Acts 19:21–41. Pursuing his gospel ministry, Paul came under attack in Ephesus from the Jews who resented his preaching to the Gentiles, from the devotees of the pagan god Artemis (aka Diana) and from the silversmiths who grew rich selling images of Artemis. Arriving in Jerusalem he came under attack from the Jews in the temple and was arrested by the Roman authorities and eventually sent to Rome in chains. But through all these things the gospel prospered, many churches were planted and thousands came to faith in Christ. Encouragement here for us today!

Acts 19:21–41. Pursuing his gospel ministry, Paul came under attack in Ephesus from the Jews who resented his preaching to the Gentiles, from the devotees of the pagan god Artemis (aka Diana) and from the silversmiths who grew rich selling images of Artemis. Arriving in Jerusalem he came under attack from the Jews in the temple and was arrested by the Roman authorities and eventually sent to Rome in chains. But through all these things the gospel prospered, many churches were planted and thousands came to faith in Christ. Encouragement here for us today!

If you made an unfulfilled promise, how long would it be before you forgot it altogether? A month? A year? But God made a promise to Eve and repeated it through the ages to Abraham, Job, Moses, David, the Prophets and to John the Baptist. Now, in the fulness of time, He announces to Mary its impending fulfilment in the birth of Christ. It was an announcement that would change the world. 

If you made an unfulfilled promise, how long would it be before you forgot it altogether? A month? A year? But God made a promise to Eve and repeated it through the ages to Abraham, Job, Moses, David, the Prophets and to John the Baptist. Now, in the fulness of time, He announces to Mary its impending fulfilment in the birth of Christ. It was an announcement that would change the world. 

This episode is not the next in-depth exposition in the Book of Esther (that will come later) but a survey of the chapters (one to six) we have expounded over recent months.  A Christian family visiting our church from overseas turned out to know nothing about the Book of Esther, so instead of expounding the next section as I had planned, I gave an impromptu and unprepared review of the six chapters we have already covered. Some who have followed the series also found the review helpful.

This episode is not the next in-depth exposition in the Book of Esther (that will come later) but a survey of the chapters (one to six) we have expounded over recent months.  A Christian family visiting our church from overseas turned out to know nothing about the Book of Esther, so instead of expounding the next section as I had planned, I gave an impromptu and unprepared review of the six chapters we have already covered. Some who have followed the series also found the review helpful.

In Rev..2:1–7 Christ commends the church in Ephesus for their abundant works and faithful testimony in such a way that we might consider Ephesus to be a perfect church. Yet at the same time he threatens to remove its lampstand (close it down). What's the problem? Their works were indeed outstanding but their motivation for doing those works had ceased to be love for Christ. We turn to 1 Cor. 13 to see that even the most amazing acts of self sacrifice and service are worthless in the eyes of God unless they are motivated by love for Christ. We are challenged to test our motives and, if they are found wanting, to repent, and "do the first works"—works motivated solely by a love for Christ poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 5:5).

In Rev..2:1–7 Christ commends the church in Ephesus for their abundant works and faithful testimony in such a way that we might consider Ephesus to be a perfect church. Yet at the same time he threatens to remove its lampstand (close it down). What's the problem? Their works were indeed outstanding but their motivation for doing those works had ceased to be love for Christ. We turn to 1 Cor. 13 to see that even the most amazing acts of self sacrifice and service are worthless in the eyes of God unless they are motivated by love for Christ. We are challenged to test our motives and, if they are found wanting, to repent, and "do the first works"—works motivated solely by a love for Christ poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 5:5).

Revelation 1:9–20 explores the nature and character of local churches, then and now, but does so from two different perspectives, earthly and heavenly.The earthly perspective sees the churches enduring persecution, imperfection and internal conflict, all of which the Apostle John experienced first-hand. But the heavenly perspective shows us the local church and its leaders symbolised respectively by a priceless golden lampstand and golden stars in Christ's right hand. The message emphasizes the church’s responsibility to shine-out the gospel, rely on Christ’s sustaining grace, and honour its leaders. 

Revelation 1:9–20 explores the nature and character of local churches, then and now, but does so from two different perspectives, earthly and heavenly.The earthly perspective sees the churches enduring persecution, imperfection and internal conflict, all of which the Apostle John experienced first-hand. But the heavenly perspective shows us the local church and its leaders symbolised respectively by a priceless golden lampstand and golden stars in Christ's right hand. The message emphasizes the church’s responsibility to shine-out the gospel, rely on Christ’s sustaining grace, and honour its leaders. 

Revelation 1:4–8 highlights three descriptions of the Person of Christ — the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth — and connects these with the works of Christ — he reveals the unseen Father, he saves by his death and resurrection all who trust in him, and makes believers spiritual kings and priests. The episode closes by looking ahead to Christ’s return and the affirmation that God, as the Alpha and Omega, is sovereign over all things.

Revelation 1:4–8 highlights three descriptions of the Person of Christ — the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth — and connects these with the works of Christ — he reveals the unseen Father, he saves by his death and resurrection all who trust in him, and makes believers spiritual kings and priests. The episode closes by looking ahead to Christ’s return and the affirmation that God, as the Alpha and Omega, is sovereign over all things.

John’s vision of the glorified Christ (Rev. 1:9-18) shows Jesus as "one like the Son of Man" walking among seven lampstands endowed with priestly robes, white hair, eyes like flames, feet of refined brass, a voice like many waters, a two‑edged sword from his mouth, and a face shining like the sun. We explain that these features are apocalyptic symbols representing the deeper spiritual realities of Christ's person, authority, word and work, realities that strengthen, comfort and encourage believers in all ages.

John’s vision of the glorified Christ (Rev. 1:9-18) shows Jesus as "one like the Son of Man" walking among seven lampstands endowed with priestly robes, white hair, eyes like flames, feet of refined brass, a voice like many waters, a two‑edged sword from his mouth, and a face shining like the sun. We explain that these features are apocalyptic symbols representing the deeper spiritual realities of Christ's person, authority, word and work, realities that strengthen, comfort and encourage believers in all ages.

The great value of Acts 18:18-28 for today lies in the way it presents us with role-models. Paul cares deeply for local churches as he revisits, strengthens and encourages them. Do we feel such love and responsibility for our own local church? To preach Christ powerfully, Apollos studied to understand the scriptures, yet was always reato learn more. Do we study God's Word and hear it preached regularly to better share it with others? Aquila and Priscilla exemplify what Christian marriage should be by their hospitality, unity, Bible teaching and open home for believers. Do we, if married, follow their example?

The great value of Acts 18:18-28 for today lies in the way it presents us with role-models. Paul cares deeply for local churches as he revisits, strengthens and encourages them. Do we feel such love and responsibility for our own local church? To preach Christ powerfully, Apollos studied to understand the scriptures, yet was always reato learn more. Do we study God's Word and hear it preached regularly to better share it with others? Aquila and Priscilla exemplify what Christian marriage should be by their hospitality, unity, Bible teaching and open home for believers. Do we, if married, follow their example?

Does this closing verse of the letter to Ephesus (Rev. 2:7) teach that people have access to the tree of life because they overcome, or do they overcome because they have already eaten its fruit? We show that the fruit in question symbolises the eternal life that believers have in Christ and that those who have received that gift from Christ must necessarily overcome whatever problems and difficulties life might bring. We also recognise here a warning to those who do not trust in Christ for salvation and who are only nominal Christians, that they will not overcome. The episode thus clarifies that "overcomers" are true believers who possess eternal life in Christ while offering assurance that the promises to the overcomers apply to all who truly trust Jesus.

Does this closing verse of the letter to Ephesus (Rev. 2:7) teach that people have access to the tree of life because they overcome, or do they overcome because they have already eaten its fruit? We show that the fruit in question symbolises the eternal life that believers have in Christ and that those who have received that gift from Christ must necessarily overcome whatever problems and difficulties life might bring. We also recognise here a warning to those who do not trust in Christ for salvation and who are only nominal Christians, that they will not overcome. The episode thus clarifies that "overcomers" are true believers who possess eternal life in Christ while offering assurance that the promises to the overcomers apply to all who truly trust Jesus.

This episode links John 14’s promise “Let not your heart be troubled” with the parable of the prodigal son and the fall in Genesis, showing how Christ is the way back to truth, to life and to the Father. It traces the consequences of Eden’s loss, the cherubim blocking the way home, the tabernacle’s mercy seat, and how Jesus restores truth, and gives eternal life through his death and resurrection. Here is pastoral reassurance in troubled times! 

This episode links John 14’s promise “Let not your heart be troubled” with the parable of the prodigal son and the fall in Genesis, showing how Christ is the way back to truth, to life and to the Father. It traces the consequences of Eden’s loss, the cherubim blocking the way home, the tabernacle’s mercy seat, and how Jesus restores truth, and gives eternal life through his death and resurrection. Here is pastoral reassurance in troubled times!