The Blessing of Grandchildren

April 16, 2025

Psalm 127 is attributed to Solomon, who wrote, “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them” (v. 3-5a). Psalm 128 goes on to say, “Yes, may you see your children’s children. Peace be upon Israel!” (v.6). We would also include Proverbs 17:6, which states, “Children’s children are the crown of old men, And the glory of children is their father.”

These verses speak to the fact that our children and grandchildren are blessings from God, from Whom all blessings flow! In our tours to biblical and historical sites over the years, we have been privileged to have family travel with us, including some of our grandchildren. In our recent tour of Greece and Turkey we had two of our grandsons (and two of our children). It was their (these grandsons) first time traveling internationally.

Keegan (left) and Little Leon (right) at Ephesus.
Walking down Curetes Street, Ephesus. Photo by Alysha Montgomery.

When we were in Athens Keegan posed with a “Greek soldier,” complete with hopite armor. Keegan is wearing the stephonos (victor’s) crown.

Keegan with Greek soldier, dressed in hoplite armor. Acropolis at Athens, Greece. Photo by Leon Mauldin.

I want to fortify the faith of our grandchildren. I want them to know that the Bible is true. That it speaks of real people, real places, and real events. Travel in the Steps of Paul and John can contribute to that. We are blessed!

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Artemis of the Ephesians

January 4, 2025

Our preaching theme for January in our local congregation is a study of the Seven Churches of Asia (Rev. 2-3). I’m looking forward to this study. Ephesus is the first of the cities addressed (Rev. 2:1-7).

It is helpful to understand somewhat of the local conditions in which these 1st Century Christians lived. Ephesus was the city which featured the temple to the goddess Artemis (Diana), which at that time was one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Here is a model of the temple which is housed in the museum at Ephesus:

Model of the Temple of Artemis, Ephesus Archaeological Museum, Selcuk. Photo ©Leon Mauldin.

It required courage, faith, and perseverance to take a stand with Jesus in this pagan context. To illustrate, read Acts 19:22-41.

We have made several posts on ancient Ephesus. Type “Ephesus” in the search box for these.

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