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 1,500 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.
Dear Pastor David
Thank you your blog! I love this addition to my devotional time. Yesterday, you spoke about how you prayed for the same block of time as you were on TV. That really hit home for me, and it’s something I want to do with relation to my job (Church administrator).
Thank you again for this blog and may God richly bless you!!
Ephesus is very impressive indeed. Imagine the slavery and hard work that put that theatre together. It appears we have to work equally hard to keep the unity of the faith. God bless you Pastor David and all the saints.
What an awesome gift we have been given “SAVED BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH IN HIM!! and yet many reject it, how sad!
Have a blessed day Pastor David and all saints!!
yes Irene; it is a GIFT from God! Our culture is raised to work for something. we pray the Holy Spirit will call, gather and enlighten all in the one True faith….I have found that children believe!. Children believe in fairy tales, and they know who Jesus is! They believe in Jesus! They like angels, many know about Christmas and that we celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ! Children know all that info!
The rubber hits the road as they get older and experience sadness. that is when they need to turn to Jesus for help and comfort!
I appreciate the Circle Square Ranches for children sponsored by 100 Huntley Street! Those camps have brought many young people to know Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour!
please pray for healing for Eva and Oliva Newton John! Also please pray for a place to live for Jerry! She has a good job, and good references!
we pray all these requests in the Name of Jesus Christ, amen amen amen
agreeing in prayer with you Sah!
Streams in the Desert, June 1
“Tonight, my soul, be still and sleep;
The storms are raging on God’s deep—
God’s deep, not thine; be still and sleep.
“Tonight, my soul, be still and sleep;
God’s hands shall still the tempter’s sweep—
God’s hands, not thine; be still and sleep.
“Tonight, my soul, be still and sleep;
God’s love is strong while night hours creep—
God’s love, not thine; be still and sleep.
“Tonight, my soul, be still and sleep;
God’s heaven will comfort those who weep—
God’s heaven, not thine; be still and sleep.”
Amen Beverlee…
friend Eva is in the hospital, pray she will get better and return home; pray the Lord will grant me a financial breakthrough to clear up loan and help family/others;sell the car and lease and donate tires to Kiwanis TY Lord amen amen
please pray that Jerry finds a home to rent! she has a good job; good references, amen
Hello David,
Thank you so much for the blessing of this blog, which I read every morning one day late, around 05:30 hrs. I haven’t written to you before, therefore, I am now writing after your request a few days ago. You help me so much in my journey!
I enjoy your words at the end, and please don’t worry when you go over 100, because I lthink we all enjoy the extra words. When I see extra words, I think how great it will be to read more! Thank you again for your work in this blog, what a great way to reach out to many for God’s purpose. Thank you!