Lesson+27+Essay

Think of what you have read and seen about the city of Ephesus. Think about the fact that in this city there is located something that we have called one of the seven wonders of the world. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wonders_of_the_World This includes things like the Egyptian pyramid at Giza, and the Great Wall of China! This city in Asia Minor was as important to this time as New York City or Washington DC are to us today. THE apostle Paul visited this city at least two times, spending at least two years during one of these times teaching the church there (Blue Letter Bible)! I encourage you at this point to read the very short letter Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus (Book of Ephesians). In here Paul pours out his heart to them. His words in this letter show the amazing depth of understanding he AND they had about who Christ was and what he did in the world. It also shows profound understanding of what they were up against in Ephesus. Remember Vanderlaan's description of the enormous temple to Artemis. Think of Paul's description of the full armor of God in this letter to these people! How AMAZING this is.
 * On Ephesus**

In the first part of this essay, describe the situation in Ephesus. Cite your sources properly. Provide me with at least two examples that show how well you understand Pauls letter to Ephesus. Why was it so perfect? Why was it so important for him to encourage them in their faith? Why did he re-affirm for them what they had in Christ? What was he telling them about God's relationship with them in Christ Jesus that was in stark contrast to the idols that were being worshiped around them? (Any of these questions will help you with the two examples I am looking for, or you could think of more on your own.)

Next, imagine what it might have been like to live as a Christian in Ephesus. What did it mean for Ephesian Christians to choose who they would serve as their Lord among God, Artemis, or the Roman emperor? Explain why you think it is more or less difficult to be a Christian today than it was back then. If images of //courage, boldness, passion, fearlessness, faith, and perseverance// come to mind when you think of the Ephesians, what changes would you make so that these words will be more descriptive of your faith walk? Give an example.

Look at the map of the location of these ancient cities. Vanderlaan discussed the difference between the water sources in these three cities within spitting distance of each other (no pun intended). Vanderlaan mentioned Revelation 3:15-16, where John wrote to the church in Laodicea about being lukewarm. Using the Vanderlaan reference material describe how you relate what you know about the waters in these cities to this scripture verse. How important is it for Christians to be //both// hot and cold water depending on the need of those we meet? Give an example. Finally choose your favorite verse from Colossians to tie together what it meant to be a Christian in these ancient cities. What was common to them all? How do you relate the struggles Christians had in Ephesus with the Christians in Colossae and Laodicean and Hierapolis?
 * On Laodicea and Colossae and Hierapolis**

Don't forget your introduction and conclusion paragraphs and to cite your sources carefully.