Sunday, July 13, 2008

Seven Churches of Revelation (Part 3: Church of Smyrna)

In Revelation 2:8-11 Jesus addresses the Church of Smyrna. Smyrna is one of the few churches in Revelation that doesn't receive a rebuke from the Lord. At the height of its time, Smyrna was the center for culture and learning.
  1. Title - Jesus addresses Himself as "who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again." The idea of resurrection was an important idea to the people of Smyrna.
  2. Commendation - Jesus commends them on their perseverance during their times of persecution. To be a Christian during this time meant it cost you your life. It cost them everything to proclaim that Jesus Christ was their Lord. However, the hardest persecution they endured was from their fellow brother and sisters in Christ. It is the subtle attacks from our peers that hits us the deepest.
  3. Command - Jesus tells them stop being afraid. Being a children of God doesn't mean we are exempt form suffering. However, the Lord is well aware of our plight and He knows the limits of what we can handle. Believe He is in control.
  4. Conclusion - Jesus tells them that "He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death." Jesus paid for out sins to make us righteous. However if we reject that, than we are ultimately condemning ourselves. Born twice, die once; born once die twice.

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

--from Nakwon EM July 13th 2008 Sunday Worship Service

Giants and angels oh my!

1 comment:

little jane said...

giants & angels! gives me the chills... teheheheee