June 11, 2015

From Mark Copeland... "EQUIPPING THE SAINTS FOR MINISTRY" Areas Of Service In The Body




                  "EQUIPPING THE SAINTS FOR MINISTRY"

                      Areas Of Service In The Body

INTRODUCTION

1. In our previous lesson we noticed the following truths about body of
   Christ...
   a. The body of Christ has many members - cf. 1Co 12:12,14
   b. Not all members have the same function - cf. Ro 12:4,6a
   c. Every function is crucial to the operation of the body 
      - cf. 1Co 12:21-22; Ep 4:15-16

2. Therefore the challenges we face are these...
   a. To be aware of the different ways that members can serve in the body
   b. To encourage members to develop those functions that best suit 
      their abilities and opportunities to serve
   c. To provide direction and opportunity for those willing and 
      prepared to serve in their different functions

3. In an effort to meet the first challenge, in this study we will...
   a. Summarize the four basic areas of service in the body of Christ
   b. Provide examples of roles that people can fulfill within each
      basic area of service

[Let's begin with an area of service in the body that is evident every
time we assemble...]

I. THE AREA OF "PUBLIC WORSHIP"

   A. PUBLIC WORSHIP AS AN AREA OF SERVICE IN THE BODY OF CHRIST...
      1. We are commanded not to forsake our assembling together, for
         therein we can exhort one another to love and good works 
         - He 10:24-25
      2. There are certain commands that we can keep only in the 
         context of our coming together
         a. The command to observe the Lord's Supper - 1Co 11:20-34
         b. The command to lay by in store - 1Co 16:1-2
      3. We have an example of the early Christians meeting on the 
         first day of the week to carry out such commands - cf. Ac 20:7
      4. Guidelines for our assemblies have been given...
         a. "Let all things be done for edification" - 1Co 14:26
         b. "Let all things be done decently and in order" - 1Co 14:40

   B. SAMPLE "ROLES" IN THE AREA OF PUBLIC WORSHIP...
      1. Those that direct the congregation in its worship...
         a. Making announcements
         b. Leading singing
         c. Leading prayer
         d. Reading Scriptures
         e. Assisting in the Lord's Supper (Communion), and the 
            Collection (Offering)
         f. Offering short exhortations or invitations
         g. Preaching sermons
      2. Other roles that expedite the public worship...
         a. Serving as ushers
         b. Taking attendance
         c. Preparing the communion
         d. Taping the service (either video or audio)

[Perhaps you can think of other roles that fall into the framework of
the public worship.  But these should suffice to illustrate that there
is room for service by people with varying abilities.

Let's now consider...]

II. THE AREA OF "EDIFICATION"

   A. EDIFICATION AS AN AREA OF SERVICE IN THE BODY OF CHRIST...
      1. Edification, or building up the body of Christ, is a major 
         function in the work of the church - cf. Ep 4:11-16
      2. Much of our edification takes place in the public worship, but
         there other avenues as well
         a. Congregational Bible study classes (Sunday morning and midweek classes)
         b. Home Bible studies
         c. Monthly or weekly bulletins

   B. SAMPLE "ROLES" IN THE AREA OF EDIFICATION...
      1. As part of the congregation's teaching curriculum
         a. Teach adult classes
         b. Teach children's classes (1-4 yrs, K-12th grade, college)
         c. Teach special classes (ladies, singles, young marrieds, seniors)
         d. Produce a church bulletin
      2. As part of the congregation's follow-up program
         a. Conduct home Bible studies with new converts or new members
         b. Provide child care for those involved in home Bible studies
      3. And let's not forget these two most important roles...
         a. Elders (also known as bishops, pastors) 
             - Ac 20:17,28; 1Pe 5:1-2; 1Ti 3:1-7
         b. Deacons (servants qualified and duly appointed to assist
            the elders-bishops-pastors) - Php 1:1; 1Ti 3:8-13

[Again, this is just a sampling to illustrate there are many and
diverse ways we can serve in the body of Christ.  Of course, there is
also..]

III. THE AREA OF "EVANGELISM"

   A. EVANGELISM AS AN AREA OF SERVICE IN THE BODY OF CHRIST...
      1. Sharing the good news of Jesus Christ goes back to the "Great 
         Commission" our Lord gave His disciples - cf. Mt 28:18-20; Mk 16:15-16
      2. It is certainly an important function of the body of Christ 
         - cf. 1Pe 2:9-10
      3. A work that can be done by individuals, it can also be 
         supported by local congregations - cf. Php 1:3-5; 4:15-16;2Co 11:7-9

   B. SAMPLE "ROLES" IN THE AREA OF EVANGELISM...
      1. Write letters to visitors
      2. Pay courtesy visit to visitors
      3. Mail or hand out tracts, cards, flyers
      4. Grade Bible correspondence courses
      5. Conduct home Bible studies with prospects
      6. Invite friends and neighbors to services, or to a home Bible
         study where someone else will do the teaching
      7. Assist with baptisms (very helpful when they occur at all 
         hours of the day)
      8. Provide child care for those involved with home Bible studies
      9. Travel to foreign countries, or support those who do

[There is a lot that can be done in the area of evangelism, no matter
what one's ability may be at the present.

But to public worship, edification, and evangelism, we can add yet 
another area of service...]

IV. THE AREA OF "BENEVOLENCE"

   A. BENEVOLENCE AS AN AREA OF SERVICE IN THE BODY OF CHRIST...
      1. The early church was noted for their love and support for one another
         a. In times of great need they were willing to go to great 
            extremes - Ac 2:44-45; 4:32-35
         b. When they heard of their brothers' need in other places,
            they were quick to respond - Ac 11:27-30; Ro 15:25-26; 2Co 8:1-5
      2. As a function of the local church, it is apparent that such
         benevolence was limited in scope
         a. Every example of congregational benevolent activity was 
            only to needy saints
         b. Even then there were limitations placed upon who the church
            was to support - 1Ti 5:3-16
      3. But as individuals, Christians are expected to be benevolent
         toward all, whether believers or non-believers - cf. Ga 6:10; Jm 1:27

   B. SAMPLE "ROLES" IN THE AREA OF BENEVOLENCE...
      PLEASE NOTE:  Several of the roles listed below properly fall 
      into the area of individual responsibility rather than the work 
      of the local church.  But since it is the work of the church to
      provide "for the equipping of the saints for the work of 
      ministry" (Ep 4:12), I think it proper for the elders "to stir
      up love and good works" (He 10:24) and even provide some 
      coordination of those activities we carry out as individual
      Christians (such as many churches do in providing for flowers on special occasions).
      1. Toward the sick and shut-ins
         a. Visit and care for the sick at the hospital
         b. Visit and care for the sick at their homes
         c. Visit and care for those confined to their homes
         d. Telephone those sick and confined on a daily basis
         e. Provide transportation to doctors, pharmacies, food stores
      2. Toward the needy
         a. Prepare clothes
         b. Prepare food
         c. Provide emergency shelter
         d. Provide emergency child care
         e. Provide emergency financial assistance
         f. Provide transportation to services, stores
      3. Miscellaneous
         a. Prepare meals for the sick, bereaved, new mothers
         b. Provide flowers for special occasions (e.g., sickness, 
            funerals)

CONCLUSION

1. The list could go on and on, especially when we seek to list things
   that go beyond the work of the local congregation and into the area
   of individual responsibility; for example...
   a. Arranging activities for young people
   b. Arranging social activities for members
   c. Minor repair work (painting, carpentry)
   d. Cleaning the building, landscaping, maintaining the baptistery

2. My purpose has been to illustrate...
   a. That there are many different ways to serve when you consider the
      different areas of service in the Lord's body:  public worship, 
      edification, evangelism, and benevolence
   b. That even on an individual basis (i.e., not really a work of the
      congregation per se) there are things to be done that can 
      contribute to the edifying of the body of Christ
   c. That no matter how large a congregation can become, there are 
      plenty of roles for the members to fulfill

3. Again, the challenges we face in "Equipping The Saints For Ministry"
   are these...
   a. To be aware of the different ways that members can serve in the body
   b. To encourage members to develop those functions that best suit 
      their abilities and opportunities to serve
   c. To provide direction and opportunity for those willing and 
      prepared to serve in their different functions

4. With this lesson I have sought to meet the first challenge, our 
   next lesson will seek to address the remaining two

In the meantime, I hope you will be giving prayerful consideration as 
to how you are functioning as a member of the body of Christ...

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

eXTReMe Tracker 

From Gary... Of genuine importance


Cute, quite cute!!! I must confess that I chuckled a bit when I first saw this!!! But, one could argue about things like this all the time, couldn't they?.  I mean, we could come up with all sorts of ridiculous questions- like "Could God make a rock so heavy that he could not lift it?" or "How many angels could you fit on the head of a pin?"  We could waste our time arguing about illogical or superfluous concepts that really do not matter, and when we are finished; what would be the outcome? Again, a waste of time. Life is too short, get down to the "nitty gritty" and discuss what is relevant. And so Paul writes to his young protege, Timothy.... 

1 Timothy, Chapter 1 (WEB)
 3  As I urged you when I was going into Macedonia, stay at Ephesus that you might command certain men not to teach a different doctrine,  4 neither to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which cause disputes, rather than God’s stewardship, which is in faith—  5 but the goal of this command is love, out of a pure heart and a good conscience and sincere faith;  6 from which things some, having missed the mark, have turned aside to vain talking;  7 desiring to be teachers of the law, though they understand neither what they say, nor about what they strongly affirm. 

Our stewardship is the Gospel, which is administered by faith. Now, I like a turn of a saying as much as the next person (probably more that most, to be painfully honest) but essentials are just that- ESSENTIAL!!!! 

Consider...

1 Corinthians, Chapter 15 (WEB)
  1 Now I declare to you, brothers, the Good News which I preached to you, which also you received, in which you also stand,  2 by which also you are saved, if you hold firmly the word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.  3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,  4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,  5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.  6 Then he appeared to over five hundred brothers at once, most of whom remain until now, but some have also fallen asleep.  7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles,  8 and last of all, as to the child born at the wrong time, he appeared to me also.  9 For I am the least of the apostles, who is not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the assembly of God.  10 But by the grace of God I am what I am. His grace which was bestowed on me was not futile, but I worked more than all of them; yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.  11 Whether then it is I or they, so we preach, and so you believed. 

Very important, worth intensive study and personal application.  Who knows, after doing this, you might actually NEED A NAP!!!!  OH, YES- DON'T RESIST, YOU WILL NEED IT AFTERWARDS!!!!

June 10, 2015

From Gary.... Bible Reading June 10



Bible Reading   

June 10

The World English Bible


June 10
1 Samuel 13, 14

1Sa 13:1 Saul was forty years old when he began to reign; and when he had reigned two years over Israel,
1Sa 13:2 Saul chose him three thousand men of Israel, of which two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in the Mount of Bethel, and one thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin: and the rest of the people he sent every man to his tent.
1Sa 13:3 Jonathan struck the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba: and the Philistines heard of it. Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, Let the Hebrews hear.
1Sa 13:4 All Israel heard say that Saul had struck the garrison of the Philistines, and also that Israel was had in abomination with the Philistines. The people were gathered together after Saul to Gilgal.
1Sa 13:5 The Philistines assembled themselves together to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the seashore in multitude: and they came up, and encamped in Michmash, eastward of Beth Aven.
1Sa 13:6 When the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait (for the people were distressed), then the people did hide themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, and in coverts, and in pits.
1Sa 13:7 Now some of the Hebrews had gone over the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead; but as for Saul, he was yet in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling.
1Sa 13:8 He stayed seven days, according to the set time that Samuel had appointed: but Samuel didn't come to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him.
1Sa 13:9 Saul said, Bring here the burnt offering to me, and the peace offerings. He offered the burnt offering.
1Sa 13:10 It came to pass that as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might greet him.
1Sa 13:11 Samuel said, What have you done? Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that you didn't come within the days appointed, and that the Philistines assembled themselves together at Michmash;
1Sa 13:12 therefore said I, Now will the Philistines come down on me to Gilgal, and I haven't entreated the favor of Yahweh: I forced myself therefore, and offered the burnt offering.
1Sa 13:13 Samuel said to Saul, You have done foolishly; you have not kept the commandment of Yahweh your God, which he commanded you: for now would Yahweh have established your kingdom on Israel forever.
1Sa 13:14 But now your kingdom shall not continue: Yahweh has sought him a man after his own heart, and Yahweh has appointed him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept that which Yahweh commanded you.
1Sa 13:15 Samuel arose, and got him up from Gilgal to Gibeah of Benjamin. Saul numbered the people who were present with him, about six hundred men.
1Sa 13:16 Saul, and Jonathan his son, and the people who were present with them, abode in Geba of Benjamin: but the Philistines encamped in Michmash.
1Sa 13:17 The spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies: one company turned to the way that leads to Ophrah, to the land of Shual;
1Sa 13:18 and another company turned the way to Beth Horon; and another company turned the way of the border that looks down on the valley of Zeboim toward the wilderness.
1Sa 13:19 Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel; for the Philistines said, Lest the Hebrews make them swords or spears:
1Sa 13:20 but all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man his plowshare, mattock, axe, and sickle;
1Sa 13:21 yet they had a file for the mattocks, and for the plowshares, and for the forks, and for the axes, and to set the goads.
1Sa 13:22 So it came to pass in the day of battle, that there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people who were with Saul and Jonathan: but with Saul and with Jonathan his son was there found.
1Sa 13:23 The garrison of the Philistines went out to the pass of Michmash.
1Sa 14:1 Now it fell on a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said to the young man who bore his armor, Come, and let us go over to the Philistines' garrison, that is on yonder side. But he didn't tell his father.
1Sa 14:2 Saul abode in the uttermost part of Gibeah under the pomegranate tree which is in Migron: and the people who were with him were about six hundred men;
1Sa 14:3 and Ahijah, the son of Ahitub, Ichabod's brother, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the priest of Yahweh in Shiloh, wearing an ephod. The people didn't know that Jonathan was gone.
1Sa 14:4 Between the passes, by which Jonathan sought to go over to the Philistines' garrison, there was a rocky crag on the one side, and a rocky crag on the other side: and the name of the one was Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh.
1Sa 14:5 The one crag rose up on the north in front of Michmash, and the other on the south in front of Geba.
1Sa 14:6 Jonathan said to the young man who bore his armor, Come, and let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that Yahweh will work for us; for there is no restraint to Yahweh to save by many or by few.
1Sa 14:7 His armor bearer said to him, Do all that is in your heart: turn and, behold, I am with you according to your heart.
1Sa 14:8 Then said Jonathan, Behold, we will pass over to the men, and we will disclose ourselves to them.
1Sa 14:9 If they say thus to us, Wait until we come to you; then we will stand still in our place, and will not go up to them.
1Sa 14:10 But if they say thus, Come up to us; then we will go up; for Yahweh has delivered them into our hand: and this shall be the sign to us.
1Sa 14:11 Both of them disclosed themselves to the garrison of the Philistines: and the Philistines said, Behold, the Hebrews come forth out of the holes where they had hid themselves.
1Sa 14:12 The men of the garrison answered Jonathan and his armor bearer, and said, Come up to us, and we will show you a thing. Jonathan said to his armor bearer, Come up after me; for Yahweh has delivered them into the hand of Israel.
1Sa 14:13 Jonathan climbed up on his hands and on his feet, and his armor bearer after him: and they fell before Jonathan; and his armor bearer killed them after him.
1Sa 14:14 That first slaughter, which Jonathan and his armor bearer made, was about twenty men, within as it were half a furrow's length in an acre of land.
1Sa 14:15 There was a trembling in the camp, in the field, and among all the people; the garrison, and the spoilers, they also trembled; and the earth quaked: so there was an exceeding great trembling.
1Sa 14:16 The watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked; and behold, the multitude melted away, and they went here and there.
1Sa 14:17 Then said Saul to the people who were with him, Number now, and see who is gone from us. When they had numbered, behold, Jonathan and his armor bearer were not there.
1Sa 14:18 Saul said to Ahijah, Bring here the ark of God. For the ark of God was there at that time with the children of Israel.
1Sa 14:19 It happened, while Saul talked to the priest, that the tumult that was in the camp of the Philistines went on and increased: and Saul said to the priest, Withdraw your hand.
1Sa 14:20 Saul and all the people who were with him were gathered together, and came to the battle: and behold, every man's sword was against his fellow, and there was a very great confusion.
1Sa 14:21 Now the Hebrews who were with the Philistines as before, and who went up with them into the camp, from the country all around, even they also turned to be with the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan.
1Sa 14:22 Likewise all the men of Israel who had hid themselves in the hill country of Ephraim, when they heard that the Philistines fled, even they also followed hard after them in the battle.
1Sa 14:23 So Yahweh saved Israel that day: and the battle passed over by Beth Aven.
1Sa 14:24 The men of Israel were distressed that day; for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed be the man who eats any food until it be evening, and I be avenged on my enemies. So none of the people tasted food.
1Sa 14:25 All the people came into the forest; and there was honey on the ground.
1Sa 14:26 When the people were come to the forest, behold, the honey dropped: but no man put his hand to his mouth; for the people feared the oath.
1Sa 14:27 But Jonathan didn't hear when his father commanded the people with the oath: therefore he put forth the end of the rod who was in his hand, and dipped it in the honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were enlightened.
1Sa 14:28 Then answered one of the people, and said, Your father directly commanded the people with an oath, saying, Cursed be the man who eats food this day. The people were faint.
1Sa 14:29 Then said Jonathan, My father has troubled the land. Please look how my eyes have been enlightened, because I tasted a little of this honey.
1Sa 14:30 How much more, if haply the people had eaten freely today of the spoil of their enemies which they found? for now has there been no great slaughter among the Philistines.
1Sa 14:31 They struck of the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon. The people were very faint;
1Sa 14:32 and the people flew on the spoil, and took sheep, and cattle, and calves, and killed them on the ground; and the people ate them with the blood.
1Sa 14:33 Then they told Saul, saying, Behold, the people sin against Yahweh, in that they eat with the blood. He said, you have dealt treacherously: roll a great stone to me this day.
1Sa 14:34 Saul said, Disperse yourselves among the people, and tell them, Bring me here every man his ox, and every man his sheep, and kill them here, and eat; and don't sin against Yahweh in eating with the blood. All the people brought every man his ox with him that night, and killed them there.
1Sa 14:35 Saul built an altar to Yahweh: the same was the first altar that he built to Yahweh.
1Sa 14:36 Saul said, Let us go down after the Philistines by night, and take spoil among them until the morning light, and let us not leave a man of them. They said, Do whatever seems good to you. Then said the priest, Let us draw near here to God.
1Sa 14:37 Saul asked counsel of God, Shall I go down after the Philistines? will you deliver them into the hand of Israel? But he didn't answer him that day.
1Sa 14:38 Saul said, Draw near here, all you chiefs of the people; and know and see in which this sin has been this day.
1Sa 14:39 For, as Yahweh lives, who saves Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die. But there was not a man among all the people who answered him.
1Sa 14:40 Then said he to all Israel, You be on one side, and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side. The people said to Saul, Do what seems good to you.
1Sa 14:41 Therefore Saul said to Yahweh, the God of Israel, Show the right. Jonathan and Saul were takenby lot; but the people escaped.
1Sa 14:42 Saul said, Cast lots between me and Jonathan my son. Jonathan was taken.
1Sa 14:43 Then Saul said to Jonathan, Tell me what you have done. Jonathan told him, and said, I did certainly taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in my hand; and behold, I must die.
1Sa 14:44 Saul said, God do so and more also; for you shall surely die, Jonathan.
1Sa 14:45 The people said to Saul, Shall Jonathan die, who has worked this great salvation in Israel? Far from it: as Yahweh lives, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he has worked with God this day. So the people rescued Jonathan, that he didn't die.
1Sa 14:46 Then Saul went up from following the Philistines; and the Philistines went to their own place.
1Sa 14:47 Now when Saul had taken the kingdom over Israel, he fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, and against the children of Ammon, and against Edom, and against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines: and wherever he turned himself, he put them to the worse.
1Sa 14:48 He did valiantly, and struck the Amalekites, and delivered Israel out of the hands of those who despoiled them.
1Sa 14:49 Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, and Ishvi, and Malchishua; and the names of his two daughters were these: the name of the firstborn Merab, and the name of the younger Michal:
1Sa 14:50 and the name of Saul's wife was Ahinoam the daughter of Ahimaaz. The name of the captain of his army was Abner the son of Ner, Saul's uncle.
1Sa 14:51 Kish was the father of Saul; and Ner the father of Abner was the son of Abiel.
1Sa 14:52 There was sore war against the Philistines all the days of Saul: and when Saul saw any mighty man, or any valiant man, he took him to him.


Jun. 9, 10
John 13

Joh 13:1 Now before the feast of the Passover, Jesus, knowing that his time had come that he would depart from this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.
Joh 13:2 During supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him,
Joh 13:3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he came forth from God, and was going to God,
Joh 13:4 arose from supper, and laid aside his outer garments. He took a towel, and wrapped a towel around his waist.
Joh 13:5 Then he poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
Joh 13:6 Then he came to Simon Peter. He said to him, "Lord, do you wash my feet?"
Joh 13:7 Jesus answered him, "You don't know what I am doing now, but you will understand later."
Joh 13:8 Peter said to him, "You will never wash my feet!" Jesus answered him, "If I don't wash you, you have no part with me."
Joh 13:9 Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!"
Joh 13:10 Jesus said to him, "Someone who has bathed only needs to have his feet washed, but is completely clean. You are clean, but not all of you."
Joh 13:11 For he knew him who would betray him, therefore he said, "You are not all clean."
Joh 13:12 So when he had washed their feet, put his outer garment back on, and sat down again, he said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you?
Joh 13:13 You call me, 'Teacher' and 'Lord.' You say so correctly, for so I am.
Joh 13:14 If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.
Joh 13:15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.
Joh 13:16 Most certainly I tell you, a servant is not greater than his lord, neither one who is sent greater than he who sent him.
Joh 13:17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
Joh 13:18 I don't speak concerning all of you. I know whom I have chosen. But that the Scripture may be fulfilled, 'He who eats bread with me has lifted up his heel against me.'
Joh 13:19 From now on, I tell you before it happens, that when it happens, you may believe that I am he.
Joh 13:20 Most certainly I tell you, he who receives whomever I send, receives me; and he who receives me, receives him who sent me."
Joh 13:21 When Jesus had said this, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, "Most certainly I tell you that one of you will betray me."
Joh 13:22 The disciples looked at one another, perplexed about whom he spoke.
Joh 13:23 One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was at the table, leaning against Jesus' breast.
Joh 13:24 Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, and said to him, "Tell us who it is of whom he speaks."
Joh 13:25 He, leaning back, as he was, on Jesus' breast, asked him, "Lord, who is it?"
Joh 13:26 Jesus therefore answered, "It is he to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it." So when he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot.
Joh 13:27 After the piece of bread, then Satan entered into him. Then Jesus said to him, "What you do, do quickly."
Joh 13:28 Now no man at the table knew why he said this to him.
Joh 13:29 For some thought, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus said to him, "Buy what things we need for the feast," or that he should give something to the poor.
Joh 13:30 Therefore, having received that morsel, he went out immediately. It was night.
Joh 13:31 When he had gone out, Jesus said, "Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him.
Joh 13:32 If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and he will glorify him immediately.
Joh 13:33 Little children, I will be with you a little while longer. You will seek me, and as I said to the Jews, 'Where I am going, you can't come,' so now I tell you.
Joh 13:34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, just like I have loved you; that you also love one another.
Joh 13:35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
Joh 13:36 Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, where are you going?" Jesus answered, "Where I am going, you can't follow now, but you will follow afterwards."
Joh 13:37 Peter said to him, "Lord, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you."
Joh 13:38 Jesus answered him, "Will you lay down your life for me? Most certainly I tell you, the rooster won't crow until you have denied me three times. 

From Jim McGuiggan... THE EPHESIAN FIRE

THE EPHESIAN FIRE

There's no way to come up with a modern equivalent to 50,000 drachmas in terms of pounds and pennies or dollars and cents but it comes out at something like 50,000 working-days pay. That's what these converts burned! Books they once made a living by or books they shaped their lives by; books they now thought were an offense to Jesus who had become their Lord—that's what they burned! See Acts 19:17-41.
When we're not into magic and gods and idolatry of the crass and obvious kind I'd have thought their bonfire, while impressive, wouldn't be spectacular, but since Ephesus was a town that would literally riot over the idol industry you've got to sit up and pay attention. Maybe to burn your entire tobacco crop in Virginia or your vineyards in France or your poppies in South America or to destroy your dairy-herd in parts of England—maybe that would come close to the emotional equivalent of what they did. [You have your own illustration?]
They burned a lot of money!
They burned an established means of livelihood!
They burned an offense to God and Jesus, the Lord Christ!
They burned bridges that led back to idolatry!
They said a definitive and permanent no to the satanic!
They made themselves a threatened minority!
They defied their vast city!
They became part of a tiny group that defied the colossal world!

Augustine said in his Confessions (4:14:21), "One loving spirit sets another on fire." That's an established truth we keep forgetting though millions of us have experienced it more than once.
These nameless Ephesians make you feel like standing up to applaud and even the atheistic (or has he been misread and was a Joban figure instead?) Nietzsche, taking a brave stand against a lily-livered religion that make weakness a virtue and honorable strength a vice—he commands our admiration. When in his Thus Spoke Zarathustra the prophet urges a would-be follower: "Neglect not the hero in your soul!" we're reminded that however wrong he was, Nietzsche wasn't gutless, in his own life he took his own medicine and we're compelled to think how lightly many of us hold our inherited creeds.
If we are sensitive at all, there are people all around us, Christian and non-Christian who disturb our sleep.
©2004 Jim McGuiggan. All materials are free to be copied and used as long as money is not being made.