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. He died for one reason: his unyielding faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Go ahead and turn with me to Revelation 2. 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 is the One who overcame life and death for our benefit, and when we seek to run His church our way, we embarrass and dishonor Him and His Way. Into Thy Word Ministries. The ultimate enemy is Satan and that is pointed out in these verses. The application is that a dead or dying church with faithful, Christ-empowered people can be resurrected. 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? 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. Clarence Larkin :: Chapter 22. The Seven Churches - Blue Letter Bible 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. They cannot coexist. They were being slandered by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. These Jews were physical descendants of Abraham. They were poor. They had no love for God. So I kept my guard there, but I said, have I done something? She told me to shut the door. (Ephesians 1 is a good reminder of our riches in Christ.). But, maybe there are some of you who are in a very difficult season of life. Rev. 12. And finally, Smyrna was the only congregation besides Philadelphia that did not receive admonishment from Jesus. The second death will be eternal separation from God in torment. Then, they would want to pray with us. Right now, I hate this woman. So, I got up the next morning before dawn and I took a walk. 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. 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. We need to look beyond the trial. St. Polycarp | Biography, Apostolic Father, Writings, Martyrdom He knows what you are feeling. Are you secure concerning your eternal destiny? How would Jesus words in Luke 12:4-7 encourage someone about to suffer for his faith? Yet, He is there, guiding us with a beacon that says. That is the idea. from A.D. c. 100-316; Pergamos (Revelation 2:12-17), 'where Satan dwells' is suggestive of the church mixing with the world . With a population of over 3 million, Smyrna continues to thrive today as the modern Turkish city of Izmir. 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. If they kill you, they just ended your physical life. The church in Smyrna and the church in Laodicea stand in stark contrast to each other (Rev. The 2 nd century Church bishop and . Satan does not want believers to study the book of Revelation because he does not want you to know your eternal hope. . Allow it to deepen your relationship with Christ, not push you away from Him. All Christians cannot stand on their own feet and you could not do this if you had to. If we are going to suffer well, the first thing we have to remember is that Jesus Christ is the ultimate victor. They might face death. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. What does He mean when he refers to their being rich in the midst of poverty? How do you demonstrate faithfulness? 2006 R. J. Krejcir Ph.D. More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free! It would protect them. I wish I had more time to go into detail of his story. What season of life are you in today? 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. I went home that night and I got angrier the more I thought about it. Located just 35 miles north of Ephesus, at the head of the Aegean Sea, the thriving city of Smyrna was known for its beauty, wealth, and achievement. I understand. He can walk right through it with them. (How does Romans 2:28-29 relate to this? Faith and fear are opposites. They had no heart for God. I sat outside and prayed. 1. They are cannibals. They accused them of immorality because they greeted one another with a holy kiss. ATTOM AVM; Home Equity Data . Garlands of victory were bestowed only to the highest achieving athletes. I cried and I prayed and I said, God, I do not think I can do this. c. Slanderings. It was almost as if the city was trying to starve them out. While there, the Holy Spirit spoke to John and instructed him to record everything Jesus was about to reveal via a vision. Be on guard. He knows the suffering that you are going through. The substance was used to make fragrant perfumes and anointing oils (Exodus 30:23) and was used in ancient burial preparations (John 19:39). The Church of Smyrna 3. Smyrna -- The Suffering Church | Bible.org What was Jesus message to the church in Pergamum in Revelation? All rights reserved. Jesus is passionately concerned with how and what we do in our churches, and wants to be intimately involved. Scripture does not record the founding of the church of Smyrna. 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. 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. 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. 6. Those crowns are not to make us feel good about ourselves. It would be fine if they just left me alone. But, you know, they heard every word. Anytime there is a sense of spiritual awakening or spiritual revival or the sense of the spirit of God moving in lives I will tell you, it makes Satan scream. The members of the Smyrna church, though, are facing persecution because they are more focused on what God thinks than what man thinks. The church at Smyrna was to undergo some intense persecution and tribulation. Jesus has no censure for the church Suffering either gives me my self or it destroys my self. Oct 04, 2021 41:20. As much as I want to believe that, I do not believe the Bible backs that up. But believers need not to fear death, because it will only result in their receiving a crown of life. In what ways are you rich in Christ? My exhortation to you on this one is to be ready, to be ready for the suffering that will come into your life. Jesus was reminding these suffering Christians in Smyrna who may be facing death in the near future. Kingdom 103: Smyrna, Its Believers' Characteristics 5. View property report for 975 Church St Se, Smyrna, GA 30080 on ATTOM's Property Navigator. He wants to stop us. 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. What the Bible says about Smyrna, Church of - Bible Tools 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. What are some reasons God allows suffering in our lives? Are you a God pleaser more than a people pleaser? What similarities to Revelation 2:8-11 do you see in this passage? They just put a rope around his hands. She finally said, do you have anything you want to say? I said nope. I did not know what to say because I thought I knew I was going to cry. Oh, youre too good for us. That is how bad I felt. An aspect of maturity is being slow to respond to accusation-as our Lord did. If so, pray for those who dont know Christ and dont have eternal security. 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. 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. You know that it is spiritual warfare where you get discouraged by things you hear said. It is not a question of, will you suffer? The question is, how will you handle it when it comes?. But instead, through their surrendered lives, the Holy Spirit empowered the Smyrnaean Christians to choose spiritual wealth over worldly gain. We would be amazed at their love for God and just the depth of their walk with him. What Do We Know About the Ancient city of . I do not agree with that. The devil may harm their physical body, but he can not do them any spiritual harm. They cannot coexist. They cannot coexist. As I said in your study this week that fear and trust are opposites. 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. 2:8-11. The crown of victory belonged to the victor alone, and every other competitor was considered defeated. Pt 1, How Did We Lose the Gospel of the Kingdom? There were a lot of gods and goddesses, in addition to the emperor worship. Why is Smyrna being praised? What Scriptures come to your mind concerning this? The people loved the Roman government because it was strong. Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who carries out wicked schemes. - Psalm 37:7. . As we look at this letter to Smyrna, this letter gives us insight into suffering. Absolutely nothing is hidden from our all-knowing, all-seeing God. But, if we are really serious about going deeper, suffering is part of that process. 1. She used the Word of God to just muzzle me. Pt 2, Kingdom 103: Student or Disciple of the Kingdom? Others roasted alive. When we work our lives and church with our corrupt personal power we are in fact abandoning His power and Fruit. What was Jesus message to the church in Sardis in Revelation? The first way they are suffering is through pressure. They said you make light of that then we will burn you at the stake! The Jews who hated him gathered the wood for the fire. I want that kind of depth. 6. It was the loveliest of all the cities. Let me tell you one other thing. Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. (1 John 1-5). That is all they have done, but your spiritual life continues on forever. In between were the temples of Apollo, Asklepios, and Aphrodite. 3:12). Do you ever feel that way that you are under that kind of pressure that it is just going to suffocate you? 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 example, the letter to Ephesus . What is in the way of my listening to God? You are struggling. Physical death is the separation of the soul from the body. They had sufferings to overcome and learn from, but most chose to run the course their way and tarnish His Way. How can such a church be turned around? Fruits And Vegetables To Lose Belly Fat - The largest student-run 7 Churches of Revelation: What Do They Signify? - Learn Religions I just thought, you have no idea.. 10. I believe it exists. 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. 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. They are for us to give back to Him. How do these verses help us understand the meaning of Christ as He who was dead, and has come to life? We will be rewarded for staying strong until death. For the first He says in Revelation 2:10, Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. All they had to do was burn a pinch of incense and say Caesar is lord, but many of the Christians refused to do so. 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. He is not referring to eternal life here because you do not work for eternal life. Whatever it is, it is a hard season of life. Is there sin in my life for which confession and repentance is needed? 7. Just trust the One who holds your life in His hands. 4. I had a conversation Sunday morning before church with a good friend here. 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. He casts us in the fires of trial in order to refine us and strengthen our character. What is your Motivation for Moving Forward? I Peter 4:19 instructs those who suffer according to the will of God to entrust their souls to a faithful creator in doing what is right. I will be the first to admit to you that I do not like to suffer. (Look also at the story of Job in Job 1.). There was no rebuke for this church and because they were faithful until death, their candlestick has never been removed. . 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. I will tell you that I do not want to stand there before the throne of God empty-handed. This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. Jesus lived life in purity and sinlessness for our benefit, to enable us to have eternal life and partake in His fellowship. The third thing we need to remember is that the ultimate enemy is Satan. 1. She began to just blast me for my faith. Just say Caesar is lord to save your life. And he would not do it. Revelation 2:11a - "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.". I was just going through my mind of what I was going to say. They had no way to make a living. 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. But, the word used here means absolute poverty, possessing absolutely nothing. They were not poor. So, I went into her office, which was at the back of the lab. "In Roman times, Smyrna was considered the most brilliant city of Asia Minor, successfully rivaling Pergamos and Ephesus. Faith banishes fear.6. He just reminded them that what you have in Christ is far greater than anything on this earth materially that you will have. What are the 7 Churches in Revelations? Bible Meaning Explained What two instructions did Jesus give them concerning the upcoming tribulation? It was mighty. He does not want you to know that Jesus wins and that he loses. How does 2 Corinthians 6:10; 8:9 and James 2:5 shed light on this? I went in and I just said, God I do not think I can do this. I was so bitter. 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.. 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. Or they could have agreed to call Caesar Lord, knowing they could later repent. 3:17); it is impossible for a person to be in Smyrna, before the Lord, yet at the same time be in Laodicea, before the world. Their poverty was most likely due to their faith in Jesus Christ, just like the Christians in Ephesus that we talked about last week. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Smyrna is the Greek word for myrrh, a flagrant perfume used in burial. 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. Kingdom Citizen, not "Christian"--What's In a Name? Spiritual death is the separation of the soul from God. 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. We will suffer in this life. How would these verses encourage you to persevere in the midst of tribulation and suffering? 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. Myrrh represents mortal death, and the title of the "suffering church" is often ascribed the . Even though He died, He conquered death and He rose again. Jesus wanted to encourage them to stand strong, even if it meant physical death. But we do experience our own pressures, suffering, and afflictions. The first thing He tells them is be fearless. She would not teach me. The first thing we have to remember if we are going to suffer well is that the ultimate victor is Jesus Christ. The Cross And Our Response to Trials (1 Peter 4:12-19), 8. You and I and our congregation may not be a Smyrna church just now. Olympian games were held in Smyrna. It is eternal torment. Ch 1 Pt 2, Kingdom 104: Where Are the Masculine-Thinking Men? It was exceptionally wealthy. We know from historical records that the church at Smyrna persevered in its faithfulness. You are so in love with the Lord. You know, none of us will probably be persecuted for our faith any worse than that. 19:39). Satan had plans to cast some of the Smyrna church into prison. He is an enemy who will stop at nothing. Hand over those difficult and overwhelming situations to the One who knows and cares. Her passion is to help wanderers find home. One of the instructors of one particular lab was a well-known atheist there at the hospital. (1 Corinthians 15:50-57). Smyrna: Faithful Until Death - Church of the Great God There are two words used in the New Testament for poverty and one just kind of means poor. Kingdom 103: Where Does the Governor Reside? The Letters to the Seven Churches of Asia in Their Local Setting by Colin Hemer. In fact, it has been said that more Christians have lived in this region than any other Turkish city in the world. Kingdom 103: Trusting in Mankind While Believing in God's Word? In this same verse, Jesus offers great comfort to His church by assuring them that He is the God who sees, knows, and cares about their troubles. They were doing Satans will and not Gods. Christianity.com is a member of the Salem Web Network of sites including: Copyright 2023, Christianity.com. The second instruction He gives them is to be faithful until death. Finally, one of the soldiers took his sword and he ended the life of this great martyr, Polycarp. Its streets were wide and paved. 6. And He genuinely cares about what happens to His children. Seven churches of Asia - Wikipedia Welcome to the home of Intentional Worship! - Facebook She said, Janene, lets just get down on our knees. Which attributes of God most comfort you in the midst of trials and why? I went into the bathroom and I sat down and I cried. We need to be on guard and we need to commit to pray for the church for the leaders. In fact, transactions in the world have never fruits and to lose belly been completely equal. Some people believe that people who are unbelievers will go to hell for a period of time. Smyrna: The Suffering Church Revelation 2:8-11 - Israel My Glory In Him, we are more than overcomers. 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. He does not like it and he will unleash his wrath on this church or any group of believers because he does not want you to grow. That is a way of worshipping Him, showing honor to Him. I lived in mainland China for four years and during those four years I studied the Chinese language of Mandarin.