Podcasts about ephesian

Acts 21:27-30 When the seven days were nearly over, some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the temple. They stirred up the whole crowd and seized him,  28 shouting, “Fellow Israelites, help us! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people and our law and this place. And besides, he has brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this holy place.”  29 (They had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with Paul and assumed that Paul had brought him into the temple.) 30 The whole city was aroused, and the people came running from all directions. Seizing Paul, they dragged him from the temple, and immediately the gates were shut.    From All Directions   Acts 22:1-10 “Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense.” 2 When they heard him speak to them in Aramaic, they became very quiet. Then Paul said: 3 “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. I studied under Gamaliel and was thoroughly trained in the law of our ancestors. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today.  4 I persecuted the followers of this Way to their death, arresting both men and women and throwing them into prison,  5 as the high priest and all the Council can themselves testify. I even obtained letters from them to their associates in Damascus, and went there to bring these people as prisoners to Jerusalem to be punished. 6 “About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. 7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, ‘Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?' 8 “‘Who are you, Lord?' I asked.  “ ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,' he replied. 9 My companions saw the light, but they did not understand the voice of him who was speaking to me. 10 “‘What shall I do, Lord?' I asked.  “ ‘Get up,' the Lord said, ‘and go into Damascus. There you will be told all that you have been assigned to do.'    Don't forget where you came from. Don't forget where GOD brought you from.     Acts 23:1-11 Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, “My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.”  2 At this the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth.  3 Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!” 4 Those who were standing near Paul said, “How dare you insult God's high priest!” 5 Paul replied, “Brothers, I did not realize that he was the high priest; for it is written: ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.'” 6 Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, “My brothers, I am a Pharisee, descended from Pharisees. I stand on trial because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead.” Don't miss the moment. Don't miss GOD IN the moment.    7 When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.  8 (The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, and that there are neither angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees believe all these things.) 9 There was a great uproar, and some of the teachers of the law who were Pharisees stood up and argued vigorously. “We find nothing wrong with this man,” they said. “What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?” 10 The dispute became so violent that the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them. He ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force and bring him into the barracks. 11 The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”   Don't underestimate where you might go. Don't underestimate where GOD might take you.        

In the first of seven letters to the churches in Revelation, Jesus praises the Ephesian church for its perseverance and commitment to truth, but rebukes them for abandoning their first love for Him—reminding us today that no matter how much we do for God, what He desires most is our passionate, personal relationship with Him, and calling us to return to the basics of faith: remembering our redemption, repenting of drift, and repeating our first love.

Scripture Reference: Ephesians 1:15-23 As the apostle Paul writes his letter to the Ephesian church, he is overwhelmed with gratitude and tells them how he is praying for them. In Paul’s prayer we see the unlocking of a mystery. What is most needed in all of our lives is NOT necessarily a chance in circumstances. No, what is most needed is to have the eyes of our heart enlightened so that we live according to what is unseen but real. Sermon Points: Knowledge (vs. 17) Hope (vs. vs. 18) Inheritance (vs. 18) Power (vs. 19) Church (vs. 22-23)

Jesus speaks to the Ephesian church in Revelation 2:1–7, commending them for their perseverance but grieving that they've drifted from the love they had at first. His call to them and to us is simple and gracious: remember, repent, and return.Guest Pastor Ajay Thomas

Paul knows he will likely never see these Ephesian elders again, and so he gathers them for one final meeting. Pastor Jim leaves us with four questions to consider: • Do I see the church as a family to love, or just a service to attend? • Am I participating in prayer with and for my church family? • Does my love for God's people show in real affection, sacrifice, and even sorrow at parting? • Am I committed for the long haul, building the kind of deep relationships that only time and presence can create?

Itis always a great feeling to be back home and in my office for our pastor'schat. We want to give you an update on Brandy Manning that we asked you to prayfor who had brain surgery on a cancerous tumor Wednesday morning at DukeUniversity. Your prayers have been answered in a wonderful way. The surgerywent very well. Yesterday afternoon she was sent to a local hotel there inDurham where she will be a couple days as she recovers. It looks like they gotmost of the tumor and they will deal with what is there still there later. Wow,what a miracle. Thank you for your prayers. AlsoI received a good report from my cardiologist. He told me to come back in ayear and have another echo stress test and see him again. So as far as I'mconcerned, I'm doing fine and was told be careful and continue to take my medications.Thank you for your prayers.  Weare continuing to look at Ephesians 1:13-14. Today we are talking about theHoly Spirit of promise. First notice what Paul says back in verse 12, that “wewho first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory”. In otherwords, those who have already been born again, who have been saved, who've beenwashed in the blood, who've been redeemed, who've been forgiven, Paul says, “weshould be to the praise of His glory”. Now in verse 13, he points out that thisis who the Ephesian believers also trusted. And after you heard the word oftruth, the gospel of your salvation, in whom also having believed, you weresealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.  “TheHoly Spirit of promise”. Oh, my friend, Jesus promised that the HolySpirit would come. He would come into the believers. He would abide in us. Jesusgave this promise in John 14 and also John 16, in His last message to Hisdisciples in the upper room. John 16:13 says: "However, when He theSpirit of truth has come, He will guide you into all truth. He will not speakon His own authority, but whatever He hears, He will speak and He will tell youthings to come." Then verse 14 He goes on to say: “He will glorifyMe for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you”. In Acts 1:4 justbefore Jesus ascended into heaven we read: “And being assembled togetherwith them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for thePromise of the Father, "which," He said, "you have heard from Me”.The Holy Spirit is the “promise” of both Jesus and the Father! NowEphesians 1:14 goes on to say, not only are we sealed with the Holy Spirit ofpromise, it says He is the Holy Spirit “who is the guarantee of ourinheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession”. Then youread this phrase again, “to the praise of His glory”. I love puttingthis together with what Jesus said. He says the Holy Spirit of promise is goingto come. He's going to abide with you forever. Now He says you'll be sealedwith this Holy Spirit of promise. And all of this is “to the praise of Hisglory”.  Paul'ssaying it's to the praise of the glory of Jesus Christ. Remember back in John 16:14,Jesus said, “He (the Holy Spirit) will glorify me”. My friend, when theHoly Spirit is at work in your life, when the Holy Spirit has taken control ofyou, you will be filled with Him. As a result, He will control your mouth.He'll control your actions, He will control your attitudes as you yield to Hisauthority. He will reveal Jesus to you and preform His work in your life. Theministry of the Holy Spirit cannot be underestimated.  Tomorrowwe are going to talk about what it means to be sealed with the Holy Spirit andhow that is so awesomely powerful in our lives. But today, let's remember He is“the Holy Spirit of promise” of Jesus and the Father. God always keepsHis promises. If you've been born again, you have the Holy Spirit, and this is allfor, “to the praise of His glory”.  Today,is your life glorifying the Lord Jesus Christ in everything you say and do? Itrust that it is. Godbless!

Today,as we go through Ephesians chapter 1, we're looking especially at verses 13 and14. But remember back in verse 12, the Apostle Paul as he's writing to thechurch at Ephesus, he spoke to the fact that we who first trusted in Christshould be to the praise of His glory and then he continues in verse 13 to speakhow the Ephesians also trusted in Him. Notice how Paul first trusted in Christ,found salvation, his life was transformed and then he became that greatmissionary out of the church at Antioch that we know about in the book of Acts. Paulis clearly making the point that only by trusting in Christ is the only way ofsalvation. And when did they trust? When did you trust in Christ for your salvation?  It was, “after you heard the word of truth,the gospel of your salvation in whom also having believed you were sealed withthe Holy Spirit of promise who is the guarantee of our inheritance until theredemption of the purchased possession to the praise of His glory”.  Rememberin the first verses of this chapter we read about the blessings from God theFather (vs. 4-6). He blessed us in eternity past before the foundation of theworld, He chose us. He adopted us. He accepted us. And in Him we havesalvation. And He chose us to be what? “To be holy and without blame beforeHim in love”. And that's eternity past.  Inverses 7-12, we have the blessings from God the Son, Jesus Christ. And that'sin history past. Jesus came, as incarnate God to planet earth, died on thecross in our place for our sins, and gave us the salvation that we have. Andthat was the experience of the Ephesian believers there in Ephesus. Now we'relooking at present tense because it is now that the Holy Spirit is the Oneworking in our lives. If you read Acts 19, you definitely will see thatwonderful story there.  Again,looking at the first part of this verse, we find the way of salvation is bytrusting in Christ. Now I don't understand all about predestination, electionand all those things. But I know this, that God also created us with a freewill. And because of that, whosoever will may be saved. And the Lord is notwilling that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. And howdo you get saved? After you hear the gospel of Jesus Christ, the death, burial,and resurrection. 1 Corinthians chapter 15. Then, it is the work and ministryof the Holy Spirit to open our hearts and minds and change our lives as the Wordof God comes into our heart that we trust in Christ. That's how we experienceHis great salvation.  Continueto pray today for us as we travel and for our dear friends and their families. Again,thank you for your prayers! Godbless!

August 31, 2025 In this week's sermon, Pastor Mike Moses considers Jesus' letter to the Ephesian church and admonishes us to never allow our love for God and others to fade.

One resounding takeaway from Pastor Galen's message this week was that just as Erastus, the Ephesian treasurer, can use his time, treasure and talent to further the gospel, so can each of us today. But what does that look like?

The Ephesian city treasurer mentioned several times in Paul's letters may have been brought to life through following archeological clues, and what we discover is a person worthy of emulation. In our everyday worries, we forget our position of relative privilege and plenty, of the ways God has equipped us and the opportunities He sets before us. Like Erastus, we are called to grab these with both hands to further the Gospel to the greater glory of God.NOTE: Apologies for the tardiness uploading this episode, as we were experiencing difficulties with the podcast's host site.

In a world divided by politics, culture, and identity, Paul's words to the Ephesian church speak powerfully today. In this message on Ephesians 4:1–6, we explore why unity is not something we create but something Christ has already accomplished — and how humility, gentleness, patience, and love can help us ‘carry, not cancel' one another.

Guiding Question: How can the church prepare for what's next while faithfully handing off leadership to the next generation? Summary Description: In this heartfelt and visionary message, Robert Lewis shares his final sermon as a staff member of Fellowship Bible Church. Using a marathon analogy and drawing from 2 Timothy 4, he frames the transfer of leadership as a necessary and strategic “handoff” to the next generation. Like Paul entrusting Timothy to lead the church at Ephesus, Lewis charges the younger leaders at Fellowship—particularly Tim Lundy—with the responsibility of preaching the Word and fulfilling their ministry with conviction and endurance. This message is both personal and prophetic. Lewis reflects on 25 years of ministry, celebrates the strength of the church, and lays out five key cultural and ministry trends that the next generation must address to ensure the church remains vibrant and faithful. Outline: Marathon Analogy – A race requires preparation, guidance, and the right pacing. Paul and Timothy (2 Timothy 4) – The sacred handoff of leadership and mission. The Reality of Decline – Every thriving church has a shelf life without renewal. Five Cultural and Ministry Trends: Massive church closures due to generational shifts. A move toward small, high-quality churches. A demand for doctrinal clarity and authentic leadership. The rise of homegrown, non-seminary ministers. A renewed focus on evangelizing children and teens. Personal Reflections and Departure – Robert Lewis formally announces his transition to Global Reach and commissions Fellowship's next generation. The Final Charge – Preach the Word. Fulfill your ministry. Die with no regrets. Key Takeaways Effective leadership transitions are intentional, spiritual, and urgent for the future health of the church. The church must adapt to cultural and generational changes without compromising doctrinal clarity or mission. Small churches can be powerful when combined with excellence and community. The future of the church depends on equipping everyday believers for ministry. The most strategic evangelism today is aimed at youth, given their openness and under-reached status. Finishing well means living with “no regrets” and passing the baton with confidence and hope. Scriptural References 2 Timothy 4:1–8 – Paul's solemn charge to Timothy and reflection on finishing well. Acts 20:18–32 (paraphrased) – Paul's farewell to the Ephesian elders, adapted by Lewis to say goodbye to Fellowship. Ecclesiastes 3:1 (implied) – Recognizing seasons and times for transitions. Recorded 3/6/05

Pastor Ernest closes the PURIFIED RELATIONSHIPS series with a message dealing with the difficult topic of slavery as addressed by Paul in Ephesian 6.Higher Definition Church - OnlineIf you are checking us out for the first time today, let us know by clicking here: https://form.church/Jtcj7ioByHG7f4Ct2kKr If you need prayer, click here: https://app.textinchurch.com/connect-cards/SYtprYv4ArNgqbMsdo8M If you would like to support HD Church financially you can give through Cashapp to $higherdefchurch or online through our website by clicking here: https://higherdefchurch.org/give ....#hdchurch #lifeinHD #onlinechurch #church #churchonline #jacksonville #duval #faith #hope #love

Joshua BoydI'm going to open with a question today and ask a few more in the message:  in your house, does everything you say, go?  Does every command get obeyed?  Why or why not?  I pray that this series has not only brought light on how to parent your children but also opened your eyes to how the Heavenly Father relates to us as His children.   God seeks those who obey Him.  He selected and blessed Abraham because Abraham believed God and obeyed Him and he trained up his children to do the same.  Genesis 18:1919 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.In Abraham's house, was his will being done 100% of the time?  Did Abraham follow God's will 100% of the time?  There doesn't exist someone who has fully done the will of the Father, other than Jesus Christ.  The Scriptures repeat the line in Old and New Testament: “there is none that does good, no not one.”  Because of sin being present in our hearts at birth, people are not inherently good.  We inherently want to do our own thing.  We want my will to be done.  To summarize the responsibility of the parent: to remove the child's desire to do their own thing all the time.  It is the same thing that God is working in us to change.  It doesn't stop.  Let's turn to Matthew 6. Matthew 6:9-139 Our Father in heaven,Hallowed be Your name.10 Your kingdom come.Your will be doneOn earth as it is in heaven.11 Give us this day our daily bread.12 And forgive us our debts,As we forgive our debtors.13 And do not lead us into temptation,But deliver us from the evil one.For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.CEV - Come and set up your kingdom, so that everyone on earth will obey you, as you are obeyed in heaven.YLT - Thy reign come: Thy will come to pass, as in heaven also on the earth.When God gives the command, love your neighbor as you love yourself, His expectation is that it begins to be done, it comes to pass in us.  That is His will.  When He tells us that He hates pride, hates lying, His expectation is that we begin to not lie, not have pride.  That is His will.  Is that being done 100% in every Christian?  Paul had to tell the Ephesian church to put away lying.  Christians were lying, regularly. When the Holy Spirit prompts you to take a different route to work today, He expects us to finish that way.  That is His will.  When we start reasoning, “I always go this other way, it is shorter, faster, more convenient.”  If we don't listen to His voice and go our own way, we can't excuse ourselves or more importantly, we cannot blame God for anything that might happen by going our own way.  His will was known but not followed.  

A Review of Ephesians 1:1-14We have received a spiritual blessing, that is, our salvation through Jesus ChristOur salvation comes by the grace of God, not by any worth that we might bring to the table. God chose us before the foundation of the world, with the purpose of making us holy and blameless, demonstrating that we did nothing to contribute to our salvation, and God provided the sacrifice we needed to be saved and sanctified.Out of God's great love for us, he planned our adoption into his family. We now have sonship or daughtership and God as our Father. This demonstrates God's love for us, our value in Jesus Christ, and the promise of an inheritance.Also, in 1:7-10 we say the redeeming purpose of God. Through the overwhelming graciousness of God, he redeemed our lives through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.Then he promises us an inheritance that is sealed and kept by the Holy Spirit. 1. Paul is celebrating all God has done in the church of Ephesus.Ephesians 1:15–16 Giving thanks is a common theme in Paul's letters to other believers. His letters often start with warm greetings and gratitude for the work of the church or God's work in them.For these things, Paul gives thanks in his prayers, but Paul doesn't pray ordinary prayers.TWO REASONS PAUL GIVES FOR GIVING THANKS:The faith of the Ephesian Church in the Lord Jesus.Paul was not the first person to bring the good news of Jesus to Ephesus, but he found a small group of believers there already, and he found they needed further teaching and a baptism that included the Holy Spirit. The change in the Ephesian church was so radical that it led to riots in Ephesus. Throwing away their idols. Paul also had been away from these believers for some time, and now is in prison, so he is hearing updates of their faith.Saints are not a special group of believers but all of God's believers. Throughout the OT and NT, the Hebrew and Greek words for saint are used to refer to believers.Psalm 16:3, Psalm 34:9, Acts 9:3, Romans 1:6–7, Romans 8:27The love of the Ephesian Church toward all the believers.In this area of Asia Minor or what we would call Turkey - The churches depended on generosity between each other.Philippians 4:10–23 HOW DO WE AS BELIEVERS SHOW LOVE TO ONE ANOTHER?Taking care of one another.Giving to one another - benevolence, blessing box, and helping hands ministryDisaster reliefMontana and VermontGuatemala - homes, churches, and now a crusadeIndia - the church was built to be dedicated.2. Remember to whom we are praying.Ephesians 1:17 The God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory . . . Again, Paul is using this title of God and Jesus that emphasizes their relationship. Piper points out that Jesus's connection to God in this way reminds us that Jesus is our mediator. Jesus makes it so that we can approach God - or the throne of Grace. The Father of Glory - the only time Paul uses this exact wording but what does it mean? Father of Glory?1 Corinthians 2:8, Romans 6:4Many people struggle with this concept of God being at the center - and being worthy of worship. But there is none greater than God. Our lives should reflect his glory.3. What is Paul asking God to do for the Ephesians Church?Ephesians 1:17-19
Similarly, Colossians 1:9–11That God would give them . . . The spirit of wisdom . . . And of revelation . . . in the knowledge of him,This wisdom is more than just factual knowledge but a sense of understanding how to apply what we know from the Bible about Jesus and our calling to live a holy life.2 Timothy 1:7 And it is how God has revealed Himself to us through His word so we can know him. General revelation v. special revelation.. . . Having the eyes of your heart enlightened . . . Open the eyes of my heart as compared to what happened in the Garden of Eden. 2 Corinthians 4:4–6, Romans 1:21–22, Romans 2:1–5, Colossians 3 . . . That you may know . . . The hope to which he called youThe riches of his glorious inheritance in the saintsThe immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe4. By God's Power He is at work in our lives, in creation, and in the heavenly places.Ephesians 1:19–23 His Great Might.He worked in Christ :Resurrection PowerPhilippians 3, Job 19:25, Romans 8:34, 1 Peter 1:3, John 11:25–26 Sovereign PowerEphesians 3:20, Hebrews 10:12–14 Paul uses language that refers to OT passages:Isaiah 40:25–26, Psalm 147:4, Psalm 8 From Adam to Israel to the 2nd Adam - God is at work bringing all things back in order under the Lordship of Christ and as head of the church. LAST QUESTION: HOW DO WE PRAY THIS PRAYER? Ephesians 1:15-23. No Ordinary Prayers: The Greatness of God in Paul's Prayer

Paul continues to admonish the Ephesian church to live a new life in Christ, a life that is distinct from the rest of the world. The Christian ought not to partner with those who are disobedient. Instead of walking in their darkness, as we once all formerly walked, we should instead walk as children of light. To do this, we must pay attention to our daily walk, growing in our understanding of the Lord's will, giving thanks to God, submitting to one another in the fear of Christ. Continuing in this line of distinctive thinking, Paul goes on to say that a husband and his wife are to reflect the relationship between Christ and the church, as the husband should love his wife as himself and the wife should respect her husband. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Todaywe are talking about the riches that we have in Christ Jesus. Sometimeswe think of the wealthiest people on earth such as Elon Musk being worth over$430 billion and Jeff Bezos, the owner and founder of Amazon, over 200-plusbillion dollars, and other wealthy people. The top five billionaires in theworld altogether—their wealth is over a trillion dollars—and we go, wow,wouldn't we like to have that? Well, my friend, I am telling you, you havesomething better than that. You have eternal riches.  Thefact that Paul is writing about wealth would be significant to his readers,because Ephesus was considered the bank of Asia. One of the seven wonders ofthe world, the great temple of Diana, was in Ephesus, and was not only a centerfor idolatrous worship, but also a depository for wealth. Some of the greatestart treasures of the ancient world were housed in this magnificent building. Inthis letter, Paul will compare the church of Jesus Christ to a temple and willexplain the great wealth that Christ has in His church. Paul is saying to us, "BE RICH!" Thatis what Paul says in verse three: “Blessed be the God and Father of our LordJesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenlyplaces in Christ.” Our riches are not in a passing world, a temporaryworld, the temporary wealth of this world. Our riches are found in the eternalperson of Jesus Christ Himself. We have His riches. We are co-inheritors withHim of all the riches of God. Our Father in heaven owns it all.  TheHoly Spirit is mentioned many times in this letter, because He is the one whochannels our riches to us from the Father, through the Son. Not to know anddepend on the Holy Spirit's provision is to live a life of spiritual poverty.No wonder Paul began his Ephesian ministry asking some professed Christians ifthey really knew the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:1-7). We might ask professedChristians today, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? Ifthe answer is no, then you are not saved." "Now if any man havenot the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His" (Romans 8:9). Unless youhave the witness of the Spirit (Romans 8:15-16), you cannot draw on the wealthof the Spirit. Inthese first verses of this chapter one of the guarantees that we're going tosee of our salvation and our eternal inheritance in Christ is based on the factthat we have been given the Holy Spirit (vv.11-14). In the Old Testament,promises were made to Israel that they would be blessed with prosperity, withwealth, with land, with material things. But my friend, the blessings that arepromised to the believer are eternal blessings. We're not called to be blessedwith riches physically. The prosperity gospel preachers are deceitfullymisleading many today to believe that God has promised us material wealth now.Actually Jesus promised us poverty and suffering now if we truly follow Him.  Ourriches In Christ are not in the sweet by and by. We are rich and blessed inChrist spiritually speaking right now! In Philippians 3, Paul said, "Icount all things but loss for the glory and the riches that I have in ChristJesus… that I might know Him and the power of His resurrection." Ourriches are found in the fact that we have the promise that “our God willsupply all our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians4:19). “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians4:13).  Myfriend, today we have the power, the ability, and the desire to please God forheavenly riches, heavenly things, and heavenly results. You can't take yourmoney to heaven with you, but you can take people to heaven with you that youinfluence and impact with the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Today,you are rich in Christ. You've been born into tremendous wealth in Christ. Youare seated with Him in the heavenlies even right now. GodBless!

These four words Paul uses to conclude his letter to the Ephesians summarize the majestic themes of the book. Learn more in this concluding message to the Ephesian series in this sermon preached to Hillside Baptist Church in Eastman, Ga by pastor Chad Hendley.www.hillsideeastman.com

Thank you for listening to the Classic City Church Podcast!This message from Senior Pastor Lee Mason is part 3 of the sermon series Experiencing God's Power.This message covers Ephesian 3:14-21.Date Given: August 17, 2025Visit us at CLASSICCITY.ORG

Send us a textActs 21:27-36When the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him, crying out, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who is teaching everyone everywhere against the people and the law and this place. Moreover, he even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.” For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple. Then all the city was stirred up, and the people ran together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut. And as they were seeking to kill him, word came to the tribune of the cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion. He at once took soldiers and centurions and ran down to them. And when they saw the tribune and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. Then the tribune came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains. He inquired who he was and what he had done. Some in the crowd were shouting one thing, some another. And as he could not learn the facts because of the uproar, he ordered him to be brought into the barracks. And when he came to the steps, he was actually carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd, for the mob of the people followed, crying out, “Away with him!”Support the show

If you're a part of a healthy church, you know that unity and fellowship is God's good gift to the saints, but that gift doesn't come without effort. Paul urges the Ephesian church to make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. This kind of work doesn't fall only to those who have titles within the church; the ascended Christ has blessed the whole church with gifts of varying kinds to strengthen and equip the entire church body for the work of ministry. In Christ, we are to put off the old self which is corrupted by deceitful desires, so that we can be renewed in the spirit of our minds, and put on the new self which is created in Christ's likeness. :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

The sermon is centered on Paul's farewell address to the Ephesian elders, emphasizing the centrality of the gospel as a message of grace, repentance, and faith. It highlights the importance of proclaiming the whole counsel of God, including forgiveness, righteousness, and eternal life, while acknowledging the challenges and potential dangers of false teaching. It notes Paul's humility, tireless work ethic, and unwavering commitment to sharing the gospel, and he urges listeners to embrace the gospel's transformative power and to share it with others, recognizing it as a source of hope and a pathway to eternal life.

Loving the world will result in losing our first love. When this happens, we begin to buy into the world's value systems and eventually, our lives do not reflect Christ; they will reflect the world.Main Points:1.  When we meet Christ, one thing that fundamentally changes is what we love. Before we met Jesus, our primary love was ourselves, but we also loved the things of this present world. But when we met Jesus, things began to change. We discovered a better love.2. Loving the world means being devoted to the world's treasures, philosophies, and priorities. God tells His children to set their priorities according to His eternal value system. We are to “seek first” God's kingdom and righteousness.3. The problem with loving the world is that it conflicts with what is to be our first love. Jesus is to be our first love. Why? He alone is worthy of such love and devotion. In Revelation chapter two, we learn the Ephesian church was commended for their hard work and perseverance, yet they were warned because they had lost their first love.Today's Scripture Verses:1 John 2:15 - “Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you.”Romans 12:2 - “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Title: A Life Worth FollowingSermon Take-Home NotesGod is With Us – John Wesley's final words, “The best of all is, God is with us,” are a reminder that God's presence is constant—in joy, trials, weakness, and weariness.Paul's Farewell – In Acts 20:17-35, Paul's final words to the Ephesian elders reveal his deepest priority: not comfort, reputation, or legacy, but faithfulness to the gospel and finishing the race God gave him.Imitating Christ – Faith grows through imitation. Paul followed Christ so closely that others could follow him. We are shaped by those who walk in the way of Jesus, and we shape others as they watch us.People Are Watching – Our presence, words, and actions—especially in difficult moments—form the faith of those around us. Even small acts of kindness, patience, and love can have lasting impact.The Power of the Holy Spirit – We cannot live this life of imitation in our own strength. The same Spirit that empowered Paul and the early church empowers us today to live with grace, courage, and truth.The Upside-Down Way of Jesus – True life is found in pouring ourselves out in love, not in self-protection. “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” In losing ourselves for the sake of Christ, we are filled.Faithfulness is Communal – Spiritual formation is not just personal—it's something we practice together, encouraging one another toward love and good deeds.Your Life Matters – Whether or not you feel influential, you are shaping the faith of others. Live in such a way that your life points not to your own strength, but to God's grace.Reflection Questions:Who are you imitating?Who is imitating you?How can you live more intentionally so that your life points others to Christ?

Scripture:  Acts 20 Speaker:  Scott Meyer, Lead Minister Summary:  Using Paul's farewell to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20 as a blueprint for finishing well in faith, Scott emphasized that steadfast discipleship begins with living humbly and visibly among others, not just speaking truth but modeling it. Paul's example shows that obedience to God may lead into storms and hardships, but God's presence and mission remain constant, even when leaders must let go and trust others to carry the work forward. Steadfast leaders give sacrificially, guard the flock from spiritual danger, and are not afraid to show deep emotion, loving and leading with both strength and tenderness. The message closed with the encouragement that no matter how one's story began, by God's grace anyone can choose to run faithfully now and finish well, leaving a legacy that glorifies Christ.

In his farewell to the Ephesian elders, Paul urges believers to “pay careful attention” first to their own spiritual health and then to the well-being of those God has placed in their care. Guarding our souls and shepherding others isn't optional—it's essential for the sake of Christ and His Church, bought with His own blood.

In this message from Acts 20:17–32, Brian Berg highlights three “necessary things” for spiritual endurance: be faithful to your calling, be watchful over your life and heart, and be biblical—rooted in God's Word. Drawing from Paul's emotional farewell to the Ephesian elders, this sermon challenges listeners to live with purpose and finish strong. Part of the “The Next Right Thing” series at Woodlands Church, this message provides practical guidance for choosing what truly matters in the Christian life.

This week, Grace teaches from Paul's farewell to the Ephesian elders (Acts 20). We explore how an encounter with Jesus can radically reshape our entire being if we allow it; spiritual formation requires intentional effort, not passive waiting; and mission and service are inseparable.

This sermon was recorded during the outdoor service at Saints Peter and Paul on July 27th, 2025. In Acts 19 & 20, Paul is finishing up his third missionary journey. These two short chapters describe three years of time that Paul spent in Ephesus. In chapter 20, Paul gathers together the Ephesian elders and gives a heartfelt speech reminding them of the purpose for which he came to them. He encourages them to continue steadfast in the faith!

Compelled by the Holy Spirit to preach the good news in Jerusalem despite the danger, Paul says farewell to the Ephesian elders. Like Paul, we are invited to find strength in the Lord when walking through hardship.

What does it really mean to live on mission? In this powerful message, Pastor Ron Cathcart takes us into Acts 20 to rediscover the heart and grit of the early church. Through the lens of the Apostle Paul's journey, we're invited to reimagine what it means to live out the mission of Jesus—not just in theory, but in every area of our lives.Reimagining isn't just about tweaking ideas—it's about boldly asking, "What needs to shift in me, in us, so that Christ is fully reflected?" It's about choosing courage over comfort, people over preferences, and purpose over passivity.Drawing from the example of Paul, Pastor Ron Cathcart unpacks five essential principles for living a life on mission:Living with eternal purposeBoldly proclaiming the gospelEmbracing the cost of discipleshipFinishing the race with faithfulnessLiving out community and calling togetherThis message challenges us to go deeper—beyond cultural Christianity and into a lifestyle marked by sacrificial love, Holy Spirit dependence, and gospel urgency.

Ephesians 1:15-16 After presenting a profound doctrinal explanation of Christian salvation, Paul expresses his sincere prayers for his readers. Pastor Rod Bunton highlights Paul's gratitude to God for the Ephesian church's remarkable display of two crucial attributes: unwavering faith in the Lord Jesus and an unwavering love for fellow believers. The post I Do Not Cease to Give Thanks for You appeared first on Grace Church of Tallahassee.

Acts: To the ends of the earth "Speech to the Ephesian elders" | Guest Speaker: Hunter Thorpe.https://www.ankenyfree.church

Revelation isn't just about end times, but primarily about unveiling Jesus Christ walking among His churches. The seven lampstands represent churches meant to shine God's light in darkness, requiring constant maintenance by Jesus our High Priest. The Ephesian church excelled in doctrine, perseverance, and spiritual warfare, yet Jesus pointed out they had abandoned their first love. Despite their impressive works, their passion for Christ had cooled, with ritualism replacing relationship. Jesus offered a simple remedy: remember and repent, creating space for love to flourish again. His promise to those who overcome is restored intimacy with God, not just in eternity but in the present.

Our series for the rest of the summer will be "Life Together" and we will be exploring what the character of Christian community looks like; what it means to live together as followers of Jesus. In this first sermon we hear from Paul's letter to the Ephesian church about our call to make every effort to keep unity in the Spirit.Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-13

In his first sermon as senior pastor, Micah Stephens preaches from Acts 20, honoring Pastor Rob McCoy's legacy while challenging the church to keep God's whole counsel. Reflecting on the Fourth of July and the gala celebrating Pastor Rob's 25 years, Pastor Micah draws parallels with Paul's farewell to the Ephesian elders, emphasizing humility, unwavering truth, and obedience to God's Word. He connects America's founding principles to biblical virtues, urging believers to restrain evil through God's law to maintain liberty. Addressing local issues like the Ventura Care Act and global concerns like the 27 missing Christian girls, he calls for bold proclamation of repentance and faith, regardless of cost, to transform culture and secure an eternal inheritance for the next generation.Verse References: Acts 20 verses 17–27, Joshua 1 verse 9, Psalm 84 verse 10, 1 Corinthians 11 verse 1, 1 Timothy 4 verse 12, Proverbs 9 verses 8–9, James 4 verse 17, Galatians 2 verse 20, Mark 8 verses 36–37, Hebrews 13 verse 17, Psalm 119 verse 45, Acts 18 verses 24–26, Acts 16 verse 6Make sure you subscribe to this channel and follow us on all our platforms to always stay up to date with our latest content!And you can always head over to our website for any general information!https://godspeak.comPrayer/NeedsIf you have any needs, or have a willingness to be used to meet various need in the body, please email info@godspeak.com. Also, let us know if you need prayer for anything.Giving is part of our worship time, and in this season, the easiest way to do that is online. If you go to our website, godspeak.com, you will see the "Give" tab in the top right corner. Or you can simply click this link https://pushpay.com/g/godspeakAny questions?Please feel free to email us, comment here, or DM us on Instagram any questions that you may have.Please Subscribe to this channel and turn on your notifications to be notified when our Livestreams start so you don't miss out! We hope you are blessed by the service!-The Godspeak Team

Kyle Kauffman | Jun 29 2025 The Poet C.T. Studd once famously said, “Only one life,' twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.” No one sets out to waste their lives. And yet there are all sorts of ways we can end up wasting our them. We all want to spend our lives well. But sometimes we never even slow down to ask, What does a life well spent look like? In Acts 20, we get Paul's farewell speech to leaders of the Ephesian church. As we listen in to these passionate last words of Paul to this small group of men, we get a glimpse of what a life spent well looks like. We see what the greatest passion of Paul's life was and how that got worked out into the ways he lived. And we find direction for what it means to spend our lives well rather than wasting them.

“But I do not count my life of any value, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” The Apostle Paul said those words to the Ephesian elders in the book of Acts, chapter twenty. It was a farewell address, as many of those present would never see him again. Today, Ron takes us to some of Paul's final words as he continues his teaching series, “Paul: Surprised by Grace.”  

Send us a textThe last chapter of this letter to the Ephesian believers, deals with more relationships and how believers are to behave also understanding our protection through spiritual warfare.  Paul then signs off this letter to a church very dear to him that would be a beacon of hope for many years.  

During the preaching, Watersprings Church focused on Paul's heartfelt farewell to the Ephesian elders, found in Acts 20:22-38. In this profoundly personal and decisive moment, Paul reflects on his ministry, warns of future challenges, and charges the leaders to remain faithful to their calling.Paul, bound by the Spirit and aware of the trials awaiting him in Jerusalem, shows unwavering resolve to complete his mission with joy. His message emphasizes living with an eternal perspective, valuing the gospel over personal comfort, and finishing well the race God has set before us.He reminds the elders of his faithful teaching, declaring the “whole counsel of God,” and urges them to protect the church from both external attacks and internal corruption. Paul warns of "savage wolves" who distort the truth and divide the flock, underscoring the need for bold, truth-grounded leadership.At the heart of his charge is a call to shepherd the church with humility, integrity, and sacrifice, just as Christ purchased it with His blood. Paul also emphasizes the importance of generosity, selfless service, and grounding ministry in the Word of God, rather than pursuing material gain.The passage closes with an emotional prayer and tearful farewell, a reflection of Paul's deep love for the church. His final encouragement is a reminder for all believers: to keep the gospel central, protect the unity of the church, and advance God's kingdom with unwavering faith and grace.Key Themes:Finish your race with joy and purpose.Preach the full truth of God's Word.Guard the church against deception and division.Lead with humility, not for personal gain.Love God, love the church, love others—now.This is a timeless call for all Christians, especially leaders, to stay faithful, courageous, and focused on what truly matters: glorifying God and advancing His kingdom.

When the fire fell in Ephesus, everything changed. In this powerful message, Pastor Corey Erman dives into the Ephesian Revival—a move of God that shook culture, crushed idols, and turned a whole city toward Jesus. Get ready for the same Holy Ghost power to shake your world today! “So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.” – Acts 19:20To support this ministry and help us reach the nations with revival visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RiverWPB.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or text GIVE and any amount to (855) 968-3708.

Jesus commends the spiritual leader here for exposing liars.  We're in Revelation chapter 2--Join us!

Join us for this week's sermon!Whether you're seeking hope, direction, or a deeper connection with God, this message is for you. Each week, we open God's Word together to find truth, encouragement, and strength for the journey.

When our relationship with God shifts from love to obligation, we risk becoming like the Ephesian church - doing all the right things but abandoning our first love. Jesus addressed this in Revelation, warning both the Ephesians who maintained sound doctrine but lost their passion, and the Laodiceans who became self-sufficient and lukewarm. The danger is real - even churches founded by apostles could lose their fervor within a generation. To rekindle our first love, we must remember where we've fallen from, repent of lukewarm attitudes, and return Christ to the center of our lives rather than treating Him as merely a component of our existence.

Send us a textGood morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)Youtube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comActs 20 Paul continues his journey, traveling through Macedonia and Greece and encouraging the believers. He stops in Troas, where the Christians “break bread," and he preaches until midnight. During his sermon, a young man named Eutychus falls asleep, tumbles out of the window, and dies. Paul revives him, demonstrating incredible power from God. Later, Paul meets with the elders from Ephesus in Miletus for an emotional farewell. He reflects on his ministry, emphasizing his faithfulness in proclaiming the gospel despite facing trials. He warns them to guard their flock against false teachers and to care for the church, which was purchased with Christ's blood. Paul's heartfelt goodbye includes prayers and tears as he commends them to the word of God's grace and encourages them to actively help the weak among them. This chapter's use of "we” pronouns suggests that the author, Luke, accompanies Paul on this journey, adding credibility to the book of Acts. Luke documents a Sunday gathering, the purpose of which was to gather together to "break bread.” This example implies a Sunday observance of the Lord's Supper, which we still honor today. Preaching until midnight is less common now, as it can lead to dangerous sleep incidents! Eutychus's revival after falling serves as a testament to God's mercy and power. Paul's meeting with the Ephesian elders establishes another model for churches today: elders within local congregations attending to the spiritual needs of their flock. Elders are to be students of the word and supporters of the weak among them.  Benevolent Father, we praise You for the abundant gifts of grace provided through Your Son. We thank You for the perfect and indestructible word that reveals so many beautiful truths to us. We pray for wisdom in studying the word and seeking guidance on how to honor You. May we draw from Acts 20 the importance of gathering on Sundays to partake of the Lord's Supper together. Instill in our hearts a yearning for fellowship. Father, please bless our local churches with devoted elders. Work on all our hearts, shaping us to love the flock and serve in Jesus' honor.  Thought Questions: -       Disciples planned to meet to break bread and study. How important is that example in how you build your weekly schedule around Jesus? -       Paul shared his personal resolve before instructing elders. How important is your own walk of faith as you hope to then teach others? -       The elders were told to stay alert, study well, and help the weak among them. How can you help the local eldership accomplish these goals?

Did a little more than the first half of the program on Acts 20 and Paul's words to the Ephesian elders asking if it is really so shocking that elders today need to be concerned about what is coming into the fellowship through social media sources. Then, we started reading some of Calvin's finest work in the opening of the Institutes and his vital discussion of the knowledge of God and the knowledge of man.

Welcome to the Harvest Bible Chapel podcast. We're so glad you're joining us today. In this message, we continue our verse-by-verse study through the Book of Acts by turning to one of the most personal and powerful moments in Paul's ministry—his farewell to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:17–38. In this passage, Paul offers a compelling example of faithful leadership and gospel courage. He shows us what it means to serve with humility, sacrifice for the mission, teach the truth, protect the church, and—above all—trust the Lord. Wherever you're listening from, we pray this message encourages you to follow Jesus more fully and live boldly for His kingdom. Let's get into the Word together. This podcast is a production of Harvest Bible Chapel in Chicago. Executive Producer: Flavius Herlo Speaker: Pastor Jeff Thompson Sound design, mixing, and editing: Bryan Tripp Graphic Design: Wesley Cassford Social Media: Bryan Spahr Producer: Dave Putnam WE INVITE YOU TO CONNECT WITH US: • Website: www.harvestbible.org/ WE INVITE YOU TO FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: • Instagram: @harvestbiblechapel • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harvestbiblechapel/

In this episode we continue talking about the topic of how the institutional box church misrepresents and misinterprets passages of scripture that mention women in the body of Christ. We take a look at the historical and cultural context of Paul's first letter to Timothy and specifically, 1 Timothy chapter 2. In giving his reasons for writing this letter to Timothy, Paul instructs him to dispel myths that had arisen in the assembly (1 Timothy 1:3-4). In chapter 2 of his letter we see Paul begin to dismantle some of those myths and those myths centered around the worship of the pagan idol, Artemis. The culture in Ephesus was heavily influenced by the worship of Artemis. Artemis was a female goddess of Greek origin and the worship and culture of Artemis was female centric. While males could participate in the worship of Artemis, women were dominate and men had a lesser role (kind of the opposite of what we see today in most churches). Here are some of the myths Paul addresses:In the Ephesian culture, Artemis was looked to as the protector of women in childbirth. Women stood a better chance of Artemis hearing and answering their prayers if they wore expensive clothes and jewelry when petitioning Artemis.Artemis was born before her twin brother Apollo, meaning woman was created before man.We also need to keep in mind these important points:Timothy was not a pastor. There's no indication of that anywhere in Scripture. That's a church history-driven idea that is incorrect.The letters of 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus are not "pastoral letters" written to pastors. Calling them pastoral letters is another false assumption delivered to us from church history.The letters to Timothy and Titus are not across-the-board manuals for doing church. They address specific problems that arose in specific locations involving specific people at a specific time. Failure to recognize this and instead promote the false assumption that everything in them is applicable to every generation without regard to the historical and cultural context they were written in, has led to the muzzling of half of the body of Christ.Books mentioned in this episode:Artemis: Virgin Goddess of the Sun and Moon - https://tinyurl.com/2p9cfykcWhat's With Paul and Women? https://tinyurl.com/yp6n47xnI brought this episode over from the Grace Cafe podcast. It's part 2 of a 4-part series I'm re-posting here on the UnSunday Show. The link to the Grace Cafe podcast is below if you would like to see other episodes on this topic.Enjoy!Other Places You'll Find MeThe Grace Cafe Podcast: https://www.gracecafepodcast.com TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@unsunday.mikeInstagram https://www.instagram.com/unsundayshowYouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/TheUnSundayShowLeave Me a Rating/Review