a happy thanksgiving eve from porto rafti

(sunet in porto rafti)

Today is our last day here in Porto Rafti. Today our school will be packing up from the conference center where we’ve been staying for the last four weeks, and leaving tomorrow by bus to travel to Corinth, where we will be until Saturday when we leave for Turkey. God has blessed us in our time here in Porto Rafti. Our schedule has been full, but it is apparent that he is bringing us to a deeper understanding of his character through the Bible.

Last week we spent in the book of Luke. It now makes sense why people consider it to be one of the most beautiful books ever written. I loved seeing the interaction of Jesus with those God put in his path, as he was a savior who associated closely with all people in all walks of life. Jesus himself said:

I have come to call sinners to turn from their sins, not to spend my time with those who think they are already good enough. Luke 5:32 (New Living Translation)

Jesus was not afraid to spend most of his time with the people that others thought to be sinners. He went into the places where the sinners (as the Pharisees and religious leaders called them) associated. He did not conform to their ways, but rather, he showed them a love that allowed them to transform their lives according to his grace. If we are to truly be preaching the gospel, it will be necessary to go into places that people may look down on; we will need to be intentional about ministering to the areas where “the sinners” associate. God isn’t looking for us to be clean-shaven and put together when we come to him; as Luke seemed to show, he is looking for those whose hearts are willing to take up their cross and follow him (9:23). We must acknowledge the fact that we are all sinners who are saved by God’s grace. When we understand this we will see that we are in no place to withhold that same grace from anyone, no matter what their background.

This week our speaker is David Hamilton, the Vice President of YWAM’s University of the Nations. He is taking us through the book of Acts this week. For this week, Dan Shannon and Andrew York who have been working with YWAM, and more recently Awaken Ministries in Northern India are also here to give us some added insight into the book of Acts. While we’re here in Greece, we’ve been going over the scriptures where the Apostle Paul was in Athens, which are found in Acts Chapter 17. Being in a place where the gospel had never before been preached, Paul found himself in a seemingly impossible situation. He didn’t know anyone, he had no connections, but God gave him the opportunity to debate with the Epicurean and Stoic Philosophers of the time. In those days, we’ve learned that Athens was the center for Philosophy and the Arts and Entertainment. All the latest ideas in thought and religion were sure to be floating around. Paul though, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit was able to come before these very lofty-minded people, and bring them the message of Christ in a relevant way. Paul said to these philosophers:

He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn’t live in man-made temples, and human hands cant serve his needs – for he has no needs. He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need there is. From one man he created all the nations throughout the whole earth… (Acts 17:24-26, New Living Translation)

Some philosophers laughed and scoffed at the idea of a resurrection, thinking Paul to be a babbler, but there were some that day who put their faith in Jesus.

(at the parthenon)

Yesterday our class went into Athens to view these places where the Apostle Paul went when he was here almost 2,000 years ago. We visited Mars Hill, the small, rocky hill where he debated with the Philosophers. We were also able to see the ruins of the Pantheon and the other temples that were devoted to the Greek Goddess of Athena. Though these were amazing works of engineering, it is interesting to see the ways in which the philosophies and beliefs behind those temples have not stood the test of time. The ideas have passed away, as has the work of mens’ hands in the buildings that have crumbled. Studying over just these last few weeks, I am so encouraged by the truth found in the Bible. Not only was God’s message applicable during the time of Paul; but it has also stood the test of time, persecution and controversy throughout the course of history, and continues to be applicable today.

(a view of the acropolis from mars hill)

(the parthenon)

(the agorra - the marketplace in the time of paul)

(the roman amphitheatre)

So it is true, Saturday we leave from Corinth and travel by boat to Izmir, Turkey. I am very excited to see a new side of God in a new country. As of right now, I don’t know how available the internet will be, but I will do my best to keep you all informed and updated when it becomes possible. Your prayers for safety and efficiency in travel are much appreciated. I don’t know what type of boat we will be taking, but please pray that myself and the team will be able to keep our stomachs settled for the duration of our Marine Quest for the land that is Turkey. Oh, and speaking of Turkey, I would like to wish you all a Pleasant Turkey Day, wherever you may be.

Tim.