EQUIPPING SAINTS
Today’s 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.
David I want to say the same prayer as you did
Have a beautiful day with the Lord all bloggers
Lianne Hogg
Amen!,
Amen! Pastor Mainse. Thankyou for your prayers and messages
of encouragement, reassuring us that Jesus Christ has paid for all
our sins. We only have to trust in Him for our salvation. 1 JOHN V1
May God bless each person on this blog, Amen.
Amen David!
Have a blessed day blog friends…
I meant to say 1st JOHN, Chapter 1, Verses 1-10.
What a great day that will be when we become united; one in Christ Jesus…united in His love!!~
Rev. David, I like the way in which you combined the scriptures…drawing a picture of us in heaven…and then bringing us into the reality, here on earth…learning to love one another…being forgiven, and forgiving: In Christ Jesus all things are possible!! Guided by the Holy Spirit.
When we kneel before Jesus, what will we see in the Lamb’s Book of Life? What is considered, “our reward”? Faithfulness, striving to follow His commands, steadfastness? What about unforgiveness?
I generally don’t comment because I live in Alberta and don’t do my reading until bedtime so it’s almost your next day but I wanted you to know that I am a faithful reader and what a blessing it has been and how it has kept me on track reading through the Bible for the second time with you. I have been a Christian for 48 years but had always got bogged down in those dreary books and never made it through until doing this two year plan. Thank you and bless you for keeping at it and encouraging many!!
Thanks for your uplifting words of wisdom, knowledge and hope.Sorry to say, I have tried so hard to get your 100 words in my outlook, but have had no luck. I hope some day you will get your technicians to do the needful. Eversince you went to Israel, I never receive anything. Quite disappointing. God bless you all
Today is a beautiful day here in west-central Alberta, Jun 1st. May all fellow bloggers, their families and friends have a blessed Jun this year.
How inspiring Ephesians 4 is.
Great pics of the old theatres. Seems like so many theatres in Canada are called Odeon. Now I know where that name came from.
Love your Prayer For Today Rev. M. Amen!
This is a great short read about someone I never heard of before but would like to get his book now: Enjoy!
http://www.denisonforum.org/reviews/1630-rod-drehers-how-dante-can-save-your-life
Blessings all fellow saints.
Oh the magnificence of the ancient theatres in Ephesus! Such splendour in the making, and to witness Paul preaching there! “In Him, with Him, and through Him…” we bow to Your honour and glory, in Jesus precious name, amen! Thanks for the great message and photos, today, David and Reynold, and for keeping the blog in check, Ron. Oh good and faithful servants! Blessings dearest saints!
Louise PRAISE GOD THAT YOU DO READ THE DAILY BLOG! It does not matter what time of day, or even if it’s a week late! I don’t always do it right away also, sometimes I am not feeling very well, but I do get around to reading the blog eventually
KEEP AT IT!
I was just thinking it might be very interesting to see where every one comes from, I live in British Columbia, how about everyone else?
I wish I could help those who can’t recceive the blog! I am sure that a technician could help!
blessings to everyone!
p.s. I went to a concert of the HANDBELL RINGERS! IT WAS SO AMAZING! I was so thankful that I could get up in time to attend! I would like to ask for fellow Christians to please pray for me!
I come to your blog often for a time of learning and being renewed. I very much like your words on ‘my cleansing’. I am in my 50’s, have known Christ as my savior most all adult life. My last few years though Christ has opened my eyes to His Great Love for me and the freedom of living in that has changed me. I am being cleansed daily. I am not spiritual wise, but this I know. To God be the glory!
Sah from British Columbia I will keep you in my prayers and ask God for your good health. I live in Caledon Ontario not far from Burlington (about an hour drive) from where Crossroads is televised.
I am enjoying Ephesians, this is my first time round reading it. This blog and scripture is a tremendous learning experience for me. I love everyone’s input as well as the poetry from Beverlee and others.
Rev Mainse and his family bring the Bible to life for me I could never understand most of it by myself. Thank you Thank you fellow saints.
I am really enjoying Ephesians. We are studying it in my bible group at church. Reading your blog is a great learning experience for me. I also like looking at the pictures that accompany each blog. I had the privilege of visiting some of those places. Thank you so much for your enlightening words. God will continue to Bless you and give you strength.
Elizabeth Y
Hi Pam
I couldn’t agree more! This blog explains things very well, BUT GOD’S PLAN WAS FOR US TO READ, LEARN, DIGEST, SWIRL IT AROUND AND READ, LEARN, DIGEST SOME MORE!
I really want to encourage everyone that it doesn’t matter what time of day yOu read this blog! The most important aspect is that YOU DO AT SOME TIME! It’s the same as having Bible studies in the p.m. or a.m. sometimes it takes every bone in my body to get up, but I do eventually and I have to pick the studies that I can do…..READING GOD’S WORD IS THE BEST MEDICINE WE CAN TAKE!
BLESSINGS TO ALL