Traveling with Polishing the Pulpit
John and Carla Moore | Expedition Guides
The Bible Lands Studies Program is organized through Bible Land Passages, a ministry of John and Carla Moore. John has been actively involved in ministry and Christian education since 1987 and is currently an instructor at Bear Valley Bible Institute International where he teaches a variety of textual classes along with a course on Bible land geography and archaeology. Having studied at Jerusalem University College, worked on archeological digs, and traveled widely in Israel and Jordan, John offers a unique perspective on the relationship between the land of Israel and the Biblical Text. Carla enjoys helping John with study tours to Bible land locations. She is part of the women’s faculty at Bear Valley Bible Institute and frequently speaks to women’s groups. She is the founder of the “Write On My Heart Every Word” scripture writing ministry, and is co-host of the weekly podcast “Looking Up! with Kathy and Carla.” John and Carla are also the founders and film directors of the Bible Land Passages documentaries series and Connection videos available on several media platforms.
Allen Webster | PTP Director
Allen Webster loves preaching the gospel, teaching students the Bible, planning church events, and writing for the Lord. He teaches in the Memphis School of Preaching and the Georgia School of Theology. He is editor of House to House/Heart to Heart, writes for the Spiritual Sword, and has published many tracts and a few Bible Courses and books. He is a director of the Polishing the Pulpit Conference. When not teaching, he is on the road doing gospel meetings, “Reigniting the Fire” seminars, “The Bible’s Big Picture” weekends, and lectures/series.
Luke Griffin | PTP Director
Luke Griffin is the Executive Director of House to House/Heart to Heart and one of the PTP Directors. Over twenty years ago, he left his career as a professor and research librarian to work full-time in ministry. He has extensive knowledge of ancient history and the coins of Bible times. Luke serves as an elder at the East Ridge church of Christ in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He and his wife Kristi have four children.
Itinerary
Day 1: Thursday, March 19th
Begin your journey to Israel, a land rich with biblical history and spiritual significance. Prepare to walk in the footsteps of prophets, kings, and Jesus himself.
Day 2: Friday, March 20th
Arrive in Tel Aviv and meet at the airport in Tel Aviv. If we arrive early we will visit Aphek, a strategic city where the Philistines defeated Israel and captured the Ark of the Covenant (1 Samuel 4). Alternatively, explore Joppa (Jaffa), the ancient port city where Jonah boarded a ship to flee from God’s call (Jonah 1:3) and where Peter had a vision that opened the gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 10:9-16). Overnight in Tel Aviv.
Day 3: Saturday, March 21st
Today we visit Shiloh, the spiritual center of Israel for 369 years and the resting place of the Ark of the Covenant (Joshua 18:1). Continue to Samaria (Sebastia), the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, built by King Omri (1 Kings 16:24). Stop at Jacob’s Well, where Jesus revealed His identity as the Messiah to the Samaritan woman (John 4:5-6). Conclude the day at Mt. Gerizim and Mt. Ebal, the mountains where Israel proclaimed blessings and curses as instructed by Moses (Deuteronomy 11:29). Overnight in Tel Aviv.
Day 4: Sunday, March 22nd
Begin the day in Caesarea, a Roman city where Peter baptized Cornelius, the first Gentile convert (Acts 10), and where Paul was imprisoned before his journey to Rome (Acts 23:23-35). Travel through the historic Valley of Jezreel and our way to Nazareth, the hometown of Jesus, and visit Nazareth CofC to reflect on His early life (Matthew 2:23). As time permits, we will also stop for photographs and a devotional at the base of Mount Carmel near the brook of Kishon. Overnight at the Sea of Galilee.
Day 5: Monday, March 23rd
Explore Hazor, a major Canaanite city conquered by Joshua (Joshua 11:10). Visit Dan, the northernmost city of ancient Israel, where Jeroboam set up a golden calf, leading the people into idolatry (1 Kings 12:28-30). Continue to Caesarea Philippi, where Peter confessed Jesus as the Christ (Matthew 16:13-20), and see the remains of pagan temples that once dominated the area. Upon our return to the Galilee we plan to travel through biblical Bashan where we will see Mount Hermon in the distance along with the region where Paul travelled on the road to Damascus. Overnight at the Sea of Galilee.
Day 6: Tuesday, March 24th
Climb Mt. Arbel for breathtaking views of the Sea of Galilee and the surrounding region. Take a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, recalling Jesus calming the storm and walking on water (Mark 4:35-41, Matthew 14:22-33). Visit Capernaum, Jesus’ ministry base, where He performed many miracles (Matthew 4:13). Explore Magdala, the hometown of Mary Magdalene, and see the remains of a first-century synagogue (Luke 8:2). Conclude the day at Chorazin, one of the cities Jesus rebuked for its lack of faith (Matthew 11:21). Overnight at the Sea of Galilee.
Day 7: Wednesday, March 25th
Visit Beit Shean, a major biblical city where the bodies of King Saul and his sons were displayed after their defeat by the Philistines (1 Samuel 31:10). Continue to Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, offering invaluable insights into the Bible and ancient Jewish life. End the day at the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, where you can float in its mineral-rich waters. Overnight at the Dead Sea.
Day 8: Thursday, March 26th
Ascend Masada, the fortress where Jewish rebels made their last stand against the Romans in 73 AD. Explore the ruins and reflect on their courage and sacrifice. Travel to Jericho, one of the oldest cities in the world, where the walls fell after Joshua and the Israelites marched around them (Joshua 6:20).. From here we will visit the Wadi Qelt overlook, and then make one final stop for the day at Mount Scopus to receive a proper introduction to beautiful city of Jerusalem. Overnight in the Old City of Jerusalem.
Day 9: Friday, March 27th
Spend the morning at the Israel Archaeological Museum, home to artifacts that illuminate the biblical world. Here we will also spend time discussing the topography and history of Jerusalem as we examine in detail the magnificent outdoor model of first century Jerusalem. In afternoon we travel to the Shephelah and visit Beth Shemesh, where the Ark of the Covenant returned after being captured by the Philistines (1 Samuel 6:12). Then it’s on to the Elah Valley, the site of David’s victory over Goliath (1 Samuel 17:2). Overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 10: Saturday, March 28th
Begin at the Kotel (Western Wall), the holiest site in Judaism, where you can pray and reflect. Take the Great Bridge Tour for a modern perspective of Jerusalem’s history and architecture. Explore the Davidson Archaeological Park, which showcases ruins from the Second Temple period along with the southern steps which some believe to be the place where 3,000 were baptized as recorded in Acts 2. Next, we visit the City of David, the original site of Jerusalem, where David established his capital (2 Samuel 5:7). Here we will also explore the ancient Canaanite underground water system and Hezekiah’s tunnel. Our day will end with a devotional at the first-century pool of Siloam where Jesus told the blind man to wash and was healed (John 9). Overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 11: Sunday, March 29th
Walk the Mt. of Olives, where Jesus ascended to heaven (Acts 1:9-12) and where He wept over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41). Visit the Church of All Nations, built over the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed before His arrest (Matthew 26:36-46). Walk the Via Dolorosa, the path Jesus took to the cross, and reflect on His sacrifice. See the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the traditional site of the crucifixion and burial of Jesus. Conclude the day at the Tower of David Museum, which traces Jerusalem’s history through the ages, and where Herod’s kingly palace was located. Overnight in Jerusalem.
Day 12: Monday, March 30th
This will be a free day. Instruction will be given on how to visit other sites within the city. This will be a great day for shopping or visiting other places in the city such the traditional sites for the upper room, Caiaphas’ House, and Oscar Schindler’s grave. Other great sites to visit would be the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the Eastern Gate, the Rampart Walk, the Temple Institute, Wohl Museum, and many other historically and culturally interesting and significant places. It will be a special day for individual adventure and exploration, or rest and relaxation. (Breakfast and Dinner Provided).
Day 13: Tuesday, March 31st
Visit the Garden Tomb, a serene site which is an alternative site to the church of Holy Sepulcher and the site connected to Golgotha. Spend free time reflecting, shopping, or exploring Jerusalem at your own pace. Depart late from Tel Aviv, carrying the memories of your journey.
Day 14: Wednesday, April 1st
Arrive back in the US, enriched by your experiences and the deep connections you’ve made to the biblical narrative.
Tour Specific Terms and Conditions
CLOTHING/MODESTY: Polishing the Pulpit Modesty Rules: The PTP modesty standard includes no shorts (of any length); no low-cut tops/dresses; no strapless/spaghetti strap tops; no tank tops; no tight/form-fitting clothes such as stretch/yoga pants/tight jeans/tight dress pants; no skirts/dresses above the knee (even when sitting); no midriffs; no other revealing/distracting clothing. The dress code does not apply to children 5 years old and under. School-age and up are asked to honor it.
COST: The basic cost for sharing a twin room is $3,875 per person. Price is based on double occupancy and does NOT include airfare. If you prefer single occupancy you will need to add the $1,350.00 supplement.
LUGGAGE RESTRICTIONS AND PACKING: PLEASE PACK LIGHT! For ease of travel and to expedite moving from place to place with land transportation, we need to limit our packing to one medium-sized suitcase per person, and one small carry-on and/or backpack (or you can try to limit all your luggage to just one carry-on and backpack). Baggage handling for one standard-size suitcase per person is included in the price. Due to limited motor coach capacity, this bag should have dimensions not exceeding 62 linear inches (length + width + height; including wheels and handles) and weight not exceeding 50 lbs. Carry-on bags are the responsibility of the passengers. One carry-on and one personal item are allowed. Dimensions for carry-on bags are not to exceed 9” X 14” X 22” inches.
INCLUSIONS - Items included in the tour price:
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Standard hotels
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Abundant, delicious all-you-can-eat breakfast and dinner buffets
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Luxury coach transportation
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All entry fees to museums, special sites, holy sites, areas of interest (except on free days and activities not related to group events)
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Tips for guides, drivers, and bellmen
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Airport taxes, service charges, government taxes, and fuel surcharges
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One suitcase per person at airports and hotels
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Maps and trip handouts
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Instructional Lessons, Bible Applications and Connections, and explanations
EXCLUSIONS - These items are not included:
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Airfare
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Surcharge for payment by Credit card to Bible Land Passages.
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Airfare or portage to and from the original point of group embarkation.
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Passport processing fees (it is the responsibility of the Traveler to obtain and maintain a current U.S. Passport in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations).
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Telephone calls.
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Valet/laundry service, and other items of a strictly personal nature.
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Excess baggage.
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Beverages and meals not detailed in the itinerary nor reflected in the brochure.
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Optional excursions.
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Health or trip insurance.
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Portage to and from the starting point of the tour (unless specified)
