July 16, 2017
Evening Service

While reading these letters that Paul wrote it’s good if we can go back to the book of Acts, and look at where Paul first met these people. 

·        Such as Ephesus: First visited at the end of his second missionary trip, on his way back to Antioch, Syria, where he began his journeys. AD51.  Paul left Aquilla, and Pricilla in Ephesus to guide, and teach the church. 

·        Upon his return, we find that one very eloquent man had come to this area, Apollos, convincing the Jews from the scriptures that this Jesus was the Messiah.  He knew only the baptism of John, so Aquilla, and Pricilla took him aside and taught him the Word of God more accurately.  Mainly about Christian Baptism. 

·        In chapter 19 is where Paul coming through the upper coasts of Asia, ran into some disciples from Ephesus.  He ask them “did you receive the Holy Ghost when you believed?” And they replied, “ we have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Ghost.”  And Paul’s reply was, “Into what then were you baptized?” They replied, “into John’s baptism.”  So Paul told them that John’s baptism was one unto repentance, and they should believe on the One that would come after him, that is Christ Jesus.  Upon hearing this they were baptized in the name of Jesus, and when Paul laid his hands on them the Holy Ghost came on them, and they spoke with tongues, and prophesied.  SUCH AN OUTSTANDING EXPERIENCE THAT WOULD HELP THIS CHURCH MANY YEARS.  And we can see in Paul’s writings as he encourages and guides this church his love for them, and them for him.  Paul spent two years teaching, and it is said that all Asia heard the Word of the Lord.   

·        This also is where the Apostle John spent time, and was buried here.

 

We don’t understand why God didn’t allow Christianity to remain the primary religion in these areas, but we know Muhammad, and his Islam faith came in conquering most of these Arab countries.  There was no peace around Islam, only death, and destruction.  The peaceful Christians had no chance.

 

Bro Steve brought us a fine message this morning concerning us being children, and loving like children.  Our congregation is so blessed to have such wonderful teachers, as Steve, Sam, and Greg, our ladies who teach our children, having experience in the school system, then using that talent to teach the Lord’s Word to our children, and I’m sure others will rise to the occasion when needed.  God will provide for His Church. 

Follow God, not the things of the world.

Eph 5:1-20  Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;  (2)  And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. 

·        Steve said only two verses this morning.  Sometimes that’s as far as you get.

(3)  But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;  (4)  Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.

·        Nothing wrong with jesting, as long as it’s at a convenient time.

(5)  For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 

·        These are attributes if found in our lives we must get rid of, and we can with God’s help.

(6)  Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 

·        God considers these people disobedient children.

(7)  Be not ye therefore partakers with them. 

·        This warning comes very often in the Scriptures, even the O.T.

(8)  For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:  (9)  (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)  (10)  Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 

·        The encouragement is throughout the Word, “walk in the light as He is in the light.”  Study to learn what His will is for mankind.

(11)  And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.  (12)  For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. 

·        When we choose to follow Christ, our old man dies in the waters of baptism, and we arise to walk in the newness of life.  OUR CHOICE.

(13)  But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.  (14)  Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.  (15)  See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,  (16)  Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.  (17)  Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. 

·        Paul told the church at Thessalonica,, that the will of the Lord is our sanctification, which means to be set apart for the work of God.

(18)  And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 

·        And for those who like a glass of wine, it is not wrong, but drunkenness is condemned in the Bible.  If you can’t stop, don’t start.

(19)  Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;  (20)  Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

 

Being filled with God’s Spirit brings forth the joy, and melody in your heart.  So our prayer for this evening would be:

 

Father help us to hunger, and thirst after Your Holy Spirit, to guide, and direct us into the path of righteousness.