The letter to the church at Ephesus containing the message sent from Jesus Christ, the Lord of the Church commended them for doing well in many areas of ministry. Receiving this letter some plus years after the church was started they likely were surprised to read the criticism levied at them. Christ called them out for having -left Him- as -their first love.- Having identified what needed to be corrected for the church to continue to be what it was to be He also gave them the challenge to repent and do the deeds they had done at first. What had become true of that church, while they were busy and would have looked like a church that was doing well, was known by their Head whom they could not fool or go through the motions. -These clear commendations and admonitions should be taken seriously by every church today to evaluate how ministry is going, why and who for.

This session covers the topics concerning the existence of God, the knowability of God, and the incomprehensibility of God.

Jesus Christ was revealed to John in the revelation given to him at Patmos as the preeminent one, in His glory, and fully worthy and deserving of all reverence. John's response to this revelation was to record it as he was told and utter humility. The majesty, the power, and the authority of Jesus Christ as He is today in heaven is truth for all time, for all people, and especially for believers to keep these truths of who He is at the forefront of thinking and daily living.

Six truths about Jesus Christ are identified and discussed in detail in this message. Christ is the giver of grace and the provider of peace. He is the Davidic heir, He loves us who are believers, He has appointed us, He is coming again, and He is the fulfillment of all things.

Knowing God in a personal relationship as He has revealed Himself begins by knowing the word of God. God has revealed Himself in general ways to know of His existence but it is in the special revelation of God that He can be known as He is, for who He is, and His relationship with His creation and creatures. This message begins what will be a ten part series considering what is often referred to as Theology Proper.

The Lord of the Church gave His evaluation of the churches so addressed in the letters and in so doing, His evaluation of all churches in existence until His imminent return. Who is the Lord of the Church and by what authority does He so speak to the churches is presented in this prologue to the series of messages that will be centered on the first three chapters of the Revelation from Jesus Christ.

The word of God is the means for having protection and being protected while living as God's people in a world bent on rebellion and self-will. The people of God must know and be continually growing by means of the word of God to be maturing and equipped to stand firm in their faith and not be deceived or influenced by all that is contrary to and opposing God in the world. The word of God must be taught, heard, listened to, put into practice, and trusted for the protection God provides to be availed of most fully.

The work of the pastor to do the work of an evangelist is considered through the instructions giving in Paul's last letter to Timothy. What is an evangelist, what is the message of the evangelist and what is the work to be done having that responsibility is presented from the scriptures.

This is the second message in a series of four giving details of the pastor's priorities in ministry and commitment to the local church.

First message of a series of four detailing the ministry priorities of the pastor to and for his church.