So, I went into her office, which was at the back of the lab. 4. Some of the first schools of science and medicine were founded in Smyrna, and on the beautiful slopes of Mount Pagos, the city erected a theater that sat twenty thousand people; the ruins of the theatre are still visible today. A third form of suffering for them was persecution in verse 9. Jesus gave each one a short "report card." Ephesus had "abandoned the love it had at first," (Revelation 2:4, ESV ). I shut the door and I stood there. I need strength. She started and began by reading from Isaiah 53 about Jesus the suffering servant. . She came in and I said, Good morning, how are you doing? The crown of victory belonged to the victor alone, and every other competitor was considered defeated. She went on and on and on and I was dumbfounded. If so, pray for those who dont know Christ and dont have eternal security. Are you a God pleaser more than a people pleaser? Why does God allow Satan to bring tribulation in our lives if God is ultimately in control? Its streets were wide and paved. (PDF) SO 2022, nr 3 (23) DRUK - Academia.edu He always will exist. 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. Second death. Kingdom 103: What Gospel Are You Preaching? This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. Things are smooth. Just say Caesar is lord to save your life. And he would not do it. (8) Revelation 2:8 - "And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: 'The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life. Some were boiled alive in oil. Is there anything in your life that is causing you to be fearful? What can you do to grow in this area and to glorify Him more fully? This approval will take place when we as believers will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ and He will evaluate us for all the works that we have done on this earth. Give it to the Lord, trust His hand, and look ahead to the blessings that await you eternally. Finally, Jesus warns His people to expect more suffering, persecution, and testing. The Message to the Church at Smyrna. She read, He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. (NIV). Garlands of victory were bestowed only to the highest achieving athletes. Is it fire, is it brimstone, is it gnashing of teeth? It may seem like they are the enemy. Smyrna covers the second church period from approximately from 100 C. E. to 323 C. E.; the Age of Martyrdom, 200-250 years during the second and third centuries C. E. 11. Appreciation for this transcription work goes to Marilyn Fine. He knows the suffering that you are going through. I want that kind of prayer life. But then we would always say, I dont want to go through what they went through. You see, the road to getting there is through suffering. The Seven Churches of Revelation - Bible Meaning Explained Tina said, you know Crickett, or at that time I was Janene. Well, you know, God never promises us as a believer that life is going to always be fun. Each of the letters to the churches is directly from Jesus and includes a piece of the description about Jesus from Revelation 1. 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. What was Jesus message to the church in Pergamum in Revelation? As I said in your study this week that fear and trust are opposites. Janene Keeth (nicknamed "Crickett") holds a M.A. He is like a lion prowling around looking for someone he could use. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. from A.D. c. 100-316; Pergamos (Revelation 2:12-17), 'where Satan dwells' is suggestive of the church mixing with the world . The second thing He promises is eternal life. If I am afraid that means I am not trusting God. 12. View property report for 975 Church St Se, Smyrna, GA 30080 on ATTOM's Property Navigator. In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. The crown of life is one of several crowns mentioned in Scripture. That is how bad I felt. What was Jesus message to the church in Smyrna in Revelation? How is Satan described in this passage and how does he work against believers? Satan had plans to cast some of the Smyrna church into prison. 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. Their businesses were shut down. Maybe you have a financial issue. Satan does not want believers to study the book of Revelation because he does not want you to know your eternal hope. My time came to rotate through that lab. We would always leave and say, you know I want that kind of relationship with God! It is like going to a birthday party without a present to give to the host. They had no love for God. 1. The Apostle John was arrested for preaching the Gospel and exiled to Romes penal colony on the island of Patmos, near Asia Minor. Smyrna is the Greek word for myrrh, a flagrant perfume used in burial. They despised and hated Jesus Christ. Do you ever feel that way that you are under that kind of pressure that it is just going to suffocate you? They were dirt poor. I noticed it and after a few weeks I thought you know I think I need to say something to her. Why would there be a need to be tested further? You do not need to fear or worry about the future! They cannot coexist. They cannot coexist. 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. I lived in mainland China for four years and during those four years I studied the Chinese language of Mandarin. Description. Eastern Orthodox Church - Wikipedia Because they did they were considered to be unpatriotic traitors: you do not love Rome. Thus they were tortured. That is physical death. He was faithful until death and he lost his physical life, but he gained so much more which brings us to the fifth reminder to help us suffer well. Maybe someone in your family is causing you some grief. In Jesus name, amen. Hope-Full: Revelation 2:1-7. You are so in love with the Lord. Jun 21, 2021 42:17. Whatever it is, it is a hard season of life. 9. These early believers could have participated in a few cultural customslike sprinkling incense on the fire that burned in front of the emperors statue. How would you encourage someone who is being persecuted for his faith or going through a tough time? In James 1:12, James write, Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love him. by David C. Grabbe Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," January 2, 2009 . It reads, You will not in any way be hurt by the second death. As a believer, you do have eternal life and He is saying you may suffer the first death, you may die physically, but you will never die again. The second death will be eternal separation from God in torment. Do not fear. The letter to the church at Smyrna is unique for several reasons. WEALTHY WITHOUT WEALTH In the church Ephesus, the Lords finds a decay of first love, in Smyrna, we see Him voiding Satan's malice to restore the former freshness. Kingdom 103: Honoring the Father Through the Son, Kingdom 103: Living in the Kingdom Culture, Kingdom 103: Power and Authority in His Name, Kingdom 103: Many Little Kingdoms, But Only One is True, Kingdom 103: Kingdom Citizens Are Examples. God knows and He cares for you. Kingdom 103: Student or Disciple of the Kingdom? The church in Smyrna faced bitter persecution and death, yet it emitted a fragrant testimony of faithful commitment to . How can I be changed, so I can learn and grow? The fourth thing we need to remember is that the ultimate solution is trust. 1. First, the letter is the shortest of the seven, at only 90 words. 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. For the first He says in Revelation 2:10, Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. Some people believe that people who are unbelievers will go to hell for a period of time. What three things did Jesus mention that He was aware of concerning the church at Smyrna? Why is Smyrna being praised? Today, it is known as Izmir, Turkey. What would Jesus say to such a church? Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22) Perhaps the most well-known of the seven letters addresses the church in Laodicea. Do not be afraid. The Cross And Our Response to Trials (1 Peter 4:12-19), 8. Be thou our vision. Second, in a lesson especially relevant for todays Western Christians, Jesus praised the church at Smyrna for choosing poverty over compromise. And He genuinely cares about what happens to His children. How does this ruin a church? released through Familius Publishing in 2020. What Is the Abomination of Desolation in the End Times? California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. I would leave every night saying, God, why do I have to go to these events? because I did not feel like I was having a witness. Myrrh represents mortal death, and the title of the "suffering church" is often ascribed the . Judging from the characteristics of his appearance, Fuming gave him a very good impression now arctic diet pills Shuerjia can only keto fuel pills review form his first impression based on his appearance. Finally, one of the soldiers took his sword and he ended the life of this great martyr, Polycarp. Slander damages our reputation. We became great friends. First, we serve a God who knows, sees, and is with us through every fiery trial and dark night (Isaiah 43:2). Thank you for the strength that You give us when our flesh just does not have it. Jesus gives them two instructions in verse 10 as to how to handle this impending suffering. The application is that a dead or dying church with faithful, Christ-empowered people can be resurrected. 6. 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). Annette has also written curriculum for character growth and development of elementary-age children and has developed parent training seminars to benefit the community. It is believed that a man named Polycarp was the pastor of this church at Smyrna when this letter was written. As with all Jesuss letters to the seven churches, His letter to Smyrna ends on a note that invites every Believer, in every age, to hear and receive these important messages. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death. (Revelation 2:11). I will be the first to admit to you that I do not like to suffer. The ultimate reward is life. I do not want anyone to go there. He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death. 6. The Church in Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11) I was so bitter. What harm can it do? Another warning for us is do not let him use you. 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. I walked out and thank goodness it was 3:30 which was the time to go home. Her debut childrens book, What Is A Family? Some Jews, like the Sadducees, believed this was annihilation (John 5:28-29; Rev. . What does He promise to the one who overcomes? Maybe those are metaphors. 19:39). ), 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. ATTOM AVM; Home Equity Data . Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victors crown.(Revelation 2:8-10). Most American Christians today will not be called to die a martyrs death. John is grabbing their attention by reminding them (and us) who Christ is and what He has done. They were despised. Kingdom 103: What Gospel Are You Preaching? Jesus thus says in effect, you know what, I know what it is like to be persecuted by your enemies. What Scriptures come to your mind concerning this? How can you better realize the fact that our trials will be limited and temporary? Hope-Full: Revelation 4 by Calvary Bible Church- Flagstaff He is with us fully. We need to be on guard and we need to commit to pray for the church for the leaders. This will give great comfort to this church because this was a church that was going to be persecuted. They had no means whatsoever. (NASB). They are for us to give back to Him. Jude identifies characteristics of the advisory. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. He casts us in the fires of trial in order to refine us and strengthen our character. Pt 2, The Unchanging Individual and the Unshakable Kingdom, In God's Kingdom, We Are Sons and Daughters, Not Servants, The Returning of the King and His Kingdom, The Birth of the Kingdom--Dominion Authority, The Experience of Living Under a Lord--Part 1, The Experience of Living Under a Lord--Part 2, The Lord's Motivation for His Divine Creation, God's Priority and Assignment for Mankind, It is Just What it is, the Good News of the Kingdom Pt 1, It is Just What it is, the Good News of the Kingdom Pt 2, Kings, Prophets--All Are Representatives of the Kingdom, Keys to the Kingdom, Understanding Its Concept, The Bible is the Constitution of God's Kingdom, Kingdom Perspective: The Eternal Message Pt 2, Christianity, a Religion, vs Kingdom Government, The Government of Man Vs the Kingdom of God Pt 1, The Government of Man Vs the Kingdom of God Pt 2, The Government of Man Vs the Kingdom of God Pt 3, Condemning is Not Our Responsibility Pt 2, Diluting the Kingdom Message While Being Deceived, Believers Who Are Blinded, Distracted and Deceived, Believers Who Are Blinded, Distracted and Deceived Pt 2, He Rules and Reigns: Citizenship in Kingdom Government, Only One Culture, One Mindset and One Spirit, The World Loves its Own, But We Belong to Him, Your Eternal Future Hinges on His Promise, Mankind's Refusal to Answer to His Creator, Kingdom 101: The Spirit of Dominion Part 1, Kingdom 101: The Spirit of Dominion Pt 2, Kingdom 101: Disobedience Is an Act of Treason, Kingdom 101: The Lord God Promised a Kingdom, Kingdom 101: His Intent of the Original Kingdom, Kingdom 101: We Are Government Citizens, Not Religious Members, Kingdom 101: Your Relationship or Your Religion, Kingdom 101: He Rules the Visible World From the Invisible Realm, Kingdom 101: He is the King of the Invisible and Visible Worlds, Kingdom 101: You--Mankind--Were Created to Rule, Kingdom 101: The Lord God's Contract with Man, Kingdom 101: Born to Rule, Not to be Ruled or Controlled, Kingdom 101: Man Shall Manage Earth, It's the King's Law, Kingdom 101: Man Shall Manage Earth, It's the King's Law Pt 2, Kingdom 101: The Lord God Requires a Body, Kingdom 101: Building a Kingdom Mentality, Kingdom 101: New Birth, But Not Converted, Kingdom 101: A Complete Change of Mentality, Kingdom 101: Making Preparations for the King, Kingdom 101: Making Preparation for the King Pt 2, Kingdom 101: Making Preparation for the King Pt 3, Kingdom 101: The Essence of a Kingdom and Its King, Kingdom 102: Honoring His Son in the Kingdom, Kingdom 102: A Kingdom Focus on the Beatitudes, Kingdom 102: Staying Focused on His Word in Time of Conflict, Kingdom 102: Setting Priorities While Living in Two Kingdoms, Kingdom 102: Characteristic of Kingdom Culture, Kingdom 102: Citizens Represent Their Kingdom and Culture, Kingdom 102: Kingdom Government Principles, Kingdom 102: The Kingdom Government and the Republic, Kingdom 102: Carrying Out the King's Policies and Principles, Kingdom 102: Fusing a Kingdom With a Democracy, Kingdom 102: Information: Knowledge From the King, Kingdom 102: Information--Knowledge From the King Pt 2, Kingdom 102: Knowledge is Very Important, Kingdom 102: Seek the Kingdom, Encourage One Another, Kingdom 102: Seek the Kingdom, A Divine Command. 3. It went on and on. 5. It is just the beginning because He is the victor and He conquered death. I had just started walking with the Lord that year before and I had gone on a beach project with Campus Crusade that summer. You see, Smyrna had a lot of religions. But, maybe there are some of you who are in a very difficult season of life. That should leave us to want to bring everyone we know to be with us in Heaven. He has always existed. 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. If we are going to suffer well, the first thing we have to remember is that Jesus Christ is the ultimate victor. Ask God to strengthen your faith so that you can endure the suffering in your own life more victoriously.
Lionel Sanders Quotes,
Guinea Pig Hideout Fleece,
How Old Is Steven In Steven Universe Future,
Neurology Residency Tampa,
Articles C
