung its doors wide open. No longer was the good news reserved for one people, but for all nations, just as Jesus had promised.

The city witnessed not only divine breakthroughs but also divine judgments. Herod Agrippa I, the grandson of Herod the Great, died in Caesarea, struck down after accepting the praises of the people as if he were a god (Acts 12:19-23). Both Scripture and the historian Josephus record this sobering event, reminding us of the peril of pride and the glory that belongs to God alone.

Caesarea also served as a crossroads for the apostle Paul. From here, he sailed on missionary journeys, faced trials under Roman rulers like Felix and Festus, and ultimately appealed to Caesar, setting the course for his voyage to Rome (Acts 23-27). During this time, Luke, Paul’s companion and the author of Luke and Acts, likely remained free to move about the land. It’s not hard to imagine Luke walking the streets of Jerusalem or sitting with eyewitnesses, gathering the material he would later weave into his Gospel (Luke 1:1-4). Even in chains, God’s servants were at work, and His Word was moving forward.

The city itself was a testament to Roman ambition. Herod the Great transformed a modest Phoenician port known as “Strato’s Tower” into a grand harbor he called Sebastos, honoring Caesar Augustus. Around it rose temples, palaces, theaters, and baths. Yet amid all this grandeur, a simple stone discovered by archaeologists stands out: the Pilate Inscription, a dedicatory plaque mentioning Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor who condemned Jesus. It’s a quiet reminder that even powerful men like Pilate lived in the shadow of a much greater King.

In A.D. 66, Caesarea again became a flashpoint—this time as the First Jewish Revolt ignited. The city’s tensions exploded in violence, and in its stadium, the Roman general Titus forced 2,500 Jewish captives to fight to the death in grisly celebration. What had once been a place of Gospel peace now echoed with the horrors of war and vengeance.

Yet God was not done with Caesarea.

In the centuries that followed, Caesarea became a beacon of Christian thought. The great teacher Origen spent over two decades here, establishing a theological school and one of the ancient world’s finest libraries. From this treasure trove of knowledge, Eusebius, the “Father of Church History,” would write his sweeping account of early Christianity, preserving the memory of martyrs, apostles, and faithful communities.

Caesarea reminds us that God’s story moves through unlikely places. It marched into a Roman stronghold, shattered cultural boundaries, and transformed a harbor of empire into a harbor of faith. Whether you’re standing in a grand city or feeling small in your corner of the world, remember this: the Gospel has never been confined by walls, rulers, or borders.

Like Peter, may we be ready to go where God sends us, even if it surprises us. Like Paul, may we be faithful—even in chains. Like Cornelius, may we hunger for truth and welcome it when it comes. And like those who walked the streets of Caesarea long ago, may we be part of God’s great story—anchored in Christ and carried by the Spirit to the ends of the earth.

Stephen Faircloth is the President of CBN Israel, an initiative dedicated to sharing the true story of the Jewish nation and inspiring a global community of Christians to stand with Israel and support her people in need. Our vision is to reshape the global conversation about Israel by fostering understanding, hope, and healing between Jews and Christians around the world. For more than 50 years, the Christian Broadcasting Network has supported Israel. By joining CBN Israel, you become part of this enduring legacy, transforming lives today and strengthening Christian support for Israel for generations to come.

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night” (Psalm 1:1-2 NKJV).

You’ve probably heard the phrases, “You are what you think,” and, “Choose your company wisely.” Psalm 1 echoes both sentiments. It tells us that the person who experiences God’s blessing is the one who avoids destructive influences and instead finds joy in God’s Word—meditating on it continually.

Who we surround ourselves with shapes our thinking, our actions, and ultimately our character. The psalmist warns us to stay alert and discerning, steering clear of voices that lead us away from truth. Instead, we’re called to intentionally delight in God’s instruction and let it shape our hearts and lives.

The one who does this, the psalmist says, is like “a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither” (v. 3). In a dry, arid land, this image speaks of vitality, strength, and resilience. A life rooted in God’s Word will flourish—even in harsh conditions. 

But it’s not just about surviving—the tree bears fruit. It thrives. In Scripture, fruit is a common metaphor for the visible evidence of inward transformation. It represents character, choices, and actions that flow from a life deeply rooted in God.

When we immerse ourselves in His truth and allow it to reshape us, it doesn’t stay hidden inside. It overflows—producing love, righteousness, peace, and wisdom that bless others and glorify God. True spiritual growth will always manifest in how we live, how we serve, and how we love.

The psalm brings this powerful image to a close with a promise: “Whatever he does shall prosper.”

Spiritual growth doesn’t happen by accident. It requires vigilance, intention, and a steady delight in the Lord’s ways. The question for each of us is: Are we bearing fruit, or are we more like the chaff blown away by the wind (v. 4)?

What do you delight in—and what does your life reflect?

PRAYER

Father, help me to guard my heart and mind from anything that would draw me away from You. Teach me to love Your Word and meditate on it daily. May my life be rooted in Your truth and bear fruit for Your glory. Amen.

Since the war with Iran began, Israel has endured relentless missile attacks, leaving behind a trail of devastation. Communities across the country are reeling, and the need for immediate relief has never been greater.

In the coastal city of Bat Yam, just south of Tel Aviv, an Iranian missile struck a residential building—destroying it and rendering several surrounding buildings uninhabitable. Hundreds of residents were suddenly displaced, forced to flee their homes with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

One elderly survivor shared her harrowing experience: “The building was shaking. I was holding the door shut—and it felt like it was going to fly off.”

CBN Israel’s Nicole Jansezian reported from the heart of the destruction: “It was here that an Iranian missile made a direct hit—demolishing one building and shearing off the side of another. The damage left many structures around this area completely unlivable.”

CBN Israel’s Roberto Torres-Cedillo was also on the ground, speaking with survivors and witnessing the relief efforts firsthand.

“Today, a bus is taking elderly residents—including Holocaust survivors and people with disabilities—from Bat Yam to a safe shelter in Netanya.”

Thanks to the compassionate support of donors like you, CBN Israel quickly launched a trauma hotline, providing emotional and spiritual care for those grappling with shock, fear, and grief.

Roberto shared the deep gratitude of those receiving help: “Thank you to the donors who are sharing God’s love during this time—reminding the people of Israel that the God of Israel sees them, and that even in mourning, they are not alone. ‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.’”

And your gifts to CBN Israel can make a life-changing difference for many others who are hurting in the Holy Land. You can be there for those in need with groceries, essentials, housing, financial aid—and encouragement.

Please help us bring healing to hearts and homes in crisis!

GIVE TODAY

By Stephen Faircloth

Scripture often speaks not only through words, but through the land itself. The hills, valleys, and roads of ancient Israel weren’t just a backdrop; they were part of the message. To walk the land is, in many ways, to walk into the heart of the Bible’s message. One powerful example is the Elah Valley, a place etched forever in the memory of God’s people as the site where a shepherd boy’s faith overcame a giant’s threat.

This valley was not chosen at random. The biblical author of 1 Samuel 17 places the clash between David and Goliath right here for a reason. The geography tells a story that magnifies the miracle.

To picture it, imagine Israel as a loaf of bread: tall in the center and flat on either side. That center is the Hill Country, home to Bethlehem, where David was born. To the west lies the Coastal Plain, where the Philistines held power. Between them lies a transitional region called the Shephelah, a series of rolling hills and fertile valleys, natural highways between enemy territories. One such highway is the Elah Valley.

This valley was more than a battlefield. It was a threshold between light and darkness, between the people of God and the forces seeking to conquer them. On one end stood Gath, Goliath’s hometown, symbolizing defiance and brute strength. On the other stood Bethlehem, the city of David, symbolizing covenant, promise, and God’s chosen future.

When the Philistines encroached upon the Elah Valley, their aim wasn’t just a skirmish; they were advancing toward Bethlehem, toward the heart of Judah. Their movement was strategic, their goal clear: to gain a foothold in Israel’s highlands and disrupt the plans of God’s people.

Enter David.

Sent by his father Jesse to check on his brothers, David didn’t arrive at the battlefield by chance. He walked a path his ancestors had known, through a valley his enemies coveted. What began as an errand quickly became a divine appointment. Where others saw a giant, David saw an opportunity for God to be glorified. His courage was not rooted in military prowess but in a deep, immovable trust in the Lord of hosts.

Even today, you can stand in the Elah Valley and trace the brook where David chose five smooth stones. You can see where the Philistine forces gathered and where Saul’s army waited. The very land still whispers of that unforgettable moment when faith stepped forward, and fear fell.

The Elah Valley reminds us that battles, both ancient and personal, are often fought in in-between places. The terrain may feel uncertain, the threat intimidating. But it is precisely there, in that valley between opposing forces, that God often reveals His power.

As you read the story of David and Goliath, don’t just see a boy and a giant. See a valley of decision, where geography and destiny collided, and where God’s faithfulness shone through the courage of one who trusted Him completely.

When you understand the land, you begin to understand the heart of the story. And when you walk through the valleys of your own life, remember: the God of the Elah Valley still fights for His people.

Stephen Faircloth is the President of CBN Israel, an initiative dedicated to sharing the true story of the Jewish nation and inspiring a global community of Christians to stand with Israel and support her people in need. Our vision is to reshape the global conversation about Israel by fostering understanding, hope, and healing between Jews and Christians around the world. For more than 50 years, the Christian Broadcasting Network has supported Israel. By joining CBN Israel, you become part of this enduring legacy, transforming lives today and strengthening Christian support for Israel for generations to come.

Have you ever truly reflected on Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:16 (NLT)? “Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

It’s easy to point fingers at culture, politics, or the media for the spiritual decline we see around us. But Jesus turns the spotlight inward. He tells us we are the ones who shape how people see God. Our lives, our choices, our visible faith—these are what lead others to glorify our Father in heaven.

The challenge is that many believers compartmentalize their faith—treating their “spiritual life” as something separate from the everyday. But Jesus didn’t call us to a private faith. He called us to a faith that touches everything—how we work, serve, speak, give, and treat others.

What draws people to God? Not arguments or appearances, but a life consistently lived with integrity and compassion. When our actions reflect Christ in the ordinary and unseen moments, the light of God shines into the darkness.

The prophet Amos rebuked Israel not just for empty religious rituals, but for their injustice: “They sell honorable people for silver and poor people for a pair of sandals. They trample helpless people in the dust and shove the oppressed out of the way” (Amos 2:6-7).

Their mistreatment of others dishonored the very God they claimed to worship.

Could it be that one reason many turn away from God today is because His people misrepresent Him? Church services and spiritual disciplines are vital—but it’s in the way we treat our neighbors, colleagues, and even strangers that God’s reputation is most clearly displayed.

So ask yourself: Do my words and actions reflect God’s love? Do they inspire others to praise and worship Him?

PRAYER

Father, let my life be a reflection of Your goodness. May everything I do and say bring glory to Your name and draw others to know and worship You. Amen.