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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | What does this mean? | Ezek 8:17 | Emmaus | 89554 | ||
Hi Mommapbs, In your tour did you go to that special little house overlooking ancient Ephesus? Emmaus |
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2 | What does this mean? | Ezek 8:17 | Mommapbs | 89587 | ||
Greetings Emmaus! When we walked through the streets of ancient Ephesus last week it was 112F! Truly an amazing city, yet in RUINS! Our muslim guides pointed out where Mary supposedly lived - way up (and I mean WAY up) on a hill. To me, this is improbable, regardless of what "tradition" may want to have us believe. Why, because John was charged with her care by the Lord and if indeed he lived in the city, he would have taken her into HIS house and not have placed her "up there!" In my mind, the parallel would be too great, as temples to "gods and goddesses" were often set higher than where the people lived. To me, the identification of a structure as being "Mary's house", is problematic; for although I have great respect for Mary, I see a danger of elevating her to a position of worship, the very thing that Paul and the other Apostles warned against. And, this (the transfer of worship from Christ to include Mary) is what I suspect was the basis of what Jesus condemned the Church at Ephesus for: "I have this against you, you have left your first love." (Rev 2:4-5) Our guides also suggested that John "used" Mary, the MOTHER of Jesus to encourgage the people of Ephesus to convert to Christianity as they were accustomed to worshipping Artemis (goddess of FERTILITY). Anyway, this was my impression before I visited and it was strengthened while I was there. It is not my intention to offend any of my Catholic sisters and brothers, yet to offer a word of caution as you consider Mary . . . keep your eyes fixed upon Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith! Let nothing come between you and the Lord Jesus Christ. mommapbs |
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3 | What does this mean? | Ezek 8:17 | Emmaus | 89593 | ||
Mommapbs, Whether the tradition about the house is true is a matter of personal judgement. But I think your Muslim guide put a sublte negative spin against Christianity: "Our guides also suggested that John "used" Mary, the MOTHER of Jesus to encourgage the people of Ephesus to convert to Christianity" Do you think John would have used Mary in such a manner or that Mary would have allowed herself to be used in such a manner? Your guide's comment was a poisioning of the Christian well so to speak. Emmaus |
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4 | What does this mean? | Ezek 8:17 | EdB | 89597 | ||
Emmaus Most Excellent!!!!! Not many would have picked up on the subtle attempt to downgrade Christianity and bring division. More important I wonder how many thought about Ephesus of Revelation, where Jesus said they were allowing false teaching in? Think about it Ephesus once a hot bed of Christianity actually a sanctuary for Christians is now a place controlled by those very much hostile to Christianity. I believe it is in Ephesus where there are some big red stone columns that once supported the roof a great Christian Church and are now part of an Islamic Mosque. How tragic! EdB |
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5 | What does this mean? | Ezek 8:17 | Mommapbs | 89690 | ||
EdB - I can assure you, the Ephesus I toured was dead - not a soul lives there. The sites that I visited were originally temples of idol worship and after Christianity was "legalized" these temples were converted into Churches - however, earthquakes have destroyed these places of worship and all that remains are ruins. I found it interesting that the two cities of Revelation that received NO CONDEMNATION, Smyrna (present day Izmir) and Philadelphia are the ONLY ruins that are surrounded by vibrant cities. All the other five "churches" are now desolate places. Perhaps you are thinking about Instabul where indeed churches have been converted into Mosques. As we toured these "ancient ruins" I was impressed with the resolve of the early Christians who stood firm in their faith in the face of great opposition even to the point of death. They met secretly and in small groups, caring intimately for one another. They listened to the teaching of Paul and applied spiritual truth to their lives, yet they too stumbled and were chastized by the Lord - let's not forget that He has and will continue to remove the lampstand of those who refuse His discipline. Ephesus had lost their first love; Christ was no longer a priority in their lives. Who or what surplanted their affection is not important - what is important is for us to recognize those things in our midst that would draw our hearts away from His - perhaps even this forum . . . just something to consider . . . mommapbs |
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