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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 serves as President of CBN Israel, where he is passionately committed to supporting the nation and people of Israel. He leads a broad range of advocacy efforts and humanitarian initiatives that bring practical aid and lasting hope to some of Israel’s most vulnerable—terror victims, Holocaust survivors, refugees, and families facing deep poverty.

“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 serves as President of CBN Israel, where he is passionately committed to supporting the nation and people of Israel. He leads a broad range of advocacy efforts and humanitarian initiatives that bring practical aid and lasting hope to some of Israel’s most vulnerable—terror victims, Holocaust survivors, refugees, and families facing deep poverty.

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.

In recent days, Iran launched direct ballistic missile attacks against Israel—an alarming escalation that has shaken the nation. For families across the country, the threat of war isn’t just on the horizon—it’s at their doorstep.

When sirens sound, mothers clutch their children and rush to bomb shelters. Elderly Holocaust survivors huddle in fear, and entire communities brace for what may come next.

But thanks to friends like you, they’re not facing this crisis alone. Thanks to the compassion and generosity of our donors, CBN Israel is delivering emergency food and supply boxes packed with the essentials Israelis need to survive in bomb shelters.

Each box includes:

• Shelf-stable food and “combat rations” to last for several days
• Battery-powered radios and chargers to stay informed during blackouts
• Comfort items for babies and children during long hours in bomb shelters

Because of the caring support of friends like you, we have already distributed thousands of aid packages to those hit hardest by the war—including terror victims, displaced families, and the most vulnerable.

Together, we can show Israelis that they are not forgotten. That someone cares. That God’s love is still shining—even in the darkest times. As threats continue to mount, your ongoing support is more vital than ever. You can help provide food, shelter, and hope to those who need it most.

Thank you for standing with Israel when it matters most.

GIVE TODAY

By Marc Turnage

The name Ein Gedi means “spring of the kid (young goat).” Ein Gedi, which is the largest oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea, sits between two riverbeds (in Hebrew, nahal, in Arabic, wadi): Nahal David to the north and Nahal Arugot to the south. The oasis contains four springs, Ein David, Ein Arugot, Ein Shulamit, and Ein Gedi, that flow year-round supplying three million cubic meters of water annually. 

The springs have allowed habitation, which dates back to the Chalcolithic period (ca. 4000 B.C.). Its most continuous inhabitation goes from the beginning of the seventh century B.C. until the early Arab period as indicated by archaeological and literary evidence. The book of Joshua locates Ein Gedi within the tribal territory of Judah (15:62). Ein Gedi’s location within the tribal territory of Judah explains David’s use of the oasis when he hid from Saul (1 Samuel 23:29; 24). During the biblical period, a road from the southern end of the Dead Sea and the lands to the east, Moab and Edom, ascended from Ein Gedi into the central hill country towards Bethlehem. 

Although located along the arid shores of the Dead Sea, the fresh-water springs and temperate climate year-round allowed Ein Gedi to flourish as a place of agriculture. Date palms and perfume-producing plants became the primary crops of the oasis. The book of Ben Sira mentions the date palms of Ein Gedi. 

In the first century B.C., the arrival of hydraulic plaster from Italy in Judaea enabled the Jewish leaders, the Hasmoneans, to construct aqueducts at Ein Gedi, which allowed them to expand the agricultural production at Ein Gedi. During the first century B.C. and A.D., Ein Gedi produced a perfume, balsam, which served as the cash-crop of the kingdom of Herod the Great and Judaea. It was exported all throughout the Roman world. Herod the Great’s construction of the palace fortress of Masada, just south of Ein Gedi, served to protect the produce of the balsam.

The dates of Judaea also were exported to Italy. The site of Ein Gedi was destroyed during the First Jewish Revolt (A.D. 66-73) but rebuilt in the years after the revolt and served as a location of a Roman garrison as well as a military and administrative center for the Jewish rebels during the Bar Kochba Revolt (A.D. 132-136). The Romans conquered Ein Gedi at the end of this Jewish revolt. Remains of the Jewish rebels and their belongings were discovered in caves near the oasis of Ein Gedi in the twentieth century.

Marc Turnage is President/CEO of Biblical Expeditions. He is an authority on ancient Judaism and Christian origins. He has published widely for both academic and popular audiences. His most recent book, Windows into the Bible, was named by Outreach Magazine as one of its top 100 Christian living resources. Marc is a widely sought-after speaker and a gifted teacher. He has been guiding groups to the lands of the Bible—Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Greece, and Italy—for over twenty years.

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