Laodicea, Hierapolis and Colossae were situated within a few miles of each other in the Lycus Valley, due east of Ephesus. Laodicea, which was famous for its wealth, medical expertise...
Philadelphia (“Brotherly Love”) was a border city situated on a major highway where Mysia, Lydia and Phrygia met. It was “the gateway from one continent to another” (Barclay).
Sardis had a great reputation both commercially and militarily. Unfortunately, the city rested on its reputation, became careless and self-indulgent, and, on two occasions, was overthrown.
Thyatira was the least important of the seven cities but its church received the longest letter. This may have been because while outwardly the church was prospering...
Pergamum was never able to compete with Ephesus and Smyrna as a trade center, but after it was willed over to Rome by its dying king, it became the capital of Asia...
Smyrna called itself “the glory of Asia.” Situated 35 miles north of Ephesus, its great rival, it is still a flourishing city; although now it is called Izmir.
The church in Ephesus had many advantages. Planted in “the metropolis of Asia,” led and taught by outstanding leaders, it had flourished. But Christ pointed out their lack of love.
The thing that sets Christian motivation apart from other motivational factors is the uniqueness of the Christian’s relationship with Christ. This is no more clearly exhibited than in the love relationship.
In times when people talk a lot about burnout, it is good to remember the sentiments expressed in the old hymn “Let Me Burn Out for Thee, Dear Lord.” Paul’s life and teaching illustrate his attitude with great clarity.
In his book "The Knowledge of the Holy," A.W. Tozer said, “The history of mankind will probably show that no people has ever risen above its religion, and man’s spiritual history will positively demonstrate...
Those who have participated in team activities know the value of team spirit. The French call it, "esprit de corps," meaning “spirit of the body”—an expression that transfers easily to the church, the body of Christ.
Peter Ustinov said, “Charity is more common than compassion because charity is tax deductible while compassion is merely time consuming.” His skeptical observation points out the importance of proper Christian motivation.
Give some people a uniform and they will be motivated. Give others a title and the same thing happens. Take others into your confidence and they will be encouraged to perform better. It all has to do with a sense of privilege.
The church is called the body of Christ, and, like all bodies, it has vital signs by which its health can be measured. Healthy bodies are made up of healthy members. So let’s talk about membership.
The group of new believers in Jerusalem learned that initial commitment to Christ led to ongoing commitment to the fellowship of believers—the church. They devoted themselves to a variety of things, including the fellowship.
The Greek work for stewardship is "oikonomia," which is the root word for economy. Originally it meant “managing a household” or handling resources belonging to another.
A.W. Tozer said, “Worship is the missing jewel of the evangelical church.” This was not the case of the early church. We need to study the subject with care because God is seeking those who will worship Him in spirit and in truth.
The church in Jerusalem began to impact the city in a dramatic way. Even though persecution resulted, the enthusiasm was not diminished—it was dispersed. So began the growth of the church worldwide.
Motives make people act. Motivation urges people to achieve things they consider significant. The call to duty has always been powerful for some people, but for the Christian it has special importance.
After the temple was rebuilt, the spiritual life of Jerusalem began to deteriorate. Malachi, which means “my messenger,” speaks forcefully to the people and finds them somewhat bored and belligerent.
Of all the minor prophets, Zechariah is the longest, the hardest, the most obscure, and the broadest in outlook. He was also, along with Haggai, one of the most effective.
The Prophet Habakkuk lived in such tumultuous days that he was confused by God's role in human affairs. His questions and God’s answers are still relevant.
In the reign of Jeroboam II and the dreadful years that followed, God raised up an unusual man—Hosea. Through him God ministered a message of faithfulness.
The Minor Prophet Joel's ministry came across loud and clear. He interpreted a contemporary situation, sounded the alarm, and offered hope to the people.
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