EQUIPPING SAINTS
Suggested Reading: Ephesians 4
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
Today's photos feature the two impressive ancient theatres in Ephesus. The one pictured above is the Odeon (Bouleuterion) - This building has the shape of a small theatre. It had a double function in use. First, it was used as a Bouleuterion for the meetings of the Boulea or the Senate. The second function was the Odeum - a concert hall for performances. It was constructed in the 2nd century A.D by the order of Publius Vedius Antonius and his wife Flavia Paiana, two wealthy citizens in Ephesus. It had a capacity of 1500 spectators. It had three doors opening from the stage to the podium. The podium was narrow and one metre higher than the orchestra section. The stage building was two-storied and embellished with columns. The podium in front of the stage building and some parts of the seating were restored. The Odeon used to be enclosed with a wooden roof.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Ephesians 4:13
“Until we all come to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”
In the first three chapters of Ephesians, we are taught that God “has made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:6). We’ve been enjoying “the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8-9). “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works lest anyone should boast.”
In the last three chapters, we make a rapid descent back down to earth. Like the astronauts, there is danger in re-entry into the earth’s atmosphere and danger in the landing. Here on earth, (1) we must learn to get along in unity with each other, (2) pay attention to those to whom God has given leadership responsibilities, (3) grow up and be “no longer children tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness by which they lie in wait to deceive.” (4) we must “put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man, which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts.” (5) we must “let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, and evil speaking be put away.” (6) we must learn to “be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.” This list of what to do and what not to do goes on and on throughout the rest of the book. Let us remember that while we seek to behave in a godly way, failure to be perfect does not change in any way the message of the first three chapters. Our position “in Christ” is secure forever. Don’t get it backwards. We do our best to obey because we are “in Christ,” not in order to get the favour of God by our good deeds.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, here on earth it’s sometimes hard to always do what is right. Forgive me for the wrong I have done and will probably do again. According to Your Word, I pray for constant cleansing from sin. I thank You for Your promise in 1 John 1:8-9, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I remember clearly my father preaching from 1st John, chapter one. He focused on verse 7b, “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” As a Greek language teacher, my father pointed out that the Greek verb translated “cleanses” denotes something that has happened, is happening, and will continue to happen all the time. Isn’t that comforting to know this fact, that God always sees us as clean because He sees us under the blood of Jesus! Hallelujah! Note that John, the Apostle who was most often the closest of all the disciples to Jesus, included himself when he used the word “we,” as I quoted in my prayer for today. We can never say, “We have no sin.” So I’ve learned to relax, sitting in heavenly places, with my feet placed firmly here on earth. I do not live only here on earth, but with Christ in heavenly places as well. Like my muscles which have a ligament on both ends, there is a healthy tension here that keeps me moving forward.
Yours for our “one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, and through all, and in you all” (Ephesians 4:5 & 6),
David
This theatre is the most magnificent structure in the ancient city of Ephesus. The Great Theatre is located on the slope of Panayir Hill, opposite the Harbor Street, and easily seen when entering from the south entrance to Ephesus. It was first constructed in the Hellenistic Period, in the third century BC during the reign of Lysimachos, but then during the Roman Period, it was enlarged and formed its current style that is seen today. It is the largest in Anatolia and has the capacity of 25,000 seats. It is thought that here the near riot took place as a result of the preaching of Paul.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Trust you have checked back yesterday’s posting, fellow bloggers and saw my blog. Thanks!
Ger … I will be praying for you as you go through this trial. Please keep your eyes solely focused upon the Lord and his love for you and keep comforting scripture foremost in your mind and in your heart. I find Psalms particularly comforting. God will be with you, He will see you through. God Bless you sister!
Will be praying for your surgery Wednesday, June 6th, for healing, a healthy recovery and our Lord’s guiding of hands and minds among your surgeons.
Ger, My husband Bill and I are praying for you. Jesus is with you!!!
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
Psalm 27:1
” The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” Psalm 23:1
Thank you Lord that Ger is in your Hands and that You love her so much!!! We praise You!!!
“For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13
And a hearty amen to your words David, this about says it all! I shall quote what you said, and what every believer should drive deep into their heart …
“Our position ‘In Christ’ is secure forever. Don’t get it backwards. We do our best to obey because we are ‘in Christ’, not in order to get the favour of God by our good deeds.” (David Mainse)
Good summary and explanation of today’s reading, David as usual. Have a good day!
Thanks, Scott, for your comforting words and I will take your advice. God bless you.
Paul leaves no questions around the character and mind of Christian living. I like your fathers teaching of the Greek translation of “cleanses” in all tenses and your analogy of our tendons. You must be tired David after tornado activity in the Oklahoma region last night. I was praying and continue to pray for Ron and the Crossroads team, as well as others impacted by the storm.
How wonderful to feel completely SAFE in Jesus and thank you Pastor David for your prayer and words. Always uplifting to read the Word and explanation.
Blessings to our fellow bloggers and my prayers are with you Ger as your prepare for next week. As The Lord says …….Be brave and courageous because THE LORD goes with you. When I had my three surgeries last year, I always had a special verse in mind to say over and over that comforted me.
God bless you, Marcia and all today. Love you in The Lord
Psalm 138:7:
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me. ESV
Psalm 46:10:
Be at peace in the knowledge that I am God: I will be lifted up among the nations, I will be honoured through all the earth. BEB
Be Still and Know that I am God
Be still and know that I am God,
Be still and know that I am God,
Be still and know that I am God.
I am the Lord that healeth thee,
I am the Lord that healeth thee,
I am the Lord that healeth thee.
In thee, O Lord, I put my trust,
In thee, O Lord, I put my trust,
In thee, O Lord, I put my trust.
To hear it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtflAXHh-jk
To see it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVk9J2BvJG8
God bless you, and keep you, fellow saints!
This is especially for you, Ger!
Ger– it is so amazing how many Psalms have been quoted for you and for your situation. One of my favourites is Psalm 121 Today’s English Version. I highly recommend it to anyone facing uncertainty– may it give you peace Sister Ger.
“I look to the mountains; where will my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
May he not let me fall; may my protector keep awake.
The protector of Israel does not doze or sleep!
The Lord will guard you; he is by your side to protect you.
The sun will not hurt you during the day,nor the moon during the night.
The Lord will protect you from all dangers; he will keep you safe.
He will protect you as you come and go, from now on and forever.”
Dear David and precious fellow bloggers
So good to know that the blood of Jesus can wash us purify us and keep us white as snow.
Sharing with you a passage of one of my worship song:
Healer heal me
Saviour save me
Jesus have your way
King of heaven
Reing in me
Thank you every one for your prayers for Marcia who is now recovering after surgery yesterday morning, she is very gratefull for all your prayers.
Have a blessed day dear fellow saints in Jesus name Amen.
Thank you David for your astronaut metaphor, and for the picture you drew for me with your words today…I can see us relaxed and seated in the heavenly realms with Christ and our feet on the earth! That is beautiful!
God bless you and yours today.
You are in my prayers too Ger
My prayer is the same as yours David
Have a good day everyone
Lianne Hogg
My prayers are also with you Ger may God hold your hand as you go through
this trial ,..thank you all for allyour prayers and comments ….R…
Thank you Gisela, David, Catherine, Beverlee, Donna, Lianne and Rosemarie for all your love, scripture, and songs. I am overwhelmed amd it is amazing. Again forgive me for not replying before now as I was out to a Ladies’ Retreat in Maine today and then did some more preparation at home here and was just now checking the blog again. Thank you David for making this all possible and with all your prayers sisters and brothers, I have peace that our Lord is going to watch over me and be with the medical team. God ricly bless everyone of you.
We truly appreciate your blog each morning,It has blessed us both tremendously. Todays picture of the mens public toilets are hilarious, We had a good morning laugh ,which is good for the soul.We were wondering what the women had for bathrooms, we can just imagine. But the Lord is good and does provide for us in many styles.
Continue with the blogs as the Lord provides.
Blessings to 100 Huntley Street