July is a month to recognize the birth of the United States as a nation and its people. Likewise, we can recognize the birth of another nation and its people. As we connect to faith, we highlight several significant places mentioned throughout Scripture. From the Old Testament and the New Testament, we see traces of the birth of Christianity and its impact on us today.
One significant landmark is Mount Sinai. God chose this place to inscribe the Ten Commandments on tablets and give them to Moses to share with the people (Exodus 20). Mount Moriah is a revered location as the place where Abraham offered Isaac as a sacrifice (Genesis 22) and the construction of Solomon’s temple and Herod’s temple. Bethlehem is the birthplace of Jesus. The Garden of Gethsemane is where Jesus was betrayed by Judas and where Jesus submitted to the Father’s will to die for us (Matthew 26). Golgotha is where our Savior was crucified and died (Matthew 27), and the empty tomb is evidence He rose from the dead (Matthew 28). At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came to the disciples and others while in the Upper Room (Acts 1-2).
Christianity was born and contInues to grow.
These are several prominent places with significant meaning. Jesus instructs us in Matthew 28:19-20 to go and share the gospel. We are to make disciples, baptize, and teach others to observe and obey what Jesus commanded.
Our Faith Connection Challenge: Sharing the gospel is simply telling others what Jesus has done for others and what He has done for you. How has your life changed because of Jesus? Everywhere we go, we are challenged to do our best to impact lives for eternity.
Father, we thank You for Your love for us, which is so great that You chose to die for us and rose again. We pray for this precious one and that they impact their world for Christ and for future generations. In Your name, Amen.
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