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 Be faithful even if it leads to your physical death. Their enemies can only take their lives once. These Jews were being used by him to carry out the works of Satan. You do not need to fear or worry about the future! These churches were seven real churches at the time, and some believe they represent seven church ages, while others argue they represent seven church types that have existed since the church began, and will exist until Christ returns. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. He is the overcomer and it says here in Revelation 2:11. This is the letter to the second church: the church of Smyrna. 10. In Revelation, the Apostle John records Jesuss address to seven churches in Asia Minor. Satan is the ultimate enemy. Revelation 2:8-11 - The Church in Smyrna - Ministrymaker He is with us fully. 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. Kingdom Citizen, not "Christian"--What's In a Name? Seven churches of Asia - Wikipedia 105 views, 1 likes, 1 loves, 0 comments, 2 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Buncombe Baptist Church Lexington: Welcome to the home of Intentional. Another kind of pressure they were under was a pressure to worship the pagan gods and goddesses. A third form of suffering for them was persecution in verse 9. He will do anything to stop good things that God is doing. Satan, meaning the devil, will cause citizens of the Kingdom (believers) to be thrown into prison and even killed. When we refuse to heed His call, it will just be a short time until we are thrown away, given to the devil, since we are working for him anyway. I believe it is something so horrible that it is hard to describe in words. What does this passage mean? It was already being persecuted. Throughout the history of the Church the more that the Church has been persecuted the greater its purity and strength. We will become lifesavers, thrown to those who are drowning. My entire senior year was spent at the hospital as we would rotate through labs. Each of the letters to the churches is directly from Jesus and includes a piece of the description about Jesus from Revelation 1. 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. Some suffered the Roman crucifixion, a horrible way to die. What harm can it do? He was martyred for his faith in A.D. 156. I wanted to hurt her and I wanted her to go to hell. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. It was almost as if the city was trying to starve them out. How can you better realize the fact that our trials will be limited and temporary? Seven Churches of Revelation - Life, Hope & Truth Of course, all the other med techs are sitting there pretending like they were not listening. Pt 2, Kingdom 104: Christianity Misrepresents the Kingdom Pt 1, Kingdom 104: Christianity Misrepresents the Kingdom Pt 2, Kingdom 104: A Focused Representative of the Kingdom, Kingdom 104: Where Are the Masculine-Thinking Men? There were a lot of gods and goddesses, in addition to the emperor worship. 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. According to Revelation 4:9-11, what are crowns ultimately for? I walked out and thank goodness it was 3:30 which was the time to go home. 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. Be encouraged as you study the message sent to this church. 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). 9. You will not worship the Roman emperor, then we will make you! I want that kind of depth. You are struggling. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. 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. Its streets were wide and paved. 1 John MacArthur, Jr., The MacArthur New Testament Commentary on Revelation 1-11 (Chicago: Moody Press, 1999), 69. If they sought praise from menif they wanted to please the people around themthey would not be so readily targeted for persecution. Maybe you have a financial issue. Into Thy Word Ministries. It's incumbent on us to listen up and give heed to what the Holy Spirit is saying to the churches. But, when we trust in Him, He will give us the strength to endure. 1. 975 Church St Se, Smyrna, GA 30080 Property Report | ATTOM Life is hard. That is physical death. In fact, transactions in the world have never fruits and to lose belly been completely equal. This article is part of our larger End Times Resource Library. Rev. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Kingdom 103: Smyrna, Its Believers' Characteristics How does this apply to me? The challenge for us is to suffer well. 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. Kingdom 103: Student or Disciple of the Kingdom? I had a conversation Sunday morning before church with a good friend here. If so, pray for those who dont know Christ and dont have eternal security. Well, Smyrna lay 40 miles almost due north of Ephesus. Be hopeful. It was probably six weeks. She went on and on and on about my faith in Jesus Christ. She also has two B.S. In verse nine, Jesus praises and affirms the church by recognizing their material poverty in contrast to their vast spiritual prosperity. I have felt his warfare. He who overcomes is any believer, anyone who has placed his trust in Jesus Christ as his savior. Thus, it is not that much of a stretch or even a job relocation to be a church of Satan, since we are already such a place. What caused them to turn out to be a church of bitterness and strife? Well, the first type of suffering they were going through is pressure. It is a synagogue of Satan. They cannot coexist. I need strength. She started and began by reading from Isaiah 53 about Jesus the suffering servant. You would listen to these believers pray and you would just think they are on a different level than we are. 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. But instead, through their surrendered lives, the Holy Spirit empowered the Smyrnaean Christians to choose spiritual wealth over worldly gain. Kingdom 103: Student or Disciple of the Kingdom? If not, talk to your small group leader or myself, and we will be glad to answer any questions. I was kind of scared. She began to just blast me for my faith. I will be the first to admit to you that I do not like to suffer. The Seven Churches of Revelation: Why They | Zondervan Academic Whatever it is, it is a hard season of life. They took him to the amphitheater where the proconsul tried over and over to persuade him to renounce his faith. John is grabbing their attention by reminding them (and us) who Christ is and what He has done. It is because the soul is no longer there. This is true of the Evangelistic and . They might face death. How do these verses help us understand the meaning of Christ as He who was dead, and has come to life? It is like Sally and I were saying this morning. What was Jesus' message to the church in Smyrna in Revelation? Many were placed on the rack where they were stretched so far that their legs and their arms were pulled out of their sockets. 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. Ephesus is the first of the seven letters. 5. 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. Most American Christians today will not be called to die a martyrs death. 2. And finally, Smyrna was the only congregation besides Philadelphia that did not receive admonishment from Jesus. People did not want to sell to them because they were Christians. 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. What Do We Know About the Ancient city of . He says, Do not fear.. What are the other crowns and to what are they referring? You cant associated with us in these festivities to our gods. He wants to discourage us. I had not ever said anything about the Lord to her. My time came to rotate through that lab. At first, the emperors did not want anything to do with it, but by the time Domitian became the Roman emperor, he made it mandatory that all citizens would worship the emperor or face death. Second, in a lesson especially relevant for todays Western Christians, Jesus praised the church at Smyrna for choosing poverty over compromise. It is not for you to carry around and have them saying, wow, look at my crown! Your crown is a little small there. Look how many I have. These crowns are not for the purpose of making you feel good about your life on this earth because we are told in Revelation 4:10 that we will go before the throne of God and we will go on our knees and our faces before Him and we will cast our crowns at his feet. from A.D. c. 100-316; Pergamos (Revelation 2:12-17), 'where Satan dwells' is suggestive of the church mixing with the world . For the first He says in Revelation 2:10, Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. The letter to the church at Smyrna is unique for several reasons. Even though He died, He conquered death and He rose again. The second death is spending eternity in hell, separated from God forever. According to Revelation 1:11, on the Greek island of Patmos, Jesus Christ instructs John of Patmos to: "Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven Churches: to Ephesus, and to Smyrna, and to Pergamum, and to Thyatira, and to Sardis, and to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea." The churches in this context refers to the community or local congregations of Christians living . Pt 1, How Did We Lose the Gospel of the Kingdom? 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. Such was the case for the ancient church at Smyrna. First, we serve a God who knows, sees, and is with us through every fiery trial and dark night (Isaiah 43:2). How do these verses affirm Christs equality with God? Smyrna was a church where people's agendas were in opposition to Christ's. We need to look for that end result. Why do we do it? 4 MacArthur, New Testament Commentary, 71. So, I caught all kinds of grief, you know, comments made like: oh, you would fit well into grandmothers generation. You are really out of touch with reality today. Just cruel comments. 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. They already were in the midst of tribulation (v. 9) and Jesus had no rebuke or condemnation for them. Maybe someone you love is hurting. But, we are going to experience suffering on this earth without doubt. Fruits And Vegetables To Lose Belly Fat - The largest student-run Do not let him use you. My exhortation for us with this is that we should be thankful. 7 Churches of Revelation: What Do They Signify? - Learn Religions Their poverty was most likely due to their faith in Jesus Christ, just like the Christians in Ephesus that we talked about last week. We would go and sit in their homes. They had laid up for themselves treasures in Heaven,where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. (Matthew 6:20) No doubt, Jesuss commendation would have been a timely affirmation that their sacrifices had not been made in vainand that they should continue basking in the abundant life Jesus had purchased for them. 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. They had no way to make a living. The period 1923-1924 was followed by the . This was a message meant to encourage them in light of what they were facing presently and were about to face in the future. 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. 6. Why does God allow Satan to bring tribulation in our lives if God is ultimately in control? 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. She said, Janene, lets just get down on our knees. My human flesh cries out and I will do everything I can to avoid it. The use of the strong term, blasphemy, here indicates how evil, how wicked, how intense this slander was. She read, He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. (NIV). People did not want to buy from them because they were Christians. A person spends 35 pence from a small stall. Lets pray. I thought, okay we can pray about this. 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. Undoubtedly, the church of Smyrna could have justified any syncretistic actions to preserve their livelihood and lives by proof texted scripture or by claiming that their compromise was for the greater good of tolerance, love, and grace. It would protect them. That is according to I Corinthians 3:13-14 which talks about that approval, that standing before him, to be evaluated for our works. What do I do about calling a priest father at my Catholic University? Then, they would want to pray with us. By surrendering our lives to our born-again existence, we join our Smyrnaean brethren as overcomers who wont be harmed in the second death, which is the final judgment of the wicked (Revelation 20:6, 20:14, 21:8) Jesus Christ paid for our sin on the cross at Calvary. Smyrna is the Greek word for myrrh, a flagrant perfume used in burial. 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? The 2 nd century Church bishop and . What Is the Abomination of Desolation in the End Times? Get our Question of the Week delivered right to your inbox! Whether it is because of our faith or whether it is because He wants to deepen our faith, we will suffer. Kingdom 103: On What Foundation Does Your Faith Stand? Hope-Full: Revelation 4 by Calvary Bible Church- Flagstaff This second death means that those who fail to accept Christ will also be resurrected, only to die again in the "lake of fire." That is a way of worshipping Him, showing honor to Him. We try to go it alone when Christ is beckoning us to trust in Him, go His Way, and give our fears to Him. The trials that you are going to go through will be brief. They were once a vibrant, healthy church that was now starting to die. The Church in Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11) Its system of coinage was old, and now about the city coins of every period are found. They had no heart for God. Her passion is to help wanderers find home. Jun 21, 2021 42:17. It is like going to a birthday party without a present to give to the host. They were despised. 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. In verse 11 he says, He who overcomes and again last week we talked about who the overcomer is. We need to look beyond the trial. by David C. Grabbe Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," January 2, 2009 . What are some reasons God allows suffering in our lives? In what ways are you rich in Christ? What Does God Say about the Church at Smyrna? Jude identifies characteristics of the advisory. So, there will be attacks on us to not study this Word, to not do this. We are called to be faithful, even if it means death. He just reminded them that what you have in Christ is far greater than anything on this earth materially that you will have. Because they did they were considered to be unpatriotic traitors: you do not love Rome. Thus they were tortured. Tina said, you know Crickett, or at that time I was Janene. What the Bible says about Smyrna, Church of - Bible Tools 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. 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. Jesus is passionately concerned with how and what we do in our churches, and wants to be intimately involved. An aspect of maturity is being slow to respond to accusation-as our Lord did. 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. Appreciation for this transcription work goes to Marilyn Fine. Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. They were doing Satans will and not Gods. 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. He knows us more intimately that we can imagine and desires that we be in Him and glorify Him fully. According to Revelation 20:14-15 and 21:8, what is the second death and who would experience it? 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. How do you demonstrate faithfulness? All rights reserved. When Polycarp, the pastor of the church in Smyrna, was commanded to worship Caesar and renounce Christ in 155 A.D., he refused and said, Eighty and six years have I served Him, and in nothing hath He wronged me; and how, then, can I blaspheme my King, who saved me? As the fire was kindled around his feet to burn him at the stake, Polycarp was heard singing and praising the Son of God. Just trust the One who holds your life in His hands. What was Jesus message to the church in Ephesus in Revelation? Learn more about the rapture, the anti-christ, bible prophecy and the tribulation with articles that explain Biblical truths. One of the instructors of one particular lab was a well-known atheist there at the hospital. 4. They made up whatever they could and went to the government and they were persecuted. 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. There are two words used in the New Testament for poverty and one just kind of means poor. So, I opened the door and walked through the lab. St. Polycarp | Biography, Apostolic Father, Writings, Martyrdom Why would this promise be especially encouraging for the church at Smyrna? He knows the suffering that you are going through. He wants to stop us. He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death. (Ephesians 1 is a good reminder of our riches in Christ.). We will suffer in this life. The Cross And Separation From The World (1 Peter 4:1-6), 7. If you are only born once, you will die twice. If you are only born physically, you will die physically and you will die spiritually. The application is that a dead or dying church with faithful, Christ-empowered people can be resurrected. Some people believe that people who are unbelievers will go to hell for a period of time. Do you fear God more than people? So I kept my guard there, but I said, have I done something? She told me to shut the door. They had sufferings to overcome and learn from, but most chose to run the course their way and tarnish His Way. 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. How do you respond to suffering and tribulation? Perhaps there are people in the church who are just trying to make life hard for you, but they are not really your enemy. Jesus Christ is the eternal God. They were boycotted. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victors crown.(Revelation 2:8-10). Ch 1 Pt 2, Kingdom 104: Where Are the Masculine-Thinking Men? They were dirt poor. 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. The Church of Smyrna: A Study of Revelations - A Beautiful Mess As a result, the Smyrnaean believers lived in genuine poverty for their faith. The ultimate enemy is Satan and that is pointed out in these verses. He is not just a Savior and/or best Friend; He gives us life, holds our lives, and will judge our lives. Faith and fear are opposites. 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. Things are smooth. Why would this description of Christ be especially encouraging for this church? 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. He does not want us to move toward spiritual revival. That is the idea. (How does Romans 2:28-29 relate to this? The trade unions would have nothing to do with them. Property Characteristics; Geocodes; Building Permits; Real Estate Valuation. They will eventually die and they will eventually be put out of their misery.
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