F4S

Thursday, March 26, 2026

"Satan can make men dance upon the brink of hell as though they were on the verge of heaven." ~ Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“When they say, ‘Peace and safety!’ then sudden destruction comes upon them…” — 1 Thessalonians 5:3

People can sincerely believe all is well—right up until.. they open their eyes and it really isn’t.

Lots of folk primarily seeking first what ought not to be sought first.. Lovers of pleasure instead of lovers of God.

“…lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God…” — 2 Timothy 3:4

And of course not all pleasure is evil—but when pleasure becomes ultimate, it quietly replaces God.

Might look good for a time. The wide, easy road that outwardly looks and feels so right.
 
“Wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction…” — Matthew 7:13

The crowd is often confident… and often wrong.

Blinded to the truth while thinking they see clearly

“The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers…” — 2 Corinthians 4:4

Of course not all dancing is wrong here, but the worldly like their own type of a jig: a “dance”—with blindness that feels like clarity to them.

Living for now only, forgetting God his Son, his top ten list and eternity.. 

“Take your ease… eat, drink, be merry.” But God said… ‘This night your soul will be required of you.’ — Luke 12:19–20

A perfect picture of someone building a “heaven on earth”… moments before meeting God.

Scoffing at judgment because life feels like a normal dance. 

“…they deliberately overlook this… the world… was deluged and perished.” — 2 Peter 3:3–7

God alone saves whom He chooses, but He told us to go share his gospel so we have a part with His Great Commission.

The Spirit gives life, the Son sets free, and we Can decide to repent and believe.. not earning it, cuz we contribute nothing of any good works to gain this indescribable gift, so that we forever give Him thanks and all the glory.  KnowGod org
Want to visit: @kurtwvs at 7:30 AM View Comments

Why not pray early for those people in that region where you'll travel? (Liney & I plan on soon revisiting needy Europe including those places where Paul preached.)

If you travel some, then go prepared and prayed up. I mean, pray for the people and what they are dealing with there. There are ways to find out early. Walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh -- we live under the Spirit's control, not under the law, though we love the Law of  the Lord. Like Paul we opt to minister where we go, as we go. Yes, and share the gospel with people as you go. I say with every venture, bathe it all, the entire trip in prayer, during and before you go.

The Apostle Paul had a heart for the people. He really did seek the Lord and sought to minister across the Mediterranean world, specifically targeting key cities like Athens (on Mars Hill) and in Caesarea, as described in Acts. I like to highlight the locations to discuss Paul's evangelistic and seed-planting strategies in places like  Caesarea. He preached the word.. wordless and with words when needed. 

- Athens (Mars Hill): See Paul's address there delivered to the Areopagus in Athens (Liney and I plan to be there pretty soon God being our travel-Helper). Paul emphasized proper reasoning with his engagement among tbese skeptical philosophers.
- Caesarea: Paul's ministry and the subsequent imprisonment there in Caesarea highlighted his steadfast commitment to Jesus before the Roman leaders. Man, let's do like he did and point people to Christ. See all of what Paul wrote in letters, such as 2 Corinthians 1:8–9, that illustrate how his Med-travels and his heart to heart ministry there.. was accompanied by by the Spirit during some intense suffering. Those hurt provided him with some good perspective. Remember. Opposition comes and goes -- trials come and they go. 

Rowboat or Sailboat? Which do you prefer.. working so hard alone, or being used effectively in that good partnership? Which do you desire? I say let the winds of the Spirit empower you along. He provides the winds that can fill your sail. It's far better than striving, working so hard at rowing! 

People believe so many things. Some hunger for the truth. Must Christian missionary travel look like traditional missionary endeavors from yesteryear? Nope. What idols have changed in those those towns you are headed to? 


What really matters to God is that you're walking with him in victory (with a right attitude, right spirit, right worship and thoughts that glorify Him). Yes, that you're knowing Him, seeking Him first, and sharing your faith (the gospel way -- his way), also helping others come to know him and go do the same.

Q: So how do you pray for the people in the region where you plan on visiting? I say earnestly.. like you would pray for your own family members. Do this in faith, because if you don't and they don't repent, it's going to be hell for them. Yeah, real bad. It's true, if they don't come to know the Jesus Christ of the Bible, then they will split Hell wide open. 

Q: How will you care enough to go share (both the bad news and the Good News)? How will you come to have real compassion and a sense of urgency a.k.a. a heartfelt burden for their souls? How will you be, live exemplary, and give verbal witness to them (who are open to truth) of the Lord if you don't first pray expectantly? 

God loves Muslims and Jews -- everyone! There needs to be more prayer than wise strategizing. There needs to be more prayer than smart planning instead of striving (in that order). There needs to be a no-compromise lifestyle in Christ 24/7/365! There needs to be more red-hot passion inside.. than the typical lukewarm ho-hum spiritual apathy and indifference. That's why you're here. There needs to be more heart-to-heart, simple prayer and care than share.. but there also needs to be your share! Pray for all men, boys, and girls without ceasing.

If you are going to walk into a city, a neighborhood, or even a single conversation carrying the name of Christ, then begin where heaven begins—with prayer. Not casual words, but earnest intercession, the kind you would pour out for your own child or closest friend. Scripture does not leave this optional: “I urge that supplications, prayers.. be made for all people” (1 Timothy 2:1), and again, “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

To pray this way is to feel the weight of eternity. Jesus Himself said, “unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). That reality sobers the soul. Without Christ, people are not merely “missing out”—they are perishing (John 3:18). That truth, rightly grasped, dismantles indifference and ignites compassion. As Charles Spurgeon once warned, “If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to hell over our bodies.” Such words are not harsh—they are honest love.

So how do we pray for those we are about to meet?

We are to pray personally. Not as a project, but as people made in God’s image—men, women, boys, and girls with names, stories, fears, and eternal souls. Jesus looked on the crowds and was “moved with compassion” (Matthew 9:36). True prayer borrows His eyes.

We are to pray expectantly. Prayer is not preparation for the work—it is the work. The early church did not strategize their way into power; they prayed their way into boldness (Acts 4:31). Plans have their place, but power comes from God. As E. M. Bounds said, “God does nothing but by prayer, and everything with it.”

We are to pray urgently. A Barna study has repeatedly shown that many professing Christians rarely share their faith—not because they don’t believe, but because they don’t feel the weight of it. Prayer rekindles that burden. When you truly pray for someone, it becomes harder to remain silent. The heart that pleads with God will soon speak for God.

We are to pray purely. A compromised life dulls spiritual authority. James is clear: “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16). Holiness is not perfection, but it is a surrendered life—no hidden negotiations with sin, no divided loyalties. Fire falls on altars that are wholly His.

And then—we speak.

There is a holy balance: more prayer than planning, more dependence than striving, more compassion than mere conversation—but still, we must share. “How shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14).

We each have a part in rescuing the perishing -- caring for the dying. 

Do we weep and pray o’er the erring one, do we lift up the fallen who want our help?

If you are going to “go and tell,” then begin where all true gospel movement begins—on your knees. Before a word is spoken to man, let many words be spoken to God. Jesus’ command is clear: “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you” (Mark 5:19). But the power to obey that command is born in prayer.

Prayer is not a warm-up—it is the warfare. It is not preparation for ministry; it is ministry in its purest form. The early church did not organize their way into boldness; “they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness” after they prayed (Acts 4:31).

Hudson Taylor said it plainly: “When we work, we work. When we pray, God works.” That is the difference. Strategy may impress people, but only prayer moves heaven.

And we must feel the urgency of this. Jesus did not describe a neutral world—He said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few” (Matthew 9:37). Not unwilling—few. According to Barna research, a large percentage of professing Christians believe sharing their faith is important, yet only a small fraction actually do so regularly. The gap is not knowledge—it is burden. Prayer closes that gap.

When you truly pray for people, they stop being interruptions and start becoming assignments.

William Carey, often called the father of modern missions, lived this tension well: “Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God.” But notice the order—expectation in prayer fuels action in obedience.

We pray for souls, not statistics. Jesus said, “What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?” (Mark 8:36). That single question outweighs every earthly ambition. It reframes every conversation. It puts eternity into ordinary moments.

And yet, prayer must lead to proclamation.

Charles Spurgeon pleaded, “Every Christian is either a missionary or an impostor.” Strong words—but rooted in truth. The gospel is not meant to be admired in silence but announced with love. Paul echoes it: “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men” (2 Corinthians 5:11).

There must be both tears and testimony.

David Brainerd, who often prayed in the snow until physically exhausted, wrote, “I care not where or how I live… so that I may win souls to Christ.” That is the language of a man captured by eternity.

And consider this: many believers say they care, but heaven measures care differently. Care kneels. Care weeps. Care speaks.

Even our hymns preach to us:

“Go, labor on; spend and be spent,
Thy joy to do the Father’s will…”

And again:

“I’ll go where You want me to go, dear Lord…
I’ll say what You want me to say.”

This is not emotionalism—it is consecration.

So what does this look like in real life?

- You opt to pray like souls matter—because they do.
- You opt to live clean and pure inside—because power flows through surrendered vessels (James 5:16).
- You opt to speak boldly and clearly—because “faith comes by hearing… the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17).
- You opt to trust God fully along His way for you—because only He saves people.

Jim Elliot, who gave his life in Ecuador, left us with this piercing line: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” That is the heartbeat of evangelism—trading temporary comfort for eternal impact.

He who would talk to man about God would do well to first talk to God about men.

So go—but go prayed up.

Speak—but speak with tears.

Care—but care enough to act.

Because when prayer ignites the heart, the mouth cannot stay silent. And when the gospel is spoken in the power of the Spirit, God does what only God can do—He brings the dead to life.

And that is why we "go.. tell." Paul loved to spread the gospel in cities as well as in smaller areas.Searched the web

Here's a comprehensive breakdown of every city and island Paul visited on his missionary journeys, organized by journey:

* Where'd He Go? Paul's Loved The People On Those Islands And In Those Cities — It Was Christ Through Him Reaching Out

Cyprus — Paul traveled through Cyprus on his first missionary journey (Acts 13:4–5). 

  • Salamis (Cyprus) — the principal city and seaport of Cyprus, where Paul and Barnabas preached in several synagogues. 
  • Paphos (Cyprus) — where Paul confronted the sorcerer Elymas before the Roman governor (Acts 13:6–11). 

Cos & Rhodes — Paul's vessel sailed past these islands during his third journey, docking briefly off their coasts (Acts 21:1). 

Cos (modern-day Kos) and Rhodes are Greek islands located in the Aegean Sea, just off the southwestern coast of modern Turkey. The Apostle Paul visited these islands during his third missionary journey (Acts 21:1) while traveling from Miletus to Jerusalem. They are now popular Greek tourist destinations known for their ancient ruins.
  • Cos (is now called Kos): Paul sailed to this fertile island, which was famous in antiquity as a health resort and the birthplace of Hippocrates.
  • Rhodes: Located about 90 miles from Cos, Paul stopped here on his journey. According to tradition, his ship may have landed in a small harbor at Lindos, sometimes known as St. Paul’s Harbor.
  • Crete (Fair Havens) — where Paul's ship docked for a time on its way to Rome (Acts 27:8). 

Malta (Melita) — the island near where Paul was shipwrecked. He survived a snakebite and healed many people there (Acts 28:1–9). 

Samos & Chios — Paul sailed past these islands during the third journey, stopping briefly before arriving at Miletus (Acts 20:15). 

Check Out Paul's First Journey (~AD 46–48, Acts 13–14)

Antioch (Syria) — Paul's home base, where believers were first called Christians (Acts 11:26).

Seleucia — the port city from which Paul and Barnabas sailed to Cyprus. 

Perga & Attalia — stopping points in Pamphylia before traveling inland; they eventually sailed home from Attalia back to Syrian Antioch (Acts 14:24–27). 

Pisidian Antioch — where Paul gave a major synagogue sermon. A different city from Syrian Antioch, located in Galatia (modern Turkey). 

Iconium — where Paul and Barnabas preached and were threatened with stoning (Acts 13:51–14:7). 

Lystra — where Paul healed a cripple and was hailed as a god, then later stoned and left for dead (Acts 14:6–21). Also the home of Timothy. 

Derbe — where Paul and Barnabas preached the gospel (Acts 14:6–7, 20–21). 

Check Out Paul's Second Journey (~AD 49–52, Acts 15:36–18:22)

Derbe and Lystra — the first named cities revisited, where Paul and Silas also picked up Timothy as a companion. 

Troas — where Paul received the Macedonian vision calling him into Europe (Acts 16:9–12). 

Philippi — where Paul, Silas, and Timothy converted Lydia, cast out an evil spirit, and were beaten and imprisoned (Acts 16:11–23). 

Amphipolis, Apollonia, Thessalonica — Paul journeyed through these cities, preaching in the synagogue at Thessalonica (Acts 17:1). 

Berea — where Paul found noble-minded listeners, until Jews from Thessalonica followed and stirred up trouble (Acts 17:10–13). 

Athens — where Paul preached in Achaia, most famously on the Areopagus (Acts 17:15–34). 

Corinth — where Paul met Aquila and Priscilla and worked for an extended period (Acts 18:1–17).

Ephesus (brief stop) — Paul visited on his way back from Corinth before sailing to Caesarea (Acts 18:18–21).

Caesarea & Jerusalem — Paul stopped at Caesarea before going up to Jerusalem and then returning to Antioch to close out the journey. 

Check Out Paul's Third Journey  (~AD 53–58, Acts 18:23–21:14)

Galatia & Phrygia — Paul traveled systematically through these regions, strengthening the disciples as he went (Acts 18:23). 

Ephesus — Paul's longest stay, teaching for two years, performing miracles, and sparking the riot of the silversmiths who made shrines to Artemis (Acts 19:1–41). 

Macedonia & Greece (Corinth) — Paul revisited the churches in Macedonia before heading into Achaia again. 

Assos, Mitylene, Miletus, Samos, Trogyllium — cities briefly visited during the return leg of the third journey (Acts 20:14–15). 

Patara — where Paul boarded a ship bound for Tyre in Phoenicia (Acts 21:1). 

Tyre & Ptolemais — Paul stayed a week with believers at Tyre, then stopped briefly at Ptolemais before reaching Caesarea (Acts 21:4–8). 

Troas (yep, on his third journey) — where Paul raised Eutychus from the dead (Acts 20:6–12). 

JOURNEY TO ROME (~AD 59–60, Acts 27–28)

Myra — where Paul's ship docked in Lycia during the voyage to Rome (Acts 27:5). BibleStudy.org

Appii Forum, Puteoli, Rhegium, Syracuse, Three Taverns — the Italian and Sicilian cities Paul passed through on his final approach to Rome (Acts 28:12–15). BibleStudy.org

Rome — where Paul preached for two years under house arrest, and from which he wrote Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, and both letters to Timothy (Acts 28:16–31). 

Check Out The Other Significant Cities Too (pre-journeys or epistles)

  • Damascus — where Paul was converted and first preached Christ (Acts 9). 
  • Tarsus — Paul's hometown in Cilicia (Acts 9:11).
  • Jerusalem — Paul's repeated point of return and final arrest (Acts 9:26; 21:17ff). 
  • Caesarea — where Paul was imprisoned and made his defense before King Agrippa (Acts 25–26). 
  • Crete — where Paul left Titus to establish church leadership (Titus 1:5). 

Where has God placed you and what are you called to do in expanding His Kingdom? Do you really think you will experience fulfillment apart from Jesus and doing His will for you? How? 

That's roughly 40+ distinct cities and islands across modern-day Turkey, Greece, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Italy, and Malta. Paul's journeys essentially traced the entire arc of the Roman Mediterranean world — which of these is on your cruise itinerary? Here, combining biblical history with natural beauty. Let me think through this carefully, drawing on both Paul's travels and what those places look like today.

* Most Scenically Beautiful Places Paul Visited — Today

1.  Rhodes, Greece (Acts 21:1)

Arguably one of the most beautiful islands in the entire Mediterranean. Paul's ship passed by here. Today it offers a medieval walled Old Town (UNESCO), turquoise coves, and dramatic clifftop villages like Lindos with its ancient acropolis overlooking the sea. Stunning in every direction.

2. * Santorini - is adjacent — Cos (Kos), Greece (Acts 21:1)

Paul sailed past Kos on the way to Jerusalem. Today it's a gorgeous Aegean island — volcanic hills, crystalline water, ancient ruins, and postcard-perfect harbors. Very close to the Turkish coast.

3. Cappadocia region — Galatia/Phrygia (Acts 18:23)

Paul traveled through "the Galatian and Phrygian regions." While Paul likely didn't walk through the fairy chimney landscape of Cappadocia specifically, it falls within that same ancient territory. Otherworldly rock formations, cave churches, and sweeping valleys — one of the most visually dramatic landscapes on earth.

4. Amalfi Coast near Naples/Puteoli, Italy (Acts 28:13)

Paul landed at Puteoli (modern Pozzuoli is still there near Naples) on his way to Rome. The entire coastline nearby — Amalfi, Positano, Sorrento — is among the most celebrated scenery in the world. We don't live for travel or being in those places, but we are willing to go with Him -- for proper prayer, care, and share. I love the vertical cliffs there, the lemon groves, and jewel-blue water.

5. Ephesus & the Aegean Coast, Turkey (Acts 19)

Paul spent more time in Ephesus than anywhere else. The ruins themselves are breathtaking, but the surrounding Aegean coast of Turkey — especially the areas around Kuşadası, Selçuk, and the Meander River valley — is lush, scenic, and dramatic. The coastline south toward Bodrum is world-class.

6. Malta (Acts 27–28)

Paul was shipwrecked here. Today Malta is a jewel — honey-colored limestone cliffs, the stunning Blue Grotto sea caves, crystal-clear coves at Comino (the famous Blue Lagoon), and the Grand Harbour of Valletta. Small island, enormous beauty.

7.  Cyprus — Paphos & the Akamas Peninsula (Acts 13)

Paul preached in Paphos on Cyprus's western tip. Today the Akamas Peninsula just north of Paphos is one of the most unspoiled wilderness areas in the Mediterranean — rugged sea cliffs, crystal coves like the Blue Lagoon at Akamas, sea turtles, and dramatic gorges. Also, the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite is nearby on the coast.

8.  Patara Beach, Turkey (Acts 21:1)

Paul boarded a ship at Patara. Today the ancient ruins sit beside what many consider the longest and most pristine natural beach in Turkey — over 12 miles of untouched sand backed by sand dunes and ruins. Almost no development. Breathtaking.

9.  The Taurus Mountains — Perga to Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13–14)

Paul famously traveled overland through the Taurus Mountains (likely one of the hardships he references in 2 Cor. 11). Today this rugged mountain corridor in southern Turkey is spectacularly beautiful — snow-capped peaks, cedar forests, rushing rivers, and ancient Roman roads still visible in places.

10.  Thessaloniki & Northern Greece coast (Acts 17)

Paul preached in Thessalonica. Today the broader region of Macedonia and the Chalkidiki Peninsula — just east of Thessaloniki — is strikingly beautiful: three forested peninsulas jutting into deep blue Aegean water, including Mount Athos, one of the most spiritually and visually dramatic places in all of Christendom.

11. Athens — Attica Coast (Acts 17)

Paul stood on the Areopagus overlooking Athens. While the city is urban, the surrounding Attica coast (the "Athenian Riviera") heading south toward Cape Sounion — where the Temple of Poseidon sits on a clifftop over the sea — is hauntingly beautiful, especially at sunset.

Funny, We Planned This Trip And Then Realized All The Spots Paul Was In:

  • Lindos, Rhodes — hillside village above a stunning bay, with Paul's ship in the waters below
  • Miletus, Turkey (Acts 20) — ruins sitting in a flat river delta, eerie and beautiful
  • Tyre, Lebanon (Acts 21) — ancient Phoenician port, dramatic sea setting
  • Philippi, Greece (Acts 16) — mountain-ringed plain in lush northern Greece

Many valuable people live near seas we plan on soon traversing: The  Black Sea, the Alboran, the Balearic, the Ligurian, the Tyrrhenian, the Adriatic, the Ionian, the Aegean, the Libyan (to the South), and the Levantine seas (to the East). Mediterranean

Gobs of places to go visit with the people - Malta, Cyprus (Paphos area), and the Ephesus/Aegean coast. Why? Because they are among the most scenically gorgeous spots Paul ever set foot on. Lookin' to jump on a Bosphorus boat ride, and that Taksim tram. Have you seen it? The Taksim-Tünel Nostalgic Tram (aka T2 line), that historic, iconic red tram operating along Istiklal Avenue in Istanbul, connecting Taksim Square to Tünel Square. 

* CORINTH, GREECE (Acts 18, 1 & 2 Corinthians)

Corinth sits there near a canal on the northeastern Peloponnese, near one of the most dramatic geographic features in Greece — the Corinth Canal, a narrow man-made gorge cut through solid rock connecting the Aegean and Ionian seas. Stunning to see. Ancient Corinth itself sits at the foot of the Acrocorinth — a massive rocky citadel rising 1,886 feet above the plain with jaw-dropping 360° views of two seas. The ruins are genuinely moving, especially the Temple of Apollo columns still standing.

A People Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! It's about 90 minutes from Athens, very accessible. The archaeological site is well-preserved, and the museum houses artifacts directly connected to Paul's time there.

Who Lives There Today?

Modern Korinthos is a mid-sized Greek city of about 30,000 people — working class, agricultural (famous for currants), largely Greek Orthodox Christian in name.

Their Idols (gods) Today — Their Master Passions, What They Live For?

  • Comfort and security — Greece has been through brutal economic austerity since 2010. The dominant anxiety is economic survival, not spiritual searching.
  • National identity and pride — Greek identity is deeply tied to ancient heritage and Orthodox Christianity culturally, but practiced nominally by most.
  • Pleasure (some good and bad) and leisure — ancient Corinth was infamous for sexual immorality (the verb "to Corinthianize" meant to live immorally). Modern Corinth is tamer, but the broader Greek culture prizes pleasure, food, family, and the good life.
  • Religious Orthodox tradition as ethnicity — church attendance is low but baptism, Easter, and saint's days remain social anchors. God is cultural, not personal for most.

* GALATIA, TURKEY (Acts 13–14, 16, 18; Galatians)

What and Where Is It?

Galatia was a large Roman province in central Anatolia (modern Turkey). The cities Paul actually visited — Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, Derbe — are in the southern part. Today, these correspond to the area around Konya, Isparta, and Karaman in south-central Turkey.

Scenic Beauty Today

Honestly — mixed. The central Anatolian plateau is wide, flat, and semi-arid in places — more dramatic than pretty. BUT the Lake District of Turkey (Lakes Beyşehir and Eğirdir near Pisidian Antioch) is genuinely gorgeous — turquoise mountain lakes ringed by the Taurus Mountains, largely undiscovered by Western tourists. Pisidian Antioch (modern Yalvaç) sits in beautiful elevated terrain with Roman ruins and sweeping views.

Iconium (modern Konya) is a large inland city — historically significant as the city of Rumi the "Sufi mystic," but not particularly scenic.

Worth Visiting?

For the serious biblical pilgrim — yes, especially Pisidian Antioch. For casual tourists — not on most itineraries. It's off the beaten path, which gives it an authentic, unhurried quality.

Who Lives There Today?

Predominantly Turkish Muslims, so-called conservative, Sunni. Konya in particular is one of the most religiously conservative cities in Turkey, known as the heartland of political Islam in the country.

Their Gods Today — Master Passions

  • Islamic leaders and the false god of Islam — genuinely devout in this region, not merely cultural. Daily prayers, Ramadan observance, mosque attendance are real here in ways they aren't in Istanbul or coastal Turkey.
  • Turkish nationalism — Atatürk is almost a religious figure. National identity and pride run extremely deep.
  • Honor and shame — the social fabric is organized around family honor, community reputation, and shame avoidance in ways Westerners don't fully grasp.
  • Rumi/Sufi mysticism — Konya is the home of the whirling dervishes and Rumi's tomb, attracting those seeking spiritual experience through mysticism rather than Scripture.

* COLOSSAE, TURKEY (Colossians, Philemon)

Where Is It Today?

This is fascinating — Colossae no longer exists as a city. The ancient site sits near the modern town of Honaz, about 12 miles from Denizli in southwestern Turkey. The tell (mound of ruins) has never been formally excavated — it's literally still buried in the ground. You can visit the site and stand on unexcavated ruins, which is strangely moving.

Scenic Beauty Today

Surprisingly — yes, very beautiful. The Colossae region sits in the Lycus River Valley surrounded by dramatic mountains. Nearby Pamukkale (ancient Hierapolis, where Epaphras likely came from) is one of Turkey's most visually spectacular sites — white calcium terraces cascading down a hillside like frozen waterfalls, with warm mineral pools. It's genuinely otherworldly. A short drive from the Colossae site.

Also nearby: Laodicea (the lukewarm church of Revelation 3) — well-excavated ruins in a beautiful setting.

Worth Praying About And Visiting?

Yep. For the biblically serious traveler — absolutely yes, and it's dramatically undervisited. Pamukkale alone justifies the trip, and combining it with the unexcavated Colossae mound, Laodicea, and nearby Hierapolis makes for one of the most biblically rich and scenically beautiful inland Turkey days possible.

Who Lives There Today?

The Denizli region is largely Turkish Muslim, though more moderate and commercially minded than the Konya region. Denizli is known for textile manufacturing. Honaz itself is a quiet agricultural village.

Their Idols (false gods) Of Today — Master Passions

  • Bucks of Commerce and prosperity — Denizli is a thriving textile hub. Wealth-building is the dominant drive.
  • Islamic Leaders & Islam (they are so-called: moderate, but the false god with Islam is not/is far from. Mohammed was a pedophile and murderer. Allah is about evil wars, so unlike the God of the Bible. They try to be less intense than those in eastern Turkey. More westernized in practice.
  • Paul's letter to the Colossians addressed this directly — he warned them about syncretism: mixing Christian faith with angel worship, Jewish ritual, and Greek philosophy (Col. 2:8, 16–23). The modern equivalent? A spiritually pluralistic culture that sees all paths as equally valid — which is exactly the impulse alive in Turkey's tourist towns today, where mosques, ancient temples, and New Age crystal shops coexist without tension.

Are You Seeing Deeper Patterns Buckeroo

What's striking is how Paul's diagnosis in his letters still fits several of these places:

CityPaul's WarningModern Equivalent
Corinth -Sexual immorality, divisions, pridePleasure, comfort, nominal religion
Galatia -Legalism, works-based religionPolitical Islam, honor/shame culture
Colossae -Syncretism, angel worship, philosophyPluralism, mysticism, prosperity

With time the idols often change in form but not really in nature. Let's only worship the God of the Bible.. His way

There's another place we plan to set foot in: The Greeks call it Katakolo without an "N," but Katakolon is also correct. It's pronounced "ka-TA-ko-lon," with the accent on the second syllable. You'll see both spellings are used interchangeably on signs and in tourism materials.

On a city/village tour: Katakolon is a very small village — about 500 residents — so a formal "city tour" in the traditional sense doesn't really exist, but there are fun ways to see it. Horse and cart rides are available for €5 per person, offering a pleasant 30-minute ride through local streets and a beach section. What's in that Port village is also completely walkable in under an hour. Highlights within the village itself include a lighthouse built in 1865, the Museum of Ancient Greek Technology, a medieval Byzantine fortress called Pontikokastro on a hilltop northeast of the port, and a lively market with more than 60 shops. The waterfront is also distinctive, with old currant warehouses that have been restored into cafés, tavernas, and souvenir shops. 

On the beach: Yes — and it's fairly impressive (even though I like big waves)! The main beach of Katakolon is an extended sandy beach — the beginning of what locals call Europe's largest beach. It's ideal for families with children: the waters are warm, not deep, and always calm. The nearest beach to the port is Plakes Beach (also known as Reneta Beach), only about 200 meters from the port — a short walk. It's a small pebbly beach with crystal clear waters that rarely have jellyfish, a quiet beach bar with palm-like umbrellas, and amenities including changing rooms and showers. Further along, beaches stretch in one continuous arc around the Kyparissian Gulf for at least 30 kilometers, with decent fish tavernas and beach bars along the way. 

So, depending on our free time, we could honestly do all three in one day Lord willing — Liney and I would enjoy a stroll through the ole village, a couple of hours at the beach (in the water. Sometimes I end up witnessing out there swimming. We pray God will use us), and then we plan on making it over to Olympia, Sisliy, Naples and Rome again! Hey, everyone needs the God of the Bible today! 

What are your needs or doubts about? Would you like some prayer? Email me! I'd love to talk even before we arrive near your hometown in the area of the Med. 

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Saturday, March 21, 2026

"It's important to make your peace with Christ while the opportunity exists. Life is so fragile. You never know when it's going to be over. It could. be over in a blink of an eye, and then it's too late to accept God's gift of salvation." ~ Chuck Norris

Not to respond to Christ's generous invitation through the gospel.. is to respond. Count the cost. Make a decision. Praying honest prayer of repentance and faith while you can. You really don't want to put it off. KnowGod.org

We had never seen one of his shows. When my wife, Liney, met him and his wife at the Cooper Clinic, she said could quickly tell that he was a real Christian.. someone who had made the most important decision there is to make. She met him several times and he was always a nice guy.

"I was always angry, and I had a huge hole in my heart. Nothing made me happy. Then I got married to a God-fearing woman, and at home she would read the Bible every morning. After a while she said, "do you want me to read aloud to you?" So I sat down, and she started reading the Bible aloud to me, every morning. Eventually I said, "Well, let me read it," and so I started to read it aloud to her. And then it was like the Lord said to me "Chuck, it's time to come home. It's been long enough." And now my heart is filled up again.' It was like the LORD said to me 'Chuck, it's time to come home. It's been long enough.' And now my heart is filled up again." ~ Chuck Norris 1940-202
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Thursday, March 19, 2026

The idols of different cities can change over time. The methods might change but the message never does. Christians who travel for business and other reasons can be on mission for the glory of Jesus.

The towns, technology, the means of delivery, and interests of the people..they might change, but the message never does. 

The idols in certain places.. over time, they can change some. They all are worth ditching for Jesus. 

Even good things can become idols. You know that! 

Man, why worship the blessing rather than the Blesser?

Am thinking about a father who was willing to go sacrifice his son, and that son who was willing to be sacrificed.

As Isaac was lying on the altar and his father raised up the knife, preparing to sacrifice his son, a voice came from heaven: “Abraham! Abraham! ..Don’t lay a hand on the boy! ..Do not hurt him in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son” (Genesis 22:11 nlt).

Traveling world changers like Abraham give everything to God. They give back to God too because everything is from God. Our children are a gift, a blessing they say.. from God. We don’t own them, never have; but they belong to him. Everything we have acquired in this life, every possession, has been given to us by God. Every talent, every skill, and every ability we have is a gift to us from God. And it’s always a good thing to present them to God and say, “Lord, you gave these blessings and tools to me, and I give them back to you.”

Please use me with or without them. Are you willing to do that? Abraham was.

We all have an Isaac in life, so to speak haven't we? I mean something or someone we love so dearly. It is a good thing to present that certain something or someone to the Lord.

And there is no safer place to be than in the hands of God.

Traveling world changers say to God, “Not my will be done, but yours, be done. Use me because everyone needs Jesus -- everyone needs to hear Your Gospel Message, Lord!”

If you want to be a world changer, then I say live pure, and by faith! Please know that your faith will be tested at times. We can’t control the trials that arrive, and what will happen in our lives. All we get to do is decide early how we will react to whatever comes our way.

God is sovereign -- He's in control. We are not. Let Him take the driver's wheel so to speak. Don't wrestle Him over that.

But we can determine early what we will do with what comes our way. World changers turn setbacks into stepping stones, and they worship God acceptably. Biblically.

Of course, I am not Paul, or the early disciples, or Jesus. DHU! I'm just an ordinary Christian. I'm an ex-surfer California that still likes to surf when I get a chance.. but each of us can do better than that. We can do what they did in some sort of traveling ministry if we have Christ living inside. We can live like they lived and do what they did. Not by our own power. We are to rely on the Lord.

I like sailboats better than rowboats. Fill my sails, Lord. 

I say you can live the life and go where the Lord leaves you. If it's not appropriating every location to verbally share the gospel, live it. Let your life preach loud and clear and add words when you can. 

I encourage Christians to travel on purpose.. not their own purposes but his purpose. Bathe your daily travel in prayer. Daily travel in prayer. I remember crossing over the English Channel on a steamship. Having a Belgian breakfast that was a little bit greasy but tasty, and my wife and I had the privilege to share the whole nine yards of the gospel with a man named Igor from Czechoslovakia... and he accepted Christ right then and there on the spot. Yep, on a big boat out to sea! The tears he shed on that boat were not fake at all. He was grateful to the Son of God who alone saves! 

It makes one think that every Christian can easily be doing this when Jesus leads as Lord. There's nothing more exciting than simply traveling through life, repenting, believing in Jesus, getting born again (You totally wash clean from His forgiveness) and helping others to repent, believe, and get born again. What an indescribable free gift! Faith comes from hearing and hearing by the word of Christ -- the gospel is for living and sharing. Prayer care, share. The prayer and the care come first. Or caring so much that we're sharing.

It so grieves me how many young people believe really crazy lies from people on the Internet who have literally rewritten history in something far from truth. My wife Lenny and I often way too often run into people who believe lies from a CNN half story. It grieves me to hear from people with confirmation-bias.. who will never change until they're in eternity.

Yet, I'm still grateful to God who allowed the internet to happen. I'm grateful for dialogues that can happen from close or far away. Why blog messages to the cities that Paul and Jesus preached in before and during your travels? I can be ministering in those towns before and long after I go visit each one.

Liney and I will soon be headed off to the cities that the Apostle Paul preached in. We had this trip and realized we can easily together be visiting into those same spots that he did ..so sure, these cities got added into our itinerary. 

What's the plan, Kurt? Lord willing, we're not going to all the towns that Paul and Jesus visited, but we are going to some key spots.

Today I am praying for the people of Jerusalem and Israel. I'm praying for the people on Patmos, Crete, Cyprus, and Malta. I'm also praying for the people in Athens, Corinth, Philippi, Ephesus, and in Rome, where we, with the Lord's help, will go visit. 

The idols people live for in these town might have.. and  have changed some, but God and His Gospel Messsage have never changed. Same gospel needs to be delivered again.. different idol worship to wisely address. With tactful gentleness, respect. a sense of urgency from the Holy Spirit and clear boldness. 

Let’s walk city by city, letting Scripture set the tone, but speaking into what people live for now.

Athens — The Religion of Ideas, Identity, and Intellectual Pride

Then it was altars to unknown gods.
Now it is identity, philosophy, self-definition, and curated truth.

What they live for today:
Autonomy, intellectual superiority, moral relativism, personal identity, cultural progress.

What would be preached:

“Men and women of Athens.. I see that in every way you are deeply spiritual—but also deeply uncertain. You have replaced carved idols with crafted identities, yet the altar still stands: ‘To the Unknown God.’

What you do not know, I declare to you:

The God who made the world and everything in it does not live in ideas you invent or identities you construct. He is not discovered by introspection, but revealed through His Son.

You speak of truth as fluid—but God has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man He has appointed, and He has given proof of this to all by raising Him from the dead (Acts 17:31).

You pursue freedom—but you are bound to sin.
You celebrate self—but you are estranged from your Creator.

Now God commands all people everywhere to repent.

Turn from the worship of self. Turn from the illusion that you define reality. Turn to Jesus Christ—crucified for your sin, risen for your justification.

Because the same resurrection that proves salvation… also guarantees judgment.

And there is a heaven to gain—and a hell to avoid.”

Philippi — The Religion of Power, Security, and Status

Then it was Roman pride and military order.
Now it is success, financial security, nationalism, and personal advancement.

What they live for today:

Career, stability, control, reputation, comfort, safety.

What would be preached:

"Hey, people of Philippi.. with all due respect, you build your lives on what feels secure don't you—on your income, your nation, your future plans. But what you trust in can collapse in a moment if your trust is not in the Lord God.

You fear instability—war, economic shaking, global uncertainty. You feel it in your bones.

Please hear this:

There is a Kingdom of Christ that cannot be shaken.

Your citizenship is not ultimately here—it must be in heaven (Philippians 3:20), or you will lose everything when this world trembles.

What will it profit you to gain security… and lose your soul?

Jesus Christ humbled Himself to the point of death—even death on a cross—and God has highly exalted Him (Philippians 2:8–9).

One day every knee will bow.

The question is not if—but when.

Bow now in repentance—and receive mercy.
Or bow later under judgment—and face wrath.

The cross is your only refuge. Not your strength. Not your success.

Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ—and you will be saved (Acts 16:31).”

Ephesus — The Religion of Pleasure, Power, and the Occult

Then it was Artemis, magic, and sensuality.
Now it is sexuality, entertainment, hidden spirituality, and self-empowerment.

What they live for today:
Pleasure, sexual freedom, spiritual experimentation, influence, emotional experience.

What would be preached:

“People of Ephesus… you have not abandoned worship—you’ve simply made pleasure your temple.

You seek power—through sexuality, through influence, through hidden spiritual forces—but you are opening doors to darkness you do not understand.

There are real spiritual forces. But there is only one Savior.

You were dead in your trespasses and sins… following the course of this world… under the power of the prince of the air (Ephesians 2:1–2).

But God—rich in mercy—sent His Son.

Jesus Christ did not come to enhance your life—He came to rescue you from judgment.

Sexual sin will not be excused.
Hidden darkness will not remain hidden.
Every secret thing will be brought into the light.

Flee from these things.

Burn your idols as they did before (Acts 19:19). Tear down what enslaves you.

Because outside of Christ, what feels like freedom… is bondage leading to destruction.

But in Christ—there is forgiveness, cleansing, and a new life.

You are saved by grace through faith—not by your power, but by His (Ephesians 2:8–9).

Come out of darkness… into light.”

Rome — The Religion of Power, Control, and Self-Exaltation

Then it was the empire and Caesar.
Now it is influence, politics, dominance, image, and control.

What they live for today:
Power, recognition, control, legacy, influence over others.

What would be preached:

“People of Rome.. you still believe in thrones.

You measure greatness by influence, power, and control—but there is only one throne that will stand forever.

You fear losing control—of nations, of systems, of your future. And now even rumors of war shake your confidence.

But hear this:

God raises up kings—and brings them down.

And He has appointed one King—Jesus Christ.

You are not as powerful as you think.
And you are not as secure as you appear.

All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).

That includes rulers. That includes influencers. That includes you.

The wrath of God is revealed against all ungodliness (Romans 1:18).

But God demonstrates His love—while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).

You will stand before Him.

Not as powerful. Not as admired. Not as untouchable.

But as a soul in need of mercy.

Confess Jesus as Lord—not as a slogan—but as surrender.

Because there is salvation in no one else.”

Olympia (Greece) — The Religion of Body, Glory, and Achievement

Then it was athletic glory and honor.
Now it is fitness, image, performance, achievement, and self-perfection.

What they live for today:
Body image, discipline, success, recognition, achievement, admiration.

What would be preached:

“People of Olympia.. you train your bodies with intensity, discipline, and sacrifice.

But you neglect the one thing that matters most—your soul.

Bodily training is of some value—but godliness holds value for all things (1 Timothy 4:8).

You strive for crowns that fade.
You chase glory that dies with you.

But there is an eternal crown—given not to the strongest, but to the surrendered.

Run your race—but understand this:

You are not competing against others—you are accountable to God.

Sin disqualifies you. Pride blinds you. Self-reliance condemns you.

But Jesus Christ has finished the race perfectly—and offers you His righteousness as a gift.

Turn from trusting in self or something else.. from your self effort.

Because no discipline can erase your sin.
No achievement can earn your salvation.

Fix your eyes on Jesus. The Lord in the Bible. 

Because the finish line is not death—it is judgment.

And beyond that—either eternal life… or eternal separation.”

You People, Are On God's Caring Heart In All Those Cities I Plan To Visit! You Can Know The Lord Too! 

If Jesus and Paul stood today, their message would not soften:

  • Repent — because sin is real

  • Believe — in Jesus -- because the cross is sufficient. He's now alive! 

  • Fear God — because judgment is certain

  • Receive grace — because salvation is a gift

The idols have changed form—but not substance.

And the call remains:

“Turn… while there is still time.”

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