It reminds us of five things that we must remember if we are going to suffer well. The third thing we need to remember is that the ultimate enemy is Satan. We Were Created to Inhabit This Earth Part 1, We Were Created to Inhabit This Earth Part 2, Kingdom 102: The Kingdom of God is Relevant, Kingdom 102: Knowing How to Apply the Kingdom Concept, Kingdom 103: He Needs No Assistance in Keeping His Promise, Kingdom 103: Seven Last Days Churches and Their Believers' Characteristics, Kingdom 103: Reconsidering the End Times, Kingdom 104: Misrepresenting the Kingdom Gospel. Trust me. 12. 2. I went into her office and I said you know I just wanted to ask you a question. All Christians cannot stand on their own feet and you could not do this if you had to. If you receive yourself in the fires of sorrow, God will make you nourishment for other people. Oswald Chambers5. We need to look beyond the trial. In between were the temples of Apollo, Asklepios, and Aphrodite. Others were taken to the Coliseum and fed to angry, hungry lions. 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. I believe it exists. Christ not only knew their hearts, but He spoke to this flock using language and terms that held deep personal meaning for them. (NASB). Well, they were under pressure from several forces. 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. The only place the Bible mentions the Church at Smyrna is in Jesus letters to the churches: To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. This was true of this church, all the seven churches, the church throughout the ages, and churches today. They are for us to give back to Him. A fourth form of suffering that they were not facing yet, but would soon be facing (as if these first three were not enough to kill them). They would tell us about their relationship with the Lord and they would tell us about the things they had endured during the Cultural Revolution because of their faith in Christ. Why do we do it? But we do experience our own pressures, suffering, and afflictions. That is a way of worshipping Him, showing honor to Him. I cannot remember all the things said, but I do remember pieces of it that I was a weak little wimp who cannot stand on your own two feet. 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. Why does God allow Satan to bring tribulation in our lives if God is ultimately in control? My prayer for us is that we would suffer well. Spend some time thanking Jesus for what He endured for us. The Church in its "Ephesian Period" having lost its "First Love," the Lord is now about to "chastise" it, so as to cause it to return to Him. These early believers could have participated in a few cultural customslike sprinkling incense on the fire that burned in front of the emperors statue. The pressure came with these students. Specific Messages to 7 Churches of Revelation Some of these seven churches kept closer to the gospel than others. In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. The Church at Smyrna would have been familiar with the extreme honor associated with a victors crown. The city was well known for its Olympic-style athletic contests. If I am afraid that means I am not trusting God. Judaism Some can endure physical sufferings under tribulation and poverty, yet few can . If I am trusting God then I should not be afraid. I was with another student, another medical technology student, and I noticed that this lady had very little to do with me. "In Roman times, Smyrna was considered the most brilliant city of Asia Minor, successfully rivaling Pergamos and Ephesus. We would go and sit in their homes. In fact, it has been said that more Christians have lived in this region than any other Turkish city in the world. It was probably six weeks. It is like Sally and I were saying this morning. Allow it to deepen your relationship with Christ, not push you away from Him. Mailing address: Kingdom Citizens, 1027 S Pendleton St Suite B-242 Easley, SC 29642, Kingdom Concepts: Understanding Religion Part 1, Kingdom Concepts: Understanding Religion Part 2, Past Tragedies In History While Seeking the Kingdom, The Contrasts Between a Kingdom and a Democracy, Christ's Message Was on His Kingdom, It's What He Preached, The Kingdom of God Versus The Government of Man, Understanding the Kingdom Concept of Territory, The Name Christian Is Neither God Sent Nor God Given, The Unshakable Kingdom and Unchanging Person, Everything That God Created Has Potential, Being Obedient, Is Much More Important Than Sacrifice, How Did We Lose the Gospel of the Kingdom? 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. She is so right. So, I opened the door and walked through the lab. How does 2 Corinthians 6:10; 8:9 and James 2:5 shed light on this? I understand. He can walk right through it with them. 9. 9. They were once a vibrant, healthy church that was now starting to die. She would take the other student aside and sit down and show her how to do the instruments and explain the physiology behind what we were testing. Also, death is mentioned three times in these four verses. Give it to the Lord, trust His hand, and look ahead to the blessings that await you eternally. As a result, the Smyrnaean believers lived in genuine poverty for their faith. They are cannibals. They accused them of immorality because they greeted one another with a holy kiss. Smyrna was a church where people's agendas were in opposition to Christ's. They had sufferings to overcome and learn from, but most chose to run the course their way and tarnish His Way. This is true of the Evangelistic and . Pt 2, Kingdom 103: Student or Disciple of the Kingdom? The city rivaled Ephesus in grandeur and influence. However, Jesus wanted to remind them that their sufferings would anoint them for a Christlike death and burial that could only result in an eternal resurrected life. In Revelation 2:9 He says, , I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. At one end of its most famous street, the 'Street of Gold,' was the temple of Cybele, and at the other the temple of Zeus. What additional insight do these verses give concerning the crown of life? 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. It can be seen that Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7), though a local church in the apostle's day, is typical of the first century as a whole; Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11) characterizes the church under persecution, e.g. Why is it that when we seek to run "His" church "our" way, we embarrass and dishonor Him and His Way? Second, in a lesson especially relevant for todays Western Christians, Jesus praised the church at Smyrna for choosing poverty over compromise. 4 MacArthur, New Testament Commentary, 71. The fourth thing we need to remember is that the ultimate solution is trust. Some suffered the Roman crucifixion, a horrible way to die. What season of life are you in today? Whatever it is, it is a hard season of life. 2. The closest that I have ever come to feeling that kind of pressure was when I was perfusionist at Texas Heart Institute in Houston. I was doing an internship in medical technology at Baton Rouge General Hospital. The fragrance from Myrrh is only released from the sap through crushing. The first thing He promises is that they will receive the crown of life for being faithful until death. What Does God Say about the Church at Smyrna? He is not just a Savior and/or best Friend; He gives us life, holds our lives, and will judge our lives. Is there something difficult going on in your life today? What does it mean to be faithful until death? He is with us fully. Smyrna was a seaport city about 35 miles north of Ephesus. But, if we are not faithful, there is no outstretched hand, only missed opportunities and an infamy to a community, a life wasted, a church of dysfunction, and a crown of shame instead of a crown of life. I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Some were boiled alive in oil. What caused them to turn out to be a church of bitterness and strife? They had no way to make a living. You are so in love with the Lord. 5. How do these verses affirm Christs equality with God? 2. After repeatedly just not doing it, he said for 86 years I have served Him and He has done me no wrong. I had not ever said anything about the Lord to her. He just reminded them that what you have in Christ is far greater than anything on this earth materially that you will have. Jesus Christ is the eternal God. Jesus is passionately concerned with how and what we do in our churches, and wants to be intimately involved. One source is they were under constant pressure from the government to worship the Roman emperor because, you see, the city of Smyrna was a strong ally of Rome. Whether it is because of our faith or whether it is because He wants to deepen our faith, we will suffer. How can such a church be turned around? John was then to send the divine dictation to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. (Revelation 1:11). Is there anything in your life that is causing you to be fearful? 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. 1. Well, you know, God never promises us as a believer that life is going to always be fun. 4. Presumably, this church was founded during Pauls ministry in Ephesus (Acts 19:10).1, The Greek word translated Smyrna was used in the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament) to translate the Hebrew word for myrrh, a resinous substance used as a perfume for the living (Matthew 2:11) and the dead (John 19:39). 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). Smyrna was named for the word myrrh, an aromatic gum resin that is bitter to the taste but sweet to the smell. Life was hard for these Christians. 4 Reasons Why We Have a Hard Time Talking about Loneliness. These Jews were being used by him to carry out the works of Satan. Well, the first type of suffering they were going through is pressure. It is the only one of the seven cities still in flourishing condition. How can this give you hope for your church? He knows what you are feeling. What is in the way of these precepts affecting me? Father, I just thank you for the privilege of knowing you personally. We cannot do that as a church of Satan! How do you respond to suffering and tribulation? Satan, meaning the devil, will cause citizens of the Kingdom (believers) to be thrown into prison and even killed. Be on guard. 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. And finally, Smyrna was the only congregation besides Philadelphia that did not receive admonishment from Jesus. Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22) Perhaps the most well-known of the seven letters addresses the church in Laodicea. And He genuinely cares about what happens to His children. Do not be afraid. But, the word used here means absolute poverty, possessing absolutely nothing. They were not poor. Ch 1 Pt 1, Kingdom 104: Where Are the Masculine-Thinking Men? Garlands of victory were bestowed only to the highest achieving athletes. It's incumbent on us to listen up and give heed to what the Holy Spirit is saying to the churches. Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History). The problem was that it bugged them that I did not drink. I know your afflictions and your povertyyet you are rich! Be faithful even if it leads to your physical death. I went home that night and I got angrier the more I thought about it. What do these verses imply about persecution and the believer? What does God want me to share with someone? As a matter of fact, she began to teach me. Every day there is just a wonderful surprise and you are just in a great season of life. My human flesh cries out and I will do everything I can to avoid it. 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. What are some reasons God allows suffering in our lives? Finally, one of the soldiers took his sword and he ended the life of this great martyr, Polycarp. 7 Richards, L., The Teacher's Commentary (Wheaton: Victor Books, 1987), 1075. That night my roommate came in and I was telling Tina about what had happened and my plan for the next day, and how I was going to really get her. Home values, sales prices, taxes, school data, and more. How is it possible to not fear impending tribulation and suffering? It was like the Word just pierced my heart. She prayed and asked God to give me strength to go in the next day and to handle this the way that Jesus would. She would not spend one minute helping me, somebody who had thrown their life away believing in this fantasy of Jesus Christ. Kingdom 102: Surrendering Our Heavenly Passport, Kingdom 102: A Break in Diplomatic Relations, Kingdom 102: We Are Prisoners In a Foreign Land, Kingdom 102: Understanding His Mission, Purpose and Who He Is, Kingdom 102: His Original Mission and Purpose, Kingdom 102: Developing a Kingdom Concept, Kingdom 102: Meditate on These Kingdom Principles, Kingdom 102: His Assignment, Preach the Kingdom, Kingdom 102: Preach and Teach the Gospel of the Kingdom, Kingdom 102: Representing the King: The Power of Our Position, Kingdom 102: Restoring the Kingdom and Its Mission Statement, Kingdom 102: The Kingdom Reintroduced Pt 1, Kingdom 102: The Kingdom Reintroduced Pt 2, Kingdom 102: God's Plan to Restore Our Place, Kingdom 102: Preparation for the Counselor (Holy Spirit), Kingdom 102: Preparing for the Indwelling, Kingdom 102: A New Order is Here, in the Last Stage, Kingdom 102: The New Order and Its Citizens, Kingdom 102: The Final Process: Becoming One With the Holy Spirit, Kingdom 102: The Kingdom is the Good News Pt 1, Kingdom 102: The Kingdom is the Good News Pt 2, Kingdom 103: The King's Viewpoint of Giving. Ch 1 pt 3, Kingdom 104: Masculine-Minded Men of the Kingdom Government Pt 1, Kingdom 104: Masculine-Minded Men of the Kingdom Government Pt 2, Kingdom 104: The Benefits of Understanding the Simplicity of the Kingdom, Kingdom 104: The Benefits of Discernment, The Kingdom Is the Crux of the Problem Pt 1, The Kingdom Is the Crux of the Problem Pt 2. You would listen to these believers pray and you would just think they are on a different level than we are. It is because the soul is no longer there. in Christian Education with a focus on Women's Ministry from Dallas Theological Seminary. What Scriptures come to your mind concerning this? ATTOM AVM; Home Equity Data . After introducing the first vision, John is commanded to write a letter to seven churches. She also has two B.S. The application is that a dead or dying church with faithful, Christ-empowered people can be resurrected. The trials that you are going to go through will be brief. The question we have to ask ourselves is, are we operating to the opposite tune that Jesus commands as this Synagogue and the church of Smyrna were starting to? Be thou our vision. I just thought, you have no idea.. My exhortation to you on this one is to be ready, to be ready for the suffering that will come into your life. 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. People did not want to buy from them because they were Christians. Spiritual death is the separation of the soul from God. When Jesus introduces Himself as theFirst and the Last, who died and came to life again,He is drawing their attention to the power of His resurrection. If someone slanders you, what do you do? What are the other crowns and to what are they referring? I am so thankful. But, in the process, when I am in the middle of it, it is hard to find joy in why He has me there. He knows the tough times. . That is the doctrine or the view of annihilation of hell. That is the idea. We need to be on guard and we need to commit to pray for the church for the leaders. 5. When we seek to do His church on our own, we turn it into a church of evil, as diametrically opposed to Christ, as Satan is opposed to Him. Their enemies can only take their lives once. They will only last for a moment in life of the blessings that you will have for eternity. What was Jesus message to the church in Ephesus in Revelation? 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. 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. 1. 4. How then can I blaspheme my king and my savior? Well, they threatened to bring out live beasts and he said to bring them on. I noticed it and after a few weeks I thought you know I think I need to say something to her. This second death means that those who fail to accept Christ will also be resurrected, only to die again in the "lake of fire." He knows the suffering that you are going through. Not only was this bustling seaport considered a center of prosperity, but the city prided itself as a hub of intellect, art, religion, and athletic prowess. 5. 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. 4. A third form of suffering for them was persecution in verse 9. The crown of life is one of several crowns mentioned in Scripture. I went in and I just said, God I do not think I can do this. What will I do about it? What it tells us about Smyrna and its Christians has big implications for us today. People did not want to sell to them because they were Christians. What can you do to grow in this area and to glorify Him more fully?
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