Podcasts about Ephesus

If Jesus wrote a letter to your home church, what might He say? Today, Ron takes us to the book of Revelation, and to the first of seven letters to the seven churches in First Century Asia Minor. First on the list is the church at Ephesus, for which Jesus had both praise and criticism. As you follow along today, see if you find any similarities between the church at Ephesus, and the church you attend at home.  

If you lived in the ancient city of Ephesus, the most majestic structure that you would see on a daily basis would be the temple to the pagan goddess, Artemis. By all earthly standards, this temple was a magnificent structure. But if you were to ask your Christian neighbor, "What is the greatest structure in Ephesus?" He would no doubt answer, "Why of course, it's the church, the temple of the one, true, and living God. Let's go to worship and you can see for yourself!"  In Ephesians 2:20-22 the Apostle Paul describes the church as a holy temple in the Lord. In this episode of Proclaiming Christ, we consider the foundation, the materials, the builder, and the purpose of the grandest of all institutions, the church of the Lord Jesus Christ!

Wednesday, 16 April 2025   Nor do they put new wine into old wineskins, or else the wineskins break, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But they put new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.” Matthew 9:17   “Nor they cast new wine into old skins. And if otherwise, they burst the skins, and the wine – it is outpoured, and the skins – they are destroyed. But they cast new wine into new skins, and both – they are preserved” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus noted that people don't put unfulled cloth on a new garment. If they did, when the cloth shrank, it would pull away from the garment, making things worse. Making a similar analogy, Jesus next says, “Nor they cast new wine into old skins.”   Here, the word oinos, wine, is introduced. It is a primary word, but it is believed that it is derived from the Hebrew word yayin, also signifying wine. The word can be used in a literal sense, but it can also be used metaphorically, as in the wine of wrath or passion.   In the Bible, wine symbolizes the merging together of cultural expressions into a result. The thing that ought to happen can happen, symbolized by wine. As such, it represents our reasoning and that which can change our minds.   Another new word is the noun askos, skin. It refers to a leather or skin used for holding something. It is derived from the verb askeó, to train or exercise. But that is derived from skeuos, a vessel for containing things. This root, skeuos, can be used when referring to a person, such as 1 Thessalonians 4 and elsewhere –   “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel [skeuos] in sanctification and honor, 5 not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God.” 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5   Jesus next says, “And if otherwise, they burst the skins, and the wine.”   If new wine, which is unfermented, is placed into old skins that have already been stretched, when the wine ferments and expands, the skin will not be able to handle the pressure. It has already reached its limits of stretching. It would be like going to a gas station and putting more air into an already-filled tire. The result will be a flat tire. Jesus notes this, saying, “it is outpoured, and the skins – they are destroyed.”   Here is another new word, ekcheo, to pour out. This can be literal, as in pouring out a bowl. It can be violent, like when Judas' innards gushed out when he fell after hanging himself in Acts 1:18. It can also be figurative, as when the Spirit is poured out on believers or when God pours out His love upon His people.   Jesus notes that when someone follows this incorrect process, the wine and the skins are both ruined. Thus, the remedy is seen in His next words, “But they cast new wine into new skins, and both – they are preserved.”   One final new word is seen here, suntéreó. It comes from two words signifying “with” and a watch as in guarding when you keep something close by. Thus, it means to keep closely together. In this case, it speaks of the preservation of the skins and the wine.   What Jesus is referring to with these two examples is based on the surrounding context. The disciples of John came to Jesus asking why His disciples didn't fast. Jesus explained that He was the bridegroom and as long as He was with His disciples, there would be no fasting at such a joyous time. Only when He was taken from them would they mourn.   The point of Jesus' words is the difference between the two economies, or dispensations that were being expressed, the law and grace. The new wine is the new dispensation of grace to come. The old wine was the dispensation of the law. If one were to introduce the new concept into the old, it would not work because the two were incompatible. Only if one put the new wine, the new cultural expression, in the new wineskin would the mind be changed.   Being John's disciples (also the Pharisees), they were conducting their affairs under the dispensation of the Law. Jesus was preparing His disciples not for more law but for grace. But the two are incompatible. If you try to put grace in a person stuck under law observance, the grace would be ruined. Only when you have a person who understands  grace and lives under grace will there be proper doctrine.   Life application: Understanding the analogy being made in Jesus' words, it doesn't mean that the disciples of John were not saved by grace. After John's death, they may have come to follow Christ. Or they may have rejected Him. An example of this is found in Acts –   “And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples 2 he said to them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?' So they said to him, ‘We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.' 3 And he said to them, ‘Into what then were you baptized?' So they said, ‘Into John's baptism.' 4 Then Paul said, ‘John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.' 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. 7 Now the men were about twelve in all.” Acts 19:1-7   The point is crystal clear: John's baptism was one that occurred under the law and for reconsideration of one's state under the law. He, however, told the people that when Jesus came, they should believe on Him. Belief is not a work. Jesus did the work. Salvation and the pouring out of the Spirit comes through faith.   The tragedy of law observance by people in the church today is not to be underestimated. Salvation does not come by law observance, it cannot be maintained or strengthened by it either. Rather, those who try to cast the New Testament teachings into their lives while living under the precepts of the law are like wineskins that will burst.   There can be no preservation of either. The law observers have failed to receive the grace of Christ and will be destroyed. Their useless doctrine will be eliminated as well. Trust in Christ, accept His grace and be saved through that. Nothing else will do.   Lord God, we always try to insert ourselves into the salvation equation as if we can somehow merit what has been offered by grace. Forgive us for this! May we rest wholly and completely in the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord. Surely, nothing else will do. Amen.  

In Ephesians chapter 6, verses 10-13, the Apostle Paul encourages the believers in the Church of Ephesus to "put on the whole armor of God." This metaphor highlights that God does not engage in warfare with any of His creations, including Satan himself. However, it is important to note that Satan has chosen to be God's archenemy, making man created in God's image a primary target.The key point here is that God exists in a realm of His own; there is no entity, power, authority, or system potent enough to match Him in battle. Nevertheless, the concept of donning God's full armor speaks to a more profound state of existence that can drive the enemy away. By examining how the first man fell to the darkness in the garden and contrasting that with how Christ triumphed over Satan during His earthly ministry, we gain valuable insight into the importance of wearing the whole armor of God.Without a doubt, God embodies Spirit, and all His actions stem from this spiritual essence. However, God is also an intelligent being, which informs various principles and aspects of our interactions, thoughts, and reasoning, as we are created in His image and likeness. Thus, when Paul urges us to don the complete armor of God, he offers a spiritual metaphor that illustrates how our minds should be shaped when confronting the councils and forces of darkness. If we are not vigilant, these dark forces aim to influence our mindsets through matters related to our feelings, emotions, and intellect.The armor of God constitutes a complete framework of existence, guided by the mindset offered to us for total protection as we engage life's issues. It represents a powerful attitude that every believer should embrace as part of the culture of the Kingdom of God if we are to achieve victory over the forces of darkness, just as Christ did during His time on earth.

04-13-2025Pastor Bruce Maxwell

Ephesians 1:1-23 NIVPaul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To God's holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory. For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God's people I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

In Ephesians chapter 6, verses 10-13, the Apostle Paul encourages the believers in the Church of Ephesus to "put on the whole armor of God." This metaphor highlights that God does not engage in warfare with any of His creations, including Satan himself. However, it is important to note that Satan has chosen to be God's archenemy, making man created in God's image a primary target.The key point here is that God exists in a realm of His own; there is no entity, power, authority, or system potent enough to match Him in battle. Nevertheless, the concept of donning God's full armor speaks to a more profound state of existence that can drive the enemy away. By examining how the first man fell to the darkness in the garden and contrasting that with how Christ triumphed over Satan during His earthly ministry, we gain valuable insight into the importance of wearing the whole armor of God.Without a doubt, God embodies Spirit, and all His actions stem from this spiritual essence. However, God is also an intelligent being, which informs various principles and aspects of our interactions, thoughts, and reasoning, as we are created in His image and likeness. Thus, when Paul urges us to don the complete armor of God, he offers a spiritual metaphor that illustrates how our minds should be shaped when confronting the councils and forces of darkness. If we are not vigilant, these dark forces aim to influence our mindsets through matters related to our feelings, emotions, and intellect.The armor of God constitutes a complete framework of existence, guided by the mindset offered to us for total protection as we engage life's issues. It represents a powerful attitude that every believer should embrace as part of the culture of the Kingdom of God if we are to achieve victory over the forces of darkness, just as Christ did during His time on earth.

Acts Series

Message from Jarrett Stephens on April 13, 2025

Sunday, 13 April 2025   Then the disciples of John came to Him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but Your disciples do not fast?” Matthew 9:14   “Then, they come to Him, the disciples of John, saying, ‘Through what, we and the Pharisees, we fast much. And your disciples, they fast not?'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus instructed the Pharisees to learn what it means when the Lord spoke through the prophet, saying, “I desire mercy and not sacrifice.” Next, it says, “Then, they come to Him, the disciples of John.”   This account is restated in Mark 2 and Luke 5. What seems at first contrary to the thought of Jesus being the coming Messiah is that John's disciples continued with him, despite John having proclaimed that Jesus is the Messiah, as in John 1.   It is true that two of them followed Jesus, including Andrew, Simon Peter's brother (John 1:35-42), but here it specifically noted that John continued to have disciples. And more, it next says that they were “saying, ‘Through what, we and the Pharisees, we fast much?'”   The expression “through what” is one that asks for an explanation concerning a matter. It is something like, “What is the basis for your actions today?” Also, their question isn't just that John's disciples and the Pharisees fasted as a habit, regardless of the day. Rather, Mark's gospel more specifically records, “The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were fasting” Mark 2:18.   In other words, it appears there was a set day or occasion that precipitated their fasting. Despite this, Jesus was in the house of these taxmen and sinners, reclining and eating. The question by John's disciples, as well as the Pharisees, as is seen in Mark 2, indicates that they would have expected everyone to fast on this particular day.   For example, it says in Zechariah 8 –   “Then the word of the Lord of hosts came to me, saying, 19 ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts: “The fast of the fourth month, The fast of the fifth, The fast of the seventh, And the fast of the tenth, Shall be joy and gladness and cheerful feasts For the house of Judah. Therefore love truth and peace.”'” Zechariah 8:18, 19   There were set days that people fasted, like those mentioned in Zechariah 8. The observant Jews would diligently follow these practices, even if they were not specifically designated in the Law of Moses. Understanding this, their question seems more relevant than it otherwise might.   They are not simply asking why Jesus doesn't arbitrarily fast but why He is not following the tradition of the people. And more, it wasn't only Jesus who may have some particular reason because He was proclaimed by John to be the Lamb of God, but they continue with the words, “And your disciples, they fast not?”   There was a reason for not fasting that extended beyond Jesus, even to His disciples. John's disciples, along with the Pharisees (as noted above) were truly interested in the reason for His departure from the set traditions that they meticulously followed.   Life application: In Acts 11, Peter explained to those who questioned him about going into the house of a Gentile that it was directed by God. In his words, he says –   “Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' 17 If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?” Acts 11:16, 17   Likewise in Acts 19, it says –   “And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples 2 he said to them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?' So they said to him, ‘We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.' 3 And he said to them, ‘Into what then were you baptized?' So they said, ‘Into John's baptism.' 4 Then Paul said, ‘John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.'” Acts 19:1-4   The gospels and Acts are showing us the progression of learning that took place in the disciples and then in the early church as well as among the people of Israel. There is a problem, however, that persists to this day. People fail to make the distinction between law and grace. Reading the gospels and Acts and understanding the progression of thought in them is intended to help us understand the difference.   And yet, though these events are clearly laid out for us in Scripture, many people keep falling back on the law, customs, and traditions of Israel. None of those things are binding on people who have believed the gospel.   And yet, because of a partial or faulty understanding of what God in Christ has done, the insidious infection of law observance, in part or in whole, remains a teaching in the church.   How sad it is that we cannot accept grace without reinserting ourselves into the equation, meaning that we have not accepted grace at all! Henceforth, may we rest in what Jesus has done and in that alone.   Lord God, we are so grateful to You for the release from bondage that we possess because of Jesus. Sin no longer has mastery over us because we are no longer under law but under grace. Help us to live with this understanding, being ever grateful for Your goodness to us through the giving of Jesus. Amen.

Paul found some disciples in Ephesus. After explaining the way of God more accurately to them, they were baptized in the name of Jesus, and baptized with the Holy Spirit. Paul stayed for two years in Ephesus teaching the Word of God, so that all the residents of Asia heard the Word of God. Scripture References: Acts 19:1-10, Acts 18:21, Matthew 3:11 Pastor: Daniel Hendrickson

It's Passover time. When Jews throughout the empire from North Africa, from Rome, from Athens, from Ephesus, all came to Jerusalem to worship at the temple. But when Jews come at Passover time, they're also celebrating the feast of freedom. When Jesus enters Jerusalem, we hear the cry "Hosanna", from the Hebrew root “to save now - please.” But we need to ask the next question: save from what? Come participate in a richer experience of the beginning of Holy Week. Website: https://unityfortworth.org Facebook: https://facebook.com/unityfw YouTube: https://youtube.com/unityfortworth

Ephesians: Part 14, Cultivating the Garden of our HomeThe Book of Ephesians, written by the Apostle Paul around 60 AD to the church in Ephesus, unveils God's ultimate plan to unite everything in heaven and on earth under Christ. This letter reminds us of the spiritual blessings we have in Christ and calls us to live as one reconciled people, marked by love, peace, and strength to face spiritual battles with the armor of God. In the months leading to Easter, we'll dive into Ephesians, letting its vision of grace transform our hearts, fuel our faith, and free our souls.Teaching Text: Ephesians 6:1-4Preached by Russell Korets

By William Bradford - Paul wrote and prayed that the Church of God in Ephesus would know the love of Christ, which surpasses all knowledge, that you may be filled with ALL the fullness of God. How does this occur, and how does it apply to the upcoming Days of Unleavened Bread?

Scripture: 2 TimothySeries: Letters To LeadersSpeaker: Pastor David MunleyThe Apostle Paul instructs Timothy on how to lead in Ephesus and how to finish his race well! He does all this while writing from a Roman prison cell.

Join us as we discuss the riot in Ephesus and Paul's total trust in God through his persecution and obedience to Jesus' plan to spread the Gospel.

Ephesians 1:1-23 NIVPaul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To God's holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory. For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God's people I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

Our Bible Reading of the Day is 2 Timothy 1, 3:14–17. Paul writes this instructive letter to his spiritual son, Timothy. As the pastor of the Church in Ephesus, young Timothy relies on Paul's experience and advice. Paul's words to Timothy encourage all believers in Christ: “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost” (1 Timothy 1:15).  

Message from Jarrett Stephens on April 6, 2025

Paul ends his second missionary journey after leaving Corinth and passing through Ephesus. He leaves Priscilla and Aquila in Ephesus to help strengthen the church there. While in Ephesus, they meet a Jewish man named Apollos. After hearing him speak in the synagogue, they privately take him aside and explain God's message to him more clearly. Scripture References: Acts 18:12-28, 1 Corinthians 1:1 Pastor: Daniel Hendrickson

Ephesians: Part 13, All the Darkness We Cannot SeeThe Book of Ephesians, written by the Apostle Paul around 60 AD to the church in Ephesus, unveils God's ultimate plan to unite everything in heaven and on earth under Christ. This letter reminds us of the spiritual blessings we have in Christ and calls us to live as one reconciled people, marked by love, peace, and strength to face spiritual battles with the armor of God. In the months leading to Easter, we'll dive into Ephesians, letting its vision of grace transform our hearts, fuel our faith, and free our souls.Teaching Text: Ephesians 6:10-20Preached by Paul Khochay

Kevin Crow, Senior Pastor

Kevin Crow, Senior Pastor

Sunday Service (3/30/25) // Revelation 2:1-7 // Visit our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mbchicago.org⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us to remain connected: Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠  / mbc.chicago  ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠  / mbc.chicago  ⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠  / mbc.chicago  ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Podcasts: Listen on Apple, Spotify & othersTo support this ministry, you can donate via: Zelle to: info@mbchicago.org Web: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mbchicago.org/give⁠⁠⁠⁠ Venmo: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://venmo.com/mbchurch⁠⁠⁠⁠ PayPal/Credit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_but...⁠⁠⁠⁠DAF Donations: ⁠⁠⁠https://every.org/mbc.chicago⁠⁠⁠Revelation 2:1-7 (ESV) To the Church in Ephesus1 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands.2 “‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. 3 I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary. 4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. 6 Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.'#DanielBatarseh #Revelation #BookofRevelation #BibleStudy #mbchicago #mbcchicago #Bible #versebyverse #sermon #sermons #sermononline #bookofrevelation #bookofrevelations #revelation #revelations #newtestament #scripture #verses #lessons #church #chicago #livechurch #churchlive #chicagochurch #chicagochurches #prophecy #prophetic #jesus #jesuschrist

James Jordan on the churches of Ephesus and Smyrna in Revelation 2. To listen to this ENTIRE series right now (with class notes!), download the Theopolis App! Use the code "theopolitan" to get your first month for FREE. app.theopolisinstitute.com/menu

The LORD was waiting for the best time for the preaching of the gospel. Acts 19 records the events at Ephesus. The Word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed in that city and it became Paul's base of operations throughout the then known region of Asia. Chapter 1 contains greetings and the faithful in Ephesus being described as having, in status, been elevated to heavenly places in Christ Jesus. From verses 15-22 the Apostle offers prayer and thanksgiving on the believers behalf. Paul outlines in verses 19-22 the great place Christ occupies to all believers. The Apostle tells the Ephesians that in the Lord Jesus Christ the Almighty's power was seen in producing a righteous man who could then be raised from the dead. All four Greek words for power are used in those verses. Chapter 2 deals with the enlightenment of believers and their salvation by grace – on the basis of their faith. Believers salvation has nothing to do with their merits. However, a life of gratitude is necessitated from believers. In verses 11-18 Paul outlines the faithful's changed status from hopeless nobodies to sanctified believers in Christ Jesus. The chapter concludes with the growth of the body of believers into a holy temple. A dwelling place for the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY. Slowly read aloud verses 17-22 and consider the foundation God has given us and that each of us determine to be a part of the LORD's holy edifice.

This is Pastor Tom Arnould welcoming you to the Good News Radio Broadcast. In Ephesians 3, the Apostle Paul prayed for the believers at Ephesus. His prayer was that through the strengthening of the Holy Spirit, they would understand the greatness of God's love. Today I will be teaching about this historic prayer.

The King is coming. Are you ready?In this episode of The King is Coming, we begin our study of Jesus's seven letters to the churches by looking at His message to Ephesus—a church full of good works but lacking one essential thing: love.Join Keith Harris and Jamie Harrison as they explore:✔️ The five-part structure of each letter in Revelation 2–3✔️ Jesus's praise for the Ephesian church's perseverance, discernment, and hard work✔️ The serious warning against abandoning their first love✔️ The call to remember, repent, and return✔️ The promise to those who conquer through faith in ChristJesus walks among His churches. He sees everything—not just what we do, but why we do it. In His words to Ephesus, He calls His people back to a love-driven faith, reminding them that faith without love is incomplete."Let anyone who has ears hear what the Spirit says to the churches." (Revelation 2:7)

1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope; 1:2 Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. 1:3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 1:4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. 1:5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: 1:6 From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; 1:7 Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. 1:8 But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; 1:9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 1:10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; 1:11 According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust. 1:12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; 1:13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 1:14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 1:16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. 1:17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

In this Bible study, we focus on Revelation 3.14-22. This is a message from Jesus to the church of Laodicea. Laodicea was one of seven churches in Asia Minor (modern-day western Turkey) to which Jesus had the Apostle John write a letter. The church in Laodicea thought they were rich and successful, when in God's eyes, they were weak and spiritually useless. Laodicea was judging itself on the world's standard, not God's. Join us as we dig deep and learn how this applies to us today.OUTLINE:03:06 - Huntersfield Retreat Center - https://www.huntersfieldny.com/03:38 - Outline05:44 - Background on Revelation and the island of Patmos. Rev 1.1-3 & 9-20 12:52 - Background on the letters to the seven churchesThe seven churches were in Asia Minor, all in the vicinity of Ephesus. (present-day western Turkey). Rev 2.114:47 - WORD STUDY: “Angel” - angelos ἄγγελος (Greek). A messenger, envoy, one who is sent, a messenger from God.16:45 - Read Revelation 3.14-2218:22 - Verse by Verse break down and expository study of the context for the church in Laodicea in its day.18:22 - Rev 3.14 - “These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation.”19:17 - WORD STUDY: The Almighty - Pantokratōr - Παντοκράτωρ - he who holds sway over all things; the almighty.20:02 - Rev 3.15 - “I know your deeds…”20:35 - Rev 3.15 - “...you are neither cold nor hot”24:16 - Rev 3.16 - “so because you are lukewarm - neither hot nor cold - I am about to spit you out of my mouth” - AMP: ‘So because you are lukewarm (spiritually useless), and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of My mouth [rejecting you with disgust].24:50 - Rev 3.17 - “you say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' 25:04 - Background on the city of Laodicea 27:37 - Rev 3.17 “You do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.”29:37 - Rev 3.18 “I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness, and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.”29:58 - What is the refiner's fire? John 6.2733.44 - Closing 4 verses: 4 special statements (An explanation, an exhortation, an invitation, an Assertion)34:05 - Rev 3.19a - An Explanation, “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline.” Pro 3.11-12. God allows trials to shape us into who he wants us to become35:24 - Rev 3.19b - An Exhortation - “Be earnest and repent.” Repent of pride, humble yourself before the Lord. Three commands for Laodieca: Buy from me gold refined in the fire; Be earnest; and Repent37:01 - Rev 3.20 - An Invitation - Open the door, invite Jesus into your life.39:11 - Rev 3.21-22 - An Assertion. 41:09 - Applications for us today.41:22 - An Explanation - How do you measure the success of your life?43:38 - An Exhortation - Value yourself based on how God sees you. 44:04 - What is propitiation? How does God value us? 1 John 4.9-1045:06 - An Invitation - OPEN THE DOOR. John 15.548:20 - An Assertion - Rely on the Lord as your strength, and he will be ever present (Psalm 46). Empty yourself of your self and out of your weakness, seek the Lord's hel,p and His power will be made perfect in you (2 Cor 12.9-10).Support Iron Sheep Ministries: https://Ironsheep.org/donateListen to the podcast: https://anchor.fm/ironsheepContact Dave & the ISM team: info@ironsheep.orgBe notified of each new teaching, join the email list: http://eepurl.com/g-2zAD

This is Pastor Tom Arnould welcoming you to the Good News Radio Broadcast. In Ephesians 3, the Apostle Paul prayed for the believers at Ephesus. His prayer was that through the strengthening of the Holy Spirit, they would understand the greatness of God's love. Today I will be teaching about this historic prayer.

"This is a personal letter to Timothy, son of a Greek father and a Jewish mother. He was converted during Paul's visit, to Lystra (Acts 16.1). He became Paul's special protégé, and, though evidently diffident and nervous in temperament, was his loyal assistant. He accompanied Paul on various missions and has now been left in charge of the church at Ephesus".    - From the introduction.   Originally published in Letters to Young Churches.

As anyone will know who has so much has flicked through the pages of the Quran, the Islamic scripture contain many discussions of the Virgin Mary and Jesus. Yet Muslim tradition also venerates many Christian saints. The model was set by the Quran itself, in the chapter al-Kahf (‘The Cave'), which alludes to the Christian story of the Seven Sleepers of Ephesus as a moral lesson for Muslims. Over the following centuries, Muslim authors recounted the lives of various other Christian saints, ranging from such famous figures as the hermit St Anthony and the martyr St George to the less familiar likes of John of Edessa and Paul of Qentos. Writing in Arabic, Muslim authors highlighted the ‘excellent qualities,' or fada'il, of these Christians who had such steadfast faith in God. Underlying this collective veneration was a shared scriptural universe, in which the Quran referred to stories from the Bible, and a shared sacred landscape, in which Muslims venerated the shrines of Biblical prophets and Christian saints. Nile Green talks to Reyhan Durmaz, author of Stories between Christianity and Islam: Saints, Memory, and Cultural Exchange in Late Antiquity and Beyond (University of California Press, 2022). 

This is Pastor Tom Arnould welcoming you to the Good News Radio Broadcast. In Ephesians 3, the Apostle Paul prayed for the believers at Ephesus. His prayer was that through the strengthening of the Holy Spirit, they would understand the greatness of God's love. Today I will be teaching about this historic prayer.

https://storage.googleapis.com/enduring-word-media/devotional/Devotional03312025.mp3 The post Remain in Ephesus – 1 Timothy 1:3 – March 31, 2025 appeared first on Enduring Word. https://enduringword.com/remain-in-ephesus-1-timothy-13-march-31-2025/feed/ 0 https://storage.googleapis.com/enduring-word-media/devotional/Devotiona

"This is a personal letter to Timothy, son of a Greek father and a Jewish mother. He was converted during Paul's visit, to Lystra (Acts 16.1). He became Paul's special protégé, and, though evidently diffident and nervous in temperament, was his loyal assistant. He accompanied Paul on various missions and has now been left in charge of the church at Ephesus".    - From the introduction.   Originally published in Letters to Young Churches.

We've made it to the end—and the beginning! In this final episode of our series on the seven churches of Revelation (told in reverse), we finish our conversation on Ephesus. This church had a lot going for it: solid doctrine, hard work, patient endurance… but Jesus still says something isn't right. Matt, Bobby, and the crew dig into what it means to lose your first love—even when you're “doing all the right things.” We talk about generational drift, what cold orthodoxy looks like, why emotions do matter in our walk with Christ, and how repentance isn't just for the big, dramatic moments.

Ephesians 1:1-23 NIVPaul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To God's holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory. For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God's people I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

"This is a personal letter to Timothy, son of a Greek father and a Jewish mother. He was converted during Paul's visit, to Lystra (Acts 16.1). He became Paul's special protégé, and, though evidently diffident and nervous in temperament, was his loyal assistant. He accompanied Paul on various missions and has now been left in charge of the church at Ephesus".    - From the introduction.   Originally published in Letters to Young Churches.

Acts Series

Message from Jarrett Stephens on March 30, 2025

"This is a personal letter to Timothy, son of a Greek father and a Jewish mother. He was converted during Paul's visit, to Lystra (Acts 16.1). He became Paul's special protégé, and, though evidently diffident and nervous in temperament, was his loyal assistant. He accompanied Paul on various missions and has now been left in charge of the church at Ephesus".    - From the introduction.   Originally published in Letters to Young Churches.

He took up the monastic life when very young, and lived as a recluse for many years, and gained the grace to heal sicknesses and drive out demons by his prayers. Later he became abbot of the Monastery of Pelekete in Bithynia. During the reign of the Emperor Leo the Isaurian, he and his monastery steadfastly upheld the holy icons, and were fiercely persecuted. Hilarion and his forty monks were exiled to a prison near Ephesus, where the Saint reposed.

Sunday Service (3/23/25) // Revelation 2-3 // Visit our website: ⁠⁠⁠https://mbchicago.org⁠⁠⁠Follow us to remain connected: Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠  / mbc.chicago  ⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠  / mbc.chicago  ⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠  / mbc.chicago  ⁠⁠⁠ Podcasts: Listen on Apple, Spotify & othersTo support this ministry, you can donate via: Zelle to: info@mbchicago.org Web: ⁠⁠⁠https://mbchicago.org/give⁠⁠⁠ Venmo: ⁠⁠⁠https://venmo.com/mbchurch⁠⁠⁠ PayPal/Credit: ⁠⁠⁠https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_but...⁠⁠⁠DAF Donations: ⁠⁠https://every.org/mbc.chicago⁠⁠Revelation 2-3 (ESV) To the Church in Ephesus2 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands.2 “‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. 3 I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary. 4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. 6 Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.'To the Church in Smyrna8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life.9 “‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander[a] of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.'To the Church in Pergamum12 “And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: ‘The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword.13 “‘I know where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith[b] even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 14 But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality. 15 So also you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16 Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.'To the Church in Thyatira18 “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: ‘The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze.To the Church in Sardis3 “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars.To the Church in Philadelphia7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens.To the Church in Laodicea14 “And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation.

"This is a personal letter to Timothy, son of a Greek father and a Jewish mother. He was converted during Paul's visit, to Lystra (Acts 16.1). He became Paul's special protégé, and, though evidently diffident and nervous in temperament, was his loyal assistant. He accompanied Paul on various missions and has now been left in charge of the church at Ephesus".    - From the introduction.   Originally published in Letters to Young Churches.

"This is a personal letter to Timothy, son of a Greek father and a Jewish mother. He was converted during Paul's visit, to Lystra (Acts 16.1). He became Paul's special protégé, and, though evidently diffident and nervous in temperament, was his loyal assistant. He accompanied Paul on various missions and has now been left in charge of the church at Ephesus".    - From the introduction.   Originally published in Letters to Young Churches.

What if Paul's vision of Christ reshaped Christianity in ways Jesus' own brother, James, never intended? In this episode, we explore the intense clash between Paul's Christ movement and the Jesus movement, led by James in Jerusalem, as they battled over the faith's direction. Paul's independent gospel, born from a divine encounter, drove him to spread his message to Gentile cities like Corinth, Ephesus, and Rome, outpacing the Jewish-focused Jesus movement. As the Jerusalem community waned after the city's fall in 70 AD, Paul's universal vision took root, defining the Christianity we know today. Join Nate and Shelby as they uncover these pivotal shifts, question Paul's authority, and ask: could the Jesus movement have changed history if it had prevailed? Tune in to rethink the origins of your faith. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email  contact@almostheretical.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes and aftershows 2. All full-length, ad-free episodes 3. Access to Heretical Together (our private community of 350+ listeners) Become a member: almostheretical.com/premium #apostlepaul #earlychristianity #biblepodcast Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Christ Movement 03:03 Understanding Paul and His Background 05:31 The Conflict with Jerusalem Leadership 08:35 Paul's Independent Revelation 11:40 The Divergence of Movements 16:28 The Tension of Jewish Customs 19:01 The Jerusalem Council and Gentile Inclusion 22:45 Paul's Distinct Gentile Christianity 25:13 The Expansion of Paul's Movement 35:22 Grassroots Movement and Rituals 40:19 The Decline of the Jesus Movement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this sermon from with the series in Acts, Pastor Stephen talks about the journey from Ephesus to Jerusalem including his time with the believers in Tyre and navigating God's Will during times of conflict. Acts 21:1-14

In AD 324 the controversy over Arianism was dividing Emperor Constantine's recently-unified Roman Empire. Constantine had converted a mere decade ago and achieved spectacular success on the battlefield over his rival Licinius , but was dismayed to return and find that the religion and church he had come to love to was torn apart with squabbling, division, and dissensions. So what happened? Did the church realize their need for clarity on the divinity of the Son and come together at Nicea because they knew they had to hammer out these doctrines? Did Alexander and Arius sit down willingly for the good of the church? Nope. Instead of the church leading the way, Emperor Constantine issued an imperial summons to the warring bishops of the East and West, demanding they convene at Nicea. The result of that month long council was the Nicene creed, a creed that has stood the test of time and is the foundational confession of practically all Christian traditions 1700 years later. This happened again under Emperor Theodosius I & II at Constantinople and Ephesus, under Marcian at Chalcedon, under Justinian again at Constantinople, and on and on. This pattern plays out again and again and again. The church wars, divides, errs, and even apostatizes, and the means of correction that God uses is often the State. This causes us Americans to bristle and protest but it is undeniable that the bulk of church reform has been initiated, carried out, and completed at the hand of the sovereign. Perhaps for all of our spirituality and airtight systematic theology we have forgotten the ordinary, practical means that God uses to save, purify, and protect his church. This episode is brought to you by our premier sponsors, Armored Republic and Reece Fund, as well as our Patreon members and donors. You can join our Patreon at patreon.com/rightresponseministries or you can donate at rightresponseministries.com/donate.Today we are going to defend the forgotten and controversial historical pattern that God uses the State to correct his often erring bride. Tune in now.*MINISTRY SPONSORS:*ENTER TO WIN 2 FREE TICKETS TO OUR APRIL 2025 CONFERENCE BY Signing Up For Private Family Bankings Email List1. Email Banking@privatefamilybanking.com2. Use Subject Line: April Ticket Giveaway3. Provide Your Full Name & Contact Phone Number4. Private Family Banking will be in touch for the winner of the tickets.*Private Family Banking*How to Connect with Private Family Banking:1. FREE 20-MINUTE COURSE HERE: ⁠https://www.canva.com/design/DAF2TQVcA10/WrG1FmoJYp9o9oUcAwKUdA/view⁠2. Send an email inquiry to ⁠chuck@privatefamilybanking.com⁠3. Receive a FREE e-book entitled "How to Build Multi-Generational Wealth Outside of Wall Street and Avoid the Coming Banking Meltdown", by going to ⁠https://www.protectyourmoneynow.net⁠4. Set up a FREE Private Family Banking Discovery call using this ⁠link: https://calendly.com/familybankingnow/30min⁠5. For a Multi-Generational Wealth Planning Guide Book for only $4.99, use this link for my affiliate relationship with "Seven Generations Legacy": ⁠https://themoneyadvantage.idevaffiliate.com/13.html⁠*Reece Fund: Christian Capital - Boldly Deployed⁠https://www.reecefund.com/*Dominion: Wealth Strategists* is a full-service financial planning and wealth management firm dedicated to putting more money in the hands of the church. With an education focused approach, they will help you take dominion over your finances.https://reformed.money/