FAMILY VALUES

 

Robert Dean Steel

Pastor of Cornerstone Community Church

 

    It is that time of the year when the children and young people of this land return to school and we are heading into the fall season.  Sadly, we have to bid goodbye to the warmth and green of the summer and say hello to the beauty and crispness of the fall.  For many it is harvest time and the bounty of the land is being reaped.  In this article we are going to look at the family, its strength and how we can maintain it in a society where the definition of family has changed so dramatically. 

     I had the privilege of raising four children comprised of two boys and two girls.  My children now have families of their own and they have blessed us with eight grandchildren.  Surprisingly, we have four boys and four girls we call grandchildren.  When we started our family my wife Lois and I made a decision that we were going to follow the promise of Josh 24:15, which states, “As for me and my house we will serve the Lord.”  I was not raised in a Christian home but fortunately by the time we had children there were resources available to help us.  Focus on the family was a resource we tapped into time and time again.  We made a lot of mistakes along the way but amazingly our children turned out to be gifted, creative, stable and consistent adults who are raising fantastic grandchildren of course I am a little Bias.  I want to share with you some little tidbits we learned on raising godly, stable, creative resourceful and faithful children. 

     It says in Proverb 22:6, “Train a child in the way they should go and when they are mature they will not depart from it.”    Here are some healthy ways to train your children.  First, Show and tell, teach children right from wrong with calm words and actions.  Never discipline when you are angry, frustrated or out of control.  Secondly, set limits.  Children need to know where the boundaries are.  It gives them stability and consistency.  Thirdly, give them your attention and hear them out.  Children often act out when they believe we are not paying attention to them.  Also catch them when they are being good this shows that we are interested in them not only when they are acting out but also when they are being good.  Always be liberal in your praise and keep the lines of communication open in all stages of their development.  Fourthly, as a parent you need to be prepared for trouble.  Don’t look for it but be ready.  Children are like a star trek movie they are running on impulse.  Know the difference between childish irresponsibility and willful defiance.  You need to know when not to respond because believe it or not your child sometimes are pushing buttons, full of sugar, tired or cranky.  Remember a soft answer turns away wrath.  Many times you can redirect behavior and get them distracted.  Fifthly, give consequences and follow through.  Nothing makes a child spoiled, unruly and hard to handle than letting them do what they want.  You are hurting them, yourself and others.  When you say you are going to do something follow through.  This builds respect, trust, loyalty and consistency.  Children expect a parent to be truthful and honest.  Always deal with willful defiance in a loving, firm manner by either doing a time out or some other form of effective discipline.  Lastly, make God the center of your home.  Have family devotions, be an example in consistent love and behavior.  You lead them to Christ by your actions more than your words.

     In a society of changing values, cultural shifts and redefinition of traditional concepts, the home is still the strongest institution in society.  Don’t let special interest groups, activists, social re-constructionists, celebrities, educators, or politicians form the structure of your home.  This responsibility is yours alone.  You know what is best for your children and family.  Don’t abdicate your responsibility because if you do someone will gladly do it for you and you may like the results.

 

 

QUOTES FOR AUG 11, 2026

 

FAMILY REUNION

 

  So Israel set out with all that was his, and when he reached Beersheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac.  2 And God spoke to Israel in a vision at night and said, “Jacob! Jacob!”  “Here I am,” he replied.  3 “I am God, the God of your father,” he said. “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. 4 I will go down to Egypt with you, and I will surely bring you back again. And Joseph’s own hand will close your eyes.”

 

Lesson One:  So Israel the Prince with God, sets out, he is finally going to see his beloved son.  This moment is over 20 years in the making.  He sets out with everything he has.  It would quite the procession.  Now Jacob is probably heading out as fast as he can.  I can see him saying come on everyone let’s get moving.  I have an appointment to meet.  Now this is not a small group.  This is like moving a village.  Then he gets to Beersheba.  He offers sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac.  Remember Isaac is the child of promise and Jacob is following his line.  The godly heritage is flowing through Jacob.  Jacob is grateful here for two things.  First, that Joseph is alive and secondly, he is now on His way to be reunited with his son.  His family is now complete.  He offers sacrifice to thank the Lord and to get His blessing before the majority of the journey is under taken.  We need God’s blessing wherever we go. 

     God responds by giving Jacob a vision at night.  Jacob was awake.  He talks to Jacob. Jacob says here I am.  He addresses him as Jacob because he still has a way to grow into his name.  Remember we are to grow into the grace and knowledge of the Lord.  Jacob says I am ready to hear and obey.  That is what we must be ready to do as well.  God always gives assurance of His leading if we are open to them.  God confirms His leading here.  He tells Jacob five things all in themselves great promises.   Do not be afraid, this phrase is found in one form or another in the Bible 365 times, to go down to Egypt.  This is part of God’s plan.  Next, God will make him a great nation.  What you are right now Jacob is not how things are going to be.  God always look at us and our situation from the eternal future.  He sees us not as we are but what we shall be.  A great promise.  Your story is still being written.  I will go down with you.  You are not alone in this.  You have divine, direction, guidance, help, protection and protection.  God promises us the same things wherever we go and whatever situation we find ourselves in. I will bring you back again.  This is a temporary thing for you.  I have a work to do while here.  Listen, learn, obey and grow but this is not the end.  There is always a reason for what we face but it is not the end of our story Amen.  Joseph’s own hand will close your eyes.  This was a promise that His whole family would be together at his death.  This was something Jacob wanted more than anything else.  This is a preview of what would happen near the end of the book.

 

  5 Then Jacob left Beersheba, and Israel’s sons took their father Jacob and their children and their wives in the carts that Pharaoh had sent to transport him. 6 So Jacob and all his offspring went to Egypt, taking with them their livestock and the possessions they had acquired in Canaan. 7 Jacob brought with him to Egypt his sons and grandsons and his daughters and granddaughters—all his offspring

 

      After His encounter with the Lord with all the promises and Israel’s sons took their father Jacob.  I want you to notice how Jacob and Israel are intertwined here.  Jacob is the leader but Israel is the family group.  They are now the nation of Israel.  The nation of Israel is going down to Egypt.  They are a family now but one day they will be a nation.  Jacob’s sons, children and all his offspring and their wives with them.  They get to ride in carts provided by the king.   They take their livestock, possessions and all they acquired in Canaan.  I asked the question?  Why did they bring everything with them?  I mean the king told them they did not need anything.  They brought it because it was part of their identity.  We all have stuff that we think is important.  It has become part of us.  Family heirlooms, pictures, furniture etc.  These were also blessings given to them in the promise land and now they would remind them of where they had been in a place they were going.  They invoke memories, give us a sense of belonging, invoke feelings of sentimentality.  Talk about the 20 boxes of family heirlooms I take with me.  His sons, grandsons, daughters and granddaughters.  All of his offspring are here..  No one is left behind.  They were leaving the land of starvation, lack, poverty and privation for a better place.  Never stay where you will starve and die always head towards the blessing and place of abundance.

 

 

These are the names of the sons of Israel (Jacob and his descendants) who went to Egypt:  Reuben the firstborn of Jacob.  9 The sons of Reuben:  Hanok, Pallu, Hezron and Karmi.  10 The sons of Simeon:

Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jakin, Zohar and Shaul the son of a Canaanite woman.  11 The sons of Levi:

Gershon, Kohath and Merari.  12 The sons of Judah:  Er, Onan, Shelah, Perez and Zerah (but Er and Onan had died in the land of Canaan).  The sons of Perez: Hezron and Hamul.  13 The sons of Issachar:

Tola, Puah,[a] Jashub[b] and Shimron.  14 The sons of Zebulun:  Sered, Elon and Jahleel. 15 These were the sons Leah bore to Jacob in Paddan Aram, besides his daughter Dinah. These sons and daughters of his were thirty-three in all.  16 The sons of Gad:  Zephon,[d] Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi and Areli.  17 The sons of Asher:  Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi and Beriah.  Their sister was Serah.  The sons of Beriah:  Heber and Malkiel.18 These were the children born to Jacob by Zilpah, whom Laban had given to his daughter Leah—sixteen in all.  19 The sons of Jacob’s wife Rachel:  Joseph and Benjamin. 20 In Egypt, Manasseh and Ephraim were born to Joseph by Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On.[e]

21 The sons of Benjamin:  Bela, Beker, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim and Ard.

22 These were the sons of Rachel who were born to Jacob—fourteen in all.  23 The son of Dan:

Hushim.  24 The sons of Naphtali:  Jahziel, Guni, Jezer and Shillem.  25 These were the sons born to Jacob by Bilhah, whom Laban had given to his daughter Rachel—seven in all.  26 All those who went to Egypt with Jacob—those who were his direct descendants, not counting his sons’ wives—numbered sixty-six persons. 27 With the two sons[f] who had been born to Joseph in Egypt, the members of Jacob’s family, which went to Egypt, were seventy in all.

 

Lesson Three – We now have the listing of all the sons of the boys and by Leah, Rachel, Zilpah and Billah.  Now the wives were not included in the number.  We also know that there were other people in the party.  The genealogy here would be important later especially for Levi as the priestly tribe.  These names would be important in the forming of the Tribes and the clans within the tribes later.  This family group would 430 years later become a nation.  They are a nation who would change the course of human history and even today a nation at the center of all world events.  Remember God sees them not as they were but what they would become.  Israel, is a nation of promise, salvation, Messiahship and earthly redemption.  Remember God has a plan for your life and your family.  Household salvation is his promise.  You job is to love, guide, nurture, protect, mentor be a role model, prayer warrior and high priest for your family. 

 

28 Now Jacob sent Judah ahead of him to Joseph to get directions to Goshen. When they arrived in the region of Goshen, 29 Joseph had his chariot made ready and went to Goshen to meet his father Israel. As soon as Joseph appeared before him, he threw his arms around his father and wept for a long time.  30 Israel said to Joseph, “Now I am ready to die, since I have seen for myself that you are still alive.”

 

Lesson Four:  Jacob does a rare thing for men.  He sends Judah ahead to get directions to Goshen.  Now remember this was part of the promise given to them that they would have a place of their own.  God has a place prepared for you.  Where you can dream, live and be all God intended you to be.  So they arrive, alive and well and ready for the next step.  Once they get there Joseph hops in his chariot.  He drives the some 50 miles to Goshen to meet his Father Israel.  When Joseph was made a slave 22 years before His dad was Jacob but now he is Israel full realized.  As soon as Joseph saw his dad, he runs to him, throw his arms around him and they wept for a long time.  Now we already know Joseph is an emotional guy.  All the years of separation, pain, sorrow, unknowing, slavery, betrayal and lies is over.  They are together finally.  Healing, restoration, forgiveness, love joy, grace and reconciliation that has happened.  This is a divine moment.  No words have to be said, the weeping and hugging is enough.  This is a small look at the day when we come into heaven when we meet Jesus.  The love, compassion, the healing, the anticipation and joy of that moment are incredible.  In a moment I will give you a small glimpse of this of what I saw in my vision in heaven.  Then Jacob says, “Now I am ready to die, since I now see for myself you are alive.”  Up to this moment it was someone else telling me, but now I see plainly for myself.  There is nothing like first hand experience.  Talk about me seeing the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley.  You can never fully experience something until you are there first hand.   I love this moment.  Everything is right in the world again.  This is one of the happiest moments of Jacob and Joseph’s life. 

 

  31 Then Joseph said to his brothers and to his father’s household, “I will go up and speak to Pharaoh and will say to him, ‘My brothers and my father’s household, who were living in the land of Canaan, have come to me. 32 The men are shepherds; they tend livestock, and they have brought along their flocks and herds and everything they own.’ 33 When Pharaoh calls you in and asks, ‘What is your occupation?’ 34 you should answer, ‘Your servants have tended livestock from our boyhood on, just as our fathers did.’ Then you will be allowed to settle in the region of Goshen, for all shepherds are detestable to the Egyptians.”

 

Lesson Five:  So Joseph then prepares his family for a meeting with Pharaoh.  My family have from Canaan have come.  They are shepherds, tend livestock, they have come with all their animals and everything own.  In ancient times you needed an introduction to meet someone of a rank such as the king.  It would be rude and even death to come unannounced.  Remember Esther. 

     Now Pharaoh gave the invitation and so he expected to meet them.  He based it upon Joseph.  They were also expected to say thanks for his generosity.  So when the king asks they were to tell him their occupation because like today many people are defined by what they do more than who they are.  It also gives a snapshot of their lifestyle.  What is important in their lives?  So they were to give them a family history.  Also in Joseph’s time it was expected the sons would follow in the family business which these boys did.  This would also allow them to live in Goshen because Goshen was an agricultural area.  Also shepherds were detestable to the Egyptians.  Here are some reasons.  It reflects a common distrust of nomadic peoples by urban dwellers.  Joseph’s advice to his father is both a warning about Egyptian attitudes toward strangers and a piece of diplomacy in that they would claim independent status (they had their own herds to support them) and show they were not an ambitious group who wished to rise above their occupation as shepherds.  Settlement in Goshen would separate them from the Egyptian cattlemen of the Nile Valley and thus reduce friction with Egyptians and preserve their distinctiveness as a people.  My last piece of info today is about the Pharaoh Joseph served under.  The historical period known as the “Middle Kingdom” or Hyskos, which lasted from 2000 to 1786 BCE.  This is one of Egypt’s greatest times.  Joseph might have come to Egypt during the reign of Sesostris II (1894-1878 BCE).

He most likely begins his career under Sesostris III (1878-1841 BCE). He lives in Egypt for 71 years, so Joseph dies in approximately 1805 BCE, under the reign of Amenemhet III (1841-1797 BCE).

Sesostris III is a most influential Pharaoh; he conquers Nubia (Ethopia) and greatly expands Egypt’s territory.  He also institutes many administrative reforms which lead to the demise of the local nobility.  He built a great canal and several cities.  This is such an amazing story. 

EVERYONE IS LOOKING

 

Mark 1:29-39

After Jesus and his disciples left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them.

 

1.      This is such an amazing account.  Notice some things we see here.  

2.      Jesus and his disciples left the synagogue.  Jesus knew the importance of attendance to God’s house.  It was his habit.  So it should be ours.  To do so is contrary to the habit and nature of the Savior.  David said in Ps 122:1, I was glad when they said lets us go to the house of the Lord.  The book of Hebrews tells us not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together. 

3.      Simon and Andrew lived in the same home.  This is a picture of Jewish life.  Often multiple families lived in the same house.  The brothers were partners in fishing.  We know that Peter was older than Andrew but Andrew brought Peter to Jesus. 

4.      They came to the house with James and John.  Remember these are the first disciples.  We also know from the book of John that John the beloved was a follower of John the Baptist first and he came to Jesus when he heard John the Baptist say that Jesus was the Lamb of God.  John and James were called the Sons of Thunder because they wanted to bring fire on a town in Samaria who refused Jesus hospitality.  They also sought a position on Jesus’ right and left hand in the coming kingdom.

5.      When they came into the house they found Simon Peter’s mother sick in bed with a fever.  Two things we learn.  Peter had a wife and that his mother in law lived with them.  This meant that Peter and Andrew were fairly successful in their business.  Peter had family to support even though he would dedicate the next three years to Jesus.  Must have been quite a balancing act.  It was also a sacrifice and strain on this family to be a disciple of Christ and the demands it made.  Can you imagine the talk from the neighbors about Peter doing this? 

6.      They told Jesus about it.  They went to the right person.  When you have a problem, go to Jesus first.  Tell Him and trust Him.  These boys knew that Jesus is the answer, do you?  Even the smallest things we should bring to Jesus.  My common problem is losing things.  So often I look first and pray second.  I should pray first and then look.  So easy to forget in the heat of the moment. 

7.      Jesus came and took her by the hand and lifted her up.  He picked her up and set her on her feet.  This was action.  You have to help others.  You have to lift them up.  You have to help those who cannot help themselves.  This is faith in action.  The fever left her.  Of course the healer was in the house.  Remember Jesus is our healer and by His stripes we are healed.  No sickness, affliction or disease can defeat Him. 

8.      This shows how tough this lady was.  One moment sick in bed the next serving dinner.  That is amazing.  When you are a servant nothing is going to keep you from serving.  Love it.

 

That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered around the door. And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, “Everyone is searching for you.” He answered, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.” And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.

 

1.      So they ate and in they brought all who were sick or possessed with demons.  Not all sickness is demonic but it can be caused by this.  Discernment helps us determine this.  Gift of knowledge, things being revealed not known, gift of discernment or things seen in the spiritual realm and the word of wisdom which enables us to make the right decision and course of action. 

2.      The whole city was the door.  Jesus had caused quite a stir.  The physician was in the house.  Jesus is our healer and great physician.  When God is moving in your life you will not have to go and find people they will come to you.  Sometimes you go but always you love, help, heal and encourage.   This would have taken a long time. 

3.      Two things.  First, Jesus all cured many who were sick with various diseases.  One fit does not fit all but those who were sick were cured.  Secondly, Jesus cast out the demons.  Demons will not leave on their own, or go willingly.  They need to be bound, broken and cast out.  Jesus also did not allow them to speak because they knew him.  Demons know who is of God and who is not.  When the sons of Sceva in Acts 19, tried to cast the demons out of the man in Ephesus.  They responded Jesus we know, Paul we know, but who are you?  Jesus also did not let them manifest because this brings attention to them.  You do not want the devil displaying his wares.  Talk about man in Yellowknife.

4.      In the morning before while it was dark Jesus went out to a deserted place to pray.  Jesus knew the importance of prayer.  It was his time of rejuvenation, refreshing, keeping in contact with the father, getting fresh vision and insight.  Jesus knew he needed to get away from the business of life.  You need to reconnect, refocus and put your compass back on course.  Jesus chose early in the morning because it knew the importance of prayer at the start of the day.  Then you have the Lord with you moment by moment and you have divine help and protection throughout the day.

5.      Simon and his companions hunted for Jesus, we need to be searching for Jesus in all His glory, character nature and essence.  When they found Him they said everyone is searching for you.  I am going to change this statement.  Everyone needs to be looking for Jesus.  He is the only Savior, healer, baptizer and soon coming King.  These people were looking for Jesus to meet their needs, wants, desires and reasons.  Some people look at Jesus as a failsafe, or they add Him to their religious experience, and as a political asset like many Presidents.  Others seek him when they are in trouble.  There are multitudes of wrong reasons and only one right reason.  You seek Him as Savior because you are sinner and need to be saved. 

6.      Jesus did something opposite to what His disciples expected.  He said lets go to neighboring towns that he may proclaim the message there.  That is what He was called to do.  Jesus knew why he came and he was focused.  He did heal, drive out demons but He never lost focus of why He was there.  Let us not lose our way.  Keep focused.  Go into your world and tell others about Jesus and love them as we have been loved.  Don’t get distracted by the many things around us.  Do the will of our Father. 

7.      Jesus then went through out Galilee preaching His message.  Repent, the Kingdom of heaven is at hand in their synagogues.  Remember Jesus loved the house of the Lord and he gave the message about the Lord there.  He also drove out demons.  Interesting thought were the demons in the synagogues?  I know demons love religion Wikipedia says there are 4300 major religions in the world.  So demons love religion.  They hate Christ but love religion.  Let us never become religious unless it is pure religion.  Taking care of the widows and orphans and staying unpolluted by the world.  Be followers of Christ.   

QUOTES FOR AUG 10, 2026

 

ETERNAL PURPOSE

 

18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.  20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

 

This is the second half of the second of three prayers that Paul prayed for the Ephesians and this prayer has a powerful application for us today.  I love this book because this is a man who may be limited in his movement because of prison but he is anything but chained.  He is free because He has the one who sets the captive free encouraging, strengthening and empowering him.  There are so many people who claim to be free but are in truth in bondage.  Only Jesus Christ can truly set some one free.  Remember where the Spirit of the Lord there is freedom.

 

1.      In Vs 18, Paul says, “may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.”  Paul wants all God’s people to have the power to really know the love of Christ.  In the garden of Gethsemane Jesus prayed three times to have the cup of death pass from Him but two factors motivated Him to the cross, the love for mankind and the will of God.  Jesus knew we could not save ourselves.  He knew He had to do it.  He took action, He made us complete and He gave us the fruit of love. 

 

a.      Paul wants all God’s people not just in the area of Ephesus but all generations for all time to grasp, comprehend and understand the vastness of God’s love.  The unsearchable, unfathomable and beyond comprehension of God’s love.  God’s love is best illustrated by this phrase.  Three nails and a cross means forgiven.  Paul used measurement to illustrate his point.  The width, length, height and depth of God’s love.  Truth be told you cannot measure the love of Christ.

b.      Frank Thompson said that it was the cords of love that kept Christ on the cross.  It was love that motivated Him to be our substitute and sacrifice.  It was love that moved Him to allow His body to be broken and His blood shed.  This was Paul’s prayer.  Lord let you people begin to see, acknowledge, comprehend and understand the incredible vastness of God’s love.  That why while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.  Jesus said, “No greater love can be given than when you lay down your life for a friend. “

 

2.      In vs 19, Paul states, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.  The Bible definition of the word know is as follows, “To perceive with certainty; to understand clearly; to have a clear and certain perception of truth, fact, or anything that actually exists.”  The Bible says it is truth and you believe it and that settles it.    Paul knows that this love surpasses, is greater and more powerful than any knowledge.  How to you put love under a microscope, run tests on it, do experiments or do an analysis of it.  Science is the intellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment.  Science can never explain or figure out love.  Love is a communicated attribute of God.  It is who He is.  He is the source, giver and embodiment of love.  In the Greek there are four applications of love.  Storge – empathy bond. Philia – friend bond. Eros – romantic love.

Agape – unconditional "God" love.

 

a.      Paul prayer is that we may be filled with his love.  Paul writes what we should exhibit the following type of love in 1 Cor 13: 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

b.      All to be filled to all the full measure of God.  Not only filled but be continually filled.  This means a daily filling by the word and prayer.  This filling is exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit as talked about in Gal 5:22-23, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control.  This is the work of the Holy Spirit of whom you are His temple.

 

3.      In Vs 20, Paul then brings one of the most powerful verses in the Bible.  Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.  What a powerful thought.  God is able to do beyond measure.  In the KJV it says, exceedingly and abundantly more.  There is no limit to God.  He is a bank you cannot drain.  In Phil 4:19, it states God’s has riches and benefits in heaven waiting to be distributed and given to meet your needs.  God is the creator and sustainer of all things.  He thinks, speaks and it happens.  Did you know scientists tell us there are 8.7 million species of animals on this planet?  Over one million of these are insects.  This shows the genius of God.

 

a.      He can do beyond what we can ask or imagine.  Amazing.  Whatever dreams God gives you He can do beyond.  Talk about Youngi Cho building his church.  God can do more than you could even imagine.  Jeff Bezos has billions yet he is a piker and a pauper compared to God.  All the gold in the world is pavement in heaven.  God can do anything you dream of and beyond. 

b.      This is according to the power already working in us.  You have resurrection power.  Rom 8:11.  You have untappable power in you.  You have the Holy Spirit and since He can do anything so can you.  God gives you a dream no one and nothing can stop you.  Trust God and see what He can do.  This is divine favor and grace.  This is love in action.  Remember love is the foundation for faith and hope.  Prosperity and health are yours as your soul prospers.  Moses walked through the sea because of God.  Daniel escaped the lion’s den because of God.  Elijah brought fire from heaven because of God’s power.  George Mueller in the 19^th century at his height fed 2000 orphans everyday by faith tapping into the resources of heaven. Get this in your spirit.  God wants to use you to touch your world.  He wants to show the world what He can do through you. 

 

4.      In vs 21, Paul says, To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.  God is going to show His glory which is the essence and characteristics of his nature. Glory in the Bible is to describe the splendor, holiness and majesty of God. Glory, in this sense, is often associated with a person experiencing God's presence in a tangible way. When used this way, the word glory conveys a sense of heavy dignity.

 

a.       The church which in a broad sense is the organism or organization throughout the world and in the individual sense you in your world.  We are the church.  The head of the church is Jesus Christ.  He gives the orders and He is the object and essence of the church.  He created it and sustains it.  We are heirs of all He did and has. 

b.      This is for all generations.  From Paul’s time till now.  It is forever and ever Amen.  Exclamation point.  Nothing needed or added it has been done.  Let me close with this example.  Aprons and cloths used by Paul brought healing and deliverance.  Was that Paul or God.  Obviously God.

 

 

EPHESUS OF THE BIBLE

 

Ephesus of the Bible

 

Ephesus was the capital city of a Roman province in Asia. Ephesus was a significant center of trade, located near a harbor at the mouth of the Cayster River on the Aegean Sea in western Asia Minor. The city lay in a long, fertile valley. Major roads connected Ephesus to all the other significant cities in Asia Minor.  The word Ephesus means desirable, and in many ways it was certainly a desirable place to live. In the ancient world, Ephesus was a center of travel and commerce.  The city was one of the greatest seaports of the ancient world. Three major roads led from the seaport:

 

One road went east towards Babylon via Laodicea

Another to the north via Smyrna

A third south to the Meander Valley

 

Ephesus was known for its amphitheater, the largest in the world, designed to hold up to 50,000 spectators. Ephesus was also the location of the great temple of Artemis, or Diana, built in 550 BC. This temple, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was “425 ft. long and 220 ft. wide; each of its 127 pillars which supported the roof of its colonnade was 60 ft. high”  Much Ephesian industry was related to this temple. Craftsmen sold shrines and household images of the goddess that worshipers could take with them on long journeys. The Ephesians were proud of their religious heritage and its accompanying legends (Acts 19:35).

 

Ephesus is mentioned often in Scripture. Paul journeyed to Ephesus during his second missionary trip and stayed there for two years so that “all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord” (Acts 19:10). Ephesus was a prime site for evangelizing the whole province, due to the city’s accessibility and prominence in the region. It was in Ephesus that Paul and his companions were taken into the massive amphitheater where for two hours the mob shouted, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians” (Acts 19:23–41). Despite the strong objections to the gospel, many Ephesians came to faith in Christ through the faithful ministry of Paul and his companions. A church began there, and a few years later, Paul wrote to them a letter that we now call the book of Ephesians. Four hundred years later, Ephesus was the site of a major church meeting known as the Council of Ephesus.

 

Ephesus was the setting for many New Testament events:

 

·        Paul arrived in Ephesus and had a public meeting in the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. 20 When they asked him to spend more time with them, he declined. 21 But as he left, he promised, “I will come back if it is God’s will.”  He left Priscilla and Aquila at Ephesus.  Ephesus 18:19-21

·        He returns by road to Ephesus where he meets twelve men and asked if they had receive the Holy Spirit and they had not and only were aware of John’s baptism there were baptized and then the Holy Spirit came down on them  where they spoke in tongues and prophesized.  This is called the Ephesian Pentecost.

·        Paul spoke for three months on the synagogue but some refused to believe and even spoke against the gospel and so Paul had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus.   This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord.

·         God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, such that even handkerchiefs and aprons touched by him healed sickness and cast out demons (Acts 19:11).

·        The seven sons of Sceva, Jewish exorcists, attempted to imitate Paul’s power and were attacked by demons because the demons did not recognize their spiritual authority (Acts 19:13–16)

·        Many new believers “who had practiced magic arts brought their books and burned them in front of everyone” (Acts 19:19, BSB). The total value of the sorcery books they destroyed was 50,000 silver pieces.

·        There was a riot in Ephesus over the gospel because of loss of income to the Artemis or Diana temples.    The people seized Gaius and Aristarchus.  Paul wanted to go and speak to the crowd but the people with him kept him from going.  The city clerk calmed down the crowd and urged the business people to settle the matter in court.  Paul left after that.

·        Paul wrote the epistle of 1 Corinthians.

·        Priscilla and Aquilla discipled Apollos (Acts 18:24–26).

·        Timothy had his first pastorate (1 Timothy 1:3).

·        It’s thought that the apostle John and Jesus’ mother, Mary, lived in Ephesus after Jesus returned to heaven (see John 19:26–27).

·        Paul may have faced wild beasts in the amphitheater (1 Corinthians 15:32).

·        Ephesus became the home of the Apostle John (mid-late 60’s).  He was released and died during the reign of Trajan according to Iraneus (an early church historian). It is said that at a very old age John, too feeble to walk, would be carried into this church’s assembly and would admonish the members, as little children, to love one another.

·        Jesus directed to Ephesus one of His seven letters in the book of Revelation (Revelation 2:1–7).

·        Jesus’ letter to the church at Ephesus contains Jesus’ famous rebuke: “You have left your first love” (Revelation 2:4). The believers at Ephesus, struggling beneath the weight of a godless and immoral culture, had maintained the letter of the law but had lost the Spirit of the law (see Romans 2:29). Jesus commended them for their hard work, perseverance, rejection of false teaching, and hatred of sin. But He was grieved that they had become routine in their service for Him rather than serve Him with the passion they once had. Their actions were there, but their hearts were not.

·        Ephesus was a leading city for the councils of the early Roman church.

·        Jesus’ words to the believers in Ephesus should challenge all servants of the Lord. It is easy to get caught up in the busyness of ministry, church work, or volunteering and not realize our passion for the Lord has cooled. We are no longer propelled into service by love, but by some other selfish or worldly motivation. We may think God doesn’t mind, as long as we are outwardly obeying, but He does mind. It hurts Him, and it violates the greatest commandment: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength” (Mark 12:30).

·        Jesus gave the church at Ephesus time to repent, and He gives us time as well. Every moment we resist His call to humble ourselves and return to our first love is one more moment that we forfeit the love, joy, and peace He offers (1 Peter 5:6; Galatians 5:22–23). Jesus was so concerned about the church at Ephesus that He dictated a letter through the apostle John (Revelation 1:1–2). And He is so concerned about the church of today that He made certain that letter was preserved for us (Revelation 1:3; 22:18–19).