The Dynamic Prayer Life of Epaphras: Life Changing Prayer Nugget!!!! [podcast]
Emulating Epaphras!
LIFE CHANGER! Who are those top 3-5 people you pray for every morning? (rhetorical question) Okay, ever wonder how to pray for someone? You will never again have that wonder after your grab this 1 Bible verse!
All who are learning to love God are then equally learning to love people – to love others and put them above ourselves (Philippians 2:3-5).
Why not assertively, proactively have a list of people you are lifting in prayer every morning? Isn’t that what we can learn from brother Epap? WHO? WHAT? … Let us learn from the life of Epaphras.
An enlightened prayer life requires the illumination of the Word of our God. Watch this:
“Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.” Colossians 4:12
Gospel Key: Wondering how to pray for someone? Wonder no more! God told you exactly how to pray! Read the Bible verse above again and grab that last line in particular! BAM
GAME CHANGER! WHAT’s your prayer list looking like? Someone may say “But brother WHAT do I pray for the people on my prayer list?” GREAT QUESTION and don’t you know GOD has that answer! Boom. Excuse me while I get super excited about this divine nugget of HIS truth! (3 John 4)
Notice this as we widen the lense a bit by taking a look at the words following our main verse:
“Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.” Colossians 4:12-13
Notice how this beloved brother Epaphras cared deeply for and was concerned and praying for those of Christ’s saints in Colosse and also the surrounding towns – “for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.”
What an example of Christlikeness! Epaphras interceded for the saints just like Jesus did in redemption and does now in intercession for those He died to save (Heb. 7:24-25). This man’s life was given over to the LORD and the power of the Holy Ghost was elevating him to bring God glory by blessing His beloved saints. Though Epaphras’ name appears only 3 times in the New Testament canon, His impact is great.
Notice that Epaphras was “one of you.” In other words, Epaphras was not an apostle or prophet but a simple saint of God, purchased by the blood of Christ. He served. He prayed. He interceded on behalf of Christ and His people. What a servant Epaphras was! What a Savior Jesus is!
Epaphras’ love for God and His people was profound. He labored deliberately, fervently, diligently, and perpetually in prayer communion with God for the saints. Epaphras was possessed or infused with the divine desire to see His beloved people for whom Christ bled brought to holiness and maturity.
“We are Epaphras to one another. Colossians 4:12.” Stephen Michels
ARE you praying for members of Christ’s body? Never think this to be a menial task. Oh no. Nothing could be more important than carrying one of God’s children to Him in prayer. Beloved of God, you are an Epaphras to Christ’s body, praying vigilantly and tirelessly that they will “stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.” (Colossians 4:12)
“GOD is our sustaining force via prayer.
The Holy Spirit praying for us from within,
Jesus, our risen Savior and High Priest praying for us at the right hand of God, Brothers and sisters in Christ praying for us on this earth, and us praying for believers everywhere, even those we’ve never met. Ephesians 6:18
Each member of Christ’s body should be assured of the constant prayer of other believers as well as lifting up in prayer other believers themselves.” Debbie Lord
WHEN we obey God by praying for other of His saints, we are walking in the mind of Christ as we esteem others better than ourselves (Philippians 2:3-5).
Like Epaphras, perhaps we should consider obeying the LORD in lifting up our brethren in prayer to the Father through Christ, the Great Intercessor, and spend less time judging them in our minds, hearts, and words.
What Epaphras did: “always labouring fervently for you in prayers”
What Epaphras desired of the LORD: “that ye (the brethren) may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God”
The LORD desires to “perfect and complete” His saints “in all the will of God.” Those who follow Christ closely desire what He desires – that His saints grow in grace and truth and are standing perfect (sinless, victorious, and maturing) in His sight. Does not the Word inform us that Jesus Christ perpetually intercedes for His own at His Father’s right hand? Is this your desire? Do you align with Jesus by praying for His children that they might be perfected and completed in relationship with Him?
Epaphras entrenched himself in prayer and interceded for the saints in his locale and day. Will you do the same? If not, who will? Epaphras answered the call of God to intercede for those of his day. He died to the self-life that he might please God by lifting His people to Him in prayer. What if Epaphras had not interceded for those believers in his day? As concerning this calling to intercede, will Jesus one day welcome you with “Well done my good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of the LORD”? (Matt. 25)
“…always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.” Colossians 4:12
Saints, let us never leave our prayer closets until we have lifted God’s people in prayer – individuals and the entire body of Christ in general.
Do you have specific people you lift in prayer each morning?
“Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:” 1 Samuel 12:23
WHEN you ask someone to “pray for me”, you are asking them to bring you before the Almighty! Get ready!
Ready to be like the example the beloved Epaphras gave us? Ever wonder what to pray? Can you think of just 3 people God has put around you to pray for?
Ever run out of things to pray? Not anymore! God’s Word is God’s will so we pray God’s Word for God’s people.
“Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:” 1 Samuel 12:23
Prayerlessness is sin!
Every day God grants us the privilege to pray for His saints which gets our minds off of ourselves. This is one of the many benefits of developing a sincere and diligent life of prayer. It’s not hard – Just do it.
As you pray daily in your private prayer closet and throughout your day, feel free to try this prayer if you are so led beloved:
- “Holy Father, in Jesus’ holy name and by the power of His precious blood that speaks in Heaven for Your Church, bless _________________ to stand perfect and complete in the whole will of God, conforming their life to the image of Your Son. Thank You that You are continuing that good work You began in ____________________ and perfecting that which concerns their life until the day of the LORD Jesus Christ’s soon return. Amen.
YOUR PRAYER: Holy Father, bless me to love Your people. Please forgive my sin of prayerlessness and for judging Your people in my heart and mind – when I should have been praying for them. Help me to do what You came to do Jesus, to save and not condemn. LORD, I decide now to begin a whole new walk – one of continual intercession for Your beloved saints that they might stand perfect and complete in Your sight, in Your perfect will. I love You Jesus and thank You for loving, finding, and forgiving all my sin and I look eagerly for Your soon return as I trust You and fervently prepare and pray for others of Your children to be ready when You soon return. In Jesus’ name, amen.
LISTEN: Prayer Mission of Epaphras Podcast
Inspire your prayer life here.
Epaphras’ name is listed 3 times in the New Testament. Apparently, from the last one, we see he may have been in prison with the apostle Paul.
“As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;” Colossians 1:7
“Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.” Colossians 4:12
“There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;” Philemon 1:23
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Articles
Personal Evangelism
Soul Winning is the Work of Every True Disciple of Jesus
“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20
Oh the joy of being privileged to know Him and be called out as His “ambassadors”! As His called out ones, we are sent by Him to make known His glorious Gospel to lost souls for whom He came and bled (1 Tim. 1:15).
“Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.” Philippians 2:16
NO one will saved before becoming greatly convicted of their sin-give them the Law then they will desire Christ (Galatians 3:24; 1 Timothy 1:9-11). The law convicts and brings them to Christ – it serves God’s purpose. We don’t lead them to Christ so much as God’s law convicts and leaves them feeling the reality of their alienation from God – and then they will be prepared to hear the saving Gospel of Christ. This is the New Testament way of winning souls to Jesus.
What’s most important and the biblical model for evangelism, is to give the lost the law of God (10 Commandments), to convict them which in turn will bring them to Christ (Romans 7:12; Galatians 3:24; 1 Timothy 1:7-10). Placating lost souls with scientific arguments in defense of the faith seems to seldom if ever result in a lost sinner coming to the Savior in repentance. It is the law of God that pierces directly into the consciences of men and converts sinners to Christ (Psalms 19:7). When Paul spoke with the secularists of his day on Mars’ Hill he spoke to them of their idolatry (a sin violating the first 2 of the 10 Commandments), called them to repentance, and warned them that Judgment Day was coming (Acts 17:22-34).
“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.” Psalms 19:7-8
Presenting the Word: First the law to cut, to convict, and to expose how wicked the sinner is and deserving of nothing but damnation, THEN the Gospel of Jesus’ saving grace to make the sinner whole amen!
Your communications and ministry are fed and fueled by your personal daily study and knowledge of God’s Word (Proverbs 22:17-21; 2 Timothy 2:15).
Have you ever desired for your friends and family to be present at a gathering of Saints where there was in anointed call to receive Jesus and they were drawn up to be saved? I have. That’s a great desire and yet in the days of those special gatherings of true, Jesus-seeking disciples are becoming more and more limited. Therefore we must be that altar call, that anointed vessel of God who goes to the people and brings them in. God will make it happen in His resurrection life as we consent to daily dying (2 Corinthians 4:10-12).
Keep showing forth His truth, which is marching on in the hearts and lives of all who have ears to hear what the Holy Spirit is saying to the Churches.
Psalms 126:5-6 says:
“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”
Though you see no changes with your physical eyes, remember that “we walk by faith and not by sight” and that His Word never returns void, so keep planting the seed of His Word into the hearts of men even though sometimes it is with tears (Isa. 55:11; Lk. 8:11; 2 Cor. 5:7). You will “doubtless come again with rejoicing.” (Ps. 126:5-6)
“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11
Like a lion that conquers and dominates its prey as it pleases, we must unleash the Word of God itself which never returns back to Him void but always accomplishes what He pleases.
God will do His work in the hearts of men, as we send forth His truth in love.
“For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” Hebrews 6:10
What is your personal plan or strategy for reaching lost souls? Are you busy about your Father’s business if seeking to save that which was lost? (Luke 2:49; 19:10)
YOU cannot talk anyone into being saved. Stop trying! You must preach them into being saved – by communicating the Word. Only Christ can save them, not us! Did Jesus say “Go talk people into being saved” or did Jesus command “Go ye into all the world and PREACH the gospel”? (Mark 16:15) The latter of course. Men are born again by the incorruptible Word of God (1 Peter 1:23). We must humble ourselves and cease acting like we can win a soul to Jesus when Christ alone can do such. Yes, He chooses to use us as His very “ambassadors” and yet, that is done by the preaching of the law to convict and saving cross of Christ! (2 Corinthians 5:20)
Men are born again by God via His “incorruptible” Word:
“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” 1 Peter 1:23
Personal testimony from brother Charles:
“To God be the glory in all things for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose! I was saved through my sister in Christ, acting as His hands and feet that shared with me the following Scripture:
“John 14:6-7
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him and have seen him.
She was spreading the gospel and upon hearing this my ears were opened, and conviction came through. I say God found me because as a child of God we are just spreading His Word and had I not been His I would not have felt the weight and power in this Scripture. So, in hearing I was made to believe … and in believing became changed in my walk … with Him guiding me. God bless brother!”
Preparation – Armed and Dangerous!
IF a “church” isn’t producing soul winners, it’s being led by a wolf! (Ephesians 4:11-12)
How can a local assembly of believers see the LORD add to the church when the hireling(s) leading them have no concern for Christ’s Great Commission mandate to preach the whole Word of the Gospel which will result in the LORD saving souls? (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20)
Remembering the 2 “R”s of the Gospel: Repent, Receive Jesus. -“Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Acts 20:21)
Personally, I carry King James Bibles, good Gospel tracts, small books, booklets, etc. in my car at all times. The LORD uses them mightily to teach. After ministering to a saint in Christ or a lost person, I always send them away with something appropriate for them to read. I off a KJB Bible to believers if I find out they don’t have one and/or give them one of the books to assist in deepening their walk with Jesus. To the lost, I give a Bible, tracts, and/or a booklet that pertains to them being saved.
The Born Again Book (small, powerful!) | What Next: Now that You are Saved (small discipleship book)
Many a Christian is possessed with the false notion that God needs people-instead of the fact that people need God! Repent. God is the only self-existent One! Jesus is not a sap! He walked away from many- and told you to do the same! (Matthew 10:16; 13:58) The LORD begs no mere man, sinner, to come to Him. He invites but never begs! (Matthew 11:28-30). Rebellion is a choice HE gave them! If they want to rebel, SHAKE OFF THE DUST AND MOVE ON! That’s what Christ did and told you to do! (Matthew 7:6; 10:14)
JESUS tract ENGLISH (click to download print-ready PDF) this is the actual text of the JESUS tract of both the English and JESUS tract SPANISH (click to download print-ready PDF]
Are YOU “ready”?
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” 1 Peter 3:15
Are you “ready” or not “ready”?
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
Case for Scripture Memory:
“Let mine hear RETAIN thy words.” Proverbs 4:4
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Apostasy
Eating the Fat, and Drinking the Sweet! [podcast]
Mourning Trumps Merriment in Christ’s Kingdom
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I’d like to walk in Your bless-ed joy, filling my life to overflowing, no matter what’s transpiring. LORD, I ask You to do Your deeper work in my heart, in my life. Please set apart my life to truly glorify You, being full of the fruits of Your righteousness. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Everyone desires the joy of the LORD, right? Yes, yet only those who are willing to devour His Word – to get it into their hearts and keep it flowing into their hearts, will experience that great joy of the LORD which is our strength! In context, the joy of the LORD is the strength of those who read it, hear it, embrace it, adhere to it, and keep it flowing into their mind and heart daily! (Nehemiah 8:8, 10)
“So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly (directly), and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading. … 10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:8, 10
After they had feasted on God’s Word, the elders of Israel said to them: You are now full of the Word. Now “Go your way”, that is, go home and be blessed to “send portions” of the bounty of the LORD you’ve been filled with today to overflowing. “Freely ye have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:8) Let your cup run over and bless others! Let your light shine into others, may your cup run over onto others, to bless them with the bountiful blessings of the LORD you have received.
We have to eat the fat and drink the sweet of the Word of God to be filled with the joy of the LORD which is our strength!
“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16
Nourishing the Body of Christ
“If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.” 1 Timothy 4:6
DO people know they can find the rich treasures of God’s Word when they walk into your life, when they visit your social media page? (Colossians 3:16) Will they be “nourished” by the milk and meat of God’s bless-ed Word when they are graced to be in your company?
“There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise.” Proverbs 21:20
Holy Father, we ask You in the name of Jesus to make us happy in Jesus as You’ve forgiven and freed us from our sin and so of all people on Your earth, only Your people can be truly happy in Thee dear LORD. Please bless each of Your beloved saints to be anointed for the death and burial of the self life and raised up in Your blessed resurrection grace and joy. In Jesus’ name let it be dear LORD.
“These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” John 15:11
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Abiding
The Death before the Death [podcast]
Gethsemane Preceded Calvary
“And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, 42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. 43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” Luke 22:42-44
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30
“Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.” 2 Corinthians 4:10-12
“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. 25 For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?” Luke 9:23-25
Shall We Freshly Declare the Cross to be Front and Center in our Personal Lives?
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
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Personal Evangelism
Eating the Fat, and Drinking the Sweet! [podcast]
The Death before the Death [podcast]
“Rend Your Heart, and Not Your Garments” [podcast]
God and His Word are Unchanging [podcast]
Soul Sleep Exposed: Where Do We Go When We Die? When do we Go there? [podcast]
Oneness Godhead
Pride and False Prophets [podcast]
“Come unto Me, all Ye that Labour and are Heavy Laden, and I will Give You Rest” [podcast
Have We Misunderstood Why Christians Meet Together? [video]
Jesus Christ is God [podcast]
Salvation is Not a One-Time Experience but a Lifelong Walk [podcast]
“Feed My Sheep” [podcast]
Mission Mexico Part 43
IS AMERICA DOOMED? To Stay or to Go [podcast]
10 Clues Your Love for God has Waxed Cold [podcast]
Jesus Calling Devotional Exposed: 10 Things You Might Not Know
How to Spot a Fake Bible [podcast]
Jesus Christ is God [podcast]
Read the Handwriting
Why the Apocrypha Isn’t in the Bible
Soul Sleep Exposed: Where Do We Go When We Die? When do we Go there? [podcast]
Salvation is Not a One-Time Experience but a Lifelong Walk [podcast]
Mug Shots and Mercy Moments! [podcast]
How do We Know Who is “of God” and Who is “Not of God”? [podcast]
Concerns about the writings of C.S. Lewis [podcast]
What the Bible says about Effeminate Men [podcast] [shorts video]
Eating the Fat, and Drinking the Sweet! [podcast]
Personal Evangelism
What is the difference between a “Textus Receptus Man” and a “King James Man?”
Personal Evangelism
Eating the Fat, and Drinking the Sweet! [podcast]
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SHOCKING List of False Prophets Most Believe are True
Providing Christ-centered Scripture-rich resources to feed, edify, and equip the body of Christ (John 21:15-17; Ephesians 4:11-15).
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