EPHESUS!
Today’s Reading: Revelation 2:1-7
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
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, but then during the Roman Period it was enlarged and formed its current style, with a seating capacity of 25,000. It is believed that here the near riot took place as a result of the preaching of Paul (Acts 19:23-41).
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Revelation 2:7
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.
God willing, we’ll have one day in our reading schedule for each of the seven churches. They are short readings, so we may want to increase our understanding by reading the entire book of Ephesians (click here). If that’s too much for time available, how about just reading Ephesians, chapter four (click here). Also, we could revisit June 1, 2013, when Ephesians 4 was our focus (click here). Why revisit the Apostle Paul’s letter (62 A.D.) to the members of the Ephesian church? It’s because we can check up as we read today’s reading as to how the Ephesian church progressed or regressed over a 30-year period. Also we may want to read the story of the founding of the church in Ephesus (Acts 19:1-20).
The word “Angel” used here can also be translated “Messenger.” This is probably addressed to the Pastor of the Ephesian church. The Pastor is answerable to God for the spiritual and moral health of those he cares for as an under-shepherd to the Great Shepherd, Jesus! Jesus’ assessment is (1) they have perseverance, (2) they have patience, (3) they have not become weary, (4) they have left their first love, (5) they are to remember (read Ephesians), (6) repent and experience revival, (7) they hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans (professing Christians who continued to practise black magic and participate in pagan worship of other gods), (8) Those who responded in repentance and renewed their first love received from Jesus a marvellous promise. Amen!!!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Dear Lord Jesus, I pray for grace to learn the same lessons in my personal life which You taught the Ephesian believers. I repent! I pray fervently for revival of my first Love! I dare not live as the Nicolaitans, with one foot in a pagan culture and another foot in the church. By Your grace, I desire with all my heart to be one who overcomes and who will eat of the Tree of Life in Paradise. In Your Name! Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I’m constantly reading ahead of the current reading. The day after tomorrow, God willing, I want to write more about the compromising theological liberals known as the Nicolaitans. Throughout 60 years of public ministry as a pastor/teacher, evangelist and a Christian who needs God’s grace daily, I have had to deal with several powerful personalities who sought to manipulate others in a way that was contrary to the clear teaching of Scripture. A strong stand for the historical understanding of the Christian faith is absolutely essential. This was taught by the Apostles and in the writings of their immediate successors, who established the creeds, which I believe to be accurate statements of Christian doctrine and practice. For example, here are the Nicene and Apostles Creed (click here). These statements are foundational to our Christian faith. They were agreed to by the leaders of the universal Church (Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Evangelicals) during the early centuries in order to stand for the truth and to stand against the very false doctrines against which Jesus warned the church at Ephesus.
Yours in the “saved by grace” expectation of someday eating “from the Tree of Life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God”!!!
David
P.S. On Monday this week on the 100 Huntley Street telecast, I interviewed Dr. John Hull on his decision to resign as CEO of Crossroads/Yes TV (to watch the interview, click here).
P.P.S. I’ve asked David Reynold for an extra photo of what’s left of ancient Ephesus. I understand that this city was partially destroyed by a disastrous earthquake in 614 A.D.
Off the beaten path in Ephesus you can walk down some of the main roads from ancient times.
This is an artists rendering of what the ancient Temple of Diana (or Artemis in Greek) may have looked like. It was located in Ephesus and known as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Praying for those in Fort McMurray. Lord God, we know we don’t understand the devastation of fire. We ask for Your protection and safe evacuation of every resident in Fort McMurray and all the fire fighter crews and volunteers. In Jesus’ precious Name, amen, amen, and amen.
Many prayers for all of them. Thanks. Amen!
My son-in-law is an in-charge person up at Fort McMurray. He said 3 babies were born in their first-aid facility yesterday. These are not his employees, but people who needed help when the hospital was not available (evacuated). So many desperate situations up there. Isaiah 43: 2 (safe in fire); Isaiah 43: 3 (I am your God. I, the Holy One of Israel, am your Saviour.
Amen, Beverlee. Was up praying as well. So many Maritimers are also affected there. Thank God there are no casualties but is heart wrenching for them. Lord, be with them and speak to their hearts very clearly at this time, in Jesus Name! Amen and Amen!
My prayers are with all of them as well
Agreeing in prayer with you Beverlee, Ger and Lianne. My daughter”s school friend lives there. Have hope dear friends. Eleanor M.
Thanks for your prayer and message, today, David. I read all of Ephesians. It is important to go back and refresh the memory. The photos help link us there–thanks so much for posting them! I am tied up with a terribly broken toe; reading the scripture and an Oswald Chambers book. Thank you in advance saints, for your prayers. Blessings to all, today.
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
Rom 8:28, NLT
Holy Spirit Rain Down
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-SI_HRWooA
Dear Beverlee I am so sorry that you have broken your toe. I believe it can be very painful, so I am praying that The Lord would heal it and saturate you with His amazing love as you relax in His presence.
Praying for you Beverlee, for the pain to be released and for a total healing,with no side affects, for the movement to be restored perfectly Jesus I pray this in you Holy Name and I thank You for answered prayer. Amen!!
Great detailed photos Reynold, thank you Pastor David for the details scripted beneath each photo.
Always blessed and exhorted by the Words of Jesus to each church, when reading Revelations. Especially the first four chapters, and the last two. The in-between not so much!
Bless you Pastor David for including the links from the Book of Ephesus!
Please pray for the people of the city of Ft. McMurray, Alberta. As of yesterday, the city has been destroyed by fire, most of the residents have had to evacuate. Lord Jesus we call on you to intervene on behalf of all that have left their homes, most with just the clothes on their back. I pray for restoration of their emotions, for comfort, and peace of mind.
Thank you Lord that all came out safely and are being cared for, and have a place of shelter. Thank you Jesus, Amen!!!
WOW!
I am sure that many bloggers and Crossroads supporters will join me in thanking Dr. John Hull for his strong leadership and wish him well with his family challenges (and of course his wonderful Grandfather duties) in Atlanta.
It was good to hear David say that family comes before ministry.
Shalom,
Graham.
I am always reminded that before God we should plead guilty of all sins, even those we are not aware of, as we do in the Lord’s Prayer..
the second part of confession is that we receive absolution, that is, forgiveness of sins…..
I pray also that Christians will be led to have evening prayer services in all our communities. there is something very moving when people come together to pray! the Holy Spirit works among the people!
Luke 1:74 “to grant us that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve Him with our fear”
Isiah 41:10..fear not for I am with you, be not dismayed for I am your God and I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorius right hand”
Psalm 5:12 For You, O Lord,will bless the righteous; with favour You will surround him as with a shield”
a typing error above should read “with out fear”
Amen! to all the comments above.
Remembering everyone in prayer.
Thank you David for your clear teaching about the Ephesian church. Never knew what the sin of the Nicolaitans was before! Joining the prayers above for the healing of your toe Beverlee and you will not be too uncomfortable with it in Jesus name. Thank you again for all your postings!
Thank you Ger, Eleanor, Irene, and fellow saints for your prayers. Unfortunately, I watched some of the you tube videos of the fires out west and I cannot imagine the terror of having to drive through that. For everyone who experienced it first hand, may you be safe settled and well taken care of. Know that you are being prayed for by so many saints and rejoice in being alive. God is your resting place. Amen.
Dear Beverlee, praying for your complete healing from your fractured toe. You must feel unsteady on your feet when you walk. Hope you have little pain.
Also praying for the safety of all residents from Fort McMurray. Praying for all EMS Firefighters and Police who are working tirelessly through this awful situation.
Thank you Rev Mainse for the opportunity through this blog to acknowledge one another and pray for each other.