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, 2015, 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. 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.
Thank You, Father. God, for the gifts You have given to Your church – the pastors, teachers, evangelists, prophets, disciples, and apostles. What I know is that the leaders You have given are such blessings to all Your people and to all the world. Bless them, Father and keep them close to You. Help them to be faithful to You and to do the work You have given them – to “equip God’s people to do His work and build up the church, the body of Christ”.
Help all of us to be faithful also. Help us to turn back to You and be filled again with love for You and for others, in Jesus’s name, amen
Amen, Rob
Amen Rob. I am asking for special prayer as my friend Paul from church passed away from covid, determined about his rights not to be vaccinated, yet sharing God with all who would hear him at the hospital. On Saturday, we will celebrate his life, as a church body. Please be with us there Lord and give us peace together. Grieving for his wife Cindy, children and grandchildren who are sorrowfully divided, never having another day to share with him. He will be missed terribly. However, rejoicing that Paul is home with our Saviour and no longer struggling to breathe. Satan has sadly separated people on earth but the Lord has won with total victory in heaven. To our God, be all the glory. Amen.
Beverlee, I would like to say that I am praying for you, and your dear friend Paul’s family, also for your church family as you gather on Saturday.
May God Bless and comfort everyone, as you feel such deep loose and pain.
Thank you Anne. God bless you.
May I be faithful to You Lord. Times are so difficult just now. I pray for the Ukrainian tragedy and their great suffering. I pray for Beverlee’s friend Paul’s family & friends. I lost family through the pandemic also. I miss Marcus Lamb on Day Star TV. His wife, children, and grandchildren, miss him dearly. He also was not vaccinated. I pray for the family who keep the program going on (they have a Christian station in Israel) also. Blessings all
Agreeing with you in prayer for the people of Ukraine and all they are suffering through. May You be their strength dear Lord. I miss Marcus Lamb as well, Doreen. God bless you.