characteristics of the church of smyrna

I went into her office and I said you know I just wanted to ask you a question. 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. Life was hard for these Christians. How is it possible to not fear impending tribulation and suffering? According to Revelation 20:14-15 and 21:8, what is the second death and who would experience it? The church at Smyrna was to undergo some intense persecution and tribulation. After repeatedly just not doing it, he said for 86 years I have served Him and He has done me no wrong. 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. Why would there be a need to be tested further? What helps you endure? Olympian games were held in Smyrna. Each of the letters to the churches is directly from Jesus and includes a piece of the description about Jesus from Revelation 1. However, the church was wealthy, not in the temporal things that had brought their city fame. My prayer for us is that we would suffer well. 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. The members of the Smyrna church, though, are facing persecution because they are more focused on what God thinks than what man thinks. How wonderful it would be if our church received an encouraging letter from Jesus, especially if it contained no criticism. Have you experienced suffering in your life where it was difficult for a time to stand firm? She went on and on and on about my faith in Jesus Christ. 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. martyr, one who voluntarily suffers death rather than deny their religion by words or deeds; such action is afforded special, institutionalized recognition in most major religions of the world. Physical death is the separation of the soul from the body. 2006 R. J. Krejcir Ph.D. Father, I just thank you for the privilege of knowing you personally. Seven Churches of Revelation Bible Study - David Jeremiah Blog They were poor. I have heard it said and I put this up on the screen to help you, If you are born twice, you will only die once. If you are born physically and then later you are born spiritually, you will only die once and that will be when you die physically, (unless the Lord comes back, in which case you would not die at all). Just trust the One who holds your life in His hands. 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. The period 1923-1924 was followed by the . What Is the Abomination of Desolation in the End Times? (8) Revelation 2:8 - "And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: 'The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life. Jesuss short correspondence with His people in Smyrna gives us incredible insight into this group of believers way of life and faith. And just like myrrh requires crushing to release the sweet perfume of its fragrance, the church at Smyrna would continue to be crushed through adversity. He who overcomes is any believer, anyone who has placed his trust in Jesus Christ as his savior. 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. Garlands of victory were bestowed only to the highest achieving athletes. We need to look for that end result. c. Slanderings. I want that kind of depth. 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 had no means whatsoever. They will eventually die and they will eventually be put out of their misery. All rights reserved. Laodicea lay in Phrygia's Lycus Valley, ten miles west of Colosse and six miles south of Hierapolis. They will suffer and be tormented for a period of time, but it will not be for eternity because it says the second death. The Church of Smyrna: A Study of Revelations - A Beautiful Mess What can be done to invite Him further into your church? 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. Kingdom 103: What Gospel Are You Preaching? Most American Christians today will not be called to die a martyrs death. John addresses the Church in Smyrna. by David C. Grabbe Forerunner, "Prophecy Watch," January 2, 2009 . 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. I just thought, you have no idea.. He is the overcomer and it says here in Revelation 2:11. Some were boiled alive in oil. I had some coworkers in Dallas who used to joke about the parties they were going to have in hell. It has been described as the most beautiful of the seven cities. What was Jesus message to the church in Philadelphia in Revelation? Let me tell you one other thing. He begins this like He did the last letter and every letter afterward with the words, I know. He knows everything. I want to begin by asking you a question. What are the 7 Churches in Revelations? Bible Meaning Explained 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. They were hated. No second-place prize existed. 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. How does this ruin a church? The ultimate reward is life. Thank you for being that ultimate victor who won victory over death so we might have life eternal. Time and time again, wars, massacres, earthquakes, and plagues have threatened to destroy Smyrna, but the city has always bounced back and rebuilt. What are some reasons God allows suffering in our lives? So, they were infatuated with the Roman government and they worshipped the emperors. Satan is the ultimate enemy. 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. 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. One of the instructors of one particular lab was a well-known atheist there at the hospital. Then, I got my purse and I drove home. Jesus had a reason for mentioning this fact. (Notice the similarities to the description of Christ in 1:17-18). First, we serve a God who knows, sees, and is with us through every fiery trial and dark night (Isaiah 43:2). They are for us to give back to Him. He knows the thoughts and inclinations of our hearts (Psalm 94:11). I do not think I can be like You. I went into that lab and got there before she did. As with all Jesuss letters to the seven churches, His letter to Smyrna ends on a note that invites every Believer, in every age, to hear and receive these important messages. 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. 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. Its association with death perfectly pictures the suffering church at Smyrna. What similarities to Revelation 2:8-11 do you see in this passage? What two instructions did Jesus give them concerning the upcoming tribulation? What does He mean when he refers to their being rich in the midst of poverty? When we suffer, we may think that Christ is absent, but He is not. John is grabbing their attention by reminding them (and us) who Christ is and what He has done. I lived in mainland China for four years and during those four years I studied the Chinese language of Mandarin. It was probably only 15 minutes, but it seemed like hours. 2:8-11. I wanted to hurt her and I wanted her to go to hell. The trade unions would have nothing to do with them. 19:20; 20:10-15). When we go through the troubles of life, we can either take shelter in Him or seek to go it alone in our fears and pride. Another kind of pressure they were under was a pressure to worship the pagan gods and goddesses. 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. Seven churches of Asia - Wikipedia How do these verses help us understand the meaning of Christ as He who was dead, and has come to life? If we are going to suffer well, the first thing we have to remember is that Jesus Christ is the ultimate victor. 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. Of course, all the other med techs are sitting there pretending like they were not listening. He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death. According to Revelation 4:9-11, what are crowns ultimately for? Death means separation. How does this apply to me? They were a synagogue of Satan because they were attacking the church. The Apostle John was arrested for preaching the Gospel and exiled to Romes penal colony on the island of Patmos, near Asia Minor. The Cross And Unjust Suffering (1 Peter 2:19-25). The Eastern Orthodox Church, also called the Orthodox Church, officially the Orthodox . It is a gift. 6. My exhortation to you on this one is to be ready, to be ready for the suffering that will come into your life. Ch 1 Pt 2, Kingdom 104: Where Are the Masculine-Thinking Men? He will do anything to stop good things that God is doing. 1.4 . Hand over those difficult and overwhelming situations to the One who knows and cares. Hope-Full: Revelation 2:1-7. 8. With the warning comes the exhortation that they should not succumb to fear. But believers need not to fear death, because it will only result in their receiving a crown of life. 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! in Christian Education with a focus on Women's Ministry from Dallas Theological Seminary. 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. In James 1:12, James write, Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love him. 3. Appreciation for this transcription work goes to Marilyn Fine. For example, the letter to Ephesus . The name of Smyrna was equated with myrrh. Do not be afraid. The crown of life is a special reward for endurance in your persecution. 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. How can the fact that Jesus knows us more intimately that we can imagine, and desires us to be in Him strengthen your faithfulness? 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. Suffering either gives me my self or it destroys my self. (PDF) SO 2022, nr 3 (23) DRUK - Academia.edu She went on and on and on and I was dumbfounded. I sat outside and prayed. Janene Keeth (nicknamed "Crickett") holds a M.A. She hated 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. WEALTHY WITHOUT WEALTH In the church Ephesus, the Lords finds a decay of first love, in Smyrna, we see Him voiding Satan's malice to restore the former freshness. . That is the idea. I believe it exists. 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. She came in and I said, Good morning, how are you doing? . Kingdom 103: Student or Disciple of the Kingdom? This is the letter to the second church: the church of Smyrna. You are so dependent on this myth and you are crazy. 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. This will give great comfort to this church because this was a church that was going to be persecuted. 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. Well, Smyrna lay 40 miles almost due north of Ephesus. What does it mean to be faithful until death? What Scriptures come to your mind concerning this? Jesus wanted to encourage them to stand strong, even if it meant physical death. It was probably six weeks. It was home to the Greek poet Homer and Polycarp, a personal disciple of the Apostle John and the bishop of the church at Smyrna, known for his faithfulness to Jesus even to martyrdom. Smyrna - The Seven Churches of Revelation! - Bible Study Annette Marie Griffin is an award-winning author and speaker who has managed and directed childrens and youth programs for more than 20 years. What was Jesus message to the church in Sardis in Revelation? What is your Motivation for Moving Forward? 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). 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 church in Smyrna faced bitter persecution and death, yet it emitted a fragrant testimony of faithful commitment to . 6. I need strength. She started and began by reading from Isaiah 53 about Jesus the suffering servant. What will I do about it? 4. Christianity has never completely left this city. I never wanted to open my mouth to pray because my words seemed so shallow compared to the prayers of these godly men and women who had suffered greatly. (Ephesians 1 is a good reminder of our riches in Christ.). Revelation 20:14 and Revelation 21:8 tells us that the second death is the lake of fire and brimstone. 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. After introducing the first vision, John is commanded to write a letter to seven churches. Welcome to the home of Intentional Worship! - Facebook She also has two B.S. My entire senior year was spent at the hospital as we would rotate through labs. 7. Read Revelation 2:8-11 (Our focus will be on verse 8 today, but read the entire letter to get an overview.). The second thing He promises is eternal life. Father, I pray that we would be people who suffer well, who would please you in a way that we handle anything that comes up. She would not spend one minute helping me, somebody who had thrown their life away believing in this fantasy of Jesus Christ. Even though He died, He conquered death and He rose again. Her passion is to help wanderers find home. Where Does the Bible Mention These Seven Churches? Explain your answer. The first thing He promises is that they will receive the crown of life for being faithful until death. The first way they are suffering is through pressure. It is because the soul is no longer there. Their poverty was most likely due to their faith in Jesus Christ, just like the Christians in Ephesus that we talked about last week. Do not be afraid. They had sufferings to overcome and learn from, but most chose to run the course their way and tarnish His Way. 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. Smyrna is the Greek word for myrrh, a flagrant perfume used in burial. Revelation 2:8-11 - The Church in Smyrna - Ministrymaker We became great friends. I cried and I prayed and I said, God, I do not think I can do this. 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. 105 views, 1 likes, 1 loves, 0 comments, 2 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Buncombe Baptist Church Lexington: Welcome to the home of Intentional. She would totally ignore me. But, Jesus reminded them that they were poor here on this earth but you are so rich. How do you respond to suffering and tribulation? 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. But, you know, they heard every word. 2. 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. Tina said, you know Crickett, or at that time I was Janene. 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). What was Jesus message to the church in Thyatira in Revelation? (PDF) A Historical and Spiritual View of the Seven Churches of the Ask God to strengthen your faith so that you can endure the suffering in your own life more victoriously. I have felt it in my life whether it is just things that people say right before I get ready to teach or whether it is something that happens in preparation. Q. It was like the Word just pierced my heart. Trust me. The ultimate reward is life. Smyrna, originally peopled by Asiatics known as the Lelages, is located 56 kilometers (35 miles) from Ephesus and 79 kilometers (49 miles) from Pergamos (Pergamon). They could not advance in jobs. Second death. 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. You are so in love with the Lord. 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. 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. Annette has also written curriculum for character growth and development of elementary-age children and has developed parent training seminars to benefit the community. What was Jesus message to the church in Smyrna in Revelation? As believers, we should expect persecution and suffering in this life. We try to go it alone when Christ is beckoning us to trust in Him, go His Way, and give our fears to Him. Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History). It would be fine if they just left me alone. 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. This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands.
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