•Commissio

n

•Character •Commenda

tion

•Condemnat

ion

•Correction 

Ephesu s

-“ Growing

Out and Growing Up

” -“

Bearing and Baring

” - “

Right Rave and Left Love

” Where are we going … where have we been?

• Ecclesiastes 1:9 – “ The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done : and there is no new thing under the sun.”

• Ecclesiastes 3:14-15 - “I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him. That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past .”

Application :

•

Historical

•

Devotional (Inspirational)

•

Doctrinal (Prophetical)

• Isaiah 42:9 – “Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them .”

Where are we going… where have we been?

- “

Hype and Hypocrisy

” - “

History and His Story

” - “ Acts and Actions ” Where are we going … where have we been?



God has a plan and so does the devil.



The God of the Bible is the God of History.



The devil does not want you to identify him in history.



History repeats itself.



Don’t remove the ancient landmark.

Acts…

• Ecclesiastes 1:9 – “ The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done : and there is no new thing under the sun.”

Acts…



From an Old Testament structure to a New Testament structure.

Acts…



From the Nation of Israel to the Body of Christ.

• John 1:11-12 - “ He came unto his own, and his own received him not . But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name”

Acts…



From God working primarily with the Jew, to God working primarily with the Gentile.

Acts…



From a Kingdom of Heaven (literal) message to a Kingdom of God (spiritual) message.

Acts…



From God’s headquarters in the church at Jerusalem to the new base of operations, the church at Antioch.

• •

•Places

Antioch of Syria

1 of the 1 st Deacons was from Antioch (Acts 6:1-5)

•

The 1 st great Gentile awakening was in Antioch. (Acts 11:19-21)

•

The Disciples were 1 st called Christians at Antioch. (Acts 11:25-26a) The 1 st Bible Teachers were in the church at Antioch. (Acts 13:1)

•

The 1 st Missionaries were sent out from the church at Antioch.(Acts13:2,3)

•Places

Egypt

• •

It is a picture of the world.

God calls his people “out” of Egypt.



In Exodus there are 37 references to God bringing His people “out” of Egypt.



In Leviticus, 8 times God says, “…I am the Lord that brought you out of the land of Egypt” 11:45;19:36; 22:33; 23:43; 25:38,55; 26:13, 45

•Places

Egypt

• • •

It is a picture of the world.

God calls his people “out” of Egypt.

Coming “out of Egypt” is a picture of salvation.



Colossians 1:13 – “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son”



Galatians 4:3 – “Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world”

•Places

Egypt

•

Jacob:



Genesis 47:29 – “And the time drew nigh that Israel must die: and he called his son Joseph, and said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh, and deal kindly and truly with me; bury me not, I pray thee, in Egypt”

•Places

Egypt

•

Joseph:



Genesis 50:22 (a), 24-25 – “ And Joseph dwelt in Egypt , he, and his father's house: And Joseph said unto his brethren, I die : and God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which he sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence .

•Places

Egypt

•

“Downward”:



Genesis 12:10 – “And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was grievous in the land.”

•

•Places

Egypt

•

“Downward”:

Genesis 37:25; 42:2,3; 43:15; 45:9,13; 46:3,4

•

Numbers 20:15

•

Deuteronomy 10:22; 26:5

•

Joshua 24:4

•

Isaiah 30:2; 31:1; 52:4

•

Acts 7:15, 34

•Places

Egypt

• • •

It is a picture of the world.

God calls his people “out” of Egypt.

Coming “out of Egypt” is a picture of salvation.



God calls Egypt the “House of Bondage ”



Exodus 20:2 – “I am the LORD thy God, which have

brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.”

•Places

Egypt

•

God calls Egypt the “House of Bondage ”



Moses calls it the “iron furnace” . Deuteronomy 4:20 – “But the LORD hath taken

you, and brought you forth out of the iron furnace, even out of Egypt, to be unto him a people of inheritance, as ye are this day.”

•Places

Egypt

•

Deuteronomy 17:16 - “But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt , to the end that he should multiply horses: forasmuch as the LORD hath said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way.”

•

Isaiah 31:1 – “ Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help ; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!”

•Places

Alexandria Egypt

• • •

There is a famous school in Alexandria.

•

The headmaster is Philo. (20 B.C.- 42 A.D.) Philo was influenced by the Greek Philosophers (Plato,

Socrates, Aristotle)

He began to blend the teachings of their writings and the writings of the O.T.

•Places

Alexandria Egypt

• • •

Alexandrians were a part of a group that disputed with Stephen. (Acts 6:9-13) Alexandria is connected with bad Bible teaching. (18:24-26; 19-1-5) It is a ship from Alexandria that takes Paul to Rome and his ultimate death. (27:6; 28:11)

Pagan Rome

•Places

Rome

Tried to kill Jesus at His birth (Matthew 2:13)

• • • •

Killed John the Baptist. (Matthew 14:1-12)

•

Had Christ beaten. (Matthew 27:24) Had the thorns placed on Jesus’ head. (Matthew 27:29) Had the nails put in His hands and feet. (Luke 24:39)

•Places

Rome

Had Jesus crucified. (Matthew 27:35)

• •

Their soldiers cast lots for His garments. (John 19:23-24)

• •

Put the spear in His side. (John 19:34) Sealed His tomb. (Matthew 27:62-66)

• •

Had the head of James cut off. (Acts 12:1,2) Had Paul arrested and killed. (Acts 21:33)

Application :

•

Historical

•

Devotional (Inspirational)

•

Doctrinal (Prophetical)

-“ Revealed

and Revealing

” Where are we going … where have we been?

•Commissio

n

•Character •Commenda

tion

•Condemnat

ion

•Correction 

Ephesu s



•Commissi

on

”

“Appellation”

•Commissi

on

“



Ephesus

Answer

”



Enlightenment of the Apostles

John 14:26 – “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, things all things He shall teach you all , and bring to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”

Luke 24:44-45 – “And He said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning Me. Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures ”

•Commissi

on

“



Ephesus

Answer

”



Example of the Apostles

•Commissi

on

“



Ephesus

Answer

”



Example of the Apostles (Surrender)

(Suffering)

• James- The son of Zebedee- sword • Philip- prison, whipped, crucified • Matthew- sword while preaching • James the less- thrown off temple and stoned • Peter- crucified upside down • Paul- Head chopped off • Batholomew- axe • Thomas- furnace and spears • Simon the Canaanite- crucified • Thaddeus- beaten by priest • Andrew- tied to cross with cords

•Commissi

on

“



Ephesus

Fully Purposed

”



Enlightenment of the Apostles



Example of the Apostles

•Commissi

on

•Character 

Ephesu

s

2nd Corinthians 6:16 “And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”

Where are we going… where have we been?

“Revealed

and

Revealing”

Where are we going… where have we been?

“Fully Purposed

and

Fully Positioned”

•Commissio

n

•Character •Commenda

tion



Ephesu s

•Commissio

n

•Character •Commenda

tion



Ephesu s

•

HARD WORKING

1st Thessalonians 2:4 “ But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel , even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God , which trieth our hearts.”

1 st Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord , forasmuch as ye know that

Luke 19:10 – “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” 

Evangelism

Acts 1:3 – “To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God ” 

Edificatio n



Spreading the Gospel



Establishing Churches



The Syrian Manuscript of Asia Minor (“Peshita” or “Peshitto”)



The Syrian Manuscript of Asia Minor



The Old Latin



The Old Syriac

•Commissio

n

•Character •Commenda

tion



Ephesu s

•

HARD WORKING

•Commissio

n

•Character •Commenda

tion



Ephesu s

•

HARD WORKING

•

PERSERVERING

“Labour”= Trouble

Acts 7 The

Martyrdo m

of

Steph en

Acts 12 King Agrippa

“About this time, the instruments of the devil could not invent punishments severe enough, but what they considered the Christians worthy of. For they were watched in their houses as well as without; men cried out against them in all public places; they were scourged, stoned, and dragged out; their goods were plundered; they were apprehended; red hot iron plates were applied to their bare bodies; they were placed in a certain instrument made to torture malefactors; they were put into the deepest and darkest places of the prisons, where they were slain, yea, they were afflicted with excruciating torments”- P.J. Twisck

“Hast Borne”… “for my name’s sake”

• Ephesians 3:11 – “According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:” • Ephesians 3:21 – “ Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.”

•Commissio

n

•Character •Commenda

tion



Ephesu s

•

HARD WORKING

•

PERSERVERING

Where are we going… where have we been?

“Fully Purposed

and

Fully Positioned”

•Commissio

n



Ephesu s

•Character •Commenda •

HARD WORKING

•

PERSERVERING

•

DISCIPLINING



•Commissi

on

”

“Appellation”

• Romans 11:36 – “ For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever . Amen.” • Romans 12:1-2 – “ God I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto , which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

1st Thessalonians 2:12 “That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto His kingdom and glory.”

1st Thessalonians 4:7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

2nd Timothy 1:9 – “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began”

“About this time, the instruments of the devil could not invent punishments severe enough, but what they considered the Christians worthy of. For they were watched in their houses as well as without; men cried out against them in all public places; they were scourged, stoned, and dragged out; their goods were plundered; they were apprehended; red hot iron plates were applied to their bare bodies; they were placed in a certain instrument made to torture malefactors; they were put into the deepest and darkest places of the prisons, where they were slain, yea, they were afflicted with excruciating torments”- P.J. Twisck

“Hast Borne”… “for my name’s sake”

“Canst not bear”…

“for my name’s sake”

1 Corinthians 12:27 - “Now

ye are the body of Christ

, and members in particular.”

Ephesians 1:22-23 – “And hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the head over all things to the

church

,

Which is His body

, the fulness of Him that filleth all in all.”

•Commissio

n

•Character 

Ephesu s

tion

• •

HARD WORKING PERSERVERING

•

DISCIPLINING

•

INTOLERANT

False Apostles

1st Thessalonians 2:4 “ But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, our hearts .” but God, which trieth

Hebrews 4:12-13 – “ For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart there any creature that is not manifest in his sight is a . Neither is : but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.”

Job 41:12-14 – “ I not conceal his parts , nor his power, nor his comely proportion . his garment will Who can discover the face of ? or who can come to him with his double bridle? Who can open the doors of his face?

his teeth are terrible round about.”

Romans 3:4(a) – “God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar ;…”

Nicolaitanes

2 Thessalonians 1:7-8 – “And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel our Lord Jesus Christ” of

Zechariah 8:16-17 – “These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates: And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour; and love no false oath: for all these are things that I hate, saith the LORD .”

Proverbs 6:16-19 – “ brethren.” These six things doth the LORD hate soweth discord among : yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that

Nicolaitanes

(to conquer the laity “the common man” )

Mark 12:37 – “David therefore himself calleth him Lord; and whence is he then his son? And the common people heard him gladly

Nicolaitanes

(to conquer the laity “the common man” )

Where are we going… where have we been?

“Fully Purposed

and

Fully Positioned”

2nd Timothy 3:10-12 – “ But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose , faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution .”

Romans 8:17-19 – “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.”

Where are we going… where have we been?

“Fully Purposed

and

Fully Positioned”