To the Church in Smyrna
Introduction:
Is there a time in your life that you haven’t had enough money to buy what you wanted? What you needed?
Have you ever “known” about something before it happened? What was that like?
Observation:
Where else do you see the phrases “the First and the Last”, “was dead”, and “is alive again” earlier in this book?
What are the church’s strengths? Weaknesses?
What will happen to some of the members of this community?
Interpretation:
Why would the facts that the Son of Man is the First and the Last and that He died and came to life again be of particular importance to the church at Ephesus?
How can they be both poor and rich?
What is the “synagogue of Satan”?
What is the second death?
Application:
In what kind of economic situation have you found it most difficult to live out your Christian faith—with money or without it?
The church at Smyrna is commended for its perseverance and urged to continue to be faithful. How does the word that Jesus brings to them have an impact on you? What does this teach you about suffering?
How does this word help you to overcome?
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To the Church in Ephesus
Introduction:
What is one of the more “out there” dreams you’ve ever had? Do you think it meant anything?
How do you keep up with old friends?
Observation:
For some background reading on the church of Ephesus, check out Acts 19, I Timothy, and the Book of Ephesians. What do we know about the church at Ephesus?
Where else do you see the phrase “who holds the seven stars in his right hand” and “walks among the seven golden lampstands” earlier in this book?
What the church’s strengths? Weaknesses?
Interpretation:
Why would the facts that the Son of Man holds the seven stars in his right hand and that He walks among the seven golden lampstands be of particular importance to the church at Ephesus?
What do you think it means that the Ephesians have “lost their first love”?
Why is it so crucial for the church in Ephesus to “hate” the practices of the Nicolaitans? (look on ahead to v. 15)
Application:
What did you first do as a follower of Jesus that you don’t do anymore, or rarely do anymore? How do you keep that first love alive?
The Ephesian church is commended for their belief, but rebuked for their lack of prophetic witness. How does the word that Jesus brings to them have an impact on you?
How does this word help you to overcome?
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Following an art show reception this evening parishioners gathered for worship and an informal discussion of faith and creativty in expressive art. The attached podcast captures the informal discussion.
The artwork is on display in the Sanctuary at St. Paul’s through June 20th.
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