Paul in Ephesus … his longest (in time) local Church ministry of all! Luke’s pen tells us the most: “He himself (the Apostle) stayed in Asia for a season. And the same time there arose no small stir about that way. For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines (idols) for Diana, brought no small gain (profit) unto the craftsmen; whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth. Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands: so that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.” Acts 19:22-27

Such amazing progress the Gospel has made … that the idolatry of the city is about to topple!

“Almost throughout all Asia!”

“This Paul hath persuaded much people!”

“There be no gods made with hands!”

“The temple of Diana is being despised!”

And maybe most painful of all … “Our craft (our profession, financial security, back account, money) is in danger!”

To which we all as Christians can say, “Hallelujah, Praise the Lord!”

Paul was preaching JESUS!

But in America today, I fear all the advances listed above (concerning Ephesus) are in retreat!

We are now living, looks like, in a post-Christian Land!

And heathenism is again surfacing!

I am so glad Jesus is coming again!

After all, future events will reveal … through Jesus our Saviour … we’re still on the winning side!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

Revelation 11:15 … yet to be literally fulfilled: “And there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.”

Even so, come Lord Jesus!

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