WHAT IS YOUR RALLYING CRY?  

I began this Mr. Steve article on Friday, July 15, 2016, at 2:10 a.m. out of concern for men and women, brothers and sisters, families of all nationalities, and anyone in authority, who were said to be in harms way on the so-named, “Nationwide Day of Rage.”  I’m thankful to God that almost all of what was predicted (37 nationwide protests in 37 major cities across America) was, for the most part, a hoax -- albeit, a reminder of the power of a "single" voice.

Over 2,000 years ago, one silversmith had such a voice!  Workers in Ephesus and the surrounding area were losing their businesses, and their way of life was being severely threatened. The leader of the protest, Demetrius, made a very emotionally stirring speech and the following events transacted:

“When they (the crowd) heard this and were filled with rage, they began crying out, saying, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” The city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed with one accord into the theater, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia. And when Paul wanted to go into the assembly, the disciples would not let him. Also some of the Asiarchs (political or religious officials) who were friends of his sent  to him and repeatedly urged him not to venture into the theater. So then, some were shouting one thing and some another, for the assembly was in confusion and the majority did not know for what reason they had come together.... (later) a single outcry arose from them all as they shouted for about two hours, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” Acts 19:28-32, 34 

Interestingly enough, years later, Paul wrote to Timothy, who was living in this same city of Ephesus, and reminded him of the great truth we need all rally around!

“These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: 

God was manifested in the flesh

Justified in the Spirit

Seen by angels

Preached among the Gentiles

Believed on in the world

Received up in glory.”    1 Timothy 3:14-16

What is Paul saying to Timothy?  Others can rally around themselves, their rights, their injustices (great as they are), and/or their gods of fame & fortune, pleasure, health, degrees, etc.  But the Christian's conduct and lifestyle must be centered on JESUS AND HIS HOLINESS ... Our Banner is The Incarnate One; The One shown to be true -- Justified in the Spirit; The One Seen by angels; Preached, Believed and Received up in glory!  Without question -- Without controversy -- GREAT IS JESUS -- CHRIST IN YOU, OUR HOPE OF GLORY (Colossians 1:24-27).  
Be encouraged.

      

God is good all the time.  Mr. Steve