THE EPHESUS AND THE SMYRNA CHURCH

 THE GOSPEL FAITH MISSION INT'L, REIGNERS CENTRE, AJIBODE.

Theme: I Know Thy Works - Time For Critical Self-Examination

Topic: THE EPHESUS AND THE SMYRNA CHURCH

Texts: Revelation 2:1-11 HYMN: 226:  Christian Seek Not Yet Repose.       Tuesday: 24th Nov., 2020.

BACKGROUND OF THE EPHESUS CHURCH’-- The Church Forsake is First Love

Ephesus was a leading wealthy ancient city in the province of Asia. It was located in a rich farming area close to Patmos. The temple of Artemis: one of the seven wonders of ancient world and the great trade port in Ephesus made the city a place of worship and tourist attraction. The Ephesians were proud worshipers of Artemis, the many-breasted goddess of fertility and believed this image "fell from heaven" (Acts 19:35). The city is filled with idolatry, immorality, debauchery as well as religion, philosophy and cultures. (Acts 18:19-27). 

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE AUTHOR OF THE LETTER (REV. 2:1)

Holding the stars in His right hand, not left hand and walking amidst the lamp stands symbolically indicates that Jesus Christ was active in the Church at Ephesus. He was acquainted with the activities and services in the Church. He walked in the midst of His people and beheld all, top secrets inclusive. All that is hidden to man is exposed and known to Him. This is an excellent picture of the early Church, where the presence of the Lord was constantly in power to save souls and perform other miracles. Our lord still desires to be present in such power in Church services today. Eph. 5: 23b. Is Christ at the center of it all in our lives, family, business and others?

 COMMENDATION AND CHASTENING OF THE CHURCH (REV. 2:2-4, 6)

The statement "I know your deeds" indicates that the Ephesus Church was an active Church. While "good deeds" don't save a person, they are indications of his spiritual vitality. We are not saved by faith and work, but by faith that works (Rom. 3:28). With hard work and patience the Church performed many righteous deeds:

They did not tolerate sin in the Church

They allowed only sound doctrine to be taught

They suffered for Jesus Christ

They hated the practice of the Nicolaitans (Rev. 2:6). This was a sect who "1ord things over the church".

Examining these commendations, one will conclude that the congregation is just above perfect; however, the one among the lampstands, who saw into the heart and diagnosed that the Church has left, "fallen" from his first love (Rev. 2:4). First love here is the Agape love, giving oneself in totality holding nothing back from God. Labour is not substitute to love. Individually and collectively as a church we must have both. Where have we forsaken our first love? Is there a need to retrace it? 

COUNSEL AND CHALLENGE OF THE CHURCH CH (REV. 2: 5, 7)

Believers love for God had not remained fresh and alive; therefore; the Lord of the Church issued 3 sinister, simple warning and counsel or face the music of their lampstand being removed.

a Remember the height where they had fallen.  a desire to regain that close commitment once again.

b. Prepare to have a change of mind confess and turn to the Lord ( John 1:9)

c. Return to the first Love: the Church is counseled to repeat and restore the spiritual fellowship that was broken by our sins and neglect. This means regular prayers, Bible reading and meditation, obedient service and worship. Jesus promised all overcomers would receive fruits from the tree of life in paradise, this is a challenge.

BACKGROUND OF THE SMYRNA CHRUCH – The Persecuted Church

Smyrna was one of the most beautiful cities of its day. Some historians even debated that Smyrna was the most elegant city that the Grecians ever built. The city sloped down toward the sea and along the sides of the hill was a very large Amphitheatre where over twenty-thousand people could sit. It was there that worship to Caesar was granted. Those who refused to embrace this total act of allegiance to Cesar, became marked men and were noted as traitors of the government. The torture that were inflicted on Christians is almost unspeakable.

COMFORT TO THE PERSECUTED (REV.2:8-9)

Jesus was reminding the Pastor and the Church in Smyrna, that He is the First and Last. Jesus was assuring the Church that He was the one that spoke the world into creation and that He will still be their God after Satan is thrown into the burning lake of fire. Jesus was also assuring them that He died on the cross for their sins, but He also rose on the third day and He sits at the right hand of God the Father. This is not only a message of comfort to the Church in Smyrna but also to us. God is in control then and He remains in control today and will be in control tomorrow and always. The Church at Smyrna was hit by pressure, poverty and persecution. Yet, Jesus brought no condemnation; the Lord has no complaint to speak. The character and conduct of the Church at Smyrna was such that it was above reproach.

ENJOYING TRUE RICHES (REV. 2:9)

Christ was telling them that He knew that they were being persecuted and that they were very poor. The Christians were being thrown into prison and even killed because they refused to worship Caesar. Because of their refusal to obey the Roman laws, they were not allowed to belong to the labour unions of that day, thus they were not able to obtain decent paying jobs to support their families. They were in extreme poverty. Wealth and fame are good indeed but they are not our ultimate success. God has promise that He would provide for our needs; food, clothing and shelter. Evern though they were in poverty, Christ said they were rich! Lord is greater than any riches that we could ever hope for. If you have Christ in your heart and are living a true Christian life, then you are the richest person in the world.

A CROWN TO THE FAITHFULS (REV.2:10-11)

Christ told them that the devil would put some of them into prison to test them. They would suffer persecution for a short period of time. satan wants, more than anything, to have a Christian turn away from God. 

Many Christians have turned from the faith when this has happened to them. Jesus told these Christians to be faithful even to the point of death and He would reward then with the crown of life. (James 1:12) Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. What other benefits do you observe?

WE SHALL CONTINUE THIS SERIES NEXT WEEK

GOFAMINT ANNOUNCES DATE TO RELEASE FIRST FREE INTERDENOMINATIONAL E-MAGAZINE

GOFAMINT ANNOUNCES DATE TO RELEASE FIRST FREE INTERDENOMINATIONAL E-MAGAZINE

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE MEDIA DEPARTMENT OF THE GOSPEL FAITH MISSION INTERNATIONAL AJIBODE, IBADAN. (REIGNERS CENTRE)

It is with gratitude to God almighty that I bring to the public notice that the long awaited Interdenominational E-Magazine will be officially unveiled and released for public consumption on the 6th of December 2020.

This E-magazine is interdenominational because, first; the contributors are both within and outside the mission and second, the reader base is open to every denomination.

It must be noted that this is the first of its kind in the mission and also the first E-Christian Magazine that featured big wings from different denominations.

The Theme of the Magazine “Born to Reign” is driven towards life transforming, excelling and dominating in whatever sphere God has called you into.

This Magazine is powered and inspired by God through The Gospel Faith Mission International, Ajibode, Ibadan, Oyo State.

The magazine featured over 14 life transforming articles that cuts across different spheres of life and 9 Exclusive interviews; among which are interviews with:

Gofamint Deputy General Oversea; Pastor (Dr). Emmanuel Oluwayemi

Living Faith Vice President; Bishop Thomas Aremu

Gofamint AGE and Interdenominational preacher; Evangelist E.O Falade among other great interviews

In view of this, starting from today; Sunday, 22nd of November, 2020, We shall kick Start a 14 days publicity for the magazine with daily pictorial advert and awareness.

We employ every Gofamint Ministers and members to join in this publicity by sending the awareness Icons across all their church social media platforms, and other social media but unrestricted platforms they belong and also make the publicity during services. This will help go along way in spreading the Gospel and strengthening the church brand.

This publicity will be made available on our official facebook page; gofamint ajibode, our official twitter handle; @reignerscentre and on all other unrestricted platforms.

It must be noted that the link to download this magazine for free will also be shared via this platforms on the 6th of December by God’s grace.

I hope this is the starting point for us and definitely; God is not unrighteous to forget our labour of love

Yours in the service of the father

Esan, Oluwatobi David

Media Head; 2020 

YOU AND YOUR PRAYER ALTAR

 THE GOSPEL FAITH MISSION INT'L, REIGNERS CENTRE, AJIBODE.

Theme: FAITH IN DETAILS

Topic: YOU AND YOUR PRAYER ALTAR

Texts: GEN. 12:8.                                           HYMN: 200:  Pray Always Pray.       Tuesday: 17th Nov., 2020.

INTRODUCTION

The prayer altar is the place of communion, connection, fellowship and devotion with God in your closet. It is the place where your spirit is conditioned and synchronised with the Holy Spirit. Though it may arise out of and employed to attend to emergencies, it is more of a lifestyle.

The essence of personal prayer altar is to patientiy feed and nourish one's Spirit. It involves being alone in a quiet place With God in prayer, studying the Scriptures, meditating and waiting upon the Lord.

INDISPENSABILITY OF PRAYER ALTAR

1. It was the lifestyle of Jesus (Mk. 1:35; Matt. 14:23; Lk. 6:12). One of the ways Jesus dealt with the pressures of life was by stepping away from the furious pace of his world to be alone with the Father. He understood that communion with God was essential to maintaining relationship, empowerment and focus.

2. It is at the prayer altar that things are ALTERED. Daniel ordered the course of events trom his prayer altar (Dan. 6:10). 3. It is the Divine Remote Control Room (DRCR). (1Kgs. 18: 30- 39)

4. It is a place of consecration and encounter with God. (Acts 2: 1-6)

5. It is a place of visions and revelations (Dan. 2:19).

6. It is a place of revival, renewal and empowerment (Matt.14:21-23).

7. It is a place of dominion, actual taking over and taking control. 

8. It is a place unimaginable turnaround. (1Kgs. 18: 41- 46)

9. It is the place of divine guidance and direction. (1Sam. 30: 8- 20)

10. It is a place to exercise or enforce mandate. 

HOW TO MAINTAIN EFFECTIVE PRAYER ALTAR

A. Set out a definite time, preferably in the morning (Psa.5:3, 55:17, 88:13).

B. Chose a consistent quiet place where possible (Dan. 6:10, Mk. 1:35,).

C. It should be on regular basis not occasionally (Dan. 6:10, 1Thes. 5:17).

D. Devote quality time for worship, meditation, prayer and listening while at the prayer altar. (Hab. 2:1) Do not rush through.

E. Eliminate as much as possible every form of distraction. (Mk. 1:35)

F. Maintain a journal for taking notes. (Hab. 2:2)

CONCLUSION

Creating a sacred time and place takes practice and discipline. However, when you come to the reality that the benefit is worth the cost, you are in position to receive greater grace to take you to a place of encounter and relationship in the presence of the living God. It is as we are ignited and keep burning on our personal prayer altar that we become the kindling for the family and corporate altars.

DANGER OF PRAYERLESNESS

 THE GOSPEL FAITH MISSION INT'L, REIGNERS CENTRE, AJIBODE.

Theme: FAITH IN DETAILS

Topic: DANGER OF PRAYERLESNESS

Texts: Luke 18:1, 1Thes 5:17. HYMN: 200: Pray Always Pray . Tuesday: 10th Nov., 2020.

INTRODUCTION

Prayer is the best of fencing weapon against our enemy. However, our strength or weakness is most especially manifested in prayer. Nothing in the 

spiritual realm reviews are weakness more than prayer. Prayerlesness, apart from outright neglect of the duty of prayer, also means that prayer has become 

burdensome, boring and a futile exercise that we rushed through or avoid. Even when we do pray the prayers are feeble and powerless. This leads to less 

and less praying. Some of the opinion that they don't need to pray since God knows all their needs.

What's your take on this reference Matthew 18:18 and what responsibility or expectation is placed on Believer or Christian here?

B. CAUSES OF PRAYERLESNESS

Listed here are some of the Likely causes of prayerlessness.

1. Lack of genuine conversion - seasonal spirituality (John 10:14). 2. Lack of appreciation of the efficacy of prayer (James 5:16 Acts 4: 29-31)

3. Hidden sin. (Psalm 66:18) apart from prayer of the sinner being an abomination before God, it is not possible for a Christian who indulges in secret sin 

to be inspired by the Holy Spirit to pray.

4. Unforgiveness. (Matt. 6:14-15, 5:23-24). This is total disregard or rebellion for the word of God. Sense of guilt drives one away from God {Gen. 3:10).

5. Leaving prayer until a more convenient time or the last thing to do. 6. Physical exhaustion (Matt 26:43).

7. Confidence in self, reliance on human organisation and machinery. 8. Hopelessness. (Daniel 9:13, Psalm 42:5, Isa 44:22, 49:14).

9. Discouragement from delayed answers to prayer (Isaiah 62:7) 10. Laziness. (Lk. 6;12)

C. DANGERS OF PRAYERLESNESS

We shall consider few of the dangers of prayerlessness in this section.

1. Spiritual backsliding manifest first, when it is partial. The Christian may still be involved in spiritual activities relying on methods and human strength. 

Then comes total backsliding which is complete disengagement from Christ, a case of the dog returning to its vomit (2Peter 2 :22.)

2. Inability to or weakness and confronting temptation and challenges of life.

3. Before the enemy confront a child of God, he first tried to drain his spiritual energy which makes him vulnerable (2Corinthians 10: 4-5).

4. Tendency to seek help from other questionable source that are diabolical and deceptive. (1Sam. 28:7).

5. Living under constant fear and threat of the unknown (Psm 25:14)

6. Operating in darkness, uncertainty and ignorance. 7. Disconnection from the source of life (John 15:4).

D. HOW TO OVERCOME PRAYERLESSNESS

Things will be better a lot than they are individually and corporately if we engage the dynamite of earnest prayer. The following are some steps to 

overcome prayerlessness:

1 Genuine repentance. Look for where you have doubted God, indulging sinful acts, unresolved anger, bitterness etc (Psalm 51:12 Act 3:19).

2. Experience of fresh baptism and infilling of the Holy Spirit to infuse with, a new passion and commitment, to enable you to reconnect and flow in the 

spiritual realm. (Jude 20).

3. Binding of spiritual agent that are assigned to monitor your prayer line and to water it down.

4. Make a habit of regular feeding on the word of God forced to prime your faith.

5. The ability of a Christian to pray rightly and acceptably is a function of his knowledge of the word of God and how much of it he has internalized 

(Romans 10:17 John 6:63).

6. The scope of your prayer must be widened beyond immediate personal interest. Learn to intercede for others. Personal interest prayer makes you run 

out of prayer points quickly. (Eph. 1: 15-16, 1Thess. 5:25)

7. Prayer should not be left in a more convenient or better time a better time may never come have a specific time for prayer (Act 31 Psalm 55:17).

8. Put away everything that can cause distraction and intrusions like calls , music etc 9. You must pray aloud even when alone to avoid dozing off.

CONCLUSION> Prayer is the outcome of real concern, it's not just a spiritual exercise but a warfare and a strengthening source for those in the 

Kingdom. You must start praying right away. You learn to do not by watching or wishing but by getting involved. Although, there may be need to ask for 

prayer assistance sometimes, such should not be the norm. It makes one dependent on others and once support is removed, the prayer life is grounded.

Build for yourself a fire-brand prayer altar.

WE SHALL CONTINUE THIS SERIES NEXT WEEK, DON’T MISS OUT