Ganga - the world wide influence

The Ganges is a spiritual destination for many Hindu's and our team saw one group that had traveled here washing in the river.

The oldest **living city in the world that has many sections of the city that haven't changed (modernized / built over).  They believe that those people that die here will attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth.  The Ganga river is believed to have power to wash away the sins of mortals.

Before sunrise leading worship at the river.  Ringing bells
(always bells) to wake the  gods

The city worships at the river ... every night of the week.  We went down and rented a boat on the river and when I looked back I did a little bit of a double take.  Behind us was a family that could have been my family.

The 'mom' of the family was wearing a traditional gown - the father was rejoicing with the ceremony and the entire family was watching the ceremony with excitement.  They leaned over their boat and all of the family put lighted candles in the water.  The thing that was sad to me is that they have to sacrifice over ... and over ... and over .. and over.  All the while hoping that they will be forgiven by these gods and rituals.  Back to the 'do' vs. 'done' post that we had earlier ... it made me appreciate God's word.

  "Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself. For the law appoints as high priests men in all their weakness; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever."  Hebrews 7

My faith is in Christ.  My faith is that the price that was paid on the cross covered my sins once and forever.  My faith is that Christ's resurrection proves His power over death - superior to the man-made idols that are here ... and the faith that I will conquer death as well.  This life is definitely 'moving forward to a destination' and all of our faith will be tested soon.