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You know, none of us will probably be persecuted for our faith any worse than that. What do I do about calling a priest father at my Catholic University? Their enemies can only take their lives once. Kingdom 103: Student or Disciple of the Kingdom? A third form of suffering for them was persecution in verse 9. You know, I was just going to let her know and express that I am glad you are going to hell. Ask what you dare if you will let me. 9. They had no heart for God. Well, the second thing we need to remember is that the ultimate test is suffering. Are you secure concerning your eternal destiny? It was used to embalm the dead in the first century (Jn. They were reporting false allegations to the government about these believers, saying things which were not true about them. Life was hard for these Christians. . Also, death is mentioned three times in these four verses. Jesus wanted to encourage them to stand strong, even if it meant physical death. They got drunk. With a population of over 3 million, Smyrna continues to thrive today as the modern Turkish city of Izmir. "In Roman times, Smyrna was considered the most brilliant city of Asia Minor, successfully rivaling Pergamos and Ephesus. She would not spend one minute helping me, somebody who had thrown their life away believing in this fantasy of Jesus Christ. Property Characteristics; Geocodes; Building Permits; Real Estate Valuation. Why is Smyrna being praised? She and her husband have five childrenthree who have already flown the coop and two adopted teens still roosting at homeplus two adorable grands who add immeasurable joy and laughter to the whole flock. (NASB). Life is hard. It is eternal torment. Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. (1 John 1-5). Today it is called Izmir, Turkey. Look at the conversation between Jesus and the Jews in John 8:31-47. Jesus lived life in purity and sinlessness for our benefit, to enable us to have eternal life and partake in His fellowship. I went home that night and I got angrier the more I thought about it. Its association with death perfectly pictures the suffering church at Smyrna. That is all they have done, but your spiritual life continues on forever. It is a gift. An aspect of maturity is being slow to respond to accusation-as our Lord did. For instance, telling them that they were practicing cannibalism because they were partaking of the Lords Supper, eating of the body of Christ, drinking His blood. Editor's Note: a lightly edited transcription of the attached audio file will be found at the end of this originally written daily study guide. Death means separation. 1.2 Name. 2006 R. J. Krejcir Ph.D. Others roasted alive. For example, the letter to Ephesus . It was mighty. Kingdom 102: Kingdom of Light or Darkness? I came back that fall and I was so on fire for the Lord. 3. As a result, the Smyrnaean believers lived in genuine poverty for their faith. He begins this like He did the last letter and every letter afterward with the words, I know. He knows everything. They were poor. 6. He died for one reason: his unyielding faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. She read, He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. (NIV). People did not want to sell to them because they were Christians. The Second Coming of JesusWho Are the 144,000 in Revelation?Who Are Gog and Magog in the Bible?What Is the Apollyon?Is the Apocalypse Mentioned in the Bible?Signs of the End Times and the Rapture. I was on staff at Texas Heart as one of the instructors through the University of Texas. The trade unions would have nothing to do with them. What would Jesus say to such a church? That is the idea. We will be rewarded for staying strong until death. Revelation 20:14 and Revelation 21:8 tells us that the second death is the lake of fire and brimstone. Third, at the end of Smyrnas letter, Jesus makes this promise to whoever has ears to hear: He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death (Revelation 2:11, KJV). What harm can it do? He just came in. Some suffered the Roman crucifixion, a horrible way to die. 2. How can this give you hope for your church? I had no choice. I understand. He can walk right through it with them. They will suffer and be tormented for a period of time, but it will not be for eternity because it says the second death. It was probably only 15 minutes, but it seemed like hours. Satan had plans to cast some of the Smyrna church into prison. (How does Romans 2:28-29 relate to this? Even Jesuss greeting to the church reveals His loving, personal care. The letter to the church at Smyrna in Revelation 2 is notable for many reasons, one being that it's one of the only letters that doesn't have a rebuke. Many were placed on the rack where they were stretched so far that their legs and their arms were pulled out of their sockets. Unlike Ephesus, which today is uninhabited, Smyrna is still a large city (modern Izmir in Turkey). How does this apply to me? Ephesus & Smyrna & Pergamum - Barabbas Road Church in San Diego, CA But, maybe there are some of you who are in a very difficult season of life. 975 Church St Se, Smyrna, GA 30080 Property Report | ATTOM But, the word used here means absolute poverty, possessing absolutely nothing. They were not poor. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. When fear grips the human heart, and our very life is threatened, nothing can bring tranquility like faith in Him who is both the first and the last.3. You would listen to these believers pray and you would just think they are on a different level than we are. I have felt it in my life whether it is just things that people say right before I get ready to teach or whether it is something that happens in preparation. (PDF) A Historical and Spiritual View of the Seven Churches of the I was doing an internship in medical technology at Baton Rouge General Hospital. Jun 21, 2021 42:17. How does this compare with the strong terminology Jesus uses in Rev 2:9? I was kind of scared. He will do anything to stop good things that God is doing. The Seven Churches of Revelation - Bible Meaning Explained If we are going to suffer well, the first thing we have to remember is that Jesus Christ is the ultimate victor. Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. The characteristics of the church as seen in verses 9-10 are its tribulation and poverty and the insidious existence of a synagogue of Satan. You cannot do them at the same time. Explain your answer. They despised and hated Jesus Christ. Maybe someone in your family is causing you some grief. One of the instructors of one particular lab was a well-known atheist there at the hospital. We will become lifesavers, thrown to those who are drowning. As much as I want to believe that, I do not believe the Bible backs that up. Janene Keeth (nicknamed "Crickett") holds a M.A. The words of Jesus to the church in Smyrna in Revelation 2:8-11 offer insight into the life of a first-century congregation, and there are many applications for today's believers. 4. I went in and I just said, God I do not think I can do this. In fact, it has been said that more Christians have lived in this region than any other Turkish city in the world. She came in and I said, Good morning, how are you doing? She prayed and asked God to give me strength to go in the next day and to handle this the way that Jesus would. What was Jesus message to the church in Laodicea in Revelation. A Russian no" for the rights and freedoms" of the Ukrainian people in the 18th century (1) This article is devoted to the policy of the tsarist authorities against the Ukrainian territories which were part of the Russian Empire in the 18th century. I lived in mainland China for four years and during those four years I studied the Chinese language of Mandarin. 2. However, the church was wealthy, not in the temporal things that had brought their city fame. Maybe you are in a season that everything is going great and you are just loving life. Spend some time thanking Jesus for what He endured for us. He is an enemy who will stop at nothing. She also has two B.S. He has witnessed their continual affliction and the slander theyve suffered from those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. The fact that these hardships have not escaped their Saviors attention surely would have strengthened the Body and served as a loving reminder of Jesuss abiding presence. I want that kind of depth. Pt 1, Kingdom 104: What Profit Has Righteousness in the Kingdom? Judaism Why are these blaspheming Jews referred to as a synagogue of Satan? They took him to the amphitheater where the proconsul tried over and over to persuade him to renounce his faith. Jesus gave each one a short "report card." Ephesus had "abandoned the love it had at first," (Revelation 2:4, ESV ). from A.D. c. 100-316; Pergamos (Revelation 2:12-17), 'where Satan dwells' is suggestive of the church mixing with the world . Father, I just thank you for the privilege of knowing you personally. The Church of Smyrna - Church Leadership The first thing we have to remember if we are going to suffer well is that the ultimate victor is Jesus Christ. The first thing He tells them is be fearless. They already were in the midst of tribulation (v. 9) and Jesus had no rebuke or condemnation for them. I had some coworkers in Dallas who used to joke about the parties they were going to have in hell. He is talking about that kind of pressure that comes from when you take a heavy rock and you put it on someones chest and you press down on their chest with all your force so that it suffocates the person. They are for us to give back to Him. That is the kind of pressure, a suffocating pressure that they are under. In the center of the ancient city, Mount Pagos (modern name: Kadifekale) stood 500 ft. high and was encircled by a garland of architecturally impressive buildings and templeswhich was probably why the hill was known as The Crown of Smyrna.. Time and time again, wars, massacres, earthquakes, and plagues have threatened to destroy Smyrna, but the city has always bounced back and rebuilt. Smyrna: The Suffering Church Revelation 2:8-11 - Israel My Glory Smyrna: The Suffering Church Revelation 2:8-11. In 1 Peter 4:12-19, what are some lessons for life concerning suffering? Their poverty was most likely due to their faith in Jesus Christ, just like the Christians in Ephesus that we talked about last week. Kingdom 103: The Kingdom Mindset of Authority, Kingdom 103: Ephesus, Its Believers' Characteristics, Kingdom 103: Ephesus, Its Believers' Characteristics Pt 2, Kingdom 103: Smyrna, Its Believers' Characteristics, Kingdom 103: Pergamos, The Compromising Church, Kingdom 103: Thyatira, Its Believers' Characteristics, Kingdom 103: Thyatira, Its Believers' Characteristics Pt 2, Kingdom 103: Sardis, Its Believers' Characteristics, Kingdom 103: Philadelphia, Its Believers' Characteristics, Kingdom 103: Philadelphia, Its Believers' Characteristics Pt 2, Kingdom 103: Laodicea, The Lukewarm Church, Kingdom 103: He Came Under the Cloak of Darkness, Kingdom 103: Authorized Power for the Heavenly Government, Kingdom 103: Never Assume in Marriage Pt 1, Kingdom 103: Never Assume in Marriage Pt 2, Kingdom 103: Love in Marriage Needs to be Refreshed, Kingdom 103: Fatherlessness, the Source of Disobedience and Sin, Kingdom 103: The Simplicity of the Kingdom Gospel, Kingdom 103: Kingdom Culture Displayed to the Blind. Jesus wanted to encourage them to stand strong, even if it meant physical death. I went into the bathroom and I sat down and I cried. How do our stubbornness, recklessness, and selfishness contribute to a church's dysfunction? So, I opened the door and walked through the lab. 1.4 . In what ways are you rich in Christ? HISTORICAL BACKGROUND Smyrna was a proud Smyrna was a large, important city on the western coast of Asia Minor, famed for its schools of medicine and science. But, the second type they were dealing with was poverty. Satan is the ultimate enemy. Until recently, we who live in the United States and Canada have had many personal liberties, particularly the freedom to worship God.In the post-World War II era, most other modern Israelitish nations have also enjoyed such freedoms, and thus most in the church of God are not accustomed to widespread or severe persecution. It is the only one of the seven cities still in flourishing condition. When we suffer, we may think that Christ is absent, but He is not. Well, you know, God never promises us as a believer that life is going to always be fun. Jesus is passionately concerned with how and what we do in our churches, and wants to be intimately involved. 105 views, 1 likes, 1 loves, 0 comments, 2 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Buncombe Baptist Church Lexington: Welcome to the home of Intentional. We need to be on guard and we need to commit to pray for the church for the leaders. Why Did Jesus Give Believers the Beatitudes? Kingdom 103: Smyrna, Its Believers' Characteristics Seven Churches of Revelation Bible Study - David Jeremiah Blog Smyrna is the Greek word for myrrha sap-like substance extracted from tree bark. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. This article is part of our larger End Times Resource Library. In Revelation, the Apostle John records Jesuss address to seven churches in Asia Minor. We need to be ready to stay firm and to stand and resist his attacks. If so, how is that evident in your life? The ultimate reward is life. The purpose of this crown or crowns is not for you. The Church of Smyrna: The Church that Remains Faithful Amidst Persecution (Revelation 2:8-11) Summary and Explanation: Smyrna was home to a large Jewish community hostile to Christians. How does the fact that Jesus knows your pain and feels your pain help you persevere in times of trials and confusion? ATTOM AVM; Home Equity Data . If we are going to suffer well we need to remember these five things: Probably the closest that I have ever come to being persecuted for my faith was as a senior in college at LSU. How do these verses affirm Christs equality with God? It reminds us of five things that we must remember if we are going to suffer well. I believe it is something so horrible that it is hard to describe in words. Read Revelation 2:8-11 (Our focus will be on verse 8 today, but read the entire letter to get an overview.). She used the Word of God to just muzzle me. So with that context in mind, let's take a look at Revelation 2: 8-11. If you have ever gone to a funeral or to a visitation and you have looked in a coffin to view the body, you see that physical body, but you know something is missing. I had decided how I was going to handle this. Her debut childrens book, What Is A Family? I know your afflictions and your povertyyet you are rich!Followers of Jesus living in Smyrna were seen as a cult and persecuted by the hostile Roman empire. Many believe that this church represents the martyrs of all the ages and the sweet-smelling fragrance of their faithfulness until death. 4. She never came to the Lord, but I thank God for that roommate who kept me from making a huge mistake in my flesh and my anger. . The 2 nd century Church bishop and . St. Polycarp | Biography, Apostolic Father, Writings, Martyrdom There are two words used in the New Testament for poverty and one just kind of means poor. Because I was on staff here and was one of the instructors, I had to go to all the parties, all the festivities, and all the graduation dinners. The first way they are suffering is through pressure. Are you a God pleaser more than a people pleaser? 2 Corinthians 4:4, http://www.churchleadership.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=43133&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0, http://www.churchleadership.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&url=10&view=post&articleid=43139&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0, http://www.churchleadership.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&url=10&view=post&articleid=43138&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0, http://www.churchleadership.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&url=10&view=post&articleid=43137&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0. The church in Smyrna and the church in Laodicea stand in stark contrast to each other (Rev. They were despised. What Does God Say about the Church at Smyrna? The Cross And Separation From The World (1 Peter 4:1-6), 7. Facing Life Successfully and Effectively Pt 1, Facing Life Successfully and Effectively Pt 2, The Power of Motive and Faith in God's Word, Your Faith in Jesus the Christ: the Work of God, Your Faith in Jesus the Christ: the Work of God Pt 2, The Challenges of Your Faith In God's Written Word, God Created Marriage as a Foundational Institution, Populating the Earth Wasn't the Primary Purpose of Marriage, Citizenship Pt 2--Becoming a Kingdom Citizen, Citizenship Pt 3-The Concept of Dual Citizenship, Citizenship Pt 4: The Invisible Citizenship, The Kingdom Versus the Government of Man Pt 2, The Birth of the Kingdom, The Spirit of Dominion, Ruling the Visible World From the Invisible Realm, We Were Born to Rule, But Not Over Each Other, Jesus' Assignment Was to Restore the Kingdom, The Kingdom--Preached In Word, Demonstrated In Power, Understanding Principles of Kingdom Culture, Understanding the Kingdom Concept of Culture Pt 1, Understanding the Kingdom Concept of Culture Pt 2, Understanding the Kingdom Concept of Culture Pt 3, Culture and Its Many Manifestations Part 1, Culture and Its Many Manifestations Part 2, Culture and Its Many Manifestations Part 3, Culture and Its Many Manifestations Part 4, The Kingdom: Social and Economic Differences, Kingdom Culture vs The Culture of Christianity, Change Is Inevitable When Obeying the King's Word, Faith in the Written Word and Hardship Pt 1, Faith In the Written Word and Hardship Pt 2, The Principles and Benefits of Purpose Pt 1, The Principles and Benefits of Purpose Pt 2, The Principles and Benefits of Purpose Pt 3, The Principles and Benefits of Purpose Pt 4, The Principles and Benefits of Purpose Pt 5, The Principles and Benefits of Purpose Pt 6, The Principles and Benefits of Purpose Pt 7, The Principles for the Nature of Your Purpose, The Lord Provides for His Purpose, Not for Our Plans Pt1, The Lord Provides for His Purpose, Not for Our Plans Pt 2, It's Imperative That One Knows Their Purpose, Your Purpose is Being Accomplished Through Christ. 5. Sermon on Revelation 2:8-11 - The Church Of Smyrna - Study and Obey Even though the people would throw them into prison, it says the devil is about to cast some of you into prison. He is the ultimate enemy and we need to be on guard. She would totally ignore me. The crown of life is a special reward for endurance in your persecution. ), Note: Jesus use of the strong term blasphemy, which was usually reserved for hostile words against God, indicates the slanders wickedness, intensity, and severity.4, 4. But, Jesus reminded them that they were poor here on this earth but you are so rich. Pt 2, Kingdom 103: The Unchanging Person and the Unshakable Kingdom, Kingdom 103: Staying Focused on Your Purpose Pt 1, Kingdom 103: Staying Focused on Your Purpose Pt 2, Kingdom 103: Staying Focused on Kingdom Priorities, Kingdom 103: Be Encouraged Through Difficult Times, Kingdom 103: Singleness, Divorce and the Results Pt 1, Kingdom 103: Singleness, Divorce and the Results Pt 2, Kingdom 103: Singleness From God's Viewpoint, Kingdom 103: Forgiveness, Always a Priority, Kingdom 103: Kingdom Principles Are Relevant to Our Way of Life, Kingdom 103: The Indwelling of His Spirit (the Governor), Kingdom 103: In the Kingdom, They are Filled with His Spirit, Kingdom 103: The Holy Spirit is for All Humanity. Why does God allow Satan to bring tribulation in our lives if God is ultimately in control? It is like Sally and I were saying this morning. They made up whatever they could and went to the government and they were persecuted. by David C. Grabbe Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," January 2, 2009 . The church at Smyrna was to undergo some intense persecution and tribulation. They were Jews by race and that is it. SmyrnaThe Suffering Church (Revelation 2:8-11) Christians in developed countries today think little about being persecuted for their faith, but there are churches in the world where oppression is a daily reality. My challenge is that we need to be on guard. With the warning comes the exhortation that they should not succumb to fear. It was home to the Greek poet Homer and Polycarp, a personal disciple of the Apostle John and the bishop of the church at Smyrna, known for his faithfulness to Jesus even to martyrdom. 11. We will throw you into prison until you do. Whether you interpret these ten days as referring to a literal 10 days (I take that view), or whether you interpret it as referring to just a brief period of time, or whether you interpret those 10 days as referring to 10 periods of persecution under 10 Roman emperors, the point being made is the same. From the message to Smyrna, Christians today can glean several important truths. What is in the way of these precepts affecting me? If this was your church, what could be done to make sure it did not die but be revived to its formerly healthy and vibrant ways? We try to go it alone when Christ is beckoning us to trust in Him, go His Way, and give our fears to Him. They were once a vibrant, healthy church that was now starting to die. 3. There was no rebuke for this church and because they were faithful until death, their candlestick has never been removed. Satan does not want believers to study the book of Revelation because he does not want you to know your eternal hope. I do not like it when life is hard. How is it possible to not fear impending tribulation and suffering? Welcome to the home of Intentional Worship! - Facebook Kingdom 103: What Gospel Are You Preaching? How do you respond to suffering and tribulation? John addresses the Church in Smyrna. You see, Smyrna had a lot of religions. Pt 1, How Did We Lose the Gospel of the Kingdom? He who overcomes is any believer, anyone who has placed his trust in Jesus Christ as his savior. Hand over those difficult and overwhelming situations to the One who knows and cares. 5 Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, June 25. What Does God Say about the Church at Smyrna? - Christianity.com Eastern Orthodox Church - Wikipedia My exhortation for us with this is that we should be thankful. Based on His intimate awareness of their spiritual condition, Jesus uses these letters to dig deep into the inner workings of each church and flesh out areas of commendation or correction. It was like the Word just pierced my heart. Jesus is upfront about the fact that we will experience trouble in this world, but He has also promised that His peace, grace, and abiding presence are our refuge during our trials (Matthew 28:20). What Do We Know About the Ancient city of . Every day there is just a wonderful surprise and you are just in a great season of life. The Eastern Orthodox Church, also called the Orthodox Church, officially the Orthodox . Kingdom 103: Your Faith is Essential in the Kingdom, Kingdom 103: They Praise Him, But Fail to Obey Him, Kingdom 103: The King's Will and the King's Word, Kingdom 103: Know Your Purpose While on This Earth.

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