So, they were infatuated with the Roman government and they worshipped the emperors. If they sought praise from menif they wanted to please the people around themthey would not be so readily targeted for persecution. All rights reserved. The promise Christ gives to overcomers in verse 11 is that they "shall not be hurt by the second death." The First and the Last We need to look for that end result. It went on and on. But, the second type they were dealing with was poverty. 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. Ancient Smyrna - Drive Thru History I was ready to share Christ with anybody and, you know, I could handle this lady. Its association with death perfectly pictures the suffering church at Smyrna. The Eastern Orthodox Church, also called the Orthodox Church, officially the Orthodox . I was not Crickett then. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. There was no rebuke for this church and because they were faithful until death, their candlestick has never been removed. The letter to the church at Smyrna is unique for several reasons. What season of life are you in today? As believers, we should expect persecution and suffering in this life. With a population of over 3 million, Smyrna continues to thrive today as the modern Turkish city of Izmir. The church at Smyrna was to undergo some intense persecution and tribulation. Slander damages our reputation. Why would this promise be especially encouraging for the church at Smyrna? They already were in the midst of tribulation (v. 9) and Jesus had no rebuke or condemnation for them. He knows what you are feeling. released through Familius Publishing in 2020. The first way they are suffering is through pressure. What was Jesus message to the church in Philadelphia in Revelation? Of the seven churches, Smyrna is one of two that received no reproof from Jesus, and it is the only church of the seven that still exists today, After His ascension, Rome became increasingly hostile toward Jesuss followers. The term may also refer to anyone who sacrifices their life or something of great value for the sake of principle. The second death is spending eternity in hell, separated from God forever. How would you encourage someone who is being persecuted for his faith or going through a tough time? He just came in. Life is hard. So, how is He involved in your church? Laodicea lay in Phrygia's Lycus Valley, ten miles west of Colosse and six miles south of Hierapolis. The problem was that it bugged them that I did not drink. It was used to embalm the dead in the first century (Jn. He looks for people who oh, lets see, boy, shes always critical. She is always a gossip. She is always kind of stirring up the pot about one of the leaders saying I do not like the way he is doing this or I do not think they should. Be careful, because he is looking for someone he can just grab and go, yeah, build on that, talk that up in your church, yeah, talk about that leader. Smyrna: The Suffering Church Revelation 2:8-11 - Israel My Glory She said, Janene, lets just get down on our knees. But every born-again Christian is called to die to the things of this world (Galatians 2:20, Luke 9:23), become a bondservant of Christ (1 Corinthians 7:22; Ephesians 6:6; 2 Timothy 2:24), and to consider all earthly things loss compared to the worth of knowing Jesus as Lord (Philippians 3:8). The letter to the church at Smyrna is unique for several reasons. How can the fact that Jesus knows us more intimately that we can imagine, and desires us to be in Him strengthen your faithfulness? 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). The first thing He tells them is be fearless. However, the church was wealthy, not in the temporal things that had brought their city fame. If they kill you, they just ended your physical life. The Cross And Separation From The World (1 Peter 4:1-6), 7. Perhaps there are people in the church who are just trying to make life hard for you, but they are not really your enemy. We know from historical records that the church at Smyrna persevered in its faithfulness. But, we are going to experience suffering on this earth without doubt. In verses 10 and 11, he makes two promises. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Clarence Larkin :: Chapter 22. The Seven Churches - Blue Letter Bible It's incumbent on us to listen up and give heed to what the Holy Spirit is saying to the churches. Satan is the ultimate enemy. He knows the tough times. I was going in the next morning and I was going to tell this lady that she was going to hell and I was going to celebrate that she was going. In verse nine, Jesus praises and affirms the church by recognizing their material poverty in contrast to their vast spiritual prosperity. Before they lit the fire, he prayed, Oh Lord, almighty God, I thank you for counting me worthy of sharing the cup of Christ among the number of your martyrs. Maybe you are dealing with an illness. Do you ever feel that way that you are under that kind of pressure that it is just going to suffocate you? I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Have I done something to offend you? 2. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. He is the overcomer and it says here in Revelation 2:11. They were boycotted. The Cross And Unjust Suffering (1 Peter 2:19-25). in Christian Education with a focus on Women's Ministry from Dallas Theological Seminary. They had absolutely nothing. Be on guard. Pt 1, Kingdom 104: What Profit Has Righteousness in the Kingdom? 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. We must not forget that the characteristics of all these Periods continue on in the Church down to the end. Oh, I do not think she should be doing that or I do not think he should be. Be careful. Do not let him use you. They were once a vibrant, healthy church that was now starting to die. But instead, through their surrendered lives, the Holy Spirit empowered the Smyrnaean Christians to choose spiritual wealth over worldly gain. He knows the thoughts and inclinations of our hearts (Psalm 94:11). I will tell you that I do not want to stand there before the throne of God empty-handed. The crown of victory belonged to the victor alone, and every other competitor was considered defeated. Even though He died, He conquered death and He rose again. 4. What Does God Say about the Church at Smyrna? - Christianity.com A person spends 35 pence from a small stall. 8. It would protect them. 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. What was Jesus message to the church in Thyatira in Revelation? Such was the case for the ancient church at Smyrna. 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. 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. 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. Christians were viewed as antisocial elitists for refusing to participate in it. 5. The local church still thrives there too. Smyrna is the Greek word for myrrh, a flagrant perfume used in burial. Among them, 347 clergymen of the Smyrna region and Metropolitan of Smyrna Chrysostomos were tortured and martyred. Pt 2, Kingdom 103: Student or Disciple of the Kingdom? Into Thy Word Ministries. You do not need to fear or worry about the future! That is the kind of pressure, a suffocating pressure that they are under. Look at Revelation 2:8 with me, And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life, says this: (NASB). "In Roman times, Smyrna was considered the most brilliant city of Asia Minor, successfully rivaling Pergamos and Ephesus. Ask God to strengthen your faith so that you can endure the suffering in your own life more victoriously. This second death means that those who fail to accept Christ will also be resurrected, only to die again in the "lake of fire." Ancient coin inscriptions describe Smyrna as first of Asia in size and beauty, and The Ornament of Asia.. We need to really commit to pray. 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. The ultimate enemy is Satan and that is pointed out in these verses. You are so dependent on this myth and you are crazy. Hand over those difficult and overwhelming situations to the One who knows and cares. Its system of coinage was old, and now about the city coins of every period are found. What was Jesus message to the church in Laodicea in Revelation. 6. Be hopeful. Q. I cried and I prayed and I said, God, I do not think I can do this. Be thou our vision. 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. If we are going to suffer well, the first thing we have to remember is that Jesus Christ is the ultimate victor. Learn more about the rapture, the anti-christ, bible prophecy and the tribulation with articles that explain Biblical truths. She would totally ignore me. Perfusionists, for some reason, or at least the ones I know, love to drink and party. I was just going through my mind of what I was going to say. What did the future hold for the church at Smyrna and what would be the purpose? When Jesus refers to the crown of life, is He referring to eternal life or to a reward for those who are faithful through tribulation on this earth? If you receive yourself in the fires of sorrow, God will make you nourishment for other people. Oswald Chambers5. 11. The application is that a dead or dying church with faithful, Christ-empowered people can be resurrected. 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. The ultimate reward is life. Eastern Orthodox Church - Wikipedia by David C. Grabbe Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," January 2, 2009 . The first death means when we physically die and then go into eternity for rewards and to wait for the resurrection and the everlasting life. Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History). Ironically, our sufferings are far less of a venture and sentence than our poor choices. (Look also at the story of Job in Job 1.). It would be fine if they just left me alone. My exhortation for us with this is that we should be thankful. Most of us will never die for our faith and I hope we do not. Anyone who has said I cannot earn salvation on my own so I put my faith in the blood of Jesus Christ to pay the penalty for my sins. It is not mentioned anywhere else in the Bible other than these four verses, but it is believed it is with the other churches that were founded while Paul spent two years in Ephesus on his third missionary journey. As a matter of fact, she began to teach me. People did not want to sell to them because they were Christians. Is there something difficult going on in your life today? Yet, He is there, guiding us with a beacon that says. I want to begin by asking you a question. So, I went into her office, which was at the back of the lab. Well, Smyrna lay 40 miles almost due north of Ephesus. 5. In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. What else do we learn about those over whom the second death has no power according to Revelation 20:6? Read Revelation 2:8-11 (Our focus will be on verse 8 today, but read the entire letter to get an overview.). Home values, sales prices, taxes, school data, and more. 3. 3. 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? An aspect of maturity is being slow to respond to accusation-as our Lord did. 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. Myrrh represents mortal death, and the title of the "suffering church" is often ascribed the . We will be rewarded for staying strong until death. 19:39). We may not be worshipping Satan, but when we run the church by our ways and agendas, we are, in fact, worshipping Satan, because Christ is not only ignored, He is being opposed! What do I do about calling a priest father at my Catholic University? . All rights reserved. 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). Throughout the history of the Church the more that the Church has been persecuted the greater its purity and strength. He begins this like He did the last letter and every letter afterward with the words, I know. He knows everything. Smyrna: Faithful Until Death - Church of the Great God Throughout history, Smyrna has suffered its fair share of hardship. What was Jesus message to the church in Pergamum in Revelation? (NASB). If so, pray for those who dont know Christ and dont have eternal security. Well, the second thing we need to remember is that the ultimate test is suffering. Verses 9 and 10 also go on to tell us a third thing we need to remember in order to suffer well. What three things did Jesus mention that He was aware of concerning the church at Smyrna? What is in the way of my listening to God? Allow it to deepen your relationship with Christ, not push you away from Him. I had just started walking with the Lord that year before and I had gone on a beach project with Campus Crusade that summer. What Does God Say about the Church at Smyrna? The Cross And Christs Suffering For Sins (1 Peter 3:18-22), 6. How can this give you hope for your church? The Cross And Our Response to Trials (1 Peter 4:12-19), 8. They were doing Satans will and not Gods. 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. I understand. He can walk right through it with them. First, we serve a God who knows, sees, and is with us through every fiery trial and dark night (Isaiah 43:2). Their businesses were shut down. Well, you know, God never promises us as a believer that life is going to always be fun. God knows and He cares for you. The closest that I have ever come to feeling that kind of pressure was when I was perfusionist at Texas Heart Institute in Houston. Their poverty was most likely due to their faith in Jesus Christ, just like the Christians in Ephesus that we talked about last week. Even if these believers face death at the hand of the persecutors, it is not the end for them. How did you handle the situation? She was saying you know Crickett God has lain on my heart that because things are going so well right now that we are going to be right in the middle of some spiritual warfare soon, because Satan is not going to like what God is doing. It was exceptionally wealthy. ), 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. Second death. Why are they treading on dangerous ground? Because they did they were considered to be unpatriotic traitors: you do not love Rome. Thus they were tortured. 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. He fled briefly and then they caught him and he did not run that time. 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. Why Did Jesus Give Believers the Beatitudes? It has been described as the most beautiful of the seven cities. They had sufferings to overcome and learn from, but most chose to run the course their way and tarnish His Way. I do not think I can be like You. I went into that lab and got there before she did. Smyrna, an ancient city now surrounded by the modern city of Izmir, was originally established around 1000 BC by Aeolian Greek settlers in "Old Smyrna" (Bayrakl Hy) on a small peninsula jutting out from Asia Minor into the Aegean Sea, similar to Old Tyre. Their enemies can only take their lives once. As we look at this letter to Smyrna, this letter gives us insight into suffering. The Message to the Church at Smyrna. Kingdom 103: Smyrna, Its Believers' Characteristics We need to look beyond the trial. 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. It was celebrated for its schools of science and medicine, and for its handsome buildings. Like myrrh, produced by crushing a fragrant plant, the church at Smyrna, crushed by persecution, gave off a fragrant aroma of faithfulness to God.2. The Seven Churches of Revelation: Why They | Zondervan Academic How is it possible to not fear impending tribulation and suffering? I had decided how I was going to handle this. Spend some time thanking Jesus for what He endured for us. They, and the zealot Jewish leaders, hated Christians and prohibited them from working, buying, or selling, any time they got a chance. What caused them to turn out to be a church of bitterness and strife? You are struggling. How Are the End Times Described in 2 Timothy? from A.D. c. 100-316; Pergamos (Revelation 2:12-17), 'where Satan dwells' is suggestive of the church mixing with the world . 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. Of course, all the other med techs are sitting there pretending like they were not listening. If so, how is that evident in your life? Most American Christians today will not be called to die a martyrs death. In verse 11 he says, He who overcomes and again last week we talked about who the overcomer is. Time and time again, wars, massacres, earthquakes, and plagues have threatened to destroy Smyrna, but the city has always bounced back and rebuilt. c. Slanderings. I just thought, you have no idea.. Today it is called Izmir, Turkey. I went into her office and I said you know I just wanted to ask you a question. She went on and on and on and I was dumbfounded. 7 Churches of Revelation: What Do They Signify? - Learn Religions They will suffer and be tormented for a period of time, but it will not be for eternity because it says the second death. List reasons why those Jews were not considered real Jews in Jesus eyes. One of the instructors of one particular lab was a well-known atheist there at the hospital. 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. 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. We would be amazed at their love for God and just the depth of their walk with him. What can you do to grow in this area and to glorify Him more fully? I was so bitter. We will suffer in this life. View property report for 975 Church St Se, Smyrna, GA 30080 on ATTOM's Property Navigator. Kingdom 103: The Governor is Meant For All, Kingdom 103: The Holy Spirit is Your Guide and Teacher, Kingdom 103: Your Legacy and the Kingdom, Kingdom 104: The Misrepresentation of the Kingdom, Kingdom 104: Earthly Holidays Misrepresent the Kingdom, Kingdom 104: His Name is All Authority and Power, Kingdom 104: His Law, the Source of All His Principles and Truth, Kingdom 104: Failing to Know Your Kingdom Assignment Brings Boredom, Kingdom 104: The Purpose of the Sabbath--Rest and Teach, Kingdom 104: The Sabbath or Seventh Day God's Way, Kingdom 104: The Sabbath or Seventh Day God's Way Pt 2, Kingdom 104: Living in the Kingdom Culture, Kingdom 104: Your Eternal Foundation Will Sustain You, Kingdom 104: The Diluting of the Kingdom Message, Kingdom 104: Being Deceived From Your True Identity Pt 1, Kingdom 104: Being Deceived From Your True Identity Pt 2, Kingdom 104: Being Deceived Without a Solid Foundation, Kingdom 104: What Profit Has Righteousness in the Kingdom? Give it to the Lord, trust His hand, and look ahead to the blessings that await you eternally. He says, Do not fear.. Smyrna: The Suffering Church Revelation 2:8-11. I had the opportunity while I lived there to visit in the homes of some Chinese believers who had undergone some serious persecution for their faith during the years of the Cultural Revolution. He was martyred for his faith in A.D. 156. 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. What was Jesus message to the church in Smyrna in Revelation? They despised and hated Jesus Christ. Smyrna was named for the word myrrh, an aromatic gum resin that is bitter to the taste but sweet to the smell. So, I would go to these dinners hating it because all they would do was just drink and drink. They just put a rope around his hands.

Why Is Moral Relativism Attractive?, On The Beach Cancellation Loophole, Cazenove Capital Portfolio Director Salary, Does Mic B12 Need To Be Refrigerated, Articles C