Prayer Request for A Mission Trip

Paul once wrote that, "you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us though many," 2 Corinthians 1:11. A part of our showing care for and love of the brethren is prayerfully joining them in their various ministries, lifting them up to the Lord, that He may hear and accept our requests on their behalf so that they may bear fruit. And we, through our prayers, may spiritually partake of their ministry.

Revelation Chapter Two, His Name's Sake

Revelation 2:3 “and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary.

The Lord continues to praise the Ephesian church for their fidelity. He says of them, that they persevere. Oxford defines persevere to, “continue in a course of action in spite of difficulty or lack of success.” Verse 2 fills in details as to what the Lord means by this.

Revelation Chapter Two, Rejecting Evil Doers

Revelation 2:2d and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars;

The Greek term for bear is, “bastazo,” and it means, “to lift, endure, sustain, declare, receive. It signifies to support as a burden.” The Lord relates that the Ephesian church cannot lift up or support evil doing. They do not endure or receive evil.

Revelation Chapter Two, Being Patient

Revelation 2:2c I know…your patience,

Jesus our Lord informs and reminds us that works and labor require patience. Strong’s Concordance defines patience as cheerful or hopeful endurance or constancy. Jesus, when addressing the apostles about the Tribulation or the Day of the Lord, said, “By your patience possess your souls,” Luke 21:19. The generation that would endure the events Jesus was describing in Luke chapter 21 (which corresponds to our current study in Revelation) have to do with the final days prior to His millennial reign, see Luke 21:28.