Pilgrims walk with Christ

Our time in Turkey continues to amaze and fascinate the collective pilgrim group.  Today was another full day, and admittedly even just ONE of the places we visited is a full day of things to consider, both in history and scripture.  We like to do things up right, so after discussing our theme and text for the day (Philippians 1:27-30), we set out as a pilgrims to be persistent in our learning and demonstration of how we live our lives in community.

Our day began at Hierapolis - an area that has settlements dating back to the Neolithic Age - the natural terraces make for a very appealing landscape and natural fortification.  Hierapolis thrived as a Roman city and the ruins that exist today are from that time, as the city was eventually destroyed by two earthquakes in the 5th century.  In addition to being a city that is undergoing an incredible restoration, the history and significance of Hierapolis has an important role to this pilgrim group.

Our next visit was to Laodicea (for those of you keeping count, Laodicea is the 6th of the 7 churches of the Revelation that we have visited thus far).  This was the wealthiest of the 7 churches in terms of trade.  John addressed this church in Rev 3:14-22, admonishing them for being "lukewarm" in their faith - neither hot nor cold.  In context, this message makes sense to the people of this time, for they were positioned between two cities - one known for hot water and the other for its icy waters.  Being lukewarm in this writing, of course, refers to the lack of zeal or enthusiasm that this church demonstrated for their Christianity.

We wrapped the day at St. John's Basilica.  Built in the 6th century, this church came to be known in the Middle Ages as the "Church of the Cross", and a popular pilgrimage site, due largely to the belief that John the Apostle is buried here.  The foundations, some of the walls and entryways are well preserved and provide an insightful view to how the early churches were built and why.

Now in Kusadasi, we the pilgrims are enjoying our hotel right on the Aegean Sea and the cooler air bestowed upon a seaside town.  Tomorrow will be a full day at Ephesus, so be sure to check back and see what we have seen and learned.

Looking for more?  Check out our pictures HERE, they are of course entertaining!