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Tuesday, January 24, 2006
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Ancient Church at Armageddon
The Christian world is buzzing with news of a major find. Israeli archaeologists
have uncovered the ruins of a third or fourth century church in northern Israel,
which they believe could be the oldest ever found in the Holy Land. The church
contains a well-preserved mosaic with references to Jesus Christ and images of
fish—an ancient Christian symbol. “This find is once in a lifetime,” chief
archaeologist Yotam Tefer told israel today.
“It’s very, very exciting. It’s a very dramatic discovery because an old
building of this type has never been found in the Land of Israel.” The church
was found during renovations at a prison in Megiddo—what the New Testament calls
Armageddon— the site where all the armies of the world will meet for the final
showdown between good and evil.
“Then they gathered the kings together to the place that in Hebrew is called
Armageddon” (Revelation 16:16).
The word Armageddon is derived from the Hebrew Har Meggido— Mount Meggido.
It overlooks the Jezreel Valley, a vast area where the armies of the nations
will gather for the last battle. “Multitudes, multitudes in the Valley of
Decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the Valley of Decision” (Joel
3:14).
“This is the place, the site of the last battle, Armageddon,” Tefer said. “Of
course, this is the place. So this is why it’s so important to the Christian
world.” Word of the find has electrified Christian believers across the
denominational spectrum.
(More in israel today from January 2006)
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